[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32318-32325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13012]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 111 / Wednesday, June 9, 2004 / 
Notices  

[[Page 32318]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application 
Deadlines and Funding Levels

AGENCY: Rural Cooperative-Business Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the 
availability of approximately $5.0 million in competing Rural 
Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) funds for fiscal year (FY) 2004. 
Of this amount, up to $1.5 million will be reserved for applications 
that focus on assistance to small, minority producers through their 
cooperative businesses. This action will comply with legislation which 
authorizes grants for establishing and operating centers for rural 
cooperative development. The intended effect of this notice is to 
solicit applications for FY 2004 and award grants before September 30, 
2004. The maximum award per grant is $300,000 and matching funds are 
required.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or 
electronically by 4 p.m. eastern time on July 26, 2004.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application materials for a Rural Cooperative 
Development Grant via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg.htm or by contacting the Agency 
Contact for your State listed in section VII of this notice.
    Submit completed paper applications to Marc Warman, USDA-RBS-CS, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 3250, Washington, DC 20250. The 
room number for overnight deliveries is 4016-South.
    Submit electronic grant applications to the following e-mail 
address: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Agency contact for your State 
listed in section VII of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Cooperative Development Grant.
    Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.771.
    Dates: Application Deadline: July 26, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG) are authorized by 
section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1932(e)). Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4284, subparts 
A and F. The primary objective of the RCDG program is to improve the 
economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. RCDG 
grants are used to facilitate the creation or retention of jobs in 
rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value-
added processing and other rural businesses. The program is 
administered through USDA Rural Development State Offices acting on 
behalf of RBS.
    Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
was amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. 
L. 107-171) (Mar. 13, 2002) to modify the matching requirement required 
of RCDG grant applicants that are ``1994 Institutions'' (as defined in 
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
(7 U.S.C. 301 note; Pub. L. 103-382)). (The final rule implementing 
this amendment was published in the April 29, 2004, Federal Register. 
See 69 FR 23418-23436.) 1994 Institutions are not required to provide 
non-Federal financial support (matching funds) greater than 5 percent 
of the grant awarded. In the case of all applicants, preference points 
will be awarded where applicants commit to providing greater than the 
minimum 25 percent matching contribution. A current list of 1994 
Institutions may be obtained from RBS.

Definitions

    Agency--Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an agency of the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or a successor agency.
    Center--The entity established or operated by the grantee for rural 
cooperative development. It may or may not be an independent legal 
entity separate from the grantee.
    Cooperative Development--The startup, expansion or operational 
improvement of a cooperative to promote development in rural areas of 
services, products, and processes that can be used in the marketing of 
products, or enterprises that create Value-Added farm products through 
processing or marketing activities. Development activities may include, 
but are not limited to, technical assistance, research services, 
educational services and advisory services. Operational improvement 
includes making the cooperative more efficient or better managed.
    Cooperative Services--The office within RBS, and its successor 
organization, that administers programs authorized by the Cooperative 
Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) and such other programs so 
identified in USDA regulations.
    1994 Institution--means a college identified as such for purposes 
of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
301 note). Contact the Agency for a list of currently eligible 
colleges.
    Matching Funds--Cash or confirmed funding commitments from non-
Federal sources unless otherwise provided by law. Unless otherwise 
provided, matching funds must be at least equal to the grant amount. 
Unless otherwise provided, in-kind contributions that conform to the 
provisions of 7 CFR 3015.50 and 7 CFR 3019.23, as applicable, can be 
used as matching funds. Examples of in-kind contributions include 
volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, 
donated supplies and equipment, and donated office space. Matching 
funds must be provided in advance of grant funding, such that for every 
dollar of grant that is advanced, not less than an equal amount of 
match funds shall have been funded prior to submitting the request for 
reimbursement. Matching funds are subject to the same use restrictions 
as

