[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 125 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38570-38580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15906]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
for the Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability (NOFA).
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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of
up to $7 million in Fiscal Year 2012 for competitive grants to assist
communities with extremely high energy costs. This grant program is
authorized under section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(RE Act) (7 U.S.C. 918a) and program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709.
The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or
otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution
facilities serving communities in which the average residential
expenditure for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national
average. Eligible applicants include persons, States, political
subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under State law.
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal entities are eligible
applicants. This notice describes the eligibility and application
requirements, the criteria that will be used by RUS to award funding,
and information on how to obtain application materials. The Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number for this program is 10.859.
You may obtain the Application Guide and materials for the Assistance
to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Grant Program via the Internet at
the following Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Our_Grant_Programs.html. You may also request the Application Guide and materials
from RUS by contacting the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.
DATES: You may submit completed grant applications on paper or
electronically according to the following deadlines:
Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped,
or sent overnight, no later than July 30, 2012, or hand delivered to
RUS by this deadline, to be eligible under this NOFA. Late or
incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2012 grant funding.
Electronic applications must be submitted through
Grants.gov no later than midnight July 30, 2012 to be eligible under
this NOFA for FY 2012 grant funding. Late or incomplete electronic
applications will not be eligible.
Applications will not be accepted by electronic mail.
Applications will be accepted upon publication of this notice until
midnight (EST) of the closing date of July 30, 2012.
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ADDRESSES: You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or
electronically to the following addresses:
Paper applications are to be submitted to the Rural
Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United States Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Applications should be marked
``Attention: High Energy Cost Grant Program.''
Applications may be submitted electronically through
Grants.gov. Information on how to submit applications electronically is
available on the Grants.gov Web site (http://www.Grants.gov).
Application Guides and materials may be obtained electronically
through: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Our_Grant_Programs.html.
Call the RUS Electric Programs at (202) 720-9545 to request paper
copies of Application Guides and other materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Kubista-Hovis, Senior Policy
Advisor, Rural Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United States
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560,
Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Telephone 202-720-
9545, Fax 202-690-0717, email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview Information
Federal Agency Name: United States Department of Agriculture, Rural
Utilities Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural
Communities.
Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
Funding Opportunity Number: RD- RUS-HECG12.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.859. The
CFDA title for this program is ``Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural
Communities.''
Dates: Applications must be postmarked and mailed or shipped, or
hand delivered to the RUS, or filed with Grants.gov by July 30, 2012.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is making available up to $7
million in competitive grants under section 19 of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (the ``RE Act'') (7 U.S.C. 918a)., $2.5
million has been awarded to the Denali Commission.
This NOFA announces the availability of fiscal year 2012 grant
funds, and provides an overview of the grant program, the eligibility
and application requirements, and selection criteria for grant
proposals. This NOFA specifies the high energy cost eligibility
benchmarks and scoring criteria for fiscal year 2012 grants. Applicants
are encouraged to review the notice carefully. RUS is also making
available an Application Guide with more detailed information on
application requirements and copies of all required forms and
certifications. The Application Guide is available on the Internet from
the RUS Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Our_Grant_Programs.html. The Application Guide may also be requested from the
contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
notice. For additional information, applicants should consult the
program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709.
Definitions
Consult the program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 and the
Application Guide for additional definitions used in this program. As
used in this NOFA:
Agency means the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the United States
Department of Agriculture.
Application Guide means the Application Guide prepared by RUS for
the High Energy Cost Grant program containing detailed instructions for
preparing grant applications, and copies of required forms,
questionnaires, and model certifications.
Area means the geographic area to be served by the grant.
Community means the unit or units of local government in which the
area is located.
Extremely high energy costs means community average residential
energy costs that meet or exceed one or more home energy cost
benchmarks established by the Administrator at 275 percent of the
national average residential energy expenditures as reported by the
Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States Department
of Energy.
Home energy means any energy source or fuel used by a household for
purposes other than transportation, including electricity, natural gas,
fuel oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), other petroleum
products, wood and other biomass fuels, coal, wind, and solar energy.
Fuels used for subsistence activities in remote rural areas are also
included.
High energy cost benchmarks means the criteria established by the
Administrator for eligibility as an extremely high energy cost
community. Home energy cost benchmarks are calculated for total annual
household energy expenditures; total annual expenditures for individual
fuels; annual average per unit energy costs for primary home energy
sources and are set at 275 percent of the relevant national average
household energy expenditures.
Indian Tribe means a Federally recognized Tribe as defined under
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 450b) to include ``* * * any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or
other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village
or regional or village corporation as defined in or established
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et
seq.], that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and
services provided by the United States to Indians because of their
status as Indians.''
Person means any natural person, firm, corporation, association, or
other legal entity, and includes Indian Tribes and Tribal entities.
Primary home energy source means the energy source that is used for
space heating or cooling, water heating, cooking, and lighting. A
household or community may have more than one primary home energy
source.
State rural development initiative means a rural economic
development program funded by or carried out in cooperation with a
State agency or Indian Tribe.
Tribal entity means a legal entity that is owned, controlled,
sanctioned, or chartered by the recognized governing body of an Indian
Tribe.
II. Award Information
The total amount of funds available for High Energy Cost grants in
Fiscal Year 2012 under this notice is $7 million. The maximum amount of
grant assistance that will be awarded for funding in a grant
application under this notice is $3,000,000. The minimum amount of
assistance for a grant application under this program is $20,000. The
number of grants awarded under this NOFA will depend on the number of
complete applications submitted, the amount of grant funds requested,
the quality and competitiveness of applications submitted, and the
availability of funds. Applicants are limited to one award in any
fiscal year. No funding is available for education and outreach.
The funding instrument available under this NOFA will be a grant
agreement. Grants awarded under this notice must comply with all
applicable
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USDA and Federal regulations applicable to financial assistance, with
the terms of this notice, and with the requirements of section 19 of
the RE Act. Grants made under this NOFA will be administered under the
RUS program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 and USDA financial
assistance regulations at 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, and
3052, as applicable. The award period and period of performance will be
from 1-3 years. Grant agreements will not be negotiated.
