Federal Register, Volume 78 Issue 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2013)

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49451-49460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19773]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for Fiscal Year 2013

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces the availability of $5,676,077 for
competitive grant funds for the Rural Community Development Initiative
(RCDI) program through the Rural Housing Service (RHS), an agency
within the USDA Rural Development mission area herein referred to as
the Agency. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at
least equal to the Federal grant. These grants will be made to
qualified intermediary organizations that will provide financial and
technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and
ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities,
or community and economic development. This Notice lists the
information needed to submit an application for these funds.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of an application is 4 p.m. local time,
November 12, 2013. The application date and time are firm. The Agency
will not consider any application received after the deadline.
Applicants intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time
to permit delivery on or before the closing deadline date and time.
Acceptance by the United States Postal Service or private mailer does
not constitute delivery. Facsimile (FAX) and postage due applications
will not be accepted.

ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the
application documents and requirements delineated in this Notice from
the RCDI Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html.
Application information for electronic submissions may be found at
http://www.grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper application
packages from the Rural Development office in their state. A list of
Rural Development offices is included in this Notice under the FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Rural Development office for the
state the applicant is located in. Please see the following list of
Rural Development State Office contacts.

Rural Development State Office Contacts

Note: Telephone numbers listed are not toll-free.

Alabama State Office, Suite 601, Sterling Centre, 4121 Carmichael
Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3400, TDD (334) 279-3495,
Allen Bowen
Alaska State Office, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK
99645, (907) 761-7778, TDD (907) 761-8905, Merlaine Kruse
Arizona State Office, 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ
85003, (602) 280-8747, TDD (602) 280-8705, Joel Trachtenberg
Arkansas State Office, 700 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 3416, Little Rock,
AR 72201-3225, (501) 301-3265, TDD (501) 301-3200, Stephen Lagasse
California State Office, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, Davis, CA 95616-
4169, (530) 792-5810, TDD (530) 792-5848, Janice Waddell
Colorado State Office, Denver Federal Center, Building 56, Room
2300, PO Box 25426*, Denver, CO 80225-0426, (720) 544-2927, TDD
(720)544-2907, Janice B. Pond

Connecticut

Served by Massachusetts State Office

Delaware and Maryland State Office, 1221 College Park Dr., Suite
200, Dover, DE 19904-8713, (302) 857-3627, TDD (302) 857-3585,
Denise MacLeish
Florida & Virgin Islands State Office, 4440 NW., 25th Place, P.O.
Box 147010, Gainesville, FL 32614-7010, (352) 338-3485, TDD (352)
338-3499, Michael Langston
Georgia State Office, Stephens Federal Building, 355 E. Hancock
Avenue, Athens, GA 30601-2768, (706) 546-2581, TDD (706) 546-2034,
Jack Stanek

Guam

Served by Hawaii State Office

Hawaii, Guam, & Western Pacific Territories State Office, Room 311,
Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 933-
8313, TDD (808) 933-8321, Tim O'Connell
Idaho State Office, 9173 West Barnes Dr., Suite A1, Boise, ID 83709,
(208) 378-5617, TDD (208) 378-5600, David A. Flesher
Illinois State Office, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL
61821, (217) 403-6209, TDD (217) 403-6240, Michael Wallace
Indiana State Office, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN
46278-1996, (317) 290-3100 (ext. 407), TDD (317) 290-3343, Rochelle
Owen
Iowa State Office, 873 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des
Moines, IA 50309, (515) 284-4459, TDD (515) 284-4858, Karla Peiffer
Kansas State Office, 1303 SW. First American Place, Suite 100,
Topeka, KS 66604-4040, (785) 271-2728, TDD (785) 271-2767, Kent
Evans
Kentucky State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY
40503, (859) 224-7415, TDD (859) 224-7300, Vernon Brown
Louisiana State Office, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA
71302, (318) 473-7965, TDD (318) 473-7920, Richard Hoffpauir
Maine State Office, 967 Illinois Ave., Suite 4, P.O. Box 405,
Bangor, ME 04402-0405, (207) 990-9124, TDD (207) 942-7331, Ron
Lambert

Maryland

Served by Delaware State Office

Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Rhode Island State Office, 451 West
Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002-2999, (413) 253-4300, TDD (413)
253-7068, Daniel R. Beaudette
Michigan State Office, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing,
MI 48823, (517) 324-5208, TDD (517) 337-6795, Christine M. Maxwell
Minnesota State Office, 410 Farm Credit Service Building, 375
Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-1853, (651) 602-7800, TDD (651)
602-3799, Terry Louwagie
Mississippi State Office, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 W.
Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-4326, TDD (601) 965-
5850, Darnella Smith-Murray
Missouri State Office, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center,
Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-0976, TDD (573) 876-9480,
Clark Thomas
Montana State Office, 2229 Boot Hill Court, Bozeman, MT 59715, (406)
585-2520, TDD (406) 585-2545, Steve Troendle

[[Page 49452]]

Nebraska State Office, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial
Mall N., Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5559, TDD (402) 437-5551,
Denise Brosius-Meeks
Nevada State Office, 1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703-
9910, (775) 887-1222 (ext. 110), TDD 7-1-1, Shane Hastings

