[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13689-13698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05066]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

[FOA No.: OPPE-017]


Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No.: 10.443--
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers 
and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

AGENCY: Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), 
Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Fiscal Year 2022.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funds for fiscal 
year (FY) 2022 and solicits applications from community-based and non-
profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal 
entities to compete for financial assistance through the Outreach and 
Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran 
Farmers and Ranchers Program (hereinafter referred to as the ``2501 
Program'').

DATES: Only one project proposal may be submitted per eligible entity. 
Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) and 
received by June 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Proposals submitted after 
this deadline will not be considered for funding.
    The OPPE will host two (2) webinars during the open period of this 
announcement as provided below. Sessions will be recorded. Additional 
sessions may be necessary to answer questions and clarify requirements. 
There is no registration required to participate.
    Session 1: March 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT--To join the 
conference, click: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_deGz0uf9TIyNPkkuvRfxUA.
    Session 2: May 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT--To register for the 
conference, click: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_29_qm0hxTbeYw2I9e2QAfw.
    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing 
information about joining the webinar, including call-in instructions.

ADDRESSES: 

Filing a Complaint of Discrimination

    To file a program discrimination complaint, you may obtain a 
complaint form by sending an email to [email protected]. You or your 
authorized representative must sign the complaint form. You are not 
required to use the complaint form. You may write a letter instead. If 
you write a letter, it must contain all the information requested in 
the form and be signed by you or your authorized representative. 
Incomplete information will delay the processing of your complaint. 
Employment civil rights complaints will not be accepted through this 
email address.
    Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax, 
or email:
    Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Center for Civil 
Rights Enforcement, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
9410.
    Fax: (202) 690-7442.
    Email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, Attn: Director, Grant 
Programs, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 524-A, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-6350, Fax: (202) 720-
7704, Email: [email protected].
    Persons with Disabilities: Persons who require alternative means 
for communication (Braille large print, audiotape, etc.), should 
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 
Additionally, alternative means for submissions due to disability 
status will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to 
encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, 
veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with 
owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably 
in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs 
offered by USDA. It also includes projects that develop socially 
disadvantaged youths' interest in agriculture. In partnership with the 
OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that 
provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, 
agricultural-related services, and USDA programs, and to conduct 
outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. This 
partnership includes working closely with OPPE, attend OPPE-led events 
in your proposed service territory, and collaborate with USDA Service 
Centers located in your state (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, and Rural Development).
    Funding/Awards: The total funding provided for this competitive 
grant program is approximately $35 million. This includes approximately 
$18 million as provided in the 2018 Farm Bill and funding from Section 
754 of Division N, Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, in the 
amount of $17 million.
    The OPPE will award grants from this announcement, subject to 
availability of funds and the quality of applications received. All 
applicants will compete based on their organization's entity type 
(e.g., nonprofit organization, tribal entity, or higher education 
institution), as described below. The project period must be three (3) 
years for all proposals. The maximum amount of requested federal 
funding for projects shall not exceed $750,000 over the 3-year period. 
Additionally, the maximum award per year is $250,000. Projects will be 
funded in accordance with the approved statement of work and the OPPE 
Guidelines to maximize outreach, education and technical assistance 
ensuring geographical distribution of funds as required in section 7 
U.S.C. 2279(c)(4)(G).
    Funds will be awarded to eligible entities that have at least three 
(3) years of documented experience, preceding the submission of an 
application, in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers to improve their ability to 
start and maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related 
operations. The Secretary shall give priority to nongovernmental and 
community-based organizations with demonstrated history

[[Page 13690]]

of serving socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers (see 
Section V. Application Review Information). OPPE will check several 
sources, including the System of Award Management (SAM.gov) to help 
determine the minimum of 3 years of documented experience in working 
with either socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers. 
Entries in SAM take precedence when determining experience.
    An applicant MUST be an entity or organization. Individuals and 
for-profit organizations do not meet the eligibility criteria.
    Unallowable use of 2501 Grant Program funds:
    1. Funds may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, 
acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
    2. Funds may not be used to pay hourly wages as in a jobs creation 
program for individual farmers or ranchers.
    3. Funds may not be used as small agricultural loans for individual 
farmers or ranchers or used to incentivize individuals to attend 
events, workshops, or training.
    4. Funds may not be used to purchase farming supplies for 
individual farmers or ranchers or to enhance individual farmers' or 
ranchers' farms or production capabilities.
    5. Funds may not be used to reward individual farmers or ranchers 
for outstanding effort or achievement in training.
    6. Funds may not be used to pay for scholarships for individual 
farmers or ranchers to attend college courses, certificate courses, or 
other ``for fee'' based courses.
    7. Funds may not be used for start-up or financing costs for 
businesses or for an organization's capacity building, which is defined 
as the development of organizational competencies, strategies, or 
systems and structures in order to improve organizational efficiency 
and effectiveness.
    8. Funds may not be used for large equipment purchases such as 
vehicles, semi-tractors, or refrigeration systems.
    Eligible entities may receive subsequent years funding provided 
that:
    (a) Activities and associated costs do not overlap with projects 
awarded in previous years; and
    (b) Recipients are current and compliant with financial and 
performance reporting. The progress of existing projects, along with 
the percentage of funds used to date, may impact funding decisions.
    Funding will be awarded based on ranked scores comprised of the 
three categories described below. The OPPE has discretion to allocate 
funding among the three categories based upon the number and quality of 
applications received. There is no commitment by the OPPE to fund any 
particular application nor is there a minimum number of recipients 
within each category.
    Category #1: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.2, 
III.A.3, and III.A.4 (1890 Land-Grant colleges and universities, 1994 
Tribal Land-Grant, Alaska Native and American Indian Tribal colleges 
and universities, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions of higher 
education).
    Category #2: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.1 and 
III.A.6 (i.e., nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, 
including a network or a coalition of community-based organizations, 
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5131), and 
National Tribal organizations).
    Category #3: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.5 and 
III.A.7 (i.e., all other institutions of higher education including 
1862 colleges, nonprofit organizations without a 501(c)(3) status 
certification from the IRS, and an organization or institution that 
received funding under this program before January 1, 1996).

