[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 171 (Thursday, September 4, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52565-52572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22506]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Program 
(VADG) (Independent Producers)

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the 
availability of $27.7 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal 
year 2003 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-
added activities. RBS hereby requests proposals from eligible 
independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher 
cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures 
interested in a competitively awarded grant to fund one of the 
following two activities: (1) Developing feasibility studies or 
business plans (including marketing plans or other planning activities) 
needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an 
agricultural product; or (2) acquiring working capital to operate a 
value-added business venture or an alliance that will allow the 
producers to better compete in domestic and international markets. In 
order to provide program benefits to as many eligible applicants as 
possible, applications can only be for one or the other of these two 
activities, but not both. Value-added products are defined as follows: 
(1) A change in the physical state or form of the product (such as 
milling wheat into flour or making strawberries into jam); (2) the 
production of a product in a manner that enhances its value, as 
demonstrated through a business plan (such as organically produced 
products); (3) the physical segregation of an agricultural commodity or 
product in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of 
that commodity or product (such as an identity preserved marketing 
system). As a result of the change in physical state or the manner in 
which the agricultural commodity or product is produced or segregated, 
the customer base for the commodity or product is expanded and a 
greater portion of revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or 
physical segregation is made available to the producer of the commodity 
or product. Value-added also includes using any agricultural product or 
commodity to produce renewable energy on a farm or ranch.
    The maximum award per grant is $500,000. In order to maximize the 
distribution of program benefits, smaller grant requests under $500,000 
will receive priority points. Priority is also being given to projects 
producing energy from biomass or demonstrating profitable use of 
innovative technologies.

DATES: Applications must be completed and submitted to the appropriate 
State USDA Rural Development office as soon as possible, but no later 
than 4 p.m. on October 20, 2003. Applications received after October 
20, 2003, will not be considered. Late applications will not be 
accepted and will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must ensure 
that the service they use to deliver their applications can do so by 
the deadline. Due to recent security concerns, packages sent to the 
agency by mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required materials to your State 
USDA Rural Development Office. RBS is strongly encouraging the 
electronic submission of proposals. If proposals are electronically 
submitted, signed paper copies of the three required forms, SF-424 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' SF-424A ``Budget Information--
Non-Construction Programs,'' and SF-424B ``Assurances--Non-Construction 
Programs,'' need to be mailed or faxed to the State office. A list of 
Rural Development State Offices, addresses, e-mail addresses, and 
telephone numbers follows.

    Note: Telephone numbers listed are not toll free.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Offices

Alabama

Chris Harmon, USDA Rural Development, Sterling Center, Suite 601, 4121 
Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3415, 
[email protected].

Alaska

Dean Stewart, USDA Rural Development, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, 
Palmer, AK 99645, (907) 761-7722, [email protected].

Arizona

Gary Mack, USDA Rural Development, 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 
900, Phoenix, AZ 85012, (602) 280-8717, [email protected].

Arkansas

Tim Smith, USDA Rural Development, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416, 
Little Rock, AR 72201-3225, (501) 301-3200, [email protected].

California

Karen Spatz, USDA Rural Development, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, Davis, 
CA 95616, (530) 792-5829, [email protected].

Colorado

Leroy W. Cruz, USDA Rural Development, 655 Parfet Street, Lakewood, CO 
80215, (720) 544-2926, [email protected].

Delaware-Maryland

James E. Waters, USDA Rural Development, 4607 South DuPont Highway, 
Camden, DE 19934, (302) 697-4324, [email protected].

Florida/Virgin Islands

Joe Mueller, USDA Rural Development, 4440 NW. 25th Place, Gainesville, 
FL 32606, (352) 338-3482, [email protected].

Georgia

J. Craig Scroggs, USDA Rural Development, 333 Phillips Drive, 
McDonough, GA 30253, (678) 583-0866, [email protected].

Hawaii

Timothy O'Connell, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 311, 
154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 933-8313, 
[email protected].

Idaho

Dale Lish, USDA Rural Development, 9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite A1,

[[Page 52566]]

Boise, ID 83709, (208) 785-5840, ext. 118, [email protected].

Illinois

Cathy McNeal, USDA Rural Development, 2118 West Park Court, Suite a, 
Champaign, IL 61821, (217) 403-6210, [email protected].

Indiana

Jerry Hay, USDA Rural Development, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, 
Indianapolis, IN 46278, (812) 346-3411, ext. 4, [email protected].

