[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1861-1870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00479]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 9 / Thursday, January 14, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 1861]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

7 CFR Part 3570

RIN 0575-AD02


Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule with comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Title VI, Section 6006 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. 
L. 113-79)(2014 Farm Bill) authorized the Essential Community 
Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Program. The Act 
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to public bodies 
and private nonprofit corporations, (such as States, counties, cities, 
townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, 
districts, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) that 
will serve Rural Areas for the purpose of providing technical 
assistance and training, with respect to essential community facilities 
programs. This rule implements Section 6006 of the 2014 Farm Bill, by 
establishing the policies and procedures for the Technical Assistance 
and Training (TAT) grants program. The intended effect of this action 
is to assist rural communities in meeting the community facility needs.

DATES: Effective date: This final rule is effective March 14, 2016.
    Comments due date: Written comments on this rule must be received 
on or before March 14, 2016. The comment period for information 
collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 continues through 
March 14, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to this rule by any of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions on Regulations.gov for submitting comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments via the U.S. Postal Service 
to the Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0742.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Submit written comments via Federal 
Express Mail or another mail courier service requiring a street address 
to the Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 300 7th Street SW., 7th Floor, Suite 701, 
Washington, DC 20024.
    All written comments will be available for public inspection during 
regular work hours at the 300 7th Street, SW., address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Chitwood, Regional Coordinator, 
Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 601 Business 
Loop 70 West, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203 telephone: (573) 876-0965. 
Email contact: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

I. Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(CONACT) (7 U.S.C 1926(a)) was amended by Section 6006 of the 
Agriculture Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79)to establish the Community 
Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants program. This 
action is needed to implement Section 6006 of the 2014 Farm Bill, which 
authorizes grants to be made to Public Bodies, Nonprofit Corporations, 
and Federally-recognized tribes and Indian Tribes on Federal and State 
Reservations that will serve Rural Areas for the purpose of enabling 
the Grantees to provide Technical Assistance and training with respect 
to Essential Community Facilities authorized under Section 306(a)(1) of 
the CONACT (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)).

II. Cost and Benefits

    Because this grant is new to the Agency, there is no history to use 
to determine a cost to apply. Therefore, the Agency examined similar 
programs administered by other agencies within the Department. The 
Agency used the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Water and Environmental 
Programs (WEP) Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) grant as a 
comparison. The number of applications and the number of awarded grants 
used in the calculation are the same as the number of WEP TAT 
applications and grants awarded last year. The Agency based our 
calculations upon receiving 70 total applications with 35 of them 
selected for funding. The costs include the estimated time for 70 
applicants to complete and submit an application and for the 35 
successful applicants to carry out the activities of an awarded grant. 
The Agency used similar cost projects as used by WEP for their TAT 
grant. The total expense for all the applicants and successful 
applicants was estimate to be approximately $188,000.
    This program will benefit Rural Area residents by providing 
training, managerial assistance, and assistance to entities making 
application to the Community Facilities Program. The Agency understands 
there is a great need for this type of assistance in Rural Areas.

Executive Order 12866--Classification

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order (EO) 12866 
and has been determined not significant by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB).

Programs Affected

    The affected programs are listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance Program under 10.766, Community Facilities Loans and Grants.

Executive Order 12372--Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, 
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. The Agency conducts intergovernmental consultations for each 
loan in the manner delineated in 2 CFR part 415, subpart C. Note that 
not all States have chosen to participate in the intergovernmental 
review process. A list of participating States is available at the 
following Web site: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.

[[Page 1862]]

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order (EO) 13175 requires Federal 
agencies to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-
government basis on policies that have tribal implications, including 
regulations, legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other 
policy statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
    The Agency has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian tribes 
and determined that this rule does not, to our knowledge, have tribal 
implications that require tribal consultation under EO 13175. However, 
since technical assistance and training associated with the development 
of essential community facilities is a resource needed by many Tribes, 
the Agency commits to provide at least one Tribal Consultation, focused 
on unique challenges (and potential solutions) coinciding with the 
implementation of this rule. If a Tribe requests consultation, the 
Agency will work with the Office of Tribal Relations to ensure 
meaningful consultation is provided where changes, additions and 
modifications identified herein are not expressly mandated by Congress. 
If a tribe would like to engage in consultation with the Agency on this 
rule, please contact the Agency's Native American Coordinator at (720) 
544-2911 or [email protected].

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. In accordance with this rule: (1) All State and local 
laws and regulations that are in conflict with this rule will be 
preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule; and 
(3) administrative proceedings of the National Appeals Division (7 CFR 
part 11) must be exhausted before bringing suit in court challenging 
action taken under this rule unless those regulations specifically 
allow bringing suit at an earlier time.

Environmental Impact Statement

    The document has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, 
subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' The Agency has determined that 
this action does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment and, in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., 
an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the 
Agency generally must prepare a written Statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal 
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any 1 year. When such a Statement is needed for a 
rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Agency to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and adopt 
the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objectives of the rule. This final rule contains no 
Federal mandates (under the regulatory provisions of title II of the 
UMRA) for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. 
Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 
and 205 of the UMRA.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) (RFA) generally 
requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any 
rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the 
Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the Agency 
certifies that the rule will not have an economically significant 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small entities 
include small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental 
jurisdictions. This rule has been reviewed with regard to the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612). The 
undersigned has determined and certified by signature of this document 
that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities because this rulemaking action 
does not involve a new or expanded program.

Executive Order--13132--Federalism

    It has been determined, under EO 13132, Federalism, that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The policies contained in this 
rule do not have any substantial direct effect on States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. Nor does this rule impose substantial direct compliance 
costs on State and local governments. Therefore, consultation with the 
States is not required.

