[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 4, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46904-46909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19155]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2010 Funding Opportunity for 
Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives (REIC)

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Initial notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered 
through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the 
availability of $300,000 in competitive cooperative agreement funds for 
fiscal year (FY) 2010 to conduct research on the national economic 
impact of all types of cooperatives. USDA Rural Development hereby 
requests proposals from institutions of higher education interested in 
applying for a competitively awarded cooperative research agreement. 
This funding follows previous funding awarded in FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 
2008, and FY 2009, the intent of which was to encourage research on the 
critical issue of the economic value of cooperatives. Funding for FY 
2010 is expected to expand upon research undertaken with FY 2006, FY 
2007, FY 2008 and FY 2009 funds.

DATES: Interested parties may submit completed applications for the 
cooperative agreement on paper or electronically according to the 
following deadlines:
    Paper copies must be received by September 1, 2010, to be eligible 
for FY 2010 funding. Electronic copies must be received by September 1, 
2010, to be eligible for FY 2010 funding. Late applications are not 
eligible for FY 2010 funding.

ADDRESSES: Applicants may obtain application forms, guides, and 
materials for the cooperative agreement at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm or by contacting USDA Rural Development at (202) 
720-8460, (TDD: (800) 877-8339, Federal Information Relay Service) and 
ask for the cooperative research agreement application package.
    Submit completed paper applications for a cooperative agreement to 
USDA Rural Development's Cooperative Programs, Attn: Cooperative 
Research, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used 
for FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558.
    Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following 
the instructions found on this Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm, which contains application 
guidance, including an Application Guide and application forms. Or you 
may contact USDA Rural Development at (202) 720-8460 (TDD: (800) 877-
8339 Federal Information Relay Service).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 46905]]

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., OMB must 
approve all ``collections of information'' by USDA Rural Development. 
The Act defines ``collection of information'' as a requirement for 
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements 
imposed on ten or more persons * * *.'' (44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A)) Because 
the RFP is expected to receive less than 10 respondents, the 
``collection of information'' requirement in the Paperwork Reduction 
Act does not apply.

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Research on the Economic Impact of 
Cooperatives.
    Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.778.
    Dates: You may submit completed applications for the cooperative 
agreement on paper or electronically according to the following 
deadlines:
    Paper copies must be received by September 1, 2010, to be eligible 
for FY 2010 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2010 
funding.
    Electronic copies must be received by September 1, 2010, to be 
eligible for FY 2010 funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 
2010 funding.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to the Appropriations Act, 
2010 (Pub. L. 111-80) directing funds ``for a cooperative research 
agreement with a qualified academic institution to conduct research on 
the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives.'' The 
Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to 
USDA Rural Development.
    The primary objective of this cooperative research agreement 
program is to facilitate university research on the national economic 
impact of cooperatives. This cooperative research agreement is a 
continuation of research conducted in USDA Rural Development 
cooperative research agreements RD-06-01, RBS-07-31, RBS-08-00 and RBS-
09-00, collectively known as ``REIC Agreements''. As further described 
below, data generated and results produced in the REIC Agreements will 
be accessible to the institution awarded this cooperative research 
agreement.
    These agreements have produced the first census data of U.S. 
cooperatives across economic sectors, reporting their financial 
variables and employment data. Based on this census, cooperatives' 
direct and indirect impacts on national revenue, income and employment 
were estimated. Standard estimation methods, as applied to all types of 
business organizations, were used to obtain the economic estimates. 
These estimation methods do not measure distinctive and deeper economic 
impacts of cooperatives, which is the overall objective of this 
research program.
    Two research initiatives were launched in FY 2009 that will help 
increase public and academic awareness of cooperatives. First, a more 
detailed survey sample, called the Cooperative Business Study, was 
launched to address the elements of member governance that influence 
distinctive policies in the operations and impacts of cooperatives. 
Further surveys of these sample cooperatives will examine in 
comprehensive detail the subjects of finance and human resources. 
Second, a program for annual collection of cooperative data by the U.S. 
Census Bureau was initiated. Completing these initiatives launched in 
2009, will be a part of the work plan for FY 2010.
    The cooperative agreement proposal must address specifically, and 
in detail sufficient to assess the effectiveness of proposed work, how 
the following deliverables will be provided:
    1. Complete a proposal to the U.S. Census Bureau for annual 
collection of data on cooperatives, involving criteria for identifying 
businesses and organizations as cooperatives.
    2. Complete the first phase of the Cooperative Business Study on 
governance.
    3. Develop research proposals for further surveys of the sample of 
cooperatives on the topics of finance, human resources, and other 
avenues of inquiry that provide a basis for examining the distinctive 
and deeper impacts of cooperatives.
    4. Initiate research projects in the following subjects:
    a. Economic resiliency--comparing and contrasting cooperatives with 
other types of firms on various measures of sustaining their operations 
or maintaining services over time or during and after economic 
recessions.
    b. Competitive yardstick--measure the impact of cooperatives in 
maintaining competitive prices for producers and consumers, or in terms 
of supporting services that would be provided to some diminished degree 
in the absence of cooperatives.
    c. Local impact--identify the extent to which local communities or 
rural areas have developed and retained more wealth because of the 
operations of cooperatives.
    5. USDA Rural Development will arrange for the winner of this 
competition to obtain updates and preliminary data from the University 
of Wisconsin, the FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 2008 and FY 2009 award 
recipient, as further progress is made on the FY 2006, FY 2007, FY 2008 
and FY 2009 research.
    6. The performance of subcontracting services, oversight, and 
financial controls for the overall project.
    7. The submission of quarterly progress reports and quarterly 
financial reports to USDA Rural Development; and
    8. The preparation and submission of publishable quality written 
reports for Deliverables 1 through 4 to USDA Rural Development.
    USDA Rural Development will competitively award one cooperative 
agreement to fund the collection and analysis of data to determine the 
national economic impact of cooperatives. An institution of higher 
education may collaborate with others on the research and data 
collection. A formal consortium of academic institutions is allowed.

