[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37774-37779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-16121]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Announcement of Value-Added Producer Grant Application Deadlines
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
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SUMMARY: Pursuant to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J, the Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of approximately
$37 million in competitive grant funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 to
help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added
activities. This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) announces $19.3
million provided under the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010
(Pub. L. 111-80), and $17.9 million from the Department of Defense and
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011 (Pub. L.112-20).
Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital
expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning
grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital
grant is $300,000. Rural Development is encouraging applications that
will support communities in urban or rural areas, with limited access
to healthy foods and with a high poverty and hunger rate.
Ten percent of available funds are reserved to fund applications
submitted by Beginning Farmers or Ranchers and Socially Disadvantaged
Farmers or Ranchers as defined at 7 CFR 4284.902. An additional 10
percent of available funds are reserved to fund Mid-Tier Value Chain
projects (both collectively referred to as ``reserved funds''). Grants
made to Majority Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures may not
exceed 10 percent of the total funds obligated for the program in the
fiscal year.
DATES: Application deadlines. Completed paper applications, for both
unreserved funds or reserved funds, must be postmarked and mailed,
shipped, or sent overnight no later than August 29, 2011 to be eligible
for FY 2011 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY
2011 grant funding.
Completed electronic applications, for both unreserved funds and
reserved funds, must be received by Midnight Eastern Time August 29,
2011 to be eligible for FY 2011 grant funding. Late applications are
not eligible for FY 2011 grant funding.
Preliminary review deadline. Applicants may seek a preliminary
review of their application for eligibility and completeness.
Applications submitted for preliminary review must be received 30 days
prior to the application deadline. Any complete application received
after 30 days prior to the application deadline will be considered a
final application under this Notice for review, scoring, and
consideration for selection for award.
ADDRESSES: Submit paper applications to the Rural Development State
Office for the State in which the Project will primarily take place.
Addresses may be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.
Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following
the instructions found on this Web site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants should visit the program
Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html which
contains application guidance. Applicants can also contact their USDA
Rural Development State Office by calling 800-670-6553 and pressing
``1.'' 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.
Applicants may also contact Lyn Millhiser at 202-720-1227 or Tracey
Kennedy at 202-690-1428, or by e-mailing [email protected] for
additional information.
Applicants seeking preliminary review of their applications may
submit drafts to their State office in accordance with the
aforementioned ``Preliminary review deadline.'' The preliminary review
will only assess the eligibility of the application and its
completeness. The results of the preliminary review are not binding on
the Agency.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the paperwork
burden associated with this Notice has been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0064.
Producers seeking funding under this Notice have to submit
applications that include specified information, certifications, and
agreements. All of the forms, information, certifications, and
agreements required to apply for grants under this Notice have been
authorized under OMB Control Number 0570-0064.
[[Page 37775]]
Overview
Federal Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Value-Added Producer Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.352.
Dates: Completed paper applications, for both unreserved funds or
reserved funds, must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent
overnight no later than August 29, 2011 to be eligible for FY 2011
grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2011 grant
funding.
All completed electronic applications, for both unreserved funds or
reserved funds, must be received by Midnight Eastern Time August 29,
2011 to be eligible for FY 2011 grant funding. Late applications are
not eligible for FY 2011 grant funding.
Availability of Notice. This Notice is available on the USDA Rural
Development Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose of the Program
The primary objective of this grant program is to help Independent
Producers of Agricultural Commodities, Agriculture Producer Groups,
Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based
Business Ventures develop strategies to create marketing opportunities
and to help develop Business Plans for viable marketing opportunities
regarding production of bio-based products from agricultural
commodities. Cooperative Programs will competitively award funds for
Planning Grants and Working Capital Grants directly related to the
processing and/or marketing of value-added products. In order to
provide program benefits to as many eligible applicants as possible,
applicants may apply only for a Planning Grant or for a Working Capital
Grant, but not both. Grants will only be awarded if Projects are
determined to be economically viable and sustainable.
As with all value-added efforts, generating new products, creating
expanded marketing opportunities and increasing producer income are the
end goals.
Please note that businesses of all sizes may apply, but priority
will be given to Operators of Small and Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches
that are structured as Family Farms, Beginning Farmers or Ranchers,
Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, Mid-Tier Value Chain
projects, and Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives. There is no restriction
on the minimum grant size that will be awarded. In FY 2010, 41 percent
of awards were $50,000 or less.