Contents of This Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description
    A. Background
    B. Scope of Work
    C. Anticipated Outputs (Activities), Outcomes (Results), and 
Performance Measures
II. Award Information
    A. Statutory Authority
    B. Expected Amount of Funding
    C. Project Period
    D. Award Type
III. Eligibility Information
    A. Eligible Entities
    B. Cost-Sharing or Matching
    C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria
IV. Proposal and Submission Information
    A. System for Award Management (SAM)
    B. Obtain Proposal Package From Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)
    C. Content of Proposal Package Submission
    D. Sub-Awards and Partnerships
    E. Submission Dates and Times
    F. Confidential Information
    G. Pre-Submission Proposal Assistance
V. Application Review Information
    A. Evaluation Criteria
    B. Evaluation Criteria for New Grants Proposals
    C. Selection of Reviewers
VI. Award Administration Information
    A. Award Notices
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    C. Reporting Requirement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

    The OPPE is committed to ensuring underserved communities can 
equitably participate in USDA programs. Differences in demographics, 
culture, economics, language, and other factors preclude a single 
approach to identifying solutions that can benefit underserved farmers 
and ranchers. Grants are provided to community-based and non-profit 
organizations, higher education institutions, eligible Tribal entities 
and other eligible entities with at least three (3) years of documented 
experience, preceding the submission of an application. Eligible 
entities working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or 
veteran farmers and ranchers can improve their ability to start and 
maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related operations. 
With 2501 Program funding, organizations can provide education, 
training, and technical assistance and extend outreach and education 
efforts to connect with and assist socially disadvantaged and veteran 
farmers and ranchers to provide them with information on available USDA 
resources.
    1. The 2501 Program was authorized by the Food, Agriculture, 
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 expanded the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture (the 
Secretary) to provide awards under the program and transferred the 
administrative authority to the OPPE. The Agricultural Act of 2014 
further expanded the program to include outreach and technical 
assistance to veterans. The 2501 Program extends USDA's capacity to 
work with members of farming and ranching communities by funding 
projects that enhance the equitable participation of socially 
disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA programs. It is 
the OPPE's intention to build lasting relationships among USDA, 
recipient organizations, and underserved communities to maximize the 
availability of outreach and technical assistance in targeted 
communities.
    2. Only one proposal will be accepted from each organization. This 
does not apply to applicants in the State of Massachusetts. The State 
fiscal transfer agent may submit multiple proposals ensuring that only 
one proposal is submitted on behalf of each of its individual fiscally 
sponsored organizations.

[[Page 13691]]

B. Scope of Work

    The 2501 Program provides funding to eligible organizations with at 
least 3 years of documented experience, preceding the submission of an 
application, in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers to improve their ability to 
start and maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related 
operations. Proposals must be consistent with requirements stated in 7 
U.S.C. 2279(c)(3). Under this statute, the outreach and technical 
assistance program funds shall be used exclusively:
    1. To enhance coordination of the outreach, technical assistance, 
education, and training efforts authorized under USDA agriculture 
programs;
    2. To assist the Secretary of Agriculture in:
    a. Reaching current and prospective socially disadvantaged farmers 
or ranchers, veteran farmers or ranchers, or beginning farmers and 
ranchers in a linguistically appropriate manner; and
    b. improving the participation of those farmers and ranchers in 
USDA programs.
    There are five programmatic mission areas that support the goals of 
the 2501 Program. Proposals from eligible entities must address at 
least two of the five following programmatic mission areas as they 
develop their goals:
    i. Assist socially disadvantaged, veteran farmers and ranchers, 
including beginning farmers and ranchers in owning and operating 
successful farms and ranches;
    ii. Improve participation among socially disadvantaged or veteran 
farmers and ranchers in USDA programs;
    iii. Build relationships between current and prospective farmers 
and ranchers who are socially disadvantaged or veterans and USDA's 
local, state, regional, and National offices;
    iv. Assist in reaching current and prospective socially 
disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, or forest landowners in a 
linguistically appropriate manner; and
    v. Assist with identifying problems and barriers socially 
disadvantaged farmers experience and working towards minimizing or 
alleviating those issues to enable their equitable participation in 
USDA programs.
    The OPPE shall seek input from eligible entities providing 
technical assistance under this subsection not less than once each year 
to ensure that the program is responsive to the eligible entities 
providing that technical assistance (7 U.S.C. 2279(c)(4)(J)). The OPPE 
may require Project Directors to attend an Annual Meeting that can be 
expensed with awarded grant funds not to exceed $1,800 per award year. 
The Annual Meeting will allow participants, USDA officials, and other 
agriculture-related industry participants to network, encourage 
partnerships, share best practices (including COVID-related strategies 
used to assist targeted communities), discuss programmatic 
requirements, share information on new and enhanced USDA programs and 
services, and obtain programmatic feedback. Stakeholder input will also 
be accepted by those unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person by 
September 30th of each fiscal year at: [email protected].