[[Page 32319]]

grant funds. Funds used for an ineligible purpose will not be 
considered matching funds.
    National Office--USDA RBS headquarters in Washington, DC.
    Nonprofit Institution--Any organization or institution, including 
an accredited institution of higher education, no part of the net 
earnings of which may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder 
or individual.
    Project--A planned undertaking by a Center that utilizes the funds 
provided to it to promote economic development in rural areas through 
the creation and enhancement of cooperatives.
    Rural and Rural Area--includes all the territory of a state that is 
not within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population 
of 50,000 or more and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to 
such city or town, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census using 
the latest decennial census of the United States.
    Rural Development--A mission area within the USDA consisting of the 
Office of Under Secretary for Rural Development, Office of Community 
Development, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service 
and Rural Utilities Service and their successors.
    State--includes each of the several States, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American 
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be 
determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the 
Freely Associated States and the Federated States of Micronesia.
    State Office--USDA Rural Development offices located in each State.
    Value-Added--The incremental value that is realized by the producer 
from an agricultural commodity or product as the result of a change in 
its physical state, differentiated production or marketing, as 
demonstrated in a business plan, or Product segregation. Also, the 
economic benefit realized from the production of farm or ranch-based 
renewable energy. Incremental value may be realized by the producer as 
a result of either an increase in value to buyers or the expansion of 
the overall market for the product. Examples include milling wheat into 
flour, slaughtering livestock or poultry, making strawberries into jam, 
the marketing of organic products, an identity-preserved marketing 
system, wind or hydro power produced on land that is farmed and 
collecting and converting methane from animal waste to generate energy. 
Identity-preserved marketing systems include labeling that identifies 
how the product was produced and by whom.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2004.
    Approximate Total Funding: $5.0 million (up to $1.5 million 
reserved for small, minority producers).
    Approximate Number of Awards: 20.
    Approximate Average Award: $250,000.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $300,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: 30 September 2004.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: 12 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Grants may be made to non-profit 
corporations and institutions of higher education. Grants may not be 
made to Public bodies.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: Matching funds are required. 
Applicants must verify in their applications that matching funds are 
available for the time period of the grant. The matching fund 
requirement is a 25 percent matching contribution (5 percent in the 
case of 1994 Institutions) with private funds and in-kind 
contributions. Preference points will be awarded where applicants 
commit to providing greater than the minimum 25 percent matching 
contribution (5 percent in the case of 1994 Institutions). Unless 
provided by other authorizing legislation, other Federal grant funds 
cannot be used as matching funds. However, matching funds contributed 
by the applicant may include a loan from another Federal source. 
Matching funds must be spent at a rate equal to or greater than the 
rate at which grant funds are expended. Matching funds must be provided 
by either the applicant in the form of cash or by a third party in the 
form of cash or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be spent on 
eligible expenses must be from eligible sources if they are in-kind 
contributions.
    3. Other Eligibility Requirements:
    Grant Period Eligibility: Applications should have a timeframe of 
no more than 365 days with the time period beginning no later than 90 
days after the anticipated award date.
    Applications without sufficient information to determine 
eligibility will not be considered for funding. Applications that are 
non-responsive to the submission requirements detailed in Section IV of 
this notice will not be considered for funding. Applications that are 
missing any required elements (in whole or in part) will not be 
considered for funding.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: You can obtain the 
application package for this funding opportunity at the following 
internet address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg.htm. If you 
do not have access to the internet, or if you have difficulty accessing 
the forms online, you may contact the Rural Development State Office in 
your State from the list in section VII. Application forms can be 
mailed to you.
    2. Content and Form of Submission: You may submit your application 
in paper or in an electronic format. If you submit your application in 
paper form, you must submit a signed original and one copy of your 
complete application. The application must be in the following format:
    Font size: 12 point unreduced.
    Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
    Page margin size: 1 inch on the top, bottom, left, and right.
    Printed on only one side of each page.
    Held together only by rubber bands or metal or plastic clips; not 
bound in any other way.
    Language: English, avoid jargon.
    The submission must include all pages of the application.
    It is recommended that the application be in black and white, and 
not color. Paper applications may be scanned electronically for further 
review upon receipt by the Agency and the scanned images will all be in 
black and white. Those evaluating scanned versions of the application 
will only receive black and white images.
    If you submit your application electronically, you only need to 
submit one copy. The application must be in the following format:
    File format: pdf format, using Adobe Acrobat version 5.0 or higher.
    Font size: 12 point unreduced.
    Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches.
    Page margin size: 1 inch on the top, bottom, left, and right.
    Language: English, avoid jargon.
    The submission must contain all application pages (including the 
signed forms) in one file.
    It is recommended that the application be in black and white, and 
not color. Those evaluating the application will only receive black and 
white images.
    Multiple submissions or electronic files for the same application 
will be accepted at the discretion of the Agency. All applicants will 
receive a notice, either electronically or by mail that their 
application has been received. This notice only indicates that the