B. Statutory Authority
This solicitation is issued pursuant to section 231 of the
Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-224) as amended by
section 6202 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L.
110-246) (see 7 U.S.C. 1621 note)) authorizing the establishment of the
Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grants, also known
as Value-Added Producer Grants. The regulations are contained in 7 CFR
part 4284, subpart J and are incorporated by reference in this notice.
The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the program's administration
to USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs.
C. Definition of Terms
The definitions applicable to this Notice are published at 7 CFR
4284.902. If a term is defined differently in the Departmental
Regulations (7 CFR series 3000-3099), 2 CFR part 230, 48 CFR 31.2, or 2
CFR parts 25, 170 or 417, than in this subpart, such term shall have
the meaning as found in 7 CFR 4284.902.
II. Award Information
A. Available funds. In FY 2011, approximately $37 million is being
announced from appropriations provided in 2010 and 2011 . Funding made
available under this NOFA is funding that was provided under the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-80) and under
the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,
2011 (Pub. L.112-20).
B. Type of instrument. Grant.
C. Approximate number of awards. 250.
D. Approximate Average Award. $116,000.
E. Range of Awards. There is no minimum award. The maximum amount
of grant funds provided to a grant recipient under this Notice is
$100,000 for planning grants and $300,000 for Working Capital grants.
F. Anticipated Award Date. November 30, 2011.
G. Project Period Length: The maximum term of a grant project
period is 3 years from date of award. Grant project periods should be
scaled to the complexity of the objectives of the project.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for this program, an applicant must meet the
eligibility requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.920. Applicants will
be ineligible according to he requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.921.
B. Project Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, a project must meet the product
and purpose eligibility requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.922,
including Agency concurrence in the financial feasibility of the
project or business to achieve the income, credit, and cash flows to
financially sustain the venture over the long term, based upon the
adequacy of the feasibility study and/or business plan submitted with
the application that is required for working capital projects; or the
quality of the evidence for project success provided in applications
that qualify for a waiver of the feasibility study and/or business plan
submission. If the applicant elects to compete for reserved funds, the
requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.922(c) also apply. It is the
Agency's position that harvester operations do not meet the definition
requirements for a Farm or Ranch and are not eligible to receive
Reserved Funds for a Beginning Farmer or Rancher or a Socially
Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher. Harvester operations may compete for
Reserved Funds for a Mid-Tier Value Chain project, as applicable.
Applications that propose ineligible expenses in excess of 10 percent
of total project costs will be deemed ineligible to compete for funds.
Eligible applications containing ineligible expenses of less than 10
percent of total project costs that are selected for award must
eliminate those ineligible expenses from the project budget.
C. Other Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must comply with all other eligibility requirements
found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J.
Active VAPG grant. If an applicant has an active value-added grant
and seeks to submit an application under this Notice, the currently
active grant must be closed out no later than 90 days after submission
deadline.
Multiple VAPG grants. In accord with 7 CFR 4284.920(e), applicants
may not submit multiple grant requests, including separate entities
with identical or greater than 75 percent common ownership, and in
cases where an applicant is requesting an additional planning or
working capital grant for a
[[Page 37776]]
project that has already received a planning or working capital grant.
If multiple grants are submitted, all such applications will be deemed
ineligible to compete for Federal grant funds.
Grant Period Eligibility: Applicants may propose a timeframe for
the grant project up to a maximum 36 months in length from the grant
period date of award. The grant period will begin on the date of award
and projects must begin within 90 days of award date. However, awards
are not expected to be made until November 30, 2011, so applicants
should propose a date after November 30, 2011 to begin their projects.
Projects should end not later than 36 months from the grant period date
of award . Applications that request funds for a time period beginning
prior to November 30, 2011 and/or ending later than 36 months from the
grant period date of award will be considered ineligible. The Agency
will consider requests for an extension on a case-by-case basis if
extenuating circumstances prevent a grantee from completing an award
within the approved grant period, but no extensions can be approved to
extend the grant period beyond a total of three years from the grant
period date of award.
