[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47446-47466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22042]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels 
for the Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of 
up to $10 million in fiscal year 2017 (FY17) and application deadlines 
for competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy 
costs. These grants are made available under the authority of section 
19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, and program 
regulations. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, 
upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or 
distribution facilities serving communities in which the average 
residential expenditure for home energy is at least 275 percent of the 
national average. Grants may also be used for programs that install on-
grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and energy efficiency 
improvements in eligible communities. Grant awards are not made 
directly to individuals or for projects that primarily benefit a single 
household or business. This notice describes the eligibility and 
application requirements, the criteria that will be used by RUS to 
award funding, and how to obtain application materials.

DATES: You may submit completed grant applications on paper or 
electronically according to the following deadlines:
     Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, 
or sent overnight, no later than December 11, 2017, or hand delivered 
to RUS by this deadline, to be eligible under this NOSA. Late or 
incomplete applications will not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding.
     Electronic applications must be submitted through 
Grants.gov no later than midnight Eastern Standard Time December 11, 
2017 to be eligible under this notice for FY 2017 grant funding. Late 
or incomplete electronic applications will not be eligible.

[[Page 47447]]

     Applications will not be accepted by electronic mail.
    Applications will be accepted upon publication of this notice until 
midnight (EST) of the closing date of December 11, 2017. If the 
submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, 
the application is due the next business day.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the 2017 Application Guide, required forms and 
other information on the High Energy Cost Grant Program may be obtained 
by the following:
    (1) The program Web site (http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants) or
    (2) Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) by searching under 
Opportunity Number RD-RUS-HECG17; or
    (3) Contacting the RUS Electric Program at (202) 720-9452 to 
request paper copies of the 2017 Application Guide or other materials.
    Completed applications may be submitted in the following ways:
     Paper applications are to be submitted to the Rural 
Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1560, Room 5165 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1560. Applications should be marked 
``Attention: High Energy Cost Grant Program.''
     Applications may be submitted electronically through 
Grants.gov. Information on how to submit applications electronically is 
available on the Grants.gov Web site (http://www.grants.gov). 
Applicants must successfully pre-register with Grants.gov to use the 
electronic applications option. Application information may be 
downloaded from Grants.gov without preregistration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, 
Rural Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1568, Room 0270 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1568. Telephone (202) 720-9542, Fax 
(202) 690-7442, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Agency Name: United States Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Utilities Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural 
Communities Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial announcement.
    Funding Opportunity Number: RD- RUS-HECG17.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.859. The 
CFDA title for this program is ``Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural 
Communities.''
    Date: Applications must be postmarked and mailed or shipped, or 
hand delivered to the RUS, or filed with Grants.gov by December 11, 
2017.

A. Program Description

    The USDA through the Rural Utilities Service (``RUS'') provides 
grant assistance for energy facilities, including renewable energy 
systems and energy efficiency improvements, serving extremely high 
energy cost communities. This program is authorized by section 19 of 
the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (the ``RE Act'') (7 
U.S.C. 918a). Program regulations are found at 7 CFR part 1709.
    This program was established in 2000 to provide assistance for 
communities most challenged by extremely high energy costs, defined by 
statute as average residential home energy expenditures that are 275 
percent or more of the national average. This statutory threshold for 
eligibility is high and has the result of limiting the availability of 
this program to extremely high cost and typically remote areas. RUS 
periodically establishes eligibility benchmarks using the most recent 
home energy data published by the Energy Information Administration. 
This notice contains the latest updates to these benchmarks.
    The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance for 
a broad range of energy facilities, equipment and related activities to 
offset the impact of extremely high home energy costs on eligible 
communities. The grants help communities provide basic energy needs by 
financing energy infrastructure supporting rural prosperity and job 
creation. Grant funds may not be used to pay utility bills or to 
purchase fuel. Nor may grant funds be used for education and outreach 
except for training that is directly related to energy facilities 
financed in all or part by this program. Upgrades to existing 
facilities are also eligible. Grant projects under this program must 
serve an eligible community and not be for the primary benefit of an 
individual applicant, household, or business.
    With publication of this notice, USDA is making available up to $10 
million in new competitive grant awards under the High Energy Cost 
Grant Program. This notice describes eligibility and application 
requirements for these grants. Grants will be awarded competitively 
based on the selection criteria in Part E of this notice.
    Priorities Under the authority of 7 CFR 1709.102(b) and 1709.123, 
this notice establishes several priority scoring criteria to support 
USDA and RUS policy objectives. Additional points will be awarded for:
     Projects that provide assistance to USDA High Poverty 
Areas;
     Projects that serve small rural communities;
     Projects that incorporate commercially proven waste heat 
recovery technology;
     Projects that result in not less than a 25% increase in 
energy efficiency for generation assets, this includes repowering aging 
diesel plant;
     Projects that address extraordinary circumstances 
affecting the eligible high energy cost community such as a disaster, 
imminent hazard, unserved areas, and other economic hardship; and
     Projects that serve Substantially Underserved Trust Areas.
    More information on scoring and priorities is found in Section E of 
this notice.

B. Federal Award Information

    The RUS Administrator has established the application and selection 
requirements under this notice pursuant to program regulations at 7 CFR 
part 1709 and Uniform Federal Grant Regulations at 2 CFR part 200. The 
total amount of funds available for high energy cost grants under this 
notice is up to $10 million. The maximum amount of grant assistance 
that may be requested or awarded for a grant application under this 
notice is $3,000,000. The minimum amount of assistance for a grant 
application under this program is $100,000.
    Applicants must provide a complete grant application package with a 
narrative grant proposal prepared according to the instructions in this 
notice and the 2017 Application Guide, including all required forms and 
certifications. The 2017 Application Guide is available electronically 
on the program Web site (http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants) link or through Grants.gov, or by request from the 
Agency contact. Applicants are advised that the application 
requirements in this notice and the 2017 Application Guide have been 
revised from those in the NOSA published October 13, 2015 (the ``2015 
Notice''), and the 2015 Application Guide.
    No more than one award will be made per applicant or project. 
Applicants may submit multiple applications, provided

[[Page 47448]]

each is for a different project, but only one award per applicant will 
be approved.
    RUS anticipates making multiple awards under this notice. The 
number of grants awarded will depend on the number of complete 
applications submitted, the total grant funds requested, the quality 
and competitiveness of applications, and the availability of funds. 
There were nine grant awards obligated under the 2015 Notice and these 
awards ranged from $449,808 to $3,000,000.
    The RUS reserves the right not to award all the funds made 
available under this notice. The final decision to make an award is at 
the discretion of the Administrator (7 CFR 1709.121). The Administrator 
will select finalists for grant awards after consideration of the 
applications, the rankings, comments, and recommendations of the rating 
panel, and other pertinent information, including availability of 
funds. Upon such consideration, the Administrator may elect to offer an 
award of less than the full amount of the grant requested by an 
applicant.
    All awards will be made under grant agreements with terms and 
conditions established by RUS. Grant agreements typically provide for a 
period of performance of three years. Approvals of any extensions to 
the original grant term are at the sole discretion of the agency.

No Reconsideration of 2015 Applications

    The Administrator has determined that all applicants must apply 
under this 2017 NOSA. There will be no reconsideration of applications 
submitted under the 2015 Notice. The evaluation criteria in this NOSA 
are sufficiently different such that applications submitted in response 
to the 2015 Notice would be at a disadvantage when rated among those 
applications prepared with the current criteria in mind.

Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA)

    This program is subject to the provisions for Substantially 
Underserved Trust Areas of 7 U.S.C. 936f and regulations at 7 CFR part 
1700, subpart D. This notice provides that five points will be added to 
application scores for applications from eligible underserved trust 
areas that have been accepted for special consideration by the 
Administrator. Failure to submit the separate letter and supporting 
material as described under Part C, Section (1)(ii) below will result 
in no additional points being awarded for SUTA consideration. This 
requirement is separate and independent of the application itself as 
more fully described below.

Application Review and Finalist Selections

    All timely submitted and complete applications will be reviewed for 
eligibility and rated according to the criteria described in this 
notice. Applications will be ranked in order of their numerical scores 
and forwarded to the RUS Administrator. The RUS Administrator is the 
federal selection official for these competitive awards. The 
Administrator will review the rankings and the recommendations of the 
rating panel. The Administrator will then select grant finalists in 
rank order to the extent of available funds. A letter advising the 
applicant that they are a selected finalist is not a binding commitment 
to provide funding. A selected finalist is not an awardee until the 
Agency has obligated funds and the Administrator has signed the related 
grant agreement (date of grant award).

Environmental Review and Other Pre-Award Requirements

    Projects that are selected finalists for award will be reviewed for 
environmental impacts and an environmental determination pursuant to 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with 7 CFR 
part 1970.
    Concurrent with this review, additional due diligence and risk 
management reviews will be conducted by the agency to better assure 
that the representations in the finalist applications have a high 
probability of being achieved within a reasonable timeframe. 
Considerations during this period may include, but are not limited to:
     The committed availability of matching contributions;
     prior performance of project principals with respect to 
other projects;
     the commercial acceptance of the technology to be funded; 
and
     the capacity of project principals to complete and operate 
the project.
    If the outcomes of either the environmental review or the due 
diligence and risk management review are unsatisfactory, or it is 
determined that the applicant has undertaken unacceptable pre-award 
activities (see below), a project may be de-selected and the next 
highest ranked project will be considered.

Funding for Pre-Award Activities

    Under 7 CFR 1709.10(a), Grant funds may not be used to pay costs of 
preparing the application package, or for any finders' fees or 
incentives for persons or entities assisting in the preparation or 
submission of an application.
    Applicants are cautioned that they undertake any pre-award project 
activities at their own risk, as all finalist selections are subject to 
a satisfactory environmental review and determination before any award 
can be made. Undertaking certain project activities before the required 
environmental review is complete could result in a finalist being ``de-
selected.'' (7 CFR 1709.10). Program regulations provide that RUS will 
not pay any project construction costs of the project incurred before 
the date of grant award except as provided in 7 CFR 1709.10.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

i. All Applicants
    Applicant eligibility under this program is established by the RE 
Act (7 U.S.C. 913 and 918a), High Energy Cost Grant Program regulations 
at 7 CFR 1709.106, and this notice.
    An eligible applicant is any one of the following:
     A legally-organized for-profit or nonprofit organization 
such as, but not limited to, a corporation, association, partnership 
(including a limited liability partnership), cooperative, or trust;
     A sole proprietorship;
     A State or local government, or any agency or 
instrumentality of a State or local government, including a municipal 
utility or public power authority;
     An Indian tribe \1\, a tribally-owned entity, and or 
Alaska Native Corporation;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ As used in the notice ``Indian Tribe'' or ``tribal'' means a 
Federally recognized Tribe as defined under section 4 of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b) to 
include ``* * * any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized 
group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional 
or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the 
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], that 
is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services 
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as 
Indians.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     An individual or group of individuals applying on behalf 
of unincorporated community associations, and not for the primary 
benefit of a single household or business; or
     Any of the above entities located in a U.S. Territory or 
other area authorized by law to participate in programs of the Rural 
Utilities Service or under the REA Act.
    All applicants must demonstrate the legal authority and capacity to 
enter into