C. Anticipated Outputs (Activities), Performance Measures, and Outcomes 
(Results)

    1. Outputs (Activities). The term ``output'' describes the volume 
accomplished, produced, or put into action. Outputs indicate the extent 
of project activity and generally address the question of ``how much?'' 
An example of an output is ``number of training sessions conducted,'' 
``number of individuals receiving training,'' or ``number of 
educational materials developed.'' Other examples may include:
    a. Conduct 12 workshops annually, either virtually or in-person, on 
how to write a business plan;
    b. Assist 100 new farmers/ranchers annually on what is required to 
be able to process and accept SNAP payments;
    c. Within the 3-year period of award, create 10 step-by-step videos 
in 3 languages on implementing new irrigation techniques.
    2. Performance Measures. Performance Measures evaluate an 
organization's progress in meeting their objective which should be 
based on at least two of the five programmatic mission areas mentioned 
above; compare actual results to expected results; and evaluate their 
project's effectiveness in delivering expected results. Organizations 
should develop outcome-based performance measures to ensure their 
project is progressing to meet their goals. Applicants must develop 
performance measure targets for each of their proposed activities. 
These targets will be used as a mechanism to track the progress and 
success of the project. Quantitative data is expressed in quantities, 
amounts, or a range and can be used to measure outputs and outcomes. 
Qualitative data is information that cannot be measured such as a 
change in perceptions. Baselines must be established in order to 
determine whether an organization is meeting their goals. An example of 
a Performance Measure is a comparison of how many farmers and ranchers 
know about available USDA programs before an organization conducts 
their workshops on USDA programs compared to the number of farmers and 
ranchers that know about available USDA programs after training is 
conducted.
    3. Outcomes (Results). The term ``outcome'' means the final impact, 
difference or effect that has occurred as a result from carrying out an 
activity, workshop, meeting, or from delivery of services related to a 
2501 programmatic goal or objective. Results may be agricultural, 
behavioral, social, or economic in nature. Outcomes may reflect an 
increase in knowledge or skills, a greater awareness of available 
resources or programs, or actions taken by stakeholders as a result of 
learning. Specifically, outcomes must be quantitative as it relates to 
the project goals and objectives. Project Managers will be required to 
document anticipated outcomes that are funded under this announcement. 
Some examples include, but are not limited to the following:
    a. Documenting the actual number of new farmers/ranchers as a 
result of your project and the type of assistance (i.e., number of new 
farms or ranches started) documenting higher profitability or economic 
stability of existing socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers/
ranchers; documenting increased access to marketing and sales 
opportunities for their products;
    b. Documenting race, sex, national origin, disability (if provided) 
and number of socially disadvantaged and/or veteran farmers or ranchers 
with an increase in awareness in and applying for USDA programs;
    c. Documenting race, sex, national origin, disability (if provided) 
and number of socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers/ranchers that 
have better access to USDA programs and have applications approved for 
funding.

II. Award Information

A. Statutory Authority

    The statutory authority for this action is 7 U.S.C. 2279(c), which 
authorizes award funding for projects designed to provide outreach and 
technical assistance to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or 
ranchers.

B. Expected Amount of Funding

    The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards 
under this

[[Page 13692]]

competitive opportunity is approximately $35 million. The maximum 
amount of requested federal funding shall not exceed $750,000.

C. Project Period

    The performance period for projects selected from this solicitation 
will not begin prior to the effective award date listed in the grant 
agreement. The project period must be three (3) years.

D. Award Type

    Funding for selected projects will be in the form of a grant 
agreement which must be fully executed no later than September 30 
annually. The anticipated Federal involvement will include, but not 
limited to, the following activities:
    1. Approval of recipients' final budget and Project Narrative or 
statement of work accompanying the grant agreement;
    2. Monitoring of recipients' performance through semi-annual and 
final financial and performance reports; and
    3. Conducting on-site monitoring visits to review compliance, use 
of Federal funds and fidelity in implementing the project.
    All award notifications will be ``conditionally approved'' pending 
final validation of all selected applicants' submission documentation 
and/or application package. OPPE reserves the right not to fund any 
``conditionally approved'' application(s) found to be ineligible after 
final validation.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Entities

    1. Any non-profit, community-based organizations, tribal entity, 
networks, or a coalition of community-based organizations with at least 
3 years of documented expertise in working with socially disadvantaged 
farmers or ranchers or veteran farmers or ranchers that:
     Demonstrates experience in providing agricultural 
education or other agriculturally related services on USDA programs and 
services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers;
     provides documentary evidence of work with, and on behalf 
of, socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers, or beginning 
farmers and ranchers during the 3-year period preceding the submission 
of a proposal for assistance under this program (the lead applicant 
and/or any organization(s) comprising of a coalition or network must 
meet the 3-year period preceding the submission criteria); and
     does not or has not engaged in activities prohibited under 
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.2.
    2. An 1890 or 1994 land-grant institution of higher education (as 
defined in 7 U.S.C. 7601 and in Section 533 of the Equity in 
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note)).
    3. An American Indian Tribal community college or university or an 
Alaska Native cooperative college.
    4. A Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education (as defined 
in 7 U.S.C. 3103).
    5. Any other institution of higher education (as defined in 20 
U.S.C. 1001) that has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural 
education or other agricultural-related services to socially 
disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers.
    6. Any Federally-recognized Indian Tribe (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 
5131) or a national tribal organization that has demonstrated 
experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally 
related services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or 
ranchers.
    7. All other organizations or institutions that received funding 
under this program before January 1, 1996, but only with respect to 
projects that the Secretary considers similar to projects previously 
carried out by the entity under this program.

B. Cost-Sharing or Matching

    There are no cost-sharing nor matching requirements associated with 
this program. Applicants may charge their negotiated indirect cost rate 
or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Indirect cost rates exceeding 10 
percent will not be permitted.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

    Applications from eligible entities that meet all criteria will be 
evaluated as follows:
    1. Proposals must comply with the submission instructions and 
requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement. Pages 
greater than the page limitation will not be considered.
    2. Proposals must be received through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) 
as specified in Section IV of this announcement on or before the 
proposal submission deadline. Applicants will receive an electronic 
confirmation receipt of their proposal from Grants.gov.
    3. Proposals received after the submission deadline will not be 
considered. Note that in order to submit proposals, organizations must 
create an account in Grants.gov and in the System for Awards Management 
(www.SAM.gov; both of which could take several weeks. Therefore, it is 
strongly suggested that organizations begin this process immediately. 
Registering early could prevent unforeseen delays in submitting your 
proposal.
    4. Proposals must address a minimum of two programmatic mission 
areas listed in Section I, Part B, (i-v) to provide outreach, 
education, and/or technical assistance to socially disadvantaged or 
veteran farmers or ranchers.
    5. Recipients of a 2501 Grant with a Period of Performance that 
extends beyond 90 days of the current fiscal year are not eligible to 
apply (this does not apply to grantees with a no-cost extension). For 
example, current 2501 Grant recipients must complete their projects by 
the end of the current calendar year to be eligible to apply.
    6. Incomplete or partial applications will not be eligible for 
consideration. Any required documents missing from an applicant's 
application will render that applicant ineligible and the application 
will not be forwarded to the Review Panel (the Panel) for review. 
Additionally, applications may not be accepted for review if they 
exceed the maximum allowable pages for the Project Narrative, exceed 
the maximum federal budget request, or propose objectives that do not 
adhere to the specific goals of the 2501 Program. See Section IV. 
Content of Proposal Package Submission, subparagraph C, for required 
documents.