Definitions

    The definitions at 7 CFR 3019.2 are incorporated by reference.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2010.
    Approximate Total Funding: $300,000.
    Approximate Number of Awards: 1.
    Approximate Average Award: $300,000.
    Floor of Award Range: None.
    Ceiling of Award Range: $300,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 24, 2010.
    Budget Period Length: 24 months.
    Project Period Length: 24 months.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Applicants must be institutions of higher education. Proposals may 
be submitted by public or private colleges or universities, research 
foundations maintained by a college or university, or private nonprofit 
organizations funded by a group of colleges or universities.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

    Matching funds are not required but are highly encouraged. 
Applicants must verify in their applications that matching funds are 
available for the

[[Page 46906]]

time period of the agreement if the matching funds are required to 
complete the project. Matching funds must be provided by either the 
applicant or by a third party in the form of cash or in-kind 
contributions. Matching funds must be spent on eligible expenses and 
must be from eligible sources.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

    Indirect Cost Eligibility: Section 705 of Public Law 111-80, 
``Agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration and 
related agencies appropriations act, 2010'' continues the provision 
which states ``No funds appropriated by this Act may be used to pay 
negotiated indirect cost rates on cooperative agreements or similar 
arrangements between the United States Department of Agriculture and 
nonprofit institutions in excess of 10 percent of the total direct cost 
of the agreement when the purpose of such cooperative arrangements is 
to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two parties. This 
does not preclude appropriate payment of indirect costs on grants and 
contracts with such institutions when such indirect costs are computed 
on a similar basis for all agencies for which appropriations are 
provided in this Act.'' Indirect costs in excess of 10 percent of the 
direct cost, therefore, will be ineligible for funding.
    Activity Eligibility: A cooperative agreement reflects a 
relationship between the United States Government and an eligible 
recipient where the principal purpose of the relationship is the 
transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the 
eligible recipient to carry out the desired research; and substantial 
involvement is anticipated between USDA Rural Development acting for 
the United States Government and the eligible recipient during the 
performance of the research in the agreement. A cooperative agreement 
is not a grant. Therefore, the project proposed must include a 
description of USDA Rural Development's substantial participation. USDA 
Rural Development may subsequently negotiate the nature of its 
participation before the cooperative agreement is executed.
    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. 
However, if an application with 10 percent or less of ineligible costs 
is selected for funding, all ineligible costs must be removed from the 
project and replaced with eligible activities or the amount of the 
award will be reduced accordingly.
    Cooperative Agreement Period Eligibility: Applications that have a 
timeframe of more than 24 months will be considered ineligible and will 
not be considered for funding. Applications that request funds for a 
time period ending after September 30, 2012, will not be considered for 
funding.
    Completeness Eligibility: Applications without sufficient 
information to determine eligibility will not be considered for 
funding. Applications that are missing any required elements (in whole 
or in part) will not be considered for funding.

