[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34053-34060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9175]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Announcement of the Small, Minority Producer Grant Program 
Application Deadlines

AGENCY: Rural Business--Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the 
availability of approximately $1.473 million in competitive grant funds 
for fiscal year (FY) 2006 for cooperatives and associations of 
cooperatives to assist small minority producers. USDA Rural Development 
Cooperative Programs hereby requests proposals from eligible 
cooperatives and associations of cooperatives interested in a 
competitively awarded grant. The cooperatives and associations of 
cooperatives will be use the grants to fund technical assistance to 
rural businesses. The maximum award per grant is $200,000.

DATES: Applicants 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 July 28, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant 
funding. Late applic ations are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by July 28, 2006, to be eligible 
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2006 grant funding.
    The comment period for information collection under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 continues through August 14, 2006. Comments on 
the paperwork burden must be received by this date to be assured of 
consideration.

ADDRESSES: Applicants may obtain application guides and materials for 
the Small Minority Producer Grant Program (SMPG) at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/SMPG/SMPG.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: SMPG Program, Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The telephone number 
that should be used for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. You may also 
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/SMPG/SMPG.htm, which contains 
application guidance or contact USDA Rural Development Cooperative 
Programs at 202-720-7558 or [email protected]. Applicants are 
encouraged to contact Cooperative Programs well in advance of the 
deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the 
application process.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collection of information requirements contained in this notice 
have received temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under Control Number 0570-0052. However, in accordance 
with the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, USDA Rural Development will 
seek standard OMB approval of the reporting requirements contained in 
this Notice and hereby opens a 60-day public comment period.
    Title: Small Minority Producer Grant Program.
    Type of Request: New collection.
    Abstract: USDA Rural Development needs to receive the information 
contained in this collection of information to select the projects it 
believes will provide the most long-term economic benefit to rural 
areas. The selection process is competitive. USDA Rural Development 
will ensure that the funds are used for the intended purpose. The 
primary focus is to provide assistance to small minority producers and 
whose governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 
percent minority. These funds are to be used for cooperatives and 
association of cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small 
minority producers and minority cooperatives in rural areas.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden contained in this 
collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response.
    Respondents: Minority Cooperatives and Minority Associations of 
Cooperatives
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 14.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 347.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on respondents: 418.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl 
Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692-
0043.

Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
Rural Development, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of Rural Development's estimate of 
the burden of the proposed collection of information including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be 
sent to Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, 
Support Services Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 
20250. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in 
the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Small, Minority Producer Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial announcement.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10-771

    Dates: Application Deadline: Applicants 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 July 28, 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 July 28, 2006, to be eligible 
for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2006 grant funding.

Programs Affected

    This will not affect other programs in USDA Rural Development.

[[Page 34054]]

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to the Agriculture, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 2006, Public Law 109-97 (November 10, 2005) which 
authorizes not to exceed $1,473,120 for cooperatives or associations of 
cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small 
minority producers and whose governing board and/or membership is 
comprised of at least 75 percent minority members. The Secretary of 
Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to USDA Rural 
Development Cooperative Programs.
    The primary objective of this grant program is to assist small, 
minority producers through cooperatives and associations of 
cooperatives. USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs will 
competitively award grants to fund cooperatives and/or associations of 
cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small minority 
producers in rural areas. The maximum award amount per grant is 
$200,000.

