[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 54 (Thursday, March 20, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15560-15563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06099]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-TM-14-14-0029; TM-14-02]


Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program: Notice of 
Emergency Approval of New Information Collection for Local Food 
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 emergency approval from the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new collection under the Farmers' 
Market and Local Food Promotion Program. The Farmers' Market and Local 
Food Promotion Program, includes two AMS competitive grant programs: 
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion 
Program (LFPP). This new collection establishes forms and documentation 
under the Local Food Promotion Program.

DATES: Comments received by May 19, 2014 will be considered.
    Additional Information: Contact James Barham, Marketing Services 
Division, Transportation and Marketing Program, Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), USDA; 202/720-8317.

ADDRESSES: Contact James Barham, Marketing Services Division, 
Transportation and Marketing Program, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Room 4509-South Building, Washington, DC 20250; 202/720-
8317, or fax 202/690-0031.
    Comments should AMS-TM-14-0029, TM-14-02 and be sent to James 
Barham at the above address or via the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Local Food Promotion Program
    OMB Number: 0581-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 6 months from publication request.
    Type of Request: Emergency request for a new collection.
    Abstract: The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was initially 
created by amending the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 
(7 U.S.C. 3001-3006) through the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3005) (2002 Farm Bill). It was reauthorized, amended, 
and funded by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
3005) (2008 Farm Bill). Under the recent passage of the Agriculture Act 
of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) (2014 Farm Bill), FMPP has been 
reauthorized, funded, expanded, and renamed as the ``Farmers' Market 
and Local Food Promotion Program.'' As a result, AMS will manage two 
grant programs. The grant programs will be entitled ``Farmers Market 
Promotion Program (FMPP),'' and ``Local Food Promotion Program 
(LFPP).''
    The 2014 Farm Bill makes seven (7) additional changes under the 
``Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program'':
    1. There is a new emphasis on the development and expansion of 
local and regional food business enterprises (not including farmer-to-
consumer direct marketing entities). Under the 2008 Farm Bill, 
authority was only provided to support farmer-to-consumer direct 
marketing activities. The 2014 Farm Bill establishes a more holistic 
approach for strengthening the local and regional food distribution 
system and essentially establishes two separate functions under this 
grant program: Fund direct marketing projects through FMPP grants, and 
fund local and regional food business enterprise projects through LFPP 
grants.
    2. The purposes of the program are expanded by including such 
activities as ``. . . providing outreach, training, and technical 
assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement and 
expansion of'' . . . ``local and regional food business enterprises . . 
. that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally 
produced food products.''
    3. The eligibility of applicants is expanded. New language expands 
an agricultural cooperative to ``an agricultural cooperative or other 
agriculture business entity (including a community supported 
agriculture network or association).''
    4. A 25 percent ``cash or in kind'' match has been introduced for 
projects that will be submitted under the local and regional food 
business enterprise component of the Program. No match is required 
under FMPP grant program.
    5. New priorities for annual awards have been established. Priority 
is to be given to ``projects that benefit underserved communities, 
including communities that (1) are located in areas of concentrated 
poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown foods; 
and (2) have not received benefits from the Program in the recent 
past.''

[[Page 15561]]

    6. The requirement to provide not less than 10 percent of the funds 
used to carry out projects that support the use of electronic benefits 
transfers for Federal nutrition programs at farmers' markets has been 
eliminated.
    7. There is a new funding level of $30 million per fiscal year 
(2014 through 2018), or approximately $15 million per year (includes 
administrative costs) for each of the FMPP and LFPP grant programs.
    The grants authorized under the LFPP are purposed to increase 
domestic consumption of agricultural products and to develop market 
opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by 
developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and 
technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement 
and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises 
(including those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets) that 
process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or regionally 
produced food products.
    Two types of applications will be accepted under LFPP. The first 
type of application will be for planning grants and the second type of 
application will be for implementation grants. Applicants can apply for 
either but will receive one grant in the same grant cycle.
    The following are LFPP forms and information required during the 
LFPP application submission, application review, and post-award 
processes:

Pre-Award

    1. ``Registration with the System for Awards Management (SAM)''--
mandatory for applicants and reviewers.
    2. ``LFPP Announcement and Guidelines''--mandatory for applicants.
    3. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''--mandatory 
for applicants.
    4. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,''--
mandatory for applicants.
    5. ``LFPP Grant Narrative''--mandatory for applicants.
    6. ``LFPP Project Budget and Match Request''--mandatory for 
applicants.
    7. ``Written Proof of Eligibility''--mandatory for applicants.
    8. ``LFPP Verification Letter(s) of Matching Funds''--mandatory for 
applicants.