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

A. System for Award Management (SAM)

    SAM.gov streamlines the application process and reduces applicant 
burden by enabling applicants to complete the required Financial 
Assistance Representations and Certifications in SAM.gov when applying 
for any Federal financial assistance.
    It is a requirement to register for SAM (www.sam.gov). There is NO 
fee to register for this site. This registration must be maintained and 
updated annually. Applicants can register or update their profile, at 
no cost, by visiting the SAM website at www.sam.gov. This is a 
requirement to registering for Grants.gov where all organizations must 
submit their application.
    The Financial Assistance Representations and Certifications Report 
must be completed. Grant applicants are essentially applying for

[[Page 13693]]

Federal financial assistance. Therefore, in order to complete the 
Financial Assistance Representations and Certifications Report, you 
must respond ``yes'' to the question in SAM.gov that asks, ``Does XYZ 
Organization wish to apply for a Federal Financial assistance project 
or program?'' Completing this report certifies that your organization 
is in compliance with all relevant provisions of Federal laws, 
executive orders, regulations, and public policies governing financial 
assistance awards.
    Per 2 CFR part 200, applicants are required to: (1) Be registered 
in SAM prior to submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique 
entity identifier in the application; and (3) continue to maintain an 
active SAM registration with current information at all times during 
which the organization has an active Federal award or an application or 
plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The OPPE may not 
make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied 
with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If 
an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time 
the OPPE is ready to make a Federal award, the OPPE may determine that 
the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant. Additionally, organizations found to have unresolved key 
personnel exclusions will not be awarded.
    SAM contains the publicly available data for all active exclusion 
records entered by the Federal Government identifying those parties 
excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and 
certain types of Federal financial and non-financial assistance and 
benefits. All applicant organizations and their key personnel will be 
vetted through SAM to ensure compliance with this Federal requirement. 
Organizations identified as having delinquent Federal debt may contact 
the Treasury Offset Program for instructions on resolution at (800) 
304-3107. In the meantime, organizations will not be awarded a grant 
prior to resolution.
    Should an applicant be awarded a grant, ezFedGrants (USDA's 
financial grants management system) is linked with SAM to ensure 
funding payments are directed properly; therefore, entities must enter 
their banking information through SAM. Federal agencies cannot award 
funding to any organization not properly/fully registered is SAM.

B. Obtain Proposal Package From Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)

    Federal agencies post competitive funding opportunities on 
Grants.gov and applicants must submit their application or proposal to 
apply for Federal financial assistance through Grants.gov. Applicants 
can learn about grants by visiting Grants.gov (www.grants.gov), 
clicking on the Learn Grants tab and search for funding opportunities 
by clicking on the Search Grants tab on this site.
    All Applicants will be required to register with Grants.gov in 
order to begin the proposal submission process. We strongly suggest you 
initiate this process immediately to avoid processing delays due to 
registration requirements. There is no cost for registration. This 
website is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, not 
the OPPE. Many Federal agencies use this website to post Funding 
Opportunity Announcements (FOA). Click on the ``Support'' tab to 
contact their customer support personnel if you need help with 
submitting your application.
    Applicants may download individual grant proposal forms from 
Grants.gov. For assistance with Grants.gov, consult the Applicant User 
Guide at http://grants.gov/assets/ApplicantUserGuide.pdf.
    Federal funding agencies post funding opportunities on Grants.gov. 
The OPPE is not responsible for submission issues associated with 
Grants.gov. If you experience submission issues, contact Grants.gov 
support staff for assistance.
    Proposals must be submitted by June 8, 2022, via Grants.gov at 
11:59 p.m. EDT. Proposals submitted after this deadline will not be 
considered.

C. Content of Proposal Package Submission

    All submissions must contain completed and electronically signed 
original application forms, as well as a Project Narrative and a Budget 
Narrative as described below:
    1. Required forms, documents, and attachments. The forms listed 
below can be found in the proposal package at Grants.gov and must be 
submitted with all applications. Required forms are provided in the 
package as fillable forms. Applicants must download and complete these 
forms and submit them in the application submission portal at 
Grants.gov. PDF documents listed below are documents the applicant must 
create and submit in PDF format. Use the checklist of required 
documents below to submit your application through Grants.gov:

[check] Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance
[check] Project/Performance Site Location(s)
[check] Project Abstract Summary
[check] Project Narrative (in PDF format)
[check] Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs
[check] Budget Narrative (in PDF format)
[check] Key Contacts (list names of all key personnel)
[check] Grants.gov Lobbying Form
[check] Articles of Incorporation for non-profit organizations & 
community-based organizations; attach under ``Attachments Form'' --see 
last bullet)
[check] 501(c)3 Certificate/letter from the IRS (for non-profit 
organizations; attach under ``Attachments Form'' --see last bullet)
[check] Resumes of all key personnel working on your project
[check] Attachments Form (where you may place all your appendices, 
i.e., Letters of Partnership, Letters of Intent, Resumes, Articles of 
Incorporation, other supporting documents, etc.)

