[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 180 (Friday, September 17, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56033-56036]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20966]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Initial Notice of Funds Availability Inviting Applications for 
the Implementation of an American Indian Targeted Credit Outreach 
Program

    Announcement Type: Initial Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) 
inviting applications from qualified organizations for Fiscal Year 2005 
funding.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Program: 10.443: 
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and 
Ranchers.

SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces it is taking 
applications for a competitive cooperative agreement for Fiscal Year 
(FY) 2005 to initiate a credit outreach initiative targeted to American 
Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian 
reservations within the contiguous 48 States. FSA requests proposals 
from eligible non-profit organizations, land grant institutions, and 
federally-recognized Indian tribal governments interested in a 
competitively-awarded cooperative agreement to create and implement a 
mechanism that will provide credit outreach and promotion, pre-loan 
education, one-on-one loan application preparation assistance, and 
other related services as proposed by the successful applicant that are 
specific to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs.
    This is a request for proposals for applications for the American 
Indian Targeted Credit Outreach Program (AITCOP) for FY 2005, subject 
to the availability of funds. FY 2004 funding for the AITCOP was 
$1,599,951. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final 
appropriations bill to allow applicants sufficient time to submit 
proposals, give the Agency maximum time to process applications and to 
permit the continuity of this program while minimizing the time a prior 
program is administered. A Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) will be 
published announcing the funding level for FY 2005 once an 
appropriation has been enacted. The commitment of program funds will be 
made to an applicant from selected responses that have fulfilled the 
necessary requirements for obligation to the extent announced in the 
subsequent NOFA.
    Proposals should demonstrate ways of ensuring that American Indians 
will (1) Be provided a targeted promotional campaign about, (2) have 
ready access to, (3) be educated about, and (4) be able to obtain one-
on-one assistance specific to the various FSA Agricultural Credit 
Programs. Applicants must also demonstrate and provide evidence of 
their ability to record and track program-specific data that can be 
accessed on a real-time basis and be available online through the 
Internet. In addition, the successful applicant must provide evidence 
that it has in place, or demonstrated the capability to put in place, a 
data-tracking system that thoroughly records all credit outreach-
specific related activities and has the ability to provide detailed 
statistical information on an ad hoc basis. The database must also be 
built using software that is functional on a real-time basis as well as 
being available online through the Internet. Additionally, the 
applicant must demonstrate its ability to deliver these credit outreach 
services utilizing the FSA Online Business Plan software program upon 
acceptance of any financial award.

DATES: Applications should be completed and submitted as soon as 
possible, and must be received by the Agency no later than 5 p.m. 
eastern time, October 18, 2004.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This notice does not involve a collection of information as defined 
by section 1320.3(c) of 5 CFR part 1320 because it will not involve the 
collection of information from 10 or more persons.

II. Funding Opportunity Description

Background

    Today, American Indians own and control approximately 56 million 
acres of agricultural lands held in trust by the United States 
Government and administered, for the most part, by the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs (BIA). Land-based agricultural enterprises are considered the 
primary source of revenue for most tribes, due in large part to their 
severe isolation from any urban type industrial development activities. 
Thus, protecting this resource is an important function of the elected 
tribal officials charged with operating business activities that take 
place within reservations.
    With this in mind, American Indian agribusinesses, as well as 
individual Indians have consistently reported that the primary need in 
Indian agriculture was access to the capital required to own and 
operate their own farms or ranches. Therefore, FSA has undertaken this 
initiative to create and implement a mechanism that will provide credit 
outreach and other related services related to FSA's Agricultural 
Credit Programs as a way to resolve some of the credit needs of Indian 
agriculture.

Definitions

    The following definitions are applicable to this NOFA:
    Agency or FSA: The United States Department of Agriculture Farm 
Service Agency or its successor agency.
    Farm Land: Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and 
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
    Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal Government: The governing body 
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other 
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined 
in Section 3 of

[[Page 56034]]

the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688)) certified by 
the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and 
services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    Land Grant Institution:
    (1) A 1994 institution (as defined in Section 2 of the Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)), 
or an 1890 institution;
    (2) An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native 
cooperative college; or
    (3) A Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of 
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
    Non-Profit Organization: Any corporation, trust, association, 
cooperative, or other organization that:
    (1) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, 
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
    (2) Is not organized primarily for profit; and
    (3) Must be an organization that is recognized by the Internal 
Revenue Service as being exempt from Federal income tax under section 
as 501(3)(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

III. Award Information

    One cooperative agreement will be awarded. Approximately $1,600,000 
is expected to be made available for FY 2005. Cooperative agreement 
funds may be used to cover allowable costs incurred by the recipient 
and approved by the Agency. Allowable costs will be governed by 7 CFR 
parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 and applicable Office of Management and 
Budget Circulars.

