[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 240 (Monday, December 15, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69649-69658]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30862]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Rural Cooperative Home-Based Health Care Demonstration Program

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This Notice announces the availability of $1 million of grant 
funds through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Home-
Based Health Care Demonstration Program through the Rural Housing 
Service (RHS), herein referred to as the Agency, USDA. These grant 
funds are split into two forms: Pre-development grants and revolving 
loan grants. The pre-development grants will not exceed $50,000 each 
and will be made to qualified public bodies or nonprofit organizations 
to establish a home health care cooperative. The revolving loan grants 
will be made to qualified nonprofit or public organizations that will 
provide start-up funds and technical assistance to pre-planning grant 
recipients and home health care cooperatives established through this 
program. The intermediary recipients for the revolving loan funds will 
be required to provide matching funds at least equal to the grant funds 
awarded. This is a demonstration project intended to result in the 
establishment and operation of home-based health care cooperatives. As 
such, pre-development grants will be linked with a revolving loan 
grant, to the same community, in order that the full operation of the 
cooperative will occur. This Notice lists the information needed to 
submit an application for these funds.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of an application is 4 p.m. e.s.t. on 
February 13, 2004. The application date and hour are firm. The Agency 
will not consider any application received after the deadline.

ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the 
application requirements delineated in this notice from the RCDI Web 
site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. Applicants may also 
request application packages from: Stephen Wetherbee, Rural Housing 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0787, Washington, DC 
20250-0787, Telephone: (202) 720-1503, E-mail: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Wetherbee, Senior Loan 
Specialist, Community Programs, RHS, USDA, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0787, Telephone: (202) 720-1503, 
Facsimile (202) 690-0471, E-mail: [email protected]. You may 
also obtain information from the RCDI Web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Programs Affected

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under Number 10.446. This program is not subject to the 
provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental 
consultation with State and local officials.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB must 
approve all ``collection of information'' by the Rural Housing Service. 
The Act defines ``collection of information: as a requirement for 
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements 
imposed on ten or more persons * * *.'' (44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A).) Because 
this NOFA will receive less than 10 respondents, the Paperwork 
Reduction Act does not apply.

Background

    Congress created the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) 
Rural Cooperative Home-Based Health Care demonstration project in 
fiscal year 2003 with an appropriation of $1 million under the Rural 
Community Advancement Program. These funds are to be used solely to 
develop and establish home-based health care cooperatives. Pre-
development grants, not to exceed $50,000 each, will be made available 
to qualified public bodies or nonprofit-based community development 
organizations. Revolving loan grants will be made available to 
qualified public or nonprofit intermediary organizations (including 
tribal) proposing to carry out a program of financial and technical 
assistance.

[[Page 69650]]

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    This program has been reviewed under the agency's environmental 
regulations. It has been determined that the provision of financial 
assistance for these types of grants are properly designated as 
categorical exclusions, which require no further documentation. This is 
based upon the finding that the purposes of these grants do not 
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect upon the human 
environment. Therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an 
environmental impact statement is required.

Definitions for RCDI Purposes

    Agency--the Rural Housing Service (RHS) or its successor.
    Beneficiary--home-based health care cooperatives that receive 
benefits from assistance provided by the recipient.
    Capacity--the ability of a recipient organization to provide pre-
development planning services, manage revolving loan funds, or provide 
technical assistance towards establishing home-based health care 
cooperatives.
    Cooperative--incorporated associations, at least 51 percent of 
whose members are rural residents having one vote each, that conduct 
such operations as producing, purchasing, marketing, processing, or 
other activities aimed at improving the income of their members as 
producers or their purchasing power as consumers.
    Federally recognized tribes--tribal entities recognized and 
eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
based on the notice in the Federal Register published on March 13, 
2000, volume 65, number 49, page 13298.
    Financial assistance--funds used by the recipient to pay for the 
start-up cost of the home-based health care cooperative. Funds that the 
recipient lends to the beneficiary home-based health care cooperative 
for eligible home-based health care cooperative demonstration project 
purposes.
    Fund--the Home-Based Health Care Demonstration Program grant.
    Intermediary--a qualified private nonprofit or public (including 
tribal) organization recipient for the revolving loan grant that 
provides technical assistance to the pre-planning grant recipient. The 
intermediary will also provide financial and technical assistance to 
the home-based health care cooperative(s) formed through this program.
    Matching Funds--cash or confirmed funding commitments. Matching 
funds must be at least equal to the grant amount. These funds can only 
be used for eligible home-based health care cooperative demonstration 
grant purposes. In-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds. 
Matching funds must be committed prior to release of RCDI Rural 
Cooperative Home-Based Health Care grant funds to the revolving loan 
grant recipient.
    Nonprofit organization--a private, community-based development 
entity with a valid letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 
designating their tax exempt status.
    Recipient--a public or community development based nonprofit 
organization receiving pre-development grant funds or a public or 
private non-profit intermediary organization receiving revolving loan 
grant funds for the establishment of a home-based health care 
cooperative.
    Revolved funds--the cash portion of a revolving loan fund that is 
not composed of Agency revolving loan grant funds, including funds that 
are repayments of loans to the home-based health care cooperatives from 
the revolving loan grant funds, including fees and interest collected 
on such loans. Revolved funds shall not be considered Federal funds.
    Revolving fund--a group of assets obtained through, or related to, 
an Agency revolving loan grant and recorded by the recipient in a 
bookkeeping account, or set of accounts, and accounted for, along with 
related liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as an entity or enterprise 
separate from the recipient's other assets or financial activities.
    Rural and rural area--a city, town, or unincorporated area that has 
a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less, other than urbanized areas 
immediately adjacent to a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a 
population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants. Urbanized area data will be 
based on the 2000 census.
    Technical assistance--skilled help in improving the beneficiary's 
abilities in the areas of establishment and operation of a cooperative 
and home-based health care service. The Agency will determine whether a 
specific activity qualifies as technical assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

