[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7508-7514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2328]


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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: Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered 
through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the 
availability of approximately $4.4 million in competitive grant funds 
for the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Rural Cooperative Development Grant 
(RCDG) Program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit 
applications for FY 2008 and award grants on or before September 12, 
2008. The maximum award per grant is $200,000 and matching funds are 
required.

DATES: Applications for grants must be submitted on paper or 
electronically according to the following deadlines:
    Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent 
overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant 
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible 
for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2008 grant funding.

ADDRESSES: Application materials for a RCDG may be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm or by contacting the 
applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office at (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 courier delivery is (202) 720-7558.
    Submit electronic grant applications at http://www.grants.gov, 
following the instructions found on this Web site.

[[Page 7509]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm for application assistance 
or contact your USDA Rural Development State Office at (202) 720-4323 
and press ``1'', or select the Contacts link at the above Web site. 
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: Completed applications for grants may be 
submitted on paper or electronically according to the following 
deadlines:
    Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent 
overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant 
funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible 
for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2008 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 or entities in the startup, 
expansion or operational improvement of cooperative businesses. The 
program is administered through USDA Rural Development State Offices.

Definitions

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

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2008.
    Approximate Total Funding: $4,400,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 22
    Approximate Average Award: $200,000.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $200,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 12, 2008.
    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. 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. The Center must be able to document and verify the number of 
hours worked and the value associated with the in-kind contribution. 
Additionally, if the in-kind contributions are from board members for 
their time, travel, incidentals, etc., the Center must have established 
written policies explaining how these costs are normally reimbursed, 
including rates. Otherwise, the in-kind contributions will not be 
considered eligible expenses and may cause the application to be 
determined ineligible for funding. In-kind contributions provided by 
individuals, businesses, or cooperatives who are being assisted by the 
Center can not 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.

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, 2008 and no later than January 1, 2009. Projects must be 
completed within the 1-year timeframe. The Agency will not approve 
requests to extend the grant period.
    Completeness Eligibility: Applications without sufficient 
information to determine eligibility and scoring will be considered 
ineligible. Applications that are non-responsive to this notice will be 
considered ineligible.
    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. 
Applications requesting more than the maximum grant amount will not be 
considered for funding. Applications that have ineligible costs that 
equal more than 10 percent of the total project costs will be 
determined ineligible, and not be considered for funding. If an 
application has ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project 
costs and is selected for funding, the applicant must remove all 
ineligible costs from the budget and replace them with eligible 
activities or the amount of the grant award will be reduced 
accordingly.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

    The application package for applying on paper for this funding 
opportunity can be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm. Alternatively, applicants may contact their USDA Rural 
Development State Office at (202) 720-4323 and press ``1''. For 
electronic applications, applicants must visit http://www.grants.gov 
and follow the instructions.

B. Content and Form of Submission

    Applications must be submitted on paper or electronically. An 
application guide may be viewed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm. It is recommended that applicants use the template 
provided on the Web site. 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.
    The submission must include all pages of the application. It is 
recommended that the application be in black and white, not color. 
Those

[[Page 7510]]