Applicants must provide a narrative grant proposal prepared
according to the instructions in this NOFA and application guide, along
with all required forms and information in order to submit a complete
application.
No application submitted through a prior High Energy Cost Grant
NOFA will be considered for 2012 funding. All prior applicants must
resubmit a new application to be considered for funding under this
NOFA. There will be no exceptions.
All timely submitted and complete applications will be reviewed for
eligibility and rated according to the criteria described in this NOFA.
Applications will be ranked in order of their numerical scores on the
rating criteria and forwarded to the RUS Administrator. The RUS
Administrator is the Federal Selection official of the competitive
awards. The Administrator will review the rankings and the
recommendations of the rating panel. The Administrator will then fund
grant applications in rank order to the extent of available funds.
The RUS reserves the right not to award all the funds made
available under this notice. RUS anticipates making multiple awards.
Applicants should take proper care in preparing the project's scope and
cost estimate. The proposed scope and cost will not be negotiated.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Under Section 19 eligible applicants include ``Persons, States,
political subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under
the laws of States'' (7 U.S.C. 918a). Under section 13 of the RE Act,
the term ``Person'' means ``any natural person, firm, corporation, or
association'' (7 U.S.C. 913). Examples of eligible business applicants
include: for-profit and non-profit business entities, including but not
limited to corporations, associations, partnerships, limited liability
partnerships (LLPs), cooperatives, trusts, and sole proprietorships.
Eligible government applicants include State and local governments,
counties, cities, towns, boroughs, or other agencies or units of State
or local governments; and other agencies and instrumentalities of
States and local governments. Indian Tribes, other Tribal entities and
Alaska Native Corporations are also eligible applicants.
An individual is an eligible applicant under this program; however,
the proposed grant project must provide community benefits and not be
for the sole benefit of an individual applicant or an individual
household or business.
All applicants must demonstrate the legal capacity of the applicant
to execute a binding grant agreement with the Federal Government at the
time of the award and to carry out the proposed grant funded project
according to its terms.
Corporations that have been convicted of a felony (or had an
officer or agency acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a
felony) within the past 24 months are not eligible. Any Corporation
that has any unpaid federal tax liability that has been assessed, for
which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or
have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to
an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, is not eligible.
The Office of Management and Budget requires that all applicants
for Federal grants with the exception of individuals other than sole
proprietorships must provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying. Consistent with this
Federal policy directive, any organization or sole proprietorship that
applies for a high energy cost grant must use its DUNS number on the
application and in the field provided on the revised Standard Form 424
(SF 424) ``Application for Federal Assistance'' to be eligible to
apply. DUNS numbers are available for free to Federal Grant applicants
on line at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or may be obtained through a
short phone call to D&B. Please see the ``Get Registered'' section on
Grants.gov for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how
to verify if your organization already has a DUNS number. If you
already have obtained a DUNS number in connection with the Federal
acquisition process or requested or had one assigned to you for another
purpose, you should use that number on all of your applications. It is
not necessary to request another DUNS number from D&B.
In accordance with 2 CFR part 25, applicants, whether applying
electronically or by paper, must be registered in the CCR prior to
submitting an application. Applicants may register for the CCR at
https://www.uscontractorregistration.com/ or by calling 1-877-252-2700.
Completing the CCR registration process takes up to five business days,
and applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process well in
advance of the deadline specified in this notice.
The CCR registration must remain active, with current information,
at all times during which an entity has an application under
consideration by an agency or has an active Federal Award. To remain
registered in the CCR database after the initial registration, the
applicant is required to review and update, on an annual basis from the
date of initial registration or subsequent updates, its information in
the CCR database to ensure it is current, accurate and complete.
2. Cost Sharing and Matching
No cost sharing or matching funds are required as a condition of
eligibility under this grant program. However, the RUS will consider
other financial resources available to the grant applicant and any
voluntary pledge of matching funds or other contributions in assessing
the applicant's commitment and capacity to carry out the proposed
project successfully include such contributions. If a successful
applicant proposes to use matching funds or other cost contributions in
its project, the grant agreement will include conditions requiring
documentation of the availability of the matching funds and actual
expenditure of matching funds or cost contributions. RUS may require
the applicant to provide additional documentation confirming the
availability of any matching contribution offered prior to approval of
project selection. If an applicant fails to provide timely
documentation of the availability of matching contributions, the RUS
may, in its sole discretion, decline to award the project if
uncertainties over availability of the match render the project
financially unfeasible and impose additional conditions.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
A. Eligible Projects
Grantees must use grant funds for eligible grant purposes. Grant
funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise
improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities
serving eligible communities. All energy generation, transmission, and
distribution facilities and equipment,
[[Page 38573]]
used to provide electricity, natural gas, home heating fuels, and other
energy service to eligible communities are eligible. Projects providing
or improving energy services to eligible communities through on-grid
and off-grid renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and energy
conservation projects are eligible. A grant project is eligible if it
improves, or maintains energy services, or reduces the costs of
providing energy services to eligible communities. Grant funds may not
be used to pay utility bills or to purchase fuels. Grants may cover up
to the full costs of any eligible projects subject to the statutory
condition that no more than 4 percent of grant funds may be used for
the planning and administrative expenses of the grantee. The program
regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 provide more detail on allowable uses of
grant funds, limitations on grant funds, and ineligible grant purposes.
The project must serve communities that meet the extremely high energy
cost eligibility requirements described in this NOFA. The applicant
must demonstrate that the proposed project will benefit the eligible
communities. Projects that primarily benefit a single household or
business are not eligible. Additional information and examples of
eligible project activities are contained in the Application Guide.
Grant funds cannot be used for: Preparation of the grant
application, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other operating
costs, and purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not
directly associated with provision of residential energy services. In
general, grant funds may not be used to support projects that primarily
benefit areas outside of eligible communities. However, grant funds may
be used to finance an eligible community's proportionate share of a
larger energy project. Grant funds may not be used to refinance or
repay the applicant's outstanding loans or loan guarantees under the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended.
