[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 241 (Monday, December 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71868-71873]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27447]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket #: RBS-21-BUSINESS-0039]


Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Innovation 
Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency), an agency of 
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites 
applications under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program 
for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to the availability of funding. This 
notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to 
leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the 
Agency time to process applications within FY 2022. Selected applicants 
will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support 
of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the 
ability of distressed rural communities to create high wage jobs, 
accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities 
identify and maximize local assets. An announcement will be made on the 
Agency website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas regarding any amount received in the FY 22 
appropriations.

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by no 
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, April 19, 2022, through 
Grants.gov, to be eligible for grant funding. Please review the 
Grants.gov website at https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp for instructions on the process of 
registering your organization as soon as possible to ensure that you 
are able to meet the electronic application deadline. The Agency will 
not consider any application(s) received after the deadline and that 
are not submitted through Grants.gov. Potential applicants may submit a 
concept proposal for review by the Agency to [email protected]">SM.[email protected] 
no later than February 18, 2022 in compliance with 7 CFR 4284.1115(a). 
The application and Concept Proposal deadline dates and time are firm.

ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for a RISE grant, or to submit a 
Concept Proposal for their project, may download the application 
documents and requirements delineated in this notice from https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants. Information for the submission of an 
electronic application may be found at: https://www.Grants.gov. Concept 
Proposals containing elements outlined in Section D.2.(b) of this 
Notice must be submitted to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Dodson, Program Management 
Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop-3226, Room 5160-
South, Washington, DC 20250-3226, (202) 720-1400 or email: [email protected]">SM.[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agency encourages applicants to consider 
projects that will advance the following key priorities (more details 
available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):

--Assisting rural communities to recover economically from the impacts 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged communities;

[[Page 71869]]

--Ensuring that all rural residents have equitable access to Rural 
Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
--Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts 
of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

    Priority will also be given to projects that will leverage next 
generation gigabit broadband service to promote entrepreneurship and 
entities based in geographical areas with established agriculture and 
technology sectors which are focused on the development of precision 
and autonomous agriculture technologies as a way to strengthen rural 
economies and create jobs.

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant 
Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial Notice.
    Assistance Listing: 10.755.
    Funding Opportunity Number (grants.gov): RD-RBS-22-01-RISE.
    Dates: Electronic applications must be received and accepted by 
http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59 Eastern Standard Time, April 
19, 2022, or they will not be considered for funding.
    Potential applicants may submit a concept proposal for review by 
the Agency to [email protected]">SM.[email protected] no later than February 18, 2022 
in compliance with 7 CFR 4294.1115(a). Submission of a concept proposal 
is not an application for program funds. Administrative: To focus 
investments in areas resulting in the greatest opportunity for growth 
in prosperity, the Agency encourages applications that serve the 
smallest communities with the lowest incomes, with an emphasis on areas 
where at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty, 
according to the American Community Survey data by census tracts.
    The Agency encourages energy communities to utilize the RISE 
program to support workforce development; identify and maximize local 
assets; spur job creation; and connect to regional opportunities, 
networks, and industry clusters.
    Hemp related projects: Please note that no assistance or funding 
from this grant can be provided to a hemp producer unless they have a 
valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as 
defined by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334. 
Verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of award.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification 
on materials contained in the submitted application. See the 
Application Template for a full discussion of each item. For 
requirements of completed grant applications, refer to Section D of 
this document.