Iowa

Jeff Jobe, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 873, 210 
Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, (515) 284-5192, 
[email protected].

Kansas

Larry Carnahan, USDA Rural Development, 115 West Forth Street, 
Altamont, KS 67330, (620) 784-5431, [email protected].

Kentucky

Jeff Jones, USDA Rural Development, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, 
Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 224-7300, [email protected].

Louisiana

Judy Meche, USDA Rural Development, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, 
LA 71302, (318) 473-7960, [email protected].

Maine

Alan C. Daigle, USDA Rural Development, 967 Illinois Avenue, Suite 4, 
Bangor, ME 04402, (207) 990-9168, [email protected].

Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut

Richard J. Burke, USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, 
Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-4318, [email protected].

Michigan

Lee Bambusch, USDA Rural Development, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, 
East Lansing, MI 48820, (517) 324-5216, [email protected].

Minnesota

Robyn J. Holdorf, USDA Rural Development, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 
410, St. Paul, MN 55101-1853, (651) 602-7812, 
[email protected].

Mississippi

Charlie Joiner, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 831, 
100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-5457, 
[email protected].

Missouri

Nathan Chitwood, USDA Rural Development, 601 Business Loop 70 West, 
Parkade Center, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-9320, 
[email protected].

Montana

William W. Barr, USDA Rural Development, 900 Technology Blvd., Suite B, 
Bozeman, MT 59717, (406) 585-2545, [email protected].

Nebraska

Deb Yocum, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 
Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 223-3125, ext. 4, 
[email protected].

Nevada

Dan Johnson, USDA Rural Development, 2002 Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801, 
(775) 738-8468, ext. 28, [email protected].

New Hampshire

Scott D. Johnson, USDA, Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 80 
Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, (603) 223-6034, 
[email protected].

New Jersey

Michael P. Kelsey, USDA Rural Development, 5th Floor North Tower, Suite 
500, 8000 Midlantic Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 787-7751, 
[email protected].

New Mexico

Eric Vigil, USDA Rural Development, 6200 Jefferson Street, NE., Room 
255, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 761-4952, [email protected].

New York

Robert Pestridge, USDA Rural Development, The Galleries of Syracuse, 
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202, (315) 477-6426, 
[email protected].

North Carolina

Bruce Pleaseant, USDA Rural Development State Office, 4405 Bland Road, 
Suite 260, Raleigh, NC 27609, (919) 873-2000, 
[email protected].

North Dakota

Dennis Rodin, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 211, 220 
East Rosser Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501, (701) 530-2065, 
[email protected].

Ohio

Deborah E. Rausch, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 507, 
200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215, (614) 255-2425, 
[email protected].

Oklahoma

Sally Vielma, USDA Rural Development, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, 
OK 74074, (405) 742-1000, [email protected].

Oregon

Robert F. Haase, USDA Rural Development, 625 Salmon Avenue, Suite 5, 
Redmond, OR 97756, (541) 926-4358, ext. 124, [email protected].

Pennsylvania

Linda C. Hager, USDA Rural Development, One Credit Union Place, Suite 
330, Harrisburg, PA 17110, (717) 237-2287, [email protected].

Puerto Rico

Mr. Luis Garcia, USDA Rural Development State Office, Munoz Rivera, 
Number 654, IBM Plaza, Suite 601, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918, (787) 
766-5095, ext. 239, [email protected].

South Carolina

Ms. Debbie Turberville, USDA Rural Development State Office, Strom 
Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1007, Columbia, 
SC 29201, (843) 354-9613, [email protected].

South Dakota

Gary L. Korzan, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 
4th Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1142, 
[email protected].

Tennessee

Dan Beasley, USDA Rural Development, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300, 
Nashville, TN 37203, (615) 783-1341, [email protected].

Texas

Billy Curb, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 
South Main, Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9700, [email protected].

Utah

Richard Carrig, USDA Rural Development, Wallace F. Bennett Federal 
Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84147-
0350, (801) 524-4328, [email protected].

[[Page 52567]]

Vermont/New Hampshire

Michael R. Dolce, USDA Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 
Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 775-7014 ext. 20, 
[email protected].

Virginia

Laurette Tucker, USDA Rural Development, Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 
1606 Santa Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287-1594, 
[email protected].