[[Page 47449]]

a binding grant agreement with the Federal Government at the time of 
the award and to carry out the proposed grant funded project according 
to its terms to be an eligible applicant. The application must include 
information and/or documentation supporting your eligibility, legal 
existence, and capacity to enter into a grant agreement.
    Individuals are eligible grant applicants under this program. 
However, any proposed grant project must provide community benefits and 
not be for the primary benefit of an individual household. As a 
practical matter, because this program addresses community energy needs 
and in order to readily facilitate compliance with Federal grant 
requirements, individuals will likely find it preferable to establish 
an independent legal entity, such as a corporation, to actually carry 
out the grant project if the project is selected.
    If the project proponent contemplates a structured financing such 
that a yet to be established project entity will be the grantee of 
record or the primary entity managing or providing grant services under 
contract to the grantee, this must be fully disclosed and explained in 
the original application. Grant awards are not transferable. The new 
entity must be in existence and legally competent to enter into a grant 
agreement with the Federal Government under appropriate State and 
Federal laws before a final grant award can be approved.
    Corporations that have been convicted of a Federal felony within 
the past 24 months are not eligible applicants. 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, is not eligible for financial assistance. All corporate 
applicants must complete Form AD-3030 ``Representations Regarding 
Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.''
    In addition, under program regulations at 7 CFR 1709.7, an 
outstanding judgment obtained against an applicant by the United States 
in a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), which 
has been recorded, shall cause the applicant to be ineligible to 
receive a grant or loan under this part until the judgment is paid in 
full or otherwise satisfied.
    Before submitting an application, all applicants must have an 
active registration with current information in the System for Award 
Management (SAM) (previously the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)) at 
https://www.sam.gov. A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number is a pre-requisite for a successful SAM 
registration. It is important to note that it takes time for these 
applications for a DUNS number and SAM registration to be processed; it 
is important that those considering submitting an application under 
this NOSA give themselves a conservative lead time (six weeks is 
recommended) in order to accomplish an active SAM registration by the 
application deadline in this NOSA. For more information on obtaining a 
DUNS number and SAM registration see Part D, Section 3 below.
ii. Substantially Underserved Trust Area Applicants
    This notice provides priority points for complete and otherwise 
eligible applications from an entity that has been accepted by the 
Administrator as eligible for SUTA consideration pursuant to section 
306F of the RE Act (7 U.S.C. 936f) and regulations concerning SUTA 
applications at 7 CFR part 1700, subpart D. An eligible SUTA community 
is located on ``trust lands'' (e.g., an Indian Reservation, Hawaiian 
Homelands, Alaska Regional or Village Corporation lands, or other lands 
held in trust by or subject to restrictions imposed by the United 
States) and ``lacks an adequate level or quality of service.''
    The applicant must submit a letter to the RUS Administrator that it 
is seeking consideration under provisions of 7 CFR part 1700, subpart 
D. The letter must be accompanied by a copy of the application package 
submitted in response to this notice. The request must include all 
information required by the SUTA regulations establishing that the 
project is for an eligible trust area, documenting its high need for 
High Energy Cost Grant Program funds, and identifying the discretionary 
authorities that it seeks to have applied to its application. More 
information on how to document eligibility for SUTA consideration may 
be found in the FY 2017 Application Guide available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/initiatives/substantially-underserved-trust-area-suta and 7 CFR part 1700, subpart D.
    The Administrator will review the request to determine whether the 
applicant is eligible to receive consideration under SUTA. RUS will 
notify the applicant in writing whether (1) the application has been 
accepted to receive special SUTA consideration or (2) the application 
has not been accepted for consideration under the SUTA regulation. If 
the SUTA request is not granted, the applicant may withdraw its 
application. If the application is still eligible without SUTA 
consideration and the applicant does not withdraw the application, RUS 
will review and score the application along with others received under 
this notice.

2. Cost Sharing and Matching

    This grant program has no cost sharing or matching funds 
requirement as a condition of eligibility. However, RUS will consider 
other financial resources available to the grant applicant and any 
voluntary pledge of matching funds or other contributions in assessing 
the applicant's commitment and financial capacity to complete the 
proposed project successfully. If a successful applicant proposes to 
use matching funds or other cost contributions in its project, the 
grant agreement will include conditions requiring documentation of the 
availability of the matching funds and actual expenditure of matching 
funds or cost contributions. RUS may require the applicant to provide 
additional documentation confirming the availability of any matching 
contribution offered prior to approval of a project award. If an 
applicant fails to provide timely documentation of the availability of 
matching contributions, the RUS may, in its sole discretion, decline to 
award the project if uncertainties over availability of the match 
render the project financially unfeasible and impose additional 
conditions.

3. Other

i. Eligible Communities
    To establish community eligibility, the application must (1) 
clearly identify and define the geographic area that will be included 
in the grant project and (2) demonstrate that each of the communities 
in the proposed area meets one or more of the high energy cost 
benchmarks identified in this Notice. The smallest area that may be 
designated as an area is a 2010 Census block. Projects must serve 
eligible communities and not be for the primary benefit of an 
individual or business.
    Consult the program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 and the 2017 
Application Guide for definitions used in this program.
    The RE Act defines an extremely high energy cost community as one 
in which ``the average residential expenditure for home energy \2\ is 
at least 275 percent of

[[Page 47450]]

the national average residential expenditure for home energy'' 7 U.S.C. 
918a.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ ``Home energy'' means any energy source or fuel used by a 
household for purposes other than transportation, including 
electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum 
gas (propane), other petroleum products, wood and other biomass 
fuels, coal, wind, and solar energy. Fuels used for subsistence 
activities in remote rural areas are also included.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    RUS periodically establishes community eligibility benchmarks based 
on the latest available information from the Energy Information 
Administration (EIA) of the U.S. Department of Energy. Home energy cost 
benchmarks are calculated for total annual household energy 
expenditures; total annual expenditures for individual fuels; annual 
average per unit energy costs for primary home energy sources and are 
set at 275 percent of the relevant national average household energy 
expenditures. RUS has revised the eligibility benchmarks for 2017 based 
on the latest EIA data. The new benchmarks are shown in Table 1.
    The EIA's Residential Energy Consumption and Expenditure Surveys 
(RECS) and reports provide the baseline national average household 
energy consumption data that were used for establishing extremely high 
energy cost community eligibility criteria for this grant program. The 
RECS data base and reports provide national and regional information on 
residential energy use, expenditures, and housing characteristics. EIA 
published its latest available RECS home energy expenditure survey 
results in 2012. RUS used the latest EIA data on 2016 residential 
energy prices to estimate national average household energy costs to 
establish the benchmarks shown in Table 1:

    Table 1--National Average Annual Household Energy Expenditures and Extremely High Energy Cost Eligibility
                  Benchmarks Effective for Applications Submitted On or After October 12, 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                RUS extremely high energy cost
                  Fuel                    Estimated national annual  average      benchmark (275% of national
                                          household expenditure ($ per year)         average) ($ per year)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Average Annual Household Expenditure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity.............................                              $1,420                              $3,904
Natural Gas.............................                                 665                               1,828
Fuel Oil................................                               1,056                               2,903
LPG/Propane.............................                               1,131                               3,110
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Household Energy Use..........                               2,017                               5,546
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 
                                                                                RUS extremely high energy cost
              Fuel (units)                2016 national average unit cost ($      benchmark (275% of national
                                                       per unit)                     average) ($ per unit)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Annual Average Per Unit Residential Energy Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity (Kilowatt hours)............                              $0.126                              $0.345
Natural Gas (thousand cubic feet).......                               10.07                               27.69
Fuel Oil (gallons)......................                                2.27                                6.25
LPG/Propane (gallons)...................                                2.05                                5.64
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources: RUS estimates based on latest data from: Energy Information Administration, United States Department of
  Energy, 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey Data--Detailed Tables, available at: http://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2009/ consumption/residential/data/2009/; Average residential energy prices from EIA Monthly Energy Review,
  available at https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/; EIA Weekly Heating Oil and Propane Prices
  available at https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_wfr_dcus_nus_w.htm and EIA Winter Fuels Outlook 2016
  available at https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/special/winter/2016_winter_fuels.pdf.

    Extremely high energy costs in rural and remote communities 
typically result from a combination of factors including high energy 
consumption, high per unit energy costs, limited availability of energy 
sources, extreme climate conditions, and housing characteristics. There 
is diversity in how and the degree to which these factors affect a 
given community.
a. High Energy Cost Benchmarks
    The benchmarks discussed below are used to establish threshold 
energy costs which are a fundamental threshold for determining 
community eligibility. These benchmarks were calculated by RUS using 
EIA's latest estimates of national average residential energy 
consumption and energy prices. The benchmarks recognize the diverse 
factors that contribute to extremely high home energy costs in rural 
communities. In some cases there may be limited available published 
data on local community energy consumption and expenditures. High 
energy cost communities may demonstrate their eligibility by using one 
or more benchmarks. A choice of benchmarks is allowed so as to reduce 
the burden on potential applicants in meeting this requirement for 
quantifying the high cost of energy in their area.
    Communities may qualify based on total annual household energy 
expenditures; total annual expenditures for commercially-supplied 
primary home energy sources, i.e., electricity, natural gas, oil, or 
propane; or average annual per unit home energy costs.
    A community or area will qualify as an extremely high cost energy 
community if it meets one or more of the energy cost eligibility 
benchmarks described below.
I. Extremely High Average Annual Household Expenditure for Home Energy
    The area or community exceeds one or more of the following:
     Average annual residential electricity expenditure of 
$3,904 per household;
     Average annual residential natural gas expenditure of 
$1,828 per household;
     Average annual residential expenditure on fuel oil of 
$2,903 per household;

[[Page 47451]]

     Average annual residential expenditure on propane or 
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a primary home energy source of $3,110 
per household; or
     Average annual residential energy expenditure (for all 
non-transportation uses) of $5,546 per household.
II. Extremely High Average per Unit Energy Costs
    The average residential per unit cost for major commercial energy 
sources in the area or community exceeds one or more of the following:
     Annual average cost per kilowatt hour for residential 
electricity customers of $0.345 per kilowatt hour (kWh);
     Annual average residential natural gas price of $27.69 per 
thousand cubic feet;
     Annual average residential fuel oil price of $6.25 per 
gallon;
     Annual average residential price of propane or LPG as a 
primary home energy source of $5.64 per gallon; or
     Total annual average residential energy cost on a Btu 
basis of $61.87 per million Btu.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Note: Btu is the abbreviation for British thermal unit, a 
standard energy measure. A Btu is the quantity of heat needed to 
raise the temperature of one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit at 
or near 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Supporting Energy Cost Data
    Benchmark data for each community in the designated area must be 
submitted in support of their eligibility under this program. The 
source(s) for this data must be identified or referenced so as to allow 
RUS to verify these representations in the application. Grant 
applicants are expected to provide supporting information sourced in 
the local community, or specific to that community, to support their 
applications.
    Generally, the applicant will be expected to use historical 
residential energy cost or expenditure information for the local energy 
provider serving the community or area to determine eligibility. Other 
potential sources of home energy related information include Federal 
and State agencies, local community energy providers such as electric 
and natural gas utilities and fuel dealers, and commercial 
publications. The 2017 Application Guide includes a list of EIA 
resources on residential energy consumption and costs that may be of 
assistance.
    Where information is unavailable or does not adequately reflect the 
actual costs for average home energy use in a local community, RUS will 
consider estimated commercial energy costs. The 2017 Application Guide 
includes examples of circumstances where estimated energy costs are 
used.
    In many instances, historical community energy cost information can 
be obtained from a variety of public sources or from local utilities 
and other energy providers. For example, EIA publishes monthly and 
annual reports of residential prices by state and by service area for 
electric utilities and larger natural gas distribution companies. 
Average residential fuel oil and propane prices are reported regionally 
and for major cities by government and private publications. Many state 
agencies also compile and publish information on residential energy 
costs to support state programs.
c. Use of Estimated Home Energy Costs
    An applicant may substitute estimates of home energy costs based on 
engineering standards where historical community energy cost data are 
incomplete or lacking or where community-wide data does not accurately 
reflect the costs of providing home energy services in the area, the 
applicant may substitute estimates based on engineering standards. The 
estimates should use available community, local, or regional data on 
energy expenditures, consumption, housing characteristics and 
population. Estimates are also appropriate where the area does not 
presently have centralized commercial energy services at a level that 
is comparable to other residential customers in the State or region. 
For example, local commercial energy cost information may not be 
available where the area is off grid because of the high costs of 
connection. Engineering cost estimates reflecting the incremental costs 
of extending service could reasonably be used to establish eligibility 
for areas without grid-connected electric service. Estimates also may 
be appropriate where historical energy costs do not reflect the cost of 
providing a necessary upgrade or replacement of energy infrastructure 
to maintain or extend service that would raise costs above one or more 
benchmarks. Information supporting high energy cost eligibility is 
subject to independent review by RUS.
    Applications that contain information not reasonably based on 
credible sources of information and sound estimates will be rejected. 
Where appropriate, RUS may consult standard sources to confirm the 
reasonableness of information and estimates provided by an applicant in 
determining eligibility, technical feasibility, and adequacy of 
proposed budget estimates.
ii. Eligible Projects
    Eligible projects must serve an eligible community and must include 
only eligible grant purposes. The project must serve communities that 
meet the extremely high energy cost eligibility requirements described 
in this notice. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed 
project will benefit the eligible communities. Projects that primarily 
benefit a single household or business are not eligible. Additional 
information and examples of eligible project activities are contained 
in the Application Guide available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants.
iii. Eligible Activities
    Grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or 
otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution 
facilities serving eligible communities. All energy generation, 
transmission, and distribution facilities and equipment, used to 
provide electricity, natural gas, home heating fuels, and other energy 
service to eligible communities are eligible. Projects providing or 
improving energy services to eligible communities through on-grid and 
off-grid renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and energy 
conservation projects are eligible. A grant project is eligible if it 
improves, or maintains energy services, or reduces the costs of 
providing energy services to eligible communities.
    Funds may cover up to the full costs of any eligible projects 
subject to the statutory limitation that no more than 4 percent of 
grant funds may be used for the planning and administrative expenses of 
the grantee. Because of this limitation, applicants must detail any 
indirect costs.
    The program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 provide more detail on 
allowable use of grant funds, limitations on grant funds, and 
ineligible grant purposes. Grant funds may not be used to refinance or 
repay the applicant's outstanding loans or loan guarantees under the RE 
Act.
    In general, grant funds may not be used to support projects that 
primarily benefit areas outside of eligible communities. However, grant 
funds may be used to finance an eligible community's proportionate 
share of a larger energy project.
    Consistent with USDA policy and program regulations, grant funds 
awarded under this program generally cannot be used to replace other 
USDA assistance or to refinance or repay outstanding loans under the RE 
Act. Grant funds may, however, be used in

