[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 137 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42363-42372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18069]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 137 / Thursday, July 17, 2003 / 
Notices  

[[Page 42363]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Native American Outreach Program: Request for Applications and 
Request for Input

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Notice of request for applications and request for input.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) requests applications for the Native American Outreach 
Program for fiscal year (FY) 2003 to develop and deliver outreach 
activities that will inform Native American farmers and ranchers, 
tribal governments, tribal communities, and Tribal Colleges and 
Universities (TCU) about the availability of, and encourage their 
participation in, USDA programs.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on 
August 18, 2003 (5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time). Applications received 
after this deadline will not be considered for funding. Comments 
regarding this RFA are requested within three months from the issuance 
of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to 
the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Native 
American Outreach Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative 
State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of 
Agriculture; Room 1420, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024; Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Native American Outreach Program; c/o Proposal 
Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.
    Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy 
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES; 
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2299; or 
via e-mail to: [email protected]. (This e-mail address is 
intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not 
requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that 
you are responding to the Native American Outreach Program RFA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Jerkins; Program Director; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2243; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-2243; Telephone: (202) 401-6996; Fax: (202) 401-
6488; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I. General
    A. Legislative Authority and Background.
    B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability.
    C. Eligibility.
    D. Indirect Costs.
    E. Matching Requirements.
    F. Funding Restrictions.
    G. Types of Applications.
Part II. Program Description
    A. Project Types.
    B. Program Description.
Part III. Preparation of an Application
    A. Program Application Materials.
    B. Content of Applications.
    C. Submission of Applications.
    D. Acknowledgment of Applications.
Part IV. Review Process
    A. General.
    B. Evaluation Criteria.
    C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality.
Part V. Award Administration
    A. General.
    B. Organizational Management Information.
    C. Award Document and Notice of Award.
Part VI. Additional Information
    A. Access to Review Information.
    B. Use of Funds; Changes.
    C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements.
    D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations.
    E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards.
    F. Regulatory Information.
    G. Definitions.

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any 
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development 
of any subsequent RFA for the program. Such comments will be used to 
meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 
7613(c)(2)). This section requires the Secretary to solicit and 
consider input on a current RFA from persons who conduct or use 
agricultural research, extension and education for use in formulating 
future RFAs for competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as 
provided in the ADDRESSES and DATES portions of this announcement.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This is a new program listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance that is authorized under the same legislation as 10.443, 
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and 
Ranchers.

Part I. General

A. Legislative Authority and Background
    Section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
Act of 1990, as amended, (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)) authorizes the Secretary to 
make grants to eligible institutions and organizations so that they may 
provide outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms 
and ranches and to participate equitably in the full range of 
agricultural programs offered by the Department. This assistance shall 
enhance coordination of the outreach, technical assistance, and 
education efforts authorized under various agriculture programs and 
include information on and assistance with commodity, conservation, 
credit, rural, and business development programs, application and 
bidding procedures, farm and risk management, marketing

[[Page 42364]]