Each grant applicant must demonstrate the economic and technical
feasibility of its proposed project. Activities or equipment that would
commonly be considered as research and development activities, or
commercial demonstration projects for new energy technologies will not
be considered as technologically feasible projects and would, thus, be
ineligible grant purposes. However, grant funds may be used for
projects that involve the innovative use or adaptation of energy-
related technologies that have been commercially proven. RUS, in its
sole discretion, will determine if a project relies on unproven
technology, and that determination shall be final.
B. Eligible Communities
The grant project must benefit communities with extremely high
energy costs. The RE Act defines an extremely high energy cost
community as one in which ``the average residential expenditure for
home energy is at least 275 percent of the national average residential
expenditure for home energy'' 7 U.S.C. 918a. The benchmarks are set
based on the latest available information from the Energy Information
Administration (EIA) residential energy surveys.
The statutory requirement that community residential expenditures
for home energy exceed 275 percent of national average establishes a
very high threshold for eligibility under this program. RUS has
calculated high energy cost benchmarks based on the most recent EIA
national average home energy expenditure data. The current benchmarks
are shown in Table 1. Applicants must demonstrate that proposed
communities must meet one or more high energy cost benchmarks to
qualify as an eligible beneficiary of a grant under this program. All
applications must meet these current eligibility benchmarks for high
energy. Based on available published information on residential energy
costs, RUS anticipates that only those communities with the highest
energy costs across the country will qualify.
The EIA's Residential Energy Consumption and Expenditure Surveys
(RECS) and reports provide the baseline national average household
energy costs that were used for establishing extremely high energy cost
community eligibility criteria for this grant program. The RECS data
base and reports provide national and regional information on
residential energy use, expenditures, and housing characteristics. EIA
published its latest available RECS home energy expenditure survey
results in 2009. These estimates of home energy usage and expenditures
are based on national surveys conducted in 2005 survey data and are
shown in Table 1 as follows:
Table 1--National Average Annual Household Energy Expenditures and Extremely High Energy Cost Eligibility
Benchmarks Effective for Applications Submitted on or After June 28, 2012
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EIA 2005 national RUS extremely high
annual average energy cost benchmark
Fuel household expenditure 275% of national
$ per year average $ per year
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Average Annual Household Expenditure
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Electricity................................................... 1,123 3,010
Natural Gas................................................... 754 1,988
Fuel Oil...................................................... 1,518 3,921
LPG/Propane................................................... 875 2,256
Total Household Energy Use.................................... 1,810 4,860
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RUS extremely high
EIA 2005 national energy cost benchmark
Fuel (units) average unit cost $ 275% of national
per unit average $ per unit
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Annual Average per Unit Residential Energy Costs
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Electricity (kilowatt hours).................................. 0.10 0.264
Natural Gas (thousand cubic feet)............................. 11.24 30.30
Fuel Oil (gallons)............................................ 2.04 5.54
LPG/Propane (gallons)......................................... 1.92 5.10
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Total Household Energy (million Btus)......................... 19.07 51.62
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Sources: Energy Information Administration, United States Department of Energy, 2005 Residential Energy
Consumption Survey--Detailed Tables, available at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recs2005/c&e/detailed_tables2005c&e.html.
The RUS benchmarks calculations include adjustments to reflect the uncertainties inherent in EIA's statistical
methodology for estimating home energy costs. The benchmarks are set based on the EIA's lower range estimates
using the specified EIA methods.
Extremely high energy costs in rural and remote communities
typically result from a combination of factors including high energy
consumption, high per unit energy costs, limited availability of energy
sources, extreme climate conditions, and housing characteristics. The
relative impacts of these conditions exhibit regional and seasonal
diversity. Market factors have created an additional complication in
recent years as the prices of the major commercial residential energy
sources--electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, and LPG/propane-- have
fluctuated dramatically in some areas.
The applicant must demonstrate that each community in the grant
project's proposed area exceeds one or more of these high energy cost
benchmarks to be eligible for a grant under this program.
i. High Energy Cost Benchmarks
The benchmarks measure extremely high energy costs for residential
consumers. These benchmarks were calculated using EIA's estimates of
national average residential energy expenditures per household and by
primary home energy source. The benchmarks recognize the diverse
factors that contribute to extremely high home energy costs in rural
communities. The benchmarks allow extremely high energy cost
communities several alternatives for demonstrating eligibility.
Communities may qualify based on: Total annual household energy
expenditures; total annual expenditures for commercially-supplied
primary home energy sources, i.e., electricity, natural gas, oil, or
propane; or average annual per unit home energy costs. By providing
alternative measures for demonstrating eligibility, the benchmarks
reduce the burden on potential applicants created by the limited public
availability of comprehensive data on local community energy
consumption and expenditures.
A community or area will qualify as an extremely high cost energy
community if it meets one or more of the energy cost eligibility
benchmarks described below.
a. Extremely High Average Annual Household Expenditure for Home
Energy. The area or community exceeds one or more of the following:
Average annual residential electricity expenditure of
$3,010 per household;
Average annual residential natural gas expenditure of
$1,988 per household;
Average annual residential expenditure on fuel oil of
$3,921 per household;
Average annual residential expenditure on propane or
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a primary home energy source of $2,256
per household; or
Average annual residential energy expenditure (for all
non-transportation uses) of $4,860 per household.
b. Extremely High Average per unit energy costs. The average
residential per unit cost for major commercial energy sources in the
area or community exceeds one or more of the following:
Annual average revenues per kilowatt hour for residential
electricity customers of $0.264 per kilowatt hour (kWh);
Annual average residential natural gas price of $30.30 per
thousand cubic feet;
Annual average residential fuel oil price of $5.54 per
gallon;
Annual average residential price of propane or LPG as a
primary home energy source of $5.10 per gallon; or
Total annual average residential energy cost on a Btu
basis of $51.62 per million Btu.\1\
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\1\ Note: Btu is the abbreviation for British thermal unit, a
standard energy measure. A Btu is the quantity of heat needed to
raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at
or near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
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ii. Supporting Energy Cost Data
The applicant must include information that demonstrates its
eligibility under RUS's high energy cost benchmarks for the communities
and areas. The applicant must supply documentation or references for
its sources for actual or estimated home energy expenditures or
equivalent measures to support eligibility. Generally, the applicant
will be expected to use historical residential energy cost or
expenditure information for the local energy provider serving the
community or area to determine eligibility. Other potential sources of
home energy related information include Federal and State agencies,
local community energy providers such as electric and natural gas
utilities and fuel dealers, and commercial publications. The
Application Guide includes a list of EIA resources on residential
energy consumption and costs that may be of assistance.