[[Page 47452]]

combination with other USDA assistance programs including electric 
loans. Grants may be applied toward grantee contributions under other 
USDA programs depending on the specific terms of those programs. For 
example, an applicant may propose to use grant funds to offset the 
costs of electric system improvements in extremely high cost areas by 
increasing the utility's contribution for line extensions or system 
expansions to its distribution system financed in whole or part by an 
electric loan under the RE Act. An applicant may propose to finance a 
portion of an energy project for an extremely high energy cost 
community through this grant program and secure the remaining project 
costs through a loan or loan guarantee from RUS or other grant sources. 
The determination of whether a project will be completed in this manner 
will be made solely by the Administrator.
iv. Eligible Technologies
    Grant funds under this program may only be used for projects using 
proven and commercially available technology. Activities or equipment 
that would commonly be considered as research, development, or 
demonstration, or commercialization activities are not eligible. RUS, 
in its sole discretion, will determine if a project consists of 
ineligible research, development, demonstration, or commercialization 
activities or relies on unproven technology, and that determination 
shall be final.
v. Limitations on Grant Awards
a. Statutory Limitation on Planning and Administrative Expenses
    Section 19(b)(2) of the RE Act provides that no more than 4 percent 
of the grant funds for any project may be used for planning and 
administrative expenses of the grantee not directly related to delivery 
of the project. RUS will not make awards for any such expenses 
exceeding 4 percent of grant funds. Because of this limitation, 
applicants must detail any indirect costs.
b. Maximum and Minimum Awards
    For High Energy Cost Grants, the maximum amount of grant assistance 
that will be considered for funding per grant application under this 
notice is $3,000,000. The minimum amount of assistance for a 
competitive grant application under this program is $100,000.
c. Multiple Applications
    Eligible applicants must include only one project per application, 
but the project can include many locations. Applicants may submit 
applications for multiple projects. An applicant will only be awarded 
funding for one project under this notice. The award will be made to 
the highest ranked application submitted; other applications from the 
same applicant or project will remain unfunded under this notice.
d. Ineligible Grant Purposes for High Energy Cost Grants
    Grant funds cannot be used for: Preparation of the grant 
application, fuel purchases, routine maintenance or other operating 
costs, and purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not 
directly associated with provision of residential energy services. 
Program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709 have additional information on 
eligible uses of grant funds.
e. Pre-Award Activities During Environmental Review
    RUS may refuse to provide an award where the selected applicant has 
taken actions in violation of restrictions on certain project 
activities prior to completion of pre-award environmental review. See 
Part F, Section 2(i) of this Notice and 7 CFR 1970.12.
f. Consideration of Prior Performance
    RUS may consider prior performance of an applicant under any other 
USDA grant in deciding whether an application will be reviewed and 
scored under this NOSA. Where the track record of an applicant (or 
principals of an applicant) reflects inadequate performance as a 
historical matter, RUS may decide to not consider and score additional 
applications from the same party. Inadequate performance may consist of 
a disallowance that was never recovered by the Government, failure to 
complete a project, failure to respond to USDA's request for 
information relating to a project, or suspension or termination of a 
grant project for material failures to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the grant award.

D. Application and Submission Information

    All applications must be prepared and submitted in compliance with 
this notice and the 2017 Application Guide. The 2017 Application Guide 
contains additional information on the grant programs, sources of 
information for use in preparing applications, examples of eligible 
projects, and copies of the required application forms.

1. Address To Request Application Package

    The 2017 Application Guide, copies of required forms, and other 
information on the High Energy Cost Grant Program are available from 
these sources:
    i. Via the Internet at the program Web site (http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants);
    ii. via Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov (under CFDA No. 10.859); 
and
    iii. by request from Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Rural 
Utilities Service, Electric Program, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 1568, Room 0270 South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1568, or 202-720-9452, or email 
[email protected].

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Applicants must follow the directions in this notice and the 2017 
Application Guide in preparing and submitting their application 
packages.
i. Pre-Applications
    This program does not require or accept pre-applications.
ii. The Application as a Whole
    Application packages must be prepared consistent with the 
requirements of this notice, the 2017 Application Guide and program 
regulations at 7 CFR 1709.117. Applicants are encouraged to consult the 
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR part 200) for additional 
requirements applicable to grants under this program. Application 
packages that do not comply with the eligibility and content provisions 
of this notice will be rejected. As used in this notice ``narrative'' 
means a written statement, description, or other written material 
prepared by the applicant, for which no form exists.
    Format. The completed application should be assembled in the order 
specified in this Part D, Section 2(iii) below with all pages numbered 
sequentially or by section. Application sections and attachments should 
be formatted for 8\1/2\ by 11 inch paper (letter size) with 1 inch 
margins. Preferred type faces are Times New Roman 12, Calibri 11, Arial 
11, Verdana 10 or Courier 10. Narratives may be single or double 
spaced. It is strongly recommended that Project Narratives be no longer 
than about 30 pages in length (exclusive of required forms and Project 
Summary) with not more than 10 pages

[[Page 47453]]

of attachments. Paper application packages will be scanned; they should 
be printed single-sided on white letter size paper. Electronic 
applications must follow formatting directions, including acceptable 
file attachment types, specified on Grants.gov. Failure to follow these 
instructions may result in rejection of the application.
    Number of copies. A complete paper application submission package 
consists of one original application with original signatures on all 
forms and certifications and two copies.
iii. Component Parts of the Application
    The completed application consists of the following sections and 
forms. Narrative sections should be formatted as indicated above and 
assembled in the sequence specified. Table 2 lists the required content 
and form of a complete application. Applicants may use this table to 
assure that their applications are complete and assembled in order:

        Table 2--Required Content and Form of Application Package
                  [Component pieces of the application]
   [Complete applications must include all listed sections, forms, and
            certifications in the order shown in this table]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part A. Completed Form SF-424 ``Application for Federal Assistance''
Part B. Project Summary and Eligibility Statement (up to 3 pages total)
Part C. Project Narrative Proposal
    I. Table of Contents
    II. Executive Summary (1 page)
    III. Project Description (up to 30 pages)
        A. Community Eligibility and Assessment of Community Needs
        B. Project Design, Technical Feasibility and Responsiveness to
         Community Needs
        C. Applicant Organization and Eligibility
        D. Organizational Capabilities and Project Management Plan
        E. Organizational Experience
        F. Key Staff Experience
        G. Project Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures
        H. Project Reporting Plan
        I. Project Budget and Financial Capability
        J. Rural Economic Development Initiatives
        K. Priority Considerations
Part D. Additional Required Forms and Certifications
     Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs'' or
     Form SF-424D, ``Assurances--Construction Programs''
     Form SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities''
     Evidence of Active and Unexpired SAM Registration with
     https://www.sam.gov
     Rural Utilities Service ``Certification Regarding
     Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matter--Primary
     Covered Transactions''
     RUS Environmental Questionnaire
Part E. Supplementary Materials (up to 10 pages)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

a. Application Part A--Completed Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance''
    This form must be signed by a person authorized to submit the 
proposal on behalf of the applicant. Note: All applicants, except 
individuals, must include a DUNS number on the SF-424 to be considered 
complete. See Section 3 below in this Part D for information on 
obtaining a DUNS Number. Copies of this form are available through the 
RUS's Web site (http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants) or through Grants.gov, or by request from the Agency 
contact listed in Section 1 of this Part D above.
b. Application Part B--Project Summary and Eligibility Statement
    The Project Summary and Eligibility Statement is a short narrative 
that establishes the application's eligibility. It describes the 
applicant, the eligible high energy cost community, the proposed 
project, and all requested priority considerations. The Project Summary 
should be no longer than three (3) pages.
    This summary will be used by RUS for initial screening purposes 
only to make an initial determination of eligibility without reference 
to other sections of the application. After review of this Part B, RUS 
will decide whether to accept the application for further review and 
scoring. Application packages that do not meet eligibility requirements 
will be rejected.
    Part B will not be referred to for purposes of scoring the 
application. All information relating to eligibility and scoring must 
be included in the full project narrative proposal more fully discussed 
below.
    In Part B applicants must provide a brief summary of the project 
proposal. The project must be described in sufficient detail to 
establish that it is an eligible project under the program regulations 
(7 CFR part 1709) and this notice. Applicants should take great care in 
preparing this Part B summary to include all necessary elements 
relating to eligibility.
    Part B of the Application must include the following information.
I. Applicant Eligibility
    This section of Part B must briefly describe the applicant, its 
capabilities, and provide information demonstrating that the applicant 
is an eligible entity under program regulations at 7 CFR 1709.106 and 
this notice. Part B must also state that the applicant is free of any 
debarment or other restriction on their ability to contract with the 
Federal government as identified in Part C, Section 1(i) of this notice 
and must also state that the applicant has an active and unexpired 
registration with www.sam.gov.
II. Community Eligibility
    This summary must describe the eligible community or communities to 
be served by the project including name, location, and population based 
on 2010 Census. Also required is the name and population of the local 
government division (e.g., city, town or county for unincorporated 
areas) where the project is located. The Part B Summary must 
specifically identify the average community residential energy costs 
that exceed one or more of the benchmark criteria for extremely high 
energy costs

[[Page 47454]]

