[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 159 (Monday, August 18, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49425-49429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20961]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; Inviting Grant 
Proposals for the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative

AGENCY: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) 
announces the availability of approximately $300,000 in competitive 
grants for product or business development, producer information or 
education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or their 
products, genetic retention or animal health. Funds have been made 
available by the Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry 
Improvement Center (NSIIC) to be awarded in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 with 
projects completed by the end of FY 2005. The intent is to fund a 
variety of proposals that will benefit the U.S. sheep and goat 
industries.

DATES: Completed proposals must be received no later than November 17, 
2003. Proposals received after that date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Completed proposals and other required materials should be 
submitted to Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep 
Industry Improvement Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 
23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483, if using the U.S. Postal Service; or 
Room 2117, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, if using other carriers. Telephone (202) 690-0632 
or (207) 236-6567.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay B. Wilson, Executive Director/CEO, 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, P.O. Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-3483, if using the 
U.S. Postal Service; or Room 2117, South Agriculture Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, if using other 
carriers. Telephone (202) 690-0632 or (207) 236-6567.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

General Information

    The Board of Directors of the National Sheep Industry Improvement 
Center (NSIIC) makes this grant initiative of up to $300,000 available. 
The NSIIC is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2008j to make these grants. A 
fund is established in the Treasury of the United States, without 
fiscal year limitations, to provide funds for the enhancement and 
marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States. Grants are 
authorized by section 375(e)(3)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act.
    Projects that are submitted in the proposals should be completed in 
a timely fashion as provided in the proposal, but under no 
circumstances later than September 30, 2005. The primary objective of 
the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative (SGIGI) is to fund a 
number of diverse projects that will benefit the U.S. sheep or goat 
industries through product or business development, producer 
information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or 
their products, genetic retention or animal health at the regional, 
national or international level. The program is administered through 
USDA, NSIIC.

Eligible Applicants

    An eligible entity is an organization that promotes the betterment 
of the United States sheep or goat industries that is: (a) A public, 
private, or cooperative organization; (b) an association, including a 
corporation not operated for profit; (c) a federally recognized Indian 
Tribe; or (d) a public or quasi-public agency. Individuals are 
ineligible. Eligible entities must have at least 51 percent ownership 
by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the 
United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence. 
Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501 
(c)(4)) which engages in lobbying activities, is not eligible to apply.

Use of Funds

    Use of funds should directly impact the U.S. sheep or goat 
industries through product or business development, producer 
information or education, marketing and promotion for sheep or goats or 
their products, genetic retention, or animal health programs. Funds may 
not be used to: (a) Pay costs of preparing the application package; (b) 
pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant; (c) 
conduct duplicative research; or (d) fund political activities. 
Preference may be given to proposals that have over 50 percent of the 
project costs in matching funds, including in kind contributions; 
Overhead costs cannot exceed 25 percent.

Available Funds and Award Limitations

    The total amount of funds available for grants in FY 2004 is 
approximately $300,000. It is anticipated that all funds will be 
awarded in FY 2004 for projects that will be completed by September 30, 
2005. It is expected that there will be proposals submitted that 
address a variety of needs related to the U.S. sheep and goat 
industries. Awards will be segregated so that a variety of needs will 
be addressed by the funded proposals. The actual number of grants

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funded will depend on the quality of proposals received and the amount 
of funding requested. A proposal may be partially funded or funded in 
its entirety. The maximum amount of Federal funds through this grant 
initiative awarded for any one proposal will be $50,000.

