[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 112 (Thursday, June 10, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32480-32486]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13105]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2004 Funding Opportunity for 
1890 Land Grant Institutions Rural Entrepreneurial Program Outreach 
Initiative

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Initial notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the 
availability of approximately $1.5 million in competitive cooperative 
agreement funds allocated from fiscal year (FY) 2004 budget. RBS hereby 
requests proposals from the 1890 Land Grant Universities and Tuskegee 
University (1890 Institutions) interested in applying for competitively 
awarded cooperative agreements for support of RBS mission goals and 
objectives of outreach to small rural communities and to develop 
programs that will develop future entrepreneurs and businesses in rural 
America in those communities that have the most economic need. These 
programs must provide sustainable development that is in keeping with 
the needs of the community and designed to help overcome currently 
identified economic problems. Proposals in both traditional and 
nontraditional business enterprises are encouraged. The initiative 
seeks to create a working partnership between the 1890 Institutions and 
RBS through cooperative agreements.
    Awards will be made for proposals found to be meritorious by a peer 
review panel of USDA's employees knowledgeable of the subject matter. 
Awards will be made to the extent that funds are available. However, 
there is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or to 
make a specific number of awards.
    Eligible applicants must provide matching funds in support of this 
project. Matching funds must equal at least 25 percent of the amount 
provided by RBS in the cooperative agreement. This Notice lists the 
information needed to submit an application for these funds.

DATES: Cooperative agreement applications must be received by 4 p.m. 
July 26, 2004. Proposals received after July 26, 2004, will not be 
considered for funding.

ADDRESSES: Send proposals and other required materials to Mr. Edgar L. 
Lewis, Program Manager, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, STOP 
3252, Room 4221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
3252. Telephone: (202) 690-3407, E-mail: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edgar L. Lewis, Program Manager, 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4221, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3252. Telephone: (202) 
690-3407, E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: 1890 Land Grant Institutions Rural 
Entrepreneurial Program Outreach Initiative.

[[Page 32481]]

    Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10-856.
    Key Dates: Cooperative agreement applications must be received by 4 
p.m. July 26, 2004. Proposals received after July 26, 2004, will not be 
considered for funding.
    Executive Summary: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) 
announces the availability of approximately $1.5 million in competitive 
cooperative agreement funds allocated from fiscal year (FY) 2004 
budget. RBS hereby requests proposals from the 1890 Land Grant 
Universities and Tuskegee University (1890 Institutions) interested in 
applying for competitively awarded cooperative agreements for support 
of RBS mission goals and objectives of outreach to small rural 
communities and to develop programs that will develop future 
entrepreneurs and businesses, including cooperatives, in rural America 
in those communities that have the most economic need. These programs 
must provide sustainable development that is in keeping with the needs 
of the community and designed to help overcome currently identified 
economic problems. The initiative seeks to create a working partnership 
between the 1890 Institutions and RBS through cooperative agreements.
    Awards will be made for proposals found to be meritorious by a peer 
review panel of USDA's employees knowledgeable of the subject matter. 
Awards will be made to the extent that funds are available. However, 
there is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or to 
make a specific number of awards.
    Eligible applicants must provide matching funds in support of this 
project. Matching funds must equal at least 25 percent of the amount 
provided by RBS in the cooperative agreement. This Notice lists the 
information needed to submit an application for these funds.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4). Also, 
this solicitation is issued pursuant to Executive Order 13256 (February 
12, 2002), ``President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities.''
    RBS was established under the authority of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. The mission of RBS is to 
enhance the quality of life for rural Americans by providing leadership 
in building competitive businesses including sustainable cooperatives 
that can prosper in the global marketplace. RBS meets these goals by: 
Investing financial resources and providing technical assistance to 
businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities; establishing 
strategic alliances and partnerships that leverage public, private, and 
cooperative resources to create jobs and stimulate rural economic 
activity.
    The primary purpose of the 1890 Land Grant Institutions Rural 
Entrepreneurial Program Outreach Initiative is to have 1890 
Institutions promote Rural Development programs, provide outreach and 
technical assistance, to new and existing cooperatives, and encourage 
and assist underserved rural community residents to participate in the 
USDA-Rural Development programs, especially those administrated by RBS. 
This outreach initiative is also designed to develop programs that will 
develop future entrepreneurs and businesses, including cooperatives, in 
rural America in those communities that have the most economic need. 
These programs must provide sustainable development that is in keeping 
with the needs of the community and are designed to help overcome 
currently identified economic problems. Proposals in both traditional 
and nontraditional business enterprises are encouraged. The initiative 
seeks to create a working partnership through cooperative agreements 
between 1890 Institutions and RBS, to develop programs to assist future 
entrepreneurs, cooperatives and other businesses.
    RBS plans to use cooperative agreements with the 1890 Institutions 
to strengthen the capacity of these communities to undertake 
innovative, comprehensive, citizen led, long-term strategies for 
community and economic development. The cooperative agreements will be 
for an outreach effort to promote Rural Development-RBS programs in 
targeted underserved rural communities and shall include, but not be 
limited to:
    (a) Developing a business startup program including technical 
assistance, to assist new cooperatives and other businesses with new 
business development, business planning, franchise startup and 
consulting, business expansion studies, marketing analysis, cashflow 
management, and seminars and workshops for cooperatives and small 
businesses;
    (b) Developing management and technical assistance plans that will:
    (1) Assess cooperative and small business alternatives to 
traditional agricultural and other natural resource based industries;
    (2) Assist in the development of business plans or loan packages, 
marketing, or bookkeeping;
    (3) Assist and train cooperatives and small businesses in customer 
relations, product development, or business planning and development.
    (c) Assessing and conducting feasibility studies of local community 
weaknesses and strengths, feasible alternatives to agricultural 
production, and the necessary infrastructure to expand or develop new 
or existing businesses;
    (d) Providing community leaders with advice and recommendations 
regarding best practices in community economic development stimulus 
programs for their communities;
    (e) Conducting seminars to disseminate information to stimulate 
business and economic development in selected rural communities; and
    (f) Developing computer technology outreach and establishing and 
maintaining a computer network system, linking community leaders and 
residents to available economic development information.
    Funds may not be used to: (a) Pay costs of preparing the 
application package; (b) fund political activities; (c) pay costs prior 
to the effective date of the cooperative agreement; (d) provide for 
revolving funds; (e) do construction; (f) conduct any activities where 
there is or may appear to be a conflict of interest; or (g) purchase 
real estate.

II. Award Information

    This is a cooperative agreement award instrument. The total amount 
of funds available in FY 2004 for support of this program is 
approximately $1.5 million. Applicants should request a budget 
commensurate with the project proposed. Total funds to be awarded will 
be distributed to the 1890 Institutions, competitively, for the purpose 
of conducting outreach and providing technical assistance to targeted 
small rural communities. This outreach initiative includes, but is not 
limited to, technical assistance in cooperative, economic, and 
community development, feasibility studies, research, market 
development, loan packaging, conducting workshops and seminars in the 
area of cooperative, business, and economic development, and developing 
and providing access to computer technology and web sites development 
to the targeted population and communities.
    The actual number of cooperative agreements funded will depend on 
the quality of proposals received and the amount of funding requested. 
Maximum amount of Federal funds awarded for

[[Page 32482]]

