[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 100 (Monday, May 24, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29503-29508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11615]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Request for Applications (RFA): Research and Development Risk
Management Research Partnerships
Announcement Type: Announcement of availability of funds and
request for application for risk management research partnerships.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.456.
DATES: The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5
p.m. c.d.t. on July 8, 2004. Applications received after the deadline
will not be evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be
considered for funding. All awards will be made and agreements
completed no later than September 30, 2004.
Overview: The purpose of the Risk Management Research Partnerships
is to fund the development of non-insurance risk management tools that
will be utilized by agricultural producers to assist them in mitigating
the risks inherent in agricultural production. The proposals must
address at least one of the seven objectives listed in part I.D.
Approximately $4 million is available to fund an undetermined number of
partnerships. Applications are accepted from public and private
entities; individuals are not eligible to apply. No cost sharing by the
applicant is required. There are no limitations on the number of
applications each applicant may submit.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Background
RMA is committed to meeting the risk management needs and improving
or developing risk management tools for the nation's farmers and
ranchers. It does this by offering Federal crop insurance and other
risk management products and tools through a network of private-sector
entities and by overseeing the creation of new products, seeking
enhancements in existing products, and by expanding the use of a
variety of risk management tools. Risk management tools include a
variety of risk management options and strategies developed to assist
producers in mitigating the risks inherent in agricultural production.
Risk
[[Page 29504]]
management tools may include: Financial management tools to mitigate
price and production risks; tools to enhance measurement and prediction
of risks in order to facilitate risk diversification; tools to improve
production management, harvesting, record keeping or marketing. For the
purposes of this announcement, risk management tools do not include
insurance products, plans of insurance, policies, modifications thereof
or any related material.
B. Purpose
The purpose of this program is to fund partnership agreements that
assist producers, minimize their production risks, and/or develop risk
management tools. The agreements are for the development of risk
management tools for use directly by agricultural producers. To aid in
meeting these goals each partnership agreement awarded through this
program will provide the recipient with funds, guidance, and the
substantial involvement of RMA to carry out these risk management
initiatives. Applications requesting funding for the development of
insurance products, plans of insurance, policies, modifications thereof
or related materials are excluded from consideration under this
announcement.
C. Authorization
In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(Act), the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) announces the
availability of funding for risk management research activities.
Priority will be given to those activities addressing the need for risk
management tools for producers of the following agricultural
commodities (For purposes of this announcement, these commodities are
collectively referred to as ``Priority Commodities''):
Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333).
Commodities in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by
catastrophic risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber
(except livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to,
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod,
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not
be covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs,
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a)
Commodities, including livestock that are covered by a Federal crop
insurance plan but for which participation in an area is below the
national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock, with
inadequate crop insurance coverage.
D. Objectives
The project objectives listed below highlight the research
priorities of RMA. The objectives are listed in priority order, with
the most important objective designated as 1, the second most important
designated as 2, etc. The order of priority will be considered in
making awards. The suggested emphasis discussed within each objective
is not meant to be exhaustive. Applicants may propose other topics
within any project objective but justification for those topics must be
provided.
RMA encourages proposals that address multiple risks and will
result in the development of tools that provide an integrated or
holistic approach to risk mitigation. Preference will be given to such
proposals.
Proposals may address multiple objectives, but each proposal must
specify a single primary objective for funding purposes.
In the order of priority, the project objectives are:
1. To develop risk management tools to assist producers in reducing
the impact of multiple-year losses, such as the multiple-year losses
due to sustained or recurring drought. (Maximum number of partnerships
to be funded--4)
2. To develop risk management tools to assist forage and rangeland
producers in improving techniques for one or more of the following:
Managing production, e.g., optimization of grazing patterns;
establishing and maintaining forage production records; drought
mitigation; harvesting or marketing production. (Maximum number of
partnerships to be funded--4)
3. To develop risk management tools to assist livestock producers
in improving techniques for one or more of the following: Planning and
managing the production of livestock, including disease management and
control; improving techniques for breeding of livestock; managing
price, revenue, or production and market risks. (Maximum number of
partnerships to be funded--3)
4. To develop risk management tools encouraging self-protection for
production agricultural enterprises vulnerable to losses due to
terrorism. (Maximum number of projects to be funded--3)
5. To develop risk management tools to assist limited resource and/
or traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers and/or producers with
limited English language proficiency. The tools developed under this
objective should address risks that may be specific to the targeted
producers and/or will assist the targeted producers in gaining
meaningful access to existing risk management tools and information.