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Agency is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to 
promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies to 
provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Agency 
is now seeking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of 
the reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this rule. 
This information collection requirement will not become effective until 
approved by OMB.
    Title: Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training 
Grants.
    OMB Number: 0575-NEW.
    Type of Request: New collection.
    Abstract: This is a new information collection. This information is 
vital to the Agency to make wise decisions regarding the eligibility of 
Projects and Applicants in order to reduce the risk associated with 
making grants, to ensure compliance with the rule, and to ensure that 
funds obtained from the Government are used appropriately. This 
collection of information is necessary in order to implement the 
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grants 
regulation.
    The following estimates are based on the average over the first 
three years the program is in place.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 47 hours per response.
    Respondents: Rural developers, public bodies, local governments, 
non-profits and federally recognized tribes.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 70.

[[Page 1863]]

    Estimated Number of Responses: 70.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3,290.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
functions of Agency, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be 
sent to Jeanne Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250. All responses to this 
notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. 
All comments will also become a matter of public record.

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

Discussion of the Final Rule

    The following paragraphs discuss each section of the Final rule and 
provide additional information on the Agency's intent in implementing 
each section.

A. Purpose (Sec.  3570.251)

    This section describes the purpose, scope and applicability of the 
program. The Agency will make grants to Nonprofit Corporations and 
Public Bodies, including Federally recognized Tribes and Indian Tribes 
on Federal and State reservations, to provide to associations Technical 
Assistance and/or training with respect to essential community 
facilities programs. In many cases there is a need to hire outside 
consultants to prepare reports, such as Architectural or financial 
feasibility, and surveys necessary to request financial assistance to 
develop the identified community facilities. The Grantee can then 
assist in preparing applications for financial assistance. If an 
existing community facility borrower or grantee needs to improve the 
management, including financial management, related to their existing 
community facility operations, the Grantee may assist in providing such 
service. The Agency may also request assistance with other areas of 
need that have been identified. Any area of need identified will be 
announced in the Notice.
    The Agency recognizes and understands that many smaller, low income 
rural communities have very limited resources and staff to identify 
needs, develop application for financing, and operate essential 
community facilities. In many cases, those communities are governed by 
volunteers who lack the time or the expertise to develop an essential 
community facility. These grants will allow the Agency to provide funds 
to those communities so they may obtain the types of services they need 
in order to develop their community facility.
    It is the intent of this program to assist entities in rural area 
in accessing funding under the Rural Housing Services Community 
Facilities Programs.

B. Definitions and Abbreviations (Sec.  3570.252)

    This section presents program specific definitions to clarify terms 
used in the rule. Program definitions are found at 7 CFR 3570.63, and 
apply to this regulation. Many of the definitions in this section are 
self-explanatory. The following definitions have specific meaning to 
this regulation:
    1. Actual Capacity: The Rural Community Development Initiative 
(RCDI) Grant uses this term. This term is significant because it 
describes the level of expertise required by the Technical Assistance 
Provider. The eligible purposes of the RCDI program are different than 
this program. The Agency used the basic language of the definition of 
capacity in the RCDI Grant and modified it to meet the eligible 
purposes of this grant.
    2. Applicant: To be eligible to apply for TAT grant funds, the 
applicant must be a public body or a private nonprofit corporation, 
(such as State, county, city, township, and incorporated town and 
village, borough, authority, district, and Indian tribes on Federal and 
State reservation). A Nonprofit corporation that applies for this 
program as a Technical Assistance Provider must be designated tax-
exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. This was added by the Agency to 
ensure that Nonprofit corporations that apply are not structured to 
only benefit the members of the corporation. This same requirement 
exists in other USDA grant programs such as the Rural Utilities Service 
Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program. Nonprofit Corporations 
applying as Ultimate Recipients must demonstrate Community Ties to the 
Rural Area. Public bodies and Indian Tribes applying as Ultimate 
Recipients do not need to further demonstrate Community Ties under this 
regulation.
    3. Audit: Audit is a general term that is used throughout the 
Agency. The requirements for when an audit is required can be found at 
2 CFR parts 200 and 400.
    4. Community Ties: this definition is needed to demonstrate the 
requisite significant ties to the local Rural Area. This definition was 
taken from existing Agency guidance for the CF program.
    5. CONACT: This is the general abbreviation of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act and is widely used throughout the 
Agency.

[[Page 1864]]