and other activities essential to participation in agricultural and 
other programs of the Department.
    Paragraph (3)(A) of section 2501(a) authorizes the Secretary to 
make grants to, and enter into contracts and other agreements with, an 
eligible entity to provide information and technical assistance under 
this subsection. In addition, paragraph (4)(B) of section 2501(a) 
authorizes any agency of the Department to participate in any grant, 
contract, or agreement entered into under this subsection by 
contributing funds, if the agency determines that the objectives of the 
grant will further the authorized programs of the contributing agency.
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
    The purpose of the Native American Outreach Program conducted under 
section 2501(a) is to develop and deliver outreach activities that will 
inform Native American farmers and ranchers, tribal governments, tribal 
communities, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) about the 
availability of, and encourage participation in, USDA programs. 
Proposals must target outreach and technical assistance efforts to 
Native American communities. Native American refers to a member of a 
federally recognized American Indian tribe, band, group, or Nation, 
including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos and Alaska native villages of 
the United States.
    Proposed projects may address one, some, or all four (4) of the 
objectives described below; however, priority will be given to 
proposals that address more than one of the objectives and/or serve to 
cover the broadest geographic representation for Native American 
communities:
    1. Enhance education campaigns directed to Native American 
producers, tribal governments, tribal communities, and TCU for program 
delivery opportunities available through USDA agencies;
    2. Provide additional education and knowledge about USDA supported 
programs and opportunities to potential participants in Native American 
communities;
    3. Work with educational organizations to enhance capacity 
development in the food and agricultural sciences in order to provide 
Native Americans additional information regarding program delivery and 
career opportunities;
    4. Provide tribal governments information about USDA programs for 
plant and animal safeguards internally and on border lands in support 
of homeland security.
    Funded projects need not be national in scope; however, grantees 
will be expected to coordinate their efforts and establish appropriate 
linkages with other grantees, where feasible, to advance progress in 
accomplishing all four (4) objectives. There is no commitment by USDA 
to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of 
awards. In FY 2003, USDA anticipates that approximately $600,000 will 
be available to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA. 
Funds for this activity have been provided by six mission areas of 
USDA: Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP); Research, Education and 
Economics (REE); Rural Development (RD); Food Safety (FS); Farm and 
Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS); and Natural Resources and 
Environment (NRE).
C. Eligibility
    Applications may be submitted by:
    1. An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)) or a 
national tribal organization that has demonstrated experience in 
providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related 
services to Native American farmers and ranchers in a region.
    2. Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of 
community-based organizations that:
    (a) Has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education 
or other agriculturally related services to Native American farmers and 
ranchers;
    (b) Has provided to the Secretary documentary evidence of work with 
Native American farmers and ranchers during the two-year period 
preceding the submission of an application for assistance under this 
program (documentary evidence shall include a narrative providing 
specific information regarding: the scope of past projects, including 
the number of Native American farmers and ranchers served or in the 
area served by the organization; activities conducted; community 
involvement; and copies of prior agreements, press releases, news 
articles, and other contemporaneous documents supporting the 
narrative); and
    (c) does not engage in activities prohibited under section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (see part III, B., 17. 
for certification requirement).
    3. An 1890 institution or 1994 institution (as defined in section 2 
of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), including West Virginia State College.
    4. An Indian Tribal Community College or an Alaska Native 
Cooperative College.
    5. An Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of 
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
    6. Any other institution of higher education (as defined in section 
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that has 
demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other 
agriculturally related services to Native American farmers and ranchers 
in a region.
    7. An organization or institution that received funding under the 
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers 
Competitive Grants Program (OASDFR) before January 1, 1996, but only 
with respect to projects that the Secretary considers are similar to 
projects previously carried out by the organization or institution 
under the OASDFR.
    Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to 
apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the 
project; however, applications will be evaluated based on the 
qualifications of key project personnel so these participants' roles 
and responsibilities must be detailed.
D. Indirect Costs
    Pursuant to section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3310), 
indirect costs for this program are limited to 19 percent of the total 
Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, the recovery of 
indirect costs under this program may not exceed the lesser of the 
institution's official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent 
of 19 percent of total Federal funds awarded. Another method of 
calculating the maximum allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct 
costs. (This limitation also applies to the recovery of indirect costs 
by any subawardee or subcontractor, and should be reflected in the 
subrecipient budget.) If no rate has been negotiated, a reasonable 
dollar amount (equivalent to or less than 19 percent of total Federal 
funds requested) in lieu of indirect costs may be requested, subject to 
approval by USDA. This same indirect cost limitation applies to 
subcontracts.

[[Page 42365]]

E. Matching Requirements
    There is no requirement for award recipients to provide matching 
funds under this program.
F. Funding Restrictions
    Program funds may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment 
of research, education or extension space; the purchase or installation 
of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, 
rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or 
facilities.
G. Types of Applications
    All applications submitted in response to this RFA will be new 
applications. All applications will be reviewed competitively using the 
selection process and evaluation criteria described in part IV, Review 
Process.