(Definitions: A limited resource farmer is a producer or operator of a
farm with an annual gross income of $20,000 or less derived from all
sources of revenue or a producer on a farm of less than 25 acres
(aggregated for all crops) where a majority of the producer's gross
income from farming operations does not exceed $20,000; and/or direct
or indirect gross farm sales not more than $100,000 in each of the
previous two years adjusted for inflation using Prices Paid by Farmer
Index as compiled by the National Agricultural Statistical Service
(NASS) and a total household income at or below the national poverty
level for a family of four, or less than 50 percent of county median
household income in each of the previous two years. Traditionally
underserved farmers and ranchers include: Women, African Americans,
Asians and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaskan Natives and
Hispanics.) (Maximum number of partnerships to be funded--2)
6. To clarify labor requirements and assist producers in complying
with requirements to better meet the physically intense and time-
compressed planting, tending, and harvesting requirements associated
with the production of specialty crops and underserved agricultural
commodities. (Maximum number of partnerships to be funded--2)
7. To develop risk management tools to further increase the
economic and production stability of wild salmon fishermen. (Maximum
number of projects to be funded--1)
II. Award Information
A. Award Description
Approximately $4 million is available for partnership agreements
that will fund risk management research activities. Awards under this
program will be made on a competitive basis. Projects can also be in
two parts with the first part including the research and feasibility
studies and the second part including the development, implementation,
delivery and maintenance of the risk management tool. If the
development of the tool is determined not to be feasible, the
partnership may be terminated by RMA after completion of the first part
with funding reduced accordingly. There is
[[Page 29505]]
no commitment by USDA/RMA to fund any particular project or to make a
specific number of awards. Applicants awarded a partnership agreement
for an amount that is less than the amount requested will be required
to modify their application to conform to the reduced amount before
execution of the partnership agreement. No maximum or minimum funding
levels have been established for individual projects. All awards will
be made and agreements completed no later than September 30, 2004.
Recipients of awards must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a
partnership agreement and must agree to substantial involvement of RMA
in the project. RMA encourages collaborative efforts and geographic
diversity of proposed projects. In conducting activities to achieve the
purpose of this proposed research, the recipient will be responsible
for the activities listed under Section II. A. 1 of this part. RMA will
be responsible for the activities listed under Section II. A. 2 of this
part.
1. Recipient Activities
The applicant will be required to perform the following activities:
a. Finalize, in cooperation with RMA, the partnership agreement.
b. Define non-financial benefits and the substantial involvement of
the RMA.
c. Coordinate, manage, document and implement the timely completion
of the approved research and development activities.
d. Abide by the plans and provisions contained in the partnership
agreement.
e. Report on program performance in accordance with the partnership
agreement.
f. The recipient may be required to make a presentation to the FCIC
Board of Directors.
g. Adhere to RMA guidelines for systems development and information
technology development.
h. In cooperation with RMA, determine the feasibility and if
necessary collaborate in the development of a plan to administer,
maintain, and update the risk management tool in the future.
2. RMA Activities
a. Collaborate on the research plan;
b. Advise the recipient on the materials available over the
internet and through the RMA Web site (http://www.rma.usda.gov) and be
involved in the gathering of any additional information that may be
required;
c. Collaborate with the recipient in all phases of the research and
development of the risk management tool, and any educational efforts to
enable producers to utilize the risk management tool; and
d. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of all
materials associated with the research and development program as it
relates to publication or presentation of the results and the risk
management tools to the public, any producer groups, RMA, and the FCIC
Board of Directors.
e. Collaborate with the recipient in the development of a proposal
to administer, maintain and update the risk management tool in the
future.
B. Other Activities
In addition to the specific activities listed above, the applicant
may suggest other activities that would contribute directly to the
purpose of this program. For any additional activity suggested, the
applicant should identify the objective of the activity, the specific
tasks required to meet the objective, specific timelines for performing
the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the partners. For any
additional activity suggested, the applicant should identify specific
ways in which RMA could or should have substantial involvement in that
activity.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Proposals are invited from qualified public and private entities.
Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, Federal, State,
and local agencies, Native American tribal organizations, non-profit
and for-profit private organizations or corporations, and other
entities. Individuals are not eligible applicants. Although an
applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based on its status
as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an applicant from
receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g., debarment and
suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior contract,
cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination of a
violation of applicable ethical standards).
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing, matching, in-kind contributions, or cost
participation is not required.
C. Other
Applicants must be able to demonstrate they will receive non-
financial benefits as a result of the partnership agreement. Non-
financial benefits must accrue to the applicant and must include more
than the ability to provide employment income to the applicant or for
the applicant's employees or the community. The applicant must
demonstrate that performance under the partnership agreement will
further the specific mission of the applicant (such as providing
research or activities necessary for graduate or other students to
complete educational programs). Refer to part V. for evaluation
criteria and weights.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address To Request Application Package
Applicants may download an application package from the Risk
Management Agency Web site at: www.rma.usda.gov. Applicants may also
request an application package from: USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 Beacon Drive,
Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, phone: (816) 926-6343,
fax: (816) 926-7343, e-mail: [email protected]. Completed
and signed application packages sent via the U.S. Postal Service must
be sent to the same address. Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service
should allow for extra security-processing time for mail delivered to
government offices.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
A complete and valid application package must include an original,
twelve complete paper copies, and one copy (Microsoft Word format
preferred) of the application package on diskette or compact disc, and:
1. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for
Federal Assistance''.
2. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget
Information--Non-construction Programs''. Reviewers will need
sufficient information to effectively evaluate the budget. Indirect
cost for projects submitted in response to this solicitation are
limited to 10 percent of the total direct cost of the agreement. A
sample budget narrative, including suggestions for format and content,
is available on the RMA Web site (www.rma.usda.gov) or upon request.
3. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances,
Non-construction Programs''.
4. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities.''
5. A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters (Primary Covered
Transactions.'')
[[Page 29506]]
6. A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace.''
7. A statement of the non-financial benefits of any partnership
agreement to the recipient. (Refer to Part II.B ``Non-financial
Benefits'').
8. A completed Form R&D-1, ``Title Page and Proposal Summary.''
Each proposal must specify the single primary objective for evaluation
and funding purposes. The same or similar proposals cannot be submitted
multiple times with different primary objectives specified. If the same
or similar proposals are submitted, the first received will be the only
one evaluated.
9. A proposal narrative submitted with the application package
should be limited to 10 single-sided pages. Reviewers will need
sufficient information to effectively evaluate the application under
the criteria contained in part V. A sample narrative, including
suggestions for format and content, is available on the RMA Web site
(www.rma.usda.gov) or upon request.
10. An appendix containing any attachments that may support
information in the narrative (Optional).
11. A completed Form R&D-2, ``Statement of Work.''
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the application materials
are received by the closing date. Incomplete application packages will
not receive further consideration.
C. Submission Dates and Times
The closing date and time for receipt of an application is 5 p.m.
c.d.t. on July 8, 2004. Applications received after the deadline will
not be evaluated by the technical review panel and will not be
considered for funding.
D. Funding Restrictions
No maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for
individual projects or for categories of objectives. The funding level
by category of objective will be determined by FCIC. Indirect cost for
projects submitted in response to this solicitation are limited to 10
percent of total direct cost of the agreement.
Partnership agreement funds may not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
3. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
4. Pay for the preparation of the partnership application;
5. Fund political activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving this partnership
agreement;
7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
E. Other Submission Requirements
1. An original and twelve (12) complete paper copies of the
completed and signed application, and one copy (Microsoft Word format
preferred) on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package
at the time of initial submission.
2. Applicants are encouraged to submit completed and signed
application packages using overnight mail or delivery service to ensure
timely receipt by the USDA. The applicable address for such submissions
is: RMA/RED Partnership Agreement Program, USDA, RMA/RED, 6501 Beacon
Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676.
3. All applications must be submitted and received by the deadline.
Applications that do not meet all of the requirements in this
announcement are considered incomplete applications. Late or incomplete
applications will not be considered in this competition and will be
returned to the applicant.