    6. Conflict of Interest: This is a standard definition that is used 
by CF in their other programs.
    7. DUNS: This is the general abbreviation for the Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) which is obtained through Dun and Bradstreet. 
It is a general term used throughout the Agency.
    8. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): the standard 
framework of guidelines for financial accounting used in any given 
jurisdiction; generally known as accounting standards or standard 
accounting practice. These include the standards, conventions, and 
rules that accountants follow in recording and summarizing and in the 
preparation of financial statements.
    9. Indian Tribe: This is the same definition that is used in the 
Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program. The language in the 
statute specifically mentioned Indian Tribes located on Federal or 
State recognized Indian reservations; however, the list of examples was 
inexhaustive. The Agency determined that this language was not intended 
to prohibit Indian Tribes not located on a Federal or State recognized 
reservation from being eligible. The Agency has added all Federal and 
State recognized Indian Tribes as eligible to apply for this grant. The 
language is the same as the applicant eligibility requirements of the 
Community Facility Programs.
    10. Jurisdiction: This definition was added so that the Agency 
could give priority to those projects that serve multiple units of 
local governance such as counties, cities, townships, special use 
districts and others.
    11. Letter of Conditions: This is a general term used throughout 
the Agency to describe the document issued by the Agency that lists the 
requirements that must be met before grant funds are made available to 
the Grantee.
    12. Low Income: The Agency intends for this program to assist low 
income areas. Additional points are awarded to projects serving low 
income areas. The Agency will compare the median household income (MHI) 
of the projects service area to the state's nonmetropolitan median 
household income. To be inclusive, the Agency is defining low income as 
being below the state's nonmetropolitan median household income or the 
poverty line whichever is higher. The MHI is based upon the service 
area of the facility, not the location. The State's MHI can be obtained 
by contacting the Agency. The poverty line is defined in a separate 
definition.
    13. Multi-Jurisdictional: The Agency wants to give priority to 
those projects that cover more than one unit of government. Points are 
awarded to projects based upon the number of jurisdictions involved in 
the project. For the purpose of the grant priority will be given to a 
project that covers at least two jurisdictions. Two or more counties or 
cities, or Tribes that work together on a project would be considered 
multi-jurisdictional.
    14. Professional Services: The Agency recognizes that one of the 
major hurdles a potential applicant faces is obtaining funds to hire a 
professional provider such as an architect, engineer, accountant, and 
other types of professional services. In order to submit a complete 
application to the Agency for Community Facility Loans and Grant the 
applicant may have to provide a preliminary architectural report (PAR), 
a preliminary engineering report, a financial feasibility report 
completed by an independent third party, or other types of professional 
assistance. These professional services many times are not provided by 
a technical assistance provider. The Agency separated out these types 
of services so an applicant may apply for grant funds to contract 
directly for these types of services without having a technical 
services provider.
    15. Project: This is a term used throughout the Agency to describe 
the eligible purpose that the applicant is seeking grant funding for.
    16. Project Cost: This is a term throughout the Agency to describe 
the amount of funds needed to complete the proposed Project.
    17. Secretary: This is the general term used to describe the 
Secretary of Agriculture.
    18. Technical Assistance: The Agency intends for this definition to 
be broad in order to give applicants the flexibility to solve problems 
that are important in the rural areas they serve. The technical 
assistance can include feasibility studies, gathering information for 
environmental reviews, obtaining professional services, assisting with 
bookkeeping, providing training for existing facilities, and other 
types of problem solving activities, but must be for an eligible CF 
project.
    19. Technical Assistance Provider: This is the entity that provides 
the Technical Assistance.
    20. Ultimate Recipient: The Ultimate Recipient is the entity that 
is be assisted by the applicant. An applicant may also be the Ultimate 
Recipient. For example, a city may apply for grant funds to hire an 
architect to complete a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) for the 
construction of a fire station. If the Applicant and the Ultimate 
Recipient are the same entity, they must meet the definition of both 
the Applicant and the Ultimate recipient.

C. Compliance With Federal and State Requirements (Sec.  3570.253)

    This section lists some of the Federal and State Requirements that 
also apply to this grant.

D. Source of Funds (Sec.  3570.254)

    By statute, the Secretary must make available for this program at 
least three percent (3%) of the annual appropriated funds for the 
Community Facilities Loan, Grant and Guaranteed Programs. The Secretary 
cannot make more than five percent (5%) of those funds available. 
Because the Agency recognizes that these funds are in great demand to 
assist entities in rural areas, the Secretary will make the maximum of 
five percent (5%) available each year unless the Secretary lowers the 
amount by announcing the reduction in a Notice in the Federal Register. 
These funds will be available until July 31 of each year. The Agency 
has established this date so that any unused TAT funds may be reverted 
back to other CF program accounts so that the Agency is able to utilize 
the funds for other CF projects. The Agency believes there is adequate 
need for the TAT funds and that they will be utilized by the July 31 
deadline. Any unused funds will revert back to the Community Facilities 
Loan, Grant and Guaranteed Programs.

E. Matching Funds (Sec.  3570.255)

    The Agency encourages any applicant to use matching funds, if 
available, in order to maximize the program benefit and outreach and to 
encourage the partnership between the government and the private 
sector. Priority will be given those applicants who commit matching 
funds in the amount of at least 5% of the total project costs.

F. Allocation of Funds (Sec.  3570.256)

    The Agency will administer these funds and award them on a 
competitive basis.

G. Statute and Regulation Reference (Sec.  3570.257)

    All references to statutes and regulations will include all 
successor statutes and regulations.

H. Environmental and Intergovernmental Review (Sec.  3570.261)

    This section lists the environmental and intergovernmental review 
policies that must be met. The intergovernmental review process may

[[Page 1865]]

not be required in every state. To see if the intergovernmental review 
is required in your state, you can contact the State Office.

I. Applicant Eligibility Requirements (Sec.  3570.262)

    This section addresses the eligibility requirement for the 
Applicant and the Ultimate recipient. The Applicant may apply as a 
Technical Assistance Provider (not the Ultimate Recipient) or as an 
Ultimate Recipient.
    1. Applicants applying as Technical Assistance Providers must be a 
Nonprofit corporation with a tax exempt status from the IRS, a Public 
Body, or Federally recognized Indian Tribe or Indian Tribe on a Federal 
or State reservation. A Technical Assistance Provider does not have to 
be located in the rural area. It is the experience of the agency that 
many experienced Technical Assistance Providers are located outside of 
the rural area. Therefore, there is no community ties requirement for 
Technical Assistance Providers. There is a tax-exempt status 
requirement however. This exists to ensure that the Technical 
Assistance Providers are operating on a not for profit basis. The 
applicant may provide the technical assistance through its existing 
staff, be assisted by an affiliate or member organization that has 
experience, or contract out for no more than 49% of the expertise 
needed to provide the technical assistance. The Agency determined that 
if the applicant had to contract for more than 49% of the technical 
assistance provided, then the applicant did not possess adequate 
experience. This same requirement is used in the Agency's Rural 
Community Development Initiative (RCDI) which also provides technical 
assistance and training grants.
    2. Applicants applying as Ultimate Recipients must meet these same 
requirements, except that if they are a Nonprofit Corporation, they 
don't need to demonstrate a tax-exempt status from the IRS. Ultimate 
Recipients that are nonprofit corporations must demonstrate Community 
Ties as outlined in Sec.  3570.262(b)(3)(i) through (iii). It is the 
opinion of the Agency that such ties are necessary to ensure that the 
project will carry out a public purpose and continue to primarily serve 
a Rural Area. Ultimate Recipients that are Public bodies or Indian 
Tribes are not required to further demonstrate Community Ties since 
these ties are demonstrated by the way the Public Bodies and Indian 
Tribes are structured. This program is meant to assist entities apply 
for funding from the Community Facilities programs. If the ultimate 
recipient for this grant is not eligible to obtain funding from the 
Community Facilities program, the use of these funds does not meet the 
intent of this grant.