as described in this notice. Local energy providers and sources of high 
energy cost data and estimates should be clearly identified. The 2017 
Application Guide includes additional information and sources that the 
applicant may find useful in establishing community eligibility.
III. Project Eligibility
    Provide a brief overview of the project including the project 
title, total project costs, the amount of grant funds requested, amount 
and source of matching contributions, major project goals and tasks, 
and the location of project activities and facilities to be supported 
with grant funds. It must state how the grant project will provide 
benefits to the eligible community and offset or reduce the target 
community's extremely high energy costs. The summary should briefly 
identify any state or tribal rural development initiative that the 
project supports.
IV. Priority Considerations
    List all Priority Considerations for which the Applicant is seeking 
additional points in project scoring. Priority points to be awarded 
under this notice are set forth in Part E, Section 1 of this notice. 
Further discussion of Priority Considerations should be reserved for 
Application Part C--Proposed Project Narrative.
V. Contact Information
    The project summary should list the Applicant's name, address, 
telephone number, fax, and email address and contact person for the 
application. Include the contact person's address, telephone number, 
fax and email address if different from the applicant.
c. Application Part C--Proposed Project Narrative
    The proposed project narrative describes in detail the proposed 
grant project, the project benefits, and the proposed budget. Part C 
follows sequentially after Parts A and B in assembling the package and 
contents should be assembled and paginated in the order described 
below.
    In preparing the proposed project narrative, Applicants must 
address individually and in narrative form each of the proposal 
evaluation and selection criteria contained in Part E, Section 1 of 
this notice. The project narrative will be scored competitively and the 
results used to rank applications for finalist selections.
    The narrative proposal should be formatted according to the 
instructions in Part D, Section 2(ii) of this notice. Applicants are 
strongly encouraged to keep the narrative proposal to no longer than 
approximately 30 pages, exclusive of required forms. Successful 
application narratives have been shorter in length. Applicants may use 
the Supplementary Materials section to include up to ten (10) pages of 
letters of support and other information for reviewers. Letters from 
Members of Congress and senior State government officials will not 
count against this page limit.
    The project narrative proposal includes the following sections 
assembled in the order indicated.
I. Table of Contents
    Part C of the application package must include a Table of Contents 
immediately before the Executive Summary. The Table of Contents must 
provide page numbers for all sections, forms, and supplemental 
materials. The Table of Contents will help reviewers assure that all 
submitted materials are included in the application package and in 
correct, intended order. This section will not be scored or counted 
against proscribed page limits.
II. Executive Summary
    The Executive Summary is a one page introduction to the project 
that briefly identifies the applicant, project title, amount of grant 
funds requested, eligible communities, the activities and facilities to 
be supported, and how the grant project will benefit the community and 
offset or reduce the community's extremely high energy costs. Any 
priority considerations requested should be listed. The Executive 
Summary will be used by RUS to prepare project descriptions in press 
releases or other announcements and it should list a key contact person 
for the application with telephone and fax numbers, mailing address and 
email address. The Executive Summary is a required component of the 
application (7 CFR 1709.117(b)(1)), but will not be scored. The 
Executive Summary immediately follows the Table of Contents.
III. Project Description
    The narrative project description should be no longer than 30 pages 
in total and should be prepared using the formatting instructions above 
in this Part D, Section 2(ii).
A. Community Eligibility and Assessment of Community Needs
    Identify the area to be served by the project and the community or 
communities within the identified area that will benefit from the 
project. Identify the local government division that administers each 
community as well as the community population. Identify the location of 
the proposed project. Show that the proposed project's beneficiaries 
are communities where the average annual residential energy costs 
exceed one or more of the benchmark criteria for extremely high energy 
costs as described in Part C, Section 3(i) and Table 1 of this notice. 
Local energy providers and sources of high energy cost data and 
estimates must be clearly identified. Neither the applicant nor the 
project are required to be physically located in the extremely high 
energy cost community, but the funded project must serve an eligible 
community.
    The population estimates should be based on the 2010 Census 
available from the U.S. Census Bureau. Additional information and 
exhibits supporting eligibility and community energy sources may be 
obtained from the U.S. Census, the Energy Information Administration, 
other Federal and State agencies, or private sources. The 2017 
Application Guide provides additional information and sources that are 
useful in establishing community eligibility.
    Identify and analyze the major energy challenges that the eligible 
community faces and how their extremely high energy costs impair their 
ability to meet these needs or adversely affect other aspects of 
community wellbeing. The applicant may, for example, describe how 
socioeconomic, environmental, or public policy considerations may 
affect the community's ability to meet its energy needs or influence 
the choices that they may make.
    Address any community characteristics or extraordinary conditions 
that reviewers should consider in weighing the need for assistance. In 
particular, the narrative should address any circumstances that may 
qualify the application for one or more of the priority scoring 
considerations established in Part E of this notice. Priority 
considerations include high poverty areas, rurality, extraordinary 
conditions or circumstances, and whether a request for SUTA 
consideration conforming to the requirements of this notice has been 
accepted.
B. Project Design, Technical Feasibility and Responsiveness to 
Community Needs
    The project description narrative must describe the proposed 
project in sufficient detail to establish that it is an eligible 
project under program regulations at 7 CFR 1709.109-111, and the 
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and

[[Page 47455]]

Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200, and this 
notice.
    The applicant must describe the project design, construction, 
materials, equipment, and associated activities in sufficient detail to 
support a conclusion by reviewers of the project's eligibility and 
technical feasibility as required by program regulations (7 CFR part 
1709) and this notice. Proposed projects involving construction, 
repair, replacement, or improvement of electric generation, 
transmission, and distribution facilities must generally be consistent 
with the standards and requirements for projects financed with loans 
and loan guarantees under the RE Act as set forth in RUS's Electric 
Programs Regulations and Bulletins and may reference these 
requirements.
    The Applicant's proposed scope of work must include major tasks to 
be performed, any services to be provided directly to beneficiaries, a 
proposed timeline for completing each task, and an estimate of the 
overall project duration.
    In describing the project plan and schedule, applicants must 
specifically identify any regulatory and other approvals required by 
Federal, State, local, or tribal agencies, or by private entities (as a 
condition of financing), that are necessary to carry out the proposed 
grant project. Failure to list required permits and approvals may lead 
to the conclusion by the reviewers that the project proponent does not 
have sufficient expertise to develop the project. The applicant must 
provide an estimated schedule for obtaining the necessary approvals.
    It is essential that the applicant describe and quantify how the 
proposed grant project is responsive to the community challenges or 
needs described in the preceding section of the application.
C. Applicant Organization and Eligibility
    In this section the applicant must describe its organizational 
structure and capacity to carry out the project. The applicant must 
establish that is an eligible applicant under this program as provided 
in Part C, Section 1(i) above. Additionally, the Applicant must confirm 
that it and the project are located in the United States, its 
territories, or an eligible insular area.
    This section of the application is expected to include a 
description of the applicant entity's ownership, as applicable, when it 
was established, where it operates, its sources of funding, whether it 
is regulated, and in addressing the organizational structure, identify 
all subsidiaries, affiliates, or parent entities. Describe the 
financial management system that will be used for grant activities. 
Provide evidence that the applicant has or will have the legal 
authority to enter into a financial assistance relationship with the 
Federal Government. Examples of supporting evidence of applicant's 
legal existence and eligibility include: A reference to or copy of the 
relevant statute, regulation, executive order, or legal opinion 
authorizing a State, local, or tribal government program, articles of 
incorporation or certificates of incorporation or good standing for 
corporate applicants, partnership or trust agreements, and board 
resolutions. (These documents will not be counted towards any page 
limitation and should be included at the end of the Application Package 
with Supplementary Materials.) Applicants must also represent that they 
are free of any debarment or other restriction on their ability to 
contract with the Federal Government or receive a federal grant.
D. Organizational Capabilities and Project Management Plan
    Provide a narrative describing the applicant's plan for 
implementing the proposed project. Describe the organization's 
organizational structure, method of funding and the expertise on the 
payroll that is relevant to the project. Describe how and by whom the 
project will be managed during construction and all phases of 
operation. The availability of financial statements and other 
supporting documentation about applicant financial and legal capacity 
to carry out the project can be referenced here. Identify key staff 
that will be responsible for managing the grant project and indicate 
whether outside consultants or contractors will be used and for what 
purposes. Describe the capabilities of outside consultants or 
contractors that will have a primary role in executing the grant 
project.
    If the applicant proposes to use equipment or design, construction 
or other services from non-affiliated entities, the application must 
describe how it plans to contract for such equipment or services.
    Describe the identities, relationship, qualifications, and 
experience of these affiliated and contracted entities. The experience 
and capabilities of these affiliated and/or contracted entities will be 
reviewed by the rating panel. Indicate whether a force account method 
\4\ to deliver the project is planned, an owner furnished materials + 
contractor method,\5\ or another arrangement for accomplishing the 
project is planned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Force Account: The owner hires temporary employees to 
construct the project. Skilled laborers are often brought in from 
around the state and others are hired locally. An outside 
engineering firm is often involved in project management, 
construction and grant management.
    \5\ Owner furnished materials + contractor method: The Owner 
purchases materials and bids out all construction to a contractor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Applicants are encouraged to review the financial management 
requirements for Federal grantees in 7 CFR part 1709 and government-
wide financial assistance regulations at 2 CFR part 200, and to address 
their ability to comply with these requirements in their applications.
    Overall, this section should provide information that will support 
a finding that the overall combination of management experience, 
financial management capabilities, resources and project structure will 
enable successful completion of the project.
E. Organizational Experience
    This subsection should include a detailed description of the 
applicant's relevant prior experience and that of any other 
organization that will carry out the proposed project. Information 
should be included on past projects, success rates, long-term results, 
and community and individual consumer benefits. If the applicant has 
received any prior High Energy Cost Grants or other Federal funding, a 
detailed description of these awards and past performance is required 
in this section.
F. Key Staff Experience
    Key managers and staff for the project are to be identified above 
in the application component that addresses the implementation plan 
(above). In this section, provide more detail on their qualifications 
and experience relating to the work they are intended to perform for 
the project. If the applicant has identified affiliated entities, 
contractors, or subcontractors to provide services under the grant, in 
this section the applicant must describe the identities, relationship, 
qualifications, and experience of these affiliated entities, 
contractors or subcontractors. The rating panel will consider the 
experience and capabilities of these entities in scoring the proposal. 
If the application is selected for funding, key personnel provisions 
may be included in the grant agreement as a condition of the award.
G. Project Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures
    Federal grant regulations provide that each grant award must 
include establishment of performance goals

[[Page 47456]]

defined as ``a target level of performance expressed as a tangible, 
measurable objective, against which actual achievement can be 
compared'' (2 CFR 200.76. See also 2 CFR 200.301, and Sec.  200.308 and 
7 CFR 1709.117.)
    Identify and quantify appropriate measures of project performance 
and success for this project. These proposed performance measures 
should relate to representations in Section B of the application that 
describe how the project will meet the needs identified for the 
community and they should be quantified. Target performance results for 
these benefits may include, for example, quantified expected reductions 
in home or community energy costs, the amount by which cost increases 
otherwise projected will be avoided, a quantified projection of 
enhanced reliability, or economic or social benefits from improvements 
in energy services available to the community. Include documentation or 
references to support the quantified amounts for projected project 
benefits.
H. Project Reporting Plan
    Provide a progress reporting plan that describes how the 
effectiveness of the project in delivering its projected benefits will 
be monitored and measured periodically and once it is complete. This 
plan should specify who will be doing the monitoring and to whom the 
results will be reported. RUS will use these proposed performance 
measures and reporting plans to establish the performance measures 
incorporated in the grant agreement in the event the proposal is 
selected for an award. These suggested performance criteria are not 
binding on the Agency.
I. Project Budget and Financial Capability
    In this subsection the applicant must present its proposed project 
budget for the expected life of the project and also provide 
information about its own financial capability to support the project 
and manage it in compliance with requirements for federal assistance.
    The budget narrative must provide a detailed breakdown of all 
estimated costs and allocate these costs among the listed tasks in the 
work plan. The narrative and budget exhibits and forms must itemize and 
explain major proposed project cost components such as, but not limited 
to, the expected costs of design and engineering and other professional 
services, personnel costs (salaries/wages and fringe benefits), 
equipment, materials, property acquisition, travel (if any), and other 
direct costs, and proposed recovery of indirect costs, if any. The 
budget must document that planned administrative and other expenses of 
the project sponsor that are not directly related to performance of the 
grant will not total more than 4 percent of grant funds.
    The applicant must explain the basis for any cost estimates. A pro 
forma operating budget for the three years of operations must be 
included as an exhibit in this section. The applicant must clearly 
identify the source and amount of any other Federal or non-Federal 
contributions of funds or services that will be used to support the 
proposed project, including any program income.
    The detailed budget narrative must be accompanied by SF-424A, 
``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs,'' or SF-424C ``Budget 
Information--Construction Programs,'' as applicable. All applicants 
that submit applications through Grants.gov must use SF-424A. 
Consistent with the requirements of 2 CFR 200.205, the RUS must review 
the financial risk posed by applicants. In support of this review, 
applicants must provide additional narrative regarding the financial 
capability of their organization including, for example:
    1. Financial stability
    2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management 
standards prescribed under Federal grant regulations in 2 CFR part 200;
    3. History of performance in managing any other Federal awards, 
including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting 
requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous 
Federal awards, and if applicable, the extent to which any previously 
awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards;
    4. Reports and findings from audits performed for other Federal 
assistance under 2 CFR part 200, subpart F--Audit Requirements or the 
reports and findings of any other available audits; and/or
    5. Any contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended 
or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal 
programs or activities.
    Applicants may cross reference relevant discussions elsewhere in 
the application in support of their financial stability and financial 
management capability.
J. Rural Economic Development Initiatives
    The applicant must address how the project will support rural 
economic development in the target area. The narrative must describe 
whether and how the proposed project will support any rural economic 
development initiatives funded by or carried out in cooperation with a 
State or local agency, or an Indian Tribe as required by 7 CFR 
1709.117(b)(11). If it is represented that the project supports a rural 
development initiative, the application should include confirming 
documentation from the appropriate rural development agency. The 
application must identify the extent to which its proposed project 
performance is dependent upon or tied to other rural development 
initiatives, funding, or approvals. If the project is independent of 
and not coordinated with a state or tribal rural development 
initiative, the applicant should clearly indicate this. Project 
narratives that do not address this requirement will receive zero 
points under this evaluation criterion.
K. Priority Considerations
    The Administrator has approved the certain priority considerations 
in scoring and ranking applications consistent with program regulations 
at 7 CFR 1709.123. These priority scoring considerations and points to 
be awarded are described in Part E of this notice. In order to assure 
that applicants receive all of the priority points for which they are 
eligible, this section should identify each priority consideration that 
the applicant is requesting and (with the exception of SUTA) provide a 
brief statement of the circumstances that make them eligible for the 
priority criterion. Applicants may cross reference more detailed 
information elsewhere in the application package. Applicants should 
carefully read Part E on scoring priority considerations before writing 
this section. Priority points will be awarded for the following:
     Projects that provide assistance to USDA High Poverty 
Areas
     Projects that serve small rural communities
     Projects that incorporate commercially proven waste heat 
recovery technology
     Projects that result in not less than a 25% increase in 
energy efficiency for generation assets; this includes repowering aging 
diesel plant
     Projects that address extraordinary circumstances 
affecting the eligible high energy cost community such as a disaster, 
imminent hazard, unserved areas, and other economic hardship
     Projects that serve Substantially Underserved Trust Areas 
(Identifying this requested priority in the application is not 
sufficient in itself to receive SUTA priority points. A separate letter 
request as described in Part C, section (1)(ii) of this notice is a 
prerequisite for receiving SUTA priority points.).

