[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 53 (Monday, March 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13948-13954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4006]



[[Page 13948]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application 
Deadlines and Funding Levels

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the 
availability of approximately $4.45 million in competitive grant funds 
for the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Rural Cooperative Development Grant 
(RCDG) Program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit 
applications for FY 2006 and award grants on or before September 15, 
2006. The maximum award per grant is $225,000 and matching funds are 
required.

DATES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or 
electronically according to the following deadlines:
    Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent 
overnight no later than May 20, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant 
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by May 20, 2006, to be eligible 
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2006 grant funding.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain application materials for a RCDG at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm or by contacting your USDA 
Rural Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by 
calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1''.
    Submit completed paper applications for a grant to Cooperative 
Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 
3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that 
should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558.
    Submit electronic grant applications at http://www.grants.gov, 
following the instructions found on this Website.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm, which contains application 
guidance, including frequently asked questions and an application guide 
or contact your USDA Rural Development State Office. You can reach your 
State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1'', or by 
selecting the Contacts link at the above Website. Applicants are 
encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the 
deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the 
application process.

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: You may submit completed applications 
for grants on paper or electronically according to the following 
deadlines:
    Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent 
overnight no later than May 20, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant 
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by May 20, 2006, to be eligible 
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2006 grant funding.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    RCDGs 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. Grant funds are provided for the establishment 
and operation of Centers that have the expertise or who can contract 
out for the expertise to assist individuals in the startup, expansion 
or operational improvement of cooperative businesses. The program is 
administered through USDA Rural Development State Offices acting on 
behalf of RBS.

Definitions

    The definitions published at 7 CFR 4284.3 and 4284.504 are 
incorporated by reference.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2006.
    Approximate Total Funding: $4.45 million.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 22.
    Approximate Average Award: $202,500.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $225,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2006.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: 12 months.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Grants may be made to nonprofit corporations and institutions of 
higher education. Grants may not be made to public bodies.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are required. Applicants must verify in their 
applications that all matching funds are available for the time period 
of the grant. The matching fund requirement is 25 percent of the total 
project cost (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 may include 
loan proceeds from Federal sources. Matching funds must be spent in 
advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant funds being expended. 
Therefore, if you are providing 25 percent of the total project cost as 
match, you must show that 25 percent or more of the amount of grant 
funds being requested has been expended in matching funds. All of the 
matching funds must be provided by either the applicant or a third 
party in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. All of the matching 
funds must be spent on eligible expenses and must be from eligible 
sources. Any in-kind contributions must be performed for the benefit of 
the Center. The Center must be able to document and verify the number 
of hours worked and the value associated with the contribution. In-kind 
contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or cooperatives who 
are being assisted by the Center cannot be provided for the benefit of 
their own projects as USDA Rural Development considers this to be a 
conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. 
Applications will be considered ineligible if any proposed matching 
funds are for ineligible purposes.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Grant Period Eligibility: Applications should have a timeframe of 
no more than 365 days with the time period beginning no earlier than 
October 1, 2006 and no later than January 1, 2007. Projects must be 
completed within the 1-year timeframe. The Agency will not approve 
requests to extend the grant period.
    Completeness Eligibility: Applications will not be considered for 
funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine 
eligibility, if they are non-responsive to the submission requirements 
detailed in Section IV of this notice or if they are

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missing any required elements (in whole or in part), except for the 
exceptions noted in the Section V.B.
    Activity Eligibility: Applications must propose the development or 
continuation of the cooperative development center concept or they will 
not be considered for funding. Additionally, applications that focus 
assistance to only one cooperative will not be considered for funding. 
Applicants that propose budgets that include more than 10 percent of 
total project costs that are ineligible for the program will be 
ineligible, and the application will not be considered for funding. If 
an application has ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total 
project costs, it will be treated as described in Section V.B.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    If you plan to apply using a paper application, you can obtain the 
application forms and an application template for this funding 
opportunity at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm. If 
you do not have access to the internet, or if you have difficulty 
accessing the forms online, you may contact your USDA Rural Development 
State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 
and pressing ``1''. Application forms can be mailed to you. If you plan 
to apply electronically, you must visit http://www.grants.gov and 
follow the instructions. Applicants are advised to visit the site well 
in advance of the application deadline if they plan to apply 
electronically to ensure they have obtained the proper authentication 
and have sufficient computer resources to complete the application.