Part II. Program Description

A. Project Types
    In FY 2003, CSREES anticipates making one to three grants. 
Applicants may propose project budgets of up to $600,000. However, 
applicants should factor into their request the number of objectives 
they propose to address, recognizing that USDA will endeavor to make 
progress toward accomplishing all four (4) objectives (described in 
part I, B.) and achieving national representation with these funds. 
Project periods may not exceed eighteen (18) months.
B. Program Description
    Proposed projects may address one, some, or all four (4) of the 
objectives described in part I, B.; however, priority will be given to 
proposals that address more than one of these objectives and/or serve 
to cover the broadest geographic representation for Native American 
communities.
    The purpose of the Native American Outreach Program is to develop 
and deliver outreach activities that will inform Native American 
farmers and ranchers, tribal governments, tribal communities, and TCU 
about the availability of, and encourage their participation in, USDA 
programs. Funded projects need not be national in scope; however, 
grantees will be expected to coordinate their efforts and establish 
appropriate linkages with other grantees, where feasible, to advance 
progress in accomplishing all four (4) objectives.
    Proposals must target outreach and technical assistance efforts to 
Native American communities. Native American refers to a member of a 
federally recognized American Indian tribe, band, group, or Nation, 
including Alaska Indians, Aleuts, Eskimos and Alaska native villages of 
the United States. Applicants must describe their plans to involve 
stakeholders in identifying needs and evaluating the success of the 
project in meeting those needs. Applicants also must submit management 
plans that explain how the project will be managed to ensure efficient 
administration of the grant.
    Applications must incorporate a project evaluation component that 
will permit a qualitative and quantitative assessment of expected 
project impacts (see part III, B., 5.). Depending on project 
objectives, the following performance indicators could be utilized:
    1. Increased number of workshops and/or training opportunities 
directed to increase collaboration between USDA agencies and Native 
Americans;
    2. Increased participation among Native American people in farm, 
risk management and conservation programs offered by the USDA;
    3. Increased number of education/outreach demonstration projects 
and/or an increase in the number of exchange programs between Native 
American educational organizations and USDA; and
    4. Increased contact with Native Americans regarding emergency 
planning for preparedness and security for a safe food supply.
    Applicants addressing project objectives 1 and/or 2 (as described 
in part I, B.) should provide a brief synopsis of the program(s) they 
are incorporating in their proposed projects. These can include, but 
are not limited to: The various farm and risk management programs that 
encourage producers with both cropping and livestock operations to 
adopt agriculture practices that can increase profitability; the 
various conservation programs and technical assistance provided by 
local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices that can help 
Native American producers better manage their natural resources through 
voluntary incentive-based approaches; USDA services and technical 
expertise designed to help producers gain an understanding of 
economically injurious plant and animal diseases; programs to identify 
and solve farm, home, and community problems through education and 
technical assistance; services designed to increase understanding of 
the role and opportunities for forest dependent rural communities; 
programs to improve market access opportunities for agricultural 
products in emerging markets; programs that aid in the development of 
infrastructure needs for rural communities; and the facilitation of 
participation in the national Agricultural Census.
    Applicants addressing project objective 3 (as described in part I, 
B.) should provide a brief synopsis of the program(s) they are 
incorporating into their proposed projects. Funded activities could 
include, but are not limited to: Using food and agricultural sciences 
programs available at educational institutions to help deliver enhanced 
USDA program information; creating exchange programs between 
institutions and USDA staff to enhance capacity of education programs 
in the food and agricultural sciences; and providing information on 
career opportunities within USDA or other state, Federal, or tribal 
governments to graduates of such accredited programs.
    Examples of outreach activities that could be funded as part of 
project objective 4 (as described in part I, B.) include, but are not 
limited to: Distributing to Native American farmers and ranchers 
documents that remind them of the steps they can take to secure their 
operations, and discussing these documents with them; updating Native 
American farmers and ranchers about security efforts for disaster 
reporting; and providing Native American farmers and ranchers with 
Foreign Animal Disease Awareness Training seminars.
    Pertinent USDA agricultural programs include but are not limited to 
the following, identified by their Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance title and number: Plant and Animal Care (10.025); Emergency 
Conservation Program (10.054); Production and Flexibility Payments for 
Contract Commodities (10.055); Forestry Incentives Program (10.064); 
Conservation Reserve Program (10.069); Wetlands Reserve Program 
(10.072); Tribal College Equity, Endowment and Research (10.221, 
10.222, and 10.227); Homeland Security--Agriculture (10.304); 
Noninsured Assistance (10.451); Cooperative Extension Service (10.500); 
Emerging Markets Program (10.603); Rural Business Enterprise Grants 
(10.769); Soil Survey (10.903); Environmental Quality Incentives 
Program (10.912); Farmland Protection Program (10.913); Wildlife 
Habitat Incentives Program (10.914); Agricultural Statistics Reports 
(10.950); and Grasslands Reserve Program.
    On a semi-annual basis, grantees must submit progress reports to 
CSREES. In addition, grantees must participate in at least two national 
meetings of Native Americans, to be agreed upon in consultation with 
CSREES, which will serve to highlight their active participation in 
outreach and