A. Program Description

1. Purpose of the Program
    The RISE program is a grant program to help struggling communities 
by funding job accelerators in low-income rural communities. The 
primary objective of the RISE program is to support jobs accelerator 
partnerships to improve the ability of distressed rural communities to 
create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses 
through innovation centers, and help rural communities identify and 
maximize local assets.
2. Statutory Authority
    The RISE program is a grant program authorized under section 379I 
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008w). 
The regulations governing this program are published at 7 CFR part 
4284, subpart L.
3. Definitions
    The terms you need to understand are defined and published at 7 CFR 
4284.1103. In addition, the terms ``rural'' and ``rural area,'' are 
defined at section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) and will be used for this program. The term 
``you'' referenced throughout this notice should be understood to mean 
``you'' the applicant.
4. Application of Awards
    Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The Agency will review, 
evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice 
based on the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart L, and as 
indicated in this notice. The minimum award amount per grant is 
$500,000 and the maximum award amount per grant is $2,000,000, as 
authorized by Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008w). Grant funds may be used to pay for up 
to 80 percent of eligible project activity costs. Grant funds may be 
used to pay for costs directly related to the purchase or construction 
of an innovation center located in a low-income rural area; costs 
directly related to operations of an innovation center including 
purchase of equipment, office supplies, and administrative costs 
including salaries directly related to the project; costs directly 
associated with support programs to be carried out at or in direct 
partnership with job accelerators; reasonable and customary travel 
expenses directly related to job accelerators and at rates in 
compliance with 2 CFR 200.474; utilities, operating expenses of the 
innovation center and job accelerator programs and associated programs; 
and administrative costs of the grantee not exceeding 10% of the grant 
amount for the duration of the project.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Award: Competitive Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022.
    Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for 
funding under this Program is encouraged to consult the Rural 
Development Notices of Solicitation of Applications website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for 
the amount of available funds appropriated in FY 2022.
    Minimum Award: $500,000.
    Maximum Award: $2,000,000.
    Due Date for Applications: April 19, 2022.
    Due Date for Concept Proposals: February 18, 2022.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2022.
    Performance Period: September 15, 2022, through December 31, 2026.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Initial Solicitation Announcement.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants
    Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements. 
Applications that fail to meet any of these requirements by the 
application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be 
evaluated further. To be considered an eligible applicant, you must be 
a rural jobs accelerator partnership formed after December 20, 2018, 
and meet the eligibility criteria found in 7 CFR 4282.1112 to apply for 
this program. Individuals and individual entities are not an eligible 
applicant for the RISE program.
    (i) The rural jobs accelerator partnership must have a lead 
applicant who is responsible for the administration of the grant 
proceeds and activities. A lead applicant will be the named applicant 
on Agency documents and must be one of the following entities:

[[Page 71870]]