IV. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants must be either non-profit organizations, federally 
recognized Indian tribes or land grant institutions, as defined in the 
Definitions section of this NOFA. Applications without sufficient 
information to determine their eligibility will not be considered.

2. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    There are no provisions for cost-sharing or matching.

V. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    The forms required for an application as described below and for 
subsequent reporting by the successful applicant may be obtained from 
Mike Hill, Associate Director, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, 
USDA, STOP 0511, Room 3716-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0511, phone: (202) 690-1299, fax: (202) 690-4727, 
or e-mail: [email protected].
    All other information described below is to be provided by the 
applicant.

2. Content and Form of Application

    (a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
    (b) Form SF-424A, ``Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (c) Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (d) Table of Contents--For ease of locating information, each 
application must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately 
following the required Federal forms. The Table of Contents should 
include page numbers for each component of the application. Pagination 
should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
    (e) Proposal Summary--A summary of the Project Proposal, not to 
exceed one page, that includes the title of the project, a description 
of the project (including goals and tasks to be accomplished), the 
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the 
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks (which 
should not exceed twelve months).
    (f) Eligibility--A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages, 
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant 
institution, non-profit organization, or federally recognized Indian 
tribal government, as outlined in the ``Recipient Eligibility 
Requirements'' section of this NOFA. In addition, the applicant must 
describe all other collaborative organizations that may be involved in 
the project.
    (g) Proposal Narrative--The narrative portion of the project 
proposal must be in a font such as Times New Roman, 12 pt. or 
comparable font, and must include the following:
    (h) Project Title--The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the 
project.
    (i) Information Sheet--A separate one page information sheet that 
lists each of the evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under the 
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' subsection followed by the page 
numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the 
proposal which address or support that criteria.
    (j) Goals and Objectives of the Project--A clear statement of the 
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.

3. Submission Date

    The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. eastern 
time, October 18, 2004. The Agency will not consider any applications 
received after the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted and 
will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must ensure that the 
service they use to deliver their applications can do so by the 
deadline. Due to recent security concerns, packages sent to the Agency 
by mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.

4. Submission of Applications

    Submit applications and other required materials to Mike Hill, 
Associate Director, Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 
0511, Room 3716-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-
0511.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    Not applicable.

6. Funding Restrictions

    Cooperative agreement funds cannot be used to:
    (a) Support the organization's general operations;
    (b) Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility (including a processing facility);
    (c) Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile 
and other processing equipment;
    (d) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
    (e) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture;
    (f) Fund political or lobbying activities;
    (g) Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a Cooperative Agreement;
    (h) Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 
3019;
    (i) Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific 
physical facility; or
    (j) All relevant material and documentation addressing the criteria 
in section VI(1) of this NOFA.

VI. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    The proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria and 
weights. Each criterion must be addressed specifically and individually 
by category. These criteria should be in narrative form with any 
specific supporting documentation attached as addenda and directly 
following the proposal narrative. If other materials, including 
financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation criteria, 
they should also be

[[Page 56035]]

