[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 100 (Monday, May 24, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29491-29498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-11616]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation


Funding Opportunity Title: Community Outreach and Assistance 
Partnership Program; Initial Announcement

    Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): This program is 
listed in the CFDA under 10-455, Community Outreach and Assistance 
Partnership Program.

DATES: Closing Date: The closing date and time for receipt of 
applications under this RFA is 5 p.m. eastern time on July 8, 2004. 
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for 
funding.
SUMMARY: In accordance with section 522(d) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act (Act), the Federal Crop Insurance

[[Page 29492]]

Corporation (FCIC), operating through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), 
announces the availability of up to approximately $4 million in fiscal 
year (FY) 2004 for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for 
women, limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally 
under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce agricultural commodities 
covered by the noninsured crop disaster assistance program (7 U.S.C. 
7333); specialty crops; and under served commodities (For purposes of 
this announcement, these commodities are collectively referred to as 
``Priority Commodities''). Awards under this program will be made on a 
competitive basis for projects of up to one year. Recipients of awards 
must demonstrate non-financial benefits from a partnership agreement 
and must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the project. 
This announcement lists the information needed to submit an application 
under this program.
    Funding availability for this program may be announced at 
approximately the same time as funding availability for similar but 
separate program, CFDA No. 457, ``Commodity Partnerships for Risk 
Management Education,'' CFDA No. 10-458, ``Targeted States Program,'' 
and CFDA No. 10456, ``Risk Management Research Partnerships''. These 
programs have some similarities, but also key differences. The 
differences stem from important features of each program's authorizing 
legislation and different RMA objectives. Applicants should carefully 
examine and compare the unique requirements in the notices for each 
program.
    Available Funding: The amount of funds available in FY 2004 for 
support of this program is up to approximately 4 million dollars. No 
maximum or minimum funding levels have been established for individual 
projects or geographic locations.
    Eligible Applicants: Eligible Applicants include educational 
institutions, community based organizations, associations of farmers, 
ranchers and other nonprofit organizations with demonstrated 
capabilities in developing and implementing risk management and other 
marketing options for priority commodities. Individuals are not 
eligible applicants.
    Address for Submission of Application: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit completed and signed application packages using 
overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA/RMA. The applicable address for such submissions is: USDA-RMA, 
Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program, c/o Marie 
Buchanan, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805, 
Washington, DC 20250-0805. Completed and signed application packages 
sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the above address. 
Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service should allow for extra 
security-processing time for mail delivered to government offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact: Marie Buchanan, National Outreach 
Program Manager, Telephone (202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-1518, E-
mail: rma.usda.gov">Marie.Buchanan@rma.usda.gov. for information and to request an 
application package.
    Application materials can also be downloaded from the RMA Web site 
at http://www:rma.usda.gov. Application materials are also available at 
Grants.gov. To access materials go to www.grants.gov. Click on ``Find 
Grant Opportunities.'' Click on ``Search Grant Synopses.'' And enter 
``10-455'' to search by CFDA Number. From the search results, select 
``Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program'' to access 
this RFA and forms for this program.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This announcement consists of seven parts:

Part I--Funding Opportunity
    A. Legislative Authority and Background
    B. Project Goal
    C. Purpose and Priorities
    D. Definition of Priority Commodities
    E. Program Description
    F. Other Activities
Part II--Award Information
    A. Available Funding
    B. Types of Applications
Part III--Eligibility Information
    A. Eligible Applicants
    B. Non-financial Benefits
    C. Project Period
    D. Cost Sharing or Matching
    E. Funding Restrictions
Part IV--Application and Submission Information
    A. Address to Request Application Package
    B. Content and Form of Application
    C. Submission of Applications
    D. Acknowledgement of Applications
Part V--Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights
Part VI--Award Administration
    A. Notification of Award
    B. Access to Panel Review Information
    C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    D. Reporting Requirements
    E. Audit Requirements
    F. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
    G. Applicable OMB Circulars
    H. Confidentiality
    I. Civil Rights Training
Part VII--Additional Information
    A. Requirements to Use Program Logo
    B. Requirement to Provide Project Information to an RMA 
representative
    C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts 
of Interest
    D. Required Registration for Electronic Submission of Proposals
    E. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B Data Universal Numbering System)