Washington

John Brugger, USDA Rural Development, 1606 Perry Street, Suite E, 
Yakima, WA 98908, (509) 924-7350, ext. 114, [email protected].

West Virginia

Mr. John M. Comerci, USDA Rural Development, 481 Ragland Road, Beckley, 
WV 25801, (304) 252-8644, ext. 165, [email protected].

Wisconsin

Barbara Brewster, USDA Rural Development, 4949 Kirschling Court, 
Stevens Point, WI 54481, (715) 345-7610, [email protected].

Wyoming

Janice Stroud, USDA Rural Development, 100 East B Street, Room 1005, 
Casper, WY 82601, (307) 261-6318, [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact your 
USDA State Rural Development Office. You may also obtain information 
from the RBS Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to section 231 of the 
Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-224) as amended by 
section 6401 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(Pub. L. 107-171) authorizing the establishment of the Value-Added 
Agricultural Product Market Development grants. The Secretary of 
Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to USDA's Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service.
    The primary objective of this grant program is to help eligible 
independent producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural 
producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-owned 
producer-based business ventures develop business plans for viable 
marketing opportunities and develop strategies to create marketing 
opportunities. Eligible agricultural producer groups, farmer and 
rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business 
ventures must limit their proposals to emerging markets. These grants 
will facilitate greater participation in emerging markets and new 
markets for value-added products. Grants will only be awarded if 
projects or ventures are determined to be economically viable and 
sustainable.
    This grant program has a matching funds requirement. Applicants 
must provide matching funds at least equal to the grant. Other Federal 
grants cannot be used as matching funds. Grant funds and matching funds 
must be spent proportionately during the timeframe stated in the grant 
application. Grant funds will be disbursed pursuant to applicable 
provisions of 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019. Matching funds must be used to 
support the overall purpose of the VADG program.

Definitions

    Agency--The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) or its 
successor.
    Agricultural Producer Group--Any organization that represents 
independent producers such as a producer trade association or a state 
or national commodity group. Agricultural producer groups must propose 
ventures that are entering into emerging markets.
    Agricultural Product--Plant and animal products and their by-
products to include fish and seafood products and forestry products.
    Emerging Markets--A new or developing market for the applicant. 
That is, a market the applicant has not traditionally supplied. The 
venture must be focused on this new or developing market.
    Farmer or Rancher Cooperative--A duly recognized farmer or rancher 
cooperative in good standing under State law. Farmer or rancher owned 
cooperatives must propose ventures that are entering into emerging 
markets.
    Independent Producer--A producer of agricultural commodities or 
products including those products from aquaculture, fish harvesting, 
and wood lot enterprises. This can be an individual producer; or a 
producer owned corporation, LLC, or LLP solely owned by producers. An 
independent producer can also be a steering committee composed of 
independent agricultural producers in the process of organizing an 
association to operate a value-added venture. The venture must be owned 
and controlled by the independent producers who are supplying 
agricultural product to the market. An independent producer cannot 
produce under contract or joint ownership with any organization other 
than their own.
    Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures--A 
corporation, LLC, LLP, or other type of business structure where 
producers have more than 50 percent of the ownership and control of the 
entity. No more than 10 percent of the grant funds will be awarded to 
these ventures. Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures 
must propose ventures that are entering into emerging markets.
    Matching Funds--Cash or confirmed funding commitments. Matching 
funds cannot be from another Federal grant. Matching funds must be at 
least equal to the grant amount. In-kind contributions as defined at 7 
CFR part 3015, subpart G can be used as matching funds. Examples of in-
kind contributions include volunteer services furnished by professional 
and technical personnel, donated supplies and equipment, and donated 
office space.
    National Office--The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 
office at USDA headquarters in Washington, DC.
    Planning--A defined program of economic activities to determine the 
viability of a potential value-added venture including feasibility 
studies, marketing plans, business plans, and legal evaluations.
    State Office--USDA Rural Development offices located in most 
states.
    Value-Added--(1) Any agricultural commodity or product that has 
undergone a change in the physical state or form of the product (such 
as milling wheat into flour, slaughtering livestock or poultry, or 
making strawberries into jam). (2) The production of an agricultural 
commodity or product in a manner that enhances its value, as 
demonstrated through a business plan (such as organically produced 
products). (3) The physical segregation of an agricultural commodity or 
product in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of 
that commodity or product (such as an identity preserved marketing 
system). As a result of the change in physical state or the manner in 
which the agricultural commodity or product is produced or segregated, 
the customer base for the commodity or product is expanded and a 
greater portion of revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or 
physical segregation is made available to the producer of the commodity 
or product. Value-added also includes using any agricultural

[[Page 52568]]

product or commodity to produce renewable energy on a farm or ranch.
    Working Capital--Funds that are used to operate the venture and pay 
the normal expenses associated with the operation of that venture. 
Funds cannot be used to purchase or build facilities nor purchase or 
install processing equipment.