[[Page 32320]]

application has been received--it does not convey any determination on 
the part of the Agency that the application is eligible or has been 
evaluated. Applicants will not be notified of their eligibility or 
ranking until all applications have been completely evaluated and the 
Agency has announced the award determinations.
    An application must contain all of the following elements. Any 
application that is missing any element or contains an incomplete 
element will not be considered for funding.
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' In order 
for this form to be considered complete, it must contain the legal name 
of the applicant, the applicant's DUNS number, the applicant's complete 
mailing address, the name and telephone number of a contact person, the 
employer identification number, the start and end dates of the project, 
the Federal funds requested, other funds that will be used as matching 
funds, an answer to the question, ``Is applicant delinquent on any 
Federal debt?,'' and the name and signature of an authorized 
representative.
    You are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number to apply for a grant from RBS. The DUNS 
number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies 
business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy and there is no 
charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com 
or call (866) 705-5711. For more information, see the RCDG Web site at: 
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg.htm or contact the State 
Office in your State from the list in section VII.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.'' 
In order for this form to be considered complete, the applicant must 
fill out sections A, B, C, and D. The applicant must include both 
Federal and matching funds.
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' In 
order for this form to be considered complete, the form must be signed 
by an authorized official.
    4. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants. RBS is 
required to give this survey to all non-profit applicants. This survey 
is voluntary. If the applicant does not wish to participate in the 
survey, the applicant still must return the blank survey form with a 
statement indicating that the applicant does not wish to provide the 
information requested in order for their application to be considered 
complete.
    5. Proposal. Each proposal must contain the following elements.
    (i) Title Page. The Title Page should include the title of the 
project as well as any other relevant identifying information. The 
length should not exceed one page.
    (ii) Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each 
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents (TOC) immediately 
following the Title Page. The TOC should include page numbers for each 
component of the proposal. Pagination should begin immediately 
following the TOC. In order for this element to be considered complete, 
the TOC should include page numbers for the Executive Summary, the 
Eligibility Discussion, the Proposal Narrative and its 11 
subcomponents, Verification of Matching Funds, and Certification of 
Matching Funds.
    (iii) Executive Summary. Summarize the project in three (3) pages 
or less. Pages over the three-page limit will not be considered. This 
summary must briefly describe the Center, including goals and tasks to 
be completed, the amount requested, how the work will be performed, and 
whether organizational staff, consultants, or contractors will be used. 
It should also include the title of the project, the names of the 
primary project contacts, and a list of the main goals. The project 
summary should immediately follow the TOC.
    (iv) Eligibility. Describe in detail how the applicant meets the 
eligibility requirements. This discussion is limited to two (2) pages. 
Pages over the two-page limit will not be considered.
    (v) Proposal Narrative. The proposal narrative is limited to a 
total of 50 pages. Pages over the 50-page limit will not be considered. 
The narrative portion of the proposal must include, but is not limited 
to, the following:
    (a) Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the 
project.
    (b) Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet which 
lists each of the eight evaluation criteria followed by the page 
numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the 
application which supports that criteria.
    (c) Goals of the Project. This section must include the following:
    (1) A provision that substantiates that the Center will effectively 
serve rural areas in the United States;
    (2) A provision that the primary objective of the Center will be to 
improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative 
development;
    (3) A description of the contributions that the proposed activities 
are likely to make to the improvement of the economic conditions of the 
rural areas for which the Center will provide services; and
    (4) Provisions that the Center, in carrying out the activities, 
will seek, where appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and 
assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational 
institutions, the Federal government, and State and local governments.
    (d) Work Plan. Applicants must discuss the specific tasks to be 
completed using grant and matching funds. The work plan should show how 
customers will be identified, key personnel to be involved, and the 
evaluation methods to be used to determine the success of specific 
tasks and overall objectives of Center operations. The budget must 
present a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with cooperative 
development activities as well as the operation of the Center and 
allocate these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken. Matching 
funds as well as grant funds must be accounted for in the budget.
    (e) Performance Evaluation Criteria. Performance criteria suggested 
by the applicant for incorporation in the grant award in the event the 
proposal receives grant funding under this subpart. These suggested 
criteria are not binding on USDA.
    (f) Undertakings. The applicant must expressly undertake to do the 
following:
    (1) Take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of 
financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the 
private sectors;
    (2) Make arrangements for the activities by the nonprofit 
institution, including institutions of higher education, operating the 
Center to be monitored and evaluated; and
    (3) Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee 
under this subpart.
    (g) Delivery of cooperative development assistance. The applicant 
must describe its previous accomplishments and outcomes in Cooperative 
development activities and/or its potential for effective delivery of 
Cooperative development services to rural areas. Applicants who have 
received funding under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program 
in Fiscal Years 2002 or 2003 must provide a summation of progress and 
results for all projects funded fully or partially by the RCDG program 
in those years. This summary should include the status of cooperative 
businesses organized and all eligible grant purpose activities. The 
applicant

