[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 22, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3563-3565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01078]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 14 / Wednesday, January 22, 2014 / 
Notices  

[[Page 3563]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-TM-13-0078; TM-13-02]


Farmers' Market Promotion Program: Notice of Request for 
Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection--
Farmers Market Promotion Program

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing 
Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for the currently approved information 
collection for OMB 0581-0235, an extension and revision of forms ``TM-
29, FMPP Project Proposal Narrative Form'' and ``TM-30, FMPP 
Supplemental Budget Summary Form.'' An electronic version of these 
mandatory forms will be posted within the Grants.gov forms library for 
application submission.

DATES: Comments received by March 24, 2014 will be considered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Carmen Humphrey, Chief, 
Marketing Grants and Technical Assistance Branch, Marketing Services 
Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), USDA; 202/720-0933.

ADDRESSES: Contact Carmen Humphrey, Chief, Marketing Grants and 
Technical Assistance Branch, Marketing Services Division, 
Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Room 4509-South Building, Washington, DC 20250; 202/720-
0933, or fax 202/690-4152.
    Comments should reference docket number AMS-TM-13-0078, TM-13-02 
and be sent to Mrs. Carmen Humphrey at the above address or via the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Farmers Market Promotion Program.
    OMB Number: 0581-0235.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2014.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was created 
through an amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 
1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001-3006). The grants authorized by the FMPP were 
targeted to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside 
stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism 
activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing 
opportunities. Approximately $1 million each year was allocated for 
Fiscal Years (FY) 2006-2007, $3 million for FY 2008, $5 million for FY 
2009-2010, and $10 million for FY 2011-2012. Funding was not provided 
for the FMPP in FY 2013.
    In FY 2006 thru 2012, the maximum amount awarded for any one 
proposal could not exceed $100,000. Entities eligible to apply included 
agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, and producer 
associations; local governments; nonprofit corporations; public health 
corporations; economic development corporations; regional farmers 
market authorities; and Tribal governments.
    On October 1, 2010, the AMS published a notice and request for 
comments in the Federal Register (75 FR 60713) to extend and revise the 
currently approved information collection under the FMPP. The OMB 
approved the request and revision of the information collection 0581-
0235 for 3 years on March 31, 2011. The forms and other requirements 
under the FMPP are as follows:
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (approved 
under OMB collection number 4040-0004) is required by all entities 
seeking Federal assistance.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' 
(approved under OMB collection number 0348-0044) is no longer required 
to be completed by all applicants. The project narrative contains a 
detailed project budget within Form ``TM-30, FMPP Supplemental Budget 
Summary Form.'' The burden hours for the Supplemental Budget Form are 
captured in the proposal narrative.
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,'' 
(approved under OMB collection number 0348-0040) must be completed by 
applicants to assure the Federal government of the applicant's legal 
authority to apply for Federal assistance.
    4. Proposal Narrative. Completed applications must include a 
proposal narrative, which will include the supplemental budget summary. 
The complete narrative, must not exceed 12 typed single-spaced 8'' x 
11'' pages.
    New requirements are made to the narrative with this submission to 
include: the revision to the requested information, subject headings, 
and the update and addition to the section elements.
    The applicant's narrative must include the following elements to 
explain the project work:
    a. Project Title. Must capture the primary focus of the project and 
match the title provided on the SF-424.
    b. Applicant/Organization Information. The applicant/organization 
name, contact name, mailing address, telephone and fax number, and the 
email address(es) for the person(s) designated to answer questions 
about the application, financial information, and the proposed project 
budget.
    c. Primary Project Manager Information. The name, mailing address, 
telephone and fax number, and email address for the person(s) 
responsible for managing and/or overseeing the project.
    d. Requested FMPP Funding and Matching Funds (if a match is 
required). The dollar amount requested from FMPP. Include other funding 
sources, matching, and in-kind contributions in the ``Matching Funds,'' 
section as applicable.
    e. Entity Type and Eligibility Statement. The entity type, 
statement of qualification as an eligible entity, and any required 
documentation of eligibility. Under FMPP, agricultural cooperatives, 
local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, 
economic benefit corporations, regional farmers' market