Recipient and Product Eligibility Requirements

    Potential recipients of the grant must be an independent producer, 
agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or 
majority-controlled producer-based business venture as defined in the 
``Definitions'' section of this NOFA. If the applicant is an 
agricultural producer group, it must be providing assistance directly 
to a specifically identified group of independent producers. Grant 
funds cannot be used to support the organization's general operations. 
If the applicant is an unincorporated group (steering committee), they 
must form a legal entity before grant funds can be disbursed.
    The project proposed must involve a value-added product as defined 
in the ``Definitions'' section of this NOFA.
    Applications without sufficient information to determine their 
eligibility will not be considered.

Proposal Preparation

    A proposal must 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 SF-424 forms. The Table of Contents should 
include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination 
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
    5. Proposal Summary. A summary of the Project Proposal, not to 
exceed one page, must include the following: title of the project, 
description of the project including goals and tasks to be 
accomplished, names of the individuals responsible for conducting and 
completing the tasks, and the expected timeframe for completing all 
tasks (which should normally not exceed one year.) The applicant must 
also clearly state whether the application is for a planning grant or a 
working capital grant. The application cannot be for both.
    6. Eligibility. A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages, 
describing how the applicant meets the definition of an independent 
producer, agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, 
or majority-controlled producer-based business venture as outlined in 
the ``Recipient Eligibility Requirements'' section of this NOFA. If the 
applicant is an agricultural producer group, it must specifically 
identify the group of independent producers on whose behalf the work 
will be done. In addition, the applicant must describe all 
organizations other than the applicant that are involved in the 
project. Applicants must state the percentage of the venture that will 
be owned and controlled by independent producers. No more than 10 
percent of program funds can go to ventures that are majority-
controlled producer-based business ventures as defined in the 
``Definitions'' section of this NOFA. The applicant must also discuss 
the value-added product to be produced including the category of value-
added as defined in the ``Definitions'' section of this NOFA.
    7. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project 
proposal, not to exceed 35 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt.) must include 
the following:
    i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 75 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the 
project.
    ii. Information sheet. A separate one page information sheet which 
lists each of the evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under the 
``Evaluation Criteria'' section followed by the page numbers of all 
relevant material and documentation contained in the proposal which 
addresses or supports that criteria.
    iii. Goals of the Project. A clear statement of the ultimate goal 
of the project must be presented. It must describe the value-added 
venture to be developed.
    iv. Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria listed in 
the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of this NOFA must be addressed 
specifically and individually by category. These criteria should be in 
narrative form with any specific supporting documentation. Financial 
statements used to support any evaluation criteria will not count as 
part of the 35 page limit.
    8. Verification of Matching Funds. You must furnish a copy of a 
bank statement if matching funds are in cash or a copy of the confirmed 
funding commitment from the funding source. If an in-kind match is 
included, so state and provide verification of all commitments and how 
those commitments are valued. Matching funds (in-kind and cash) must be 
included on the SF-424 and SF-424A application forms. Applicants must 
certify that matching funds will be available at the same time grant 
funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent 
at the same rate as grant funds throughout the duration of the project. 
Other Federal grant funds cannot be used as matching funds.

Grant Amounts

    The amount of funds available for VADG grants in FY 2003 is $27.7 
million. The actual number of grants funded will depend on the quality 
of proposals received and the amount of funding requested. The maximum 
amount of Federal funds awarded for any one proposal will be $500,000. 
However, priority points will be given to grant requests of less than 
the maximum.

Number of Awards

    No one applicant can receive more than one grant for any one 
purpose. An applicant cannot receive a grant for planning activities 
and a grant for working capital.