Part I --Funding Opportunity Description

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    This program is authorized under section 522(d)(3)(F) of the 
Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act) RMA promotes and regulates sound risk 
management solutions to improve the economic stability of American 
agriculture. On behalf of FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop 
insurance products through a network of private-sector partners, 
overseeing the creation of new risk management products, seeking 
enhancements in existing products, ensuring the integrity of crop 
insurance program, offering outreach programs aimed at equal access and 
participation of underserved communities, and providing risk management 
education and information.
    One of RMA's four strategic goals is to ensure that its customers 
and potential customers are well informed of the risk management 
solutions available. This goal is supported by section 522(d)(3)(F) of 
the Act, which authorizes FCIC funding for risk management training and 
informational efforts for agricultural producers through the formation 
of partnerships with public and private organizations. With respect to 
such partnerships, a priority is to be given to producers of Priority 
Commodities (as specified in subsection D of this section).

B. Project Goal

    The goal of this program is to ensure that `` * * * producers will 
be better able to use financial management, crop insurance, marketing 
contracts, and other existing and emerging risk management tools.''

C. Purpose and Priorities

    The purpose of the Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership 
Program is to ensure that women, limited resource, socially 
disadvantaged, and other traditionally underserved producers of 
priority commodities are provided information and training necessary to 
use financial management, crop insurance, marketing contracts, and 
other existing and emerging risk management tools. Each

[[Page 29493]]

partnership agreement awarded through this program will provide the 
applicant with funds, guidance, and the substantial involvement of RMA 
to carry out a risk management education and information program for 
producers in a specific geographical area.

D. Definition of Priority Commodities

    For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
     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 produced by small, limited resource, 
socially disadvantaged, or beginning farmers and ranchers.
    A project is considered as giving priority to Priority Commodities 
if the majority of the educational activities of the project are 
directed to producers of any of the three classes of commodities listed 
above or any combination of the three classes.

E. Program Description

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this 
program, the award recipient will be responsible for the activities 
listed below: FCIC working through RMA will be substantially involved 
in the activities listed under RMA activities below.
    Award recipients will be required to:
    1. Finalize a detailed Statement of Work as part of the Delivery 
Plan. The Statement of Work must describe the manner in which various 
tasks for the project will be completed, the dates by which each task 
will be completed and the individuals or organizations that will have 
responsibility for each task. Task milestones must be listed to ensure 
that progress can be measured at various stages throughout the life of 
the project. The plan must also provide for the substantial involvement 
of RMA in the project. All partnership agreements resulting from this 
announcement will include a Statement of Work in the table format shown 
in the Appendix to this announcement. All applicants are strongly 
encouraged to refer to this table when preparing a Statement of Work 
and to use this format as part of the application narrative.
    2. Assemble risk management instructional materials appropriate for 
targeted producers to be used in delivering education and information. 
This will include: (a) Gathering existing instructional materials that 
meet the local needs of agricultural producers of agricultural 
commodities; (b) identifying gaps in existing instructional materials; 
and (c) developing new materials or modifying existing instructional 
materials to fill existing gaps.
    3. Develop and conduct a promotional program. This program will 
include activities using media, newsletters, publications, or other 
informational dissemination techniques that are designed to: (a) Raise 
awareness for risk management; (b) inform producers of the availability 
of risk management tools; and (c) inform producers of the training and 
informational opportunities being offered.
    4. Deliver risk management training and informational opportunities 
to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals. This will 
include organizing and delivering educational activities using the 
instructional materials identified earlier. Activities should be 
directed primarily to agricultural producers, but may include those 
agribusiness professionals that have frequent opportunities to advise 
farmers on risk management.
    5. Document all outreach/educational activities conducted under the 
partnership agreement and the results of such activities, including 
criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the program. 
The recipient will also be required to provide information to an RMA-
selected contractor to evaluate all educational activities and advise 
RMA as to the effectiveness of activities. This requirement also 
includes providing RMA with demographic data on program participants.
    RMA will be responsible for:
    1. Review and approve in advance the recipient's project delivery 
plan and Statement of Work.
    2. Collaborate with the recipient in assembling risk management 
materials for producers. This will include: (a) Reviewing and approving 
in advance all educational materials for technical accuracy; (b) 
serving on curriculum development workgroups; (c) providing curriculum 
developers with fact sheets and other risk management publications that 
have been prepared by RMA; (d) advising the recipient on the materials 
available over the internet through the AgRisk Education Library; (e) 
advising the recipient on technical issues related to crop insurance 
instructional materials; and (f) advising the recipient on the use of 
the standardized design and layout formats to be used on program 
materials.
    3. Collaborate with the recipient on a promotional program for 
raising awareness for risk management and for informing producers of 
training and informational opportunities. This will include: (a) 
Reviewing and approving in advance all promotional plans, materials, 
and programs; (b) serving on workgroups that plan promotional programs; 
(c) advising the recipient on technical issues relating to the 
presentation of crop insurance products in promotional materials; and 
(d) participating, as appropriate, in media programs designed to raise 
general awareness or provide farmers with risk management education.
    4. Collaborate with the recipient on the delivery of education to 
agricultural producers and agribusiness leaders. This will include: (a) 
Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and agribusiness 
educational delivery plans; (b) advising the recipient on technical 
issues related to the delivery of crop insurance education and 
information; and (c) assisting the recipient in informing crop 
insurance professionals about educational plans and scheduled meetings.
    5. Reviewing and approving recipient's documentation of risk 
management educational activities.
    6. Collect demographic data on program participants from 
recipients.