any one proposal will be $150,000. It is anticipated that a typical 
award would range from $75,000 to $150,000. A larger award may be 
granted at the Administrator's discretion.
    In the event that the applicant is to receive an award that is less 
than the amount requested, the applicant will be required to modify the 
application to conform to the reduced amount before execution of the 
cooperative agreement. RBS reserves the right to reduce or de-obligate 
any award if acceptable modifications are not submitted by the awardees 
within 10 working days from the date the application is returned to the 
applicant. Any modification must be within the scope of the original 
application.
    Awards will be made for proposals found to be meritorious by a peer 
review panel of USDA's employees knowledgeable of the subject matter. 
Awards will be made to the extent that funds are available. However, 
there is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or to 
make a specific number of awards.
    Eligible applicants must provide matching funds in support of this 
project. Matching funds must equal at least 25 percent of the amount 
provided by RBS in the cooperative agreement. This Notice lists the 
information needed to submit an application for these funds.
    Throughout the project period, Rural Development/RBS' commitment to 
the continuation of awards will be conditioned on the availability of 
funds, evidence of satisfactory progress by the recipient (as 
documented in certified acceptable quarterly progress and financial 
reports), and the determination that continued funding is in the best 
interest of the U.S. Government.
    A cooperative agreement award instrument requires substantial 
involvement of the agency in carrying out the objectives of the 
project. Information on the agency involvement can be found in the 
award administration information in Section VI.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants are 1890 Institutions which are: Alabama A&M 
University; University of Arkansas--Pine Bluff; Delaware State 
University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University; 
Kentucky State University; Southern University and A&M College; 
University of Maryland--Eastern Shore; Alcorn State University; 
Langston University; North Carolina A&T State University; Lincoln 
University (MO); South Carolina State University; Tennessee State 
University; Prairie View A&M University; Virginia State University; and 
West Virginia State College; also including Tuskegee University. For 
this program, the agency will accept only one application per 
institution. In the event that more than one application is submitted, 
the 1890 Institution's president will determine the official 
application for consideration.
    The applicant and assigned personnel must have expertise and 
experience in providing the recommended assistance. Applicants should 
also have a previous record of successful implementation of similar 
projects and must have the expertise in the use of electronic network 
technologies and/or a business information system network Web site.
    Eligible beneficiaries must be located in a rural area as defined 
in 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A) with a demonstrated economic need. Economic 
need can be demonstrated by the methods delineated in the evaluation 
section of this Notice. Location in an Empowerment Zone, Enterprise 
Community, Champion Community, federally-recognized Indian reservation 
or other federally declared economic depressed or disaster area is 
sufficient indication of economic need. Eligible beneficiaries must 
also be located in communities that show significant community support 
for the proposal. Preference will be given for projects that operate in 
a multi-county service area.
    Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to 
apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the 
project. However, the subcontracted amount may not exceed one-third of 
the total Federal award.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Eligible applicants must provide matching funds in support of this 
project. Matching funds must equal at least 25 percent of the amount 
provided by RBS in the cooperative agreement. Applicants' contributions 
may be in cash or in-kind contributions and must be from non-Federal 
funds.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application

    To obtain application instructions and all required forms, please 
contact the RBS Cooperative Services Program at (202) 690-3407 or FAX 
(202) 690-2723. The application forms and instructions may also be 
requested via e-mail by sending a message with your name, mailing 
address, and phone number to [email protected]. The application 
forms and instructions will be mailed to you as quickly as possible. 
When calling or e-mailing Cooperative Services, please indicate that 
you are requesting application forms and instructions for FY 2004 1890 
Land Grant Institutions Rural Entrepreneurial Program Outreach 
Initiative. The application forms may also be located at Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/oa/1890.htm.

2. Content and Form of Application

    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and 2 copies must include all required forms, 
certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed by an authorized 
representative of the applicant organization, have original signatures, 
and be submitted unbound.
    All Federal grant applicants must provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data 
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal 
grants and cooperative agreements. The DUNS number is required whether 
an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-
wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number is 
required for every application for a new award or renewal/continuation 
of an award, including applications or plans under formula, entitlement 
and block grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Please 
ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may acquire a DUNS 
number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number 
request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number on-line at 
http://www.dnd.com.
    If your application form does not have a DUNS number field, please 
write your DUNS number at the top of the first page of your 
application, and/or include your DUNS number in your application cover 
letter.
    Your proposal should contain each of the following:
    (a) Completed Forms.
    (1) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' Please 
complete SF-424, including items 10 and 14 (voting District, 
Congressman and Senator).
    (2) Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.''
    (3) Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (4) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
    (5) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements.''