    1. The recipient for the pre-planning grant and the beneficiary 
cooperative, but not the revolving loan grant recipient, must be 
located in an eligible rural area. The applicable Rural Development 
State Office can assist in determining the eligibility of an area. A 
listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in this notice.
    2. The recipient for the pre-development grants must be a nonprofit 
community development based organization, or qualified public bodies. 
The recipient for the revolving loan grant funds must be nonprofit 
organizations or public bodies, including federally recognized tribes, 
based on the RCDI definitions of these groups.
    3. Documentation must be submitted to verify recipient eligibility. 
Acceptable documentation varies depending on the type of recipient. A 
letter from the IRS verifying tax exempt status, or valid evidence that 
the entity is a public body, is required for nonprofit recipients. For 
federally recognized tribes, the Agency requires the page listing their 
name from the current Federal Register list of tribal entities 
recognized and eligible for funding services (see the definition of 
federally recognized tribes for details on this list).
    4. Individuals cannot be recipients.
    5. The revolving loan grant recipient must provide a program of 
technical assistance to the pre-planning grant recipient and financial 
and technical assistance to the beneficiary cooperative.
    6. The intermediary must provide matching funds at least equal to 
the amount of the grant.
    7. The revolving loan grant recipient organization must have at 
least 3 years prior experience working with cooperatives.
    8. Proposals must be structured to utilize the grant funds within 1 
year from the date of the award (this time requirement can be extended 
with the concurrence of the agency).
    9. The recipient for the pre-development grant cannot be the same 
as the recipient for the revolving loan grant. Pre-development grants 
must be made to local public bodies or nonprofit groups located in the 
community to be served by the home-based health care cooperative. 
Revolving loan grants can be made to nonprofit or public bodies that 
are not located in the community where the cooperative is located, but 
who have the capacity to provide the required financial and technical 
services locally.
    10. A nonprofit entity must already have a determination of tax-
exempt status letter from the IRS when the recipient applies for the 
RCDI Rural Cooperative Home-Based Health Care Demonstration Program 
grant. Organizations with pending requests for this designation are not 
considered eligible.

[[Page 69651]]

Eligible Fund Uses

    Fund uses must be consistent with the RCDI Home-Based Health Care 
Cooperative Demonstration Program purpose (see ``Background'' section 
of this notice). Pre-planning grant funds will be used to retain a 
demonstration project organizer to accomplish the following:
    1. Provide outreach to home-based health care providers, and assess 
worker needs,
    2. Work with local level human service providers,
    3. Build community support among those who have contact with the 
elderly (social workers, physicians, pharmacists, clergy, hospitals, 
hospice, meals on wheels, etc.),
    4. Select and train membership for the steering committee,
    5. Conduct a survey of potential members,
    6. Analyze market for home-based health care services,
    7. Prepare a business plan,
    8. Assist in the incorporation of the cooperative,
    9. Assist the cooperative in the preparation and adoption of bylaws 
and the election of a board of directors, and
    10. Hire a local cooperative service administrator and set up 
office.
    At the conclusion of the work by the organizer, all planning 
elements should be in place for the formal creation of a home-based 
health care cooperative.
    Revolving loan grant funds will be used by the recipient 
organization to:
    1. Fund and administer a revolving loan program to provide start-up 
and operating funds to newly created home-based health care 
cooperatives.
    2. Provide technical assistance to pre-planning grant recipients 
and the home-based health care cooperatives, including development of 
financial plans for the cooperative, establishing the cooperative's 
financial records process, and providing follow-up as the cooperative 
progresses from implementation to full operation. A maximum of ten 
percent of the grant funds and matching funds may be used by the 
revolving loan grant recipient to provide technical assistance to the 
pre-planning grant recipient and the newly formed home based health 
care cooperative.

Ineligible Fund Uses

    1. Construction (in any form).
    2. Funding illegal activities.
    3. Funding a grant where there may be a conflict of interest, or an 
appearance of a conflict of interest, involving any action by the 
Agency.
    4. Paying obligations incurred before the beginning date, or after 
the ending date, of the grant agreement.
    5. Improvement or renovation of the recipient's office space or for 
the repair or maintenance of privately owned vehicles.
    6. Payment of the recipient's administrative costs or expenses.
    7. Any other purpose prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 
3019, as applicable.
    8. Funds cannot be used for recipient's general operating costs.

Interest Rates

    Interest rates charged by the recipient to the beneficiary 
cooperative on loans made from the revolving loan fund shall be 
negotiated by the recipient and the beneficiary cooperative. The rate 
should be the lowest rate sufficient to cover the loan's proportional 
share of the revolving fund's debt service and administrative costs. 
Rural Development reserves the right to review the interest rate being 
charged.
    Any cash in the revolving fund from any source that is not needed 
for servicing or administrative costs must be available for additional 
loans to beneficiary home health care cooperatives.

Application Selection Process

    Rating and ranking. Applications will be rated and ranked by a 
review panel based on the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' contained 
in this Notice. If there is a tied score after the applications have 
been rated and ranked, the tie will be resolved by reviewing the scores 
for ``Capacity.'' The applicant with the highest score in that category 
will receive a higher ranking. If the scores for Capacity are the same, 
the scores will be compared for the next criterion, in sequential 
order, until one highest score can be determined.
    Initial screening. The Agency will screen each application to 
determine eligibility during the period immediately following the 
application deadline. Listed below are many of the reasons for 
rejection to help prospective applicants prepare a better application. 
The following reasons for rejection are not all inclusive; however, 
they represent the majority of the applications previously rejected by 
the RCDI program.
    1. Applicants for the pre-planning grants are not located in 
eligible rural areas based on the definition in this Notice.
    2. Applicants failed to provide required evidence of recipient's 
status, i.e., documentation supporting nonprofit designation.
    3. Applicants are individuals.
    4. Applicants failed to address the Evaluation Criteria and were 
unable to compete.
    5. The purpose of the proposal did not qualify as an eligible RCDI 
project purpose.
    6. Funds are intended to be used for construction.
    7. Financial and technical assistance is being provided directly to 
individuals.
    The State Office will review their copy of the application and 
provide the State Director's written comments and recommendations to 
the National Office.