Priority. An applicant may apply for priority points if they
propose a project that contributes to increasing opportunities for
beginning farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmer or
ranchers, or if they are an Operator of a small- or medium-sized farm
or ranch that is structured as a family farm, or are a farmer or
rancher Cooperative, or if they propose a Mid-Tier value chain project.
To be eligible for these priority points, the requirements specified in
7 CFR 4284.922(d) must be met, as applicable. It is the Agency's
position that harvester operations do not meet the definition
requirements for a Farm or Ranch and are not eligible to receive
priority points for a Beginning Farmer or Rancher, a Socially
Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, an Operator of a small- or medium-
sized farm or ranch that is structured as a Family Farm, or a Farmer or
Rancher Cooperative. Harvester operations may request priority points
for a Mid-Tier Value Chain project, as applicable.
IV. Fiscal Year 2011 Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Applications
The application package, including an application guide and other
materials for applying on paper for this funding opportunity, can be
obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html.
Alternatively, applicants can contact their USDA Rural Development
State Office by calling 800-670-6553 and pressing ``1.''
To obtain electronic applications, applicants must visit http://www.grants.gov and follow the instructions.
B. Content and Form of Submission
All applications must contain the information specified in 7 CFR
4284.931.
Applications may be submitted in paper copy, or electronically only
via grants.gov. If submitted as a paper copy, only one original copy
should be submitted. An application submission must contain all
required components in their entirety. E-mailed or faxed submissions
will not be acknowledged, accepted or processed by the Agency.
In accordance with 2 CFR part 25, to apply for Federal grant
funding, all applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number, which can be obtained at no cost via a
toll-free request line at 1-866-705-5711 or online at http://www.dnb.com/us. Similarly, 2 CFR part 25 requires that all applicants
maintain registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
database. Applicants must register for the CCR at http://www.ccr.gov,
and may call the toll-free technical assistance line at 1-866-606-8220
and press ``1'' for CCR.
All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to
report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.
C. Simplified Applications
All four applicant types requesting less than $50,000 working
capital grant funds may submit a simplified application in accordance
with 7 CFR 4284.932. These applicants are not required to provide
feasibility studies or business plans, but must provide information to
demonstrate the expected increases in customer base and revenues
resulting from the project that will benefit the producer applicants
supplying the majority of the agricultural commodity for the project.
See 7 CFR 4284.922(b)(6)(ii).
In addition, Independent Producer applicants seeking working
capital grants of $50,000 or more, who can demonstrate that they are
proposing market expansion for an existing value-added product(s) that
they currently own and produce from at least 50 percent of their own
agricultural commodity and that they have produced and marketed for at
least 2 years at time of application submission, may submit a business
or marketing plan for the value-added project in lieu of a feasibility
study. These simplified applications must still document for increased
customer base and increased revenues returning to the applicant
producers as a result of the project. See 7 CFR 4284.922(b)(6)(i).
D. Submission Dates and Times
Complete paper applications, for both unreserved funds or reserved
funds, must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no
later than August 29, 2011 to be eligible for FY 2011 grant funding.
Late applications are not eligible for FY 2011 grant funding.
All complete electronic applications, for both unreserved funds and
reserved funds, must be received by Midnight Eastern Time August 29,
2011 to be eligible for FY 2011 grant funding. Late applications are
not eligible for FY 2011 grant funding.
E. Incomplete Applications
Incomplete applications will be rejected. The Agency will notify
applicants as to the elements that made the application incomplete. If
the Agency receives a resubmitted electronic application by Midnight
Eastern Time August 29, 2011, the Agency will reconsider the
application. If the Agency receives a paper application that is
delivered or postmarked by August 29, 2011, the Agency will reconsider
the application.
F. Funding Restrictions
Funding limitations and reservations will apply in accordance with
7 CFR 4284.925
Matching funds. Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent of
the total eligible project costs, subject to the limitations
established for maximum total grant amount. Applicants must certify the
availability and source-verify all matching funds at time of
application submission. The source and use of both grant and matching
funds may not include a Conflict of Interest, as defined in 7 CFR
4284.902, except as provided for in the limited exceptions found at 7
CFR 4284.923.
Majority controlled producer-based business. The aggregate amount
of awards to majority controlled producer-based businesses for FY 2011
shall not exceed 10 percent of the total funds obligated for the
program during the fiscal year.