[[Page 32483]]

    (b) A letter of support from your Rural Development/RBS State 
office.
    (c) Table of Contents: For ease of locating information, each 
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately 
following the required forms. The Table of Contents should include page 
numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination should begin 
immediately following the Table of Contents.
    (d) Project Executive Summary: A summary of the Project Proposal, 
not to exceed one page.
    (e) Project Proposal: The application must contain a narrative 
statement describing the nature of the proposed outreach initiative. 
The proposal must include at least the following:
    (1) Project Title Page. The Title Page must include the following: 
title of the project, names of principal investigators, and applicant 
organization.
    (2) Introduction. A concisely worded justification or rationale for 
the outreach initiative must be presented. Included should be a 
summarization of social and economical statistical data (income, 
population, employment rate, poverty rate, education attainment, etc.), 
of the target area which substantiates the need for the outreach 
initiative. Note in this section if the target area includes an 
Employment Zone/Enterprise Community, Champion Community, Federally-
recognized Indian reservation or other federally declared economic 
disaster area. Please discuss the ``Economic Need of Community'' 
evaluation criterion in this section.
    (3) Workplan. Discuss the approach (strategy) to be used in 
carrying out the proposed outreach initiative and accomplishing the 
objectives. Please discuss the ``Statement of Work'' evaluation 
criterion in this section. A description of any subcontracting 
arrangements to be used in carrying out the project must be included. 
Also, the workplan must include:
    (i) Overview of the project objectives and goals: Identify and 
discuss the specific goals and objectives of the project and the impact 
of the outreach initiative on end-users;
    (ii) Timeframe: Develop a tentative schedule for conducting the 
major steps of the outreach initiative;
    (iii) Milestones: Describe and quantify the expected outcome of the 
specific outreach objective, including jobs created or assisted, 
conferences and seminars conducted and number of participants, loans 
packaged, etc.;
    (iv) Recipient involvement: Identify the person(s) who will be 
performing the activities; and
    (v) RBS involvement: Identify RBS staff responsible for assisting 
and monitoring the activities.
    (4) Estimated Budget. You must provide a detailed budget 
justification including matching funds.
    (5) Leveraging Funds. Other institutional support of this outreach 
initiative project. Please discuss the ``Matching Fund/Leveraging'' 
evaluation criterion in this section.
    (6) Coordination and Management Plan. Describe how the project will 
be coordinated among various participants, the nature of the 
collaborations and benefits to participants, the communities, the 
applicant, and RBS. Describe your plans for the management of the 
project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the 
scope of RBS's involvement in the project. Please discuss the 
``Coordination and Management of the Project'' evaluation criterion in 
this section.
    (7) Technology Outreach. The proposal must address the applicant's 
ability to deliver computer technology to the targeted rural 
communities and implement and maintain a computer network system 
linking community leaders and residents to available economic 
development information. Please discuss the ``Digital Technology 
Outreach'' evaluation criterion in this section.
    (8) Key Personnel Support. The proposal must include curriculum 
vitae for the key personnel used to carry out the goals and objectives 
of the proposal.
    (9) Facilities or Equipment. Your proposal must identify where the 
project will be located (housed) and what other equipment is needed or 
already available to carry out the specific objectives of the project.
    (10) Previous Accomplishments. Summarize previous accomplishments 
of outreach work funded by RBS or similar outreach experiences. This is 
especially important for first time applicants. Please discuss the 
``Previous Accomplishments'' evaluation criterion in this section.
    (11) Local and Rural Development/RBS State Office Support. Letters 
of support from the local community such as businesses, educational 
institutions, local governments, community-based organizations, etc. 
One letter must be from the respective Rural Development/RBS State 
Office. Letters of support (other than from Rural Development/RBS) 
should show support with commitment for tangible resources and or 
assistance. A letter from Rural Development/RBS is evidence that the 
State office had an opportunity for input in your proposal and can meet 
the cooperative agreement requirements for RBS. Please discuss the 
``Local Support'' evaluation criterion in this section.
    (12) Any other information necessary for RBS to approve and show 
support with commitment for tangible resources and or rank your 
proposal.
    Additionally you are encouraged to provide any strategic plan that 
has been developed to assist cooperative and business development or 
entrepreneurship for the targeted communities.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Dates:
    Cooperative agreement proposals must be received in the RBS 
National Office by 4 p.m. July 26, 2004.
    Proposals received after July 26, 2004, will not be considered for 
funding. The applicant assumes the risk of any delay in proposal 
delivery. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed 
applications via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely 
receipt by RBS. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-
mail. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate 
e-mail addresses. If the applicant does not receive an acknowledgment 
within 7 work days of the submission deadline, please contact the 
program manager (see item IV, 6). If RBS receives your application 
after closing due to:
    (a) Carrier error, when the carrier accepted the package with 
guarantee for delivery by the closing date and time, or
    (b) Significant weather delays or natural disaster, you will be 
given the opportunity to document these problems. RBS will consider the 
application as having been received by the deadline if your 
documentation meets these requirements and verifies the delay was 
beyond your control. However, applications submitted via facsimile or 
e-mail will not be accepted.