B. Content and Form of Submission

    You may submit your application in paper or in an electronic 
format. To view an application guide, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm. It is recommended that applicants use the 
template provided on the website. The template can be filled out 
electronically and printed out for submission with the required forms 
for paper submission or it can be filled out electronically and 
submitted as an attachment through http://www.grants.gov.
    If you submit your application in paper form, you must submit one 
signed original 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, not color. 
Those evaluating the application will only receive black and white 
images.
    If you submit your application electronically, you must follow the 
instructions given at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are advised to 
visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan 
to apply electronically to ensure they have obtained the proper 
authentication and have sufficient computer resources to complete the 
application.
    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 except as set forth in 
Section V.B.
    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 Data Universal Numbering System 
(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?,'' the 
name and signature of an authorized representative, the telephone 
number of the authorized representative, and the date the form was 
signed.
    You are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant from 
USDA Rural Development. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification 
number, which uniquely identifies business entities. There is no 
charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dnb.com/us/ or call 
866-705-5711. For more information, see the RCDG Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm or contact your USDA Rural 
Development State Office. You can reach your State Office by calling 
(202) 720-4323 and pressing ``1''.
    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 as requested on the form.
    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 and include the title, name of applicant, and 
date submitted.
    4. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants. The Agency 
is required to make this survey available to all nonprofit applicants. 
Submitting this form is voluntary.
    5. 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.
    6. 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 subcomponents 
(Project Title, Information Sheet, Goals of the Project, Performance 
Evaluation Criteria, Undertakings, and Proposal Evaluation Criteria), 
Certification of Judgment, Verification of Matching Funds, and 
Certification of Matching Funds.
    7. Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed two 
pages, must briefly describe the Center, including project goals and 
tasks to be accomplished, the amount requested, how the work will be 
performed (e.g., Center staff, consultants, or contractors) and the 
percentage of work that will be performed among the parties. In the 
event that more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages 
will be considered.
    8. Eligibility. The applicant must describe how it meets the 
applicant, matching, grant period and activity eligibility requirements 
in not to exceed two pages. In the event that more than two pages are 
submitted, only the first two pages will be considered.
    9. Proposal Narrative. The proposal narrative is limited to a total 
of 35 pages. In the event that more than 35 pages are submitted, only 
the first 35 pages will be considered. The narrative portion of the 
proposal must include, but is not limited to, the following:
    i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the