[[Page 47457]]

d. Application Part D--Additional Required Forms and Certifications
    The following forms and certifications must be executed and 
included as part of the application:
     SF 424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs'' or SF 
424D, ``Assurances--Construction Programs'' (as applicable). All 
applicants applying through Grants.gov must use form SF 424B.
     SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' All 
applicants must file this disclosure form (2 CFR 418.110). The 
applicant should complete name and address information. If no 
expenditure indicate $0, ``none,'' or ``not applicable'' in the 
reporting section.
     Form AD-3030 ``Representations Regarding Felony Conviction 
and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants'' (for corporate 
applicants only).
     Rural Utilities Service ``Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matter--Primary Covered 
Transactions.''
     High Energy Cost Grant Program Environmental 
Questionnaire. This RUS environmental questionnaire solicits 
information about project characteristics and site-specific conditions 
that may involve environmental, historic preservation, and other 
resources. The information will be used by RUS's environmental staff to 
determine what, if any, additional environmental impact analyses may be 
necessary before a final grant award may be approved. A copy of the 
environmental questionnaire and instructions for completion are 
included in the Application Guide and may be downloaded from RUS's Web 
site or under funding opportunity announcement RD-RUS-HECG17 at 
Grants.gov.
e. Application--Supplementary Materials (Not To Exceed 10 Pages)
    Applicants may include additional information for reviewers such as 
letters of support and any other supplementary materials not included 
as exhibits in the project narrative that support eligibility, or 
priority considerations. Letters from Congress and senior State 
Officials will not be counted against any page limitations.
f. SUTA Consideration Requests
    Application formatting and content requirements for entities that 
have requested SUTA consideration are identical to those for other 
applicants. The letter request and supporting materials for SUTA 
consideration are submitted separately from the application package to 
be reviewed by the rating panel under this notice. Other than listing 
SUTA consideration as a line item in the list of requested priority 
points in the grant application, there is no provision for a duplicate 
discussion of the merits of SUTA eligibility in the required content 
and form of the application package under this notice. See discussion 
of SUTA above in Part C, Section (1)(ii) above and SUTA regulations at 
7 CFR 1700.108 for additional information on what is required in the 
separate SUTA request.
g. Number of Copies of Submitted Applications
    Paper application packages submitted to RUS must include the 
original signed application and two (2) copies.
    Only one electronic grant application submission through the 
Grants.gov Web site is required.
iv. Information That Successful Applicants Must Submit After 
Notification That They Are a Selected Finalist for a Federal Award
    In addition to the information required to be submitted in the 
application package, RUS may request that applicants who are selected 
as finalists for an award provide additional information, analyses, 
forms and certifications before the grant agreement is signed and funds 
are obligated. These may include additional information and analyses 
for any environmental reviews and clearances under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370h), other statutes, 
and USDA regulations. As discussed earlier, the agency will conduct due 
diligence and risk management reviews with respect to the selected 
finalists and additional inquiry on the part of the agency may be 
associated with this activity. The successful applicant may also be 
required to submit additional certifications required under USDA and 
Government-wide assistance regulations. RUS will advise the applicant 
in writing of any additional information required.

3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and 
System for Award Management (SAM)

    The applicant for a grant must supply a Dun and Bradstreet Data 
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of an application. The 
Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the DUNS number. The 
applicant can obtain a DUNS number free of charge by calling Dun and 
Bradstreet. Please see http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform for more 
information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify your 
organization's number.
    Before submitting an application, the applicant must register in 
the System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly Central Contractor 
Registry, (CCR)). Applicants must register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. SAM registration must remain active with current 
information at all times while RUS is considering an application or 
while a Federal grant award is active. To maintain a SAM registration 
the applicant must review and update the information in the SAM 
database annually from the date of initial registration or from the 
date of the last update. The applicant must ensure that the information 
in the database is current, accurate, and complete.

4. How To Submit_Submission Dates and Times

    Applicants may submit applications on paper directly to the Agency 
or electronically through Grants.gov.
     Paper grant applications and SUTA consideration requests 
must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight to the 
address provided at the top of this notice under ADDRESSES no later 
than the deadline published at the top of this notice under DATES to be 
eligible for FY 2017 grant funding. RUS will begin accepting 
applications on the date of publication of this notice. RUS will accept 
for review all applications postmarked or delivered to it by this 
deadline. Applications should be marked ``Attention: High Energy Cost 
Grant Program.''
    For the purposes of determining the timeliness of an application 
RUS will accept the following as valid postmarks: The date stamped by 
the United States Postal Service on the outside of the package 
containing the application delivered by U.S. Mail; the date the package 
was received by a commercial delivery service as evidenced by the 
delivery label; the date received via hand delivery to RUS 
headquarters. Late applications will not be considered and will be 
rejected.
    RUS will not provide notifications acknowledging receipt of paper 
applications. Applicants should retain proof of mailing or shipping.
    Applicants are advised that regular mail deliveries to Federal 
Agencies, especially of oversized packages and envelopes, are 
frequently delayed by increased security screening requirements that 
include irradiation which may damage contents. Applicants may wish to 
consider using Express Mail or a commercial overnight delivery service 
instead of regular mail.

[[Page 47458]]

Applicants wishing to hand deliver or use courier services for delivery 
should contact an RUS representative in advance to arrange for building 
access. If an applicant wishes to submit such materials, they should 
contact an RUS representative for additional information.
     Electronic grant applications must be filed with 
www.grants.gov on or before the deadline published at the top of this 
notice under DATES to be eligible for FY 2017 funding. RUS will review 
electronic applications and use the date and time an electronic 
application was posted for submission to Grants.gov to determine 
timeliness. Applications received by Grants.gov after the deadline will 
not be eligible for FY 2017 grant funding and will be rejected.
    Applicants are encouraged to file electronic applications in 
advance of the deadline. Applicants encountering difficulty filing 
applications electronically must contact Grants.gov for assistance.
    Grants.gov will generate a receipt for application filing and for 
transmittal to USDA. RUS will not issue a separate acknowledgement of 
receipt. Acceptance of an application by Grants.gov does not constitute 
acceptance as an eligible and complete application by RUS.
     If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a 
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    The High Energy Cost Grant Program is not subject to Executive 
Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs'' as 
implemented by USDA in 2 CFR part 415. Applications do not have to be 
submitted to any State agencies for review before submittal.

6. Funding Restrictions

    High Energy Cost Grant program funds are subject to certain 
limitations established by Federal statutes, regulations, and policies. 
These restrictions may preclude awards or reimbursements to certain 
applicants or for certain proposed activities and expenditures.
i. Ineligible Purposes
    Grant funds cannot be used for:
    a. Preparation of the grant application; payment of any finder's 
fees or incentives for assisting in the preparation or submission of an 
application;
    b. Purchases of fuel or payment of utility bills;
    c. Payment of applicant's planning and administrative costs that 
exceed 4 percent of the grant award;
    d. Routine maintenance or other operating costs;
    e. Purchase of equipment, structures, or real estate not directly 
associated with provision of residential energy services;
    f. Project construction costs incurred prior to the date of the 
grant award, except as provided in 7 CFR 1709.11(d);
    g. Costs of project development and feasibility analyses exceeding 
10 percent of total project costs;
    h. Projects that primarily or only consist of educational, 
outreach, and audit or assessment activities and do not include a 
substantial investment in physical infrastructure or energy saving 
improvements;
    i. Projects that primarily benefit a single household or business;
    j. Projects that primarily benefit areas outside of eligible 
communities;
    k. Research, development, demonstration, or commercialization 
activities;
    l. Refinancing or repayment of the applicant's outstanding loans or 
loan guarantees under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended 
(7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.);
    m. Funding of political activities;
    n. Payment of any judgment or debt owed to the United States; or
    o. Providing any share or benefit to a member of Congress except as 
provided in 7 CFR 1709.20.
    In addition to the foregoing ineligible purposes, RUS may refuse to 
provide an award or reimbursement where the selected applicant has 
taken actions in violation of restrictions on certain project 
activities prior to completion of pre-award environmental review. See 
Part F, Section 2(i) of this notice and 7 CFR part 1970, or its 
successor.
ii. Limits on Indirect Charges and Markups
    The program statute expressly caps soft costs such as planning 
studies and administrative expenditures at 4% of the grant amount. The 
program regulation expressly states that development fees are not an 
eligible purpose. The legislative history for this program is clear 
that program dollars are for the primary benefit of the ultimate 
beneficiaries of the program. That said, the Agency has observed that 
equipment markups, project and grant management fees, indirect costs 
and other soft costs to be paid to third party participants are not 
identified as such in the standard form SF-424B as is typically 
required in applying for a Federal grant award. The details behind 
these SF-424B budget categories often become apparent only when the 
grantee is submitting an updated budget as a selected finalist or 
supporting documents for each draw request. This program enjoys a 
diversity of program applicants and developers. Some are institutional, 
others are more entrepreneurial, such as outside engineering firms who 
oversee and manage projects in addition to providing design services. 
Some of these program participants typically expect that a percentage 
of each grant will fund indirect overhead, others may levy surcharges 
on equipment purchased for the project, and some may charge fixed or 
variable project management fees. These arrangements result in less 
grant budget dollars being spent directly for the benefit of the 
ultimate project beneficiaries.
    The agency recognizes that the program and ultimate beneficiaries 
are enriched by the diversity of project sponsors, and that these 
parties are not expected to work for free. Nevertheless, applicants are 
put on notice that the agency does not expect to fund soft costs of 
this nature that exceed the following parameters:
    Indirect overhead charges may not exceed 4% (this is differentiated 
from the 4% discussed elsewhere that relates to planning and 
administrative costs that are directly charged to the project.)
    Equipment markups may not exceed 10% inclusive of any exclusive 
distribution rights and may not be levied unless the service provider 
provides purchase credit to bridge receipt of grant disbursements.
    Project management services may not exceed the lower of 8% of the 
grant or the actual cost of management services calculated as a 
function of time and hourly pricing.
    Engineering design fees may not exceed 10%.
    Regardless of the labels attached to costs of this nature, the 
agency would expect the totality of such costs not to exceed 30% of the 
grant budget and may be expected to exercise its discretion not to fund 
anything that is not disclosed and approved in advance. The standard 
language in the form of grant agreement calls for an updated budget and 
implementation plan to be approved by the agency as a condition to the 
first advance of grant funds. The budget submitted as part of the 
application is not binding on the agency.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    Grant applications may be submitted on paper or electronically.