[[Page 3564]]

authorities, tribal governments, and certain other entity types were 
eligible for awards.
    f. EBT, Equipment, Supplies, and Promotional Projects. Indication 
of whether or not the proposal includes a new or existing electronic 
benefit transfers (EBT) component; or includes purchases of equipment, 
supplies, or other promotional items related to EBT.
    g. Executive Summary. The proposal summary provides the project 
description, goals to be accomplished, outcomes expected, and a 
timeline of activities.
    h. Project Implementation Address. The location(s) where the 
project(s) will be implemented, including the street address, city, 
state, zip code, county, and latitude and longitude coordinates 
(Internet-obtainable geo-coordinates from mapping software) for all 
places where the project will be implemented.
    i. Goals of the Project. A clear statement of the goal(s) and 
activity(ies) of the project. A brief statement explaining how the 
project addresses the stated mission of FMPP is required.
    j. Background Statement. A description of the current conditions 
that justify the need of the project, and an explanation of why the 
condition will not be improved absent the project so that the need will 
remain unmet.
    k. Workplan, Resource, and Timeline Requirements. A list of each 
planned activity(ies), a timeline for completion, resources needed, and 
milestones for assessing progress for each activity(ies).
    l. Expected Outcomes and Beneficiaries. List of outcomes of the 
project and the beneficiaries of each outcome. Describe the method of 
quantifying the outcome and beneficiaries that will be used to measure 
the success of the project.
    m. Beneficiaries. This information has been consolidated in the 
Expected Outcomes and Beneficiaries section and is no longer required.
    n. Evaluation Criteria Statements. All applications will be 
evaluated against the ``Proposal Evaluation Criteria,'' published each 
year the program operates, which can be found in the FMPP Guidelines at 
www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. The criteria may be revised annually based on 
the priorities for annual funding. A statement of applicability is 
required for each criterion. For full consideration, all criteria 
should be addressed by the proposal.
    l. Existing and Pending Support. List all current and pending 
public or private support for this project. An application that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with project activities or 
application already reviewed and funded will not be funded under FMPP.
    m. Supplemental Budget Summary. Provide a detailed budget using six 
(6) categories of expenses: Personnel, contractor, travel, equipment, 
supplies, and other. If a match is required, a separate column with the 
same six (6) categories will be used to describe the match. A budget 
narrative is required to explain how items are used to support the 
project activities, following the FMPP Guidelines.
    o. Primary Proposal Activity. This section is no longer required.
    p. Proposal Activities. The information in this section has been 
consolidated with the Workplan, Resource, and Timeline Requirements 
section and is no longer required.
    5. FMPP Mandatory Narrative Forms. Forms ``TM-29, FMPP Project 
Proposal Narrative Form'' and ``TM-30, FMPP Supplemental Budget Summary 
Form'' were developed to assist applicants in placing the required 
information in the proper order in the proposal narrative. These forms 
are mandatory and must be used for the application development and 
submittal processes. Both forms TM-29 and TM-30 include instructions to 
assist applicants in completing the narrative and supplemental budget 
information.
    The ``FMPP Project Proposal Narrative Form'' and ``FMPP 
Supplemental Budget Summary Form'' for the proposal narrative will not 
increase the total number of burden hours. These burden hours are 
captured in the proposal narrative preparation. AMS has initiated 
development of fillable electronic versions of these forms. An 
electronic version of these mandatory forms will be posted within the 
Grants.gov forms library for application submission.
    Before funds are dispersed, applicants that are selected for FMPP 
grant funds (awardees) must complete the following forms:
    6. Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Disbarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.'' This 
form must have the awardee's original signature.
    7. Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Disbarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.'' This form must have the awardee's original signature.
    8. Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants) Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than 
Individuals.'' The awardee keeps this document for their records.
    Additionally, awardees must also complete the following forms and 
paperwork for AMS:
    9. Grant Agreement--Form AMS-33, United States Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agreement Face Sheet.'' 
The grant agreement is updated to include a mandatory form for awardees 
to sign indicating compliance with the terms and conditions of the 
grant award, project work approved, and receipt of grant funding. The 
sheet includes the grant authority; funding dollar amount; awardee and 
Federal contact names, address, email addresses, and phone and fax 
numbers; agreement number; project title, objectives, and statement of 
work; project work beginning and ending dates; and awardee and AMS 
Transportation and Marketing Programs, Deputy Administrator's 
signatures. Two (2) copies of this agreement are required with the 
awardee's and the AMS Transportation and Marketing Programs, Deputy 
Administrator's office signatures and dated for each grant.
    10. Form SF-270, ``Request for Advance and Reimbursement'' 
(approved under OMB collection number 4040-0012) is required whenever 
the awardees request an advance or reimbursement of Federal grant 
funds. AMS expects that at least three (3) SF-270 forms will be 
submitted during the grant agreement period.
    11. Performance (Progress) Reports. The Performance Report is 
written documentation required to notify AMS about the work activities 
and progress towards completing the awardee's established project 
workplan goals, objectives, and timelines. AMS requires that at least 
two (2) Performance Reports will be submitted during the grant 
agreement period on a schedule provided to the awardee.
    12. Final Performance Report. The Final Performance Report is a 
written description of the fulfillment of the project terms required by 
AMS within 90 days after the ending date of the grant agreement. This 
information is utilized as final documentation of completion of the 
workplan goals, objectives, and activities. Details for the 
construction of this report are provided on the FMPP Web site.
    13. Form SF-425, Federal Financial Report currently approved under 
OMB collection number 0348-0061 is required by AMS with each payment 
request. AMS expects that at minimum two (2) or a maximum of seven (7) 
Federal Financial Reports will be submitted depending on the duration 
of the grant agreement period. Additionally, a final ``Federal 
Financial