evaluating the application will only receive black and white images.
    If the application is submitted electronically, the applicant 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.
    Applicants must complete and submit the following elements. The 
Agency will screen all applications for eligibility and to determine 
whether the application is complete and sufficiently responsive to the 
requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review. 
Information submitted as part of the application will be protected to 
the extent permitted by law.
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' The form 
must be completed, signed and submitted as part of the application 
package.
    Please note that applicants 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 the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office at (202) 
720-4323 and press ``1''.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.'' 
This form must be completed and submitted as part of the application 
package.
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' This 
form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the 
application package.
    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, not to exceed one page, should 
include the title of the project as well as any other relevant 
identifying information.
    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 application.
    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.
    8. Eligibility. The applicant must describe, not to exceed two 
pages, how it meets the applicant, matching, grant period and activity 
eligibility requirements.
    9. Proposal Narrative. The proposal narrative is limited to a total 
of 40 pages.
    i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the 
project. If a title page was included under number 5 above, it is not 
necessary to include an additional title page under this section.
    ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet 
listing each of the evaluation criteria referenced in the RFP, 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 listed on the Table of Contents and 
specifically and individually addressed in narrative form, then it is 
not necessary to include an information sheet under this section.
    iii. Goals of the Project. The applicant must include the following 
statements in this section of the narrative to demonstrate that the 
Center is following these statutory requirements:
    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. Work Plan. Please see section V. A. 8. for specific 
requirements on the work plan and budget. The work plan and budget 
should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 8. It is 
not necessary to include the work plan and budget under this section.
    v. Performance Evaluation Criteria. The Agency has established 
annual performance measures to evaluate the RCDG program. Applicants 
must provide estimates on the following performance measures.
     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.
    It is permissible to have a zero in a performance element. 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, 
the applicant will be required to report actual numbers for these 
performance elements on a semi-annual basis and in the final 
performance report. Additional information on post-award requirements 
can be found in section VI. Applicants may also suggest additional 
performance criteria in the event the proposal receives grant funding. 
The criteria are not binding on USDA, but should be specific, 
measurable performance criteria. The inclusion of additional 
performance criteria beyond the nine listed above is voluntary.
    vi. Undertakings. The applicant must include the following 
statements in this section of the narrative and expressly undertake to 
do them.
    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.
    vii. Delivery of Cooperative Development Assistance. Please see 
section V. A. 7. for specific requirements on delivery of cooperative 
development assistance. Delivery should be presented under proposal

[[Page 7511]]

evaluation criterion number 7. It is not necessary to include 
discussion on delivery of cooperative development assistance under this 
section.
    viii. Qualifications of Personnel. Please see section V. A. 9. for 
specific requirements on qualifications of personnel. Qualifications of 
personnel should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion 
number 9. It is not necessary to include discussion on qualifications 
of personnel under this section.
    ix. Support and commitments. Please see section V. A. 10. for 
specific requirements on support and commitments. Support and 
commitments should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion 
number 10. It is not necessary to include discussion on support and 
commitments under this section.
    x. Future Support. Please see section V. A. 11. for specific 
requirements on future support. Future support should be presented 
under proposal evaluation criterion number 11. It is not necessary to 
include discussion on future support under this section.
    xi. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria 
referenced in this funding announcement must be specifically and 
individually addressed in narrative form. Applications that do not 
address all of the proposal evaluation criteria will be considered 
ineligible. 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 and will 
not use grant funds to pay any judgments obtained by the United 
States.'' A separate signature is not required.
    11. Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that 
matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are 
anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent 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.
    12. Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide 
documentation of all proposed matching funds, both cash and in-kind. 
Matching funds must be spent or donated for goods and services that are 
eligible expenditures for this grant program as well as be used for 
eligible purposes. The documentation must be included in Appendix A and 
will not count towards the 40-page limitation.
    If matching funds are to be provided in cash, the following 
requirements must be met.
    Applicant: The application must include a statement verifying (1) 
the amount of the cash and (2) the source of the cash. If the applicant 
is paying for goods and/or services as part of the matching funds 
contribution, the expenditure is considered a cash match, and should be 
verified as such.
    Third-party: The application must include a signed letter from the 
third party verifying (1) how much cash will be donated and (2) when it 
will be donated. Specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding to the 
proposed grant period or to the dates within the grant period when 
matching contributions will be made available, must be included in the 
letter.
    If matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind donation, the 
following requirements must be met.
    Applicant: The application must include a signed letter from the 
applicant or its authorized representative verifying (1) the goods and/
or services to be donated (i.e., provide the details about the goods 
and/or services to be provided), (2) when the goods and/or services 
will be donated (i.e., specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding 
to the proposed grant period or to the dates within the grant period 
when matching contributions will be made available) and (3) the value 
of the goods and/or services.
    Third-Party: The application must include a signed letter from the 
third party verifying (1) the goods and/or services to be donated 
(i.e., provide the details about the goods and/or services to be 
provided), (2) when the goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., 
specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding to the proposed grant 
period or to the dates within the grant period when matching 
contributions will be made available) and (3) the value of the goods 
and/or services.
    Applicants should note that only goods or services for which no 
expenditure is made can be considered in-kind. 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.
    Verification for funds donated outside the proposed time period of 
the grant will not be accepted.
    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 costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application 
package.
    Expected program income may not be used to fulfill the matching 
funds requirement at the time of application. However, if there are 
contracts in place at the time of application, they may be treated as 
cash match. If program income is earned during the time period of the 
grant, it is subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015, subpart F 
and 7 CFR part 3019.24 and any provisions in the Grant Agreement.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: April 8, 2008.
    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 the application does not meet the deadline above, it will not 
be considered for funding. The applicant will be notified if the 
application does not meet the submission requirements. The applicant 
will also be notified by mail or by e-mail if the 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