New Hampshire

Served by Vermont State Office

New Jersey State Office, 8000 Midlantic Drive, 5th Floor North,
Suite 500, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 787-7753, Kenneth Drewes
New Mexico State Office, 6200 Jefferson St. NE., Room 255,
Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 761-4973, TDD (505) 761-4938, Arthur
Garcia
New York State Office, The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina
Street, Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202-2541, (315) 477-6400, TDD
(315) 477-6447, Gail Giannotta
North Carolina State Office, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC
27609, (919) 873-2063, TDD (919) 873-2003, Bruce Pleasant
North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East
Rosser Ave., P.O. Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502-1737, (701) 530-2029,
TDD (701) 530-2113, Mark Wax
Ohio State Office, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High
Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2418, (614) 255-2391, TDD (614) 255-2554,
David M. Douglas
Oklahoma State Office, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 074-2654,
(405) 742-1061, TDD (405) 742-1007, Jerry Efurd
Oregon State Office, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801, Portland, OR
97232, (503) 414-3362, TDD (503) 414-3387, Sam Goldstein
Pennsylvania State Office, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, (717) 237-2291, TDD (717) 237-2281,
Michael Ward
Puerto Rico State Office, 654 Mu[ntilde]oz Rivera Avenue, Suite 601,
Hato Rey, PR 00918-6106, (787) 766-5095, TDD (787) 766-5332, Nereida
Rodriguez

Rhode Island

Served by Massachusetts State Office

South Carolina State Office, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 649-4221, TDD
(803) 765-5697, Michele Cardwell
South Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth
Street SW., Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1145, TDD (605) 352-1147,
Doug Roehl
Tennessee State Office, Suite 300, 3322 West End Avenue, Nashville,
TN 37203-1084, (615) 783-1345, TDD (615) 783-1397, Keith Head
Texas State Office, Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 South Main,
Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9787, TDD (254) 742-9749, Michael B.
Canales
Utah State Office, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South
State Street, Room 4311, P.O. Box 11350, Salt Lake City, UT 84138,
(801) 524-4326, TDD (801) 524-3309, Debra Meyer
Vermont State Office, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street,
Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 828-6033, TDD (802) 223-6365, Rhonda
Shippee

Virgin Islands

Served by Florida State Office

Virginia State Office, Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa
Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287-1577, TDD (804) 287-1753, Kent
Ware
Washington State Office, 1835 Black Lake Boulevard SW., Suite B,
Olympia, WA 98501-5715, (360) 704-7737, Peter McMillin

Western Pacific Territories

Served by Hawaii State Office

West Virginia State Office, 1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 101,
Morgantown, WV 26505, (304) 284-4886, TDD (304) 284-4836, Janna
Lowery
Wisconsin State Office, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI
54481, (715) 345-7615, TDD (715) 345-7610, Brian Deaner
Wyoming State Office, Federal Building, Room 1005, 100 East B
Street, P.O. Box 11005, Casper, WY 82602-5006, (307) 233-6700, TDD
(307) 233-6719, Alana Cannon
Washington, DC, Stop 0787, Room 0175, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-0787, (202) 205-9685, Shirley J. Stevenson

Paperwork Reduction Act

The paperwork burden has been cleared by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0575-0180.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

Federal Agency: Rural Housing Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Community Development Initiative.
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.446.

Part I--Funding Opportunity Description

Congress initially created the RCDI in Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 to
develop the capacity and ability of nonprofit organizations, low-income
rural communities, or federally recognized tribes to undertake projects
related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic
development in rural areas.

Part II--Award Information

Congress appropriated, net rescissions and sequestration,
$5,676,077 in FY 2013 for the RCDI program. Qualified private,
nonprofit and public (including tribal) intermediary organizations
proposing to carry out financial and technical assistance programs will
be eligible to receive the funding. The intermediary will be required
to provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the RCDI
grant.
The respective minimum and maximum grant amount per intermediary is
$50,000 and $300,000.
The intermediary must provide a program of financial and technical
assistance to a private, nonprofit community-based housing and
development organization, a low-income rural community or a federally
recognized tribe.

Part III--Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

1. Qualified private, nonprofit, including faith-based and
community organizations, and philanthropic foundations in accordance
with 7 CFR Part 16, and public (including tribal) intermediary
organizations. Definitions that describe eligible organizations and
other key terms are listed below.
2. RCDI grantees that have an outstanding grant over 3 years old,
as of the application due date in this Notice, will not be eligible to
apply for this round of funding. Grant and matching funds must be
utilized in a timely manner to ensure that the goals and objectives of
the program are met.

B. Program Definitions

Agency--The Rural Housing Service (RHS) or its successor.
Beneficiary--Entities or individuals that receive benefits from
assistance provided by the recipient.
Capacity--The ability of a recipient to implement housing,
community facilities, or community and economic development projects.
Federally recognized tribes--Tribal entities recognized and
eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
based on the current notice in the Federal Register published by the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribally Designated Housing Entities are
eligible RCDI recipients.
Financial assistance--Funds, not to exceed $10,000 per award, used
by the intermediary to purchase supplies and equipment to build the
recipient's capacity.