    Do not include lengthy or unnecessary organizational documents such 
as your organization's business plans, Annual Reports, or full course 
or training curriculums in your application. Excessively large 
documents in applications are cumbersome and increase downloading 
errors from Grants.gov and in forwarding to the Review Panel.
    Below is further guidance, where needed, for completing the 
required forms, documents, and attachment forms listed above.
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
    Complete all highlighted areas on this form. Pay particular 
attention to block 18a of the SF-424. This is the total amount of 
Federal funding you are requesting under the 2501 Program. This form is 
the official requesting document and the amount that will be considered 
if you should have any discrepancies between this form and your Budget 
Information Form, SF-424A. Ensure this form is completed with accuracy, 
particularly email addresses and phone numbers. The OPPE may not be 
able to reach you if your information is incorrect.
Project/Performance Site Location(s)
    Complete all highlighted areas on this form. Add additional 
locations if your project will be carried out at additional sites.
Project Abstract Summary
    A Project Abstract Summary is a concise summary about your project. 
No

[[Page 13694]]

points will be given or subtracted for the Project Summary Page as it 
will be used only for informational purposes. It may be used in its 
entirety or in part for media purposes to include in press releases, 
informational emails to potential stakeholders or partners, to provide 
upper echelons of government with a snapshot of an organization, and 
for demographic purposes. Do not restate the objectives of the 2501 
Program (i.e., ``to provide outreach and technical assistance for 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veterans farmers and 
ranchers''); the Project Abstract Summary should reflect the goal of 
your specific project. Limit your Project Abstract Summary to 250 words 
and include the following:

 Your organization's name;
 Name of your project;
 Three or four sentences describing your project;
 The primary populations/communities you serve;
 The project's geographic service area (counties, state(s), 
etc.); and
 Project Director's name, email address, and telephone number.
Project Narrative (Not To Exceed 30 Double-Spaced Pages)
    The Project Narrative is a document that you create. It must 
include a timeline of proposed activities. Formatting requirements for 
Project Narratives are 1-inch margins and 12-point font, and double-
spaced. Number each page of the Project Narrative to indicate the total 
number of pages (i.e., 1 of 30, 2 of 30, etc.). To ensure fairness and 
uniformity for all applicants, Project Narratives not conforming to 
this stipulation may not be considered.
    Project proposals should include a well-conceived strategy for 
addressing the programmatic mission areas stated in Section I, Part B, 
Scope of Work. Organizations should state which programmatic mission 
areas will be addressed. Additionally, proposals must: (1) Define and 
establish the existence of the needs of socially disadvantaged farmers 
or ranchers or veteran farmers or ranchers, or both; (2) identify the 
geographic area of service; and (3) discuss the potential impact of the 
project; (4) clearly state their 3-years of experience in delivering 
agriculture related services to socially disadvantaged or veteran 
farmers and ranchers and provide documented proof; and (5) clearly 
document how you plan to fulfill the requirement to coordinate efforts 
in partnership with the OPPE and USDA Service Centers in your state to 
maximize outreach and training in your service territory.
     Programmatic Capability: Project proposals must: (1) 
Identify the experience of the organization(s) and key personnel taking 
part in the project (past successes); (2) identify the names of 
organizations that will be your partners in the project if any; (3) 
identify the qualifications, relevant experience, education, and 
publications of each Project Manager or partners; and (4) specifically 
address the work to be completed by key personnel and their roles and 
responsibilities within the scope of the proposed project. This 
includes partnering scenarios whereas each partners' roles and 
responsibilities must be defined.
     Financial Management Experience: Document a demonstrated 
ability to successfully manage and complete your project by including 
details of successfully completed past projects and financial 
management experiences.
     Tracking and Measuring: Clearly document a detailed plan 
for tracking and measuring project progress including the results of 
the project in terms of achieving expected project outputs and outcomes 
as stated in Section I, Part C, Performance Measures. Address both 
quantitative and qualitative data. A mitigation or contingency plan 
should also be addressed.
     Timelines are an integral part of your project and must be 
included in your Project Narrative. In an organized format, create a 
timeline for each task to be accomplished during the entire proposed 
period of performance. Relate each task to one of the five programmatic 
mission areas in Section I, Part B. The timeline is part of the 30-page 
limit and should be detailed enough to show your activities, start and 
end dates, assigned personnel, milestones, and deliverables in a 
chronological order. The timeline may be in a table format and does not 
have to be double-spaced.
    Attach your Project Narrative in PDF format to the Mandatory 
Project Narrative form in your Grants.gov package.
SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
    Provide as much information as possible on the SF-424A for each 
year of your project. For example, on page 1 of SF-424A, line 1 across 
may indicate year one of your project, line 2 across may indicate year 
two of your project, and line 3 across may indicate year three of your 
project. On page 1A of SF-424A, columns 1 through 3 may represent each 
year of your project. All cost categories on page 1A of this form are 
considered direct costs. Remember that your indirect cost rate may not 
exceed the 10 percent statutory limitation based upon modified direct 
costs found in 7 U.S.C. 2279(l)(7).
Budget Narrative (Not To Exceed 5 Pages)
    The Budget Narrative is a document that you create. It must be no 
more than five pages. It does NOT have to be double spaced. You may use 
tables. While the OPPE understands that your proposed budget is an 
estimation of costs, your Budget Narrative should be based on financial 
forecasting assumptions. The Budget Narrative should identify and 
describe the costs associated with the proposed project, including sub-
awards or contracts and indirect costs. These costs should be very 
detailed and descriptive as to their purpose. Review 2 CFR part 200 
Subpart E--Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards to ensure your project is not 
planned with unallowable costs. Applicants may charge their negotiated 
indirect cost rate or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Indirect cost 
rates exceeding 10 percent will not be permitted. Each cost indicated 
must be reasonable, allocable, necessary, and allowable under 2 CFR 
part 200, subpart E in order to be funded.
     Cost categories, also called Object Class Categories, 
include costs for Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, 
Supplies, Contractual, Construction, and Other costs.
    [ssquf] Personnel costs: For each key staff person, provide the 
name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage 
of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded 
salary. You may refer to the prevailing wage rates established by the 
Department of Labor by occupation and geographical area. Compensation 
for personnel services (whether classified as personnel, contractual 
services, or any other form) may not exceed the pro-rated equivalent of 
Step III of the Executive Schedule for Federal Employees.
    [ssquf] Costs of consultants, subgrants, or contractors should be 
included in the ``Contractual'' cost category.
    [ssquf] Fringe Benefits: Provide a break-down of amounts and 
percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health 
insurance, FICA, retirement, etc.
    [ssquf] Travel costs: Provide specifics on purpose of travel, 
number of travelers, destination, and estimates on costs for airfare, 
lodging, meals, car rentals, and incidentals. The Federal Travel 
Regulations should be used as a guide.