[[Page 47459]]

i. Paper Applications
    Paper applications must follow the format instructions in Part D, 
Section 2(ii) above. A completed paper application package must contain 
all required parts in the order indicated in the above Section 2 
``Content and Form of Application Submission'' and Table 2. The paper 
application package must include one original application with original 
signatures on all forms and certifications and two complete copies.
    Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent 
overnight to the address provided at the top of this notice under 
ADDRESSES no later than the deadline published at the top of this 
notice under DATES.
ii. Electronic Applications
    Electronic applications must follow formatting directions, 
including acceptable file attachment types specified on Grants.gov. 
Failure to follow the special instructions for electronic applications 
and Grants.gov guidance for attachments may result in an unreadable or 
incomplete application which will be rejected.
    Electronic applications must also contain all required parts in the 
order indicated in the above Part D, Section 2 ``Content and Form of 
Application Submission'' and Table 2.
    RUS will not accept applications via fax or electronic mail 
submissions. Electronic applications must be submitted through 
Grants.gov on or before the deadline published at the top of this 
notice under DATES.
    Supplemental information relating to electronic submissions is 
provided below.
    a. Electronic Application materials for the High Energy Cost Grant 
Program notice can be found by searching under Funding Opportunity 
Number: RD-RUS-HECG17 or Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
Number No. 10.859. In addition to the Grants.gov mandatory forms, 
applicants must download, complete, and attach specific USDA and High 
Energy Cost Grant instructions, forms, and certifications to submit a 
complete electronic application package. Additional forms to be 
downloaded, completed, and uploaded to the Grants.gov application 
package include: The RUS ``Certification Regarding Debarment, 
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matter--Primary Covered 
Transactions,'' Form AD-3030 ``Representations Regarding Felony 
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants'' (for 
corporate applicants only), and the RUS Environmental Questionnaire. 
Electronic submissions that do not contain these required forms will be 
rejected as incomplete.
b. Credentials and Authorizations for Electronic Applications
I. System for Award Management
    All applicants must register with the System for Award Management. 
Submitting an application through Grants.gov requires that your 
organization list in the System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly 
Central Contractor Registry, CCR). The Agency strongly recommends that 
you obtain your organization's DUNS number and SAM listing well in 
advance of the deadline specified in this notice. See https://www.sam.gov for more information on SAM and to register.
II. Credentialing and Authorization of Applicants
    Grants.gov will also require some credentialing and online 
authentication procedures before you can submit an application. These 
procedures may take several business days to complete, further 
emphasizing the need for early action by applicants to complete the 
sign-up, credentialing and authorization procedures at Grants.gov 
before you submit an application at that Web site.
III. Necessity for Updates
    Some or all of the SAM and Grants.gov registration, credentialing 
and authorizations require updates. If you have previously registered 
at Grants.gov to submit applications electronically, please ensure that 
your registration, credentialing and authorizations are up to date well 
in advance of the grant application deadline.
c. Difficulties in Submitting Electronic Applications
    RUS encourages applicants who wish to apply through Grants.gov to 
submit their applications in advance of the deadlines.
    If a system problem occurs or you have technical difficulties with 
an electronic application, please use the customer support resources 
available at the Grants.gov Web site.
    In case of an electronic filing difficulty that cannot be resolved, 
applicants may download application materials and complete forms online 
through Grants.gov without completing the Grants.gov registration 
requirements. Application materials prepared online may be printed and 
submitted in paper to RUS as detailed above.

E. Application Review Information

    This section describes the process and application review criteria 
that the RUS will use to evaluate the eligibility and merit of the 
applications packages submitted. This notice establishes the criteria 
and weights to be used and the evaluation process as provided by 
program regulations at 7 CFR part 1709.

1. Criteria

    The Administrator of RUS has established the merit selection and 
priority consideration criteria for evaluating and scoring the 
applications submitted under this notice pursuant to program 
regulations at 7 CFR 1709.102 and 1709.123. The criteria set forth 
below will be used by one or more rating panels to be selected by the 
Assistant Administrator, Electric Programs. Additional information on 
how scoring criteria will be applied can be found in the 2017 
Application Guide.
    The maximum number of points to be awarded is 100. The maximum 
points available under project design and technical merit criteria are 
65. The maximum number of points to be awarded under priority 
considerations that support USDA and RUS program priorities is 35.
    Table 3 shows the selection criteria and weights that will be used 
in scoring the 2017 applications:

Table 3--Project Merit and Priority Consideration Criteria for 2017 NOSA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Maximum points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Design and Technical Merit (up to 65 Points)
Assessment of Community Needs...........................              15
Project Design, Technical Feasibility and Responsiveness              10
 to Community Needs.....................................
Management Plan.........................................              10
Organizational Experience...............................               5
Key Staff Experience....................................               5

[[Page 47460]]

 
Project Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures......               3
Project Reporting Plan..................................               2
Project Budget, Financial Feasibility and matching                    10
 contributions..........................................
State, local, or tribal rural development initiatives...               5
Priority Considerations (up to 35 points)
High Poverty Areas Priority.............................              10
Rurality (Population)...................................              10
    (A) 50 States and Puerto Rico:
        1. 2,500 or less, 10 points;
        2. Between 2,501 and 5,000, inclusive, 7 points;
        3. Between 5,001 and 10,000, inclusive, 5
         points;
        4. Between 10,001 and 20,000, inclusive, 3
         points; and
        5. Above 20,000, 0 points.
    (B) Virgin Islands and Pacific Insular Areas, 10
     points.
Waste heat recovery projects that incorporate                          5
 commercially proven technology.........................
-OR-
Energy efficiency projects that result in no less than a
 25% increase in energy efficiency for generation
 assets, which may include projects that repower aging
 diesel plants.
Extraordinary circumstances or conditions...............               5
SUTA Applications.......................................               5
                                                         ---------------
    Total Points........................................             100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

i. Project Design and Technical Merit Criteria (Up to 65 Points Total)
    Reviewers will consider the soundness of the applicant's analysis 
of community needs and benefits, the adequacy of the proposed project 
plan, the technical feasibility of the project, the adequacy of 
financial and other resources, the competence and experience of the 
applicant and its team, project goals and objectives, and performance 
measures. Project proposals will be evaluated on how well the proposal 
addresses application content requirements and evaluation criteria and 
how well the application compares to other applications. A total of 65 
points may be awarded under the following criteria.
a. Assessment of Community Needs (Up to 15 Points)
    Under this criterion, reviewers will consider the applicant's 
assessment of community needs and how the grant project addresses those 
needs and how the severity of identified needs compares to other 
applications. Reviewers will consider the identification and 
documentation of eligible communities, their populations, and 
assessment of community energy needs targeted by the grant project. 
Information on the severity of physical and economic challenges 
affecting eligible communities will be considered. Reviewers will 
weigh: (1) The applicant's analysis of community energy challenges and 
(2) why the applicant's proposal presents a greater need for Federal 
assistance than other competing applications. In assessing the 
applicant's demonstration of community needs, the rating panel will 
consider information in the narrative proposal addressing the 
following:
    I. The burden placed on the community and individual households by 
extremely high energy costs. This burden may be evidenced by such 
quantitative measures as, for example, total energy expenditures, per 
unit energy costs, energy cost intensity for occupied space, or energy 
costs as a share of average household income, and persistence of 
extremely high energy costs compared to national or statewide averages;
    II. The hardships created by limited access to reliable and 
affordable energy services;
    III. The availability of other resources to support or supplement 
the proposed grant funding; and
    IV. Indications of community support for the proposed project 
solution to their energy challenges.
b. Project Design, Technical Feasibility and Responsiveness to 
Community Needs. (Up to 10 Points)
    Reviewers will assess the technical and economic feasibility of the 
project and how well its goals and objectives address the challenges of 
the extremely high energy cost community. The panel will review the 
proposed design, construction, equipment, and materials for the 
community energy facilities in establishing technical feasibility. 
Reviewers may propose additional conditions on the grant award to 
assure that the project is technically sound. Reviewers will consider 
the adequacy of the applicant's budget and resources to carry out the 
project as proposed and how the applicant proposes to manage available 
resources such as other grants, program income, and any other financing 
sources to maintain and operate a financially viable project once the 
grant period has ended. Reviewers may give higher scores to projects 
that are substantially ready to proceed with construction or 
implementation than to those that are early in the project development 
process.
    In this section, the applicant will be awarded points on the 
technological design of the project. The applicant must provide a 
narrative description of the project including a proposed scope of work 
identifying major tasks and proposed schedules for task completion, a 
detailed description of the equipment, facilities and associated 
activities to be financed with grant funds, the location of the 
eligible extremely high energy cost communities to be served, and an 
estimate of the overall duration of the project. The Project Design 
description should be sufficiently detailed to support a finding of 
technical feasibility. Proposed projects involving construction, 
repair, replacement, or improvement of electric generation, 
transmission, and distribution facilities must generally be consistent 
with the standards and requirements for projects financed with loans 
and loan guarantees under the RE Act as set forth in the Agency's 
Electric Programs Regulations and Bulletins and may reference these 
requirements.

[[Page 47461]]

C. Management Plan (Up to 10 Points)
    Reviewers will assess the adequacy of the proposed management plan 
against the content requirements in this notice and in comparison to 
the quality of other applications received. Applicants should take care 
to address all the required content materials. Points will be awarded 
for robust management plans, and realistic succinct schedules. If the 
applicant proposes to secure equipment, design, construction, or other 
services from non-affiliated entities, the applicant must briefly 
describe how it plans to procure and/or contract for such equipment or 
services consistent with Federal requirements. Reviewers will award the 
highest points to applications that fully include all required 
information and support a finding that the combination of management 
team's experience, financial management capabilities, resources and 
project structure will enable successful completion of the project.
d. Organizational Experience (Up to 5 Points)
    Reviewers will assess the applicant's demonstrated experience in 
successfully administering and carrying out projects comparable to the 
grant proposal. In lieu of direct experience, reviewers will consider 
efforts applicant has taken to secure a capacity to provide energy 
services in rural areas. The Agency will consider the experience of the 
project team and the effectiveness of the program design in 
compensating for lack of extensive experience. If the applicant has 
received any HECG funding or other Federal funding, a detailed 
description of past performance is required in this section. Points 
will be awarded to organizations with proven track records or that have 
established a management structure and team with capacity and 
experience to carry out the project. Points will be awarded based on 
how well the applicant addressed the content requirements of this 
notice, the quality of the proposed project organizational capacity and 
how the proposal compares with other applications.
e. Key Staff Experience (Up to 5 Points)
    Reviewers will assess the quality and capacity of the project team 
to carry out the proposal. Reviewers will consider whether the key 
project staff members possess demonstrated experience in successfully 
administering and carrying out projects that are comparable to the 
grant proposal. Reviewers may consider whether the project team 
includes staff or other identified consultants or contractors needed to 
successfully complete the project. If the applicant proposes to use 
affiliated entities, contractors, or subcontractors to provide services 
funded under the grant, reviewers will consider the identities, 
relationship, qualifications, and experience of these affiliated 
entities. Points will be awarded based on how well the applicant 
addressed the requirements in this notice and how the applicant's 
proposal compares to other applications.
f. Project Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures (Up to 3 Points)
    Applicants must clearly identify project goals, objectives and 
performance measures to track the progress and success of their 
proposed project. These goals and performance measures must be 
quantitative and empirically verifiable. These performance measures 
will be incorporated in the grant agreement under ongoing reporting 
requirements and used, together with other such data, to assess the 
overall benefits achieved as a result of the grant award. Examples of 
quantitative and verifiable results include but are not limited to 
gallons of diesel fuel saved annually, together with the related 
(quantified) emission reductions, annual reductions in the typical 
household electric bill within the community or annual fuel expense 
realized by the utility serving the community. Such measures may also 
include projections of avoided costs achieved as a result of the 
project. Qualitative descriptions of the benefits to be achieved which 
are not empirical in nature will not qualify for these points. No 
points will be awarded for this criteria if the application fails to 
identify quantitative, empirically verifiable performance measures for 
the proposed project. In the event a project proposes to serve 
previously unserved beneficiaries, the project performance measures 
should be quantitative in nature as well. Reviewers will assess the 
applicant's plan to evaluate and report on the success and cost-
effectiveness of financed activities. Reviewers will also assess 
whether applicant's proposed measures provide a quantitative basis for 
tracking project success and whether the application provides 
documentation or references to support its statements about cost-
effectiveness savings and improved services. Reviewers will award 
points based on how well the applicant meets the requirements of the 
notice, the effectiveness of the proposed measures to monitor 
performance, and how the application compares against performance 
objectives incorporated in other proposals.
g. Project Reporting Plan (Up to 2 Points)
    Reviewers will consider applicant's description of the reporting 
plan and how it contributes to tracking progress and performance and 
the consequences if project falls behind schedule. Reviewers will 
assess points based on the adequacy of the plan and how well it 
compares to other applications.
h. Project Budget, Financial Feasibility and Matching Contributions (Up 
to 10 Points)
    Reviewers will consider whether applicant has fully responded to 
requirements of this notice and whether the narrative, forms and 
exhibits provide sufficient information to assess the adequacy of the 
project budget and the financial feasibility of the project.
    The budget materials must document that planned administrative and 
other expenses of the project sponsor that are not directly related to 
performance of the grant will not total more than 4 percent of grant 
funds. The application must also identify the source and amount of any 
other Federal or non-Federal contributions of funds or services that 
will be used to support completion of the proposed project. Points will 
be awarded for completeness, realistic budget costs, and feasibility. 
Reviewers may consider total grant funds requested as a share of total 
project costs in assessing feasibility. All matching contributions must 
be clearly identified. No additional points will be awarded for 
matching contribution. Reviewers will consider them in assessing 
feasibility and commitment to completing the project. Reviewers will 
score the proposal based on how well the applicant's budget submission 
fully complies with requirements of the notice and whether project 
resources, including the grant request and identified matching 
contributions, are adequate to complete the project as proposed. 
Reviewers will also assess how well the applicant's proposal compared 
with other applications.
i. State, Local, or Tribal Rural Development Initiatives (Up to 5 
Points)
    The reviewing panel will assess how effectively the proposed 
project is coordinated with State rural development initiatives, if 
any, and is consistent with and supports these efforts. [Note: The term 
``State rural development initiatives'' refers to state or tribal 
programs and not to USDA Rural Development programs.] The RUS will 
consider the documentation submitted for coordination efforts, 
community support and matching