Evaluation Criteria and Weights--Pre-Planning Grant

    This information should be presented in narrative form. 
Documentation must be limited to three pages per criterion.

1. Capacity--Maximum 60 Points

    The applicant for the pre-development planning grant must 
demonstrate how they will accomplish the required goals for the grant, 
including their experience in establishing a new organization, 
experience with the function and organization of cooperatives, 
experience in the community where the home-based health care 
cooperative will be established, experience in the health care services 
industry, and experience in working with diverse organizations in 
establishing set goals. All applications will be competitively ranked. 
The applications providing the most comprehensive information about 
establishing a new home-based health care cooperative will be ranked 
the highest.

2. Soundness of Approach--Maximum 50 Points

    The applicant can receive up to 50 points for soundness of 
approach. The overall proposal will be considered under this criterion.
    a. Has the applicant demonstrated their ability to provide the 
proposed financial and technical assistance based on prior 
accomplishments?
    b. A description that the basic elements for the establishment of a 
home health care cooperative are already available in the community 
where the services will be provided, i.e., a pool of home health care 
workers already in the area, demonstrated demand for these services, 
and the possible availability of a source of reliable income for the 
new cooperative.
    c. The proposed financial and technical assistance program is 
clearly stated and the applicant has defined

[[Page 69652]]

how this proposal will be implemented. The plan for implementation is 
viable.
    d. Cost effectiveness will be evaluated based on the budget in the 
application. The proposed grant amount should be utilized to maximize 
the capacity to establish home-based health care cooperatives.
    e. How closely the proposal fits the objectives for which 
applications were invited.

3. Innovative Approach--Maximum 20 Points

    The applicant must demonstrate that they have developed an 
innovative approach that can be used by other organizations as a model. 
To be considered innovative, the approach must propose an easily 
replicated new or useful service or method of providing home-based 
health care services. Points will be awarded to applications that have 
the highest score on the following factors:
    a. Ease of replication by home-based health care cooperatives,
    b. Uniqueness of proposal.

Evaluation Criteria and Weights--Revolving Loan Grant

    This information should be presented in narrative form. 
Documentation must be limited to three pages per criterion.

1. Capacity--Maximum 60 Points

    The applicant for the revolving loan grant must demonstrate their 
capacity to provide technical assistance to the pre-development 
planning grant recipient organizations and the newly established home-
based health care cooperative in the areas of organizing a cooperative, 
financial planning, financial management, recordkeeping, establishment 
of payroll systems, and determination of employee benefits. The 
applicant must also demonstrate the capacity to set up, administer, and 
maintain a revolving loan grant program. The applications will be 
competitively ranked with the applications providing the most 
comprehensive information about providing technical, financial, and 
revolving loan services being ranked the highest.

2. Soundness of Approach--Maximum 50 Points

    The overall proposal will be considered under this criterion.
    a. Has the applicant demonstrated their ability to provide the 
proposed financial and technical assistance based on prior 
accomplishments?
    b. The proposed financial and technical assistance program is 
clearly stated and the applicant has defined how this proposal will be 
implemented. The plan for implementation is viable.
    c. Cost effectiveness will be evaluated based on the budget in the 
application. The proposed grant amount should be utilized to maximize 
the capacity to establish home-based health care cooperatives.
    d. How closely the proposal fits the objectives for which 
applications were invited.

3. Experience With Cooperatives

    The applicant must document demonstrated expertise in understanding 
the unique structure of cooperatives, and provide indications of the 
organization's capability to assist a cooperative during the 
organizational and the critical start-up phase of their organization.

Program Requirements

    1. A Civil Rights Impact Analysis Certification must be completed 
by the Agency prior to grant approval.
    2. A pre-award compliance review will be conducted by the Agency 
prior to closing the grant.
    3. The recipient must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975, Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and 
Executive Order 12250.
    4. The grantee must comply with the applicable requirements of 7 
CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations''; part 3016, 
``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to State and Local Governments''; and part 3019, ``Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions 
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.''

Program Restrictions

    Meeting expenses. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1345, ``Expenses of 
Meetings,'' appropriations may not be used for travel, transportation, 
and subsistence expenses for a meeting. RCDI Home-Based Health Care 
Cooperative Demonstration Program grant funds cannot be used for these 
meeting-related expenses. RCDI funds may be used to pay for a speaker 
as part of a program, equipment to facilitate the program, and the 
actual room that will house the meeting. RCDI Home-Based Health Care 
Cooperative Demonstration Program funds can be used for travel, 
transportation, or subsistence expenses for training and technical 
assistance purposes. Any meeting or training not delineated in the 
application must be approved by the Agency to verify compliance with 31 
U.S.C. 1345. Travel and per diem expenses will be similar to those paid 
to Agency employees. Rates are based upon location. Rate information 
can be accessed on the Internet at http://policyworks.gov/perdiem. 
Grantees and recipients will be restricted to traveling coach class on 
common carrier airlines. Grantees and recipients may exceed the 
Government rate for lodging by a maximum of 20 percent. Meals and 
incidental expenses will be reimbursed at the same rate used by Agency 
employees. Mileage and gas reimbursement will be the same rate used by 
Agency employees. The current mileage and gas reimbursement rate is 
36.5 cents per mile.