F. Other Activities

    In addition to the specific, required 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 time lines for 
performing the tasks, and specific responsibilities of the partners. 
The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA could have 
substantial involvement in the proposed outreach and educational 
activity.

Part II--Award Information

A. Available Funding

    The amount of funds available in FY 2004 for support of this 
program is up

[[Page 29494]]

to approximately 4 million dollars. There is 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 may 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 or geographic locations. It is expected that 
the awards will be made approximately 75 days after the application 
deadline. All awards will be made and agreements completed no later 
than September 30, 2004.

B. Types of Applications

    Applicants must specify whether their application is a new, 
renewal, or resubmitted application and provide the required 
information in accordance with the following:
    New Applications--This is a project application that has not been 
previously submitted to the RMA Outreach Program. All new applications 
will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and 
evaluation criteria described in this RFA.
    Renewal Applications--This is a project proposal that requests 
additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in 
an original or amended award. Applications for renewed funding must 
contain the same information as required for new applications, and 
additionally must contain a current Progress Report. Renewal 
applications received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in 
competition with other pending applications, and will be reviewed 
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.
    Resubmitted Applications--This is a proposal that was previously 
submitted to the RMA Outreach office, but was not funded. Resubmitted 
proposals received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in 
competition with other pending applications, and will be reviewed 
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.

Part III--Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include educational institutions, community 
based organizations, associations of farmers, ranchers and other 
nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capabilities in developing 
and implementing risk management and other marketing options for 
priority commodities. Individuals are not eligible applicants. 
Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with other entities that 
complement, enhance and/or increase the effectiveness and efficiency of 
the proposed project. 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. Non-financial Benefits

    To be eligible, applicants must also be able to demonstrate that 
they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a 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 their educational program.

C. Project Period

    Each project will be funded for a period of up to one year from the 
project starting date for the activities described in this 
announcement.

D. Cost Sharing or Matching

    A 10 percent match of the total award amount is required from non-
federal funds in the form of cash or in kind contributions.

E. Funding Restrictions

    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.

Part IV--Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    Program application materials under this announcement may be 
downloaded from the RMA Web site at: www.rma.usda.gov. Applicants may 
also request application materials from: Marie Buchanan, Telephone 
(202) 690-2686, Facsimile (202) 690-2496, E-mail: 
[email protected].