[[Page 13695]]

    [ssquf] Equipment: Any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal 
property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition 
costs which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization 
level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, 
or (b) $5,000. For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. The Recipient shall 
maintain an annual inventory, which will include a brief description of 
the item, serial number, and amount of purchase for equipment purchased 
with grant funds, or received under a grant, and having a $5,000 or 
more per unit cost. The inventory must also identify the sub-award 
under which the equipment was purchased. Maintenance and insurance will 
be the responsibility of the Recipient. Title of equipment will remain 
with the Recipient until closeout when disposition will be provided in 
writing by OPPE within 120 days of submission of final reports.
    [ssquf] Supplies: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs (less than $5,000). Show computations and provide other 
information which supports the amount requested.
    [ssquf] Contractual costs: Costs should entail all contracts for 
services and goods that further the work of the project only.
     Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) 
and contracts with secondary recipient organizations. Demonstrate that 
all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, 
to the maximum extent practical, free, fair, and open competition. 
Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-
contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is 
expected to perform work estimated to be $30,000 or more, or 50% of the 
total work effort, whichever is less.
     Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed 
budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be 
included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.
     Provide the following information for each planned 
subcontract: A brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the 
number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or 
price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the 
subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection; 
e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder, 
delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated 
cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.
     Include all Subawards under Contractual Costs. Per 2 CFR 
part 200.1, Subaward--refers to an award provided by a pass-through 
entity (your organization) to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to 
carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. 
It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an 
individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may 
be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement 
that the pass-through entity considers a contract.
    Subaward budgets: Roles and responsibilities must be defined to 
determine the level of involvement and efforts to increase training and 
outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. If applicable, 
identify each planned subaward and its total proposed budget. Include a 
brief description of the work to be performed.
    [ssquf] Other costs: Identify and describe in detail any other 
costs not identified in the above cost categories. Costs associated 
with an organization's day-to-day operations such as custodial workers 
would be an example of ``Other'' costs. Provide an itemized list with 
costs and state the basis for each proposed item.
    Special notes when creating your budget:
    1. Review Unallowable Use of 2501 Grant Program Funds under the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this announcement.
    2. Costs must be deemed reasonable. This includes salaries for key 
personnel which may not exceed the prevailing wage rates established by 
the Department of Labor by occupation and geographical area (see 2 CFR 
part 200.404 and Appendix II(D)).
    3. Food for attendees of conferences may not exceed $10 per person 
per meal, not to exceed two meals per day. Additionally, animals 
acquired and used for demonstration projects only, may not exceed 
$4,000, which includes any transportation costs, feed/feeding lot, etc. 
Grant funds may NOT be used to pay attendees as an incentive for 
participation in conferences nor be advertised as such. For a list of 
unallowable costs, see 2 CFR part 200, subpart E.
    Attach your Budget Narrative in PDF format to the Mandatory Budget 
Narrative form in your Grants.gov package.
Key Contacts Form
    All key personnel should be listed on your Key Contact Form. At a 
minimum, the names of at least two key personnel should be provided to 
ensure that we are able to contact your organization. Provide first, 
middle, and last names of all key personnel that will be working on the 
proposed project. All organizations should submit at least a Project 
Director or Manager and a Financial Representative. Additional Key 
Contacts Forms may be used as necessary. Ensure this form is completed 
with accuracy. Individuals not listed on an applicants' Key Contacts 
Form will not receive information about or access to data that concerns 
the applicant organization.
Attachments Form for Appendices
    Non-profit organizations must submit abbreviated Articles of 
Incorporation (must have been established at least 3 years prior to 
application submission) and their 501(c)3 Certificate/Letter from the 
IRS. All applicants should submit r[eacute]sum[eacute]s for key 
personnel and subaward key personnel; Letters of Commitment; Letters of 
Intent, Partnership Agreements, or Memoranda of Understanding with 
partner organizations; Letters of Support; or other supporting 
documentation which is encouraged but not required. Using this form in 
your Grants.gov application package, applicants can consolidate all 
supplemental materials into one attachment or attach appendices 
documents individually. Do not include documents from other sections as 
an Appendix.
    DO NOT PASSWORD PROTECT ANY OF YOUR SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS OR FORMS. 
Password protected documents cannot be viewed by the OPPE or the Review 
Panel.

D. Sub-Awards and Partnerships

    Funding may be used to provide subawards, which includes using 
subawards to fund partnerships; however, the lead recipient must 
utilize at least 50 percent of the total funds awarded, and no more 
than three sub-awards will be permitted. Subawardees and partners are 
generally responsible for carrying out grant activities as assigned. 
All subawardees--and partners are subject to the requirements and 
responsibilities on the grant and must be a nonprofit or institution of 
higher education. This does not apply to contractors as they support 
the grant activities by providing goods and services. All applicants, 
including the lead or prime applicant if applying as a coalition of 
nonprofits, are responsible

[[Page 13696]]

for ensuring that all sub-awardees comply with applicable requirements 
for subawards and are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the 
Agreement, if awarded. Applicants must provide documentation of a 
competitive bidding process for services, contracts, and products, 
including consultants and contractors, and conduct cost and price 
analyses to the extent required by applicable procurement regulations.
    The OPPE awards funds to one eligible applicant as the lead or 
prime award recipient. The lead or prime applicant must be indicated as 
the responsible party, if other organizations are named as partners or 
co-applicants or members of a coalition or consortium. The lead or 
prime award recipient will be held accountable to the OPPE for the 
proper administrative requirements and expenditure of all funds.
    Per OMB guidance, Federal awarding agencies are required to check 
the SAM Exclusions list of persons and entities ineligible for Federal 
awards. This requirement flows down to Federal Award recipients who are 
required to check SAM Exclusions for all subawards and contracts. Lead 
or prime recipients must obtain prior written approval from the 
awarding agency for all proposed subawards, regardless of size, for all 
subawards not included in the original proposal (see 2 CFR 
200.308(c)(6)). For all subawards, prime recipients must confirm that 
they have conducted a risk-assessment of each of the proposed 
subrecipient(s) by name; and verify that each subrecipient does not 
have active exclusions in SAM and does not appear on the Suspension and 
Debarment List.