Definitions

    Agency--Rural Business-Cooperative Service, an agency of the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a successor agency.
    Agricultural Commodity--An unprocessed product of farms, ranches, 
nurseries, and forests. Agricultural commodities include: Livestock, 
poultry, and fish; fruits and vegetables; grains, such as wheat, 
barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice, corn, and sorghum; legumes, such as 
field beans and peas; animal feed and forage crops; seed crops; fiber 
crops, such as cotton; oil crops, such as safflower, sunflower, corn, 
and cottonseed; trees grown for lumber and wood products; nursery stock 
grown commercially; Christmas trees; ornamentals and cut flowers; and 
turf grown commercially for sod. Agricultural commodities do not 
include horses or animals raised as pets, such as cats, dogs, and 
ferrets.
    Cooperative Programs--The office within USDA Rural Development, and 
its successor organization, that administers programs authorized by the 
Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451 et seq.) and such other 
programs identified in USDA regulations.
    Economic Development--The economic growth of an area as evidenced 
by increase in total income, employment opportunities, decreased out-
migration of population, value of production, increased diversification 
of industry, higher labor force participation rates, increased duration 
of employment, higher wage levels, or gains in other measurements of 
economic activity, such as land values.
    Feasibility Study--An analysis of the economic, market, technical, 
financial, and management feasibility of a proposed Project.
    Minority--Individuals who have been subjected to racial, ethnic, 
gender prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of 
their identities as members of groups and without regard to their 
individual qualities. Minority groups are Women, African Americans not 
of Hispanic Origin, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian 
and Pacific Islanders.
    Minority Association of Cooperatives--An association of 
cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, 
minority producers and where the governing board and/or membership is 
comprised of at least 75 percent minority.
    Minority Cooperative--A farmer-or rancher-owned and -controlled 
business, incorporated as a cooperative, from which benefits are 
derived and distributed equitably on the basis of use by each of the 
farmer or rancher owners whose primary focus is to provide assistance 
to small, minority producers and where the governing board and/or 
membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority.
    Operating Cost--The day-to-day expenses of running a business; for 
example: utilities, rent, salaries, depreciation, product production 
costs, marketing and advertising, and other basic overhead items.
    Project--Includes all activities to be funded by the Small Minority 
Producer Grant.
    Small Minority Producers--Minority persons or 100 percent minority-
owned entities, including farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural 
harvesters, and fishermen, with gross annual sales of not more than 
$250,000 that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural 
commodity.
    Rural and Rural Area--Includes all the territory of a State that is 
not within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population 
of 50,000 or more and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to 
such city or town, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census using 
the latest decennial census of the United States.
    Rural Development--A mission area within USDA consisting of the 
Office of Under Secretary for Rural Development, Office of Community 
Development, Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs, Rural 
Development Housing Programs, and Rural Development Utilities Programs 
and their successors.
    State--Includes each of the several States, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American 
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be 
determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands 
and the Republic of Palau.
    Technical Assistance--An advisory service performed for the benefit 
of a small, minority producer such as market research; product and/or 
service improvement; legal advice and assistance; feasibility study, 
business plan, and marketing plan development; and training. Technical 
assistance does not include the operating costs of a cooperative being 
assisted.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2006.
    Approximate Total Funding: $1.473 million.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 7.
    Approximate Average Award: $200,000.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $200,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: August 30, 2006.
    Budget Period Length: 12 months.
    Project Period Length: 12 months.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants must be a minority cooperative or a minority association 
of cooperatives.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

    No matching funds are required.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Use of Funds: The funds may only be used for technical assistance 
projects.
    Project Area Eligibility: The Project proposed must take place in a 
rural area.
    Grant Period Eligibility: If awarded, funds must be expended in 1 
year. Applications that have a time frame of more than 365 days will be 
considered ineligible. Applications that request funds for a time 
period ending after September 30, 2007, will not be considered for 
funding.
    Completeness Eligibility: The applicant must provide sufficient 
documentation to determine eligibility. Applications without sufficient 
information to determine eligibility will not be considered for 
funding. Applications that are missing any

[[Page 34055]]

required elements (in whole or in part) will be ineligible for funding, 
except as set forth in Section V.B.
    Multiple Grant Eligibility: An applicant may not submit more than 
one grant application in any one funding cycle.

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 package for this funding opportunity: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm. If you do not have access 
to the Internet, or if you have difficulty accessing the forms online, 
you may contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-7558 or 
[email protected]. If you plan to apply electronically, you must 
visit http://www.grants.gov and follow the instructions.