[[Page 42366]]

information delivery to the Native American community. Reasonable 
travel expenses for at least one member of the project team to attend 
these meetings and for an appropriate number of personnel to attend a 
post-award meeting with CSREES may be requested as part of the project 
budget (see part III, B., 12.). Part VI, C. contains additional 
information about these requirements.

Part III. Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials
    Program application materials are available at the CSREES Funding 
Opportunities Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to the Web page or have trouble 
downloading material and you would like a hard copy, you may contact 
the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202) 
401-5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that 
you are requesting the RFA and associated application forms for the 
Native American Outreach Program. These materials also may be requested 
via Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not 
e-mail) and phone number to [email protected]. State that you want a copy 
of the RFA and the associated application forms for the Native American 
Outreach Program.
B. Content of Applications
    The applications should be prepared following the guidelines and 
the instructions below. Each application must contain the following 
elements in the order indicated:

1. General

    Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper 
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the 
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
    (a) Prepare the application on only one side of the page using 
standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'') white paper, one-inch margins, typed or 
word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and single or 
double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Geneva, 
Helvetica, Times Roman).
    (b) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with 
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms, 
and any appendices.
    (c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not 
bind. An original and fourteen (14) copies of the application must be 
submitted in one package, along with two (2) additional copies of the 
Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003, as a separate attachment. Prior to 
mailing, compare the application with the checklist found at the end of 
this document to ensure the application is complete.
    (d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints, 
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning 
through poor quality reproduction.
    (e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the 
following order:
    (1) Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002).
    (2) Table of Contents.
    (3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003).
    (4) Project Description.
    (5) References to Project Description.
    (6) Facilities and Equipment.
    (7) Appendices to Project Description.
    (8) Key Personnel.
    (9) Collaborative Arrangements (including letters of support).
    (10) Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007).
    (11) Budget (Form CSREES-2004).
    (12) Budget Narrative.
    (13) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005).
    (14) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008).
    (15) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
(Form CSREES-2006).
    (16) Certification of Compliance to section 501(c)(3) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)

Page A

    Each copy of each application must contain a Proposal Cover Page, 
Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the original, 
must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing Project 
Directors (PDs) and the authorized organizational representative (AOR), 
the individual who possesses the necessary authority to commit the 
organization's time and other relevant resources to the project. If 
there are more than three co-PDs for an application, please list 
additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate 
information and signatures) and attach to the Proposal Cover Page (Form 
CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose signature does not appear 
on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional sheets will not be listed on 
any resulting award. Complete both signature blocks located at the 
bottom of the Proposal Cover Page form. Please note that Form CSREES-
2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A, which is the Proposal Cover 
Page, and Page B, which is the Personal Data on Project Director.
    Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES award 
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in 
its entirety, especially the e-mail addresses requested in Blocks 4.c. 
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high 
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Type of Performing Organization (Block 6.a. and 6.b.). For 
Block 6.a., a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify 
the type of organization which is the legal recipient named in Block 1. 
Only one box should be checked. For Block 6.b., please check as many 
boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD listed in Block 16.
    (b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7.). The title of the project 
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), yet represent 
the major thrust of the effort being proposed. Project titles are read 
by a variety of nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words 
or phraseology should be avoided where possible. In addition, 
introductory phrases such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,'' 
``education for,'' or ``outreach that'' should not be used.
    (c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8.). Enter ``Native 
American Outreach Program''.
    (d) Type of Request (Block 14.). Check the block for ``New''.
    (e) Project Director (Blocks 16.-19.). Blocks 16.-18. are used to 
identify the PD and Block 19. to identify co-PDs. If needed, additional 
co-PDs may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to Form 
CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the applicable co-PD 
information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PDs, beyond those 
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
    (f) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 21.). List the names or acronyms 
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within 
USDA to which your application has been or might be sent. In the event 
you decide to send your application to another organization or agency 
at a later date, you must inform the identified CSREES program contact 
as soon as practicable. Submitting your application to other potential 
sponsors will not prejudice its review by CSREES; however, submitting 
the same (a duplicate) application to another CSREES program is not 
permissible.

