[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 71 (Friday, April 12, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14976-14979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-07337]
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NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit
Unions
ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity.
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Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Revolving Loan
Fund (CDRLF) Grant Program.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 44.002.
SUMMARY: The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is issuing
this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability
of technical assistance grants (awards) for low-income designated
credit unions (LICUs) through the CDRLF program. The CDRLF program
serves as a source of financial support in the form of awards that
better enables LICUs to support the communities in which they operate.
All grant awards made under this NOFO are subject to funds availability
and are at the NCUA's discretion.
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Federal Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency
A. Program Description
The purpose of the CDRLF program is to assist LICUs in providing
basic financial services to their members to stimulate economic
activities in their communities. Through the CDRLF program, the NCUA
provides financial
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support in the form of awards to LICUs serving predominantly low-income
members. These funds help improve and expand the availability of
financial services to these members.
The CDRLF program consists of Congressional appropriations that are
administered by the NCUA. CDRLF awards may be used for various projects
that support the efforts of credit unions providing basic financial and
related services to residents in their communities; enhancing their
capacity to better serve their members and the communities in which
they operate, and strengthening the national system of cooperative
credit.
The NCUA will consider requests for various funding initiatives.
More detailed information about the purpose of each initiative, amount
of funds available, funding priorities, permissible uses of funds,
funding limits, deadlines and other pertinent details will be defined
in the Grant Round Guidelines. In addition, the NCUA may periodically
publish information regarding the CDRLF program in official Letters to
Credit Unions, press releases, and/or on the NCUA website.
1. Funding Initiatives
The list of potential funding initiatives available during 2019
includes the following:
i. Counselor Certification (new);
ii. Digital Services and Security;
iii. Pilot Program (new);
iv. Training; and
v. Underserved Outreach.
2. Authority and Regulations
i. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1756, 1757(5)(D), and (7)(I), 1766, 1782,
1784, 1785 and 1786; 12 CFR part 705.
ii. Regulations: The regulation governing the CDRLF program is
found at 12 CFR part 705. In general, this regulation is used by the
NCUA to govern the CDRLF program and set forth the program
requirements. Additional regulations related to the CDRLF program are
found at 12 CFR parts 701 and 741. For the purposes of this NOFO, an
Applicant is a Qualifying Credit Union that submits a complete
Application to the NCUA under the CDRLF program. The NCUA encourages
Applicants to review the regulations, this NOFO, the Grant Round
Guidelines, and other program materials for a complete understanding of
the program. Capitalized terms in this NOFO are defined in the
authorizing statutes, regulations, and program materials.
B. Federal Award Information
Approximately $2 million in awards will be available through this
NOFO. The NCUA reserves the right to: (i) Award more or less than the
amounts cited above; (ii) fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none
of the applications submitted in response to this NOFO; and (iii)
reallocate funds from the amount that is anticipated to be available
under this NOFO to other programs, particularly if the NCUA determines
that the number of awards made under this NOFO is fewer than projected.
General information about the purpose of each funding initiative and
the maximum award amount is provided below.
1. Purpose of Funding Initiatives
i. Counselor Certification: The Counselor Certification initiative
is designed to provide credit union staff with a certified set of
skills and knowledge that improves the financial health of members, as
well as the credit union. With a certified financial or housing
counselor on staff, credit unions are more equipped to implement
solutions that help members yield healthy financial behaviors and make
better decisions. The objective of this initiative is to help credit
unions serve its membership by obtaining a certification in financial
and/or housing counseling, and use the certification to build
partnerships that expand the credit union's capacity to fully serve the
underserved communities.
ii. Digital Services and Security: The Digital Services and
Security initiative helps credit unions implement the infrastructure to
build a digital relationship with their members and safeguard credit
union information from cybersecurity threats. Access to digital
financial services will improve the ability of credit unions to serve
underserved communities. It is crucial for credit unions to expand
financial products and services for members through digital channels.