B. Content and Form of Submission

    You may submit your application in paper or electronic format. If 
you submit your application in paper form, you must submit one signed 
original of your complete application. The application should be in the 
following format:
    Font size: 12 point unreduced.
    Paper size: 8.5 by 11 inches. 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.
    The submission must include all pages of the application. It is 
recommended that the application be in black and white, and not color. 
Those evaluating the application will only receive black and white 
images.
    If you submit your application electronically, you must follow the 
instructions given at the Internet address: 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 
that 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 Dun and Bradstreet 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. Other information requested on the 
form may be applicable, but the above-listed information is required 
for the form to be considered complete.
    You are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant from 
USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs unless you are an 
individual. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, 
which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is 
easy, and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dnb.com/us/ or call (866) 705-5711. For more information, see the 
SMPG Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm or 
contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-7558 or [email protected].
    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 application must include both 
Federal and matching funds (if matching funds are included in the 
project) 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. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each 
application must contain a detailed Table of Contents (TOC) immediately 
following the SF-424B. The TOC must include page numbers for each 
component of the application. Pagination should begin immediately 
following the TOC. In order for this element to be considered complete, 
the TOC must include page numbers for the executive summary, an 
eligibility discussion, work plan, and proposal evaluation criteria.
    5. Executive Summary: A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one 
page, must briefly describe the project, tasks to be completed and 
other relevant information that provides a general overview of the 
project.
    6. Eligibility Discussion: A detailed discussion, not to exceed 
four pages, must describe how the applicant meets the following 
requirements.
    (i) Applicant Eligibility: If the applicant is a cooperative, the 
application must reference the business' good standing as a cooperative 
in its state of incorporation. If the applicant is an association of 
cooperatives, the application must reference the association's good 
standing as a legal business structure in its state of incorporation. 
The applicant must describe how it meets the definition of a ``minority 
cooperative'' or ``minority association of cooperatives'' as defined in 
the Definitions section of this Notice. The applicant must apply as 
only one type of applicant.
    (ii) Use of Funds: The applicant must provide a detailed discussion 
on how the proposed project activities meet the definition of technical 
assistance.
    (iii) Project Area: The applicant must provide information on where 
the projects are planned to be located and that the areas meet the 
``rural area'' definition.
    (iv) Grant Period: The applicant must provide a time frame for the 
proposed project and discuss how the project will be completed within 
that time frame.
    7. Budget/Work plan: The applicant must describe, in detail not to 
exceed four pages, the purpose of the grant, specific sub-recipients 
including racial and ethnicity information, what type of assistance 
will be provided to the sub-recipients, and the amount of funds needed 
to assist each sub-recipient. The budget must present a breakdown of 
estimated costs associated with each project. The costs should be 
broken down in the same categories as the SF-424A. The amount of grant 
funds requested will be adjusted if the applicant does not have 
justification for all costs.
    8. Evaluation Criteria: Each of the evaluation criteria referenced 
in this notice must be addressed, specifically and individually, in 
narrative form, not to exceed a total of one page for each evaluation 
criteria. Failure to address the evaluation criteria by the application 
deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible, 
except as described in Section V.B.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: July 28, 2006.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked and 
mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by the deadline date (see Section 
IV.F. for the address). Electronic applications must be received by 
www.grants.gov by the deadline date. Courier applications must be 
delivered by the deadline date.

[[Page 34056]]

If your application does not meet the deadline, it will not be 
considered for funding. You will be notified that your application did 
not meet the submission deadline. 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 (EO), 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. A list of 
States that maintain an SPOC may be obtained at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. If your State has an SPOC, you 
may submit your application directly for review. Any comments obtained 
through the SPOC must be provided to Rural Development for 
consideration as part of your application. If your State has not 
established an SPOC or you do not want to submit your application, 
Rural Development will submit your application to the SPOC or other 
appropriate agency or agencies.
    You are also encouraged to contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-
7558 or [email protected] if you have questions about this process.

E. Funding Restrictions

    Grant funds must be used for technical assistance. No funds made 
available under this solicitation shall be used to:
    1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility, including a processing facility;
    2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including processing 
equipment;
    3. Purchase vehicles, including boats;
    4. Pay for the preparation of the grant application;
    5. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project;
    6. Fund political or lobbying activities;
    7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019;
    8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific 
physical facility;
    9. Fund any expenses related to the production of any commodity or 
product to which value will be added, including seed, rootstock, labor 
for harvesting the crop, and delivery of the commodity to a processing 
facility;
    10. Fund research and development;
    11. Purchase land;
    12. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support 
previously provided;
    13. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant 
approval;
    14. Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which 
does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either 
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after 
being legally admitted for permanent residence;
    15. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
    16. Pay the operating costs of cooperative and/or association of 
cooperatives; or
    17. Pay expenses for applicant employee training.