[[Page 42367]]

Page B

    Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of 
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original 
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s). 
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of 
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or 
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this 
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.

3. Table of Contents

    For consistency and ease in locating information, each application 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the 
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers 
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with 
the first page of the Project Description.

4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)

    The application must contain a Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003. 
The summary should be approximately 250 words, contained within the 
box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not numbered. 
The names and affiliated organizations of all PDs and co-PDs should be 
listed on this form, in addition to the title of the project. The 
summary should be a self-contained, specific description of the 
activity to be undertaken and should focus on: Overall project goal(s) 
and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goal(s); and 
relevance of the project to the purpose of the Native American Outreach 
Program. The importance of a concise, informative Project Summary 
cannot be overemphasized. If there are more than three co-PDs for an 
application, please list additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper 
(with appropriate information) and attach to the Project Summary (Form 
CSREES-2003).

5. Project Description

    Please Note: The Project Description section may not exceed a total 
of eighteen (18) single- or double-spaced pages including figures and 
tables. This maximum has been established to ensure fair and equitable 
competition. The Project Description must include all of the following:
    (a) Introduction--Clearly identify which of the four (4) objectives 
(see part I, B.) the proposed project seeks to address. Describe the 
goals, target audience and geographic area to be served. Include 
preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed project.
    (b) Approach--Describe the proposed activities, methods to achieve 
goals and expected outcomes. Justify the rationale for choosing this 
project approach. Specify plans for partnerships, collaborative 
efforts, and/or linkages to other programs and projects, where 
appropriate, and explain how they will contribute to the success of the 
project. Describe plans to involve stakeholders in identifying needs 
and evaluating the success of the project in meeting those needs. 
Include a timeline with expected completion dates for project 
milestones. Discuss potential pitfalls that may be encountered and 
limitations to the proposed approach.
    (c) Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for 
assessing and evaluating the accomplishment of stated goals during the 
project period. Describe ways to determine the effectiveness of the 
approach during and upon termination of the project. If a project is 
complex and requires administrative oversight, include plans for 
evaluating and monitoring the administration of the project, as well. 
This description should include how funds and resources will be 
allocated so that collaborative participation of all parties is ensured 
throughout the duration of the project.
    (d) Management Plan--Explain how the project will be managed to 
ensure efficient administration of the grant, including the 
facilitation of planning, communication, and report preparation. 
Management of the project will be judged on the adequacy of: Overall 
management of the budget, including budget and collaboration with co-
PDs; plans for reporting, assessing and interpreting the results; and 
coordination of dissemination of the information over the duration of 
the project.

6. References to Project Description

    All references to works cited should be complete, including titles 
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format. 
References are not considered in the page limitation for the Project 
Description.

7. Facilities and Equipment

    Facilities and major items of equipment that are available for use 
or assignment to the proposed project during the requested period of 
support should be described. In addition, items of nonexpendable 
equipment necessary to conduct and successfully conclude the proposed 
project should be listed (including dollar amounts), and, if funds are 
requested for their acquisition, justified on a separate page and 
attached to the budget.

8. Appendices to Project Description

    Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are 
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices 
should not be used to circumvent page limitations.

9. Key Personnel

    The following should be included, as applicable:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator 
should be clearly described; and
    (b) The vitae of the PD and each co-PD, senior associate, and other 
professional personnel. This section should include vitae of all key 
persons who are expected to work on the project, whether or not CSREES 
funds are sought for their support. The vitae should be limited to two 
(2) pages each in length, excluding publications listings. The vitae 
should include a presentation of academic and research credentials, as 
applicable (e.g., earned degrees, teaching experience, employment 
history, professional activities, honors and awards, and grants 
received). A chronological list of all publications in refereed 
journals during the past four (4) years, including those in press, must 
be provided for each project member for whom a curriculum vita is 
provided. Also list only those non-refereed technical publications that 
have relevance to the proposed project. All authors should be listed in 
the same order as they appear on each paper cited, along with the title 
and complete reference as these usually appear in journals.