[[Page 49453]]

Funds--The RCDI grant and matching money.
Intermediary--A qualified private, nonprofit (including faith-based
and community organizations and philanthropic foundations), or public
(including tribal) organization that provides financial and technical
assistance to multiple recipients.
Low-income rural community--An authority, district, economic
development authority, regional council, or unit of government
representing an incorporated city, town, village, county, township,
parish, or borough whose income is at or below 80 percent of either the
state or national Median Household Income as measured by the 2010
Census.
Matching funds--Cash or confirmed funding commitments. Matching
funds must be at least equal to the grant amount and committed for a
period of not less than the grant performance period.
Recipient--The entity that receives the financial and technical
assistance from the Intermediary. The recipient must be a nonprofit
community-based housing and development organization, a low-income
rural community or a federally recognized Tribe.
Regional Collaboration--Multi-jurisdictional areas typically within
a State, territory, or Federally-designated Tribal land but which can
cross State, territory, or Tribal boundaries.
The Regional Collaboration approach is intended to combine the
resources of the Agency with those of State and local governments,
educational institutions, and the private and nonprofit sectors to
implement regional economic and community development strategies,
including the enhancement of community-based philanthropic endowments.
Rural and rural area--Any area other than (i) a city or town that
has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants; and (ii) the
urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such city or town.
Technical assistance--Skilled help in improving the recipient's
abilities in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community
and economic development.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching

Matching funds are cash or confirmed funding commitments and must
be at least equal to the grant amount and committed for a period of not
less than the grant performance period. These funds can only be used
for eligible RCDI activities. Matching funds must be used to support
the overall purpose of the RCDI program.
In-kind contributions such as salaries, donated time and effort,
real and nonexpendable personal property and goods and services cannot
be used as matching funds.
Grant funds and matching funds must be used in equal proportions.
This does not mean funds have to be used equally by line item.
The request for advance or reimbursement and supporting
documentation must show that RCDI fund usage does not exceed the
cumulative amount of matching funds used.
Grant funds will be disbursed pursuant to relevant provisions of 7
CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as applicable. Verification of matching
funds must be submitted with the application.
The intermediary is responsible for demonstrating that matching
funds are available, and committed for a period of not less than the
grant performance period to the RCDI proposal. Matching funds may be
provided by the intermediary or a third party. Other Federal funds may
be used as matching funds if authorized by statute and the purpose of
the funds is an eligible RCDI purpose.
RCDI funds will be disbursed on an advance or reimbursement basis.
Matching funds cannot be expended prior to execution of the RCDI Grant
Agreement.
No reimbursement will be made for any funds expended prior to
execution of the RCDI Grant Agreement unless the intermediary is a non-
profit or educational entity and has requested and received written
Agency approval of the costs prior to the actual expenditure.
This exception is applicable for up to 90 days prior to grant
closing and only applies to grantees that have received written
approval but have not executed the RCDI Grant Agreement.
The Agency cannot retroactively approve reimbursement for
expenditures prior to execution of the RCDI Grant Agreement.

D. Other Program Requirements

1. The recipient and beneficiary, but not the intermediary, must be
located in an eligible rural area.
The physical location of the recipient's office that will be
receiving the financial and technical assistance must be in an eligible
rural area. If the recipient is a low-income community, the median
household income of the area where the office is located must be at or
below 80 percent of the State or national median household income,
whichever is higher.
The applicable Rural Development State Office can assist in
determining the eligibility of an area.
A listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in this
Notice. A map showing eligible rural areas can be found at the
following link: http://eligibility.test.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=RBSmenu&NavKey=property@13.
2. The recipient must be a nonprofit, which may include faith-based
organization, community-based housing and development organization,
low-income rural community, or federally recognized tribe based on the
RCDI definitions of these groups.
3. Documentation must be submitted to verify recipient eligibility.
Acceptable documentation varies depending on the type of recipient.
Private nonprofit, faith or community-based organizations must provide
a certificate of incorporation and good standing from the Secretary of
the State of incorporation, or other similar and valid documentation of
nonprofit status. For low-income rural community recipients, the Agency
requires evidence that the entity is a public body and census data
verifying that the median household income of the community where the
office receiving the financial and technical assistance is located is
at, or below, 80 percent of the State or national median household
income, whichever is higher.
For Federally recognized tribes, the Agency needs the page listing
their name from the current Federal Register list of tribal entities
recognized and eligible for funding services (see the definition of
federally recognized tribes in this Notice for details on this list).
4. Individuals cannot be recipients.
5. The intermediary must provide matching funds at least equal to
the amount of the grant. Verification of matching funds must be
submitted with the application. Matching funds must be committed for a
period equal to the grant performance period.
6. The intermediary must provide a program of financial and
technical assistance to the recipient.
7. The intermediary organization must have been legally organized
for a minimum of 3 years and have at least 3 years prior experience
working with private nonprofit community-based housing and development
organizations, low-income rural communities, or tribal organizations in
the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic
development.
8. Proposals must be structured to utilize the grant funds within 3
years from the date of the award.

[[Page 49454]]

9. Each applicant, whether singularly or jointly, may only submit
one application for RCDI funds under this Notice. This restriction does
not preclude the applicant from providing matching funds for other
applications.
10. Recipients can benefit from more than one RCDI application;
however, after grant selections are made, the recipient can only
benefit from multiple RCDI grants if the type of financial and
technical assistance the recipient will receive is not duplicative. The
services must have separate and identifiable accounts for compliance
purposes.
11. The intermediary and the recipient cannot be the same entity.
The recipient can be a related entity to the intermediary, if it meets
the definition of a recipient, provided the relationship does not
create a conflict of interest that cannot be resolved to Rural
Development's satisfaction.
12. A nonprofit recipient must provide evidence that it is a valid
nonprofit when the intermediary applies for the RCDI grant.
Organizations with pending requests for nonprofit designations are not
eligible.
13. If the recipient is a low-income rural community, identify the
unit of government to which the financial and technical assistance will
be provided, e.g., town council or village board.
The financial and technical assistance must be provided to the
organized unit of government representing that community, not the
community at large.
14. If a grantee has an outstanding RCDI grant over 3 years old, as
of the application due date in this Notice, it is not eligible to apply
for this round of funding.
15. The indirect cost category in the project budget should be used
only when a grant applicant has a federally negotiated indirect cost
rate. A copy of the current rate agreement must be provided with the
application.
16. Grant applicants must obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register in the System for
Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting a pre-application pursuant
to 2 CFR 25.200(b). In addition, an entity applicant must maintain
registration in SAM at all times during which it has an active Federal
award or an application or plan under construction by the Agency.
Similarly, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required
to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation in accordance to 2 CFR part 170. So long as an entity
applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the
applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to
comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant receive
funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).