[[Page 32321]]

should also describe the type(s) of assistance to be provided, the 
expected impacts of that assistance, the sustainability of cooperative 
organizations receiving the assistance, and the transferability of its 
Cooperative development strategy and focus to other areas of the U.S.
    (h) Qualifications of Personnel. Applicants must describe the 
qualifications of personnel expected to perform key center tasks, and 
whether these personnel are to be full/part-time Center employees or 
contract personnel. Those personnel having a track record of positive 
solutions for complex cooperative development or marketing problems, or 
those with a record of conducting feasibility studies that later proved 
to be accurate, business planning, marketing analysis, or other 
activities relevant to the Center's success should be highlighted.
    (i) Support and commitments. Applicants must describe the level of 
support and commitment in the community for the proposed Center and the 
services it would provide. This support can be from industry groups, 
commodity groups, and potential customers of the Center. Plans for 
coordinating with other developmental organizations in the proposed 
service area, or with State and local government institutions should be 
included. Letters supporting cooperation and coordination from 
potential local customers should be provided. Letters from industry 
groups, commodity groups, local and State government, and similar 
organizations should be referenced, but not included in the application 
package. When referencing these support letters, provide the name of 
the organization, date of the letter, the nature of the support (cash, 
technical assistance, moral), and the name and title of the person 
signing the letter.
    (j) Future support. Applicants should describe their vision for 
Center operations beyond the first year, including issues such as 
sources and uses of alternative funding; reliance on Federal, State, 
and local grants; and the use of in-house personnel for providing 
services versus contracting out for that expertise. To the extent 
possible, applicants should document future funding sources that will 
help achieve long-term sustainability of the Center.
    (k) Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria referenced 
in section V.1. must be specifically and individually addressed in 
narrative form.
    The proposal narrative is limited to a maximum of 50 pages. Any 
pages over the 50-page limit will not be considered.
    (6) Verification of Matching Funds. All proposed matching funds 
must be specifically documented in the application. Matching funds may 
be cash or third-party in-kind contributions. If matching funds are to 
be provided by the applicant in cash, there must be a statement that 
cash will be available, the amount of the cash, and the source of the 
cash. If the matching funds are to be provided by a third party in 
cash, the application must include a signed letter from that third 
party verifying how much cash will be donated and when it will be 
donated. Verification for funds donated outside the proposed time 
period of the grant will not be accepted. If the matching funds are to 
be provided by a third party in-kind donation, the application must 
include a signed letter from the third party verifying the goods or 
services to be donated, when the goods and services will be donated, 
and the value of the goods or services. Verification for in-kind 
contributions donated outside the proposed time period of the grant 
will not be accepted. Verification for in-kind contributions that are 
over-valued will not be accepted.
    If matching funds are in cash, they must be spent on goods and 
services that are eligible expenditures for this grant program. If 