J. Eligible Project Purposes (Sec.  3570.263)

    The statute defines the eligible uses of grant funds. The Agency 
did not further restrict the purposes in the regulation. The Agency 
wants this grant program to provide great flexibility and allow the 
applicants and ultimate recipients to assess their needs and request 
funds that meet one or more of the eligible purposes.

K. Ineligible Project Purposes (Sec.  3570.264)

    This section lists activities that cannot be funded with these 
grants. This grant program is not intended to fund duplicate services 
including those previously performed. Grant funds cannot be used to pay 
for expenses reimbursed by other funding sources. Since this is a 
technical assistance and training grant program, grant funds may not be 
used to purchase real estate, improve or develop office space or repair 
and maintain private property. If an applicant or ultimate recipient 
has these needs, the Community Facilities programs may provide funding 
for this purpose. Furthermore, funding such purposes with a TAT grant 
would be duplicative and inconsistent with the authorized intended use 
of these funds. An applicant cannot obtain grant funds to do outreach 
to generate applications for the Community Facilities Program without 
there having been community involvement in identifying an existing 
need. The applicant may work with ultimate recipients to assist them in 
making applications to the Community Facilities programs. The 
assistance may include preparing budgets, compiling information 
requested by the Agency, or any other assistance which may be requested 
by the ultimate recipient. The Agency also limited the amount of 
indirect or administrative costs that can be incurred as part of the 
project to ten percent (10%). The Agency determined that the demand for 
these funds far exceed the amount of funds available. The limit on the 
amount of funds that can be used for indirect or administrative costs 
will allow more grant funds to be available to assist ultimate 
recipients. Grant funds may not be used to prepare environmental 
assessments for the ultimate recipient to make application to the 
Community Facilities programs. The Agency is ultimately responsible for 
completing environmental assessments; therefore, the Agency has 
determined that these grant funds cannot be used for that purpose. The 
statute further requires that the grant benefit Rural Areas. In order 
to meet this requirement, the Agency is requiring the ultimate 
recipient and project to be located in a Rural Area. If either is not 
located in a Rural Area the project would not be eligible for a TAT 
grant. The Agency determined that grant funds must be used to provide 
assistance to a project that primarily serves an area that is 
considered low income. Limited grant funds should be targeted to those 
areas with low income. The Community Facilities grant program prohibits 
projects in areas with a median household income (MHI) exceeding 90% of 
the State's MHI. This grant is more inclusive as it allows the MHI of 
the project's service area to be up to 100% of the state's MHI to 
maximize the number of low income communities that are eligible for 
this assistance.

L. Applications (Sec.  3570.267)

    This section outlines what is required to submit an application for 
grant funding. The Agency will publish an annual Notice in the Federal 
Register which will state the application filing period. The Notice 
will advise the public where applications are to be submitted and how 
they may contact the Agency with questions regarding the application 
process. The Agency will accept electronic applications through the 
Grants.gov Web site. Instructions for submitting applications via 
grants.gov will be available on the grants.gov Web site. The applicant 
should be aware that the application process via grants.gov may take 
several days to complete. The applicant will have the option to submit 
paper applications to an address in the Federal Register Notice. The 
required forms and narrative information that needs to be submitted in 
the application packet is listed in this section.

M. Grant Processing (Sec.  3570.272)

    This section describes how applications will be processed by the 
Agency. The procedures described in this section are standard 
procedures and are meant to encourage complete applications and provide 
the necessary assistance to applicants.

N. Scoring (Sec.  3570.273)

    The Agency will score and rank applications based on the income of 
the service area of the Ultimate Recipients, Multi-Jurisdictions, 
soundness of approach, matching funds, State Director discretionary 
points and Administrator discretionary points. Congress mandated that 
the Agency give priority to applicants that have

[[Page 1866]]

experience providing technical assistance and training. Because of this 
mandate from Congress, the Agency gave significant weight to this 
priority (maximum 40 points). The Agency may revise this scoring 
process in its annual Notice in the Federal Register.

O. Funds Disbursement (Sec.  3570.274)

    All funds will be disbursed in accordance with 2 CFR parts 200 and 
400. The grantee may receive advance payments if the grantee 
demonstrates it has the financial management systems in place to 
control the grant funds and account for the use of all the grant funds. 
The Grantee can request a reimbursement method of payment by using 
Standard Form SF 270 ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement''. If the 
project includes matching funds, the request for grant funds must also 
account for the usage of any required matching funds.

P. Grant Cancellation or Major Changes (Sec.  3570.275)

    Any grant cancellations and major changes will be in accordance 
with 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. This section outlines the requirements 
for making changes in the scope of work. The Agency understands that 
projects can change and other needs may be identified. Therefore, the 
Agency is willing to allow the grantee to request changes to the 
project. Any changes to the scope of work must also be eligible grant 
purposes.

Q. Reporting (Sec.  3570.276)

    This section outlines the reporting requirements the grantee must 
follow. Reports will be required to be submitted according to the 
schedule set in the grant agreement, which will be no more frequent 
than quarterly. The Agency uses these reports to monitor the progress 
of the project. The report must show how grant funds and any matching 
funds are spent. The reports will include the SF 425 ``Federal 
Financial Report'' and a Project Performance Report. The Agency and the 
grantee will use these reports to make sure the time schedules are 
being met and address any challenges that the grantee may be facing. 
The Agency requires the grantee to list actual accomplishments for each 
reporting period. The grantee must explain why any objectives were not 
achieved during the reporting cycle. The Agency will require the 
grantee to provide a summary of the race, sex, and national origin of 
the ultimate recipients. This information is used by the Agency to 
monitor any possible discrimination in its Federal programs. The Agency 
is requiring additional information to be submitted with the final 
report. The Agency requests grantees to describe challenges they faced 
during the project, advice they would give to future grantees, the 
strengths and weaknesses of the grant, what improvements could be made 
to the grant process, and the post-grant plans for the project. The 
Agency will use this feedback to improve the grant process.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3570

    Grant programs--Housing and community development, Reporting 
requirements, Rural areas, and Technical assistance.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, Chapter XXXV, title 7 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 3570--COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

0
1. The authority citation for part 3570 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989.