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essentials of the project. It should match the Project Title submitted 
on the SF-424. The Project Title does not need to appear on a separate 
page. It can be included on the Title Page and/or on the Information 
Sheet.
    ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet which 
lists each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this funding 
announcement followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and 
documentation contained in the proposal that address or support the 
criteria. If the evaluation criteria are referenced on the Table of 
Contents, then submitting the information sheet is not necessary.
    iii. Goals of the Project. The authorizing statute set forth the 
goals listed below for the Centers. A Center may have additional goals 
for its specific projects beyond the established goals (as stated in 
the Executive Summary); however, the applicants must, at a minimum, 
include the following in this section of the narrative:
    1. A statement that substantiates that the Center will effectively 
serve rural areas in the United States;
    2. A statement 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. A statement that the Center, in carrying out its 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.
    iv. Performance Evaluation Criteria. The Agency has established 
annual performance measures to evaluate the RCDG program. Therefore, in 
order to meet the requirements of this element, you must provide 
estimates on the following performance measures. When calculating jobs 
created, estimates should be based upon actual jobs to be created by 
the Center as a result of the RCDG funding or actual jobs to be created 
by businesses or cooperatives as a result of assistance from the 
Center. When calculating jobs saved, estimates should be based only on 
actual jobs that would have been lost if the Center did not receive 
RCDG funding or actual jobs that would have been lost without 
assistance from the Center. If the application is selected for funding, 
you will be required to report actual numbers for these performance 
elements on a semi-annual basis and in your final performance report. 
Additional information on post-award requirements can be found in 
Section VI.
     Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted.
     Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted.
     Number of cooperatives assisted.
     Number of businesses incorporated that are not 
cooperatives.
     Number of cooperatives incorporated.
     Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
     Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
     Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
     Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
    v. Undertakings. The applicant must expressly undertake to do the 
following in this section of the narrative:
    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 Center's activities to be monitored 
and evaluated; and
    3. Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F.
    vi. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria 
referenced in this funding announcement must be specifically and 
individually addressed in narrative form. See Section V.A. for a 
description of the Proposal Evaluation Criteria.
    10. Certification of Judgment Owed to the United States. Applicants 
must certify that the United States has not obtained a judgment against 
them. No grant funds shall be used to pay a judgment obtained by the 
United States. It is suggested that applicants use the following 
language for the certification. ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies 
that the United States has not obtained a judgment against it.'' A 
separate signature is not required.
    11. Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide a 
budget to support the work plan showing all sources and uses of funds 
during the project period. Applicants will be required to verify all 
matching funds, both cash and in-kind. Verification of matching funds 
letters should be included in Appendix A and will not count towards the 
35-page limitation. All proposed matching funds must be specifically 
documented in the application. 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. The valuation process for in-kind funds does not need to be 
included in the application. However, the applicant must be able to 
demonstrate how the valuation was derived at the time of notification 
of tentative selection for the grant award. If the applicant cannot 
satisfactorily demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the grant 
award may be withdrawn or the amount of the grant may be reduced.
    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 in 
advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant funds being expended. 
Therefore, if you are providing 25 percent of the total project cost as 
match, you must show that 25 percent or more of the amount of grant 
funds being requested has been expended in matching funds. Examples of 
unacceptable matching funds are in-kind contributions from individuals, 
businesses, or cooperatives being assisted by the Center to benefit 
their own project, 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.
    12. Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that 
matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are 
anticipated to be spent

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and that matching funds will be spent in advance of grant funding, such 
that for every dollar of the total project cost, not less than the 
required amount of matching funds will have been expended prior to 
submitting the request for reimbursement. Please note that this 
certification is a separate requirement from the Verification of 
Matching Funds requirement. Applicants should include a statement for 
this section that reads as follows: ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] 
certifies that matching funds will be available at the same time grant 
funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent 
in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the total 
project cost, at least 25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of 
matching funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request 
for reimbursement.'' A separate signature is not required.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: May 20, 2006.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked by 
the deadline date (see Section IV.F for the address). Electronic 
applications must be received by http://www.grants.gov by the deadline 
date. 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.

D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental review of Federal 
programs, applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal 
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance 
with state and local governments. Many states have established a Single 
Point of Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of 
states that maintain an SPOC, please see the White House Web site: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. If your state has an 
SPOC, you may submit a copy of your application directly for review. 
Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to USDA Rural 
Development for consideration as part of your application. If your 
state has not established an SPOC, or you do not want to submit a copy 
of your application, USDA Rural Development will submit your 
application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies.
    You are also encouraged to contact your USDA Rural Development 
State Office for assistance and questions on this process. You can find 
the USDA Rural Development State Office in the telephone directory 
under Federal government listings, by calling (202) 720-4323 and 
selecting option ``1'' or through the USDA Rural Development Web site: 
http://www.rurdev.usda/.