matching funds are in-kind contributions, the donated goods or services 
must be considered eligible expenditures for this grant program as well 
as be used for eligible purposes. The matching funds must be spent or 
donated during the grant period and the funds must be expended at a 
rate equal to or greater than the rate grant funds are expended. Some 
examples of unacceptable matching funds are donations of fixed 
equipment and buildings, and the preparation of your RCDG application 
package.
    If acceptable verification for all proposed matching funds is 
missing from the application, the application will be determined to be 
incomplete and will not be considered for funding.
    (7) Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that 
matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are 
anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent at a rate 
equal to or greater than the rate grant funds are spent throughout the 
duration of the grant period. If this certification is missing from the 
application, the application will be determined to be incomplete and 
will not be considered for funding.
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Application Deadline Date: July 26, 2004.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be received by Marc 
Warman, USDA-RBS-CS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4016-South, 
Stop 3250, Washington, DC 20250 by 4 p.m. eastern time on the deadline 
date. If you send your application by the United States Postal Service 
or commercial delivery service, you must ensure that the carrier will 
be able to guarantee delivery of the application by the closing date 
and time. If your application does not meet the deadline above, it will 
not be considered for funding. You will be notified that your 
application did not meet the submission requirements. You will also be 
notified by mail or by e-mail if your application is received on time.
    4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications: Executive Order 12372 
does apply to this program.
    5. Funding Restrictions: Funding restrictions apply to both grant 
funds and matching funds. Grant funds may be used to pay up to 75 
percent (95 percent where the grantee is a 1994 Institution) of the 
cost of establishing and operating centers for rural cooperative 
development. Unless provided by other authorizing legislation, other 
Federal grant funds cannot be used as matching funds. However, matching 
funds contributed by the applicant may include a loan from another 
Federal source.
    In general, grant and matching funds can be used to assist farmers 
and ranchers in organizing new or improving existing agriculture 
cooperatives, including those involved in value-added activities. Grant 
and matching funds can also be used to help rural residents form other 
cooperatively operated businesses such as housing cooperatives, 
including the conversion of properties administered under the section 
515 program administered by the Rural Housing Service to housing 
cooperatives. Finally, grant and matching funds can be used to help 
rural residents form shared-services businesses to support their 
individually owned rural businesses.
    Grant funds and matching funds may be used for, but are not limited 
to, providing the following to individuals, cooperatives, small 
businesses and other similar entities in rural areas served by the 
Center:
    (a) Applied research, feasibility, environmental and other studies 
that may be useful for the purpose of cooperative development.
    (b) Collection, interpretation and dissemination of principles, 
facts, technical knowledge, or other information for the purpose of 
cooperative development.

[[Page 32322]]