10. Collaborative Arrangements

    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) 
are known at the time of application, a vitae or resume should be 
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letters of support) should be 
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these 
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional 
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of 
the application. See instructions in the application forms for 
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.

11. Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)

    A Conflict-of-Interest List, Form CSREES-2007, must be provided for 
all

[[Page 42368]]

individuals who have submitted a vitae in response to item 9.(b) of 
this part. Each Form CSREES-2007 must list alphabetically, by the last 
names, the full names of the individuals in the following categories: 
(a) All co-authors on publications within the past four years, 
including pending publications and submissions; (b) all collaborators 
on projects within the past four years, including current and planned 
collaborations; (c) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors; and 
(d) all persons in your field with whom you have had a consulting or 
financial arrangement within the past four years, who stand to gain by 
seeing the project funded. This form is necessary to assist program 
staff in excluding from application review those individuals who have 
conflicts of interest with the personnel in the application. The 
program contact must be informed of any additional conflicts of 
interest that arise after the application is submitted.

12. Budget

(a) Budget Form (Form CSREES-2004)
    Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with 
instructions provided with the application forms. A budget form is 
required for each year of requested support. In addition, a cumulative 
budget is required detailing the requested total support for the 
overall project period. Reasonable travel expenses for at least one 
member of the project team to attend two national meetings of Native 
Americans (to be agreed upon in consultation with CSREES) and for an 
appropriate number of personnel to attend a post-award meeting with 
CSREES may be requested as part of the project budget. The budget form 
may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under 
any of the categories listed on the form, provided that the item or 
service for which support is requested is allowable under the 
authorizing legislation, the applicable statutes, regulations, and 
Federal cost principles, and these program guidelines, and can be 
justified as necessary for the successful conduct of the proposed 
project. Applicants also must include a budget narrative to justify 
their budget requests (see section (b) below). See part I, D. for 
indirect cost information.
(b) Budget Narrative
    All budget categories, with the exception of Indirect Costs, for 
which support is requested, must be individually listed (with costs) in 
the same order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper 
and placed immediately behind the Budget form.

13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)

    All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other 
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which 
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item 
9.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed 
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) 
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions 
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
applications to the possible sponsors will not prejudice application 
review or evaluation by the CSREES. However, an application that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with an application already 
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency 
will not be funded under this program. Please note that the project 
being proposed should be included in the pending section of the form.

14. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)

    A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects 
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before 
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other 
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project, 
applications involving any of the following elements must comply with 
the additional requirements as applicable.
(a) Recombinant DNA or RNA Research
    As stated in 7 CFR 3015.205 (b)(3), all key personnel identified in 
the application and all endorsing officials of the proposing 
organization are required to comply with the guidelines established by 
the National Institutes of Health entitled, ``Guidelines for Research 
Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules,'' as revised. If your project 
proposes to use recombinant DNA or RNA techniques, you must so indicate 
by checking the ``yes'' box in Block 20. of Form CSREES-2002 (the 
Proposal Cover Page) and by completing Section A of Form CSREES-2008. 
For applicable applications recommended for funding, Institutional 
Biosafety Committee approval is required before CSREES funds will be 
released. Please refer to the application forms for further 
instructions.
(b) Animal Care
    Responsibility for the humane care and treatment of live vertebrate 
animals used in any grant project supported with funds provided by 
CSREES rests with the performing organization. Where a project involves 
the use of living vertebrate animals for experimental purposes, all key 
personnel identified in an application and all endorsing officials of 
the proposing organization are required to comply with the applicable 
provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 
et seq.), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Secretary 
in 9 CFR parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 pertaining to the care, handling, and 
treatment of these animals. If your project will involve these animals, 
you should check ``yes'' in Block 20. of Form CSREES-2002 and complete 
section B of Form CSREES-2008. In the event a project involving the use 
of live vertebrate animals results in an award, funds will be released 
only after the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has approved 
the project. Please refer to the application forms for further 
instructions.
(c) Protection of Human Subjects
    Responsibility for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human 
subjects used in any grant project supported with funds provided by 
CSREES rests with the performing organization. Guidance on this issue 
is contained in the National Research Act, Public Law 93-348, as 
amended, and implementing regulations promulgated by the Department 
under 7 CFR part 1c. If you propose to use human subjects in your 
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 20. of Form CSREES-
2002 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-2008. In the event a project 
involving human subjects at risk is recommended for award, funds will 
be released only after the Institutional Review Board (IRB) has 
approved the research plan and CSREES has accepted documentation of the 
IRB approval. Please refer to the application forms for additional 
instructions.