0
2. Add and reserve subparts C, D, and E.

0
3. Add subpart F, consisting of Sec. Sec.  3570.251 through 3570.300, 
to read as follows:
Subpart F--Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training 
Grants
Sec.
3570.251 Purpose.
3570.252 Definitions and abbreviations.
3570.253 Compliance with Federal and State requirements.
3570.254 Source of funds.
3570.255 Matching funds.
3570.256 Allocation of funds.
3570.257 Statute and regulation references.
3570.258-3570.260 [Reserved]
3570.261 Environmental and intergovernmental review.
3570.262 Applicant eligibility requirements.
3570.263 Eligible project purposes.
3570.264 Ineligible project purposes.
3570.265-3570.266 [Reserved]
3570.267 Applications.
3570.268-3570.271 [Reserved]
3570.272 Grant processing.
3570.273 Scoring.
3570.274 Fund disbursement.
3570.275 Grant cancellation or major changes.
3570.276 Reporting.
3570.277 Audit or financial statement.
3570.278-3570.280 [Reserved]
3570.281 Grant servicing.
3570.282 [Reserved]
3570.283 Exception authority.
3570.284 Review or appeal rights.
3570.285-3570.299 [Reserved]
3570.300 OMB control number.

Subpart F--Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training 
Grants


Sec.  3570.251  Purpose.

    This subpart contains the provisions and procedures by which the 
Agency will administer the Essential Community Facilities Technical 
Assistance and Training Program. The purpose of the program is to 
provide technical assistance and training with respect to essential 
community facilities programs. To meet this purpose, the Agency will 
make grants to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such 
as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and 
villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on 
Federal and State reservations) to provide associations Technical 
Assistance and/or training with respect to essential community 
facilities programs. The Technical Assistance and/or training will 
assist communities, Indian Tribes, and Nonprofit Corporations to 
identify and plan for community facility needs that exist in their 
area. Once those needs have been identified, the Grantee can assist in 
identifying public and private resources to finance those identified 
community facility needs.


Sec.  3570.252  Definitions and abbreviations.

    The definitions and abbreviations in Sec.  3570.53 apply to this 
subpart unless otherwise provided. In addition, these definitions and 
abbreviations are used in this subpart:
    Actual capacity. The demonstrated ability of the Technical 
Assistance Provider to develop the capacity of Ultimate Recipients in 
the areas of developing applications for the Community Facilities 
program, improving the management capabilities of their community 
facilities, and providing training.
    Administrator. The Administrator of the Rural Housing Service 
(RHS).
    Applicant. Public bodies and private nonprofit corporations, (such 
as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and 
villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on 
Federal and State reservations) that has applied for, or intends to 
apply for, a Technical Assistance and Training Grant under this 
subpart. The applicant must be either a Technical Assistance Provider 
or an Ultimate Recipient.
    Audit. An examination of an organization's financial Statements by 
an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA), for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the fairness

[[Page 1867]]

with which the Statements present the financial position, results of 
operations, and changes in cash flows in conformity with Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and for determining whether the 
Applicant or Ultimate Recipient of Federal government funding has 
complied with the applicable laws, regulations, and contract for those 
events reflected in the financial Statements. All audits must meet the 
requirements of 2 CFR 200.500-200.518.
    Community ties. The significant ties to the Rural Area that need to 
be demonstrated by a Nonprofit corporation who is an Ultimate 
Recipient, by either substantial public funding through taxes, revenue 
bonds or other local Government sources, and/or substantial voluntary 
community funding; and, a broadly-based ownership and control by 
members of the community. It can also be demonstrated by local 
membership and control characteristics.
    CONACT. The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1926 et seq).
    Conflict of interest. A situation in which a person or entity has 
competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it 
difficult for the person or business to act impartially. Regarding use 
of both grant and matching funds, Federal procurement standards 
prohibit transactions that involve a real or apparent conflict of 
interest for owners, employees, officers, agents, or their immediate 
family members having a financial or other interest in the outcome of 
the Project; or that restrict open and free competition for 
unrestrained trade. Specifically, Project funds may not be used for 
services or goods going to, or coming from, a person or entity with a 
real or apparent Conflict of Interest, including, but not limited to, 
owner(s) and their immediate family members. An example of Conflict of 
Interest occurs when the Grantee's employees, board of directors, or 
the immediate family of either, have the appearance of a professional 
or personal financial interest in the Applicant receiving the benefits 
or services of the grant.
    DUNS. A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) which is obtained 
from Dun and Bradstreet and is used when applying for Federal financial 
assistance.
    Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). A widely accepted 
set of rules, conventions, standards and procedures for reporting 
financial information, as established by the Financial Accounting 
Standards Board.
    Indian Tribe. Any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized 
group or community, including Alaska Native village or regional or 
village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], 
which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services 
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as 
Indians.
    Jurisdiction. A unit of government or other entity with similar 
powers. Examples include, but are not limited to: City, county, 
district, special purpose district, township, town, borough, village, 
and State.
    Letter of Conditions. A legal document presented to the Applicant 
selected for funding that outlines all conditions that must be agreed 
to and accepted before final grant approval.
    Low income. A median household income (MHI) that does not exceed 
the State Non-Metropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI) or the 
Poverty Line, whichever is higher.
    Multi-jurisdictional. Concerning two or more Jurisdictions.
    Professional services. Services provided by a person or entity 
having specialized knowledge and skills to plan, design, prepare 
procurement, construction, or other technical support documents, 
administer construction contracts, and/or other related services for a 
Project.
    Project. The Technical Assistance that an Applicant is currently 
planning as described in the Project description in the application, to 
be financed in whole or in part with Agency assistance.
    Secretary. The Secretary of Agriculture.
    Technical Assistance. A function such as supervision, oversight, 
training, or professional consultation related to an Essential 
Community Facility that is performed for the benefit of an Ultimate 
Recipient or proposed Ultimate Recipient, which is a problem solving 
activity, as determined by the Agency.
    Technical Assistance Provider. Grantee who will provide technical 
assistance to Ultimate Recipients.
    Ultimate Recipient. Entity receiving assistance from the Grantee. 
If a Nonprofit corporation is either applying for funding as an 
Ultimate Recipient or is benefitting from the TAT Grant as the Ultimate 
Recipient, it must demonstrate Community Ties to the Rural Area. These 
ties may be demonstrated by:
    (1) Obtaining substantial public funding through taxes revenue 
bonds, or other local Government sources, and/or substantial voluntary 
community funding, or
    (2) Having a broadly-based ownership and control by members of the 
community, or
    (3) Demonstrating all of the following characteristics:
    (i) Members of the organization are primarily from the local rural 
community,
    (ii) Membership is open to all adults in the local rural community,
    (iii) Members of the organization have ultimate control of the 
proposed community facility; and
    (iv) The organization receives the majority of its funding from its 
members or their volunteer efforts. Public bodies and Indian Tribes 
that are applying for funding as Ultimate Recipients or are the 
benefitting from TAT grant funds as the Ultimate Recipient are not 
required to further demonstrate Community ties to the local Rural 
Areas.