Application Review

    9. ``LFPP Grant Reviewer Qualifications''--mandatory for reviewers.
    10. Form ``AMS-34, AMS Conflict-Of-Interest and Confidentiality 
Statement For Grant Reviewers''--mandatory for reviewers.

Post-Award

    11. ``LFPP Grant Program, General Terms and Conditions''--mandatory 
for awardees.
    12. Grant Agreement--Form AMS-33, ``United States Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agreement Face Sheet''--
mandatory for awardees.
    13. Form SF-270, ``Request for Advance and Reimbursement''--
mandatory for awardees.
    14. ``LFPP Interim Performance Reports''--mandatory for awardees.
    15. ``LFPP Final Performance Report''--mandatory for awardees.
    16. Form SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report'' and ``Final Federal 
Financial Report''--mandatory for awardees.
    17. ``Grant Recordkeeping''--mandatory for awardees.

Additional Detail on the Above LFPP Forms

Pre-Award

    1. ``Registration with the System of Award Management''--The System 
of Award Management (SAM) is the primary registrant database for the 
U.S. Federal Government. The SAM.gov system is a combination of federal 
procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, and 
includes the Central Contractor Registration. The SAM.gov system 
collects, validates, stores, and disseminates data in support of agency 
acquisition missions, including Federal agency contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and other forms of Federal assistance and 
assistance awards. Whether applying for assistance awards, contracts, 
grants, or other business opportunities, all entities are considered 
``registrants.''
    All eligible entities applying for assistance awards from the 
Federal government via Grants.gov, and (application) reviewers 
receiving a stipend under LFPP, are required to register with SAM.gov 
in order to be awarded or receive funds by the Federal government.
    The type of information requested by SAM.gov includes, but is not 
limited to:
    a. General information, including organization DUNS number, Federal 
Tax Identification Number (TIN), location, employee numbers, and Web 
site address.
    b. Corporate Information, including organization or business type 
and SBA-defined socioeconomic characteristics.
    c. Financial Information, including financial institution, American 
Banking Association (ABA) routing number, account number, remittance 
address, lock box number, automated clearing house (ACH) information, 
and credit card information.
    d. Point of Contact Information, including the primary and 
alternate points of contact and the electronic business, past 
performance, and government points of contact.
    Registrants are required to complete the annual SAM.gov 
registration to provide information relevant to procurement and 
financial transactions. SAM.gov shares the data received from 
registrants with the Federal government. AMS uses this information in 
establishing its electronic (direct deposit) payment system. Note that 
the SAM.gov registration does not guarantee business with the AMS/LFPP 
or any other Federal government agency.
    2. ``LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines''--AMS will publish 
an announcement and guidance documentation which contains information 
regarding how to complete a grant application package, along with a 
public notice of funds. The LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines 
will be revised annually, or as needed, and posted with the application 
announcement at www.Grants.gov and on the AMS Web site at 
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP. While this document is not signed, applicants 
must read and utilize this document to prepare their application, 
review which items are allowable, and understand the terms and 
conditions of the grant award. This form is currently being developed. 
As such, this information collection includes a document similar in 
content, ``2012 FMPP Guidelines,'' to serve as an example of the 
announcement and program guidelines.
    3. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (approved 
under OMB collection number 4040-0004) is required by all entities 
seeking Federal assistance.
    4. 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.
    5. LFPP Grant Narrative. Completed applications must include a 
project narrative. The submitted narrative must not exceed 12 typed 
single-spaced 8'' x 11'' pages and include the following information:
    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