F. Other Submission Requirements

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

V. Application Scoring Criteria Review Information

A. Criteria

    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based upon 
the following criteria. Failure to address any one of the following 
criteria by the application deadline will result in the application 
being determined ineligible and the application will not be considered 
for funding, except as described in Section V.B. The total points 
possible for the criteria are 60 and the maximum number of points for 
each of the following sections is 15.
    1. Rural Area: Projects must be in rural areas. Points will be 
awarded based upon the rural area where the proposed project is 
located. The Agency will determine if the area meets the rural area 
definition by using the following Website: http://maps.ers.usda.gov/loanlookup/viewer.htm.
    (i) If the proposed project is located in a city or town with a 
population of at least 15,000 and no more than 25,000 people, 5 points 
will be awarded;
    (ii) If the proposed project is located in a city or town with a 
population of at least 5,000 and less than 15,000 people, 10 points 
will be awarded; or
    (iii) If the proposed project is located a city or town with a 
population of less than 5,000 people, 15 points will be awarded.
    (iv) If the proposed project is located in an unincorporated area, 
15 points will be awarded.
    If the applicant proposes to provide assistance in multiple areas 
or cities, the applicant must list the areas or cities where the 
assistance will be provided, the population for each and the amount of 
assistance of each area. Points will be calculated by using the above 
point scale for each, with the points awarded using a weighted average 
of the points for the areas served. The information needed for this 
criterion may be obtained using the population finder tool at http://www.census.gov/.
    2. Per capita personal income: Points will be awarded 
porportionally based upon a comparison of the per capita personal 
income of the county in which a proposed project is located to the 
state per capital personal income:
    (i) If the per capita personal income level in the county where the 
proposed project will be located is less than 80 percent of the state 
per capita personal income level, 15 points will be awarded;
    (ii) If the per capita personal income level in the county where 
the proposed project will be located is at least 80 percent and less 
than 90 percent of the state per capita personal income level, 10 
points will be awarded;
    (iii) If the per capita personal income level in the county where 
the proposed project will be located is at least 90 percent and less 
than 100 percent of the state per capita personal income level, 5 
points will be awarded; or
    (iv) If the per capita personal income level in the county where 
the proposed project will be located is equal to or exceeds the state 
per capita personal income, no points will be awarded.
    If the applicant proposes to provide assistance in multiple 
counties, the applicant must list the counties where the assistance 
will be provided, the percentage of assistance intended to be spent in 
each county, and the per capita personal income level for each county. 
Points will be calculated by using the above point score for each 
county's per capital personal income level, with the total points 
awarded in proportion to where the assistance is directed. (For 
example, if 50% of the grant money will be spent in a county where the 
per capita income is below 80 percent, and 50% will be spent in a 
county where the per capita income is between 90 and 100 percent, 
points will be calculated as follows: [(.5)*(15) + (.5)*(5) = 10 
points].

[[Page 34057]]

The information needed for this criterion may be obtained at http://www.bea.gov.
    3. Experience. Points will be awarded based upon the relevant 
experience of the staff or the consultants hired to provide the 
proposed technical assistance.
    (i) If the staff or consultants have no experience in providing 
technical assistance, 0 points will be awarded;
    (ii) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing 
technical assistance, 5 points will be awarded;
    (iii) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing the 
same type of technical assistance as proposed in the project, 10 points 
will be awarded; or
    (iv) If the staff or consultants have experience in providing the 
same type of technical assistance as proposed in the project to small, 
minority producers, 15 points will be awarded.
    Applicants must describe the specific type of technical assistance 
that each staff member or consultant has experience in providing. The 
Agency will compare the described assistance to the work plan to 
determine point totals.
    4. Number of small minority producers assisted. Points will be 
awarded based upon the number of small, minority producers being 
assisted.
    (i) If the proposed project will benefit 1-10 producers, 5 points 
will be awarded;
    (ii) If the proposed project will benefit 11-50 producers, 10 
points will be awarded; or
    (iii) If the proposed project will benefit more than 50 producers, 
15 points will be awarded.
    Applicants must list the number of small, minority producers that 
will directly benefit from the assistance provided.