Grantee Requirements

    Grantees will be required to do the following:
    1. Execute an RCDI Grant Agreement Rural Cooperative Home-Based 
Health Care Program Pre-Planning Grant Agreement or RCDI Community 
Development Initiative Grant Agreement Rural Cooperative Home-Based 
Health Care Demonstration Program Revolving Loan Grant Agreement 
(depending on which grant is being requested). Copies of these 
agreements are published at the end of this NOFA.
    2. Execute Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    3. Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' to 
request reimbursements.
    4. Provide financial status and project performance reports on a 
quarterly basis starting with the first full quarter after the grant 
award.
    5. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the 
Agency.
    6. Ensure that records are maintained to document all activities 
and expenditures utilizing RCDI Home-Based Health Care Cooperative 
Demonstration Program grant funds and matching funds. Receipts for 
expenditures will be included in this documentation.
    7. Provide annual audits or management reports on Forms RD 442-2, 
``Statement of Budget, Income, and Equity,'' and 442-3, ``Balance 
Sheet,'' or other similar financial reporting documents, that utilize 
generally accepted accounting practices, depending on the amount of 
Federal funds expended and the outstanding balance.
    8. Collect and maintain data provided by recipients on race, sex, 
and national origin, and ensure that their recipients collect and 
maintain the same data on their beneficiaries.
    9. Provide a final project performance report.

[[Page 69653]]

    10. Identify and report any association or relationship with Rural 
Development employees on a form provided by the Agency.
    11. Verify a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) number. A DUNS number may be received by calling the dedicated 
toll-free request line at 866-705-5711.

Contents of Application Package

    A complete application for RCDI Home-Based Health Care Cooperative 
Demonstration Program funds must include the following:
    1. A summary page listing the following items: (This information 
should be double-spaced between items and not in narrative form.)
    a. Applicant's name,
    b. Applicant's address,
    c. Applicant's telephone number,
    d. Name of applicant's contact person, telephone number, and e-mail 
address
    e. Applicant's fax number,
    f. County where applicant is located,
    g. Congressional district number where applicant is located,
    h. Amount of grant request,
    i. Number of recipients, and
    j. DUNS number.
    2. A detailed Table of Contents containing page numbers for each 
component of the application.
    3. Each of the Evaluation Criteria must be addressed specifically 
and individually by category. Present these criteria in narrative form. 
Documentation must be limited to three pages per criterion.
    4. A detailed project budget that includes the RCDI Home-Based 
Health Care Cooperative Demonstration Program grant amount and matching 
funds when applicable for the duration of the grant. This should be a 
line-item budget by category. Categories such as salaries, 
administrative, other, and indirect costs must be clearly defined. 
Supporting documentation listing the components of these categories 
must be included.
    5. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' (Do not 
complete Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information.'' A separate line-item 
budget should be presented as described in No. 4 of this section.)
    6. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    7. Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
    8. Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.''
    9. Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements.''
    10. Certification of Non-Lobbying Activities.
    11. Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if 
applicable.
    12. Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement,'' for the 
applicant and each recipient.
    13. Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement,'' for the applicant and 
each recipient.
    14. Identify and report any association or relationship with Rural 
Development employees.
    The required forms and certifications can be downloaded from the 
RCDI Web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm.

What and Where to Submit

    The original application package must be submitted to: Stephen 
Wetherbee, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0787. A copy of the application must be 
submitted to the Rural Development State Office where the applicant is 
located. A listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in 
this notice. Applications sent electronically or by facsimile will not 
be accepted.

When to Submit

    The deadline for receipt of an application is 4 p.m. eastern time 
on February 13, 2004. The application date and hour deadlines are firm 
and apply to submission of the original application to the National 
Office in Washington, DC. The Agency will not consider any application 
received after the deadline. A listing of Rural Development State 
Offices, their addresses, telephone numbers, and person to contact 
follows:

    Note: Telephone numbers listed are not toll-free.

    Alabama State Office, Suite 601, Sterling Centre, 4121 Carmichael 
Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3400, TDD (334) 279-3495, 
James B. Harris.
    Alaska State Office, 800 West Evergreen, suite 201, Palmer, AK 
99645, (907) 761-7705, TDD (907) 761-8905, Dean Stewart.
    Arizona State Office, Phoenix Corporate Center, 3003 N. Central 
Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2906, (602) 280-8700, TDD (602) 280-
8705, Leonard Gradillas.
    Arkansas State Office, 700 W. Capitol Ave., rm. 3416, Little Rock, 
AR 72201-3225, (501) 301-3200, TDD (501) 301-3279, Jesse Sharp.
    California State Office, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, Davis, CA 
95616-4169, (530) 792-5800, TDD (530) 792-5848, Janice Waddell.
    Colorado State Office, 655 Parfet Street, room E100, Lakewood, CO 
80215, (720) 544-2903, TDD (720) 544-2976, Leroy W. Cruz.
    Connecticut, Served by Massachusetts State Office.
    Delaware and Maryland State Office, 4607 South Dupont Highway, P.O. 
Box 400, Camden, DE 19934-0400, (302) 697-4300, TDD (302) 697-4303, 
James E. Waters.
    Florida & Virgin Islands State Office, 4440 NW. 25th Place, P.O. 
Box 147010, Gainesville, FL 32614-7010, (352) 338-3400, TDD (352) 338-
3499, Janet Droz (Acting).
    Georgia State Office, Stephens Federal Building, 355 E. Hancock 
Avenue, Athens, GA 30601-2768, (706) 546-2162, TDD (706) 546-2034, 
Jerry M. Thomas.
    Guam, Served by Hawaii State Office.
    Hawaii, Guam, & Western Pacific Territories State Office, Room 311, 
Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 933-
8309, TDD (808) 933-8380, Thao Khamoui.
    Idaho State Office, 9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite A1, Boise, ID 
83709, (208) 378-5600, TDD (208) 378-5644, Daniel H. Fraser.
    Illinois State Office, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 
61821, (217) 403-6200, TDD (217) 403-6240, Gerald A. Townsend.
    Indiana State Office, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 
46278, (317) 290-3100, TDD (317) 290-3343, Gregg Delp.
    Iowa State Office, 873 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des 
Moines, IA 50309, (515) 284-4663, TDD (515) 284-4858, Dorman Otte.
    Kansas State Office, 1303 SW First American Place, suite 100, 
Topeka, KS 66604-4040, (785) 271-2700, TDD (785) 271-2767, Gary L. 
Smith.
    Kentucky State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, suite 200, Lexington, 
KY 40503, (859) 224-7300, TDD (606) 224-7422, Vernon Brown.
    Louisiana State Office, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 
71302, (318) 473-7920, TDD (318) 473-7655, Danny H. Magee.
    Maine State Office, 967 Illinois Ave., suite 4, PO Box 405, Bangor, 
ME 04402-0405, (207) 990-9106, TDD (207) 942-7331, Alan C. Daigle.
    Maryland, Served by Delaware State Office.
    Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Rhode Island State Office, 451 West 
Street, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-4300, TDD (413) 253-7068, Daniel 
R. Beaudette.