    (c) Providing training and instruction for the purpose of 
cooperative development.
    (d) Providing loans and grants for the purpose of cooperative 
development in accordance with the subpart.
    (e) Providing technical assistance, research services and advisory 
services for the purpose of cooperative development.
    No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used to do 
any of the following activities:
    Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support 
previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however, 
grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or services 
beyond what is currently being provided;
    Paying the costs of preparing the application package for funding 
under this program;
    Pay costs of the project incurred to prior to the date of grant 
approval;
    Fund political activities;
    Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which does 
not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens 
of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally 
admitted for permanent residence.
    Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
    Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility, including a processing facility;
    Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
    Pay for the repair of privately owned vehicles;
    Fund research and development; or
    Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.
    6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications must be received by 
Marc Warman, USDA-RBS-CS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 4016-
South, Stop 3250, Washington, DC 20250 by 4 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date. Each application submission must contain all required 
documents in one envelope, if by mail or express delivery service, or 
all required documents must be in one electronic pdf file if the 
submission is by e-mail.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria: All eligible and complete applications will be 
evaluated based on the following criteria. Failure to address any one 
of the following criteria will result in a determination of incomplete 
and the application will not be considered for funding.
    The criteria listed in this section will be used to evaluate grants 
under this subpart. Preference will be given to items in paragraphs (a) 
through (k). Up to five points will be awarded to each of the 11 
criteria. Each criterion will receive equal weight.
    For information and documentation that appear in other sections of 
this funding announcement that already address the following criteria, 
the applicant may reference that information and documentation by 
section number and page number. The applicant does not have to repeat 
information and documentation in section V.1. if it is presented 
elsewhere. However, the applicant must correctly reference this 
information and documentation. Reviewers will not be required to search 
for information and documentation that is incorrectly referenced.
    (a) Administrative capabilities. (1-5 points) The application will 
be evaluated to determine whether the subject Center has a track record 
of administering a nationally coordinated, regional or State-wide 
operated project. Centers that have capable financial systems and audit 
controls, personnel and program administration performance measures and 
clear rules of governance will receive more points than those not 
evidencing this capacity.
    (b) Technical assistance and other services. (1-5 points) The 
Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated expertise in 
providing technical assistance in rural areas. This includes conducting 
feasibility studies, developing marketing plans, developing business 
plans, and doing those other activities necessary for a group of 
individuals to form a cooperative.
    (c) Economic development. (1-5 points) The Agency will evaluate the 
applicant's demonstrated ability to assist in the retention of 
businesses, facilitate the establishment of cooperatives and new 
cooperative approaches and generate employment opportunities that will 
improve the economic conditions of rural areas.
    (d) Linkages. (1-5 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's 
demonstrated ability to create horizontal linkages among businesses 
within and among various sectors in rural areas of the United States 
and vertical linkages to domestic and international markets. These 
linkages must be among cooperatives, not development organizations.
    (e) Commitment. (1-5 points) The Agency will evaluate the 
applicant's commitment to providing technical assistance and other 
services to underserved and economically distressed areas in rural 
areas of the United States.
    (f) Matching Funds. (1-5 points) All applicants must demonstrate 
Matching Funds equal to at least 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 
Institutions) of the grant amount requested. Applications exceeding 
these minimum commitment levels will receive more points.
    (g) Delivery. (1-5 points) The Agency will evaluate whether the 
Center has a track record in providing technical assistance in rural 
areas and accomplishing effective outcomes in cooperative development. 
The Center's potential for delivering effective cooperative development 
assistance, the expected effects of that assistance, the sustainability 
of cooperative organizations receiving the assistance, and the 
transferability of the Center's cooperative development strategy and 
focus to other States will also be assessed.
    (h) Work Plan/Budget. (1-5 points) The work plan will be reviewed 
for detailed actions and an accompanying timetable for implementing the 
proposal. Clear, logical, realistic and efficient plans will result in 
a higher score. Budgets will be reviewed for completeness and the 
quality of non-Federal funding commitments.
    (i) Qualifications of those Performing the Tasks. (1-5 points) The 
application will be evaluated to determine if the personnel expected to 
perform key center tasks have a track record of positive solutions for 
complex Cooperative development or marketing problems, or a successful 
record of conducting accurate feasibility studies, business plans, 
marketing analysis, or other activities relevant to Cooperative 
development center success.
    (j) Local support. (5 points) Applications will be reviewed for 
previous and expected local support for the Center, plans for 
coordinating with other developmental organizations in the proposed 
service area, and coordination with State and local institutions. 
Support documentation should include recognition of rural values that 
balance employment opportunities with environmental stewardship and 
other positive rural amenities. Other than support from potential 
customers, just reference the support letters and documentation and do 
not actually submit documents. Centers that demonstrate strong support 
from potential beneficiaries and formal evidence of the Center's intent 
to coordinate with other developmental organizations will receive more 
points than those not evidencing such support and formal intent.
    (k) Future support. (1-5 points) Applications that demonstrate 
their vision for funding center operations for