B. Content and Form of Application

    A complete and valid application package must include an original, 
two paper copies, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format 
preferred) of the application package on diskette or compact disc. 
Submission of Standard Forms is not required to be submitted 
electronically on a diskette or compact disc. Hard copies are required. 
A complete application package must include the following documents in 
the order indicated
    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.'' Indirect costs allowed for 
projects submitted under this announcement will be limited to 10 
percent of the total direct cost of the partnership or cooperative 
agreement.
    Indicate the total amount (both cash and non-cash) of non-Federal 
cost-sharing or matching support that will be available to the proposed 
project. A 10 percent match of the total award amount is required from 
non-federal funds in the form of cash or in kind contributions. 
Reasonable travel expenses to attend a two-day Project Directors 
Meeting and mandatory Civil Rights training sponsored by RMA may be 
included in the requested budget.
    3. Budget Narrative. The applicant should provide a budget 
narrative to accompany SF 424A, which provides details and explanations 
regarding individual cost items that are itemized on the form. All 
budget categories must be individually listed (with costs) in the same 
order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper and 
placed immediately behind the SF-424A. There must be a detailed 
breakdown of all costs, including indirect costs, and costs for each 
subcontract. A narrative for each line item explaining both Federal and 
cost-sharing/matching funds and detailing how each line item was 
derived. Also provide a brief narrative description of any costs that 
may require explanation (i.e., why a

[[Page 29495]]

specific costs may be higher than market costs). Only items or services 
that are necessary for the successful completion of the project will be 
funded as permitted under the Act, the applicable Federal cost 
principles, and are not prohibited under any other Federal statute. 
Salaries of project personnel should be requested in proportion to the 
effort that they would devote to the project. Identify the source, the 
amount, and the nature (cash or third-party in-kind contribution) of 
the required 10 percent matching funds.
    4. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form 424-B--``Assurances, 
Non-constructive Programs.''
    5. ``Statement of Non-financial Benefits.'' (Refer to Part III (B) 
``Non-financial Benefits'')
    6. A Narrative Title Page. This single page can provide: (a) The 
name of the project; (b) the name of the program; (c) the specific 
State or area for which the project will be directed; (d) the 
organization submitting the application; (e) a listing of project 
partners; (f) a brief project summary; and (g) information needed to 
contact the project's leader, including an e-mail address.
    7. A written narrative (limited to twenty-five single-sided pages) 
that describes the outreach project in detail, including the program 
delivery plan and State of Work. The narrative should provide reviewers 
with sufficient information to effectively evaluate the merits of the 
application under the criteria contained in Part V. In preparing 
narratives, applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review and 
understand the specific features and authorities governing the specific 
program for which funds are being requested, as described in this 
announcement. The narrative should include the circumstances giving 
rise to the proposed activity; a clear, concise statement of the 
objectives; the steps necessary to implement the program to attain the 
objectives; an evaluation plan for the activities; and a program 
delivery plan and Statement of Work that describes how the activities 
will be managed by the applicant.
    The Statement of Work should identify each objective and the key 
tasks to achieve the objective, the entity responsible for the task, 
the completion date, the task location, and RMA's role. All 
partnerships resulting from this announcement are required to have 
Statements of Work prepared in the table format shown in the appendix 
to this announcement. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to 
refer to this table when preparing a delivery plan and to use this 
table format in that portion of the application narrative that 
addresses the delivery plan.
    8. An appendix containing exhibits that the applicant believes will 
directly support the information provided in the narrative (Optional).
    9. Progress Report--Required for Renewal Applications Only. See 
Part II (B) ``Types of Applications''.
    10. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities.''
    11. A completed and signed AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters (Primary Covered 
Transactions).''
    12. A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace.''
    13. Current and Pending Support--All applications must contain a 
Current and Pending Support Form listing other current public or 
private support. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
applications to the possible sponsors will not prejudice application 
review or evaluation by the RMA. However, an application that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with an application already 
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency 
will not be funded under this program.

C. Submission of Applications

    1. An original and two paper copies of the completed and signed 
application, and one electronic copy (Microsoft Word format preferred) 
on diskette or compact disc must be submitted in one package at the 
time of initial submission.
    2. All applications must be received by the deadline. Applications 
that do not meet all the requirements in this announcement are 
considered as late applications. Late or incomplete applications will 
not be considered and will be returned to the applicant.
    3. 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: Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program.'' 
Mailed applications will be considered as 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 in the Washington, DC area now 
requires.
    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. The deadline for receipt of an 
application is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on (insert 45 days from the date of 
publication in Federal Register). The application deadline is firm as 
to date and hour and applies to submission of the original application 
and two copies.