E. Eligible Fund Uses

Fund uses must be consistent with the RCDI purpose. A nonexclusive
list of eligible grant uses includes the following:
1. Provide technical assistance to develop recipients' capacity and
ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities,
or community and economic development, e.g., the intermediary hires a
staff person to provide technical assistance to the recipient or the
recipient hires a staff person, under the supervision of the
intermediary, to carry out the technical assistance provided by the
intermediary.
2. Develop the capacity of recipients to conduct community
development programs, e.g., homeownership education or training for
business entrepreneurs.
3. Develop the capacity of recipients to conduct development
initiatives, e.g., programs that support micro-enterprise and
sustainable development.
4. Develop the capacity of recipients to increase their leveraging
ability and access to alternative funding sources by providing training
and staffing.
5. Develop the capacity of recipients to provide the technical
assistance component for essential community facilities projects.
6. Assist recipients in completing pre-development requirements for
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development
projects by providing resources for professional services, e.g.,
architectural, engineering, or legal.
7. Improve recipient's organizational capacity by providing
training and resource material on developing strategic plans, board
operations, management, financial systems, and information technology.
8. Purchase of computers, software, and printers, limited to
$10,000 per award, at the recipient level when directly related to the
technical assistance program being undertaken by the intermediary.
9. Provide funds to recipients for training-related travel costs
and training expenses related to RCDI.

F. Ineligible Fund Uses

The following is a list of ineligible grant uses:
1. Pass-through grants, capacity grants, and any funds provided to
the recipient in a lump sum that are not reimbursements.
2. Funding a revolving loan fund (RLF).
3. Construction (in any form).
4. Salaries for positions involved in construction, renovations,
rehabilitation, and any oversight of these types of activities.
5. Intermediary preparation of strategic plans for recipients.
6. Funding prostitution, gambling, or any illegal activities.
7. Grants to individuals.
8. Funding a grant where there may be a conflict of interest, or an
appearance of a conflict of interest, involving any action by the
Agency.
9. Paying obligations incurred before the beginning date without
prior Agency approval or after the ending date of the grant agreement.
10. Purchasing real estate.
11. Improvement or renovation of the grantee's, or recipient's
office space or for the repair or maintenance of privately owned
vehicles.
12. Any purpose prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as
applicable.
13. Using funds for recipient's general operating costs.
14. Using grant or matching funds for Individual Development
Accounts.
15. Purchasing vehicles.

G. Program Examples and Restrictions

The purpose of this initiative is to develop or increase the
recipient's capacity through a program of financial and technical
assistance to perform in the areas of housing, community facilities, or
community and economic development. Strengthening the recipient's
capacity in these areas will benefit the communities they serve. The
RCDI structure requires the intermediary (grantee) to provide a program
of financial and technical assistance to recipients.
The recipients will, in turn, provide programs to their communities
(beneficiaries). The following are examples of eligible and ineligible
purposes under the RCDI program. (These examples are illustrative and
are not meant to limit the activities proposed in the application.
Activities that meet the objectives of the RCDI program will be
considered eligible.)
1. The intermediary must work directly with the recipient, not the
ultimate beneficiaries. As an example:
The intermediary provides training to the recipient on how to
conduct homeownership education classes. The recipient then provides
ongoing homeownership education to the residents of the community--the
ultimate beneficiaries. This ``train the trainer'' concept fully meets
the intent of this initiative. The intermediary is providing technical
assistance that will

[[Page 49455]]

build the recipient's capacity by enabling them to conduct
homeownership education classes for the public.
This is an eligible purpose. However, if the intermediary directly
provided homeownership education classes to individuals in the
recipient's service area, this would not be an eligible purpose because
the recipient would be bypassed.
2. If the intermediary is working with a low-income community as
the recipient, the intermediary must provide the technical assistance
to the entity that represents the low-income community and is
identified in the application. Examples of entities representing a low-
income community are a village board or a town council.
If the intermediary provides technical assistance to the Board of
the low-income community on how to establish a cooperative, this would
be an eligible purpose. However, if the intermediary works directly
with individuals from the community to establish the cooperative, this
is not an eligible purpose.
The recipient's capacity is built by learning skills that will
enable them to support sustainable economic development in their
communities on an ongoing basis.
3. The intermediary may provide technical assistance to the
recipient on how to create and operate a revolving loan fund. The
intermediary may not monitor or operate the revolving loan fund. RCDI
funds, including matching funds, cannot be used to fund revolving loan
funds.
4. The intermediary may work with recipients in building their
capacity to provide planning and leadership development training. The
recipients of this training would be expected to assume leadership
roles in the development and execution of regional strategic plans. The
intermediary would work with multiple recipients in helping communities
recognize their connections to the greater regional and national
economies.
5. The intermediary could provide training and technical assistance
to the recipients on developing emergency shelter and feeding, short-
term housing, search and rescue, and environmental accident,
prevention, and cleanup program plans. For longer term disaster and
economic crisis responses, the intermediary could work with the
recipients to develop job placement and training programs, and develop
coordinated transit systems for displaced workers.