4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372 does apply to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Based on Section 708 Title 7 Consolidated Appropriations-Act 2004, 
(Pub. L. 108-199) ``No funds appropriated by this Act may be used to 
pay negotiated indirect cost rates on cooperative agreements or similar 
arrangements between the United States Department of Agriculture and 
nonprofit institutions in excess of 10 percent of the total cost of the 
agreement when the purpose of such cooperative arrangement is to carry 
out programs of mutual interest between the two

[[Page 32484]]

parties.'' Other funding restrictions are identified in the 
``Eligibility Information'' section 2.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Send proposals and other required materials by mail or express 
delivery service to: Mr. Edgar L. Lewis, Program Manager, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4221, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3252.
    Applications may not be submitted electronically at this time.
    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals 
considered for review and to cooperative agreements awarded. These 
include, but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted 
Programs of the Department of Agriculture `` Effectuation of Title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
    7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
    7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grant),
    7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying,
    7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Non-Profit Organizations,
    7 CFR Part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria--Proposals will be evaluated using the following seven 
criteria. Each criterion is given the weight value shown with total 
points equal to 100. The points assigned provide an indication of the 
relative importance of each section and will be used by the reviewers 
in evaluating the proposals. Points do not have to be awarded by RBS 
for each criterion. After all proposals have been evaluated, the 
Administrator may award an additional 10 discretionary points to any 
proposal to obtain the broadest geographic distribution of the funds, 
insure a broad diversity of project proposals, or insure a broad 
diversity in the size of the awards.
    (a) Support of Local Community (Up to 10 points)--Proposals should 
have the support of local government, educational, community, and 
business groups. Higher points will be awarded for proposals 
demonstrating broad support from all components of the communities 
served, particularly cooperative groups. Broad support is demonstrated 
by tangible contributions, such as providing volunteers, computers, or 
transportation or co-sponsoring workshops and conferences. Points will 
be awarded based on the level of tangible contribution in comparison to 
the size of the award. Tangible support must be stated in letters from 
supporting entities.
    (b) Matching Funds/Leveraging (Up to 15 points)--This criteria 
relates to the extent to which the institution has the capacity to 
support the project with matching funds and leveraging additional funds 
and resources to carry out this outreach initiative.
    A maximum of 10 points will be awarded based upon the amount the 
proposal exceeds the minimum 25 percent matching requirement. 
Applicants will be required to provide matching funds or equivalent in-
kind in support of this project. Evidence of matching funds 
availability must be provided. Funds or equivalent in-kind must be 
available at the time the cooperative agreement is entered into. 
Matching funds points will be awarded as listed below.

>25 percent to 35 percent Match--2 points
>35 percent to 50 percent Match--5 points
>50 percent to 75 percent Match--7 points
>75 percent Match--10 points

    Up to 5 additional points may be awarded based on the applicant's 
capacity to leverage additional funds and resources from other private 
and nonprivate sources to support this outreach initiative. Applicants 
must provide sufficient information on the amount and sources of your 
leveraging activities for the evaluation panel to properly rate this 
criterion.
    (c) Economic Need of Community (Up to 15 points)--This criterion 
will be evaluated based on the economic need of the targeted 
communities.
    A maximum of 5 points will automatically be awarded to proposals 
with one or more of the following entities in a targeted community(s): 
Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, Champion Communities, 
Federally-recognized Indian reservations, and other federally declared 
economic depressed or disaster areas. Applicants must provide 
sufficient information for the panel to properly rate this part of the 
above criterion. The proposals must state the name and location of the 
declared economic depressed area.
    Rural underserved targeted counties/communities must be an area 
other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 
inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a 
city or town, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Census using the latest 
decennial census of the United States.
    Also, for this criterion, a maximum of 7 points will be awarded for 
demonstrated economic need based on the currently available poverty 
rate of the targeted local community(s). Applicants may use targeted 
county or community poverty rates if available. When multi-community 
proposals are submitted, the over-all weighted average for all counties 
or communities will be used. Applicants must use current (2000 Census) 
poverty data for each targeted county or community. Points will be 
awarded based on the differences in the targeted county or community's 
average poverty from the respective State poverty rate (average 
targeted county or community poverty rate minus the respective State 
poverty rate). Percents will be rounded to the next whole number.