Eligible Grant and Matching Funds Uses

    Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent of the costs for 
carrying out relevant projects. Grant funds and the applicant's 
matching funds must be spent at approximately the same rate. The 
applicant's matching contribution in cash or in-kind must be in 
accordance with applicable provisions of 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.
    For planning projects, grant and the recipient's matching funds may 
be used for, but are not limited to, hiring personnel including 
lawyers, accountants and other qualified consultants associated with 
the following purposes:
    1. Conducting a feasibility analysis of a proposed value-added 
venture to help determine the potential success of the venture;
    2. Developing a business operations plan that provides 
comprehensive details on the management, planning, and other 
operational aspects of a proposed venture;
    3. Developing a business marketing plan for the proposed value-
added product or products including the identification of a market 
window, the identification of potential buyers, a description of the 
distribution system, and possible promotional campaigns; or

[[Page 52569]]

    4. Obtaining legal advice and assistance related to the proposed 
venture.
    For working capital projects, grant and recipient's matching funds 
may be used to establish a working capital account to fund operations. 
Funds from this account can be used for, but are not limited to:
    1. Hiring an attorney to provide legal advice and to draft articles 
of incorporation, bylaws, and other legal documents related to the 
proposed venture;
    2. Hiring a Certified Public Accountant or other qualified 
individuals to design an accounting system for the proposed venture; or
    3. Paying salaries, utilities, and other operating costs; financing 
inventories; purchasing office equipment, computers, and supplies; and 
financing other related activities necessary to establish alliances or 
business ventures that allow producers to better compete in domestic or 
international markets for value-added products.

Ineligible Grant Uses

    Grant and matching funds cannot be used to:
    1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility (including a processing facility);
    2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment including mobile and 
other processing equipment;
    3. Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
    4. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture;
    5. Fund political or lobbying activities;
    6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this grant;
    7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019; and
    8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific 
physical facility.
    9. Grant and Matching funds cannot be used to pay any expenses 
related to the production of any commodity or product to which value 
will be added.

Methods for Evaluating and Ranking Applications

    State office personnel will initially review applications for 
eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this NOFA. Incomplete 
or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant and 
not evaluated further. If the submission deadline has not expired and 
time permits, ineligible applications will be returned to the 
applicants for possible revision. The State office will then conduct 
one review of all complete and eligible applications based on the 
selection criteria specified in the ``Evaluation Criteria'' section of 
this NOFA. The National office will then obtain two additional 
independent reviews. Points will be assigned based on the evaluation 
criteria. All scored applications will then be forwarded to the 
National Office, where the scoring will be reviewed and applications 
ranked. Applications will be listed in initial rank order and 
presented, along with funding level recommendations, to the 
Administrator of RBS, who will award the grants.

Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluations of proposals will be based on the following criteria. 
Failure to address any one of the following criteria will disqualify 
the application. All proposals must be in compliance with this NOFA and 
applicable statutes.
    Criteria for applications for Planning grants are:
    1. Nature of the Proposed Venture (Maximum 5 points). Describe in 
detail the proposed venture. This must include the value-added activity 
being proposed, the technology to be used and its availability, and 
examples of similar ventures. Discuss how the number of end-users for 
the product will be increased and how more revenue derived from the 
venture will be available to the producer-owners of the venture. Points 
will be awarded based on the greatest expansion of markets and 
increased returns to producers.
    2. Qualifications of Those Doing the Studies (Maximum 5 points). 
Describe the education and experience in performing the requested types 
of studies, and the success rate for those individuals. Points will be 
awarded based on demonstrated skills and a successful track record.
    3. Project Leadership (Maximum 5 points). Describe the individuals 
who are the members of the steering committee or the individual who is 
leading this effort; provide information on education, business 
experience, financial experience, knowledge of the venture to be 
undertaken, and other relevant information. Points will be based on 
demonstrated relevant leadership skills.
    4. Commitment (Maximum 5 points). Describe the level of producer 
commitment including the number of independent producers currently 
involved, the number of potential producers who could become involved, 
cash contributions and level of production from the producers. Describe 
the potential commitment of end-users of the value-added product to be 
produced including possible markets identified and potential buyers 
contacted. Describe the commitment from local and state development 
organizations, commodity associations, and local political institutions 
including technical assistance support and financial support. Higher 
producer commitment, higher end-user commitment, and higher local 
support will result in more points.
    5. Work Plan/Budget (Maximum 5 points). Discuss the specific tasks 
to be completed using grant and matching funds. Each task must be 
clearly defined and described in detail. The work plan must present the 
order the tasks will be undertaken and the estimated time for 
completing each task. If a group of producers want a feasibility study 
conducted and a business plan drafted, the details of these two tasks 
must be presented and discussed. The budget must present a detailed 
breakdown of estimated costs associated with the project and allocate 
these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken. Matching funds as 
well as grant funds must be accounted for in the budget. It is 
important that reviewers understand what is being proposed. Logical, 
realistic, and economically efficient plans and budgets will result in 
higher scores.
    6. Amount Requested. One half (\1/2\) point will be awarded for 
grant requests between $450,000 and $350,001, one (1) point will be 
awarded for grant requests between $350,000 and $250,001, one and one 
half (1\1/2\) points will be awarded to grant requests between $250,000 
and $150,001, two (2) points will be awarded for grant requests of 
$150,000 or less.
    7. Project cost per producer that are owners (Maximum 5 points). 
Calculated by dividing the Federal requested funds by the total number 
of producers that are owners of the venture. Points will be based on 
the largest number of producers that are owners benefited for the least 
cost.
    8. For those applications proposing ventures that focus on the 
Presidential initiative of biomass production, five percent of the 
total score of the above seven criteria will be added to calculate the 
final score. For example, if an application is proposing to do a bio-
energy project and scores a total of 30 points on criteria one through 
seven, 1.5 additional points (30 x .05) will be added making the final 
score 31.5.
    Administrator priority points--Up to five (5) additional points may 
be awarded by the Administrator of RBS to recognize innovative 
technologies, insure geographic distribution of grants, or encourage 
value-added projects in under-served areas.