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.
     Table of Contents.
     Executive Summary.
     Eligibility Discussion.
     Budget/Work Plan.
     Rural Area Evaluation Criterion.
     Per Capita Personal Income Evaluation Criterion.
     Experience Evaluation Criterion.
     Number of Producers Assisted Evaluation Criterion.
    Incomplete applications that have four or fewer 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 
evaluated further and 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, 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 and 
will be considered ineligible 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 August 30, 2006.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative 
selection for funding from Rural Development. Applicants must comply 
with all applicable statutes, regulations, and this notice before the 
grant award will receive final approval.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification, including 
mediation procedures and appeal rights, by mail.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    7 CFR parts 3015, 3019, and subparts A and F of part 4284 are 
applicable to grants made under this notice. These regulations may be 
obtained at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/page1.
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for this program:
     Agency approved 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 a Drug-Free 
Workplace Requirements (Grants).''
     Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
    Additional information on these requirements can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/SMPG/SMPG.htm.
    Fund Disbursement: The Agency will determine, based on 7 CFR 3015, 
3016 and 3019, as applicable, whether disbursement of a grant will be 
by advance or reimbursement. As needed, but not more frequently than 
once every 30 days, an original of SF-270, ``Request for Advance or 
Reimbursement,'' may be submitted to Rural Development. Recipient's 
request for advance shall not be made in excess of reasonable outlays 
for the month covered.
    Reporting Requirements: You must provide Rural Development with an 
original or an 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. Grantees will need to submit
    1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. A ``Financial Status Report,'' listing 
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a 
semiannual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30. 
Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends.
    2. Semiannual performance reports that compare accomplishments to 
the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to 
date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the 
original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the 
report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion 
of the Project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be 
listed. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds 
must be discussed. 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 include, but 
are not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business 
plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they relate to the 
assistance provided.

[[Page 34058]]

    3. Final project performance reports that compare accomplishments 
to the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed 
and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the 
original schedule provided in the work plan was not met, the report 
must discuss the problems or delays that affected completion of the 
project. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award 
funds must be discussed. Supporting documentation for completed tasks 
must also be submitted. The supporting documentation for completed 
tasks includes, but is not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing 
plans, business plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they 
relate to the assistance provided. 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 Cooperative Programs at 202-720-
7558 or [email protected]. You may contact Cooperative Programs by 
mail at Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3250.

VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination 
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, 
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, martial 
status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, 
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance 
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 
information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact 
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a 
complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 
Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or 
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 
opportunity provider and employer.

    Dated: June 5, 2006.
Jackie J. Gleason,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

 Small Minority Producer Grant Agreement

    This Grant Agreement (Agreement) dated --, between
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(Grantee), and the United States of America, acting through the Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service of the Department of Agriculture 
(Grantor), for $ in grant funds under the Small Minority Producer Grant 
(SMPG) program, delineates the agreement of the parties.
    Now, therefore, in consideration of the grant;
    The parties agree that all the terms and provisions of the SMPG 
Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) published in the Federal 
Register on June 13, 2006 and application submitted by the Grantee for 
this SMPG grant, including any attachments or amendments, are 
incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to 
these documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the 
Grantor.
    The Grantor agrees to make available to the Grantee for the purpose 
of this Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant funds, 
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
    As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that at 
least 51 percent of the outstanding interest in the project has 
membership or is owned by those who are either citizens of the United 
States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for 
permanent residence.
    As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies 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 contained in 7 CFR parts 3015, 
Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 3019 Uniform Administrative 
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher 
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations, and the SMPG 
NOSA published in the Federal Register on June 13, 2006. which are 
incorporated into this agreement by reference, and such other statutory 
provisions as are specifically contained herein. The Grantee will 
comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order 12250.
    As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that its 
management has read and understands the requirements of 7 CFR parts 
3015, 3017, ``Government wide Debarment and Suspension 
Nonprocurement,'' 3018, ``Restrictions on Lobbying,'' and 3019.
    Now, therefore, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