The grant applicant must establish eligibility for each community
in the project's area. To determine eligibility, the applicant must
identify each community included in whole or in part within the areas
and provide supporting actual or estimated energy expenditure data for
each community. The smallest area that may be designated as an area is
a 2010 Census block. This minimum size is necessary to enable a
determination of population size.
Potential applicants can compare the benchmark criteria to
available information about local energy use and costs to determine
their eligibility. Applicants should demonstrate their eligibility
using historical energy use and cost information. Where such
information is unavailable or does not adequately reflect the actual
costs of supporting average home energy use in a local community, RUS
will consider estimated commercial energy costs. The Application Guide
includes examples of circumstances where estimated energy costs are
used.
EIA does not collect or maintain data on home energy expenditures
in sufficient detail to identify specific rural localities as extremely
high energy cost communities. Therefore, grant applicants will have to
provide information on local community energy costs from other sources
to support their applications.
In many instances, historical community energy cost information can
be obtained from a variety of public sources or from local utilities
and other energy providers. For example, EIA publishes monthly and
annual reports of residential prices by State and by service area for
electric utilities and larger natural gas distribution companies.
Average residential fuel oil
[[Page 38575]]
and propane prices are reported regionally and for major cities by
government and private publications. Many State agencies also compile
and publish information on residential energy costs to support State
programs.
iii. Use of Estimated Home Energy Costs
Where historical community energy cost data are incomplete or
lacking or where community-wide data do not accurately reflect the
costs of providing home energy services in the area, the applicant may
substitute estimates based on engineering standards. The estimates
should use available community, local, or regional data on energy
expenditures, consumption, housing characteristics and population.
Estimates are also appropriate where the area does not presently have
centralized commercial energy services at a level that is comparable to
other residential customers in the State or region. For example, local
commercial energy cost information may not be available where the area
is without local electric service because of the high costs of
connection. Engineering cost estimates reflecting the incremental costs
of extending service could reasonably be used to establish eligibility
for areas without grid-connected electric service. Estimates also may
be appropriate where historical energy costs do not reflect the costs
of providing a necessary upgrade or replacement of energy
infrastructure to maintain or extend service that would raise costs
above one or more benchmarks. Information to support high energy cost
eligibility is subject to independent review by RUS. Applications that
contain information that is not reasonably based on credible sources of
information and sound estimates will be rejected. Where appropriate,
RUS may consult standard sources to confirm the reasonableness of
information and estimates provided by an applicant in determining
eligibility, technical feasibility, and adequacy of proposed budget
estimates.
C. Limitations on Grant Awards
i. Statutory Limitation on Planning and Administrative Expenses
Section 19 of the RE Act provides that no more than 4 percent of
the grant funds for any project may be used for the planning and
administrative expenses of the grantee that are not directly related to
the grant project.
ii. Ineligible Grant Purposes
Grant funds cannot be used for: Preparation of the grant
application, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other operating
costs, and purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not
directly associated with provision of residential energy services. In
general, grant funds may not be used to support projects that primarily
benefit areas outside of eligible communities. However, grant funds may
be used to finance an eligible community's proportionate share of a
larger energy project.
Consistent with USDA policy and program regulations, grant funds
awarded under this program generally cannot be used to replace other
USDA assistance or to refinance or repay outstanding loans under the RE
Act. Grant funds may, however, be used in combination with other USDA
assistance programs including electric loans. Grants may be applied
toward grantee contributions under other USDA programs depending on the
specific terms of those programs. For example, an applicant may propose
to use grant funds to offset the costs of electric system improvements
in extremely high cost areas by increasing the utility's contribution
for line extensions or system expansions to its distribution system
financed in whole or part by an electric loan under the RE Act. An
applicant may propose to finance a portion of an energy project for an
extremely high energy cost community through this grant program and
secure the remaining project costs through a loan or loan guarantee
from RUS or grant other sources. The determination of whether a project
will be completed in this manner will be made solely by the
Administrator.
iii. Maximum and Minimum Awards
The maximum amount of grant assistance that will be considered for
funding per grant application under this notice is $3,000,000. The
minimum amount of assistance for a competitive grant application under
this program is $20,000.
IV. Application and Submission Information
All applications must be prepared and submitted in compliance with
this NOFA and the Application Guide. The Application Guide contains
additional information on the grant program, sources of information for
use in preparing applications, examples of eligible projects, and
copies of the required application forms.
1. Address To Request an Application Package
Applications materials and the Application Guide are available for
download through http://www.Grants.gov (under CFDA No. 10.859) and on
the Electric Programs Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Our_Grant_Programs.html.
Application packages, including required forms, may be also be
requested from: Kristi Kubista-Hovis, Senior Policy Advisor, United
States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Utilities Programs,
Electric Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165,
South Building, Washington, DC 20250- 1560. Telephone 202-720-9545, Fax
202-690-0717, email [email protected].
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applicants must follow the directions in this notice and the
Application Guide in preparing their applications and narrative
proposals. The completed application package should be assembled in the
order specified with all pages numbered sequentially or by section.
A. Application Contents
Applicants must submit the following information for the
application to be complete and considered for funding:
i. Formatting and length of application. All applications must be
on single sided pages and all pages must be numbered. Only numbered
pages will be reviewed. All applications are limited to the page limits
specified by each section in this NOFA. Any additional pages greater
than what is specified in this NOFA will not be reviewed and
considered.
ii. Part A. A Completed SF 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance.'' This form must be signed by a person authorized to submit
the proposal on behalf of the applicant. Note: SF 424 has recently been
revised to include new required data elements, including a DUNS number.