[[Page 32323]]

future years, including diversification of funding sources and building 
in-house technical assistance capacity, will receive more points for 
this criterion.
    2. Review and Selection Process: The Agency will conduct an initial 
screening of all proposals to determine whether the applicant is 
eligible, complete, and sufficiently responsive to the requirements set 
forth in this funding announcement so as to allow for an informed 
review. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will not be evaluated 
further. Applicants may revise their applications and re-submit them 
prior to the published deadline if there is sufficient time to do so. 
However, given the tight timeline this year, this probably will not be 
possible. Reviewers appointed by the Agency will evaluate applications.
    3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates:
    Award Date: The announcement of award selections is expected to 
occur on or about September 30, 2004.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: Successful applicants will receive a notification 
of tentative selection for funding from Rural Development. Applicants 
must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the 
grant award will be approved. Unsuccessful applicants will receive 
notification by mail.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: 7 CFR parts 
3015, 3019, and 4284.
    To view these regulations, please see the following internet 
address: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1.
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for this program:
    Grant Agreement.
    Letter of Conditions.
    Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
    Certification of Ownership and Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations.
    Resolution Authorizing Execution of Letter of Intent to Meet 
Conditions and Resolution Authorizing Execution of Request for 
Obligation of Funds.
    Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.''
    Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.''
    Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants).''
    Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
    Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
    RD Instruction 1940-Q, Exhibit A-1, ``Certification for Contracts, 
Grants & Loans.''
    Additional information on these requirements can be found on the 
RBS Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg.htm.
    Reporting Requirements: You must provide Rural Development with an 
original hard copy of the following reports. RBS is currently 
developing an online reporting system. Once the system is developed, 
you may be required to submit some or all of your reports online 
instead of in hard copy. The hard copies of your reports should be 
submitted to the Rural Development State Office of the state in which 
the Center is located. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time 
may result in suspension or termination of your grant.
    (1) A ``Financial Status Report'' listing expenditures according to 
agreed upon budget categories, on a semi-annual basis. Reporting 
periods end each March 31 and September 30. Reports are due 30 days 
after the reporting period ends.
    (2) Semi-annual performance reports that compare accomplishments to 
the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to 
date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the 
original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the 
report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion 
of the project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be 
listed. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds 
should be discussed. Reports are due as provided in paragraph (1) of 
this section. The supporting documentation for completed tasks include, 
but are not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business 
plans, articles of incorporation and bylaws and an accounting of how 
outreach, training, and other ``soft'' funds were spent.
    (3) Final project performance reports, including supporting 
documentation are due within 90 days of the completion of the project.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For general questions about this announcement and for program 
technical assistance, please contact the State Office for the State in 
which the Applicant is based. If you are unable to contact your State 
Office, please contact a nearby State Office or you may contact the RBS 
National Office at Mail Stop 3250, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone: (202) 720-7558, e-mail: 
[email protected].

List of Rural Development State Offices

    Note: Telephone numbers shown are not toll free.

Alabama

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Sterling Center, Suite 601, 
4121 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683. (334) 279-3400. 
[email protected].

Alaska

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 
201, Palmer, AK 99645. (907) 761-7705. [email protected].

Arizona

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 3003 North Central Avenue, 
Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85012. (602) 280-8700. 
[email protected].

Arkansas

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

California

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, 
Davis, CA 95616. (530) 792-5800. [email protected].

Colorado

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 655 Parfet Street, 
Lakewood, CO 80215. (720) 544-2903. [email protected].

Delaware-Maryland

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 4607 South DuPont Highway, 
Camden, DE 19934. (302) 697-4300. [email protected].

Florida/Virgin Islands

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 4440 NW. 25th Place, 
Gainesville, FL 32606. (352) 338-3400. [email protected].

Georgia

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Stephens Federal Building, 
355 E. Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601. (706) 546-2162. 
[email protected].