E. Submission Dates and Times

    The closing date and time for receipt of proposal submissions is 
June 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m., EDT, via Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). 
Proposals received after the submission deadline will be considered 
late without further consideration. Proposals must be submitted through 
Grants.gov without exception. Additionally, organizations must also be 
registered in the System of Awards Management (SAM) at: www.sam.gov. 
Creating an account for both websites can take several weeks to receive 
account verification and/or PIN numbers. Allow sufficient time to 
complete access requirements for these websites. Grants.gov supports 
many Federal granting agencies and their applicants. Delaying the 
submission of your application until the last day could be result in 
your application not being received on time due to issues pertaining to 
a high volume of users, system maintenance, issues with registration, 
having a pending registration because of a backlogged system, and 
expired SAM.gov registrations.The proposal submission deadline is firm.

F. Confidential Information

    In accordance with 2 CFR part 200, the names of entities submitting 
proposals, as well as proposal contents and evaluations, will be kept 
confidential to the extent permissible by law. Any information that the 
applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or 
proprietary should be clearly marked as such in the proposal. If an 
applicant chooses to include confidential or proprietary information in 
the proposal, it will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by 
law.

G. Pre-Submission Proposal Assistance

    1. The OPPE may not assist individual applicants by reviewing draft 
proposals or providing advice on how to respond to evaluation criteria. 
However, the OPPE will respond to questions from individual applicants 
regarding eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the 
submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification regarding 
the announcement. Any questions should be submitted to 
[email protected]. Additionally, the OPPE will host public 
teleconferences to address questions and clarify requirements during 
the open period of this solicitation. Dates, time, and phone numbers 
are provided on Page 1 of this announcement.
    2. The OPPE will post questions and answers relating to this 
funding opportunity during its open period on the Frequently Asked 
Questions (FAQs) section of our website: www.partnerships.usda.gov/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers. Reviewing this section of 
our website will likely save you valuable time. The OPPE will update 
the FAQs on a weekly basis and conduct teleconferences on an as-needed 
basis.
    3. Terms and Conditions of the Award. Visit our website at: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers 
to review the most recent Terms and Conditions for administering our 
grants. This version is subject to change upon new program 
requirements.
    4. Applicants selected for funding must inform their participants 
that USDA, or any of its third-party representatives, may contact them 
for quality assurance.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

    Only eligible entities whose proposals meet the threshold criteria 
in Section III of this announcement will be reviewed according to the 
evaluation criteria set forth below. Applicants should explicitly and 
fully address these criteria as part of their proposal package. Each 
proposal will be evaluated under the regulations established under 2 
CFR part 200.
    The Panel will use a point system to rate each proposal, awarding a 
maximum of 105 points for nonprofit and community-based organizations 
(70 points, plus an additional 35 priority points for secretarial 
priorities) and 100 points for all other applicants (70 points, plus an 
additional 30 discretionary points for secretarial priorities). Each 
proposal will be reviewed by at least two members of the Panel. Panel 
members will review and score all applications that meet the initial 
eligibility review. The Panel will numerically score and rank each 
application. Funding decisions will be based on the Panel's rank score. 
Final funding decisions will be made by the designated approving 
official and are not appealable.
    Please be patient as processing all submitted applications, vetting 
organizations, proposal reviews, approval process, and agreement 
creation is a lengthy process. All applicants will be notified 
electronically of their application status when final selections have 
been made and will be provided an opportunity for application feedback 
as provided within the correspondence.

                                  Evaluation Criteria for New Grants Proposals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Criteria                                                  Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Project Narrative (up to 30 points): Under this criterion, your        Up to 30 points.
 proposal must address at least two of the five programmatic mission
 areas identified in Section I, Part B, Scope of Work and will be
 evaluated to the extent to which the narrative includes a well-
 conceived strategy for addressing those requirements and objectives
 (see Section IV, Part D Project Narrative for additional information).

[[Page 13697]]