Less than 3 percent--0 points
3-6 percent--1 point
7-10 percent--2 points
11-15 percent--5 points
Greater than 15 percent--7 points

    Up to 3 additional points may be awarded for this criterion based 
on the applicant's ability to demonstrate or identify other economic 
needs of the targeted communities, such as, but not limited to, 
unemployment rates, education levels, and job availability. Applicants 
must provide sufficient information for the panel to properly rate this 
part of the above criterion.
    (d) Previous Accomplishments (Up to 10 points)--This criterion will 
be evaluated based on the applicant's previous accomplishments with 
this outreach initiative and/or demonstrative capacity to conduct 
similar outreach work.
    A point will be awarded to those institutions for each year they 
have been awarded a cooperative agreement under this program up to 5 
years. Applicants must provide evidence of satisfactorily completing 
the agreement for each year that they claim for credit.
    Up to five additional points may be awarded based on the 
applicant's ability to document the positive impact of their project 
upon the targeted underserved rural communities. It is incumbent upon 
the applicant to provide information as to the type of services 
delivered and names of rural communities.
    Applicants with zero or less than 5 recent years of awards in this 
program may receive up to the maximum 10 points by highlighting the 
applicant's

[[Page 32485]]

commitment and previous performance on this project or projects with 
cooperative development outreach objectives. The applicant should 
discuss the potential impact of their project upon the targeted 
underserved rural communities, as well as describing previous similar 
outreach work.
    (e) Statement of Work (up to 30 Points)--This criterion relates to 
the degree to which the proposed project addresses the major purposes 
for the ``1890 Land Grant Institutions: Rural Entrepreneurial Program 
Outreach Initiative.'' Points will be awarded according to the degree 
to which the statement of work reflects innovative strategies for 
providing outreach and assistance to the targeted underserved rural 
entrepreneurs, cooperatives, businesses and communities, and the 
potential for achieving project objectives. To receive up to 20 points, 
proposals must have a clearly and concisely stated work plan showing 
objectives, goals, timetables, expected results, measurable outcomes, a 
commitment to cooperative development and who will be performing 
various activities, including RBS involvement. All proposals must 
integrate substantial RBS involvement. An extra 10 points will be 
awarded for this criterion for those proposals that reflect innovation 
and commitment in working with new and existing cooperatives.
    (f) Digital Technology Outreach (Up to 10 points)--This criterion 
is meant to evaluate the applicant's level of outreach and capacity to 
provide innovative and effective computer technology outreach to the 
underserved targeted rural communities.
    A maximum of 5 points will be awarded based on the applicant's 
demonstrated capacity to promote innovations and improvements in the 
delivery of computer technology benefits to underserved rural 
communities whose share in these benefits is disproportionably low. 
Examples of innovations and improvements in this needed area include, 
but are not limited to; computer-based decision support systems to 
assist entrepreneurs and rural community governments in taking 
advantage of relevant technologies or effective delivery systems for 
business information or resource management assistance for rural 
underserved entrepreneurs and local governments and providing a 
business information systems network.
    Up to 5 additional points may be awarded based on the qualification 
and subject skill level of the individuals directly conducting the 
technology outreach activities. Applicants must provide sufficient 
information for the evaluation panels to properly rate this technology 
criterion.
    (g) Coordination and Management of the Project (Up to 10 points)--
This criterion will be evaluated based on the applicant's demonstrated 
capacity to coordinate and manage this type of outreach initiative 
among the various stakeholders.
    A maximum of 5 points will be awarded for the coordination plan. 
Applicants will need to describe the role and coordination mechanisms 