[[Page 52570]]

    Criteria for applications for Working Capital are:
    1. Business Viability (Maximum 5 points). Describe in detail the 
technical and economic feasibility of the venture. This includes the 
organizational structure and operational aspects of the venture. 
Discuss how the venture will operate efficiently and be sustainable. 
More points will be awarded to those proposals demonstrating the 
venture will be efficient and sustainable.
    2. Customer Base/Increased Returns (Maximum 5 points). Describe in 
detail how the customer base for the product being produced will expand 
because of the value-added venture. Provide documented estimates of 
this expansion. Describe in detail how a greater portion of the revenue 
derived from the venture will be returned to the producers that are 
owners of the venture. Provide 3 years of pro forma financial 
statements, including an explanation of all assumptions such as input 
prices, finished product prices, and other economic factors used to 
generate the financial statements. The financial statements must 
include cash flow statements, income statements, and balance sheets. 
Income statements and cash flow statements must be monthly for the 
first year, then annual for the next two years. The balance sheet 
should be annual for all three years. The financial statements will not 
count as part of the 35 page limit for the narrative section of the 
proposal. More points will be awarded to those proposals that 
demonstrate the greatest expansion of the customer base and increased 
returns to producers.
    3. Commitment (Maximum 5 points). Describe in detail producer 
commitment to the venture including the number of independent 
agricultural producers who will participate in the venture and their 
total level of production; financial resources invested in the venture; 
and any contracts used between the producer that are owners and the 
venture. Discuss the amount of funds raised from the independent 
producer that are owners and the use of those funds. Also describe who 
will purchase the output of the venture; the amount of output to be 
purchased; markets that have been identified and any completed 
marketing studies; and any letters of intent or contracts from the 
potential end-users. Describe the commitment from local and state 
development organizations, commodity associations, and local political 
institutions including technical assistance support and financial 
support. Do not submit specific contracts, letters of intent, or other 
supporting documents at this time. However, be sure to cite their 
existence when addressing this criterion. Points will be awarded based 
on the greatest level of documented commitment.
    4. Management Team/Work Force (Maximum 5 points). Describe in 
detail the qualifications of the individuals who will manage and 
operate the venture. Discuss the education and experience of the 
management team, especially their experience in managing similar 
ventures. Describe in detail the availability and quality of the labor 
force needed to operate the value-added venture. Points will be awarded 
based on the greatest demonstrated level of relevant skills and 
experience.
    5. Work Plan/Budget (Maximum 5 points). Discuss the specific tasks 
to be completed using grant and matching funds. Each task must be 
clearly defined and described in detail. The work plan must present the 
order the tasks will be undertaken and the estimated time for 
completing each task. The budget must present a detailed breakdown of 
estimated costs associated with the project and allocate these costs to 
each of the tasks to be undertaken. Matching funds as well as grant 
funds must be accounted for in the budget. It is important that 
reviewers understand what is being proposed. Logical, realistic, and 
economically efficient plans and budgets will result in higher scores.
    6. Amount Requested. One half (\1/2\) point will be awarded for 
grant requests between $450,000 and $350,001, one (1) point will be 
awarded for grant requests between $350,000 and $250,001, one and one 
half (1\1/2\) points will be awarded to grant requests between $250,000 
and $150,001, two (2) points will be awarded for grant requests of 
$150,000 or less.
    7. Project cost per producer that are owners (Maximum 5 points). 
Calculated by dividing the Federal requested funds by the total number 
of independent producers that are owners of the venture. Points will be 
based on the largest number of producers that are owners benefited for 
the least cost.
    8. For those applications proposing ventures that focus on the 
Presidential initiative of biomass production, five percent of the 
total score of the above seven criteria will be added to calculate the 
final score. For example, if an application is proposing to do a bio-
energy project and scores a total of 30 points on criteria one through 
seven, 1.5 additional points (30 x .05) will added making the final 
score 31.5.
    Administrator priority points--Up to five (5) points may be awarded 
by the Administrator of RBS to recognize innovative technologies, to 
insure geographic distribution of grants, or to encourage value-added 
projects in under-served areas.
    Copies of the score sheets will be posted on the VADG program's Web 
site.