Ensuring that the appropriate processes are in place to continually
safeguard the credit union's digital assets and activities is equally
important. The objective of this initiative is to help credit unions
establish a new digital service or security that will ultimately
benefit the members. This initiative is not intended to fund continuous
projects or cover costs associated with normal maintenance of digital
services.
iii. Training: The Training initiative focuses on helping credit
unions develop the skills and talents of employees through specialized
management programs and advanced training courses. The goal of this
initiative is to enhance the operational knowledge of credit union
employees and support staff professional development.
iv. Underserved Outreach: The Underserved Outreach initiative is
designed to help credit unions implement innovative outreach strategies
that will improve the financial well-being of individuals living in
underserved areas. This initiative focuses on providing quality
financial products and services to underserved population segments such
as minority groups, youth & millennials, veterans, and immigrants. The
goal of this initiative is for credit unions to employ outreach
strategies that produce positive growth outcomes for the credit union
and improve the financial health of individuals in underserved
communities.
v. Pilot Program: The Pilot Program initiative is designed to test
new and innovative funding ideas that can help credit unions fulfill
the CDRLF program's objectives. This initiative will explore the
feasibility of new funding initiatives prior to full-scale development
and deployment through small scale trials. The objective is to
determine whether an initiative is appropriate, configurable, and ready
for full-scale deployment. The specific details regarding the Pilot
Program initiative are in the development stage and will not be
finalized at the time this NOFO is published. However, the NCUA will
make this information available on its website and the CFDA Assistance
Listings when it is available.
2. Maximum Award Amount
The maximum amount for a CDRLF award is determined by the type of
funding initiative. There is no minimum amount for CDRLF awards. The
maximum award amount for each funding initiative is provided below.
i. Counselor Certification--$5,000
ii. Digital Services and Security--$8,000
iii. Training--$5,000
iv. Underserved Outreach--$100,000
v. Pilot Program--To be determined
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
This NOFO is open to credit unions that meet the eligibility
requirements defined in 12 CFR part 705. A credit union must have a
low-income designation, or equivalent in the case of a Qualifying
State-chartered Credit Union, in order to participate in the CDRLF
program. Requirements for obtaining the designation are defined in 12
CFR 701.34.
i. Non-Federally Insured Applicants: Each Applicant that is a non-
federally insured, state-chartered credit union
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must submit additional application materials. These additional
materials are more fully described in 12 CFR 705.7(b)(3) and in the
Application.
a. Non-federally insured, state-chartered credit unions must agree
to be examined by the NCUA. The specific terms and covenants pertaining
to this condition will be provided in the award agreement of the
Participating Credit Union.
2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-
character number used to identify your organization. The federal
government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is
allocated. Registering for a DUNS number is FREE. Applicants can obtain
a DUNS number by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) website or calling
1-866-705-5711. The NCUA will not consider an Application that does not
include a valid DUNS number issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). Such an
Application will be deemed incomplete and will be declined.
3. Employer Identification Number
Each Application must include a valid and current Employer
Identification Number (EIN) issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). The NCUA will not consider an Application that does not include
a valid and current EIN. Such an Application will be deemed incomplete
and will be declined. Information on how to obtain an EIN may be found
on the IRS's website.
4. System for Award Management
All Applicants are required by federal law to have an active
registration with the federal government's System for Award Management
(SAM) prior to applying for funding. SAM is a web-based, government-
wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates
business information about the federal government's trading partners in
support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment
processes. The SAM registration process is FREE. Applicants can
register by visiting the SAM website. An active SAM account status and
CAGE number is required to apply for the NCUA's CDRLF program.
Applicants that have an existing registration with SAM must recertify
and maintain an active status annually. The SAM recertification process
is FREE. The NCUA will not consider an Applicant that does not have an
active SAM status. Such an Application will be deemed incomplete and
will be declined.
5. Other Eligibility Requirements
i. Financial Viability: Applicants must meet the underwriting
standards established by the NCUA, including those pertaining to
financial viability, as set forth in the application and defined in 12
CFR 705.7(c).
ii. Compliance with Past Agreements: In evaluating funding requests
under this NOFO, the NCUA will consider an Applicant's record of
compliance with past agreements. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether to consider an Application from an Applicant with a
past record of noncompliance, including any deobligation (i.e. removal
of unused awards) of funds.
a. If an Applicant is in default of a previously executed agreement
with the NCUA, the NCUA will not consider an Application for funding
under this NOFO.
b. If an Applicant is a prior Awardee under the CDRLF program and
has unused awards as of the date of Application, the NCUA may request a
narrative from the Applicant that addresses the reason for its record
of noncompliance. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will determine
whether the reason is sufficient to proceed with the review of the
Application.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Form
Under this NOFO, all Applications must be submitted online in the
NCUA's web-based application system, CyberGrants, in order to be
considered. Applications must be submitted online at https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications. The application form and related
documents are also located on the NCUA's website at https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx.