4. Applications submitted through express, overnight mail or
another delivery service will be considered as meeting the announced
deadline if they are received in the mailroom at the address stated
above for express, overnight mail or another delivery service on or
before the deadline. Applicants are cautioned that express, overnight
mail or other delivery services do not always deliver as agreed.
Applicants should take this into account because failure of such
delivery services will not extend the deadline. The address must appear
on the envelope or package containing the application with the note
``'Attention: RMA/RED Partnership Application.''
Mailed applications will be considered meeting the announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline in the mailroom
at the address stated above for mailed applications. Applicants are
responsible for mailing applications well in advance, to ensure that
applications are received on or before the deadline time and date.
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for the extra
time for delivery due to the additional security measures that mail
delivered to government offices now require.
5. RMA cannot accommodate transmissions of applications by
facsimile or through other electronic media. Therefore, applications
transmitted electronically will not be accepted regardless of the date
or time of submission or the time of receipt.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
1. Research Objectives--Maximum 40 Points
The application must receive a minimum score of 32 points under
this criterion in order to be considered for further evaluation and
funding. Applications receiving less than 32 points will be eliminated
and will not be evaluated under criteria 2 through 5.
The proposal clearly defines the development, management and
implementation of a risk management tool designed to meet the needs of
the producers outlined for at least one of the objectives listed in
part I.D. Proposals that best meet the objective and are innovative,
clear, concise, useful, easy to understand, and address multiple risks
that result in the development of tools that provide an integrated or
holistic approach to risk mitigation will be given the highest score.
2. Indication of RMA Involvement and Non-financial Benefits--Maximum 10
Points
The proposal clearly indicates areas of substantial involvement by
RMA and clearly indicates benefits derived from the partnership that
extends beyond the financial benefits or funding of the research
proposal. Those proposals that clearly outline the involvement of RMA
in all aspects of the project and demonstrate non-financial benefit
will receive the highest score. Examples of non-financial benefits
would be the benefits derived by an educational institution by
providing research opportunities to students or benefits derived
through the furtherance of an organization's mission.
3. Research Approach, Methodology, Development and Implementation--
Maximum 40 Points
The proposal clearly demonstrates a sound research approach and
defines the methodology to be used as well as describes the development
and implementation of the risk management tool. Proposals that
demonstrate a clear, concise and generally accepted research
methodology and innovative approach will receive the highest number of
points.
4. Management--Maximum 10 Points
The proposal clearly demonstrates the applicant's ability and
resources to coordinate and manage all aspects of the proposed research
project. The applicant whose approach is the most cost effective and
optimizes the use and effective application of the funding will receive
the highest score.
[[Page 29507]]
B. Review and Selection Process
Each application will be evaluated using a four-part process.
First, each application will be screened by RMA to ensure that each
proposal specifies a single primary objective for evaluation and
funding purposes and the proposal meets the objectives stated in part
I.D. The same or similar proposals cannot be submitted multiple times
with different primary objectives specified. If the same or similar
proposals are submitted, the first received will be the only one
evaluated. Applications that do not meet the objectives stated in part
I.D and all other requirements in this announcement or are incomplete
will not receive further consideration.
Second, all eligible applications will be evaluated using the
criterion in part V.A.1. Applications must score at least 32 points
under this criteria in order to be to be evaluated further. Third, all
applications scoring the required 32 points will be evaluated further
under part V.A.2 through 4. For the second and third steps, a review
panel will consider the merits of all applications that are complete
and meet the objectives in part I.D. and all other requirements in this
announcement. The evaluation of each application will be conducted by a
panel of not less than three independent reviewers. The panel will be
comprised of representatives from USDA, other federal agencies, and
others representing public and private organizations, as needed. The
narrative and any appendixes provided by each applicant will be used by
the review panel to evaluate the merits of the project that is being
proposed for funding. The panel will examine and score applications
based on the evaluation criteria and weights contained in part V.A. In
order to be considered for funding, an application must meet or exceed
a minimum number of points established by computing the average score
of all evaluated applications in all objectives. For the last step,
those applications meeting the minimum number of points will be listed
in initial rank order by objective. The highest-ranking proposal for
each objective will be funded in the order of priority (the highest
ranking proposal meeting objective 1 will be funded first and the
highest ranking proposal meeting objective 2 will be funded second,
etc.). It is possible that funds could be exhausted before funding
projects for every objective. If there are sufficient funds, the
process will be repeated until the maximum number of partnerships for
each objective has been funded. The maximum number of partnerships to
be funded under each objective is listed with the objectives in part
I.D. The projects selected for funding will be presented, along with
funding level recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make
the final decision on awarding of a partnership agreement.