[[Page 15562]]

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. Grant Application Type. The type of application being submitted 
to LFPP; ``Planning Grant'' or ``Implementation Grant.''
    e. Requested LFPP Funding and Matching Funds. The dollar amount 
requested from LFPP, and the amount of the matching funds.
    f. Entity Type and Eligibility Statement. The entity type, 
statement of qualification as an eligible entity, and any required 
documentation of eligibility.
    g. Priority Project Selection. Indication of LFPP Priority, i.e., 
whether or not the proposal serves or is being implemented in an area 
of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or 
regionally grown foods.
    h. Executive Summary. The proposal summary provides the project 
description, goals to be accomplished, expected outcomes, and the 
timeframe for completion.
    i. 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.
    j. Work Plan, Resources, and Timeline Requirements. A list of each 
planned activity, a timeline for completion, resources needed, and 
milestones for assessing progress for each activity.
    k. Expected Outcomes and Intended Beneficiaries. List of outcomes 
of the project and the intended beneficiaries of each outcome. Describe 
the method of quantifying the outcomes and demonstrate impact of the 
project.
    l. Budget Justification. After preparing the budget using the 
``LFPP Project Budget and Match Request'' form, provide a written 
justification to explain how the items requested are reasonable and 
support the project's purpose and goals.
    m. Project Planning or Implementation Areas. Information about the 
location(s) of the priority project(s), including the street address, 
city, state, zip code, and maps.
    Given that this program will be established for the first time, AMS 
may review and revise the form annually.
    6. LFPP Project Budget and Match and Budget Request. Each applicant 
must provide line-item details about the requested funds and required 
25 percent match. Each budget request and match must:
    a. List each under the following categories: Personnel, 
Contractors, Travel, Equipment ($5,000 or more per unit), Supplies 
(includes equipment less than $5,000), Other, and Indirect Costs.
    b. Be itemized, listing separately each item, its costs, and use.
    c. Correlate to the purpose/goals of the project and demonstrate 
that the budget is reasonable and adequate for the proposed work.
    d. Be substantiated in a written budget justification.
    AMS may review and revise the form annually. For complete 
information on how to complete the LFPP budget spreadsheet, refer to 
the LFPP Announcement and Program Guidelines by visiting http://www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
    7. ``Written Proof of Eligibility''--In addition to an explanation 
in the narrative of how the applicant/organization qualifies as an 
eligible entity, written proof must also be provided in the application 
package. This documentation may include, for example for a nonprofit, a 
copy of the organization's letter of determination from the State or 
Internal Revenue Service indicating the date of incorporation as a 
nonprofit.
    8. ``LFPP Verification Letter(s) of Matching Funds''--Completed 
applications must include written verification of commitment from each 
third party who will contribute cash and/or in-kind matching non-
Federal resources to the project.

Application Review

    AMS requests potential grant reviewers to read and complete the 
following form:
    9. ``LFPP Grant Reviewer Qualifications''--AMS utilizes this 
mandatory form for reviewers to complete and submit their personal or 
work qualifications and resume. Reviewers must have a general knowledge 
of local and regional food enterprises that includes, but is not 
limited to, the financing, establishing, and operational aspects of 
businesses enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, and/or 
store locally or regionally produced food products. Reviewers will 
apply their knowledge and expertise in these areas to objectively 
assess applications and provide both a numeric score and written 
comments for each application.
    The form contains a checklist for potential reviewers to identify 
their employment and voluntary work experience. Boxes are provided for 
potential reviewers to indicate (a) their area of experience or 
expertise and (b) whether the person is a current or retired nonprofit, 
for-profit, or Federal/State government employee. The form is not 
signed, but submitted via email along with a copy of their resume.
    AMS will review and may revise the form annually. AMS may also 
request additional information or clarification from potential 
reviewers. The reviewer qualifications are used to determine whether a 
reviewer is qualified to serve as part of the grant review process.
    AMS also requires anyone serving as a grant reviewer to comply with 
and sign the following:
    10. ``AMS-34, AMS Conflict-Of-Interest and Confidentiality 
Statement For Grant Reviewers''--This mandatory form for reviewers to 
sign indicates compliance with the conflict of interest and 
confidentiality requirements. Regarding confidentiality, reviewers must 
agree not to copy, quote, or otherwise use or disclose to anyone, any 
information from any application. Reviewers must also agree with the 
conflict of interest requirements, which include that the reviewer does 
not have: (a) A direct financial interest in the review outcome; or 
have direct and predictable financial interests in the outcome; (b) 
indirect interests with the organization or personnel submitting an 
application under LFPP; or (c) any relationship, such as a close 
personnel friendship, that may affect the reviewers' judgment or be 
seen as doing so by a reasonable person familiar with the relationship.
    Peer reviewers will not be eligible to serve as a reviewer if they 
are (a) employed by, volunteer for, or serve as a board member or other 
type of committee/team member for an organization that submitted an 
application that same year under LFPP; or (b) a proposed subcontractor 
or financial beneficiary in a budget from any organization submitting 
an application that same year under LFPP.