Part IV--Application and Submission Information

A. Address To Request Application Package

Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the
application documents and requirements delineated in this Notice from
the RCDI Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html.
Application information for electronic submissions may be found at
http://www.grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper application
packages from the Rural Development office in their state. A list of
Rural Development State offices is included in this Notice.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

If the applicant is ineligible or the application is incomplete,
the Agency will inform the applicant in writing of the decision,
reasons therefore, and its appeal rights and no further evaluation of
the application will occur.
A complete application for RCDI funds must include the following:
1. A summary page, double-spaced between items, listing the
following: (This information should not be presented in narrative
form.)
a. Applicant's name,
b. Applicant's address,
c. Applicant's telephone number,
d. Name of applicant's contact person and telephone number,
e. Applicant's fax number,
f. County where applicant is located,
g. Congressional district number where applicant is located,
h. Amount of grant request, and
i. Number of recipients.
2. A detailed Table of Contents containing page numbers for each
component of the application.
3. A project overview, no longer than five pages, including the
following items, which will also be addressed separately and in detail
under ``Building Capacity'' of the ``Evaluation Criteria.''
a. The type of technical assistance to be provided to the
recipients and how it will be implemented.
b. How the capacity and ability of the recipients will be improved.
c. The overall goals to be accomplished.
d. The benchmarks to be used to measure the success of the program.
Benchmarks should be specific and quantifiable.
4. Organizational documents, such as a certificate of incorporation
and a current good standing certification from the Secretary of State
where the applicant is incorporated and other similar and valid
documentation of non-profit status, from the intermediary that confirms
it has been legally organized for a minimum of 3 years as the applicant
entity.
5. Verification of source and amount of matching funds, e.g., a
copy of a bank statement if matching funds are in cash or a copy of the
confirmed funding commitment from the funding source.
The verification must show that matching funds are available for
the duration of the grant performance period. The verification of
matching funds must be submitted with the application or the
application will be considered incomplete.
The applicant will be contacted by the Agency prior to grant award
to verify that the matching funds provided with the application
continue to be available. The applicant will have 15 days from the date
contacted to submit verification that matching funds continue to be
available.
If the applicant is unable to provide the verification within that
timeframe, the application will be considered ineligible. The applicant
must maintain bank statements on file or other documentation for a
period of at least three years after grant closing except that the
records shall be retained beyond the three-year period if audit
findings have not been resolved.
6. The following information for each recipient:
a. Recipient's entity name,
b. Complete address (mailing and physical location, if different),
c. County where located,
d. Number of Congressional district where recipient is located,
e. Contact person's name and telephone number, and
f. Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' If the Form RD 400-4 is
not submitted for a recipient, the recipient will be considered
ineligible. No information pertaining to that recipient will be
included in the income or population scoring criteria and the requested
funding may be adjusted due to the deletion of the recipient.
7. Submit evidence that each recipient entity is eligible:
a. Nonprofits--provide a current valid letter confirming non-profit
status from the Secretary of the State of incorporation or the IRS, a
current good standing certification from the Secretary of the State of
incorporation, or other valid documentation of nonprofit status of each
recipient.
b. Low-income rural community--provide evidence the entity is a
public body, and a copy of the 2010 census data to verify the
population, and evidence that the median household

[[Page 49456]]

income is at, or below, 80 percent of either the State or national
median household income. We will only accept data and printouts from
http://www.census.gov.
c. Federally recognized tribes--provide the page listing their name
from the Federal Register list of tribal entities published by the
Bureau of Indian Affairs on August 10, 2012 (77 FR 47868)or a
subsequent updated list in the Federal Register.
8. Each of the ``Evaluation Criteria'' must be addressed
specifically and individually by category. Present these criteria in
narrative form. Documentation must be limited to three pages per
criterion. The ``Population'' and ``Income'' criteria for recipient
locations can be provided in the form of a list; however, the source of
the data must be included on the page(s).
9. A timeline identifying specific activities and proposed dates
for completion.
10. A detailed project budget that includes the RCDI grant amount
and matching funds. This should be a line-item budget, by category.
Categories such as salaries, administrative, other, and indirect costs
that pertain to the proposed project must be clearly defined.
Supporting documentation listing the components of these categories
must be included. The budget should be dated: Year 1, year 2, year 3,
as applicable.
11. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' (Do not
complete Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information.'' A separate line-item
budget should be presented as described in No. 13 of this section.)
12. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
13. Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
14. Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
15. Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements.''
16. Certification of Non-Lobbying Activities.
17. Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if
applicable.
18. Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement,'' for the applicant.
19. Identify and report any association or relationship with Rural
Development employees.
20. For grants, the applicant's Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering Systems (DUNS) number and registration in the System for
Award Management (SAM) in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. As required by
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), all grant applications must
provide a DUNS number when applying for Federal grants, on or after
October 1, 2003. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by
calling the dedicated toll-free number at 1-866-705-5711 or via
Internet at http:www.dnb.com/us/. Additional information concerning
this requirement can be obtained on the Grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov. Similarly, applicants may register for SAM at https://www.sam.gov or by calling 1-866-606-8220.
The DUNS number should be identified in the ``Organizational DUNS''
field on Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance.'' Since there are no specific fields for a Commercial and
Government Entity (CAGE) code and expiration date, they may be
identified anywhere on the Form SF 424. If the applicant does not
provide the CAGE code and expiration date and the DUNS number in the
application, it will not be considered for funding.
Applicants must also complete Form AD-3030, ``Representations
Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate
Applicants,'' if they are a corporation. A corporation is any entity
that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, or the various territories of the United States
including American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Midway
Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Paalu,
Republic of Marshall Islands, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Corporations
include both for profit and non-profit entities.
The required forms and certifications can be downloaded from the
RCDI Web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-RCDI_Grants.html.