[[Page 69654]]

    Michigan State Office, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, 
MI 48823, (517) 324-5100, TDD (517) 337-6795, Philip H. Wolak.
    Minnesota State Office, 410 AgriBank Building, 375 Jackson Street, 
St. Paul, MN 55101-1853, (651) 602-7800, TDD (651) 602-3799.
    Mississippi State Office, Federal Building, suite 831, 100 W. 
Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-4316, TDD (601) 965-5850, 
Darnella Smith-Murray.
    Missouri State Office, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, 
suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-0976, TDD (573) 876-9480, D. 
Clark Thomas.
    Montana State Office, 900 Technology Blvd., suite B, Bozeman, MT 
59715, (406) 585-2530, TDD (406) 585-2562, Deborah Chorlton.
    Nebraska State Office, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial 
Mall N., Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5551, TDD (402) 437-5093, Denise 
Brosius-Meeks.
    Nevada State Office, 1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 
89703-9910, (775) 887-1222, TDD (775) 885-0633, Mike Holm.
    New Hampshire State Office, Concord Center, suite 218, Box 317, 10 
Ferry Street, Concord, NH 03301-5004, (603) 223-6037, TDD (603) 223-
6083, William W. Konrad.
    New Jersey State Office, 8000 Midlantic Drive, 5th Floor North, 
suite 500, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 787-7700, Michael P. Kelsey.
    New Mexico State Office, 6200 Jefferson St., NE., room 255, 
Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 761-4950, TDD (505) 761-4938, Clyde F. 
Hudson.
    New York State Office, The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina 
Street, suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202-2541, (315) 477-6400, TDD (315) 
477-6447, Gail Giannotta.
    North Carolina State Office, 4405 Bland Road, suite 260, Raleigh, 
NC 27609, (919) 873-2000, TDD (919) 873-2003, Phyllis Godbold.
    North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, room 208, 220 East 
Rosser, P.O. Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 530-2037, TDD (701) 
530-2113, Donald Warren.
    Ohio State Office, Federal Building, room 507, 200 North High 
Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2418, (614) 255-2400, TDD (614) 255-2554, 
David M. Douglas.
    Oklahoma State Office, 100 USDA, suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-
2654, (405) 742-1000, TDD (405) 742-1007, Michael W. Schrammel.
    Oregon State Office, 101 SW., Main, suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-
3222, (503) 414-3300, TDD (503) 414-3387, Joe Sahlfeld (Acting).
    Pennsylvania State Office, One Credit Union Place, suite 330, 
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, (717) 237-2299, TDD (717) 237-2261, Gary 
Rothrock.
    Puerto Rico State Office, IBM Building--suite 601, 654 Munos Rivera 
Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918-6106, (787) 766-5095, TDD (787) 766-5332, 
Pedro Gomez.
    Rhode Island, served by Massachusetts State Office.
    South Carolina State Office, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 
Assembly Street, room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 765-5163, TDD 
(803) 765-5697, Larry D. Floyd.
    South Dakota State Office, Federal Building, room 210, 200 Fourth 
Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1100, TDD (605) 352-1147, Roger 
Hazuka.
    Tennessee State Office, suite 300, 3322 West End Avenue, Nashville, 
TN 37203-1084, (615) 783-1300, TDD (615) 783-1397, Keith Head.
    Texas State Office, Federal Building, suite 102, 101 South Main, 
Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9700, TDD (254) 742-9712, Francesco 
Valentin.
    Utah State Office, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, P.O. Box 
11350, 125 S. State Street, room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84147-0350, 
(801) 524-4320, TDD (801) 524-3309, Bonnie Carrig.
    Vermont State Office, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, 
Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 828-6000, TDD (802) 223-6365, Rhonda 
Shippee.
    Virgin Islands, served by Florida State Office.
    Virginia State Office, Culpeper Building, suite 238, 1606 Santa 
Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287-1550, TDD (804) 287-1753, 
Carrie Schmidt.
    Washington State Office, suite B, 1835 Black Lake Boulevard, SW., 
Olympia, WA 98512-5715, (360) 704-7740, TDD (360) 704-7760, Sandi 
Boughton.
    Western Pacific Territories, served by Hawaii State Office.
    West Virginia State Office, Federal Building, 75 High Street, room 
320, Morgantown, WV 26505-7500, (304) 284-4860, TDD (304) 284-4836, 
Dianne Crysler.
    Wisconsin State Office, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 
54481, (715) 345-7600, TDD (715) 345-7614, Mark Brodziski.
    Wyoming State Office, 100 East B, Federal Building, room 1005, P.O. 
Box 820, Casper, WY 82602, (307) 261-6300, TDD (307) 261-6333, Jack 
Hyde.