Selection Criteria

    The proposal will initially be reviewed to determine whether the 
entity submitting the proposal meets the eligibility requirements and 
whether the proposal application contains the information required. 
After this initial evaluation, the following criteria will be used to 
rate and rank proposals received in response to this notice of funding 
availability. Failure to address any one of the criteria will 
disqualify the proposal. Equal weight shall be given to each of the 
criterion listed below and points will be awarded to each criterion on 
a scale of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. A score of 5 indicates that the proposal was 
judged to be highly relevant to the criterion and a score of 1 
indicates that the proposal was judged not to sufficiently address the 
criterion.
    Each proposal will be evaluated and judged using the following 
criteria:
    1. Potential Industry Impact--Describe the proposed project and 
demonstrate how it will stimulate the U.S. sheep or goat industries. 
Provide a detailed analysis of the sheep or goat industry issue that is 
being addressed by the proposal by including the:
    (a) Product or group that will be impacted by the proposal;
    (b) Geographic area affected;
    (c) Target audience or end user; and
    (d) Expected results. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the industry 
issue and need are well-defined and the proposed project provides an 
effective and efficient approach to resolving the identified need.
    2. Industry Commitment--Describe the commitment of the producers, 
processor, end-users or other involved parties in participating in the 
proposed project. This may include, but is not limited to, individual 
producers, producer groups, processors, seminar participants, local 
organizations, local or state governments or trade associations. The 
NSIIC will evaluate whether there is a commitment from all who are 
expected to participate and benefit from the proposed project.
    3. Business Soundness--Provide a timetable and objectives along 
with a quantifiable benchmark and expected results. The NSIIC will 
evaluate whether the proposal includes (a) a clear objective; (b) well-
defined tasks that will accomplish the objectives; (c) realistic 
benchmarks; and (d) a realistic timetable for the completion of the 
proposed tasks and whether a business strategy had been adequately 
developed?
    4. Financial Feasibility--Provide a well-defined budget for the 
proposal. The NSIIC will evaluate whether the funding requirements and 
budget for the project are well defined and financially feasible and 
the matching funds or other resources that will be used to leverage the 
requested funds in the proposal are identified.
    5. Management Ability--Identify the management team needed to 
complete the proposal objectives and describe their qualifications. The 
NSIIC will evaluate whether the management team is identified and 
capable of implementing the proposal.

Selection Process

    The Board of Directors of the NSIIC will evaluate proposal 
applications. Applications will be evaluated competitively and points 
awarded as specified in the Selection Criteria section of this notice. 
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible entities. A 
proposal may be partially funded. After assigning points based upon the 
selection criteria, applications will be funded in rank order until all 
available funds have been expended. The Board of Directors reserves the 
right to award up to five additional points in order to provide a 
diversity of projects targeting various (1) situations, (2) geographic 
areas, or subjects , or for proposals with over 50 percent in matching 
funds. Projects that are approved for further processing will be 
subject to the grant terms that are negotiated between the applicant 
and the Board of Directors including, but not limited to, the amount to 
be funded, project goals, timetables, completion date or other terms as 
deemed necessary.

Proposal Submission

    All proposals, except for forms, are to be submitted on standard 
8.5'' x 11'' paper with typing on one side of the page only. In 
addition, margins must be at least 1'', type must be 12 characters per 
inch (12 pitch or 10 point) or larger, no more than 6 lines per inch, 
and there should be no page reductions.

Content of a Proposal

    A proposal should contain the following:
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs.''
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances-Non Construction Programs.''
    4. Table of Contents--For ease of locating information, each 
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately 
following the required forms. The Table of Contents should include page 
numbers for each component of the proposal. Page numbering should begin 
immediately following the Table of Contents.
    5. Project Summary: The proposal must contain a project summary of 
1 page or less on a separate page. This page must include the title of 
the project and the names of the primary project contacts and the 
applicant organization, followed by the summary. The summary should be 
self-contained and should describe the overall goals and relevance of 
the project. The summary should also contain a listing of all 
organizations involved in the project. The Project Summary should 
immediately follow the Table of Contents.
    6. Project Narrative: The narrative portion of the Project Proposal 
is limited to 10 pages of text and should contain the following:
    a. Introduction. A clear statement of the goals and objectives of 
the project. The problem should be set in context of the present-day 
situation. Summarize the body of knowledge which substantiates the need 
for the proposed project.
    b. Rationale and Significance. Substantiate the need for the 
proposed project. Describe the impact of the project on the U.S. sheep 
or goat industry. Describe the project's specific relationship to the 
segment of sheep or goat industry issue, product or market being 
addressed.
    c. Objectives and Approach. Discuss the specific objectives to be 
accomplished under the project. A detailed description of the approach 
must include:
    (i) Techniques or procedures used to carry out the proposed 
activities and for accomplishing the objectives; and
    (ii) The results expected.
    d. Timetable. Tentative schedule for conducting the major steps of 
the project.
    e. Evaluation. Provide a plan for assessing and evaluating the 
accomplishments of the stated objectives during the project and 
describe ways to determine the effectiveness (impact) of the end 
results upon conclusion of the project. Awardees will be required to 
submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual basis.
    f. Coordination and Management Plan. Describe how the project will 
be coordinated among various participants

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and the nature of the collaborations. Describe plans for management of 
the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration.