C. Other Submission Information

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants, OMB No. 1894-
0010 (applies only to nonprofit applicants only--submission is
optional).
The original application package must be submitted to the Rural
Development State Office where the applicant's headquarters is located.
A listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in this
Notice. Applications will not be accepted via FAX or electronic mail.
Applicants may file an electronic application at http://www.grants.gov. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required
passwords, credentialing, and software. Follow the instructions at
Grants.gov for registering and submitting an electronic application. If
a system problem or technical difficulty occurs with an electronic
application, please use the customer support resources available at the
Grants.gov Web site.
Technical difficulties submitting an application through Grants.gov
will not be a reason to extend the application deadline. If an
application is unable to be submitted through Grants.gov, a paper
application must be received in the appropriate Rural Development State
Office by the deadline noted previously.
First time Grants.gov users should carefully read and follow the
registration steps listed on the Web site. These steps need to be
initiated early in the application process to avoid delays in
submitting your application online.
In order to register with System for Award Management (SAM), your
organization will need a DUNS number. Be sure to complete the Marketing
Partner ID (MPID) and Electronic Business Primary Point of Contact
fields during the SAM registration process.
These are mandatory fields that are required when submitting grant
applications through Grants.gov. Additional application instructions
for submitting an electronic application can be found by selecting this
funding opportunity on Grants.gov.

D. Funding Restrictions

Meeting expenses. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1345, ``Expenses of
Meetings,'' appropriations may not be used for travel, transportation,
and subsistence expenses for a meeting. RCDI grant funds cannot be used
for these meeting-related expenses. Matching funds may, however, be
used to pay for these expenses.
RCDI funds may be used to pay for a speaker as part of a program,
equipment to facilitate the program, and the actual room that will
house the meeting.
RCDI funds can be used for travel, transportation, or subsistence
expenses for program-related training and technical assistance
purposes.
Any training not delineated in the application must be approved by
the Agency to verify compliance with 31 U.S.C. 1345.
Travel and per diem expenses (including meals and incidental
expenses) will be similar to those paid to Agency employees. Rates are
based upon location. Rate information can be obtained from the
applicable Rural Development State Office.

[[Page 49457]]

Grantees and recipients will be restricted to traveling coach class
on common carrier airlines.
When lodging is not available at the government rate, grantees and
recipients may exceed the Government rate for lodging by a maximum of
20 percent.
Mileage and gas reimbursement will be the same rate used by Agency
employees. This rate may be obtained from the applicable Rural
Development State Office.

Part V--Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria and
weights:
1. Building Capacity--Maximum 60 Points
The applicant must demonstrate how they will improve the
recipients' capacity, through a program of financial and technical
assistance, as it relates to the RCDI purposes.
Capacity-building financial and technical assistance should provide
new functions to the recipients or expand existing functions that will
enable the recipients to undertake projects in the areas of housing,
community facilities, or community and economic development that will
benefit the community. Capacity-building financial and technical
assistance may include, but is not limited to: Training to conduct
community development programs, e.g., homeownership education, or the
establishment of minority business entrepreneurs, cooperatives, or
micro-enterprises; organizational development, e.g., assistance to
develop or improve board operations, management, and financial systems;
instruction on how to develop and implement a strategic plan;
instruction on how to access alternative funding sources to increase
leveraging opportunities; staffing, e.g., hiring a person at
intermediary or recipient level to provide technical assistance to
recipients.
The program of financial and technical assistance provided, its
delivery, and the measurability of the program's effectiveness will
determine the merit of the application.
All applications will be competitively ranked with the applications
providing the most improvement in capacity development and measurable
activities being ranked the highest.
a. The narrative response must:
i. Describe the nature of financial and technical assistance to be
provided to the recipients and the activities that will be conducted to
deliver the technical assistance;
ii. Explain how financial and technical assistance will develop or
increase the recipient's capacity. Indicate whether a new function is
being developed or if existing functions are being expanded or
performed more effectively;
iii. Identify which RCDI purpose areas will be addressed with this
assistance: Housing, community facilities, or community and economic
development; and
iv. Describe how the results of the technical assistance will be
measured. What benchmarks will be used to measure effectiveness?
Benchmarks should be specific and quantifiable.
b. The maximum 60 points for this criterion will be broken down as
follows:
i. Type of financial and technical assistance and implementation
activities. 35 points.
ii. An explanation of how financial and technical assistance will
develop capacity. 10 points.
iii. Identification of the RCDI purpose. 5 points.
iv. Measurement of outcomes. 10 points.
2. Expertise--Maximum 30 Points
The applicant must demonstrate that it has conducted programs of
financial and technical assistance and achieved measurable results in
the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic
development in rural areas.
Provide the name, contact information, and the type and amount of
the financial and technical assistance the applicant organization has
provided to the following for the last 3 years:
a. Nonprofit organizations in rural areas.
b. Low-income communities in rural areas, (also include the type of
entity, e.g., city government, town council, or village board).
c. Federally recognized tribes or any other culturally diverse
organizations.
3. Population--Maximum 30 Points
Population is based on the average population from the 2010 census
data for the communities in which the recipients are located. The
physical address, not mailing address, for each recipient must be used
for this criterion. Community is defined for scoring purposes as a
city, town, village, county, parish, borough, or census-designated
place where the recipient's office is physically located.
The applicant must submit the census data from the following Web
site in the form of a printout of the applicable ``Fact Sheet'' to
verify the population figures used for each recipient. The data can be
accessed on the Internet at http://www.census.gov; click on ``American
FactFinder,'' fill in field and click ``Go''; the name and population
data for each recipient location must be listed in this section.
The average population of the recipient locations will be used and
will be scored as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scoring
Population (points)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5,000 or less................................................ 30
5,001 to 10,000.............................................. 20
10,001 to 20,000............................................. 10
20,001 to 50,000............................................. 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Income--Maximum 30 Points
The average of the median household income for the communities
where the recipients are physically located will determine the points
awarded. The physical address, not mailing address, for each recipient
must be used for this criterion. Applicants may compare the average
recipient median household income to the State median household income
or the national median household income, whichever yields the most
points. The national median household income to be used is $51,914.
The applicant must submit the income data in the form of a printout
of the applicable information from the following Web site to verify the
income for each recipient. The data being used is from the 2010 census.
The data can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.census.gov;
click on ``American FactFinder,'' fill in field and click ``Go''; the
name and income data for each recipient location must be listed in this
section. Points will be awarded as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Recipient Median Income Scoring (points)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 60 percent of state or national median 30
household income.....................................
From 60 to 70 percent of state or national median 20
household income.....................................