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 at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm. 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 in an electronic 
format. You may view the Application Guide at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm.
    If you submit your application in paper form, you must submit one 
signed original of your complete application along with two additional 
copies.
    If you submit your application electronically, you must follow the 
instructions given at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants are advised to 
visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan 
to apply electronically to insure 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:
    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 (EIN), 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 an application to be considered complete.
    The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which 
uniquely identifies business entities. Applicants can receive a DUNS 
number at no cost by accessing http://www.dnb.com/us/ or calling (866) 
705-5711.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.'' 
In order for this form to be considered complete, the applicant must 
fill out Sections A, B, C, and D. The applicant must include both 
Federal and any matching funds to be included.
    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.
    4. Title Page. The title page must include the title of the project 
as well as any other relevant identifying information. The length 
should not exceed one page.
    5. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each 
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately 
following the title page.
    6. Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one 
page, must briefly describe the project, including goals, tasks to be 
completed, and other relevant information that provides a general 
overview of the project. In the event an applicant submits more than 
one page for this element, only the first page submitted will be 
considered.
    7. Eligibility Discussion. A detailed discussion, not to exceed 
four pages, will describe how the applicant meets the eligibility 
requirements. In the event that more than four pages are submitted, 
only the first four pages will be considered.
    i. Applicant Eligibility. The applicant must first describe how it 
meets the definition of an institution of higher education.
    ii. Purpose Eligibility. The applicant must describe how the 
project purpose is eligible for funding. The project purpose is 
comprised of two components. First, the applicant must describe how the 
proposed project consists of activities needed to

[[Page 46907]]

determine the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives. 
Second, the applicant must demonstrate that the combined activities are 
sufficient to estimate the national economic impact of all types of 
cooperatives.
    8. Proposal Narrative. The narrative must include the following 
information:
    i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, 
not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the 
project. It should match the project title submitted on the SF-424. The 
project title does not need to appear on a separate page. It can be 
included on the title page and/or on the information sheet.
    ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet 
listing each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this funding 
announcement followed by the page numbers of all relevant material 
contained in the proposal that address or support each criterion.
    iii. Goals of the Project. A clear statement of the ultimate goals 
of the project must be included. There must be an explanation of how 
economic benefit will be measured.
    iv. Workplan. The narrative must contain a description of the 
project and set forth the tasks involved in reasonable detail. The 
description should specify the activity, who will perform the activity, 
during what timeframe the activity will take place, and the cost of the 
activity. Please note that one of the proposal evaluation criteria 
evaluates the work plan and budget. Applicants should only submit the 
work plan and budget once, either in this section or as part of the 
work plan/budget evaluation criterion discussion.
    v. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the proposal evaluation 
criteria referenced in this funding announcement must be addressed, 
specifically and individually, in narrative form.
    9. Certification of Judgment. Applicants must certify that the 
United States has not obtained a judgment against them. No Federal 
funds shall be used to pay a judgment obtained by the United States. It 
is suggested that applicants use the following language for the 
certification. ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United 
States has not obtained a judgment against it.'' A separate signature 
is not required.
    10. Verification of Matching Funds. Matching funds are not required 
but are highly encouraged. If matching funds are provided, applicants 
must provide a budget to support the work plan showing all sources and 
uses of funds during the project period. Applicants will be required to 
verify any and all matching funds, both cash and in-kind. All proposed 
matching funds must be specifically documented in the application. If 
the matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind contribution from 
the applicant, the application must include a signed letter from an 
authorized representative of the applicant verifying the goods or 
services to be donated, when the goods and services will be donated, 
and the value of the goods or services. Applicants should note that 
only goods or services for which no expenditure is made can be 
considered in-kind. If the applicant is paying for goods and services 
as part of the matching funds contribution, the expenditure is 
considered a cash match, and should be verified as such. If the 
matching funds are to be provided by a third party in cash, the 
application must include a signed letter from that third party 
verifying how much cash will be donated and when it will be donated. 
Verification of funds donated outside the proposed time period of the 
cooperative agreement will not be accepted. If the matching funds are 
to be provided by a third party in-kind donation, the application must 
include a signed letter from the third party verifying the goods or 
services to be donated, when the goods and services will be donated, 
and the value of the goods or services. Verification of in-kind 
contributions donated outside the proposed time period of the 
cooperative agreement will not be accepted. Verification of in-kind 
contributions that are over-valued will not be accepted. The valuation 
process for the in-kind funds does not need to be included in the 
application, especially if it is lengthy, but the applicant must be 
able to demonstrate how the valuation was achieved at the time of 
notification of tentative selection for the award. If the applicant 
cannot satisfactorily demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the 
award may not be made.
    If matching funds are in cash, they must be spent on goods and 
services that are eligible expenditures for this cooperative agreement 
program. If matching funds are in-kind contributions, the donated goods 
or services must be considered eligible expenditures for this program. 
The matching funds must be spent or donated during the agreement 
period. (See 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019 for funds use eligibility 
rules.)
    If acceptable verification for all proposed matching funds is 
missing from the application by the application deadline, the 
application will receive zero points for the Funding Match part of the 
evaluation criteria.

C. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Deadline Date: September 1, 2010.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be received by 
the deadline date (see Section IV.F. for the address). Final electronic 
applications must be received by http://www.grants.gov by the deadline 
date. If your application does not meet the deadline above, it will not 
be considered for funding. You will be notified whether or not your 
application was received on time.

D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications

    Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs, does not apply to this program.

E. Funding Restrictions

    Funding restrictions apply to both Federal funds and matching 
funds. Funds may only be used for activities related to determining the 
economic impact of cooperatives.
    No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used to:
    1. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement 
application;
    2. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project;
    3. Fund political or lobbying activities;
    4. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 or 3019;
    5. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support 
previously provided;
    6. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of agreement 
approval; or
    7. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States.

F. Other Submission Requirements

    You may submit your paper application for a cooperative agreement 
to USDA Rural Development's Cooperative Programs, Attn: Cooperative 
Research, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for 
FedEx packages is (202) 720-7558. You may also choose to submit your 
application electronically at http://www.grants.gov. Final applications 
may not be submitted by electronic mail, facsimile, or by hand-
delivery. Any application submission in a non-electronic format must 
contain all required documents in one envelope.

[[Page 46908]]

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on 
the following criteria and maximum point allowances. Failure to address 
any one of the following criteria by the application deadline will 
result in a determination of incomplete and the application will not be 
considered for funding. The total points available for the set of 
criteria are 100.
    1. Relevance of the project proposal (30 points). Proposals will be 
evaluated on how directly they address the general objective of 
demonstrating economic impact of all types of cooperatives in the 
United States. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a 
proposal's relevance will include the:
     Description of how research projects would measure 
differences of economic impacts of cooperatives as compared to other 
forms of business organization;
     Description of sound data collection and analysis 
methodology; and
     Description of a program of assisting the Census Bureau in 
identifying cooperatives for annual data collection.
    2. Quality of work plan (30 points). The quality evaluation 
criterion will be based on whether the proposal outlines a sound plan 
of work that will meet the objectives in a timely and cost-efficient 
manner. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a proposal's 
work plan will include:
     How well the steps for carrying out the work are defined;
     The logic of the sequence of proposed steps and the 
likelihood they will achieve their intended result;
     The establishment of clear benchmarks and timetables to 
measure the progress of the project;
     The detail, accuracy, and reasonableness of the project's 
proposed budget; and
    3. Quality of personnel and management plan (20 points). The 
quality of the management plan and the personnel involved in carrying 
out the proposed project will evaluate the capabilities of the 
individuals and institutions to implement the work plan in an effective 
manner. Factors to be weighed by evaluators in scoring a proposal's 
personnel and management plan will include the:
     Experience of project leaders and the lead institution in 
managing complex research projects;
     Demonstration of a clear understanding of business models 
and general economic development;
     Management controls, progress measurements, and reporting 
systems within a structured project management plan; and
     Experience and relevant skills of researchers, 
consultants, and subcontractors assigned to carry out specific roles in 
the project.
    4. Cooperative and academic community support (20 points). Points 
will be awarded for having support for the proposal from both 
cooperative and academic communities. This support should be evidenced 
by either contribution of resources or by statements from 
representatives about the value of the proposed research to their 
organizations or communities.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Each application will be initially reviewed by Rural Development 
personnel for eligibility and to determine whether all required 
elements are complete. A list of required elements follows:

 SF-424
 SF-424A
 SF-424B
 Title Page
 Table of Contents
 Executive Summary
 Applicant Eligibility Discussion
 Purpose Eligibility Discussion
 Project Title
 Information Sheet
 Goals of the Project
 Work Plan
 Proposal Evaluation Criterion 1
 Proposal Evaluation Criterion 2
 Proposal Evaluation Criterion 3
 Proposal Evaluation Criterion 4
 Certification of Judgment
 Verification of any Matching Funds

    Any incomplete or ineligible applications will not be further 
evaluated or considered for funding.
    All eligible and complete proposals will be evaluated by a team of 
at least three reviewers based on criteria 1 through 4 described in 
paragraph A of this section. Reviewers will represent the Rural 
Development broad mission area, and will include at least three 
employees of USDA.
    Once the scores for criteria 1 through 4 have been independently 
completed by the three reviewers, the scores will be used to rank the 
proposals. If the three reviewers rank the best proposal differently 
then, with the aid of a facilitator, the three reviewers will develop a 
consensus ranking. If the three reviewers cannot reach a consensus, two 
additional reviewers will review the proposals and be added to the 
rankings. A final ranking will be obtained based on the consensus 
rankings of the three member review panel, or, if appointed, the 
average of the five reviewers' rankings. Final award recommendation 
will be sent to the Under Secretary for Rural Development for final 
selection concurrence.
    After the award selection is made, all applicants will be notified 
of the status of their applications by mail. The awardee must meet all 
statutory and regulatory program requirements in order to receive the 
award. In the event that an awardee cannot meet the requirements, the 
award will be withdrawn.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

    Award Date: The announcement of award selection is expected to 
occur on or about September 24, 2010.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    The successful applicant will receive a notification of tentative 
selection for funding from USDA Rural Development. The applicant must 
sign a mutually agreed to cooperative agreement and comply with all 
applicable statutes, regulations, and this notice before the award will 
receive final approval.
    Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification, including 
mediation procedures and appeal rights, by mail.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    This award is subject to 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019. These 
regulations may be accessed at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1.
    The following additional documentation requirements apply to the 
awardee selected for this program:
     Agency Approved Cooperative Agreement.
     Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
     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 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
     Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
    Additional information on these requirements can be found at http:/
/

[[Page 46909]]

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/reic.htm.
    Reporting Requirements: You must provide USDA 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 Cooperative Agreement. Failure to 
submit satisfactory reports on time may result in suspension or 
termination of your award.
    1. Form SF-425 or SF-425A. A ``Financial Status Report,'' listing 
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a quarterly 
basis. Reporting periods end each December 31, March 31, June 30, and 
September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends.
    2. Quarterly 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 
should be discussed. Reporting periods end each December 31, March 31, 
June 30, and September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting 
period ends. Supporting documentation must also be submitted for 
completed tasks. The supporting documentation for completed tasks 
include, but are not limited to, questionnaire or interview guides, 
publications of research findings, summaries of data collected, and any 
other documentation related to how funds were spent.
    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 should be discussed. Supporting documentation for completed tasks 
must also be submitted. The supporting documentation for completed 
tasks include, but are not limited to, publications of research 
findings, summaries of data collected, documentation of data and 
software delivered to USDA Rural Development, and any other 
documentation related to how funds were spent. 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 the USDA Rural Development's 
Cooperative Programs, Mail STOP 3250, Room 4016-South, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3250, Telephone: (202) 
720-8460 (TDD: (800) 877-8339 Federal Information Relay Service), e-
mail: [email protected].

VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement

    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 (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 
``USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.''

    Dated: July 26, 2010.
Judith A. Canales,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-19155 Filed 8-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P