[[Page 47462]]

contributions, and State or local government recommendations. 
Applicants should identify the extent to which the project is dependent 
on or tied to other rural development initiatives, funding, and 
approvals. Applicants are advised that they should address this 
criterion explicitly even if only to report that the project is not 
coordinated with or supporting a State rural development initiative. 
Failure to address this criterion will result in zero points awarded.
ii. Priority Considerations (Up to 35 Points Total)
    In addition to the points awarded for project design and technical 
merit, all proposals will be reviewed and awarded additional points 
based on certain characteristics of the project or the target 
community. USDA Rural Development Mission Area policies generally 
encourage agencies to give priority in their programs to rural areas of 
greatest need and to support other Federal policy initiatives. In 
furtherance of these policies, RUS will award additional points for the 
priorities identified in this notice. The priority criteria and point 
scores used in this notice are consistent with the program regulations 
in 7 CFR part 1709. The Agency will give priority consideration to 
areas suffering high poverty, smaller rural and remote communities. 
Projects serving communities experiencing extraordinary circumstances 
affecting their ability to provide energy services may also enjoy 
priority points. Priority points are also available for applications 
that the Administrator has accepted for consideration under 
Substantially Underserved Trust Area regulations at 7 CFR part 1700, 
subpart D. A maximum of 35 total points may be awarded under the 
following priority criteria:
a. High Poverty Areas (15 Points)
    USDA Rural Development is committed to reducing the impacts of high 
and persistent poverty in rural communities. The economic hardship of 
extensive and persistent poverty exacerbates the impacts of extremely 
high energy costs on families and businesses and hampers the 
community's ability to meet its energy needs. In support of this USDA 
initiative, RUS will award 15 priority points for projects that serve 
communities in counties that are classified as High Poverty or 
Persistent Poverty by the USDA Economic Research Service ``Geography of 
Poverty'' Web page (http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-poverty-well-being/geography-of-poverty.aspx) or that 
are located in a county with at least one census tract with a poverty 
rate of 20 percent or more using data from the American Community 
Survey (ACS) that can easily be accessed through the Census Bureau 
American Fact Finder Web page (http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml). Applicants may use other population and income 
data from the U.S. Census, state, or tribal sources if the ACS does not 
contain information for their community or project area. In the absence 
of accurate community information, the 2017 Application Guide provides 
additional details on high poverty areas. Reviewers will award 15 
points for any application that serves one or more high poverty areas 
and that has required supporting population information.
    Note on Alternative Economic and Population Data for Eligible 
Territories and Insular Areas: RUS recognizes that comparable economic 
and household income information may not be available for eligible 
areas that are not States. Applicants from these areas should provide 
any public information that is readily available on territorial or 
national median household income and local community economic 
characteristics and other indication of economic challenge posed by 
extremely high energy costs. Applications from these areas will be 
scored based on the provided data.
b. Rurality (Up to 10 Points)
    Consistent with the USDA Rural Development policy to target 
resources to smaller rural communities with significant needs and 
recognizing that smaller and remote communities are often comparatively 
disadvantaged in seeking assistance, RUS has established a sliding 
scale for awarding points based on population. RUS has also determined 
to award the full 10 points to applications from the Virgin Islands and 
eligible Pacific Insular areas. Reviewers will award additional points 
based on the rurality (as measured by population) of the project 
communities to be served with grant funds under one of two options 
below.
I. Applications From the Fifty States and Puerto Rico
    Applications from any one of the fifty States or Puerto Rico, will 
be scored based on the population of the largest incorporated cities, 
towns, or villages, or census designated places included within the 
grant's proposed project area. Points will be awarded based on the 
population of the largest target community within the proposed target 
area as follows:
    A. 2,500 or less, 10 points;
    B. Between 2,501 and 5,000, inclusive, 7 points;
    C. Between 5,001 and 10,000, inclusive, 5 points;
    D. Between 10,001 and 20,000, inclusive, 3 points; and
    E. Above 20,000, 0 points.
    Applicants must use the latest available population figures from 
the 2010 U.S. Census available at American Fact Finder (http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml) for every 
incorporated city, town, or village, or Census designated place 
included in the project community area.
II. Applications From the Virgin Islands and Pacific Insular Areas (10 
Points)
    The priority scoring criteria are intended to carry out Rural 
Development policy to give priority to areas most challenged by 
extremely high energy costs and those without access to substantial 
alternative economic and institutional resources to address these 
challenges, particularly rural, remote, and substantially-underserved 
areas. U.S. Census population and economic data have been used as proxy 
measures for rurality, remoteness, and economic challenges. It has 
become evident that comparable, up to date U.S. Census population and 
economic information are not easily available or are unavailable for 
communities in the Virgin Islands or Pacific insular areas. After 
consideration, RUS has decided to adopt an alternative methodology for 
scoring eligible applications from these areas. RUS will assign a 
rurality score of ``10'' to applications from the Virgin Islands and 
eligible insular areas in the Pacific. This policy will place these 
applications on an equal footing with competing applications from other 
rural and remote areas.
c. Waste Heat Recovery Projects or Energy Efficiency Projects (Up to 5 
Points)
    Reviewers will award up to 5 points for waste heat recovery 
projects where the project budget does not include the cost of new or 
re-powered generation. Waste heat recovery project costs may include 
duct and other delivery infrastructure up to but not within a structure 
wherein the recovered heat will be used. Waste heat recovery projects 
must incorporate commercially proven technology.
    Energy efficiency projects are also eligible for priority points, 
but only those which achieve the 25% improvement threshold set by the 
agency. The purpose of this threshold is to reserve priority points for 
projects

[[Page 47463]]

that meet a reasonably high bar rather than award points to project 
that achieve only nominal improvements. In order to receive these 
priority points the project scope must demonstrate that the 
efficiencies achieved at the point of generation will not be 
subsequently dissipated in distribution; such projects may well include 
distribution and weatherization improvements to assure the reviewers 
that efficiency improvements will be realized at the retail level.
    A project that proposes to repower an aging diesel plant with a new 
generator that incorporates waste heat recovery would receive 5 points. 
The purpose of this priority category is to allow priority points for 
one or another priority, but not allow double points for projects that 
combine both.
d. Extraordinary Conditions or Circumstances (Up to 5 Points)
    The Administrator in his sole discretion has decided to provide up 
to 5 points for project applications for communities that exhibit one 
or more extraordinary conditions or circumstances that affect the 
community's ability to provide energy services or to make investments 
to reduce energy use or costs. This priority includes considerations 
that were recognized separately under prior notices as well as allowing 
for recognition of other extraordinary circumstances adversely 
impacting eligible high energy cost communities. The 2017 Application 
Guide has more detail on situations that may qualify an application for 
priority points under this criterion. Reviewers may award up to a total 
of 5 points, based on their assessment of the hardship presented, for 
the following extraordinary circumstances:
I. Disaster
    The community has suffered a natural or other disaster that 
affected critical community energy facilities. The application must 
provide details of when the disaster occurred, the extent of damage, 
and available resources for disaster recovery, including assistance 
from other agencies.
II. Unserved Energy Needs
    Consistent with the purposes of the RE Act, projects that meet 
unserved or underserved energy needs may be awarded points under this 
criterion. Examples of proposals that may qualify under this priority 
include projects that extend or improve electric or other energy 
services to communities and customers that do not have reliable 
centralized or commercial service or where many homes remain without 
such service because the costs are unaffordable.
III. Imminent Hazard
    Reviewers may award priority consideration for any applications 
including a project to correct a condition posing an imminent hazard to 
public safety, welfare, the environment, or to a critical community or 
residential energy facility. Examples include community energy 
facilities in immediate danger of failure because of deteriorated 
condition, capacity limitations, damage from natural disasters or 
accidents, or other conditions where impending failure of existing 
facilities or absence of energy facilities creates a substantial threat 
to public health or safety, or to the environment.
IV. Extreme Economic Hardship
    Reviewers may award additional priority points for projects serving 
communities with conditions creating a severe economic hardship to the 
community or the energy provider. The hardship must be adequately 
described and documented by the applicant. Examples include but are not 
limited to natural disasters, financially distressed local industry, 
and loss of major local employer, persistent poverty, outmigration, or 
other conditions adversely affecting the local economy, or contributing 
to unserved or underserved energy infrastructure needs that affect the 
economic health of the community. Applications from eligible areas that 
are not States will be scored under this alternative using information 
provided in the Application. The rating panel may assign points under 
this criterion, in lieu of awarding points based on the percentage of 
median household income. Award of priority points under this criterion 
is in addition to any that may be awarded for high poverty counties. 
Applicants may qualify under this criterion that do not meet the USDA 
Rural Development high poverty counties priority above.
V. Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (5 Points)
    Under SUTA regulations at 7 CFR part 1700, subpart D, eligible 
entities may request special consideration for applications for 
communities in trust areas that lack adequate levels or quality of 
service and are in high need of grant assistance. The Administrator, in 
his sole discretion, has determined to award 5 points to any 
application from an eligible SUTA entity for projects serving eligible 
areas that are also eligible for the High Energy Cost Grant Program. To 
receive these points, the entity must submit a separate application and 
request for consideration under SUTA as provided in Part C, Section 
1(ii) of this notice above and program regulations at 7 CFR part 1700, 
subpart D. The decision to provide SUTA consideration to an eligible 
application is solely at the discretion of the Administrator.
    Reviewers will award 5 points to any project application that has 
been accepted for consideration under SUTA.
iii. Cost Sharing
    There is no requirement for matching contributions under the High 
Energy Cost Grant Program. The Agency has determined not to make cost 
contributions a separate scoring criterion. Consideration of matching 
contributions may be considered by the rating panel in assessing the 
financial capacity to complete the project, budget, and rural 
development initiative criteria.