[[Page 3565]]

Report'' is to be completed once by the awardee(s) 90 days after the 
expiration date of the grant period.
    14. Grant Recordkeeping. AMS requires that grant recipients 
maintain all records pertaining to the grant for a period of 3 years 
after the final status report has been submitted to AMS, in accordance 
with Federal recordkeeping regulations. This requirement is provided in 
7 CFR 3015.21 and 3015.22 and the FMPP General Terms and Conditions, 
which are published at AMS' Marketing Services Branch Web site at: 
http://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.
    AMS submits the following revisions in this information collection:
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 6.77032 hours per response.
    Respondents: Agricultural Cooperatives, Producer Networks, or 
Producer Associations; Local Governments; Nonprofit Corporations; 
Public Benefit Corporations; Economic Development Corporations; 
Regional Farmers' Market Authorities; and Tribal Governments.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,500.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 2.07.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 3,100.
    Estimated total annual burden on the respondents: 20,988 hours.
    AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act that requires Government agencies in general to provide 
the public the option of submitting information or transacting business 
electronically to the maximum extent possible:
     The AD forms can be filled out electronically and scanned 
as a PDF for submission or printed out and saved for the applicant's 
records.
     The SF form can be filled out electronically via the FMPP 
Web site, scanned and submitted as a PDF, and printed or saved for the 
applicant's records.
     The mandatory TM forms ``FMPP Proposal Narrative Form'' 
and ``FMPP Supplemental Budget Summary Form'' can be filled out, 
scanned and submitted as a PDF, and printed or saved for the 
applicant's records.
    Since all applicants are required to submit an FMPP application via 
Grants.gov, all forms, the proposal narrative and eligibility 
statement, can also be filled out electronically and submitted as an 
attachment through Grants.gov during the FMPP application process. 
Additionally, Grants.gov applicants are not required to submit any 
additional (hard copy) paperwork to AMS.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether this information will have practical utility; (2) the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of this collection of 
information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including the 
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    All comments received by AMS will be available for public 
inspection during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern 
Time, Monday through Friday, at the same address; and can be viewed via 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. All responses to this 
notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. 
All comments will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: January 14, 2014.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-01078 Filed 1-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P