    Dated: December 1, 2003.
Arthur A. Garcia,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Housing Service

Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Agreement

Rural Cooperative Home-Based Health Care Demonstration Program

Pre-Planning Grant

THIS GRANT AGREEMENT (Agreement), effective the date the Agency 
official signs the document, is a contract for receipt of grant funds 
under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI). BETWEEN-------

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

a private or public or tribal organization, (Grantee or Intermediary) 
and the United States of America acting through the Rural Housing 
Service (the Agency), Department of Agriculture, (Grantor), for the 
benefit of recipients listed in Grantee's application for the grant.

    WITNESSETH:
    The principal amount of the grant is $---------- (Grant Funds). The 
Grantee and Grantor will execute Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for 
Obligation of Funds.'' Grantee will provide a program of 
organizational, and technical assistance to organize a home health care 
cooperative.
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of said grant; According to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to 
a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 
number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 
0575-0180. The time required to complete this information collection is 
estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of 
information.

    Grantee agrees that Grantee will:
    A. Provide the initial organizing effort and technical assistance 
in establishing a home health care cooperative in accordance with the 
proposal outlined in the application, (see Attachment A), the terms of 
which are incorporated with this NOFA and Agreement and must be adhered 
to. Any changes to the approved program of financial technical 
assistance must be approved in writing by the Grantor;
    B. Use Grant Funds only for the purposes and activities specified 
in the application package approved by the

[[Page 69655]]

Agency, including the approved budget. Any uses not provided for in the 
approved budget must be approved in writing by the Agency in advance;
    C. Charge expenses for travel and per diem that will not exceed the 
rates paid Agency employees for similar expenses. Grantees and 
recipients will be restricted to traveling coach class on common 
carrier airlines. Lodging rates may exceed the Government rate by a 
maximum of 20 percent. Meals and incidental expenses will be reimbursed 
at the same rate used by Agency employees, which is based upon 
location. Mileage and gas will be reimbursed at the existing Government 
rate. Rates can be accessed on the Internet at http://policyworks.gov/perdiem;
    D. Charge meeting expenses in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1345. Grant 
funds may not be used for travel, transportation, and subsistence 
expenses for a meeting. Any meeting or training not delineated in the 
application must be approved by the Agency to verify compliance with 31 
U.S.C. 1345.
    E. Request quarterly reimbursement for grant activities during the 
previous quarter. Reimbursement will be made on a pro rata basis with 
matching funds. Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' 
will be used to request reimbursement. A project performance report, in 
narrative form, and a financial report, reflecting the activities 
conducted, must accompany the request for reimbursement.
    F. Provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A financial 
status report and a project performance report will be required on a 
quarterly basis (due 15 working days after each calendar quarter). The 
financial status report must show how grant funds and matching funds 
have been used to date. A final report may serve as the last quarterly 
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, but 
are not limited to, the following:
    1. Describe the activities that the funds reflected in the 
financial status report were used for;
    2. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period;
    3. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable;
    4. 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;
    5. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period;
    6. A summary of the race, sex, and national origin of the 
recipients and a summary from the recipients of the race, sex, and 
national origin of the beneficiaries; and
    7. The final report will also address the following:
    (a) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    (b) What advice would you give to other organizations planning a 
similar program? Please include strengths and limitations of the 
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done 
differently?
    (c) Are there any post-grant plans for this project? If yes, how 
will they be financed?
    (d) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the grantee 
must describe their program in detail for replication by other 
organizations and communities.
    G. Consider potential recipients without discrimination as to race, 
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical 
or mental disability;
    H. Ensure that any services or training offered by the recipient, 
as a result of the financial and technical assistance received, will be 
made available to all persons in the recipient's service area without 
discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, 
marital status, or physical or mental disability at reasonable rates, 
including assessments, taxes, or fees. Programs and activities must be 
delivered from accessible locations. The recipient must ensure that 
where there are non-English speaking populations that materials are 
provided in the language that is spoken;
    I. Ensure recipients are required to place nondiscrimination 
statements in advertisements, notices, pamphlets, and brochures making 
the public aware of their services. The Grantee and recipient are 
required to provide widespread outreach and public notification in 
promoting any type of training or services that are available through 
grant funds;
    J. The Grantee must collect and maintain data on recipients by 
race, sex, and national origin. The grantee must ensure their 
recipients also collect and maintain data on beneficiaries by race, 
sex, and national origin as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 and must be provided to the Agency for compliance review 
purposes;
    K. Upon any default under its representations or agreements 
contained in this instrument, Grantee, at the option and demand of 
Grantor, will immediately repay to Grantor the Grant Funds with any 
legally permitted interest from the date of the default. Default by the 
Grantee will constitute termination of the grant thereby causing 
cancellation of Federal assistance under the grant. The provisions of 
this Agreement may be enforced by Grantor, at its option and without 
regard to prior waivers of this Agreement or by such other proceedings 
in law or equity, in either Federal or State courts as may be deemed 
necessary by Grantor to ensure compliance with the provisions of this 
Agreement and the laws and regulations under which this grant is made;
    L. Provide Financial Management Systems that will include:
    1. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial 
results of each grant. Financial reporting will be on an accrual basis;
    2. 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 related 
to Grant Funds and matching funds;
    3. 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;
    4. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
    M. 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 that are pertinent to the specific 
grant program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, 
and transcripts;
    N. Agree to account for and to return to Grantor interest earned on 
grant funds pending their disbursement for program purposes when the 
Grantee is a unit of local government. States and agencies or 
instrumentalities of a State