Sec.  3570.253  Compliance with Federal and State requirements.

    (a) Federal statutory requirements. Applicants must comply with, 
all applicable Federal laws and Executive Order requirements including, 
but not limited to:
    (1) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
    (2) Civil Rights Act of 1964.
    (3) The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
    (4) Executive Order 12549 Debarment and Suspension and 2 CFR parts 
180 and 417.
    (5) Section 319 of Public Law 101-121 on Lobbying.
    (6) Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
    (7) Fair Housing Act of 1968.
    (8) Executive Order 11246 Equal Employment Opportunity.
    (9) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
    (10) 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 ``Uniform Administrative Requirements, 
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards''.
    (b) State laws, local laws, regulatory commission regulations. 
Applicants must comply with all applicable state and local laws and 
regulatory commission regulations. If there are conflicts between this 
subpart and State or local laws or regulations, the provisions of this 
subpart will control.


Sec.  3570.254  Source of funds.

    The Agency will reserve 5 percent of any funds annually 
appropriated to carry out each of the Essential Community Facilities 
grant, loan and loan guarantee programs unless otherwise noted in the 
annual Notice published in the Federal Register. TAT reserved grant 
funds not obligated by July 31 of each fiscal year will be used

[[Page 1868]]

to fund Essential Community Facilities grant, loan, and/or loan 
guarantee programs.


Sec.  3570.255  Matching funds.

    Any matching funds must comply with the requirements outlined at 2 
CFR 200.306.


Sec.  3570.256  Allocation of funds.

    The Agency will administer these grant funds and will award them on 
a competitive basis.


Sec.  3570.257  Statute and regulation references.

    All references to statutes and regulations are to include any and 
all successor statutes and regulations.


Sec. Sec.  3570.258-3570.260  [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.261  Environmental and intergovernmental review.

    All grants awarded under this subpart are subject to the 
environmental requirements of 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G. Technical 
Assistance under this program is categorically excluded unless 
extraordinary circumstances exist.


Sec.  3570.262  Applicant eligibility requirements.

    There are two types of Applicants. The applicant must be either a 
Technical Assistance Provider or an Ultimate Recipient, and must meet 
eligibility requirements before being considered for Agency assistance.
    (a) Applicants applying as Technical Assistance Providers must:
    (1) Be a public body or a private nonprofit corporation, (such as 
States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and 
villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and Indian tribes on 
Federal and State reservations);
    (2) Be legally established and located within one of the following:
    (i) A State as defined Sec.  3570.252; or
    (ii) The District of Columbia; and
    (3) Have the proven ability, background, experience (as evidenced 
by the organization's satisfactory completion of Project(s) similar to 
those proposed), legal authority and actual capacity to provide 
Technical Assistance and/or training to Ultimate Recipients as provided 
in Sec.  3570.252. To meet the requirement of actual capacity, an 
Applicant must either:
    (i) Have the necessary resources to provide Technical Assistance 
and/or training to associations in Rural Areas through its staff,
    (ii) Be assisted by an affiliate or member organization which has 
such background and experience and which agrees, in writing, that it 
will provide the technical assistance, or
    (iii) May contract with a nonaffiliated organization for not more 
than 49 percent of the awarded grant to provide the proposed technical 
assistance.
    (4) Nonprofits applying as Technical Assistance Providers must be 
designated tax exempt by the Internal Revenue Service.
    (b) Applicants applying as Ultimate Recipients must be:
    (1) A public body,
    (2) An Indian Tribe, or
    (3) A Nonprofit corporation that demonstrates Community ties to the 
Rural Area by:
    (i) Obtaining substantial public funding through taxes revenue 
bonds, or other local Government sources, and/or substantial voluntary 
community funding,
    (ii) Having a broadly-based ownership and control by members of the 
community, or
    (iii) Demonstrating all of the following characteristics:
    (A) Members of the organization are primarily from the local rural 
community,
    (B) Membership is open to all adults in the local rural community,
    (C) Members of the organization have ultimate control of the 
proposed community facility; and
    (D) The organization receives the majority of its funding from its 
members or their volunteer efforts.


Sec.  3570.263  Eligible project purposes.