    (a) A district organization;
    (b) An Indian Tribe, or a consortium of Indian Tribes;
    (c) A state or a political subdivision of a state, including a 
special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic 
development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
    (d) An institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001) or a consortium of 
institutions of higher education; or
    (e) A public or private nonprofit organization.
    (ii) Additional eligibility requirements you must meet are as 
follows:
    (a) An applicant is not eligible if they have been debarred or 
suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in 
Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment 
and Suspension.'' The Agency will check the System for Award Management 
(SAM) at the time of application and prior to funding any grant award 
to determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended. In 
addition, an applicant will be considered ineligible for a grant due to 
an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other 
than U.S. Tax Court), is delinquent on the payment of Federal income 
taxes, or is delinquent on Federal debt. See 7 CFR 4284.6. The 
applicant must certify as part of the application that they do not have 
an outstanding judgment against them. The Agency will check the Do Not 
Pay System at the time of application and also prior to funding any 
grant award to verify this information.
    (b) Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal 
violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or 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 provided with funds 
appropriated by an Appropriations Act for FY 2022, unless a Federal 
agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and 
has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to 
protect the interests of the Government.
    (c) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application 
includes any funding restrictions identified under Section D.6(a) and 
(b) of this notice. Inclusion of funding restrictions outlined in 
Section D.6(a) and (b) of this notice precludes the Agency from making 
a federal award.
    (d) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application is 
not complete in accordance with the requirements stated in Section C.3.
    (e) The Lead Applicant must be registered in the System for Award 
Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application. The Lead Applicant 
must also maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an 
application under consideration by the Agency. All other restrictions 
in this notice will apply.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
    Your matching funds requirement is 20 percent of the eligible 
project costs of any activity carried out using RISE grant funds. 
Matching funds must be available throughout the grant term and applied 
individually to each RISE activity. Grant funds may only be used for up 
to 80 percent of an eligible RISE activity. Additional information on 
matching funds is found at 7 CFR 4284.1114. When you calculate your 
matching funds requirement, please round up or down to whole dollars as 
appropriate. To calculate your matching funds requirement, multiply 
your total eligible project costs of each eligible RISE activity by 
0.20. The amount of matching funds required for your RISE activities is 
then added together to attain the total amount of non-Federal matching 
funds required for your project. Applications that only provide 
matching funds equal to 20 percent of the grant amount will be deemed 
ineligible due to an insufficient matching funds amount.
    You must provide a written commitment of match funds to verify that 
all matching funds are available during the grant period and provide 
this documentation with your application in accordance with 
requirements identified in Section D.2 of this notice. If you are 
awarded a grant, additional verification documentation may be required 
to confirm the availability of matching funds for the duration of the 
grant term.
    Matching funds must meet all of the following:
    (a) They must be spent on eligible expenses during the grant 
period.
    (b) They must be from eligible sources.
    (c) They must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant 
funds being spent.
    (d) They must be provided by either the applicant or a third party 
in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution.
    (e) They cannot include other Federal grants unless provided by 
authorizing legislation.
    (f) They cannot include cash or in-kind contributions donated 
outside of the grant period.
    (g) They cannot include over-valued, in-kind contributions.
    (h) They cannot include any project costs that are ineligible under 
the RISE program.
    (i) They cannot include any project costs that are restricted or 
unallowable under 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, and the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or successor regulation.
    (j) They can include reasonable and customary travel expenses for 
staff delivering the RISE program if you have established written 
policies explaining how these costs are normally reimbursed, including 
rates. You must include an explanation of this policy in your 
application or the contributions will not be considered as eligible 
matching funds.
    (k) You must be able to document and verify the number of hours 
worked and the value associated with any in-kind contribution being 
used to meet a matching funds requirement.
    (l) In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or 
cooperatives which are being assisted by you cannot be provided for the 
direct benefit of their own projects as the Agency considers this to be 
a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
(a) Completeness
    Your application will not be considered for funding if it fails to 
meet an eligibility criterion by the time of application deadline or 
does not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility and 
scoring. You must include all the forms and proposal elements as 
discussed in the regulation and as clarified further in this notice in 
one package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the 
Agency. For more information on what is required for a complete 
application, see 7 CFR 4284.1115.
(b) Purpose Eligibility
    Your application must propose the establishment of an innovation 
center and/or costs directly related to operations of an innovation 
center and/or costs directly associated with support of programs to be 
carried out at or in direct partnership with job accelerators as 
outlined in 7 CFR 4284.1113. The Applicant project outcome must 
accelerate the formation of new

[[Page 71871]]