among various participants, including communities, the applicant, the 
USDA Rural Development State Office and RBS National Office. The nature 
of the collaborations and benefits to participants must also be 
described.
    By definition, a cooperative agreement requires substantial 
involvement by the funding agent in carrying out the project objectives 
in the project. Therefore, up to 5 additional points may be awarded for 
this criterion based on demonstration of broad involvement and 
collaboration with each applicant's respective USDA Rural Development 
State Office as related to the outreach project. This involvement and 
collaboration should include, but not be limited to: (1) Rural 
Development State Office input and review of applicant's proposal, (2) 
invitations to attend and participate in workshops and conferences when 
needed, (3) on-going monitoring of the outreach project, and (4) 
directing applicants to the Rural Development State Office when 
applicable.
    2. Review and Selection Process--Each application will be evaluated 
in a two-part process. First, each application will be screened to 
ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in 
the Request for Proposals. Second, a number of expert reviewers will 
conduct a merit review based on the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' 
section of this notice. The review of the individual reviewers will be 
used by RBS to determine which application will be recommended to the 
Administrator for funding. Evaluated applications will be ranked based 
on merit. The RBS Administrator will make final approval for those 
applications recommended for an award. If there is a tie score after 
the proposals have been rated and ranked, the tie will be resolved by 
the proposal with the largest matching funds as a percent of the 
Federal amount of the award.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices--This is a competitive cooperative agreement. In 
August, successful applicants will receive notice of award from RBS 
National Office stating that their university has been selected to 
receive an award to provide technical assistance and business 
development information to the targeted rural communities. Upon final 
approval of the award, based on an expert panel review and ranking 
process, as well as the Office of the General Counsel's review and 
clearance of your proposal by USDA's Under Secretary for Rural 
Development, an official cooperative agreement document will be sent to 
the successful applicant for signing by the institution's president or 
designee. The document will become binding after signing by the USDA 
official.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification of the results of 
the application review by mail.
    In compliance with USDA's Management Control Review and RBS 
recommendations, the State Office representative will be conducting 
semiannual on-site reviews of your project, as well as any additional 
reviews deemed necessary by the National Office.
    Upon final approval of the award, and as stated in the cooperative 
agreement, a copy of your quarterly progress and annual report are to 
be forwarded to the National and State Offices. In addition, ``Request 
for Advance or Reimbursement'' (SF-270), ``Financial Status Report'' 
(SF-269 or 269A) and quarterly progress reports are to be submitted 
contemporaneously to the National Office.
    During the term of the negotiated agreements, the recipients will 
deliver quarterly reports of progress of the work to RBS and prepare 
and deliver a final report detailing all work done and results 
accomplished. In addition, all reports forwarded to RBS National Office 
must be forwarded to the USDA Rural Development State Office. Also, 
upon request by RBS, the recipient will deliver manuscripts, 
videotapes, software, or other media, as may be identified in approved 
proposals. RBS retains those rights delineated in 7 CFR 3019.36. Also, 
the recipients will deliver project outreach success stories and other 
project related information requested by RBS for use on the Web site 
(http://bisnet.sus.edu), or other Web sites designated by USDA-RBS.
    2. Administrative and National Policy: Institutions that are 
awarded a cooperative agreement will be responsible for the following:
    (a) Completing the objectives as defined in the approved proposal.
    (b) Keeping up-to-date records on the project during the term of 
the

[[Page 32486]]