E. 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 total project cost. 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 proceeds from a Federal loan.
    1. 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:
    i. Applied research, feasibility, environmental and other studies 
that may be useful for the purpose of cooperative development.
    ii. Collection, interpretation and dissemination of principles, 
facts, technical knowledge, or other information for the purpose of 
cooperative development.
    iii. Training and instruction for the purpose of cooperative 
development.
    iv. Loans and grants for the purpose of cooperative development in 
accordance with this notice and applicable regulations.
    v. Technical assistance, research services and advisory services 
for the purpose of cooperative development.
    2. No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used 
for any of the following activities:
    i. To 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 that which is currently being provided;
    ii. To pay costs of preparing the application package for funding 
under this program;
    iii. To pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of 
grant approval;
    iv. To fund political activities;
    v. To pay for assistance to any private business enterprise that 
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;
    vi. To pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
    vii. To plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a 
building or facility, including a processing facility;
    viii. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including 
laboratory equipment or processing machinery;
    ix. To pay for the repair of privately owned vehicles;
    x. To fund research and development;
    xi. To pay costs of the project where a conflict of interest 
exists; or
    xii. To fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR part 3015 or 3019.

 F. Other Submission Requirements

    You may submit your paper application for a grant to Cooperative 
Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 
3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that 
should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. You may also 
choose to submit your application electronically using the following 
internet address: http://www.grants.gov. Applications may not be 
submitted by electronic mail, facsimile, or by hand-delivery. Each 
application submission must contain all required documents in one 
envelope, if by mail or express delivery service.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Proposal Evaluation Criteria: All eligible and complete 
applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Failure 
to address any one of the following criteria will render the 
application incomplete, and the application will not be considered for 
funding, except as set forth in Section V.B. The total points available 
are 70.
    1. Administrative capabilities. (1-7 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.
    2. Technical assistance and other services. (1-7 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, conducting applied research related to cooperative development, 
and performing those

[[Page 13952]]

other activities necessary for a group of individuals to form a 
cooperative.
    3. Economic development. (1-7 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.
    4. Linkages. (1-7 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 and businesses, not development 
organizations.
    5. Commitment. (1-7 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.
    6. Matching Funds. (1-5 points) All applicants must demonstrate 
matching funds equal to at least 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 
Institutions) of total project costs. Applications exceeding these 
minimum commitment levels will receive more points. If the applicant 
provides eligible matching funds of 25 percent, 1 point will be 
awarded; 26 to 35 percent, 2 points will be awarded; 36 to 45 percent, 
3 points will be awarded; 46 to 55 percent, 4 points will be awarded; 
or 56 or greater percent, 5 points will be awarded. If the applicant is 
a 1994 Institution and provides eligible matching funds of 5 percent, 1 
point will be awarded; 6 to 9 percent, 2 points will be awarded; 10 to 
14 percent, 3 points will be awarded; 15 to 19 percent, 4 points will 
be awarded; or 20 or greater percent, 5 points will be awarded.
    7. Delivery. (1-5 points) The Agency will evaluate whether the 
Center has a track record of 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.
    8. 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. Applicants must discuss the 
specific tasks (whether it be by type of service or specific project) 
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.
    9. 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. The applicant must also identify whether 
the personnel expected to perform tasks are full/part-time Center 
employees or contract personnel.
    10. Local support. (1-5 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. 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. The 
applicant may submit a maximum of 10 letters of support or intent to 
coordinate with the application. These letters should be included in 
Appendix B of the application and will not count against the 35-page 
limitation. Additional 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 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.
    11. Future support. (1-5 points) Applicants should describe their 
vision for Center operations in future years, 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. Applications that 
demonstrate their vision for funding center operations for future 
years, including diversification of funding sources and building in-
house technical assistance capacity, will receive more points for this 
criterion.
    12. Non-Agricultural Rural Cooperative Development. (0 or 5 points) 
Applicants that propose to use more than 50 percent of grant and 
matching funds to work with rural residents and businesses who are not 
engaged in production agriculture to develop cooperative businesses 
will receive 5 points. All other applicants will receive zero points. 
The types of cooperative development that meet this criterion include, 
but are not limited to: Broadband cooperatives, housing cooperatives, 
healthcare cooperatives, shared-services cooperatives, daycare 
cooperatives, and any other type of cooperative that is not producing 
or marketing agricultural products.