    (a) Grant funds and any matching funds may be used by Technical 
Assistance Providers to:
    (1) Assist communities in identifying and planning for community 
facility needs;
    (2) Identify resources to finance community facility needs from 
public and private sources;
    (3) Prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial 
assistance to develop community facilities;
    (4) Prepare applications for Agency financial assistance;
    (5) Improve the management, including financial management, related 
to the operation of community facilities; or
    (6) Assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary.
    (b) Grant Funds and any matching funds may be used by Ultimate 
Recipients only to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request 
financial assistance to develop community facilities. Applicants 
applying as Ultimate Recipients will be limited to this purpose.


Sec.  3570.264  Ineligible project purposes.

    Ineligible purposes for grant funds and any matching funds include, 
but are not limited to:
    (a) Duplicate services, such as those previously performed by an 
association's consultant in developing a Project, including 
feasibility, design, Professional Services, and cost estimates prior to 
receiving the grant award.
    (b) Purchase real estate or vehicles, improve or renovate office 
space, or repair and maintain privately owned property.
    (c) Pay the costs for construction, improvement, rehabilitation, 
modification, or operation and maintenance of an Essential Community 
Facility.
    (d) Procure applications for the Agency's community facilities or 
other loan or grant program. Grant funds cannot be used to generate new 
applications; however, as stated in Sec.  3570.262(c)(4) funds can be 
used to assist with application preparation for Agency programs.
    (e) Pay for other costs that are not allowed under 2 CFR part 200.
    (f) Pay an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal 
Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), which has been 
recorded. An Applicant will be ineligible to receive a grant until the 
judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied.
    (g) Intervene in Federal or adjudicatory proceedings.
    (h) Fund political or lobbying activities.
    (i) Conduct an income survey associated with developing a complete 
application for a potential Applicant.
    (j) Pay for indirect or administrative costs in excess of 10% of 
the amount of grant.
    (k) Prepare environmental assessments.
    (l) Provide assistance to an Ultimate Recipient, or a Project, that 
is not located in a Rural Area.
    (m) Pay for expenses incurred more than three years after the date 
of the grant agreement.
    (n) Provide assistance to a Project that primarily serves an area 
that is not considered Low Income.
    (o) Fund a project where a Conflict of Interest exists.


Sec. Sec.  3570.265-3570.266   [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.267  Applications.

    (a) Filing period. The Agency will publish an annual notice in the 
Federal Register stating the filing period, where to file, and all 
other applicable information necessary to submit a complete 
application.

[[Page 1869]]

    (b) Application requirements. To file an application, an 
organization must provide their DUNS number. An organization may obtain 
a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet by calling (1-866-705-5711). To 
file a complete application the following information must be 
submitted:
    (1) ``Application for Federal Assistance (For Non-Construction)
    (2) ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
    (3) ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other 
Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transaction.''
    (4) ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 
(Grants) Alternative 1--For Grantees Other Than Individuals.''
    (5) ``Certification Regarding Debarment.''
    (6) Attachment regarding assistance provided to Agency Employees as 
required by RD Instruction 1900-D (1900.153(a)), as applicable.
    (7) ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
    (8) ``Assurance Agreement.''
    (9) Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable, Applicant must 
include approved cost agreement rate schedule).
    (10) Statement of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964.
    (11) ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' (include only if grant 
exceeds $100,000).
    (c) Supporting information. All applications shall be accompanied 
by the following supporting information:
    (1) For Nonprofit Corporations,
    (i) Certified copies of current organizational documents including 
Certificate of Incorporation, bylaws, and Certificate of Good Standing,
    (ii) Evidence of tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue 
Service if applying as a Technical Assistance Provider, and
    (iii) Evidence of Community Ties to a Rural Area if a Nonprofit 
Corporation applying as an Ultimate Recipient.
    (2) For applicants applying as a Technical Assistance Provider, a 
narrative of their experience in providing services similar to those 
proposed. The narrative will provide a brief description of 
successfully completed Projects including the need that was identified 
and objectives accomplished.
    (3) Latest financial information to show the Applicant's financial 
capacity to carry out proposed work. A current Audit is preferred; 
however, Applicants may submit a balance sheet and an income Statement 
in lieu of an Audit report.
    (4) Documentation of cash matching funds, if applicable.
    (5) List of proposed services to be provided.
    (6) For Applicants applying as Technical Assistance Providers who 
have not identified the Ultimate Recipients, a narrative explaining how 
they will select Ultimate Recipients to be assisted with grant funds.
    (7) Estimated breakdown of costs (direct and indirect) including 
those to be funded by Grantee as well as matching funds and other 
sources. Sufficient detail will be provided to permit the Agency to 
determine if the costs are allowed, reasonable, and applicable.
    (8) Evidence that a Financial Management System used to track 
Project costs is in place or proposed.
    (9) Documentation relevant to scoring criteria including, but not 
limited to:
    (i) List of Ultimate Recipients to be served and the county, State 
or States where assistance will be provided. Identify Ultimate 
Recipients by name, or other characteristics such as size, income, 
location, and provide MHI and population data.
    (ii) Description of type of Technical Assistance and/or training to 
be provided and the tasks to be contracted.
    (iii) Description of how the Project will be evaluated, clearly 
stated goals, and the method proposed to measure results.
    (iv) Documentation of the need for the proposed service. Provide 
detailed explanation of how the proposed service differs from other 
similar services being provided in same area.
    (v) Personnel on staff or to be contracted to provide services and 
their experience with similar Projects.
    (vi) Statement indicating the number of months it will take to 
complete the Project or service, and
    (vii) Documentation on cost effectiveness of Project. Provide the 
cost per Ultimate Recipient to be served or the proposed cost of 
personnel to provide assistance.


Sec. Sec.  3570.268--3570.271  [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.272  Grant processing.

    (a)-(c) [Reserved]
    (d) Applications that are not selected for funding due to low 
rating will be notified by the Agency. Applications that cannot be 
funded in the fiscal year that the application was received will not be 
retained for consideration in the following fiscal year.
    (e) Applicants selected for funding will need to accept the 
conditions set forth in the Letter of Conditions, meet all such 
conditions, and complete a grant agreement which outlines the terms and 
conditions of the grant award before grant funds will be disbursed.