15. Certifications

    Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing 
the certifications required by 7 CFR part 3017, regarding Debarment and 
Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR part 3018, regarding 
Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the application 
package for informational purposes only. These forms should not be 
submitted with the application since by signing Form CSREES-2002 your 
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project 
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding

[[Page 42369]]

Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower 
Tier Covered Transactions, to the grantee organization for retention in 
their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.

16. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)

    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing 
NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is to be 
provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any further 
action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions 
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary; 
therefore, Form CSREES-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included 
in the application indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion 
that the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons 
therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project 
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion(s) must 
be identified.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if 
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other 
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause 
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.

17. Certification of Compliance to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986

    Any community-based organization, network, or coalition of 
community-based organizations that is not recognized by the Internal 
Revenue Service as a section 501(c)(3) organization must include, on a 
separate sheet of paper, a statement that they have not, and will not 
engage in any of the prohibited activities contained in section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
C. Submission of Applications
1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
    Applications must be received by COB on August 18, 2003 (5 p.m. 
Eastern Daylight Time). Applications received after this deadline will 
not be considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and fourteen (14) copies of the application must be 
submitted. In addition, submit two (2) copies of the application's 
Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003. All copies of the application must 
be submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is:
    Native American Outreach Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 1420, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address:
    Native American Outreach Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-2245.
D. Acknowledgment of Applications
    The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail. 
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the 
applicant's e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge 
receipt of the application by letter.
    Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of 
the submission deadline should contact the program contact. Once the 
application has been assigned a proposal number, that number should be 
cited on all future correspondence.

Part IV. Review Process

A. General
    Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, 
each application will be screened to ensure that it meets the 
administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, a review 
panel will technically evaluate applications that meet these 
requirements.
    Reviewers will be selected based upon their training and experience 
in relevant scientific, programmatic, or education fields, taking into 
account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal 
scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the 
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in 
relevant programmatic activities (i.e., knowledge of programs related 
to outreach activities in field locations, especially for underserved 
audiences); (b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various 
areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or 
extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers others who can 
assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to 
program needs; (d) the need to include as reviewers experts from a 
variety of Federal agencies and geographic locations; (e) the need to 
maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority 
and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and (f) 
the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to 
producers and the general public of each application.
B. Evaluation Criteria
    Priority will be given to applications that address more than one 
of the objectives in part I, B. and/or serve to cover the broadest 
geographic representation for Native American communities. The 
evaluation criteria and weights, below, will be used in reviewing 
applications submitted in response to this RFA:
    1. Degree to which proposed project addresses the objectives of the 
Native American Outreach Program (Weight--20);
    2. Likelihood that goals of project can be achieved through the 
proposed activities during the project period (Weight--20);
    3. Quality of plan to involve stakeholders in identifying needs and 
evaluating success of proposed project (Weight--15);
    4. Soundness of plan for assessing and evaluating the 
accomplishment of project goals and plan for dissemination of results 
(Weight--15);
    5. Qualifications of proposed project personnel and adequacy of 
facilities (Weight--10);
    6. Adequacy of management plan (Weight--10); and
    7. Quality of plan to involve partners/collaborators and link to 
other programs/projects (Weight--10). (Applicants proposing to address 
all four (4) objectives independently will not be penalized.)

[[Page 42370]]

C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
    During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to 
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact 
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of 
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an academic 
institution shall be determined by reference to the current version of 
the Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education 
Publications, Inc., 6400 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, 
VA 22042. Phone: (703) 532-2300. Web site: http://www.hepinc.com.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
application content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, 
except to those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted 
by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain 
confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names 
of the reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the 
fiscal year, names of reviewers will be made available in such a way 
that the reviewers cannot be identified with the review of any 
particular application.