businesses with high-growth potential, improve the ability of rural 
businesses and distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, 
and strengthen rural regional economies. You must use project funds, 
including grant and matching funds, for eligible purposes only as 
outlined in 7 CFR 4284.1114.
(c) Project Eligibility
    All project activities must be for the benefit of communities, 
industries and residents located in a rural area, as defined. The 
Applicant is cautioned against taking any actions or incurring any 
obligations prior to the Agency completing the environmental review 
that would either limit the range of alternatives to be considered or 
that would have an adverse effect on the environment, such as the 
initiation of construction. If the Applicant takes any such actions or 
incurs any such obligations, it could result in project ineligibility. 
Projects involving the construction of an innovation center as an 
eligible purpose are subject to the environmental requirements of 7 CFR 
part 1970, as well as the applicable design and construction 
requirements of Rural Development and the adopted codes of the 
jurisdiction.
(d) Multiple Application Eligibility
    Only one application can be submitted per applicant, who is defined 
as a lead applicant as found in 7 CFR 4282.1112(b). If two applications 
are submitted by the same lead applicant, both applications will be 
deemed ineligible for funding.
(e) Grant Period
    Your application must include a cost and performance plan for no 
more than a four-year grant period, or it will not be considered for 
funding. The grant period should begin no earlier than September 15, 
2022, and no later than January 1, 2023. Applications that request 
funds for a project with a performance period ending after December 31, 
2026, will not be considered for funding. Projects must be completed 
within a four-year timeframe. Prior approval is needed from the Agency 
if you are awarded a grant and desire the grant period to begin earlier 
or later than previously discussed or approved.
    The Agency may approve requests to extend the grant period for up 
to an additional two-year period at its discretion. Further guidance on 
grant period extensions will be provided in the award document.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Application Information
    For further information and program materials, including an 
Application Template, you should contact the Rural Development National 
Office and/or review the program website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
    Applicants may only submit one RISE grant application each Federal 
Fiscal Year. You must submit your application electronically through 
Grants.gov. Applications submitted to the Agency in any format outside 
of Grants.gov will not be considered for funding. You are encouraged, 
but not required to utilize an optional-use application template found 
at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants. The Application Template 
provides specific, detailed instructions for each item of a complete 
application. The Agency emphasizes the importance of including every 
item and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions 
carefully, using the examples and illustrations in the Application 
Template.
(a) Electronic Submission
    You can locate the Grants.gov downloadable application package for 
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Number 10.755 for this program.
    When you enter the Grants.gov website, you will find information 
about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of 
operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the 
application deadline date to begin the application process through 
Grants.gov. Applicants are also encouraged to review all application 
requirements of 7 CFR 4284.1115 prior to preparing or submitting their 
application.
    There are no specific limitations on the number of pages or other 
formatting requirements of an application, but a complete application 
should be in a narrative form using a minimum of 11-point font and will 
at a minimum include all information required in a concept proposal as 
stated in 7 CFR 4284.1115(a). The narrative must clearly describe the 
jobs accelerator partnership, characteristics of the targeted region 
and targeted industry cluster(s), and how the project meets the RISE 
program initiatives.
(b) Concept Proposal
    A potential applicant for RISE is strongly encouraged to submit a 
concept proposal for review by the Agency not less than 60 days in 
advance of the application submittal deadline. The concept proposal 
should be in a narrative format up to 10 pages in length using a 
minimum of 11-point font and submitted electronically by email to: 
[email protected]. The concept proposal must include all items 
stated in 7 CFR 4284.1115(a). The concept proposal will be evaluated by 
the Agency and an encouragement or discouragement letter will be issued 
to the potential applicant. If a discouragement letter is issued, it 
will detail any weaknesses evaluated in the Agency's review, though a 
complete application may still be submitted prior to the application 
deadline. Applicants who submit a concept proposal to the Agency will 
not need to resubmit the same information with their application. 
However, submission of a concept proposal is not an application for 
program funds.
3. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (or Unique Entity 
Identifier) and System for Award Management
    All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a 
toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
    (i) Each applicant applying for loan or grant funds must (A) be 
registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting 
its application and (B) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its 
application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
    (ii) Applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with 
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which 
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
a Federal awarding agency.
    (iii) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    (iv) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has 
complied with all applicable DUNS (unique entity identifier) and SAM 
requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the 
requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the 
Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a 
Federal award and

[[Page 71872]]