Hawaii

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room

[[Page 32324]]

311, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. (808) 933-8380. 
[email protected].

Idaho

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 9173 West Barnes Drive, 
Suite A1, Boise, ID 83709. (208) 378-5600. [email protected].

Illinois

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 2118 West Park Court, Suite 
A, Champaign, IL 61821. (217) 403-6200. [email protected].

Indiana

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, 
Indianapolis, IN 46278. (317) 290-3100. [email protected].

Iowa

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 873, 
210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. (515) 284-4663. 
[email protected].

Kansas

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 1303 SW. First American 
Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604. (785) 271-2700. 
[email protected].

Kentucky

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

Louisiana

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 3727 Government Street, 
Alexandria, LA 71302. (318) 473-7920. [email protected].

Maine

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 967 Illinois Avenue, Suite 
4, Bangor, ME 04402. (207) 990-9106. [email protected].

Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, 
Amherst, MA 01002. (413) 253-4300. [email protected].

Michigan

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 
200, East Lansing, MI 48823. (517) 324-5200. [email protected].

Minnesota

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 
410, St. Paul, MN 55101-1853. (651) 602-7800. [email protected].

Mississippi

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 
831, 100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269. (601) 965-4316. 
[email protected].

Missouri

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 601 Business Loop 70 West, 
Parkade Center, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203. (573) 876-0976. 
[email protected].

Montana

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 900 Technology Blvd., Suite 
B, Bozeman, MT 59718. (406) 585-2580. [email protected].

Nebraska

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 152, 
100 Centennial Mall N, Lincoln, NE 68508. (402) 437-5551. 
[email protected].

Nevada

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 1390 South Curry Street, 
Carson City, NV 89703. (775) 887-1222. [email protected].

New Jersey

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 5th Floor North Tower, 
Suite 500, 8000 Midlantic Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054. (856) 787-
7700. [email protected].

New Mexico

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 6200 Jefferson Street, NE., 
Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87109. (505) 761-4950. 
[email protected].

New York

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, The Galleries of Syracuse, 
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202. (315) 477-6400. 
[email protected].

North Carolina

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

North Dakota

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 208, 
220 East Rosser Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58502-1737. (701) 530-2037. 
[email protected].

Ohio

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 507, 
200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. (614) 255-2400. 
[email protected].

Oklahoma

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

Oregon

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 
1410, Portland, OR 97204. (503) 414-3300. [email protected].

Pennsylvania

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, One Credit Union Place, 
Suite 330, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996. (717) 237-2299. 
[email protected].

Puerto Rico

    State Director, USDA Rural Development State Office, 654 Munoz 
Rivera Avenue, IBM Plaza, Suite 601, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918. (787) 
766-5095. [email protected].

South Carolina

    State Director, USDA Rural Development State Office, Strom Thurmond 
Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Suite 1007, Columbia, SC 29201. 
(803) 765-5163. [email protected].

South Dakota

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 210, 
200 4th Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350. (605) 352-1100. 
[email protected].

Tennessee

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 
300, Nashville, TN 37203. (615) 783-1300. [email protected].

Texas

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

Utah

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Wallace F. Bennett Federal 
Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138. 
(801) 524-4320. [email protected].

[[Page 32325]]

Vermont/New Hampshire

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 
Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. (802) 828-6000. 
[email protected].

Virginia

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Culpeper Building, Suite 
238, 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 23229. (804) 287-1550. 
[email protected].

Washington

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 1835 Black Lake Blvd., SW., 
Suite B, Olympia, WA 98512. (360) 704-7740. [email protected].

West Virginia

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, 75 High 
Street, Room 320, Morgantown, WV 26505. (304) 284-4860. 
[email protected].

Wisconsin

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 4949 Kirschling Court, 
Stevens Point, WI 54481. (715) 345-7600. [email protected].

Wyoming

    State Director, USDA Rural Development, 100 East B Street, Room 
1005, Casper, WY 82601. (307) 261-6300. [email protected].

    Dated: June 3, 2004.
John Rosso,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13012 Filed 6-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P