You must submit the revised form. Copies of this form are available in
the application package available on line through RUS's Web site or
through Grants.gov, or by request from the RUS contact listed above.
iii. Part B. Grant Eligibility (3 pages total). The Grant
Eligibility is a narrative section that establishes the applicant's
eligibility.
a. Project Abstract and Eligibility. This section provides a
summary of the proposed project. The project must be described in
sufficient detail to establish that it is an eligible project according
to this NOFA.
b. Applicant Eligibility. This section includes a narrative
statement that identifies the applicant and supporting evidence
establishing that the applicant has or will have the legal authority to
[[Page 38576]]
enter into a financial assistance relationship with the Federal
Government. Applicants must also be free of any debarment or other
restriction on their ability to contract with the Federal government.
Corporations that have been convicted of a felony (or had an officer or
agency acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a felony)
within the past 24 months are not eligible. Any Corporation that has
any unpaid federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability is not eligible.
3. Community Eligibility. This section provides a narrative
description of the community or communities to be served by the project
and supporting information to establish eligibility. The narrative must
show that the proposed grant project's area or areas are located in one
or more communities where the average residential energy costs exceed
one or more of the benchmark criteria for extremely high energy costs
as described in this NOFA. The narrative should clearly identify the
location and population of the areas to be aided by the grant project
and their energy costs and the population of the local government
division in which they are located. Local energy providers and sources
of high energy cost data and estimates should be clearly identified.
Neither the applicant nor the project must be physically located in the
extremely high energy cost community, but the funded project must serve
an eligible community. The population estimates should be based on the
results of the 2010 Census available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Additional information and exhibits supporting eligibility may include
maps, summary tables, and references to statistical information from
the U.S. Census, the Energy Information Administration, other Federal
and State agencies, or private sources. The Application Guide includes
additional information and sources that the applicant may find useful
in establishing community eligibility.
iv. Part C. Grant Proposal (maximum of 30 pages). The grant
proposal is a narrative description prepared by the applicant that
describes the proposed grant project, the potential benefits of the
project, and a proposed budget. The grant proposal should contain the
following sections in the order indicated.
a. Executive Summary (1 page). The Executive Summary is a one page
narrative summary that: (a) Identifies the applicant, project title,
and the key contact person with telephone and fax numbers, mailing
address and email address; (b) specifies the amount of grant funds
requested; and (c) provides a brief description of the proposed project
including the eligible rural communities and residents to be served,
activities and facilities to be financed, and how the grant project
will offset or reduce the community's extremely high energy costs.
b. Project Needs (2 pages). This section is a narrative that
describes the needs of the community; identifying if it is deemed an
economic hardship community or if the community is facing an imminent
hazard. A community facing economic hardship is defined as a situation
where the 2000 median household income for the community is 20 percent
below the State average or where the community suffers from economic
conditions that severely constrain its ability to provide or improve
energy facilities serving the community. Projects focused in correcting
an imminent hazard are defined as projects that will correct a
condition posing an imminent hazard to public safety, public welfare,
the environment, or to a critical community or residential energy
facility in immediate danger of failure because of a deteriorated
condition, capacity limitation, or damage from a natural disaster or
accident. Applicants must describe in detail and document conditions
creating severe community economic hardship or imminent hazard in the
proposal.
c. Project Description (Design) (5 pages): This section must
provide a narrative description of the project including a proposed
scope of work identifying major tasks and proposed schedules for task
completion, a detailed description of the equipment, facilities and
associated activities to be financed with grant funds, the location of
the eligible extremely high energy cost communities to be served, and
an estimate of the overall duration of the project. The Project Design
description should be sufficiently detailed to support a finding of
technical feasibility. Proposed projects involving construction,
repair, replacement, or improvement of electric generation,
transmission, and distribution facilities must generally be consistent
with the standards and requirements for projects financed with loans
and loan guarantees under the RE Act as set forth in RUS's Electric
Programs Regulations and Bulletins and may reference these
requirements.
d. Project Goals and Objectives and Project Performance Measures (2
pages): The applicant should clearly identify how the project addresses
the energy needs of the community and include appropriate measures of
project success such as, for example, expected reductions in household
or community energy costs, avoided cost increases, enhanced
reliability, or economic or social benefits from improvements in energy
services available to the community. The applicant should include
quantitative estimates of cost or energy savings and other benefits.
The applicant should provide documentation or references to support its
statements about cost-effectiveness savings and improved services. The
applicant should also describe how it plans to measure and monitor the
effectiveness of the program in delivering its projected benefits.
e. Project Management (8 pages): This section must provide a
narrative describing the applicant's capabilities and project
management plans. The description should be broken down into the
following subsections:
1. Management Plan and Schedule (2 pages). This subsection should
include the application's organizational structure, method of funding,
if the applicant proposes to use affiliated entities, and production
schedule in implementing the grant award. If the applicant proposes to
secure equipment, design, construction, or other services from non-
affiliated entities, the applicant must briefly describe how it plans
to procure and/or contract for such equipment or services. The
applicant should provide information that will support a finding that
the combination of management team's experience, financial management
capabilities, resources and project structure will enable successful
completion of the project.
A. Project Reporting Plan (2 pages). This subsection should provide
a detailed description of the reporting requirements as well as
consequences if the project falls behind.
B. Relevant Organizational Experience (2 pages). This subsection
should include a detailed description of the organization that will
install or implement the proposed projects. Information on success
rates, past project long term viability, and consumer complaints are
required. If the applicant has received any HECG funding, or other
Federal funding a detailed description of past performance is required
in this section.