D. Acknowledgement of Applications

    Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by e-mail, whenever 
possible. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to provide an e-mail 
addresses in the application. If an e-mail address is not indicated on 
an application, letter will acknowledge receipt. 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's 
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 Marie Buchanan at (202) 690-2686 or 
electronically at rma.usda.gov">Marie.Buchanan@rma.usda.gov.

Part V--Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First, 
RMA personnel will screen each application to ensure that it meets the 
administrative requirements in this announcement. Applications that do 
not meet the requirements of this announcement or are incomplete will 
not receive further evaluation.

[[Page 29496]]

    Second, a review panel will consider the merits of all applications 
that meet the requirements in the announcement. The evaluation of each 
application will be conducted by a panel of not less than three 
independent reviewers. Reviewers will be drawn 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 paragraph B of this part.
    Applications will be evaluated and scored in each of the four 
criteria listed below. The panel will be looking for the specific 
elements listed with each criterion when evaluating the applications 
and scoring them. For each application, panel members will assign a 
point value up to the maximum for each criterion. After all reviewers 
have evaluated and scored each of the applications, the scores for the 
entire panel will be averaged to determine an application's final 
score.
    After assigning points upon those criteria, applications will be 
listed in initial rank order and presented, along with funding level 
recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final 
decision on awarding of a partnership agreement. Applications will then 
be funded in final rank order until all available funds have been 
expended. Applicants must score 50 points or more during the first 
round to be considered for funding. Unused remaining funds from the 
first round of competition will be allocated to the second round of 
competition. Unless the applicant withdraws their proposal, eligible, 
but unfunded, proposals from the first competition will be considered 
in the second competition.
    An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may 
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the 
programs described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of 
FCIC determines that an application recommended for funding under this 
announcement is sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded 
or has been recommended to be funded under another FCIC or RMA 
education or outreach program, then the Manager may elect to not fund 
that application in whole or in part.

B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights

    Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Project Management--Maximum 20 Points

    The applicant must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and 
effective project management practices. Higher scores will be awarded 
to applicants that can demonstrate organizational skills, leadership, 
and experience in delivering services or programs that assist women, 
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally 
underserved producers. If the applicant has been a recipient of other 
Federal or other government grants, cooperative agreements, or 
contracts, the applicant must also detail that they have consistently 
complied with financial and program reporting and auditing 
requirements. Applicants that will employ, or have access to, personnel 
who have experience in directing agricultural programs or providing 
educations programs that benefit producers will receive higher 
rankings.

2. Collaborative Partnering--Maximum 20 Points

    The applicant must demonstrate experience and capacity to partner 
with and gain the support of other agencies, grower organizations, 
agribusiness professionals, and agricultural leaders to enhance the 
quality and effectiveness of the program. Applicants will receive 
higher scores to the extent that they can document, with letters of 
commitment, and demonstrate: (a) That partnership commitments are in 
place for the express purpose of delivering the program in this 
announcement; (b) that a broad and diverse group of farmers and 
ranchers will be reached; and (c) that a substantial effort has been 
made to partner with organizations that can meet the needs of producers 
that are small, have limited resources, are minorities, or are 
beginning farmers and ranchers.

3. Delivery Plan--Maximum 30 Points

    The applicant must demonstrate that its program delivery plan is 
clear and specific. For each of the applicant's responsibilities 
contained in the description of the program, the applicant must 
demonstrate that it can identify specific tasks and provide reasonable 
time lines that further the purpose of this program. Applicants will 
obtain a higher score to the extent that the tasks of the project are 
specific, measurable, and reasonable, have specific time frames for 
completion, and relate directly to the required activities and program 
objectives described in this announcement. For guidance on a delivery 
plan format, applicants are encouraged to refer to the table in the 
appendix of this notice.

4. Project Benefits--Maximum 30 Points

    The applicant must demonstrate that the project benefits to women, 
limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally 
underserved producers warrant the funding requested. Applicants will be 
scored according to the extent they can: (a) Reasonably estimate the 
number of producers reached through the project; (b) justify the 
estimates with clear specifics related to the delivery plan; (c) 
identify the actions producers will likely be able to take as a result 
of the project; and (d) identify specific measures for evaluating the 
success of the project. Reviewers' scoring will be based on the scope 
and reasonableness of the applicants' estimates of producers reached 
through the project, clear descriptions of specific expected project 
benefits for producers, and well-constructed plans for measuring the 
project's effectiveness.