[[Page 49458]]

Greater than 70 to 80 percent of state or national 10
median household income..............................
In excess of 80 percent of state or national median 0
household income.....................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Soundness of Approach--Maximum 50 Points
The applicant can receive up to 50 points for soundness of
approach. The overall proposal will be considered under this criterion.
Applicants must list the page numbers in the application that address
these factors.
The maximum 50 points for this criterion will be broken down as
follows:
a. The ability to provide the proposed financial and technical
assistance based on prior accomplishments has been demonstrated. 10
Points.
b. The proposed financial and technical assistance program is
clearly stated and the applicant has defined how this proposal will be
implemented. The plan for implementation is viable. 10 Points.
c. Cost effectiveness will be evaluated based on the budget in the
application. The proposed grant amount and matching funds should be
utilized to maximize capacity building at the recipient level. 15
points.
d. The proposal fits the objectives for which applications were
invited. 15 points.
6. Technical assistance for the development of Renewable Energy Systems
and Energy Efficiency Improvements--Maximum 20 Points
The applicant must demonstrate how they will improve the
recipients' capacity to carry out activities related to the development
of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development.
7. Regional Collaboration Applications--Maximum 20 Points
The Agency encourages applications that promote substantive
economic growth, including job creation, as well as specifically
addressing the circumstances of those sectors within the region that
have fewer prospects and the greatest need for improved economic
opportunity.
A Regional Collaboration project should implement goals, objectives
or actions identified in a Regional Strategic Plan which addresses
priorities specified at a regional scale. Applications should
demonstrate:
a. Clear leadership at the Intermediary level in organizing and
coordinating a regional initiative;
b. Evidence that the Recipient's region has a common economic basis
that supports the likelihood of success in implementing its strategy;
and
c. Evidence that technical assistance will be provided that will
increase the Recipient's capacity to assess their circumstance,
determine a long term sustainable vision for the region, and implement
a comprehensive strategic plan, including identifying performance
measures and establishing a system to collect the data to allow
assessment of those performance measures.
8. Local Investment Points--Maximum 20 Points
Intermediaries must be physically located in an eligible rural
community and must include evidence of investment in the community. The
intent is to ensure that RCDI funds are expended in the rural
community.
9. Investing in Manufacturing Communities--Maximum 25 Points
Grant applicants demonstrating a technical assistance plan to help
boost investing in manufacturing communities will be awarded a maximum
of 25 additional points.
The applicant must demonstrate how their efforts will attract
manufacturers and their supply chain of local innovators, producers,
and distributors to create new jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Applicant must demonstrate how it will support the redevelopment of
manufacturing communities that have had major plant closings, in
partnership with local leaders, workers and businesses. The maximum 25
points for this criterion will be awarded as follows:
a. Demonstrates how this project will attract manufacturing to the
region. (10 points)
b. The ability to provide technical assistance to develop and
implement long term strategies to orient the communities' and regions'
economies for innovation, job creation and export promotion. (5 Points)
c. Emphasizes some combination of public-private partnership,
including higher education collaboration. (5 Points)
d. Demonstrates how this project will lead to further development
of the region's industrial ecosystem. (5 points)
10. State Director's Points Based on Project Merit--Maximum 20 Points
This criterion does not have to be addressed by the applicant. Up
to 20 points may be awarded by the Rural Development State Director.
Points may be awarded to more than one application per state or
jurisdiction. The total points awarded under this criterion, to all
applications, will not exceed 20. Assignment of points will include a
written justification and be tied to and awarded based on how closely
they align with the Rural Development State Office's strategic plan.
11. Proportional Distribution Points--20 Points
This criterion does not have to be addressed by the applicant.
After applications have been evaluated and awarded points under the
first 9 criteria, the Agency may award 20 points per application to
promote an even distribution of grant awards between the ranges of
$50,000 to $300,000.