Part V. Award Administration

A. General
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make awards to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the 
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding 
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later 
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is 
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, 
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project 
need not be initiated on the award effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds issued by CSREES under this RFA 
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable 
Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations 
(parts 3015, 3016 and 3019 of 7 CFR). The total period for which a 
grant is awarded (including all funded and no-cost time extensions) may 
not exceed five years.
B. Organizational Management Information
    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, 
if such information has not been provided previously under this CSREES 
program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended for use in 
fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward process. Although 
an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these 
entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from 
receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits 
under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual 
involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based 
on submitted organizational management information).
C. Award Document and Notice of Award
    The award document will provide pertinent instructions and 
information including, at a minimum, the following:
    1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution 
to whom the Administrator has issued an award under the terms of this 
request for applications;
    2. Title of project;
    3. Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control 
approved activities;
    4. Identifying award number assigned by the Department;
    5. Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    6. Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;
    8. Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
number;
    9. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to 
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
    10. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out the awarding activities or to accomplish the purpose of a 
particular award.

Part VI. Additional Information

A. Access To Review Information
    Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a 
summary of the panel comments will be sent to the applicant PD after 
the review process has been completed.
B. Use of Funds; Changes
1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
    Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, the 
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another 
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or 
expenditure of award funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
    (a) The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes 
in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to 
expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the awardee or 
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this 
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental 
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of 
the award document, not the program contact.
    (b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by 
the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which 
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
    (c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or 
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the 
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes.
    (d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether 
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee 
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, 
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project, but in no case shall the total 
project period exceed five years. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
award.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or 
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the 
applicable Federal cost

[[Page 42371]]

principles, Departmental regulations, or award.
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
    Grantees are required to submit semi-annual and summary progress 
reports via CSREES' Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS is 
an electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee 
submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on 
Federally-funded projects.
    Grantees will be expected to attend a post-award meeting with 
CSREES in order to facilitate project direction, and discuss relevant 
linkages and/or allied projects that would benefit the outreach effort 
through common support. Reasonable travel expenses for an appropriate 
number of personnel to attend this post-award meeting may be requested 
as part of the project budget (see part III, B., 12.).
    Grantees also must participate in at least two national meetings of 
Native Americans, to be agreed upon in consultation with CSREES. 
Through their participation in these meetings, grantees can demonstrate 
to CSREES their commitment to, and skill in, providing outreach and 
technical assistance to Native American communities. Reasonable travel 
expenses for at least one member of the project team to attend these 
meetings may be requested as part of the project budget (see part III, 
B., 12.).
D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this program. These include, but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of 
Information Act.
    7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 
regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122) 
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the 
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law 95-
224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients 
of Departmental financial assistance.
    7 CFR part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment 
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for 
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    7 CFR part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit 
Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, 
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (sec. 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR part 
15b (USDA implementation of statute)-- prohibiting discrimination based 
upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
    35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of 
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and 
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally 
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR 
part 401).
E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the 
record of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific 
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a 
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in 
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information 
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, 
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the 
application. The original copy of an application that does not result 
in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period of one year. 
Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will be released 
only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by 
law. An application may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final 
action thereon.
F. Regulatory Information
    For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR 
part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is 
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under 
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in 
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.
G. Definitions
    For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are 
applicable:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the CSREES and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.
    Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any employee 
of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify grant 
instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    Authorized organizational representative means the president, 
director, or chief executive officer or other designated official of 
the applicant organization who has the authority to commit the 
resources of the organization.
    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible 
organization or individual to assist in meeting the costs of 
conducting, for the benefit of the public, an identified project which 
is intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the program as 
identified in these guidelines.
    Grantee means an organization designated in the award document as 
the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not borne by 
the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind contributions.
    Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent by 
an authorized departmental officer as defined above.
    Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    Project director means the single individual designated in the 
grant application and approved by the Secretary who is responsible for 
the direction and management of the project.

[[Page 42372]]

    Project period means the period, as stated in the award document, 
during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer 
or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 11th day of July 2003.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18069 Filed 7-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P