[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 223 (Friday, November 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81726-81731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27734]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) Inviting 
Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Program To 
Provide Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This Notice is to invite applications for grants to provide 
Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation (RT) systems under the 
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program pursuant to 7 CFR part 
4280, subpart E, 2 CFR chapter IV and 2 CFR part 200 for fiscal year 
(FY) 2017, subject to the availability of funding to provide Technical 
Assistance for RT systems and for RT systems to Federally Recognized 
Native American Tribes' (FRNAT) (collectively ``Programs'') and the 
terms provided in such funding. This Notice is being issued before the 
FY 2017 appropriation has been enacted in order to allow applicants 
sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their 
applications, and give the Agency time to process applications in FY 
2017. This Notice is based on the assumption that the FY 2017 
appropriation will be identical to its successors. Should that not be 
the case, this Notice will be amended to reflect those changes. 
Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for

[[Page 81727]]

funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may 
ultimately be made available to the Agency through appropriations. 
Awards under both grant Programs will be competitively awarded to 
eligible applicant(s) which historically has been a qualified national 
Nonprofit organization. It is expected that one grant will be for the 
provision of Technical Assistance to RT Projects and that the other 
grant will be for the provision of Technical Assistance to RT Projects 
operated by FRNATs only.
    All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in 
developing their applications.
    All initially capitalized terms in this Notice, other than proper 
names, are defined in 7 CFR 4280.403.

DATES: Completed applications must be received in the USDA Rural 
Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on March 
31, 2017. Applications received at a USDA Rural Development State 
Office after this date will not be considered for FY 2017 funding.

ADDRESSES: Submit applications in paper format to the USDA Rural 
Development State Office for the State where the Project is located. A 
list of the USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found 
at: http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specialty Programs Division, Business 
Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., MS 3226, Room 4204-South, 
Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call 202-720-1400. For further 
information on this Notice, please contact the USDA Rural Development 
State Office in the State in which the applicant's headquarters is 
located.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Business Development Grants.
    Announcement Type: Initial Solicitation Announcement.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.351.
    Dates: Completed applications must be received in the USDA Rural 
Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on March 
31, 2017, to be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. Applications 
received after this date will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant 
funding.

A. Program Description

    1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of this program is to 
improve the economic conditions of Rural Areas.
    2. Statutory Authority. This program is authorized under section 
310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1932(c)). Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. The 
program is administered on behalf of Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
(RBS) at the State level by the USDA Rural Development State Offices. 
Assistance provided to Rural Areas under the program has historically 
included the provision of on-site Technical Assistance to local and 
regional governments, public transit agencies, and related Nonprofit 
and for-profit organizations in Rural Areas; the development of 
training materials; and the provision of necessary training assistance 
to local officials and agencies in Rural Areas.
    Awards under the RBDG passenger transportation program will be made 
on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 
CFR part 4280, subpart E, and in accordance with section 310B(c) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). 
Information required to be in the application package includes Standard 
Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance;'' environmental 
documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, ``Environmental 
Policies and Procedures;'' Scope of Work Narrative; Income Statement; 
Balance Sheet or Audit for previous 3 years; AD-1047, ``Debarment/
Suspension Certification;'' AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion;'' AD-
1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;'' SF 
LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;'' RD 400-1, ``Equal 
Opportunity Agreement;'' RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement;'' and a 
letter providing Board authorization to obtain assistance. For the 
FRNAT grant, which must benefit FRNATs, at least 75 percent of the 
benefits of the Project must be received by members of FRNATs. The 
Project that scores the greatest number of points based on the RBDG 
selection criteria and the discretionary points will be selected for 
each grant.
    Applicants must be qualified national Nonprofit organizations with 
experience in providing Technical Assistance and training to Rural 
communities nationwide for the purpose of improving passenger 
transportation service or facilities. To be considered ``national,'' 
RBS requires a qualified organization to provide evidence that it 
operates RT assistance programming nation-wide. There is not a 
requirement to use the grant funds in a multi-State area. Grants will 
be made to qualified national non-profit organizations for the 
provision of Technical Assistance and training to Rural communities for 
the purpose of improving passenger transportation services or 
facilities.
    3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this Notice 
are published at 7 CFR 4280.403.
    4. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score 
applications received in response to this Notice based on the 
provisions in 7 CFR 4280, subpart E and as indicated in this Notice. 
However, the Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant 
bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application in response 
to this Notice.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Award: Grants.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2017.
    Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for 
funding under this program is encouraged to consult the Rural 
Development Web Newsroom Web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for funding information.
    Approximate Number of Awards: To be determined based on the number 
of qualified applications received. Historically two awards have been 
made.
    Maximum Awards: Will be determined by the specific funding provided 
for the Programs in the FY 2017 Appropriations Act.
    Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2017.
    Performance Period: October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.

C. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants.
    To be considered eligible, an entity must be a qualified national 
Nonprofit organization serving Rural Areas as evidenced in its 
organizational documents and demonstrated experience, per 7 CFR part 
4280, subpart E. Grants will be competitively awarded to qualified 
national Nonprofit organizations.
    The Agency requires the following information to make an 
eligibility determination that an applicant is a national Nonprofit 
organization. These applications must include, but are not limited to, 
the following:

[[Page 81728]]

    (a) An original and one copy of SF 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance (For Non-construction);''
    (b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the 
applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities 
under the grant;
    (c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the 
proposed Project, details of the proposed activities to be accomplished 
and timeframes for completion of each task, the number of months 
duration of the Project, and the estimated time it will take from grant 
approval to beginning of Project implementation;
    (d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following 
items:
    (i) An explanation of why the Project is needed, the benefits of 
the proposed Project, and how the Project meets the grant eligible 
purposes;
    (ii) Area to be served, identifying each governmental unit, i.e., 
town, county, etc., to be affected by the Project;
    (iii) Description of how the Project will coordinate Economic 
Development activities with other Economic Development activities 
within the Project area;
    (iv) Businesses to be assisted, if appropriate, and Economic 
Development to be accomplished;
    (v) An explanation of how the proposed Project will result in newly 
created, increased, or supported jobs in the area and the number of 
projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years;
    (vi) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and 
experience in providing the proposed Project assistance, including 
experience of key staff members and persons who will be providing the 
proposed Project activities and managing the Project;
    (vii) The method and rationale used to select the areas and 
businesses that will receive the service;
    (viii) A brief description of how the work will be performed, 
including whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors 
will be used; and
    (ix) Other information the Agency may request to assist it in 
making a grant award determination.
    (e) The latest 3 years of financial information to show the 
applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the 
applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information 
should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s) and cash flow 
statement(s). A current audited report is required if available;
    (f) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other 
funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from RBDG;
    (g) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant 
costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the 
Project.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching funds are not required.
    3. Other.
    Applications will only be accepted from qualified national 
Nonprofit organizations to provide Technical Assistance for RT. There 
are no ``responsiveness,'' or ``threshold'' eligibility criteria for 
these grants. There is no limit on the number of applications an 
applicant may submit under this announcement. In addition to the forms 
listed under program description, Form AD-3030 ``Representations 
Regulation Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate 
Applicants,'' must be completed in the affirmative.
    None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a 
contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, 
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any 
corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been 
assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been 
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner 
pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting 
the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax 
liability, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or 
debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this 
further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the 
Government.
    None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a 
contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, 
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any 
corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any 
Federal law within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency 
is aware of the conviction, unless a Federal agency has considered 
suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination 
that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of 
the Government.
    4. Completeness Eligibility.
    Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not 
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing 
required elements.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package.
    For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance 
should contact the USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the 
ADDRESSES section of this Notice to obtain copies of the application 
package.
    Applications must be submitted in paper format. Applications 
submitted to a USDA Rural Development State Office must be received by 
the closing date and local time.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
    An application must contain all of the required elements. Each 
application received in a USDA Rural Development State Office will be 
reviewed to determine if it is consistent with the eligible purposes 
contained in section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). Each selection priority criterion 
outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435 must be addressed in the application. 
Failure to address any of the criterion will result in a zero-point 
score for that criterion and will impact the overall evaluation of the 
application. Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, will be provided to 
any interested applicant making a request to a USDA Rural Development 
State Office.
    All Projects to receive Technical Assistance through these 
passenger transportation grant funds are to be identified when the 
applications are submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office. 
Multiple Project applications must identify each individual Project, 
indicate the amount of funding requested for each individual Project, 
and address the criteria as stated above for each individual Project.
    For multiple-Project applications, the average of the individual 
Project scores will be the score for that application.
    The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete 
application are located in the PROGRAM DESCRIPTION section of this 
notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
    (a) There are no specific formats, specific limitations on number 
of pages, font size and type face, margins, paper size, number of 
copies, and the sequence or assembly requirements.
    (b) The component pieces of this application should contain 
original signatures on the original application.
    (c) Since these grants are for Technical Assistance for 
transportation purposes, no additional information requirements other 
than those described in this Notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E are 
required.

[[Page 81729]]

    3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management.
    All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a 
toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or 
Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the requirements under 2 
CFR 25.110(b)) or (c) or has an exception approved by the Federal 
awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d) is required to: (i) Be registered 
in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its 
application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its 
application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration 
with current information at all times during which it has an active 
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a 
Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a 
Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all 
applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the 
Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal 
awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to 
receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for 
making a Federal award to another applicant.
    4. Submission Dates and Times.
    (a) Application Deadline Date: No later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) 
on March 31, 2017.
    Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be in the USDA Rural 
Development State Office by the local deadline date and time as 
indicated above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or 
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.
    (b) The deadline date means that the completed application package 
must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the 
deadline date established above. All application documents identified 
in this Notice are required.
    (c) If complete applications are not received by the deadline 
established above, the application will neither be reviewed nor 
considered under any circumstances.
    (d) The Agency will determine the application receipt date based on 
the actual date postmarked.
    (e) This Notice is for RT Technical Assistance grants only and 
therefore, intergovernmental reviews are not required.
    (f) These grants are for RT Technical Assistance grants only, no 
construction or equipment purchases are permitted. If the grantee has a 
previously approved indirect cost rate, it is permissible, otherwise, 
the applicant may elect to charge the 10 percent indirect cost 
permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f) or request a determination of its 
Indirect Cost Rate. Due to the time required to evaluate Indirect Cost 
Rates, it is likely that all funds will be awarded by the time the 
Indirect Cost Rate is determined. No foreign travel is permitted. Pre-
Federal award costs will only be permitted with prior written approval 
by the Agency.
    (g) Applicants must submit applications in hard copy format as 
previously indicated in the APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 
section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its 
application, the addresses for these deliveries can be located in the 
ADDRESSES section of this Notice.
    (h) 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).

E. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria.
    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored 
based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR 4280.435 
and will select grantees subject to the grantees' satisfactory 
submission of the additional items required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart 
E and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. Failure to 
address any one of the criteria in 7 CFR 4280.435 by the application 
deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible, 
and the application will not be considered for funding. The amount of 
an RT grant may be adjusted, at the Agency's discretion, to enable the 
Agency to award RT grants to the applications with the highest priority 
scores in each category.
    2. Review and Selection Process.
    The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are 
eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR 
4280.416 and 4280.417. If determined eligible, your application will be 
submitted to the National Office. Funding of Projects is subject to the 
applicant's satisfactory submission of the additional items required by 
that subpart and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. The 
Agency reserves the right to award additional discretionary points 
under 7 CFR 4280.435(k).
    In awarding discretionary points, the Agency scoring criteria 
regularly assigns points to applications that direct loans or grants to 
Projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater 
than or equal to 20 percent. This emphasis will support Rural 
Development's mission of improving the quality of life for Rural 
Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need 
them.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Federal Award Notices.
    Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from 
their USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants must comply with 
all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award will be 
approved. Unsuccessful applications will receive notification by mail.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
    Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this 
program can be found in 7 CFR 4280.408, 4280.410, and 4280.439. Awards 
are subject to USDA Departmental Grant Regulations at 2 CFR Chapter IV 
which incorporates the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
regulations at 2 CFR part 200.
    All successful applicants will be notified by letter, which will 
include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet 
Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance. 
If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the 
grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in 
writing and in advance by the Agency. The grant will be considered 
officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have 
been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the Project.
    Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this 
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E; the Grants and 
Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture codified 
in 2 CFR Chapter IV, and successor regulations.
    In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and 
executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to 
have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the 
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 
109-282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are 
exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)). More information on

[[Page 81730]]

these requirements can be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants.
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for this program:
    (a) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial 
Assistance Agreement.''
    (b) Letter of Conditions.
    (c) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    (d) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
    (e) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.''
    (f) Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.''
    (g) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirement (Grants).''
    (h) Form AD-3030, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax 
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Must be signed by 
corporate applicants who receive an award under this Notice.
    (i) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' Each prospective 
recipient must sign Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement, which assures 
USDA that the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15 and other Agency regulations. That no 
person will be discriminated against based on race, color or national 
origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the re-lender 
receives Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination 
statements are in advertisements and brochures.
    Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on race, 
sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients collect and 
maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be collected in 
accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the 
Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and 
Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be 
collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but 
should be available upon request by the Agency.
    The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments 
of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive 
Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP), 
and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
    (j) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
    (k) Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
    3. Reporting.
    (a) A Financial Status Report and a Project performance activity 
report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until 
initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based 
on the Federal fiscal year. The grantee will complete the Project 
within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of 
Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee 
and approved by the Agency. A final Project performance report will be 
required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may 
serve as the last quarterly report. The final report must provide 
complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a 
result of the grant if applicable. Grantees must continuously monitor 
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work 
by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives 
are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to 
the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The 
Project performance reports must include, but not be limited to, the 
following:
    (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives 
established for that period;
    (2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have 
affected or will affect attainment of overall Project objectives, 
prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the 
attainment of particular Project work elements during established time 
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the 
action taken or planned to resolve the situation;
    (3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting 
period;
    (4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and 
created, businesses assisted, or Economic Development which results in 
improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific 
requirements, should be placed in the reporting section in the Letter 
of Conditions; and
    (5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the Project, the grantee 
will provide a final Project evaluation report. The last quarterly 
payment will be withheld until the final report is received and 
approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request 
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements 
will be withheld until a final Project, Project performance, and 
financial status report are received and approved by the Agency.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For general questions about this announcement, please contact your 
USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section 
of this Notice.

H. Civil Rights Requirements

    All grants made under this Notice are subject to Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15, 
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title 
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166 
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal 
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

I. Other Information

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
information collection requirement contained in this Notice is approved 
by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

    All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a DUNS 
number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line 
at (866) 705-5711 or online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 
Similarly, all applicants must be registered in SAM prior to submitting 
an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at http://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and 
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.

I. Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior

[[Page 81731]]

civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded 
by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint 
filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD 3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA 
by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: November 9, 2016.
Samuel H. Rikkers,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-27734 Filed 11-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P