B. Review and Selection Process

1. Rating and Ranking
Applications will be rated and ranked on a national basis by a
review panel based on the ``Evaluation Criteria'' contained in this
Notice. If there is a tied score after the applications have been rated
and ranked, the tie will be resolved by reviewing the scores for
``Building Capacity'' and the applicant with the highest score in that
category will receive a higher ranking. If the scores for ``Building
Capacity'' are the same, the scores will be compared for the next
criterion, in sequential order, until one highest score can be
determined.
2. Initial Screening
The Agency will screen each application to determine eligibility
during the period immediately following the application deadline.
Listed below are examples of reasons for rejection from previous
funding rounds. The following reasons for rejection are not all
inclusive; however, they represent the majority of the applications
previously rejected.

[[Page 49459]]

a. Recipients were not located in eligible rural areas based on the
definition in this Notice.
b. Applicants failed to provide evidence of recipient's status,
i.e., documentation supporting nonprofit evidence of organization.
c. Applicants failed to provide evidence of committed matching
funds or matching funds were not committed for a period at least equal
to the grant performance period.
d. Application did not follow the RCDI structure with an
intermediary and recipients.
e. Recipients were not identified in the application.
f. Intermediary did not provide evidence it had been incorporated
for at least 3 years as the applicant entity.
g. Applicants failed to address the ``Evaluation Criteria.''
h. The purpose of the proposal did not qualify as an eligible RCDI
purpose.
i. Inappropriate use of funds (e.g., construction or renovations).
j. The applicant proposed providing financial and technical
assistance directly to individuals.
k. The application package not received by closing date and time.

Part VI--Award Administration Information

A. General Information

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of the Agency shall make grants in ranked order to eligible
applicants under the procedures set forth in this Notice.

B. Award Notice

Applicants will be notified of selection by letter.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification including appeal
rights by mail. In addition, selected applicants will be requested to
verify that components of the application have not changed at the time
of selection and on the award obligation date, if requested by the
Agency.
The award is not approved until all information has been verified,
and the awarding official of the Agency has signed Form RD 1940-1,
``Request for Obligation of Funds.''

C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Grantees will be required to do the following:
1. Execute a Rural Community Development Initiative Grant
Agreement.
2. Execute Form RD 1940-1.
3. Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' to
request reimbursements. Provide receipts for expenditures, timesheets
and any other documentation to support the request for reimbursement.
4. Provide financial status and project performance reports on a
quarterly basis starting with the first full quarter after the grant
award.
5. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the
Agency.
6. Ensure that records are maintained to document all activities
and expenditures utilizing RCDI grant funds and matching funds.
Receipts for expenditures will be included in this documentation.
7. Provide annual audits or management reports on Form RD 442-2,
``Statement of Budget, Income and Equity,'' and Form RD 442-3,
``Balance Sheet,'' depending on the amount of Federal funds expended
and the outstanding balance.
8. Collect and maintain data provided by recipients on race, sex,
and national origin and ensure recipients collect and maintain the same
data on beneficiaries. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in
accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the
Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and
Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be
collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but
should be available upon request by the Agency.
9. Provide a final project performance report.
10. Identify and report any association or relationship with Rural
Development employees.
11. The intermediary and recipient must comply with Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order
12250 and RD Instruction 7 CFR 1901-E.
12. The grantee must comply with policies, guidance, and
requirements as described in the following applicable OMB Circulars and
Code of Federal Regulations:
a. OMB Circular A-87 (Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian
Tribal Government);
b. OMB Circular A-122 (Cost Principles for Non-profit
Organizations);
c. OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations);
d. 7 CFR part 3015 (Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations);
e. 7 CFR part 3016 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments);
f. 2 CFR parts 417 and 180 (Government-wide Debarment and
Suspension (Nonprocurement);
g. 7 CFR part 3019 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Non-profit Organizations); and
h. 7 CFR part 3052 (Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations).

D. Reporting

Reporting requirements can be found in the Grant Agreement.

Part VII--Agency Contact

Contact the Rural Development office in the state where the
applicant's headquarters is located. A list of Rural Development State
Offices is included in this Notice.

Part VIII-- Nondiscrimination Statement

Non-Discrimination Policy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the
bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender
identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs,
marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all
or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any
program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all
prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment
activities.)

To File a Program Complaint

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form
(PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the
form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information
requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to
us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410,
by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].

Persons With Disabilities

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech
disabilities and

[[Page 49460]]

you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA
through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136
(in Spanish).
Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint,
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

Part IX--Appeal Process

All adverse determinations regarding applicant eligibility and the
awarding of points as part of the selection process are appealable
pursuant to 7 CFR part 11. Instructions on the appeal process will be
provided at the time an applicant is notified of the adverse decision.
In the event the applicant is awarded a grant that is less than the
amount requested, the applicant will be required to modify its
application to conform to the reduced amount before execution of the
grant agreement. The Agency reserves the right to reduce or withdraw
the award if acceptable modifications are not submitted by the awardee
within 15 working days from the date the request for modification is
made. Any modifications must be within the scope of the original
application.

Dated: August 5, 2013.
Tammye Trevi[ntilde]o,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19773 Filed 8-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P