Post-Award

    Before grant funds are dispersed, applicants that are selected 
(awardees) must comply with the terms and conditions of the grant and 
sign the grant agreement. The terms and conditions are provided under 
form:
    11. ``LFPP Grant Program, General Terms and Conditions''--This is a 
mandatory form for awardees indicating compliance with terms and 
conditions of the award and all Federal grant

[[Page 15563]]

regulations and administrative requirements including 7 CFR parts 3015, 
3016, 3018, 3019; and FAR 31.2. The document also includes awardee 
assurances and certifications with the incoming application submission; 
changes in project contacts, leaders, managers, and staff; cost 
principles; actions that need prior approval; performance monitoring; 
reporting requirements; and payment requirements.
    The LFPP Grant Program General Terms and Conditions may be updated 
annually to reflect mandatory additions and other changes made by 
regulatory or Office of Management and Budget grant requirements. This 
document, which is currently being developed, does not require a 
signature. As such, this information collection includes a similar 
document, ``FMPP General Terms and Conditions,'' to serve as an 
example.
    12. Grant Agreement--Form AMS-33, United States Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Agreement Face Sheet.'' 
The grant agreement includes 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 Program's Deputy Administrator's signatures. Two (2) copies 
of this agreement are required with the awardee's and the AMS 
Transportation and Marketing Program's Deputy Administrator's office 
signatures and dated for each grant.
    The grant agreement face sheet includes a document which outlines 
the award terms and conditions. By signing the agreement face sheet, 
applicants agree to adhere to the term and conditions of the grant 
award.
    13. 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 two (2) SF-270 forms will be submitted 
during the grant agreement period.
    14. Interim Performance Reports. The Interim Performance Report is 
written documentation required to notify AMS about the work activities 
and progress towards completing the awardee's established project work 
plan goals, objectives, and timelines. AMS requires that the Interim 
Performance Report be submitted at the mid-point of the grant agreement 
period.
    15. 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 
work plan goals, objectives, and activities. Details of this report are 
provided on the AMS Web site at http://www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
    16. 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 a minimum of 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 Report'' is to be completed once by the awardee(s) 90 days 
after the expiration date of the grant period.
    17. 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 Sec.  3015.21 and 3015.22 and the LFPP General Terms and 
Conditions, which are published at the AMS Web site at 
www.ams.usda.gov/LFPP.
    The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes funding for grants under LFPP, 
allocating mandatory funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation, with 
$15 million for each year from 2014 through 2018.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 4.62 hours per response.
    Respondents: Agricultural Cooperatives, Agriculture Business 
Entities; Community Supported Agriculture Networks or Associations; 
Producer Networks or Associations; Local and Tribal Governments; 
Nonprofit Corporations; Public Benefit Corporations; Economic 
Development Corporations; and Regional Farmers' Market Authorities.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,500.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 7.10.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 10,650.
    Estimated total annual burden on the respondents: 49,200 hours.
    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: March 11, 2014.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06099 Filed 3-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P