C. Key Staff Experience (2 pages). This subsection requires bio/
descriptions of all key staff and must be
[[Page 38577]]
provided. If the applicant proposes to use affiliated entities,
contractors, or subcontractors to provide services funded under the
grant, the applicant must describe the identities, relationship,
qualifications, and experience of these affiliated entities. The
experience and capabilities of these entities will be reviewed by the
rating panel.
f. Regulatory and other approvals (2 pages). The applicant must
identify any other regulatory or other approvals required by other
Federal, State, local, or Tribal agencies, or by private entities as a
condition of financing that are necessary to carry out the proposed
grant project and its estimated schedule for obtaining the necessary
approvals. Prior to the obligation of any funds for the selected
proposals, applicants will be required to gather specific information
in order for RUS to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), for which
the provision of funding is considered an undertaking subject to
review. The environmental information that must be supplied by the
applicant can be found in the environmental report in the application
materials.
g. Rural development initiatives (1 page). The narrative should
describe whether and how the proposed project will support any State
rural development initiatives. If the project is in support of a rural
development initiative, the application should include confirming
documentation from the appropriate rural development agency. The
application must identify the extent to which the project is dependent
upon or tied to other rural development initiatives, funding and
approvals. The applicant should also clarify if they are located in a
rural community of less than 20,000 people. Projects that do not
support a State rural development initiative, but are located in
communities of less than 20,000, will still receive the full 5 points.
h. Proposed Project Budget (4 pages). The applicant must submit a
proposed budget for the grant program on SF 424A, ``Budget
Information--Non-Construction Programs'' or SF-424C, ``Standard Form
for Budget Information-Construction Programs,'' as applicable. All
applicants that submit applications through Grants.gov must use SF-
424A. The applicant should supplement the budget summary form with more
detailed information describing the basis for cost estimates. The
detailed budget estimate should itemize and explain major proposed
project cost components such as, but not limited to, the expected costs
of design and engineering and other professional services, personnel
costs (salaries/wages and fringe benefits), equipment, materials,
property acquisition, travel (if any), and other direct costs, and
indirect costs, if any. The budget must document that planned
administrative and other expenses of the project sponsor that are not
directly related to performance of the grant will not total more than 4
percent of grant funds. The applicant must also identify the source and
amount of any other Federal or non-Federal contributions of funds or
services that will be used to support the proposed project.
i. Supplementary Material (5 pages). Only letters of Support will
be accepted as Supplementary materials. No other additional information
will be accepted or reviewed. Letters from congress will not be counted
against the page limitation.
v. Part D. Additional Required Forms and Certifications. In order
to establish compliance with other Federal requirements for financial
assistance, the applicant must execute and submit with the initial
application the following forms and certifications:
SF 424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs'' or SF
424D, ``Assurances--Construction Programs'' (as applicable). All
applicants applying through Grants.gov must use form SF 424B.
SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.''
``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other
Responsibility Matter--Primary Covered Transactions'' as required under
7 CFR part 3017, Appendix A. Certifications for individuals,
corporations, nonprofit entities, Indian Tribes, partnerships.
Environmental Report. The RUS environmental report
template included in the Application Guide solicits information about
project characteristics and site-specific conditions that may involve
environmental, historic preservation, and other resources. The
information will be used by RUS's environmental staff to determine
what, if any, additional environmental impact analyses may be necessary
before a final grant award may be approved. A copy of the environmental
report and instructions for completion are included in the Application
Guide and may be downloaded from RUS's Web site or Grants.gov.
3. Additional Information Requests
In addition to the information required to be submitted in the
application package, the RUS may request that successful grant
applicants provide additional information, analyses, forms and
certifications before the grant agreement is signed and funds are
obligated but after the award is subject to any environmental reviews
or other reviews or certifications required under USDA and Government-
wide assistance regulations. The RUS will advise the applicant in
writing of any additional information required.
4. Submitting the Application
Applicants that are submitting paper application packages must
submit one original application package that includes original
signatures on all required forms and certifications and two copies.
Applications should be submitted on 8\1/2\ by 11 inch white paper.
A completed paper application package must contain all required
parts in the order indicated in the above section on ``Content and Form
of Application Submission.'' The application package should be
paginated either sequentially or by section. Applicants are requested
to provide the application package in single-sided format for ease of
copying.
Applicants that are submitting application packages electronically
through the Federal grants portal Grants.gov (http://www.Grants.gov)
must follow the application requirements and procedures and submit all
the forms in the application package provided there. The Grants.gov Web
site contains full instructions on all required registration,
passwords, credentialing and software required to submit applications
electronically. Grants.gov has streamlined the registration and
credentialing process and now requires separate application processes
for individuals and organizations. Individual applicants, including
individuals applying on behalf of an organization, should follow the
special directions for individuals on the Grants.gov Web site.
Organizational applicants and sole proprietorships should follow the
instructions for organizations.
Organizational applicants are advised that completion of the
requirements for registration with Grants.gov, with the Central
Contractor Registry, and e-Authentication required under Grants.gov may
take a week or more and may be delayed. Accordingly, RUS strongly
recommends that you complete your organization's registration with
Grants.gov well in advance of the deadline for submitting applications.
USDA encourages both individual and organizational applicants who
wish to apply through Grants.gov to submit their applications well in
advance of the deadlines. Early submittal will give you
[[Page 38578]]
time to resolve any system problems or technical difficulties with an
electronic application through the customer support resources available
at the Grants.gov Web site while preserving the option of submitting a
timely paper application if any difficulties cannot be resolved.
5. Disclosure of Information
All material submitted by the applicant may be made available to
the public in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
552) and USDA's implementing regulations at 7 CFR part 1.
6. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the RUS or
posted to Grants.gov by July 30, 2012. RUS will begin accepting
applications on the date of publication of this NOFA. RUS will accept
for review all applications postmarked or delivered to us by this
deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered and
discarded.
For the purposes of determining the timeliness of an application
the RUS will accept the following as valid postmarks: the date stamped
by the United States Postal Service on the outside of the package
containing the application delivered by U.S. Mail; the date the package
was received by a commercial delivery service as evidenced by the
delivery label; the date received via hand delivery to the RUS
headquarters; and the date an electronic application was posted for
submission to Grants.gov.