2. Minimum Application Content
A complete Application will consist of similar components for each
CDRLF funding initiative. At a minimum, each initiative requires a
narrative response that describes the Applicant's proposed use of the
CDRLF award. The NCUA reserves the right to waive this requirement for
any funding initiatives with a defined list of allowable project
activities. The NCUA will identify the funding initiatives that do not
require a narrative response in the Grant Round Guidelines. Other
application contents that are specific to a particular funding
initiative will be defined in the Grant Round Guidelines.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The NCUA will accept Applications beginning June 2, 2019, at 9:00
a.m. eastern time (ET). Applications must be submitted by July 20,
2019, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late Applications will not be considered. The
submission dates and times in this NOFO apply to each funding
initiative except for the Pilot Program. The submission dates and times
for the Pilot Program will be announced in forthcoming guidance.
E. Application Review Information
1. Eligibility and Completeness Review
The NCUA will review each Application to determine whether it is
complete and that the Applicant meets the eligibility requirements
described in the Regulations, the Grant Round Guidelines, and in this
NOFO. An incomplete Application or one that does not meet the
eligibility requirements will be declined without further
consideration.
2. Evaluation Criteria
Each funding initiative, due to its structure and impact, may have
varying degrees of evaluation criteria assigned. The evaluation
criteria for each funding initiative is fully described in the Grant
Round Guidelines.
3. Substantive Review
The purpose of the substantive review is to determine whether an
Application satisfies the criteria set forth for each particular
funding initiative. The NCUA will evaluate each Application that
receives a substantive review in accordance with the criteria and
procedures described in the Grant Round Guidelines. The NCUA reserves
the right to contact the Applicant during its review for the purpose of
clarifying or confirming information contained in the Application. If
so contacted, the Applicant must respond within the time specified by
the NCUA or the NCUA, in its sole discretion, may decline the
application without further consideration.
4. Scoring and Funding Decision
The NCUA will make its funding decision based on a uniform scoring
system that establishes a ranking position for each Application. The
Applications will be ranked according to the scoring criteria set forth
for each funding initiative in the Grant Round Guidelines.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. Federal Award Notice
The NCUA will notify each Applicant of its funding decision by
email. In
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addition, the NCUA will announce the successful Applications through a
press release that includes a list of the Awardees. Applicants that are
approved for funding will also receive instructions on how to proceed
with the post-award activities.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
i. Award Agreement: The specific terms and conditions will be
established in the award agreement each Participating Credit Union must
sign prior to formally accepting an award. Each Participating Credit
Union under this NOFO must enter into an Agreement with the NCUA before
the NCUA will disburse the award funds. The Agreement includes the
terms and conditions of funding, including but not limited to the: (i)
Award amount; (ii) grant award details; (iii) roles and
responsibilities; (iv) accounting treatment; (v) signature pages; and
(vi) reporting requirements.
ii. Failure to Sign Agreement: The NCUA, in its sole discretion,
may rescind an award if the Applicant fails to sign and return the
agreement or any other requested documentation, within the time
specified by the NCUA.
3. Reporting
Applicants that are approved for funding will be responsible for
the complete and timely submission of the post-award activities. This
includes, but it is not limited to, signing the award agreement and
completing a reimbursement request. Successful Applicants must submit a
reimbursement request in order to receive the awarded funds. The
reimbursement requirements are different depending on the funding
initiative. The NCUA will define the reimbursement requirements for
each funding initiative in the Post-Award Guidelines.
The reimbursement request may require, all or a combination of, the
following items: (i) Evidence of expenses, (ii) project related
documentation, (iii) a summary of project accomplishments and outcomes,
or (iv) a certification form signed by a credit union official (e.g.
CEO, manager, or Board Chairperson) authorized to request the
reimbursement and make the certifications. The NCUA, in its sole
discretion, may modify these requirements. In general, successful
Applicants are required to submit the reimbursement request before the
expiration date specified in the award agreement.
G. Federal Awarding Agency
1. Methods of Contact
Further information can be found at https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx. For questions email:
National Credit Union Administration, Office of Credit Union Resources
and Expansion at [email protected].
2. Information Technology Support
People who have visual or mobility impairments that prevent them
from using the NCUA's website should call (703) 518-6610 for guidance
(this is not a toll free number).
By the National Credit Union Administration Board on April 9,
2019.
Gerard Poliquin,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2019-07337 Filed 4-11-19; 8:45 am]
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