If the Manager of FCIC determines that any application is
sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded or has been
recommended to be funded under this announcement or any other research
and development program, then the Manager may elect to not fund that
application in whole or in part.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
possible. Therefore, each applicant is encouraged to provide an e-mail
address in the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on an
application, receipt will be acknowledged by letter. There will be no
notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications until
the awards have been made.
When received by RMA, applications will be assigned an
identification number. This number will be communicated to applicants
in the acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application
identification number should be referenced in all correspondence
regarding the application. If the applicant does not receive an
acknowledgement within 15 days of the submission deadline, the
applicant should contact the Research and Development Division at (816)
926-6343.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request, scores from the evaluation panel, not
including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the applicant
after the review and awards process has been completed.
2. Notification of Partnership Agreement Awards and Notification of
Non-Selection
Following approval of the applications selected for funding, notice
of project approval and authority to draw down funds will be made to
the selected applicants in writing. Within the limit of funds available
for such purpose, the awarding official of RMA shall enter into
partnership agreements with those applicants whose applications are
judged to be most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this
announcement. The partnership agreement provides the amount of Federal
funds for use in the project period, the terms and conditions of the
award, and the time period for the project.
The effective date of the partnership agreement shall be the date
the agreement is executed by both parties. All funds provided to the
applicant by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which
funds are obligated in accordance with the approved application and
budget, the regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, and the
applicability of Federal cost principles. No commitment of Federal
assistance beyond the project period is made or implied, as a result of
any award made pursuant to this announcement.
Notification of denial of funding will be sent to applicants after
final funding decisions have been made. Reasons for denial of funding
can include incomplete proposals, proposals that did not meet the
objectives, scored low or were duplicative.
3. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
When an application results in a partnership agreement, it becomes
a part of the official record of RMA transactions, available to the
public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary of
Agriculture determines to be of a confidential, privileged, or
proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted
by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to be
considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary should be clearly
marked within the application, including the basis for such
designation. The original copy of a proposal that does not result in an
award will be retained by RMA for a period of one year. Other copies
will be destroyed. Such a proposal will be released only with the
express written consent of the applicant or to the extent required by
law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to award.
4. Audit Requirements
Applicants awarded the partnership agreements are subject to audit.
5. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regard to Lobbying
Section 1352 of Public Law 101-121, enacted on October 23, 1989,
imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian
Tribes and tribal
[[Page 29508]]
organizations. Current and prospective recipients, and any
subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other than
profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal
agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative
agreement, or loan. In addition, for each award action in excess of
$100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires recipients and any
subcontractors (1) to certify that they have neither used nor will use
any appropriated funds for payments of lobbyists; (2) to disclose the
name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with
lobbyists whom recipients or subcontractors will pay with profit or
other nonappropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; (3) to file
quarterly updates about the use of lobbyists if material changes occur
in their use. The law establishes civil penalties for non-compliance. A
copy of the certification and disclosure forms must be submitted with
the application and are available from David Fulk at the above stated
address and telephone number.
6. Applicable OMB Circulars
All partnership and cooperative agreements funded as a result of
this notice will be subject to the requirements contained in all
applicable OMB circulars.
C. Reporting
Applicants awarded a partnership agreement will be required to
submit quarterly progress and financial reports (SF-269) throughout the
project period, as well as a final program and financial report not
later than 90 days after the end of the project period.
VII. Agency Contact
If applicants have any questions they may contact: USDA, RMA/RED,
6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 0813, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676, or
phone: (816) 926-6343, or fax: (816) 926-7343, or e-mail: [email protected].
VIII. Other Information
The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of
applications will all be kept confidential, except to those involved in
the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members will be made
available. However, panelists will not be identified with the review of
any particular application.
Dated: May 19, 2004.
Ross J. Davidson, Jr.,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 04-11615 Filed 5-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P