[[Page 7512]]

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 an applicant's state 
has an SPOC, the applicant may submit a copy of the application 
directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be 
provided to USDA Rural Development for consideration as part of the 
application. If the applicant's state has not established an SPOC, or 
the applicant does not want to submit a copy of the application, USDA 
Rural Development will submit the application to the SPOC or other 
appropriate agency or agencies.
    Applicants are also encouraged to contact the USDA Rural 
Development State Office for assistance and questions on this process. 
The USDA Rural Development State Office can be reached at (202) 720-
4323 and selecting option ``1'' or by viewing the following Web site: 
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

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.
    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 parts 3015 or 3019.

 F. Other Submission Requirements

    A paper application for a grant must be submitted 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 courier delivery is (202) 720-7558. Electronically 
submitted applications must apply 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 courier 
delivery service.

V. Application Review Information

 A. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on 
the following criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the 
information provided or cross-referenced in each individual evaluation 
criterion. The maximum amount of points available is 65.
    1. Administrative capabilities. (0-7 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. (0-7 points) The Agency 
will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated expertise in providing 
technical assistance in rural areas.
    3. Economic development. (0-7 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. (0-7 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.
    5. Commitment. (0-7 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. (0, 3 or 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, 0 points will be 
awarded; 26 to 50 percent, 3 points will be awarded; or greater than 50 
percent, 5 points will be awarded. If the applicant is a 1994 
Institution and provides eligible matching funds of 5 percent, 0 points 
will be awarded; 6 to 20 percent, 3 points will be awarded; or greater 
than 20 percent, 5 points will be awarded.
    7. Delivery. (0-5 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. (0-5 points) The work plan will be reviewed 
for detailed actions and an accompanying timetable for implementing the 
proposal. Clear,

[[Page 7513]]

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. (0-5 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. (0-5 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. 
Support should be discussed directly within the response to this 
criterion. 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 40-page limit for the narrative.
    11. Future support. (0-5 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.

B. Review and Selection Process

    The Agency will screen all of the proposals to determine whether 
the application is eligible and sufficiently responsive to the 
requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review.
    The Agency will evaluate applications using a panel of qualified 
reviewers who will score the applications in accordance with the point 
allocation specified in this notice. Applications will be submitted to 
the Administrator in rank order, together with funding level 
recommendations.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Award Date: The announcement of award selections is expected to 
occur on or about September 12, 2008.

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 are applicable to this program. 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 400-4, ``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: Grantees 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 the Grant Agreement and 
Letter of Conditions. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time 
may result in suspension or termination of the 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.

[[Page 7514]]

     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:
    i. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this program?
    ii. What advice would the Grantee give to other organizations 
planning a similar program? These should include strengths and 
limitations of the program. If the Grantee had the opportunity, what 
would they 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.
    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, applicants should contact their USDA Rural 
Development State Office at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm. The State Office can be reached by calling (202) 720-4323 
and pressing ``1''. If an applicant is unable to contact their State 
Office, please contact a nearby State Office or the USDA Rural 
Development National Office at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 
3250, Rm. 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone: (202) 720-
7558, e-mail: [email protected].
    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, marital 
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 (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (202) 401-0216 (TDD). USDA is an equal 
opportunity provider and employer.

    Dated: January 31, 2008.
Ben Anderson,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-2328 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P