What To Submit

    An original and 10 copies must be submitted. Each copy must be 
stapled in the upper left-hand corner (Do Not Bend). All copies of the 
proposal must be submitted in one package.

Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals 
considered for review and to grants awarded by USDA. These include, but 
are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR part 15a--USDA implementation of title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
    7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for drug-free 
workplace (grants).
    7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Nonprofit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3052--Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations.
    The terms of the above parts will be incorporated in a grant made 
by the NSIIC.

Awardee Requirements, Payments, and Service

    These grants will be awarded, disbursed, and serviced in accordance 
with 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019. Awardees will furnish the NSIIC 
with reports in accordance with this notice and 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 
and 3019.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The reporting requirements contained in this notice have received 
temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under Control Number 0570-0048. However, in accordance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, RBS will seek standard OMB approval of 
the reporting requirements contained in this Notice and hereby opens a 
60-day public comment period.

Public Burden in This Notice

    Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form is 
used by applicants as a required face sheet for applications for 
Federal assistance.
    Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non Construction Programs.'' 
This form must be completed by applicants to show the project's budget 
breakdown, both as to expense categories and the division between 
Federal and non-Federal sources.
    Form SF-424B, ``Assurances-Non Construction Programs.'' The 
applicant must complete this form to give the Federal government 
certain assurances that the applicant has the legal authority to apply 
for Federal assistance and the financial capability to pay the non-
Federal share of project costs. The applicant also gives assurance it 
will comply with various legal and regulatory requirements as described 
in the form.
    Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement acceptable to 
the NSIIC.

Reporting Requirements

    In addition to any other required reports, awardees will be 
required to submit written project performance reports on a semi-annual 
basis and a final report at the completion of the project. The project 
performance report and final report shall include, but need not be 
limited to: (a) A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined 
in the proposal as compared to the actual accomplishments; (b) If 
report varies from the stated objectives or they were not met, the 
reasons why established objectives were not met; (c) Problems, delays, 
or adverse conditions which will materially affect attainment of 
planned project objectives; (d) Objectives established for the next 
reporting period; and (e) Status of compliance with any special 
conditions on the use of awarded funds.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection is 
estimated to range from 10 minutes for some forms to 8 hours for the 
proposal per response.
    Respondents: Any eligible entity as described in the ``Eligible 
Applicants'' section of this notice.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 45.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 105.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 383 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl 
Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch (202) 692-0043.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of 
NSIIC's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or 
other technological collection techniques or other forms of 
information.
    Comments may be sent to Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork 
Management Branch, Support Services Division, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0742. All responses to this notice will be 
summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments 
will also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: August 12, 2003.
Jay B. Wilson,
Executive Director/CEO, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

Sheep and Goat Industry Grant Initiative Grant Agreement

    1. Authorization. The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center 
(NSIIC) is authorized to use grants under 7 U.S.C. 2008j.
    2. Parties. This Grant Agreement (Agreement) between the [Grantee's 
name] (Grantee), and the United States of America, acting through the 
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) of the Department of 
Agriculture (Grantor).
    3. Award Amount. Grantor agrees to make available to the Grantee 
for the purposes of this Agreement Grant Funds of up to [$ xx,xxx.xx, 
amount funded] (Grant Funds) for the proposal submitted by the grantee 
for [name of project] under the Sheep and Goat Industry Grant 
Initiative (SGIGI) and the Grantee agrees not to exceed the amount 
approved. The funds will be advanced or reimbursed as provided for in 
this Agreement.
    4. Citizenship. The Grantee hereby certifies that the outstanding 
interest in