B. Review and Selection Process

    The Agency will conduct an initial screening of all proposals to 
determine whether the applicant is eligible and whether all required 
elements are complete. A list of required elements follows:
     SF-424
     SF-424A
     SF-424B
     Title Page
     Table of Contents
     Executive Summary
     Eligibility Discussion
     Project Title
     Information Sheet
     Goals of the Project
     Performance Evaluation Criteria
     Undertakings
     Administrative Capabilities Evaluation Criterion
     Technical Assistance and Other Services Evaluation 
Criterion
     Economic Development Evaluation Criterion
     Linkages Evaluation Criterion

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     Commitment Evaluation Criterion
     Matching Funds Evaluation Criterion
     Delivery Evaluation Criterion
     Work Plan/Budget Evaluation Criterion
     Qualifications of Those Performing the Tasks Evaluation 
Criterion
     Local Support Evaluation Criterion
     Future Support Evaluation Criterion
     Non-Agricultural Rural Cooperative Development Criterion
     Certification of Judgment
     Verification of Matching Funds
     Certification of Matching Funds.
    Incomplete applications that have four or less incomplete required 
elements and appear to be otherwise eligible will receive a letter 
requesting the incomplete items be provided within 12 business days of 
the date the letter was sent. If the requested items are not received 
when requested or are not complete, the application will not be further 
evaluated or considered for funding. Applicants that propose budgets 
that include more than 10 percent of total project costs that are 
ineligible for the program will be ineligible and the application will 
not be considered for funding. If an application has ineligible costs 
of 10 percent or less of total project costs, and otherwise appears 
eligible, the applicant will receive a letter requesting that all 
ineligible costs be removed from the budget and work plan and either 
replaced with eligible activities or eliminated within 12 business days 
of the date the letter was sent. Any other incomplete or ineligible 
applications will not be further evaluated or considered for funding. 
Reviewers appointed by the Agency will evaluate applications.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Award Date: The announcement of award selections is expected to 
occur on or about September 15, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative 
selection for funding from USDA 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.

 B. 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.
    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.''
     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 and Loans.''
    Additional information on these requirements can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm.
    Reporting Requirements: You must provide USDA Rural Development 
with an original or electronic copy that includes all required 
signatures of the following reports. The reports should be submitted to 
the Agency contact listed on your Grant Agreement and Letter of 
Conditions. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time may result 
in suspension or termination of your grant.
    1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. 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 conditions on the use of award 
funds should be discussed. The report should also include a summary at 
the end of the report with the following elements to assist in 
documenting the annual performance goals of the RCDG program for 
Congress.
     Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted.
     Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted.
     Number of cooperatives assisted.
     Number of businesses incorporated that are not 
cooperatives.
     Number of cooperatives incorporated.
     Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
     Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
     Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
     Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
    Reports are due as provided in paragraph 1 of this section. 
Supporting documentation must also be submitted for completed tasks. 
The supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not 
limited to: Feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans, 
publication quality success stories, applied research reports, copies 
of surveys conducted, articles of incorporation and bylaws and an 
accounting of how outreach, training, and other funds were expended.
    3. Final project performance reports. These reports shall include 
all of the requirements of the semi-annual performance reports and 
responses to the following:
    a. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    b. What advice would you give to other organizations planning a 
similar program? These should include strengths and limitations of the 
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done 
differently?
    c. If an innovative approach was used successfully, the Grantee 
should describe their program in detail so that other organizations 
might consider replication in their areas.
    The final performance report is 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 your USDA Rural Development State 
Office at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm. You 
can also reach your State Office by calling (202) 720-4323 and pressing 
``1''. If you are unable to contact your State Office, please contact a 
nearby State Office or you may contact the USDA Rural Development 
National Office at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop

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3250, Rm. 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone: (202) 720-
7558, e-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: March 8, 2006.
Jackie J. Gleason,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. E6-4006 Filed 3-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P