agreement, making quarterly reports of the progress of the work to RBS 
on or prior to January 31, April 29, July 29, and October 31, 2005, and 
preparing a final report detailing all work done and results 
accomplished. Submitting a final report to RBS National Office and to 
the USDA Rural Development State Office within 90 days of the project's 
completion.
    (c) Submitting to RBS, on a quarterly basis, (SF-270), ``Request 
for Advance or Reimbursement.''
    (d) Keeping an account of expenditures of the Federal dollars and 
matching fund dollars and providing to RBS, (SF-269), ``Financial 
Status Report,'' with each SF-270 submitted, and a final SF-269 within 
90 days of the project's completion.
    (e) Immediately refunding to RBS, at the end of the agreement, any 
balance of unobligated funds received from RBS.
    (f) Providing matching funds or equivalent in-kind in support of 
the project, at least to the level agreed to in the accepted proposal.
    (g) Conducting seminars to disseminate Rural Development program 
information to stimulate business and economic development in selected 
rural communities.
    (h) Participating in the RBS Entrepreneurship and Information 
Annual or Bi-annual Conferences/Workshops when planned.
    (i) In cooperation with local businesses, developing a program of 
cooperative and business startup and technical assistance that will 
assist with new company development, business planning, new enterprise, 
franchise startup and consulting, business expansion studies, marketing 
analysis, cashflow management, and seminars and workshops for 
cooperatives and small businesses.
    (j) Providing office space, equipment, and supplies for all 
personnel assigned to the project.
    (k) Developing management and technical assistance plans in 
cooperation with USDA Rural Development State Office that will:
    (1) assess cooperative and small business alternatives to 
traditional, nontraditional, agricultural, and other natural resources-
based industries;
    (2) assist in the development of business plans and loan packages, 
marketing, bookkeeping assistance, and organizational sustainability; 
and
    (3) in cooperation with USDA Rural Development State Office, 
provide technical assistance and training in customer relations, 
product development, and business planning and development.
    (l) Assessing the need for and, if necessary, conducting a 
feasibility study of local community weaknesses and strengths, feasible 
alternatives to agriculture production, and the needed infrastructure 
to expand or develop new or existing businesses. The plans for any such 
studies must be submitted for approval prior to the study being 
conducted.
    (m) In cooperation with the USDA Rural Development State Office, 
providing community leaders with advice and recommendations regarding 
best practices in community economic development stimulus programs for 
their communities.
    (n) Developing digital technology outreach and establish and 
maintaining a Business Information Network System web site, linking 
community leaders and residents to available economic development 
information.
    (o) Assuring and certifying that it is in compliance with, and will 
comply in the course of the agreement with, all applicable laws, 
regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally applicable 
requirements, including those set out in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.
    (p) Using Federal funds to only pay meeting related travel expenses 
when the employees are performing a service of direct benefit to the 
Government directly in furtherance of the objectives of the proposed 
agreement. Federal funds cannot be used to pay non-Federal employees to 
attend meetings.
    (q) Not commingling or using program funds for administrative 
expenses to operate an intermediary relending program (IRP).
    (r) Collaborating with the RBS National and USDA Rural Development 
State Offices in performing the tasks in the agreement as needed and 
providing the RBS National Office with the necessary information for 
RBS to:
    (1) Monitor the program as it is being implemented and operated, 
including monitoring of financial information to ensure that there is 
no commingling or use of program funds for administrative expenses to 
operate an IRP or other unapproved items.
    (2) Halt activity, after written notice, if tasks are not met.
    (3) Review and approve changes to key personnel.
    (4) Provide guidance in the evaluation process and other technical 
assistance as needed.
    (5) Approve the final plans for the community business workshops, 
cooperative, business, and economic development sessions, and training 
workshops to be conducted by the applicant.
    (6) Provide reference assistance as needed to the applicant for 
technical assistance given on a one-on-one basis to entrepreneurs and 
startup businesses.
    (7) Review and comment upon strategic plans developed by the 
applicant for targeted areas.
    (8) Review economic assessments made by the applicant for targeted 
counties so that RBS can indicate which of its programs may be 
beneficial.
    (9) Carefully screen the project to prevent First Amendment 
violations.
    (10) Monitor the program to ensure that a Business Information 
System Network web-site link is established and maintained.
    (11) Provide assistance and training to the Business Information 
System Network Hub-sites and Wide Area Network (WAN) Team Members at 
the universities in preparing economic development information for 
posting on the Internet.
    (12) Allow the USDA Rural Development State Office to conduct a 
semi-annual on-site review and submit written reports to the National 
Office.
    (13) Participate in program workshops, seminars and conferences as 
required or by invitations.
    (14) Sponsor annual or bi-annual Entrepreneurship and Information 
workshops for 1890 participants and Rural Development/RBS 1890 
representatives.

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edgar L. Lewis, Program Manager, 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4221, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3252. Telephone: (202) 
690-3407. e-mail: [email protected].

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The paperwork burden associated with this initiative has been 
cleared by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB Control Number 
0570-0041.

    Dated: June 4, 2004.
John Rosso,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13105 Filed 6-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P