7. Intergovernmental Review
This program is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' as implemented
under USDA's regulations at 7 CFR part 3015.
8. Other Submission Requirements
A completed application must contain all required parts in the
order indicated in the above section on ``Content and Form of
Application Submission.'' The application package should be paginated
either sequentially or by section.
The completed paper application package and two copies must be
delivered to the RUS headquarters in Washington, DC, using United
States Mail, overnight delivery service, or by hand to the following
address: Rural Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United States
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560,
Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250- 1560. Applications
should be marked ``Attention: High Energy Cost Community Grant
Program.''
Applicants are advised that regular mail deliveries to Federal
Agencies, especially of oversized packages and envelopes, continue to
be delayed because of increased security screening requirements.
Applicants may wish to consider using Express Mail or a commercial
overnight delivery service instead of regular mail. Applicants wishing
to hand deliver or use courier services for delivery should contact an
RUS representative in advance to arrange for building access. The RUS
advises applicants that because of intensified security procedures at
government facilities that any electronic media included in an
application package may be damaged during security screening. If an
applicant wishes to submit such materials, they should contact an RUS
representative for additional information.
After the grant application deadline has passed, USDA will send an
electronic confirmation acknowledging that the application has been
received by the RUS from Grants.gov. Grants.gov will not accept
applications for filing after the deadline has passed. RUS will not
accept applications directly over the Internet, by email, or fax.
Applicants should be aware that Grants.gov requires that applicants
complete several preliminary registrations and e-authentication
requirements before being allowed to submit applications
electronically. Applicants should consult the Grants.gov Web site and
allow ample time to complete the steps required for registration before
submitting their applications. Applicants may download application
materials and complete forms online through Grants.gov without
completing the registration requirements. Application materials
prepared online may be printed and submitted in paper to RUS as
detailed above.
9. Multiple Applications
Eligible applicants must include only one project per application,
but the project can include many locations. No more than $3 million in
grant funds will be awarded per project application. Unlike prior HECG
NOFAs, an applicant will only be awarded funding for one project under
this NOFA. An applicant will not receive funding for numerous projects
under this NOFA.
V. Application Review Information
After the application closing date, RUS will not consider any
unsolicited information from the applicant. The RUS may contact the
applicant for additional information or to clarify statements in the
application required to establish applicant or community eligibility
and completeness. Only applications that are complete and meet the
eligibility criteria will be considered. The RUS will not accept or
solicit any additional information relating to the technical merits and
feasibility of the grant proposal after the application closing date.
If the RUS determines that an application package was not delivered
to RUS or postmarked on or before the deadline of July 30, 2012, the
application will be rejected as untimely.
After review, the RUS will reject any application package that in
its sole discretion determines is not complete or that does not
demonstrate that the applicant, community or project is eligible under
the requirements of this NOFA and program regulations. Applicants will
be notified in writing of RUS's decision. Applicants may appeal the
rejection pursuant to program regulations on appeals at 7 CFR 1709.6.
The appeal must be made in writing to the RUS Administrator within 10
days after the applicant is notified of the determination to reject the
application. The appeal must state the basis for the appeal. Under 7
CFR 1709.6, appeals must be directed to the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1500, Washington, DC 20250-1500. The
Administrator will review the appeal to determine whether to sustain,
reverse, or modify the original determination by the Assistant
Administrator. The Administrator's decision shall be final. A written
copy of the Administrator's decision will be furnished promptly to the
applicant.
The RUS may establish one or more rating panels to review and rate
the eligible grant applications. These panels may include persons not
currently employed by USDA.
The panel will evaluate and rate all complete applications that
meet the eligibility requirements using the selection criteria and
weights described in this NOFA. As part of the proposal review and
ranking process, panel members may make comments and recommendations
for appropriate conditions on grant awards to promote successful
performance of the grant or to assure compliance with other Federal
requirements. The decision to include panel recommendations on grant
conditions in any grant award will be at the sole discretion of the RUS
Administrator.
[[Page 38579]]
All applications will be scored and ranked according to the
evaluation and scoring criteria described in this Notice. The
evaluation and scoring criteria differ from those used in prior NOFAs.
The RUS will use the ratings and recommendations of the panel to rank
applicants against other applicants. All applicants will be ranked
according to their scores in this round. The rankings and
recommendations will then be forwarded to the Administrator for final
review and selection.
Decisions on grant awards will be made by the RUS Administrator
based on the application, and the rankings and recommendations of the
rating panel.
The Administrator will fund grant requests in rank order to the
extent of available funds. If sufficient funds are not available to
fund the next ranked project, the Administrator may, in his sole
discretion, skip over that project to the next ranking project that can
be fully funded with available funding.
1. Scoring Criteria
The RUS will use the selection criteria described in this NOFA to
evaluate and rate applications. Applications will be reviewed in two
rounds, the first round determines eligibility and the second round
scores the application.
A. Determining Eligibility
To determine if the project is eligible, a review panel will look
only at the three page document, Part B: Grant Eligibility, which is
described in this NOFA and includes narrative on the Project,
Applicant, and Community eligibility. No points will be awarded in this
round of review. The application is only determined to be eligible or
not eligible. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will be
notified and have 10 days to appeal the decision.
B. Scoring Eligible Applicants
The total possible score is 100, and the applicant will be scored
only on Part C: Grant Proposal as described in this NOFA. The following
are the scored sections and their associated point totals:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Summary.............................................. 0
Project Needs.................................................. 15
Project Description (Design)................................... 30
Project Goals and objectives and Project Performance Measures.. 10
Project Management............................................. 30
Management Plan and Schedule, (a subset of Project 10
Management)...............................................
Project Reporting Plan (a subset of Project Management).... 5
Relevant Organizational Experience (a subset of Project 5
Management)...............................................
Key Staff Experience (a subset of Project Management)...... 10
Regulatory and other approvals................................. 0
Rural development initiatives.................................. 5
Proposed Project Budget........................................ 10
Supplementary Material......................................... 0
Total...................................................... 100
points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Applications will be scored and ranked according to the
evaluation criteria and weights referenced above by a panel. The scored
and ranked applications and the raters' comments will then be forwarded
to the Administrator for review and selection of grant awards.