A. Grant

    1. The total amount of grant funds payable to the Grantee by the 
Grantor shall not exceed $ (Grant). Any unexpended Grant funds 
remaining at the time of project completion or termination of the 
Agreement shall be returned to the Grantor within 30 calendar days from 
the date of project completion or termination of the Agreement.
    2. The funding period of this grant will begin on the date the 
Agreement has been signed by both parties, but no later than October 1, 
2006, and will conclude within 365 days of the starting date. The 
Grantee may charge to the grant only allowable costs resulting from 
obligations incurred during the funding period.
    3. The Grantee shall use Grant funds only for the purposes and 
activities specified in detail in Attachment A, entitled ``GRANT WORK 
PLAN AND BUDGET'' which is attached hereto and incorporated herein. Any 
uses not provided for in Attachment A must be approved in writing by 
the Grantor in advance of expenditure by the Grantee.

B. Financial Management

    1. The Grantee shall relate financial data to performance data and 
develop unit cost information whenever practical.
    2. The Grantee shall maintain a financial management system in 
accordance with 7 CFR 3019.21.
    3. Payment shall be made in accordance with 7 CFR 3019.22. If the 
Grantee cannot maintain a financial management system in accordance 
with 7 CFR 3019.21 or if Grantee fails to satisfactorily meet any other 
conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Grantee may be paid on a 
reimbursement basis, at the discretion of the Grantor.
    (i) If payment is to be made by the advancement method, the Grantee 
shall request advance payment, but not more frequently than once every 
30 days, of grant funds by using Standard Form 270, ``Request for 
Advance or Reimbursement.'' Receipts, hourly wage rate, personnel 
payroll records, or other documentation must be provided upon request 
from the Agency.
    (ii) If payment is to be made by reimbursement, the Grantee shall 
request reimbursement of grant funds, but not more frequently than once 
every 30 days, by using Standard Form 270. Receipts, hourly wage rate, 
personnel payroll records, or other documentation, as determined by the 
Agency, must be provided with the request to justify the amount.
    4. If program income is earned during the time period of the grant, 
must first

[[Page 34059]]

be added to the total project costs and used to further eligible 
project or program objectives. Program income earned in excess of funds 
that can be used for eligible expenses must be deducted from the total 
project or program allowable cost and will result in a reduction of the 
Federal share. Costs incident to the generation of program income may 
be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided 
these costs have not been charged to the award.
    5. The Grantee shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Grantor 
that the Grantee has complied with the bonding or insurance 
requirements specified by ATTACHMENT B, ``BONDING COVERAGE,'' which is 
attached hereto and incorporated herein.
    6. The Grantee is subject to the audit requirements specified in 
ATTACHMENT C, ``AUDIT REQUIREMENTS,'' which is attached hereto and 
incorporated herein.

C. Procurement Standards

    The Grantee must adhere to the procurement standards outlined in 7 
CFR 3019.41 through 3019.48.

D. Reports

    The Grantee shall submit financial and project performance reports 
satisfactory to the Grantor in accordance with ATTACHMENT D, 
``REPORTING REQUIREMENTS,'' which is attached hereto and incorporated 
herein.

E. Site Visits

    The Grantee will allow the Grantor to conduct site visits as needed 
for monitoring the Grantee's progress and auditing the Grantee's 
financial records related to the performance under this Agreement. 
Failure to allow the Grantor to conduct site visits shall be grounds 
for terminating the grant.

F. Compliance Review

    The Grantee must collect and provide data on race, gender, national 
origin and any such records, accounts, and other sources of information 
and facilities as may be pertinent to ascertaining by the Agency the 
Grantee's compliance with Civil Rights laws. In general, the Grantee 
should have available racial and ethnic data showing the extent to 
which members of minority groups are beneficiaries of federally 
assisted programs. The Agency will conduct a Civil Rights compliance 
review of the Grantee as required.

G. Records

    The Grantee shall retain and provide access to records as required 
by 7 CFR 3019.53.

H. Termination

    The award that is the subject of this Agreement shall only be 
terminated in accordance with 7 CFR 3019.61.