5. Diversity--Maximum 20 Points

    Applicant must identify the geographic areas and target audience to 
be served. After applications have been evaluated and awarded points 
under the first four criteria, management may assess diversity points 
to promote the broadest geographic diversity.

Part VI--Award Administration

A. Notification of Cooperative or Partnership Agreement Awards

    Following approval by the RMA awarding official, project leaders 
whose applications have been selected for funding will be notified. 
Within the limit of funds available for such a purpose, the awarding 
official of RMA shall enter into partnership or cooperative agreements 
with those applicants whose applications are judged to be most 
meritorious under the procedures set forth in this announcement. The 
agreements provide 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 agreement shall be on the date the 
agreement is executed by both parties and it shall remain in effect for 
up to one year. RMA will then extend to award recipients, in writing, 
the authority to draw down funds for the purpose of conducting the 
activities listed in the agreement. All funds provided to the applicant 
by FCIC must be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
obligated in accordance with the approved

[[Page 29497]]

agreement 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 for 
any award resulting from this notice.
    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, scored low or were duplicative. 
Applicants that are not funded will be notified within 90 days after 
the receipt of applications.

B. Access to Panel Review Information

    Upon written request from the applicant, 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.

C. 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 an 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. Copies of proposals not receiving awards 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.

D. Reporting Requirements

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to 
submit quarterly progress and financial reports (OMB Standard Form 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.

E. Audit Requirements

    Applicants awarded partnership or cooperative agreements are 
subject to audit.

F. 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 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 payment of lobbyists; (2) to disclose 
the name, address, payment details, and purpose of any agreements with 
lobbyists whom recipients of their subcontractors will pay with profits 
or other non appropriated funds on or after December 22, 1989; and (3) 
to file quarterly up-dates 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 Marie Buchanan 
at the above stated address and telephone number.

G. 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.

H. Confidentiality

    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.

I. Requirement To Participate in Civil Rights training

    All recipients of federally assisted programs are required to 
comply with Federal civil rights laws and regulations. USDA/RMA 
policies and procedures requires recipients of federally assistant 
programs to attend mandatory civil rights training, sponsored by RMA, 
to become fully aware of civil rights requirements and 
responsibilities. Applicants should include in their budgets reasonable 
travel costs associated with attending a two day Project Directors 
meeting which will include civil rights training.

Part VII--Additional Information

A. Requirement To Use Program Logo

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to use a 
program logo and design provided by RMA for all instructional and 
promotional materials.

B. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-Selected 
Contractor

    Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to 
assist RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its education programs by 
providing documentation of educational activities and related 
information to any contractor selected by RMA for program evaluation 
purposes. This requirement also includes providing demographic data on 
program participants.

C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations and Potential Conflicts of 
Interest

    Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal crop 
insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are 
eligible to apply for funding under either of the two educational 
programs described in this announcement. However, such entities will 
not be allowed to receive funding to conduct activities that would 
otherwise be required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement or any 
other agreement in effect between FCIC and the entity. Such entities 
will also not be allowed the receive funding to conduct activities that 
could be perceived by producers as promoting one company's services or 
products over another's. If applying for funding, such organizations 
are encouraged to be sensitive to potential conflicts of interest and 
to describe in their application the specific actions they will take to 
avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

D. Required Registration for Electronic Submission of Proposals

    The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as 
the primary Government repository for contractor information required 
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will 
also be used as a central

[[Page 29498]]

location for maintaining organizational information for organizations 
seeking and receiving grants from the Government. Such organizations 
must register in the CCR prior to the submission of applications via 
grants.gov (a DUNS number is needed for CCR registration). For 
information about how to register in the CCR visit ``Get Started'' in 
the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 days to 
complete the CCR registration.

E. A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the 
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million 
businesses worldwide. A Federal Register notice of final policy 
issuance (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number in every application 
(i.e., hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement. 
Therefore, potential applicants should verify that they have a DUNS 
number or take the steps needed to obtain one. For information about 
how to obtain a DUNS number go to http://www.grants.gov. Please note 
that the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.

    Dated: May 19, 2004.
Ross J. Davidson, Jr.,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 04-11616 Filed 5-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P