Reserved funds. For FY 2011, 10 percent of total funding available
will be used to fund projects that benefit beginning farmers or
ranchers, or socially-disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. In addition,
10 percent of total
[[Page 37777]]
funding available will also be used to fund projects that propose
development of mid-tier value chains.
Disposition of Reserved funds not obligated. Any FY 2011 Reserved
funds that have not been obligated by June 30, 2011, shall be available
to the Secretary to make VAPG grants, subject to this notice, to
eligible entities, as determined by the Secretary. For FY 2011, the
Secretary has determined that for reserved funds not obligated by June
30, 2011, reservation of funds for categories addressed at 7 CFR
4284.922 (c) will continue.
Use of grant and matching funds. Grant and matching funds may be
used for the eligible uses specified in 7 CFR 4284.923 but may not be
used for ineligible purposes, as provided in 7 CFR 4284.924.
G. Intergovernmental Review
If State or local governments raise objections to a proposed
project under the intergovernmental review process that are not
resolved within 90 days of the Agency's award announcement date, the
Agency will rescind the award and will provide the applicant with a
written notice to that effect. The Agency, in its sole discretion, may
extend the 90-day period if it appears resolution is imminent.
V. Application Review, Award, and Administration Information
A. Preliminary Review
Applicants may submit drafts of their applications to their State
Offices for a preliminary review no later than 30 days prior to the
application deadline. The preliminary review is an informal assessment
of the eligibility of the application and its completeness. The result
of the preliminary review is not binding on the Agency.
B. Processing Applications
Applications will be reviewed and processed in accordance with 7
CFR 4284.940.
C. Application Ineligibility and Withdrawal
If the Agency determines that an application is ineligible at any
time, the Agency will notify the applicant in writing of its
determination and any review or appeal rights. If, during the period
between the submission of an application and the execution of award
documents, the project is no longer viable or the applicant no longer
is requesting financial assistance for the project, the applicant must
notify the Agency in writing. Upon receipt of such notification, the
Agency will rescind the selection or withdraw the application, as
applicable.
D. Application Scoring
The Agency will score applications according to the procedures and
criteria specified in 7 CFR 4284.942, and as specified below.
For each criterion, applicants must demonstrate how the project has
merit, and provide rationale for the likelihood of project success.
Responses that do not address all aspects of the criterion, or that do
not comprehensively convey pertinent project information will receive
lower scores. The maximum number of points that will be awarded to an
application is 100. Any application receiving less than 45 points will
not be funded. The Agency application package will provide additional
instruction to assist applicants when responding to the criteria below.
1. Nature of the Proposed Venture (graduated score 0-30 points).
Working capital applicants should demonstrate the technological
feasibility of the project, as well as the operational efficiency,
profitability, and overall economic sustainability resulting from the
project. Planning grant applicants should address this criterion by
describing the expected outcomes as indicated above, and the rationale
supporting those expectations. Applicants should reference third-party
information that specifically supports the value-added project; discuss
the value-added process proposed, potential markets and distribution
channels; value to be added to the raw commodity through the value-
added process; potential increase in customer base and increased
revenue returning to producers; cost and availability of inputs,
experience of the applicant in marketing the proposed or similar
product; and any other relevant information that supports the viability
of the project. Points will be awarded as follows.
i. 0 points will be awarded if the application does not
substantively address this criterion.
ii. 10 points will be awarded if the applicant demonstrates
weakness in addressing this criterion.
iii. 20 points will be awarded if the applicant partially addresses
this criterion.
iv. 30 points will be awarded if the applicant clearly articulates
the rationale for the project and demonstrates a high likelihood of
success based on technological feasibility and economic sustainability.
2. Qualifications of Project Personnel (graduated score 0-20
points). Applicants should identify and describe the qualifications of
individuals responsible for leading or managing the total project, as
well as those individuals responsible for actually conducting the
individual tasks in the work plan. Applications should discuss the
credentials, education, capabilities, experience, availability and
commitment of project personnel. If staff or consultants have not been
selected at the time of application, provide specific descriptions of
the qualifications required for the positions to be filled. Points will
be awarded as follows:
i. 0 points will be awarded if this criterion is not substantively
addressed;
ii. 10 points will be awarded if at least one of the identified
staff or consultants demonstrates 5 or more years of relevant
experience; or, if no project personnel have been identified but
necessary qualifications for the positions to be filled are clearly
described;
iii. 20 points will be awarded if all of the identified staff
demonstrates relevant qualifications and experience.