B. Selection of Grant Awards and Notification of Applicants
The RUS Administrator will review the rankings and recommendations
of the applications provided by the rating panel for consistency with
the requirements of this NOFA. The Administrator may return any
application to the rating panel with written instruction for
reconsideration if, in his sole discretion, he finds that the scoring
of an application is inconsistent with this NOFA and the directions
provided to the rating panel.
Following any adjustments to the project rankings as a result of
reconsideration, the Administrator will select projects for funding in
rank order. If two projects from the same applicant score high enough
to potentially receive funding, the Administrator will skip the lower
scoring project; not fund the project.
The Administrator may decide based on the recommendations of the
rating panel or in his sole discretion that a grant award may be made
contingent upon the applicant satisfying certain conditions. For
example, RUS will not obligate funding for a selected project--such as
projects requiring extensive environmental review and mitigation,
preparation of detailed site specific engineering studies and designs,
or requiring local permitting, or availability of supplemental
financing--until any additional conditions are satisfied. In the event
that a selected applicant fails to comply with the conditions within
the time set by RUS, the award will be terminated.
The RUS will notify each applicant in writing whether or not it has
been selected for an award. The RUS written notice to a successful
applicant of the amount of the grant award based on the approved
application will constitute RUS's acceptance of a project for an award,
subject to compliance with all post-award requirements including but
not limited to completion of any environmental reviews and execution of
a grant agreement satisfactory to the RUS. This acceptance does not
bind the Government to making a final grant award. Only an agreement
executed by the Administrator will constitute a binding obligation and
commitment of Federal funds. Funds will not be awarded or disbursed
until all requirements have been satisfied and are contingent on the
continued availability of funds at the time of the award. The RUS will
advise selected applicants of additional requirements or conditions.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The RUS will notify all applicants in writing whether they have
been selected for an award. Successful applicants will be advised in
writing of their selection. Successful applicants will be required to
execute an RUS grant agreement and complete additional grant forms and
certifications required by USDA as part of the process.
Depending on the nature of the activities proposed by the
application, the grantee may be asked to provide information and
certifications necessary for compliance with RUS' Environmental
Policies and Procedures at 7 CFR part 1794. Following completion of the
environmental review process, selected applicants will receive a letter
articulating the grant agreement and asked to execute a letter of
intent to meet the grant conditions. Grant funds will not be advanced
unless and until the applicant has executed a grant agreement and funds
will not be advanced until all conditions have been satisfied in a
manner satisfactory to RUS.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
A. Environmental Review and Restriction on Certain Activities
Grant awardees will be required to submit the appropriate
environmental review documentation, as outlined in the environmental
report and any other following environmental impact analyses required
by RUS Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR Part 1794) Grantees
must also agree to comply with any other Federal or State environmental
laws and regulations applicable to the grant project.
[[Page 38580]]
In accordance with Sec. 1794.15, applicants are restricted from
taking actions that may have an adverse environmental impact or limit
the choice of alternatives being considered until the environmental
review process is concluded. If an applicant takes such actions, RUS
will not advance grant funds. If the proposed grant project involves
physical development activities or property acquisition, the applicant
is generally prohibited from acquiring, rehabilitating, converting,
leasing, repairing or constructing property or facilities, or
committing or expending RUS or non-RUS funds for proposed grant
activities until the RUS has completed any environmental review in
accordance with 7 CFR part 1794 or determined that no environmental
review is required. Successful applicants will be advised whether
additional environmental review requirements apply to their proposals.
B. Other Federal Requirements
Other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications
and to grant awards. These include, but are not limited to,
requirements under 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in
Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture--
Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Certain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars also apply
to USDA grant programs and must be followed by a grantee under this
program. The policies, guidance, and requirements of the following, or
their successors, may apply to the award, acceptance and use of
assistance under this program and to the remedies for noncompliance,
except when inconsistent with the provisions of the Agriculture, Rural
Development and Related Agencies' Appropriations Acts, other Federal
statutes or the provisions of this NOFA:
OMB Circular No. A-87 (Cost Principles Applicable to
Grants, Contracts and Other Agreements with State and Local
Governments);
OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Education
Institutions);
OMB Circular No. A-122 (Cost Principles for Nonprofit
Organizations);
OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments,
and Non-Profit Organizations);
7 CFR part 3015 (Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations);
7 CFR part 3016 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Federally
recognized Indian Tribal governments);
7 CFR part 3017 (Government-wide debarment and suspension
(non-procurement) and Government-wide requirements for drug-free
workplace (grants));
7 CFR part 3018 (New restrictions on Lobbying);
7 CFR part 3019 (Uniform administrative requirements for
grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and other Non-Profit Organizations); and
7 CFR part 3052 (Audits of States, local governments, and
non-profit organizations).
Compliance with additional OMB Circulars or government-wide regulations
may be specified in the grant agreement.
3. Reporting
The grantee will be required to provide periodic financial and
performance reports under USDA grant regulations and program rules and
to submit a final project performance report. The nature and frequency
of required reports are established in USDA grant regulations and the
project-specific grant agreements.
The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in
place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-
awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant
receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting
requirements pursuant to 2 CFR part 170, Sec. 170.110(b). The
reporting requirements under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR
part 170 are as follows:
A. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act
funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR Part 170) must be reported by
the Recipient to http://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month
following the month the obligation was made.
B. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (5 most
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if
the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR Part 170) to http://www.ccr.gov by the end of the month following the month in which the
award was made.
C. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (5 most
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if
the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR Part 170) to the
Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the
subaward was made.
VII. RUS Contact
The RUS Contact for this grant announcement is Kristi Kubista-
Hovis, Senior Policy Advisor, Rural Utilities Service, Electric
Programs, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1560. Telephone 202-720-9545, Fax 202- 690-0717, email Kristi.Kubista-
[email protected].
Dated: May 30, 2012.
Jonathan Adelstein,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-15906 Filed 6-27-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P