I. Enforcement

    The terms and conditions of this award will be enforced using the 
provisions of 7 CFR 3019.62.
    In witness whereof, Grantee has this day authorized and caused this 
Agreement to be signed, its name and its corporate seal to be hereunto 
affixed and attested by its duly authorized officers thereunto, and the 
Grantor has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf by:
Grantor
    United States of America
    Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Signature Date

Name

Title

Grantee

Signature Date

Name

Title

Attachment A Grant Work Plan and Budget

    The approved grant work plan and budget will be marked as 
attachment A.

Attachment B Bond Coverage

    The Grantee shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Grantor 
that the Grantee holds fidelity bond coverage in the amount of $ 
that covers all officers and employees of the Grantee's organization 
authorized to receive or disburse Federal funds. The bond coverage 
shall be obtained from a company or companies holding certificates 
of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 
223, ``Surety Companies Doing Business With the United States.''

Attachment C Audit Requirements

    If the Grantee is a non-profit corporation or an institution of 
higher education and the Grantee expends $500,000 or more in Federal 
funds in one year, the Grantee shall be audited by a Certified 
Public Accountant. The audit, for the years the Grantee receives 
this financial assistance, will be conducted in accordance with 
Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and OMB 
Circular A-133. These audits are due within 9 months after the end 
of the Grantee's fiscal year. The Grantor is to receive a copy of 
this audit.
    If the Grantee is a non-profit corporation or an institution of 
higher education and the Grantee expends less than $500,000 in 
Federal funds in one year, the project shall be audited by a 
Certified Public Accountant in accordance with GAGAS. This audit 
will be a limited-scope audit focused only on the expenditure of 
grant and matching funds. The Grantor is to receive a copy of this 
audit.

Attachment D Reporting Requirements

    You must provide Rural Development with a paper copy original or 
an electronic copy that includes all required signatures of the 
following reports. The reports should be submitted to the State 
Office Agency contact. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on 
time may result in suspension or termination of your grant. Both 
performance reports and financial reports must be in compliance with 
7 CFR 3019.51 and 3019.52.
    A. Form SF-269 or 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. A final 
``Financial Status Report'' is due within 90 calendar days of the 
completion of the project. Reports will be on a cash basis.
    B. Semi-annual performance reports. These reports shall include 
the following:
    1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period. Objectives should be reported by specific task 
breakdown as described in the approved work plan and budget. Each 
group, cooperative or business assisted under a specific task must 
be discussed. Discussion must include the Cooperative's or 
Association of Cooperative's (or contractor's) role in assisting the 
group, cooperative or business and if any jobs were created or saved 
as a result of the assistance provided.
    2. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if 
applicable.
    3. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which 
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent 
meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of 
particular objectives during established time periods. This 
disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken 
or planned to resolve the situation.
    4. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period.
    5. A summary at the end of the report with the following 
elements to assist in documenting the annual performance goals of 
the SMPG program for Congress.
     Number of cooperatives assisted.
     Number of members assisted.
     Number of direct jobs created as a result of 
assistance.
     Number of direct jobs saved as a result of assistance.
    6. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award 
funds should be discussed.
    Reports are due as provided in paragraph (A) of this Attachment.
    C. Final project performance reports. These reports shall 
include all of the requirements of paragraph (B) and the following:
    1. Responses to the following.
    (i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    (ii) What advice would you give to other organizations planning 
a similar program.

[[Page 34060]]

These should include strengths and limitations of the program. If 
you had the opportunity, what would you have done differently?
    (iii) 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.
    2. Copies of supporting documentation for completed tasks. The 
supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not 
limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans, 
copies of surveys conducted and survey results, and research 
reports.
    The final performance report is due within 90 days of the 
completion of the project.
    D. Form SF-272, ``Report of Federal Cash Transactions.'' If the 
Grantee receives advance payments, the Grantee shall submit a 
listing expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on 
a quarterly basis. Reporting periods end each March 31, June 30, 
September 30, and December 31. Reports are due 15 calendar days 
after the reporting period ends.

[FR Doc. E6-9175 Filed 6-12-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P