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the project has membership or is owned by those who are either citizens 
of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally 
admitted for permanent residence.
    5. Purpose. Grant Funds will only be used for the purposes and 
activities specified in the Proposal submitted under the SGIGI, 
including any attachments, amendments or conditions approved by the 
Grantor. Any uses not provided for in the approved Proposal must be 
approved in writing by the Grantor in advance.
    6. Project Period.
    (a) Effective Date: The grant will be considered approved on the 
date that Grantor signs the Agreement.
    (b) Date of Completion: Grantee shall strive to use the proceeds of 
this Grant promptly in accordance with this Agreement, unless otherwise 
provided by law. If any part of the Grant Funds have not been used by 
September 30, 2005, Grantor will cancel the obligation of any funds not 
yet delivered and demand the return of any delivered funds that have 
not been used in accordance with this Agreement.
    7. Further Provisions. This section establishes further provisions 
that must be understood and agreed to by the Grantee.
    (a) All of the terms and provisions of the application submitted by 
the Grantee for this SGIGI, including any attachments, amendments or 
conditions that are otherwise not in conflict with this Agreement are 
attached to and incorporated into this agreement. Any changes to these 
documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the Grantor,
    (b) Grantee certifies that it is in compliance with, and will 
comply in the course of the Agreement with grant conditions and all 
applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, or other applicable 
requirements,
    (c) The provisions of the following are incorporated into this 
Agreement by reference: 7 CFR part 3015--``USDA Uniform Federal 
Assistance Regulations''; 7 CFR part 3016--``Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local 
Governments''; 7 CFR part 3017--``Governmentwide Debarment and 
Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-
Free Workplace (Grants)''; 7 CFR part 3018--``New Restrictions on 
Lobbying''; 7 CFR part 3019--``Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, 
and Other Nonprofit Organizations''; and 7 CFR part 3052--``Audits of 
State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,''
    (d) The Grantee shall not encumber, transfer or dispose of any 
property, equipment or other asset, or any part thereof, acquired 
wholly or in part with Grantor funds without the written consent of the 
Grantor,
    (e) Grantees shall adequately control and safeguard all assets 
associated with the grant to ensure that they are used solely for 
authorized purposes,
    (f) Grantor shall monitor performance in accordance with the 
applicable terms of the Agreement. Grantor reserves the right to 
monitor meetings and request documents applicable to the terms of the 
Agreement.
    8. Assurances. Grantee has executed.
    (a) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions,'' to 
certify that your organization is not debarred or suspended from 
Government assistance,
    (b) AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions,'' from anyone you do business with as a result of this 
Government assistance,
    (c) AD-1950, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants)'' to certify you will provide a drug-free 
awareness program for employees,
    (d) RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement,''
    (e) ``Certification Regarding Lobbying--Contracts, Grants, Loans 
and Cooperative Agreement.''
    9. Accounting, Audits and Reporting Requirements.
    (a) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: The Grantee agrees to 
account for all amounts associated with this grant using Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles. Records must at least include:
    (i) financial records that identify the source of all funds used 
for grant-supported activities, including Grant Funds, any matching 
funds, other funds, and;
    (ii) source documentation to support activities.
    (b) Audit: The project will be audited by a Certified Public 
Accountant annually or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the 
Grantor. All audits will be in accordance with Generally Accepted 
Accounting Principles. The audit for the years the Grantee receives 
this financial assistance will be conducted in accordance with 7 CFR 
part 3052. Audits are due within 90 days after September 30 of the 
respective year and the Grantor is to receive a copy of this audit,
    (c) Reports: The grantee will provide periodic reports as required 
by the Grantor. A financial status report and a project performance 
report will be submitted by the Grantee on a semi-annual basis (due 
each March 31 and September 30). The financial status report must show 
how Grant Funds and any matching funds have been used to date and 
project the funds needed and their purposes for the next six-month 
period. A final report may serve as the last semi-annual report. 
Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that time 
schedules are being met and projected goals by time periods are being 
accomplished. The project performance report and final report shall 
include at least:
    (i) A comparison of timeline, tasks and objectives outlined in the 
proposal as compared to the actual accomplishments,
    (ii) If report varies from the stated objectives or they were not 
met, the reasons why established objectives were not met,
    (iii) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially 
affect attainment of planned project objectives,
    (iv) Objectives established for the next reporting period, and
    (v) Status of compliance with any special conditions on the use of 
awarded funds.
    (d) Proposal Results: Grantee shall deliver the results of any 
study or activity to the Grantor upon completion of each task outlined 
in the proposal. These include, but are not limited to, feasibility 
studies, marketing plans, business operations plans, articles of 
incorporation and bylaws. All items delivered to the Grantor will be 
held as proprietary information to the extent provided by law.
    (e) Record Retention: Financial records, supporting documents, 
statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the grant must 
be kept for a period of at least 3 years after grant closing, except 
that the records shall be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit 
findings have not been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar 
methods may be substituted in lieu of original records. The Grantor and 
the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly 
authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, 
papers, and records of the Grantee's which are pertinent to the 
specific grant program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, 
excerpts, and transcripts.
    10. Funding.
    (a) Payment: Requests for cash advances should be for the minimum