3. Commitments and Support (graduated score 0-10 points).
Applications must demonstrate the project has strong direct financial,
technical and logistical support from agricultural producers, end-
users, and other third party contributors necessary to successfully
complete the project. Producer commitment may be demonstrated by
describing cash or in-kind contributions to the project. End-user
commitments include contracts or letters of intent or interest in
purchasing the value-added product. Third-party commitments may include
evidence of critical partnerships, logistical, or technical support
necessary for the project to succeed. Points will be awarded as
follows:
i. 0 points will be awarded if the applicant does not demonstrate
tangible, relevant commitments or support from producers, end-users or
other critical third party contributors.
ii. 5 points will be awarded if the applicant partially
demonstrates tangible, high quality direct support or commitments from
at least one producer, end users, or other third party contributor.
iii. 10 points will be awarded if the applicant demonstrates
tangible, high quality direct support or commitments from multiple
producers, end-users and critical third-party contributors.
4. Work Plan and Budget (graduated score 0-20 points). In accord
with 7 CFR 4284.922(b)(5), applicants must submit a comprehensive work
plan and budget. The work plan must provide specific and detailed
narrative descriptions of
[[Page 37778]]
the tasks and the key project personnel that will accomplish the
project's goals. The budget must present a detailed breakdown of all
estimated costs associated with the activities and allocate those costs
among the listed tasks. The source and use of both grant and matching
funds must be specified for all tasks. An eligible start and end date
for the project itself and for individual project tasks must be clearly
indicated and may not exceed Agency specified timeframes for the grant
period.
i. 0 points will be awarded if the applicant does not substantively
address this criterion.
ii. 10 points will be awarded if the applicant partially addresses
this criterion.
iii. 20 points will be awarded if the applicant provides a
detailed, comprehensive work plan and budget.
5. Priority Points (lump sum score 0 or 10 points). Priority points
may be awarded in both the General Funds competition, as well as the
Reserved Funds competitions. Qualifying applicants may request priority
points if they meet the requirements for one of the following
categories and provide the documentation specified in 7 CFR
4284.922(d), as applicable. Priority categories include: Beginning
Farmer or Rancher, Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, Operator
of a Small or Medium-sized farm or ranch that is structured as a Family
Farm, Mid Tier Value Chain proposals, and Farmer or Rancher
Cooperative. It is recommended that applicants utilize the Agency
application package when documenting for priority points and refer to
the documentation requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.922(d). It is
the Agency's position that harvester operations do not meet the
definition requirements for a Farm or Ranch and are not eligible to
receive Priority Points for a Beginning Farmer or Rancher, a Socially
Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, an Operator of a small- or medium-
sized farm or ranch that is structured as a Family Farm, or a Farmer or
Rancher Cooperative. Harvesters may request Priority Points for a Mid-
Tier Value Chain project, as applicable. All qualifying applicants in
this category will receive 10 points. Applicants that do not provide
sufficient documentation will receive 0 points.
6. Administrator Priority Categories (graduated score 0-10 points).
The Administrator of USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative
Programs has discretion to award up to 10 points to an application to
improve the geographic diversity of awardees in a fiscal year.
E. Selection of Applications
The Agency will select applications for award under this Notice in
accordance with the provisions specified in 7 CFR 4284.950(a).
The Agency will conduct an initial screening of 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.
All eligible and complete proposals will be evaluated by two
reviewers based on criteria specified in Section V.D. One of these
reviewers will be a Rural Development employee from the servicing State
Office and the other reviewer will be a non-Federal individual. The
State Office may enlist the support of technical experts qualified as
described below and approved by the State Director, to assist the State
Office scoring process. All reviewers must meet the following
qualifications. Reviewers must have obtained at least a bachelors
degree in one or more of the following fields: agri-business, business,
economics, finance, or marketing. They must also have a minimum of
three years of experience in an agriculture-related field (e.g.
farming, marketing, consulting, university professor, research, officer
for trade association, government employee for an agricultural
program). If the reviewer does not have a degree in one of those
fields, he/she must possess at least five years of working experience
in an agriculture-related field.