[[Page 69656]]

are not held accountable for interest earned on grant funds pending 
their disbursement;
    O. 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; and
    P. Not duplicate other program activities for which monies have 
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources 
(public or private).
    Grantor agrees that:
    A. It will make available to Grantee for the purpose of this 
Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant Funds.
    B. At its sole discretion and, at any time, may give any consent, 
deferment, subordination, release, satisfaction, or termination of any 
or all of Grantee's grant obligations, with or without valuable 
consideration, upon such terms and conditions as Grantor may determine 
to be:
    1. Advisable to further the purpose of the grant or to protect 
Grantor's financial interest therein; and
    2. Consistent with both the statutory purposes of the grant and the 
limitations of the statutory authority under which it is made.
    Both Parties Agree:
    A. Extensions of this grant agreement may be approved by the 
Agency, in writing, provided in the Agency's sole discretion the 
extension is justified and there is a likelihood that the grantee can 
accomplish the goals set out and approved in the application package 
during the extension period;
    B. The Grantor must approve any changes in recipient or recipient 
composition;
    C. The Grantor has agreed to give the Grantee the Grant Funds, 
subject to the terms and conditions established by the Grantor: 
Provided, however, That any Grant Funds actually disbursed and not 
needed for grant purposes be returned immediately to the Grantor. This 
agreement shall terminate 3 years from this date unless extended or 
unless terminated beforehand due to default on the part of the Grantee 
or for convenience of the Grantor and Grantee. The Grantor may 
terminate the grant in whole, or in part, at any time before the date 
of completion whenever it is determined that the Grantee has failed to 
comply with the conditions of this Agreement or the applicable 
regulations;
    D. 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, Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975, Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and 
Executive Order 12250;
    E. The Grantee will ensure that the recipients comply with title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Equal Credit Opportunity Act 
(ECOA) and Executive Order 12250. Each recipient must sign Form RD 400-
1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement'' and Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance 
Agreement'';
    F. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations,'' part 3016, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' or 
part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-profit Organizations,'' and the fiscal year 2003 ``Notice of Funds 
Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Rural Community 
Development Initiative (RCDI)'' are incorporated herein and made a part 
hereof by reference; and
    G. This Agreement may be terminated for cause in the event of 
default on the part of the Grantee or for convenience of the Grantor 
and Grantee prior to the date of completion of the grant purpose. 
Termination for convenience will occur when both the Grantee and 
Grantor agree that the continuation of the program will not produce 
beneficial results commensurate with the further expenditure of funds.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has this day authorized and caused this 
Agreement to be executed by
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Attest

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

 (Title)---------------------------------------------------------------

Date ----------
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
RURAL HOUSING SERVICE
 By--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor) (Name) (Title)

Date ----------

ATTACHMENT A

    [Application proposal submitted by grantee.]

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Housing Service

Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Agreement

Rural Cooperative Home-Based Health Care Demonstration Program

Revolving Loan Grant

 THIS GRANT AGREEMENT (Agreement), effective the date the Agency 
official signs the document, is a contract for receipt of grant funds 
under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI). BETWEEN-------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

a private or public or tribal organization, (Grantee or Intermediary) 
and the United States of America acting through the Rural Housing 
Service (the Agency), Department of Agriculture, (Grantor), for the 
benefit of recipients listed in Grantee's application for the grant.
    WITNESSETH:
    The principal amount of the grant is $------ (Grant Funds). 
Matching funds, in an amount equal to the grant funds, will be provided 
by Grantee. The Grantee and Grantor will execute Form RD 1940-1, 
``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    WHEREAS,
    Grantee will provide a program of financial and technical 
assistance to develop the capacity and ability of home health care 
cooperative organizations,
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of said grant;
    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this 
information collection is 0575-0180. The time required to complete this 
information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, 
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the 
collection of information.
    Grantee agrees that Grantee will:
    Q. Provide a program of financial and/or technical assistance in 
accordance with the proposal outlined in the application, (see 
Attachment A), the terms of which are incorporated with this NOFA and 
Agreement and must be adhered to. Any changes to the approved program 
of financial technical assistance must be approved in writing by the 
Grantor;
    R. Use Grant Funds only for the purposes and activities specified 
in the

[[Page 69657]]