placed directly following the proposal narrative. The applicant must 
also propose and delineate significant agency participation in the 
project. Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the 
application. All proposals must be in compliance with this NOFA and 
applicable statutes.
    (a) Proposers Commitment and Resources (15 points)--The standard 
evaluates the degree to which the organization is committed to the 
project, and the experience, qualifications, competency, and 
availability of personnel and resources to direct and carry out the 
project. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate its ability to 
deliver these credit outreach services utilizing the FSA Online 
Business Plan software program upon acceptance of any financial award.
    (b) Feasibility and Policy Consistency (20 points)--The standard 
evaluates the degree to which the proposal clearly describes its 
objectives and evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion 
relates to the adequacy, soundness of the proposed approach to the 
solution of the problem and evaluates the plan of operation, timetable, 
evaluation and dissemination plans.
    (c) Detailed description of the anticipated number of underserved 
American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youths to be served by this 
initiative and collaborative partnerships, if any (20 points)--This 
standard evaluates the degree to which the proposal reflects 
partnerships and collaborative initiatives with other agencies or 
organizations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the program. 
Additionally, the areas and number of underserved American Indian 
farmers, ranchers and youth who would benefit from the services offered 
will be evaluated.
    (d) American Indian Applicants--Outreach (10 points)--This standard 
evaluates the degree to which the proposal contains efforts to reach 
persons identified as American Indian farmers, ranchers and youth. The 
proposal will be evaluated for its potential for encouraging and 
assisting American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youths to utilize the 
various FSA agriculture credit programs. Elements considered include 
impact, continuation plans, innovation, and expected products and 
results.
    (e) Innovative Strategies (25 points)--This standard evaluates the 
degree to which the proposal reflects innovative strategies for 
reaching the population targeted in the proposal and achieving the 
project objectives. Elements also evaluated include evidence that the 
applicant has in place, or has demonstrated the ability to put in 
place, a data tracking system that thoroughly records all credit 
outreach specific related activities and has the ability to provide 
detailed statistical information on an ad hoc basis, with additional 
evidence supporting its ability to function on a real-time basis as 
well its ability to be available online through the Internet, and 
originality, practicality, and creativity in developing and testing 
innovative solutions to existing or anticipated credit issues or 
problems of American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youths. The proposal 
will be reviewed for its responsiveness to the need to provide American 
Indian farmers, ranchers, and youths with promotion, relevant 
information, and direct assistance in applying for and receiving FSA 
agriculture credit, and other essential information to enhance 
participation in agricultural programs and conducting a successful 
farming or ranching operation.
    (f) Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points)--This standard 
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this NOFA and 
is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to 
instructions, accuracy and completeness of forms, clarity and 
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the 
budget narrative, specificity of allocations between targeted areas if 
the proposal addresses more than one area, and completeness of vitae 
for all key personnel associated with the project.
    (g) Accuracy of Proposed Budget and Justification (5 points)--This 
standard evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the 
accompanying budget justification and should sufficiently provide the 
reviewer with a detailed description of each budget category that 
includes categorical subtotals as well as an attached budget 
justification that clearly defines and explains each and every proposed 
budget line item.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made 
by FSA Outreach Staff for responsiveness to this solicitation. 
Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are 
otherwise ineligible will be eliminated from competition.
    All responsive proposals will be reviewed by a panel of career 
National Office FSA and/or USDA Agency employees chosen to provide 
maximum expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of 
proposals. The panel will review applications using the evaluation 
criteria stated above for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness 
to this NOFA. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be 
returned to the applicant and not evaluated further. If the submission 
deadline has not expired and time permits, ineligible applications may 
be returned to the applicants for possible revision.
    Successfully evaluated proposals will be ranked by the FSA Outreach 
Staff based on merit. Final approval of those proposals will be made by 
the Administrator of FSA.
    When the reviewers have completed their individual evaluations, the 
panel reviewers, based on the individual reviews, will make 
recommendations to the Administrator. Prior to award, the Administrator 
reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant or applicants whose 
projects are recommended for funding regarding project revisions (e.g., 
change in scope of work or the Agency's significant involvement), 
funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be withdrawn at any 
time before a final funding decision is made.

VI. Award Administration

1. Award Notices

    The successful applicant will be notified by FSA when selected by 
the Administrator. Within the limit of funds available for such 
purpose, the Administrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement 
with the successful applicant. The successful applicant will be 
required to sign an agency-approved cooperative agreement.

2. Access to Panel Review Information

    Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation 
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the 
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other 
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for 
review and to the cooperative agreement awarded. These include, but are 
not limited to:
    (a) 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;
    (b) 7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
    (c) 7 CFR part 3016--Uniform Administrative Regulations for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements and State and Local Governments.
    (d) 7 CFR part 3017--Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-

[[Page 56036]]

procurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace 
(Grants);
    (e) 7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying;
    (f) 7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and 
Other Non-profit Organizations; and
    (g) 7 CFR part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.

4. Reporting

    Cooperators will be required to:
    (a) Sign required Federal grant-making forms including:
    i. Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions;
    ii. Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
    iii. Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants); and
    iv. Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
    (b) Use Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement to 
request payments.
    (c) Submit form SF-269, Financial Status Report and list 
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A semi-annual financial report is due within 45 days 
after the first 6-month project period and an annual financial report 
is due within 60 days after the second 6-month project period.
    (d) Submit quarterly performance reports that compare 
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not 
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect 
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting 
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use 
of awarded funds.
    (e) Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to 
the Agency.
    (f) Submit a final project performance report.

VII. Agency Contact

For further information contact: Mike Hill, Associate Director, 
Outreach Staff, Farm Service Agency, USDA, STOP 0511, Room 3716-S, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511, phone: (202) 690-
1299, fax: (202) 690-4727, or e-mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

1. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

    A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the 
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million 
businesses worldwide. The Office of Management and Budget published a 
notice of final policy issuance in the Federal Register June 27, 2003 
(68 FR 38402) that requires a DUNS number in every application (i.e., 
hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement on or 
after October 1, 2003. Therefore, potential applicants should verify 
that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one. 
For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to http://www.grants.gov. Please note that the registration may take up to 14 
business days to complete.

2. Required Registration for Electronic Submission of Proposals

    The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as 
the primary Government repository for contractor information required 
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will 
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational 
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the 
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the 
submission of applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR 
registration. For information about how to register in the CCR, visit 
``Get Started'' at the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum 
of 5 days to complete the CCR registration.

    Signed in Washington, DC on September 3, 2004.
James R. Little,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 04-20966 Filed 9-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P