2. Review and Selection Process

i. Determining Eligibility
    RUS will review all application packages received to determine if 
they were timely submitted on or before the deadline published at the 
top of this Notice under DATES. All timely received application 
packages will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Project 
proposals that contain all required application package content in 
acceptable format and that meet eligibility criteria will be accepted 
for consideration. Application packages that are late, incomplete or 
ineligible will be rejected.
    Applicants will be notified if they were found to be ineligible 
when selected finalists are announced. The determinations on 
timeliness, completeness and eligibility will be final. The rejection 
notice will provide information on any appeals that may apply with 
respect to rejections based on eligibility.
    After the application closing date, RUS will not consider any 
unsolicited information from the applicant. The Agency may contact the 
applicant for additional information or to clarify statements in the 
application required to establish applicant or community eligibility 
and completeness. RUS will not accept or solicit any additional 
information relating to the technical merits and feasibility of the 
grant proposal after the application closing date.
    The Agency will look only at the three-page narrative in Part B of 
the application package during the initial

[[Page 47464]]

screening process to determine if the applicant, community and project 
meet program eligibility requirements established in this notice and 
program regulations.
ii. Evaluation and Scoring of Eligible Applications
    The Agency will use one or more rating panels composed of Agency 
employees to review and score eligible applications. The panel will 
evaluate and score the applications using the selection criteria and 
weights established in this notice along with the additional 
information provided in the 2017 Application Guide. As part of the 
proposal review and ranking process, panel members may make comments 
and recommendations for appropriate conditions on grant awards to 
promote successful performance of the grant or to assure compliance 
with other Federal requirements. The decision to include panel 
recommendations on grant conditions in any grant award will be at the 
sole discretion of the RUS Administrator.
    The rating panel members' individual scores for each application 
will be consolidated with those from other members to create a total 
score for each application. The panel will forward their individual 
scores and the ranked list of projects to the Assistant Administrator, 
Electric Programs, for review of consistency with this notice and 
program regulations. The Assistant Administrator may refer the ranked 
list or individual project scores back to the rating panel or to an 
individual member to correct any apparent error or inconsistency (such 
as awarding a higher number of points than allowed) or for questions 
about scoring of individual projects. The Assistant Administrator will 
then prepare a selection memo for the Administrator along with a list 
of ranked projects.
iii. Review and Selection of Applications
    The RUS Administrator will review the application rankings and 
recommendations of the rating panel. The Administrator may return any 
application to the rating panel with written instruction for 
reconsideration if, in his sole discretion, he finds that the scoring 
of an application is inconsistent with this notice and the directions 
provided to the rating panel. Following any adjustments to the project 
in ranking, as a result of reconsideration, the Administrator will 
select finalists for grant awards. The Administrator will consider 
projects in rank order, taking into account the applications, the 
rankings, comments, and recommendations of the rating panel, and other 
pertinent information, including availability of funds. The 
Administrator may fund grant requests in rank order to the extent of 
available funds. Upon consideration of panel recommendations and 
availability of funds, the Administrator may, in his sole discretion, 
decide to offer an award of less than the full amount of grant 
requested by an applicant. If the applicant declines an award, the 
offer will be withdrawn. If at any point in the selection process 
sufficient funds are not available to fund the next ranked project, the 
Administrator may, in his sole discretion, offer a partial award to the 
next project, or skip over that project to the next ranking project 
that can be supported with available funding. The Administrator may in 
his sole discretion, make additional awards to unfunded applications in 
rank order if additional funds become available.
    Because of the limited amount of funds available, no applicant or 
project will receive more than one award under this notice. If two 
projects from the same applicant score high enough to potentially 
receive funding, the Administrator will select the project with the 
higher score.
    The Administrator may decide based on the recommendations of the 
rating panel, or in his sole discretion, that a grant award should be 
made contingent upon the applicant satisfying certain conditions. For 
example, RUS will not obligate funding for a selected project--such as 
projects requiring extensive environmental review and mitigation, 
preparation of detailed site specific engineering studies and designs, 
or requiring local permitting, or availability of supplemental 
financing--until any such additional conditions are satisfied and 
adequate funds remain available. In the event that any selected 
finalist fails to comply with all pre-award conditions within the 
deadlines set by RUS, the award selection will be withdrawn.

3. Notice to Applicants Regarding Certain Grant Awards

    This notice may result in awards where the total Federal share will 
be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (See 2 CFR 200.88) 
on any Federal award under this notice over the period of performance 
(see 2 CFR 200.88). Therefore, applicants are advised that:
    (i) RUS, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of 
Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is 
required to review and consider any information about the applicant 
that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible 
through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
    (ii) An applicant, at its option, may review information in the 
designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and 
comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency 
previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and 
performance system accessible through SAM; and
    (iii) RUS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition 
to the other information in the designated integrity and performance 
system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business 
ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing 
the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR part 200.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

    After the Administrator's decision, RUS will notify successful 
applicants that they have been selected as finalists for a grant award. 
This selection is subject to continued availability of funds and 
compliance with all post-award requirements including but not limited 
to completion of any additional environmental reviews and execution of 
a grant agreement satisfactory to RUS. This selection does not bind RUS 
to make a final grant award. Only an RUS grant agreement executed by 
the Administrator will constitute a binding obligation and commitment 
of Federal funds. Grant funds will not be awarded or disbursed until 
all requirements have been satisfied and are contingent on the 
continued availability of funds at the time of the award. RUS will 
advise selected applicants of any additional requirements or 
conditions.
    RUS anticipates that award decisions will be made within 6 months 
of the closing date, depending on availability of funds. Final 
selection announcements will be posted on our Web site (http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/high-energy-cost-grants).

5. Appeals

    As discussed above, RUS will reject any application that in its 
sole discretion is not complete or that does not demonstrate that the 
applicant, community or project is eligible under the requirements of 
this NOSA and applicable program regulations. Applicants will be 
notified in writing of RUS's decision. Applicants may appeal the 
eligibility rejection pursuant to program regulations on appeals at 7 
CFR 1709.6 for the high energy cost grant program. Applicants must 
appeal in

[[Page 47465]]

writing to the RUS Administrator within 10 days after the applicant is 
notified of the determination to reject the application. The appeal 
must state the basis for the appeal. Appeals must be directed to the 
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., STOP 1500, Washington, DC 
20250-1500. The Administrator will review the appeal to determine 
whether to sustain, reverse, or modify the original determination by 
the Assistant Administrator. The Administrator's decision shall be 
final. A written copy of the Administrator's decision will be furnished 
promptly to the applicant.

F. Federal Award Administration

1. Federal Award Notices

    RUS will notify all applicants in writing as to the outcome of 
their application. Successful applicants will be advised in writing 
that they are a selected finalist. The receipt of a finalist selection 
letter is not a binding award of Federal funds. The selection letter 
does not authorize the applicant to commence performance under the 
award. The Agency will advise the applicant of any additional 
requirements or pre-award conditions. After the pre-award conditions 
are satisfied, the Agency will send a conditions letter with all 
project-specific terms and conditions to be included in the grant 
agreement. After the applicant indicates acceptance of these terms and 
conditions the Administrator will approve the award and execute the 
grant agreement.
    Successful applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement 
acceptable to the Agency and complete additional grant forms and 
certifications required by USDA as part of the process.
    An executed grant agreement and satisfaction of all conditions 
precedent to funding are a prerequisite to any advance of funds.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

i. Environmental Review and Restriction on Certain Activities
    Following the announcement, selected applicants will be required to 
submit the appropriate environmental review documentation, as outlined 
in the RUS environmental questionnaire and to prepare and submit any 
other environmental impact analyses required by RUS Environmental 
Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1970). Successful applicants will 
be advised whether additional environmental review requirements apply 
to their proposals. These reviews may result in additional project 
conditions that RUS will include in the grant agreement. Also, as a 
condition of any award, applicants must also agree to comply with 
conditions imposed on the grant project by any other Federal, State, or 
Tribal environmental laws and regulations, licenses, or permits.
    In accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, applicants are restricted from 
taking actions that may have an adverse environmental impact or limit 
the choice of alternatives being considered until the environmental 
review process is concluded. If an applicant takes such actions, RUS 
will not award or advance grant funds. If the proposed grant project 
involves physical development activities or property acquisition, the 
applicant is generally prohibited from acquiring, rehabilitating, 
converting, leasing, repairing or constructing property or facilities, 
or committing or expending RUS or non-RUS funds for proposed grant 
activities until RUS has completed any environmental review in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 1970 or its successor, determined that no 
environmental review is required.

ii. Other Federal Requirements

    High Energy Cost Grant Program Regulations (7 CFR part 1709), the 
requirements of this notice, the 2017 Application Guide and 
accompanying materials establish the appropriate administrative and 
national policy requirements for awards under this program. These 
requirements include but are not limited to:
    a. Executing a Grant Agreement acceptable to the Agency;
    b. Signing Form AD-3031 (``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or 
Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants'') (for corporate 
applicants only);
    c. Using the forms specified in the Grant Agreement for requesting 
advances and reimbursements and submitting and maintaining supporting 
documentation of expenditures and receipts for use of funds awarded 
under this grant;
    d. Providing quarterly project performance activity reports with 
required forms specified in the grant agreement until the expiration of 
the project term;
    e. Ensuring that records are maintained to document all grant 
supported activities and expenditures and matching contributions;
    f. Providing a final project performance report after completion of 
construction and one year's worth of operation;
    g. Complying with policies, guidance, and requirements as described 
in the following applicable Federal regulations, and any successor 
regulations:
     2 CFR part 200, Office of Management and Budget, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards;
     2 CFR part 400 United States Department of Agriculture, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards;
     2 CFR part 180 (Office of Management and Budget 
Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non procurement));
     2 CFR part 416 (United States Department of Agriculture, 
General Program Administrative Regulations for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to State and Local Governments);
     2 CFR part 417 (United States Department of Agriculture, 
Government-wide debarment and suspension (non-procurement));
     2 CFR part 418 (United States Department of Agriculture, 
New restrictions on Lobbying);
     2 CFR part 421 (United States Department of Agriculture, 
Government-wide requirements for drug-free workplace (grants));
     7 CFR part 15, subpart A United States Department of 
Agriculture, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the 
Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 (as more fully elaborated below);
     7 CFR part 1767 Rural Utilities Service (Accounting 
Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers); and
     7 CFR part 1773 Rural Utilities Service (Policy on Audits 
of RUS Borrowers); and
    h. Civil Rights compliance includes but is not limited to the 
following:
     Assurance Agreement. Each prospective recipient must sign 
RUS Form 266, 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; and that no person 
will be discriminated against based on race, color or national origin, 
in regard to any program or activity for which the recipient receives 
Federal financial assistance; and that nondiscrimination statements are 
in advertisements and brochures.
     Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients 
on race, sex, and national origin and ensure that ultimate recipients 
collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be

[[Page 47466]]

collect in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to 
the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and 
Ethnicity'' (published October 30, 1997 at 62 FR 58782). 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, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 
1975, Executive Order 12250, and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
     The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with 
Executive Order 13166 ``Limited English Proficiency.'' For information 
on limited English proficiency and agency-specific guidance, go to 
hhtp://www.LEP.gov.
     Construction Contract Equal Opportunity Clause. Each 
prospective recipient must execute Form RD 400-1 which assures USDA 
that the recipient will include the prescribed equal opportunity clause 
in construction contracts where Federal financial assistance exceeds 
$10,000.
    Compliance with additional OMB Circulars or government-wide 
regulations may be specified in the grant agreement.

3. Reporting.

    i. The grantee must provide periodic financial and performance 
reports under USDA grant regulations, program rules and the grant 
agreement. The grantee must submit a final project performance report. 
The nature and frequency of required reports is established in USDA 
grant regulations and the project-specific grant agreements.
    ii. The applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in 
place to comply with the reporting requirements for first-tier sub-
awards and executive compensation under the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 in the event the applicant 
receives funding unless such applicant is exempt from such reporting 
requirements pursuant to 2 CFR 170.110(b). The reporting requirements 
under the Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as follows:
    a. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act 
funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by 
the Recipient to http://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month 
following the month the obligation was made. Please note that a 
consolidation of eight federal procurement systems is currently 
underway, including the Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS), into one 
system, the System for Award Management (SAM). As a result, the FSRS 
will soon be consolidated into and accessed through https://www.sam.gov.
    b. Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (5 most highly 
compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if the 
Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov by the end of the month following the month in which the 
award was made.
    c. Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives.
    The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (5 most 
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if 
the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the 
Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the sub 
award was made.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact

    The RUS Contact for this grant announcement is Robin Meigel, 
Finance Specialist, Rural Utilities Service, Electric Programs, United 
States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 
1568, Room 0270-S South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1568. Telephone 
(202) 720-9452, Fax (202) 690-0717, email: [email protected].

H. Other Information

1. Disclosure of Information

    All material submitted by the applicant or grantee may be made 
available to the public in accordance with the Freedom of Information 
Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and USDA's implementing regulations at 7 CFR part 1.
    In addition, in compliance with statutory requirements for Federal 
spending transparency, USDA will announce all Federal awards publicly 
and publish the required information on a publicly available OMB-
designated government-wide Web site (at time of publication, 
www.USAspending.gov). (2 CFR 200.211).

2. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights laws 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 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: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 9410, 
Washington, DC 20250-9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442; or, Email: 
[email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: September 19, 2017.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-22042 Filed 10-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P