application package 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;
    S. Charge expenses for travel and per diem that will not exceed the 
rates paid Agency employees for similar expenses. Grantees and 
recipients will be restricted to traveling coach class on common 
carrier airlines. Lodging rates may exceed the Government rate by a 
maximum of 20 percent. Meals and incidental expenses will be reimbursed 
at the same rate used by Agency employees, which is based upon 
location. Mileage and gas will be reimbursed at the existing Government 
rate. Rates can be accessed on the Internet at www.http://policyworks.gov/perdiem;
    T. Charge meeting expenses in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1345. Grant 
funds may not be used for travel, transportation, and subsistence 
expenses for a meeting. Any meeting or training not delineated in the 
application must be approved by the Agency to verify compliance with 31 
U.S.C. 1345.
    U. Request quarterly reimbursement for grant activities during the 
previous quarter. Reimbursement will be made on a pro rata basis with 
matching funds. Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' 
will be used to request reimbursement. A project performance report, in 
narrative form, and a financial report, reflecting the activities 
conducted, must accompany the request for reimbursement.
    V. Provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A financial 
status report and a project performance report will be required on a 
quarterly basis (due 15 working days after each calendar quarter). The 
financial status report must show how grant funds and matching funds 
have been used to date. A final report may serve as the last quarterly 
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, but 
are not limited to, the following:
    7. Describe the activities that the funds reflected in the 
financial status report were used for;
    8. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period;
    9. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable;
    10. Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that 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;
    11. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period;
    12. A summary of the race, sex, and national origin of the 
recipients and a summary from the recipients of the race, sex, and 
national origin of the beneficiaries; and
    7. The final report will also address the following:
    (e) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    (f) What advice would you give to other organizations planning a 
similar program? Please include strengths and limitations of the 
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done 
differently?
    (g) Are there any post-grant plans for this project? If yes, how 
will they be financed?
    (h) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the grantee 
must describe their program in detail for replication by other 
organizations and communities.
    W. Consider potential recipients without discrimination as to race, 
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical 
or mental disability;
    X. Ensure that any services or training offered by the recipient, 
as a result of the financial and technical assistance received, will be 
made available to all persons in the recipient's service area without 
discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, 
marital status, or physical or mental disability at reasonable rates, 
including assessments, taxes, or fees. Programs and activities must be 
delivered from accessible locations. The recipient must ensure that 
where there are non-English speaking populations that materials are 
provided in the language that is spoken;
    Y. Ensure recipients are required to place nondiscrimination 
statements in advertisements, notices, pamphlets, and brochures making 
the public aware of their services. The Grantee and recipient are 
required to provide widespread outreach and public notification in 
promoting any type of training or services that are available through 
grant funds;
    Z. The Grantee must collect and maintain data on recipients by 
race, sex, and national origin. The grantee must ensure that their 
recipients also collect and maintain data on beneficiaries by race, 
sex, and national origin as required by title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 and must be provided to the Agency for compliance review 
purposes;
    AA. Upon any default under its representations or agreements 
contained in this instrument, Grantee, at the option and demand of 
Grantor, will immediately repay to Grantor the Grant Funds with any 
legally permitted interest from the date of the default. Default by the 
Grantee will constitute termination of the grant thereby causing 
cancellation of Federal assistance under the grant. The provisions of 
this Agreement may be enforced by Grantor, at its option and without 
regard to prior waivers of this Agreement or by such other proceedings 
in law or equity, in either Federal or State courts as may be deemed 
necessary by Grantor to ensure compliance with the provisions of this 
Agreement and the laws and regulations under which this grant is made;
    BB. Provide Financial Management Systems that will include:
    4. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial 
results of each grant. Financial reporting will be on an accrual basis;
    5. 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 related 
to Grant Funds and matching funds;
    6. 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;
    4. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
    CC. 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 that are pertinent to the specific 
grant program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, 
and transcripts;
    DD. Provide an A-133 audit report if $300,000 or more of Federal 
funds are expended in a 1-year period. If Federal funds expended during 
a 1-year period are less than $300,000, and there is an

[[Page 69658]]

outstanding loan balance of $300,000 or more, an audit in accordance 
with generally accepted government auditing standards is required. If 
Federal funds expended during a 1-year period are less than $300,000, 
and there is an outstanding loan balance of less than $300,000, a 
management report may be submitted on Forms RD 442-2, ``Statement of 
Budget, Income and Equity,'' and 442-3, ``Balance Sheet'';
    EE. Agree to account for and to return to Grantor interest earned 
on grant funds pending their disbursement for program purposes when the 
Grantee is a unit of local government. States and agencies or 
instrumentalities of a State are not held accountable for interest 
earned on grant funds pending their disbursement;
    FF. 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; and
    GG. Not duplicate other program activities for which monies have 
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources 
(public or private).
    Grantor agrees that:
    C. It will make available to Grantee for the purpose of this 
Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant Funds.
    D. At its sole discretion, and at any time, may give any consent, 
deferment, subordination, release, satisfaction, or termination of any 
or all of Grantee's grant obligations, with or without valuable 
consideration, upon such terms and conditions as Grantor may determine 
to be:
    3. Advisable to further the purpose of the grant or to protect 
Grantor's financial interest therein; and
    4. Consistent with both the statutory purposes of the grant and the 
limitations of the statutory authority under which it is made.
    Both Parties Agree:
    H. Extensions of this grant agreement may be approved by the 
Agency, in writing, provided in the Agency's sole discretion the 
extension is justified and there is a likelihood that the grantee can 
accomplish the goals set out and approved in the application package 
during the extension period;
    I. The Grantor must approve any changes in recipient or recipient 
composition;
    J. The Grantor has agreed to give the Grantee the Grant Funds, 
subject to the terms and conditions established by the Grantor: 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That any Grant Funds actually disbursed and not 
needed for grant purposes be returned immediately to the Grantor. This 
agreement shall terminate 3 years from this date unless extended or 
unless terminated beforehand due to default on the part of the Grantee 
or for convenience of the Grantor and Grantee. The Grantor may 
terminate the grant in whole, or in part, at any time before the date 
of completion whenever it is determined that the Grantee has failed to 
comply with the conditions of this Agreement or the applicable 
regulations;
    K. 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, Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975, Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and 
Executive Order 12250;
    L. The Grantee will ensure that the recipients comply with Title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Equal Credit Opportunity Act 
(ECOA) and Executive Order 12250. Each recipient must sign Form RD 400-
1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement'' and Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance 
Agreement'';
    M. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations,'' part 3016, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' or 
part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-profit Organizations,'' and the fiscal year 2003 ``Notice of Funds 
Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Rural Community 
Development Initiative (RCDI)'' are incorporated herein and made a part 
hereof by reference; and
    N. This Agreement may be terminated for cause in the event of 
default on the part of the Grantee or for convenience of the Grantor 
and Grantee prior to the date of completion of the grant purpose. 
Termination for convenience will occur when both the Grantee and 
Grantor agree that the continuation of the program will not produce 
beneficial results commensurate with the further expenditure of funds.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has this day authorized and caused this 
Agreement to be executed by
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Attest

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

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

Date ----------
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
RURAL HOUSING SERVICE
 By--------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor) (Name) (Title)

Date ----------

ATTACHMENT A

    [Application proposal submitted by grantee.]

[FR Doc. 03-30862 Filed 12-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P