Sec.  3570.273  Scoring.

    The Agency will score each application using the following scoring 
factors unless otherwise provided in an annual Notice in the Federal 
Register:
    (a) Experience: Applicant Experience at developing and implementing 
successful technical assistance and/or training programs:
    (1) More than 10 years--40 points.
    (2) More than 5 years to 10 years--25 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 years--10 points.
    (b) No prior grants received:
    (1) Applicant has never received a TAT Grant--5 points.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) Population: The average population of proposed area(s) to be 
served:
    (1) 2,500 or less--15 points.
    (2) 2,501 to 5,000--10 points.
    (3) 5,001 to 10,000--5 points.
    (d) MHI: The average median household income (MHI) of proposed area 
to be served is below the higher of the poverty line or:
    (1) 60 percent of the State's MHI--15 points.
    (2) 70 percent of the State MHI--10 points.
    (3) 90 percent of the State's MHI--5 points.
    (e) Multi-jurisdictional: The proposed technical assistance or 
training project a part of a Multi-jurisdictional project comprised of:
    (1) More than 10 jurisdictions--15 points.
    (2) More than 5 to 10 jurisdictions--10 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 jurisdictions--5 points.
    (f) Soundness of approach: Up to 10 points.
    (1) Needs assessment: The problem/issue being addressed is clearly 
defined, supported by data, and addresses the needs;
    (2) Goals & objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as 
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;
    (3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to 
accomplishing objectives & clearly identifies who will be served by the 
project;
    (4) The proposed activities are needed in order for a complete 
Community Facilities loan and/or grant application.
    (g) Matching funds:
    (1) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 20% 
of the total project costs 10 points.
    (2) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 10% 
of the total project costs 5 points.
    (h) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may 
award up to 10 discretionary points for the highest

[[Page 1870]]

priority project in each state, up to 7 points for the second highest 
priority project in each state and up to 5 points for the third highest 
priority project that address unforeseen exigencies or emergencies, 
such as the loss of a community facility due to an accident or natural 
disaster, or other areas of need in their particular state. The State 
Director will place written documentation in the project file each time 
the State Director assigns these points--Up to 10 points.
    (i) Administrator discretionary points. The Administrator may award 
up to 20 discretionary points for projects to address geographic 
distribution of funds, emergency conditions caused by economic 
problems, natural disasters and other initiatives identified by the 
Secretary--Up to 20 points.


Sec.  3570.274  Fund disbursement.

    The Agency will make payments under this agreement in accordance 
with 2 CFR 200.305. All requests for advances or reimbursements must be 
in compliance with 2 CFR 200.306 and include any required matching fund 
usage.


Sec.  3570.275  Grant cancellation or major changes.

    Any change in the scope of the Project, budget adjustments of more 
than 10 percent of the total budget, and any other significant change 
in the Project must be in compliance with 2 CFR 200.308 and 200.339. 
The changes must be requested in writing and approved by the Agency in 
writing. Any change not approved may be cause for termination of the 
grant.


Sec.  3570.276  Reporting.

    (a) The Grantee must provide periodic reports as required by the 
Agency. A financial status report, SF 425 ``Federal Financial 
Report,'', and a project performance report will be required as 
provided in the grant agreement. The financial status report must show 
how grant funds and matching funds have been used to date. A final 
report may serve as the last report. Grantees shall constantly monitor 
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected 
goals by time periods are being accomplished. The Project performance 
reports shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (1) A description of the activities that the funds reflected in the 
financial status report were used for;
    (2) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for 
that period;
    (3) Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable;
    (4) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will affect 
attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting time 
schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular 
objectives during established time periods. This disclosure shall be 
accomplished by a Statement of the action taken or planned to resolve 
the situation;
    (5) Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting 
period;
    (6) A summary of the race, sex, and national origin of the Ultimate 
Recipients;
    (7) The final report will also address the following:
    (i) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of 
this grant?
    (ii) What advice would you give to other organizations planning a 
similar grant? What are the strengths and limitations of this grant? If 
you had the opportunity, what would you have done differently?
    (iii) Are there any post-grant plans for this Project? If yes, how 
will they be financed?
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.277  Audit or financial statement.

    The Grantee will provide an Audit report or financial Statement in 
accordance with 2 CFR 200.500-200.517 and as follows:
    (a) Grantees expending $750,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal 
year will submit an Audit conducted in accordance with 2 CFR parts 200, 
215, 220, 225, 230 and 400, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.''
    (b) Grantees expending less than $750,000 will provide annual 
financial Statements covering the grant period, consisting of the 
organization's statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed 
by an appropriate Official of the organization. Financial statements 
will be submitted within 90 days after the Grantee's fiscal year.


Sec. Sec.  3570.278--3570.280  [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.281  Grant servicing.

    Grants will be serviced in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subpart 
E.


Sec.  3570.282  [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.283  Exception authority.

    The Administrator may make an exception to any requirement or 
provision of this subpart, if such an exception is necessary to 
implement the intent of the authorizing statutes in a time of national 
emergency or in accordance with a Presidentially-declared disaster, or 
on a case-by-case basis, when such an exception is in the best 
financial interest of the Federal Government and is otherwise not in 
conflict with applicable laws. No exceptions, however, will be granted 
for Applicant, Ultimate Recipient, or Project eligibility.


Sec.  3570.284  Review or appeal rights.

    A person may seek a review of an Agency decision under this subpart 
from the appropriate Agency official that oversees the program in 
question or appeal to the USDA National Appeals Division in accordance 
with 7 CFR part 11.


Sec. Sec.  3570.285-3570.299  [Reserved]


Sec.  3570.300  OMB control number.

    The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this 
regulation have been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for approval.

    Dated: December 11, 2015.
Tony Hernandez,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00479 Filed 1-13-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P