What and Where To Submit

    The Agency is strongly encouraging the electronic submission of 
proposals to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. 
Electronic submissions must be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Rich 
Text Format (RTF), or Portable Document Format (PDF). If proposals are 
electronically submitted, signed paper copies of the three required 
forms, SF-424 ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' SF-424A ``Budget 
Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' and SF-424B ``Assurances--
Non-Construction Programs,'' need to be mailed to the state office. For 
strictly a paper submission, an original and two copies of the 
proposal, with all required forms, must be submitted in one package to 
the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. Do not submit any 
feasibility studies, marketing plans, or business plans at this time. 
Please refer to the list above for the address and e-mail of your State 
Office. Applications sent by facsimile will not be accepted.

When To Submit

    The deadline for receipt of all applications is [Insert 45 days 
after publication in the Federal Register]. The Agency will not 
consider any application received after the deadline.

Grantee Requirements

    Grantees will be required to do the following:
    1. Sign a Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant 
Agreement similar to the one published at the end of this NOFA.
    2. Sign required Federal grant-making forms including Form AD-1047, 
``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other 
Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions;'' Form AD-1048, 
``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions;'' Form AD-1949, 
``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 
(Grants);'' and Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).''
    3. If the grant and matching funds are to be used as working 
capital, submit a feasibility study and business plan demonstrating the 
new venture is feasible and likely to be economically sustainable. 
These documents are to be

[[Page 52571]]

submitted to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. The 
plans must include 3 years of pro forma financial statements, including 
an explanation of assumptions used to generate the financial 
statements. The financial statements must include cash flow statements, 
income statements, and balance sheets. Income statements and cash flow 
statements must be monthly for the first year, then annual for the next 
two years. The balance sheet should be annual for all three years. 
These studies are not to be submitted with the application. No funds 
will be released until these documents have been received and approved.
    4. If requested by the USDA Rural Development State Office, submit 
copies of any contracts, letters of intent, or other documents cited in 
addressing any of the various ``evaluation criteria''. If such a 
request is made, no funds will be released until those documents have 
been received and approved.
    5. Use Standard Form 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'' 
to request advances and reimbursements. Requests are to be submitted on 
a monthly basis.
    6. Submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and list 
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. Reports are due by April 30 and October 30 after the 
grant is awarded.
    7. Submit semi-annual performance reports which compare 
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not 
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect 
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting 
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use 
of awarded funds.
    8. Upon completion of each task outlined in the proposal, grant 
recipients will deliver the results of the study or activity to the 
appropriate state office, accompanied by all applicable supporting 
data. These include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies, 
marketing plans, business plans, articles of incorporation and bylaws, 
and an accounting of how working capital funds were spent. All items 
delivered to the state offices will be held in confidence to the extent 
permitted by law.
    9. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the 
Agency.
    10. Collect and maintain data on race, sex, and national origin of 
Grantee's membership/ownership.
    11. Submit a final project performance report.

Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals 
considered for review and to grants awarded. These include but are not 
limited to:
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted 
Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
    7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
    7 CFR part 3017--Government wide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and Government wide 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 
Non-Profit Organizations; and
    7 CFR part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The reporting requirements contained in this notice have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control 
Number 0570-0039.

    Dated: August 28, 2003.
John Rosso,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service
Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant Agreement 
(VADG)

    This Grant Agreement (Agreement) dated --------------------, 
between -------------------- (Grantee), and the United States of 
America, acting through the Rural Business-Cooperative Service of 
the Department of Agriculture (Grantor), for $-------------------- 
in grant funds under the VADG program, delineates the agreement of 
the parties.
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the grant;
    The parties agree that:
    1. All the terms and provisions of the VADG NOFA and application 
submitted by the Grantee for this VADG grant, including any 
attachments or amendments, are incorporated and included as part of 
this Agreement. Any changes to these documents or this agreement 
must be approved in writing by the Grantor.
    2. As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that 
it is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the 
Agreement with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, 
and other generally applicable requirements, including those 
contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this 
agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are 
specifically contained herein. The Grantee will comply with title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act of 1973, and Executive Order 12250.
    3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal 
Assistance Regulations'' and part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations,'' as 
applicable are incorporated herein and made a part hereof by 
reference.
    FURTHER, the Grantee agrees that it will:
    1. Not use grant funds or matching funds to plan, repair, 
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility 
(including a processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install 
fixed equipment.
    2. Use Grant Funds and matching funds only for the purposes and 
activities specified in the proposal approved by the Agency 
including the approved budget. Any uses not provided for in the 
approved budget must be approved in writing by the Agency in advance 
of obligation by the Grantor.
    3. Submit a feasibility study, business operations plans, and 
other studies and plans required by the Grantor if any part of the 
grant will be used to establish a working capital account.
    4. Deliver the results of a 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, and accounting of how working capital funds were spent. All 
items delivered to the Grantor will be held in confidence to the 
extent provided by law.
    5. Request any cash advances in the minimum amount needed and 
timed to the actual, immediate cash requirements for carrying out 
the grant purpose. Standard Form 270, ``Request for Advance or 
Reimbursement,'' will be used for this purpose.
    6. Submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and 
list expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a 
semi-annual basis. Reports are due by April 30 and October 30 after 
the grant is awarded.
    7. Provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A 
financial status report and a project performance report will be 
required on a semi-annual basis (due April 30 and October 30). The 
financial status report must show how grant funds and matching funds 
have been used to date and project the funds needed and their 
purposes for the next quarter. 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 reports 
shall include the following:
    a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period.

[[Page 52572]]

    b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if 
applicable.
    c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which 
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent 
meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of 
particular objectives during established time periods. This 
disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken 
or planned to resolve the situation.
    d. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period.
    e. The final report will also address the following:
    (i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    (ii) What advice you would give to other organizations planning 
a similar program. These should include strengths and limitations of 
the program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done 
differently?
    (iii) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the 
grantee should describe their program in detail so that other 
organizations might consider replication in their areas.
    8. Collect and maintain data on race, sex, and national origin 
of Grantee's membership/ownership.
    9. Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
    a. Records that identify adequately the source and application 
of funds for grant-supported activities. Those records shall contain 
information pertaining to grant awards and authorizations, 
obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and 
income.
    b. Effective control over and accountability for all funds, 
property, and other assets. Grantees shall adequately safeguard all 
such assets and shall ensure that they are used solely for 
authorized purposes.
    c. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
    d. Grantee tracking of fund usage and records that show matching 
funds and grant funds are used in equal proportions. The grantee 
will provide verifiable documentation regarding matching fund usage, 
i.e., bank statements or copies of funding obligations from the 
matching source.
    10. Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical 
records, and all other records pertinent to the grant 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.
    11. Not encumber, transfer or dispose of the equipment or any 
part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Grantor funds without 
the written consent of the Grantor.
    12. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have 
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources 
(public or private).
    Grantor agrees to make available to Grantee for the purpose of 
this Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant Funds. The 
funds will be reimbursed or advanced based on submission of Standard 
Form 270.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has this day authorized and caused 
this Agreement to be executed by--

Attest

 By--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantee)

 (Title)---------------------------------------------------------------
United States of America
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
 By--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor) (Name) (Title)

[FR Doc. 03-22506 Filed 9-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P