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amount needed and timed to the actual, immediate cash requirements for 
carrying out the grant purpose. The funds will be reimbursed or 
advanced based on submission of Standard Form 270, ``Request for 
Advance or Reimbursement.''
    (b) Distribution of Funds: Once the Agreement is entered into, 
grant funds will be transferred electronically to an account specified 
by the Grantee.
    (c) Pre-award costs: The grantee may incur or claim no cost prior 
to the Effective Date as provided for in this Agreement.
    11. Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest. Conflict of interest 
for the purpose of this Agreement is defined in 7 U.S.C. 2008j and 
Grantee agrees to disclose any conflict of interest to Grantor.
    12. Other Parties. This Agreement is not for the benefit of third 
parties. Grantor shall not be under any obligation to any such parties, 
whether directly or indirectly interested in this Agreement, to pay any 
charges or expenses incidental to compliance by Grantee with any of the 
duties or obligations imposed hereby.
    13. Event of Default and Remedies.
    (a) Events of Default of Grantee. By delineation and not 
limitation, any of the following occurrences shall be an ``event of 
default''. Written notice of default shall be provided within 90 days 
of such occurrence of an event of default:
    (i) Any representation or warranty made by the Grantee in 
connection with this Agreement shall prove to have been false or 
misleading in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed 
made,
    (ii) Failure, inability or unwillingness of Grantee to carry out or 
comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement, or any 
applicable laws,
    (iii) The Grantee becomes insolvent, or ceases being able, or 
admits in writing to its inability to pay its debts as they mature, 
suspends its business operations, become a debtor in a bankruptcy 
proceeding or makes a general assignment for the benefit of, or enters 
into any composition or arrangement with, creditors, proceeds with the 
appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator, or like action and is 
not dismissed within 90 days.
    (iv) A judgement or other like order for payment is rendered 
against the Grantee or any material adverse change occurs in the 
Grantee's financial condition.
    (v) Submission or making of any report, statement, warranty, or 
representation by Grantee or agent on its behalf to Grantor in 
connection with the grant hereunder which is false, incomplete or 
incorrect in any material respect.
    (b) Remedies:
    (i) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any event of 
default, Grantor shall have no obligation to continue funding the 
Grantee as contemplated in this Agreement. Accordingly, Grantor shall 
suspend operations contemplated by this Agreement until the declaration 
of default is cured and Grantor notifies in writing such acknowledgment 
of cure,
    (ii) The Grantee shall have 60 days from the notice of default to 
propose remedies and cures to Grantor to remove the event of default,
    (iii) Grantor reserves the right to waive any and all events of 
default. Exercise of this waiver shall not preclude Grantor from 
declaring a similar future event as an event of default.
    14. Notice. All notices hereunder and for whatever purpose, 
including declaration of default, shall be in writing and shall be 
deemed to be duly given upon delivery if personally delivered or sent 
by telecommunication (facsimile or e-mail) or 3 days after mailing if 
sent by express, certified or registered United States Postal Service 
mail, to the parties. The grantees address and contact person shall be 
the one provided on SF 424 and the Grantor shall be the National Sheep 
Industry Improvement Center, USDA, PO Box 23483, Washington, DC 20026-
3483, if using the U.S. Postal Service or Room 2117, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250 if using 
other carriers.
    15. Amendments, Termination and Changes. The Agreement may be 
amended, changed or terminated by mutual consent of the parties in 
writing.
    (a) Amendment: This Agreement may be amended with the mutual 
written consent of the Parties.
    (b) Scope of Work: Any changes in project costs, source of funds, 
scope of services, or any other changes in the project or applicant 
must be reported to and approved by the Grantor by written amendment of 
this Agreement. Any changes not approved by the Grantor shall be cause 
for deobligating grant funding.
    (c) Termination: The Agreement may be terminated by either party 
upon 30 days' notice in writing to the other party.
    16. Conflict. Nothing herein is intended to conflict with current 
USDA directives. If the terms of this agreement are inconsistent with 
existing law or agency directives, then those portions of this 
agreement which are determined to be inconsistent shall be invalid, but 
the remaining terms and the agreement will remain in effect. All 
necessary changes will be accomplished either by an amendment to this 
agreement or by entering into a new agreement, whichever is deemed 
expedient to the interest of both parties.
    17. In witness whereof, Grantee has this day authorized and caused 
this Agreement to be executed by:

Attest

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(Grantee)
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(Authorized Grantee Signature)
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(Date)
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(Title)

United States of America
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

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(Grantor)

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(Name) (Title)
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(Date)

[FR Doc. 03-20961 Filed 8-15-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1351-01-P