use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant.
4. Submission Date and Time
    Explanation of Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted 
electronically through Grants.gov by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern 
Time, April 19, 2022, to be eligible for grant funding. Please review 
the Grants.gov website for instructions on the process of registering 
your organization as soon as possible to ensure that you can meet the 
electronic application deadline. Grants.gov will not accept 
applications submitted after the deadline. Please see https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp for instructions on 
the process of registering your organization as soon as possible to 
ensure that you can meet the electronic application deadline. 
Grants.gov will not accept applications submitted after the deadline.
    Potential applicants may electronically submit a concept proposal 
for review by the Agency to: [email protected] no later than 
February 18, 2022 in compliance with 7 CFR 4294.1115(a) and as stated 
in Section D, 2(b) of this Notice. Submission of a concept proposal is 
not an application for program funds.
5. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
    Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' does not apply to this program.
6. Funding Restrictions
    (a) Project funds, including grant and matching funds, cannot be 
used for ineligible grant purposes as stated in 7 CFR 4284.1114, 2 CFR 
part 200, subpart E, ``Cost Principles,'' and the most current Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or successor regulations.
    (b) In addition, your application will not be considered for 
funding if it does any of the following:
    (i) Focuses assistance on only one business;
    (ii) Requests less than the minimum grant amount or more than the 
maximum grant amount;
    (iii) The project budget includes administrative costs in excess of 
10 percent of the grant amount; or
    (iv) Grant funds will be passed through to a member of the 
partnership in the form of lease payments or other activities with a 
conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
7. Other Submission Requirements
    (a) You should not submit your application in more than one format 
or in more than one submission. You must submit your application 
electronically. Note that we cannot accept applications through mail or 
courier delivery, in-person delivery, email, or fax. To submit an 
application electronically, you must follow the instruction for this 
funding announcement at http://www.grants.gov. A password is not 
required to access the website.
(b) National Environmental Policy Act
    All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 
7 CFR part 1970. However, technical assistance awards under this notice 
are classified as a Categorical Exclusion according to 7 CFR 
1970.53(b), and usually do not require any additional documentation.
    The Agency will review each grant application to determine its 
compliance with 7 CFR part 1970. The applicant may be asked to provide 
additional information or documentation to assist the Agency with this 
determination.
(c) Civil Rights Compliance Requirements
    All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15, 
subpart A), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria
    Eligible applicant partnerships formed after December 20, 2018, 
will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support 
of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the 
ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, 
accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities 
identify and maximize local assets.
2. Review and Selection Process
    The National Office will review applications to determine if they 
are eligible for assistance based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284, 
subpart L, this notice, and other applicable Federal regulations. If 
determined eligible, your application will be scored by a panel of USDA 
employees in accordance with the point allocation and scoring criteria 
published at 7 CFR 4284.1117. Applications will be funded in rank order 
from highest to lowest score until the available funding has been 
exhausted. Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered 
partial funding at the Agency's discretion.
    If your application is evaluated as an eligible project, but not 
funded, it will not be carried forward into the next competition.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices
    If you are selected for funding, you will receive a signed notice 
of Federal award by postal or electronic mail from the USDA Rural 
Development State Office where your application was submitted, 
containing instructions and requirements necessary to proceed with 
execution and performance of the award. You must comply with all 
applicable statutes, regulations, and notice requirements before the 
grant award will be funded.
    If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in 
writing via postal or electronic mail and informed of any review and 
appeal rights. See 7 CFR part 11 for USDA National Appeals Division 
procedures. We anticipate that there will be no available funds for 
successful appellants once all FY 2022 funds, if available, are awarded 
and obligated.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this 
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart L; the Grants and 
Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 
CFR parts 180, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; and 48 
CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to these parts.
    In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first-tier subawards and executive 
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the 
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal 
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282) 
reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt 
under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for awards within this program:
    (a) Execution of an Agency-approved financial assistance agreement;
    (b) Acceptance of a written letter of conditions; and submission of 
the following Agency forms:
    (1) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
    (2) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
    (3) Form RD 400-1 for construction projects.

[[Page 71873]]

3. Reporting
    After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be 
required to provide an SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a 
performance report on a semiannual basis (due 30 working days after end 
of the semiannual period) for the first two years, and then annually 
thereafter, with the first report submitted no later than six months 
after receiving a grant under this section. The project performance 
reports shall include all items listed in paragraph (h)(2) under 7 CFR 
4284.1120.

G. Agency Contacts

    If you have questions about this notice, please contact the Rural 
Development National Office by email at: [email protected]">SM.[email protected]. 
Program guidance as well as application and matching funds templates 
may be obtained at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants. If you want to 
submit an electronic application, follow the instructions for the RISE 
funding announcement located at http://www.grants.gov. You may also 
contact the National Office Program Management Division at [email protected].

H. Other Information

    1. Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements 
associated with the programs, as covered in this notice, have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control 
Number 0570-0075.
    2. National Environmental Policy Act. All recipients under this 
Notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1970.
3. Nondiscrimination Statement
    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights 
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff 
offices, 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.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency or staff office, the USDA TARGET 
Center, at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the 
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should 
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 
which can be obtained online at: https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a 
letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's 
name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the 
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date 
of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or 
letter must be submitted to USDA by:
    (1) Mail: United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-9410;
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27447 Filed 12-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P