Both reviewers will score criteria one through four and the totals
for each reviewer will be added together and averaged. The Rural
Development Reviewer will also assign priority points based on
criterion 5 in Section V.D. These will be added to the average score.
The sum of these scores will be ranked high to low and this will
comprise the initial ranking.
The Administrator of RBS may, at their discretion, award up to 10
Administrator priority points based on criterion 6 in Section V.D.
These points will be added to the cumulative score for a total possible
score of 100. A minimum score of 45 points is required for funding.
A final ranking will be obtained based solely on the scores
received for criteria 1 through 6 in Section V.D. Applications for
reserved funding will be funded in rank order until funds are depleted.
Unfunded reserve category applications will be returned to the general
fund category where applications will be funded in rank order until the
funds are depleted or until the minimum required score has been
surpassed. Funding for Majority Controlled Producer-Based Business
Ventures (MAJ) is limited to 10 percent of total grant funds obligated.
MAJ applications will be funded in rank order until the funding
limitation has been reached. Grants to MAJ applicants from reserved
funds will count against the funding limitation.
An application that is ranked under this Notice, but is not funded,
will not be carried forward into FY 2012. The Agency will notify the
applicants of all such applications in writing. Despite the Agency not
carrying applications forward in FY 2012, the applicant is permitted to
submit the same application, updated for FY 2012, for consideration.
F. Obligation and Awarding of Funds
The Agency will obligate and award funds in accordance with the
procedures and requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.951.
VI. Administrative Information
A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Review or appeal rights. A person may seek a review of an Agency
decision or appeal to the National Appeals Division in accordance with
7 CFR part 11 of this title as provided in 7 CFR 4284.903.
2. Compliance with other laws and regulations. The provisions of 7
CFR 4284.905 apply to this Notice, which includes requiring producers
to be in compliance with other applicable Federal laws.
3. Monitoring and reporting program performance. The provisions of
7 CFR 4284.960 apply to this Notice.
4. Grant servicing. All grants awarded under this Notice shall be
serviced in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subparts E and O as
applicable, and the Departmental Regulations (7 CFR parts 3000-3099),
with the exception that delegation of the post-award servicing of the
program does not require the prior approval of the Administrator.
5. Transfer of obligations. Any transfer of funds obligated under
this Notice from an applicant to a different applicant must comply with
the requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.962.
6. Grant close out and related activities. The provisions of 7 CFR
4284.963 apply to this Notice.
7. Exception authority. The provisions of 7 CFR 4284.904 apply to
this Notice.
8. Departmental regulations. Unless specifically stated otherwise
in this Notice or in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart J,
[[Page 37779]]
this Notice incorporates by reference the regulations of the Department
of Agriculture's Office of Chief Financial Officer (or successor
office) as codified in 7 CFR parts 3000 through 3099, including, but
not necessarily limited to, 7 CFR parts 3015 through 3019, 7 CFR part
3021, 2 CFR parts 25, 170 and 417, and 7 CFR part 3052; and successor
regulations to these parts.
9. Cost principles. This Notice incorporates by reference the cost
principles found in 2 CFR part 230 and in 48 CFR 31.2.
B. Environmental Review
All recipients under this Notice are subject to the requirements of
7 CFR part 1940, subpart G and any successor regulation. However, 7 CFR
1940.333 generally excludes applications for planning grants.
Applicants for working capital grants must submit Form RD 1940-20,
``Request for Environmental Information,'' as part of this application.
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/recd_map.html.
The State Office can also be reached by calling 800-670-6553 and
pressing ``1.'' If an applicant is unable to contact their State
Office, a nearby State Office may be contacted or the RBS National
Office can be reached by calling Lyn Millhiser at (202) 720-1227 or
Tracey Kennedy at 202-690-1428, or via e-mail: [email protected].
Applicants are also encouraged to visit the application Web site for
application tools, including an application guide and templates. The
Web address is: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_VAPG_Grants.html.
VIII. Nondiscrimination 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 Adjudication and Compliance, 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: June 21, 2011.
Judith A. Canales,
Administrator, Rural Business--Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-16121 Filed 6-27-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P