 
Note: Applicants may assist either socially disadvantaged farmers and
 ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers, or both groups. There are no
 additional points for addressing both of these group. Conversely, there
 are no points deducted if your proposal addresses only one of these
 groups.
2. The Secretary of Agriculture shall give priority to nongovernmental    5 points for CBOs and non-profit
 and community-based organizations with an expertise in working with       organizations.
 socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers or
 ranchers. If the applicant is a nongovernmental or community-based
 organization; they will automatically receive five (5) additional
 points (per the 2018 Farm Bill).
3. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on          5 points.
 projects that present problem-solving strategies that help socially
 disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers in resolving heirs'
 property issues/resolutions (including tribal fractionated land, and
 land title issues); financial literacy and business planning; and how
 to recoup losses resulting from COVID-19.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
 within this bullet.
4. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on          5 points.
 projects that align with the implementation of the American Rescue Plan
 including: Increasing access to land and to credit; advancing education
 and career pathways related to farming/ranching/forestry and
 agriculture; providing avenues that help producers strengthen the food
 supply chain and building a food system that is fair, resilient, and
 equitable that helps socially disadvantaged and veteran producers'
 ability to make a living; promoting use of multiple USDA programs as
 well as local, state, tribal, and other resources; and generate rural
 business opportunities and other development efforts to advance the
 health, economic, and social welfare of socially disadvantaged and
 veteran farmers/ranchers.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
 within this bullet.
5. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on          5 points.
 projects that address climate change with climate smart ag and forestry
 solutions including but not limited to: building resilience to climate
 change and increasing agricultural productivity; efficient and
 renewable energy practices; indigenous regenerative practices, and
 soil, land, and water conservation practices that preserve natural and
 agricultural ecosystems.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
 within this bullet.
6. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on          5 points.
 projects that present problem-solving strategies that focus on removing
 systemic barriers and increasing equitable participation in USDA's
 programs and services, especially projects located in rural and urban
 communities in persistent poverty census tracts and/or counties.
7. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on          5 points.
 projects that are designed to address at least one of the following:
     Create new and fair market opportunities to assist socially
     disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers or ranchers or youth
     Provide relief for socially disadvantaged, veteran, and
     beginning farmers or ranchers or youth that experienced adverse
     impacts due to the pandemic
     Assist with climate change and climate-smart agriculture
     Rural community and economic development impacting socially
     disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers or ranchers or youth
     Assist socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning
     farmers or ranchers or youth with farm and financial planning with
     a goal to increase sustainability of farming operations.
8. Programmatic Capability: Under this criterion, applicants will be      Up to 10 points.
 evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete and manage
 the proposed project considering the applicant's organizational
 experience, staff expertise and qualifications, and the organization's
 resources (see Section IV, Part D Programmatic Capability). The
 organization must clearly document its historical successes and future
 plans to continue assisting socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers
 and ranchers beyond the life of their project.
9. Financial Management Experience: Under this criterion, applicants      Up to 5 points.
 will be evaluated based on their demonstrated ability to successfully
 complete and manage their proposed project considering their past
 performance in successfully completing and managing prior funding
 agreements (see Section IV, Part D Financial Management Experience).
 Past performance documentation on successfully completed projects may
 be at the Federal, state, or local community level. Per 2 CFR 200.205,
 if an applicant is a prior Federal award recipient, their record in
 managing that award will be reviewed, including timeliness in Progress
 and Financial Reporting and compliance with the Terms and Conditions of
 previous Federal awards.
10. Tracking and Measuring: Under this criterion, the applicant's         Up to 15 points.
 proposal will be evaluated based upon presenting a clear and detailed
 plan for tracking and measuring their progress toward accomplishing
 outputs and completing the expected outcomes (see Section I, Part C
 Outputs, Performance Measures, and Outcomes). Applicants should
 indicate clear thresholds or benchmarks in relation to stated goals and
 objectives. Applicants must address how they intend to ensure a timely
 and successful completion of their project. Address both quantitative
 and qualitative data. A mitigation or contingency plan should also be
 addressed.
11. Budget: Under this criterion, your proposed project budget will be    Up to 10 points.
 evaluated to determine whether costs are reasonable, allowable,
 allocable, and necessary to accomplish the proposed project goals and
 objectives (see 2 CFR part 200.404 and Appendix II-D). The proposed
 budget must provide a detailed breakdown of the approximate funding
 used for each major activity (see Section IV, Part D. Budget
 Narrative). Additionally, indirect costs (10 percent maximum) must be
 appropriately applied. For a list of unallowable costs, see 2 CFR Part
 200, subpart E.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Selection of Panel Members

    All eligible applications will be reviewed by the Panel. Panel 
members are selected based upon training and experience in assisting 
socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. This 
assistance includes, but is not limited to, bringing increased 
awareness of USDA's programs and services in underserved communities, 
outreach, technical assistance, cooperative extension services, civil 
rights, education, statistical and ethnographic data collection and 
analysis, and agricultural programs, and

[[Page 13698]]

are drawn from a diverse group of experts, including USDA Program 
Managers and/or Grants Specialists and applicant peers, to create a 
balanced panel.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Proposal Notifications and Feedback
    1. Successful applicants will be notified by the OPPE via 
telephone, email, and/or postal mail that its proposed project has been 
recommended for award. The notification will be sent to the Project 
Manager listed on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. 
Project Managers should be the Authorized Organizational Representative 
(AOR) and authorized to sign on behalf of the organization. It is 
imperative that this individual is responsive to notifications by the 
OPPE. If the individual is no longer in the position, notify the OPPE 
immediately to submit the new contact for the application by updating 
your organization's Key Contacts form and forwarding a 
r[eacute]sum[eacute] of the new key personnel. The grant agreement will 
be forwarded to the recipient for execution and must be returned to the 
OPPE Director, who is the authorizing official. Once grant documents 
are executed by all parties, authorization to begin work will be given. 
At a minimum, this process can take up to 30 days from the date of 
notification.
    2. Within 10 days of award status notification, unsuccessful 
applicants may request feedback on their application. Feedback will be 
provided as expeditiously as possible. Feedback sessions will be 
scheduled contingent upon the number of requests and in accordance with 
7 CFR 2500.026.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    All awards resulting from this solicitation will be administered in 
accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards codified at 2 CFR part 200, as supplemented by USDA 
implementing regulations at 2 CFR parts 400 and 415, and the OPPE 
Federal Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative 
Procedures, 7 CFR part 2500. In compliance with its obligations under 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, it 
is the policy of the OPPE to provide timely and meaningful access for 
persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) to projects, programs, 
and activities administered by Federal grant recipients. Recipient 
organizations must comply with these obligations upon acceptance of 
grant agreements as written in the OPPE's Terms and Conditions. 
Following these guidelines is essential to the success of our mission 
to improve access to USDA programs for socially disadvantaged and 
veteran farmers and ranchers.

C. Reporting Requirement

    Your approved statement of work, timeline, and budget are your 
guiding documents in carrying out the activities of your project and 
for your reporting requirements. Familiarize yourself with USDA's 
grants management system called ezFedGrants: https://www.nfc.usda.gov/FSS/ClientServices/ezFedGrants/. In accordance with 2 CFR part 200, the 
following reporting requirements will apply to awards provided under 
this FOA. The OPPE reserves the right to revise the schedule and format 
of reporting requirements as necessary in the award agreement.
    1. Semi-annual Progress Reports and Financial Reports will be 
required as follows:
     Semi-annual Progress Reports. The recipient is required to 
provide a detailed narrative of project performance and activities as 
described in the award agreement. Semi-annual progress reports must be 
submitted to the designated OPPE official via ezFedGrants within 30 
days after the end of each reporting period. This includes, but is not 
limited to, activities completed, events held, and the release of sign-
in sheets with participants' contact information.
     Semi-annual Financial Reports. The recipient must submit 
SF 425, Federal Financial Report to the designated OPPE official via 
ezFedGrants within 30 days after the end of each reporting period.

    Note:  OPPE has the discretion to require quarterly reports 
based upon non-federal entities' performance progress and 
administration of grant funds.

    2. Final Progress and Financial Reports will be required upon 
project completion. The Final Progress Report must include a summary of 
the project or activity throughout the funding period, achievements of 
the project or activity, and a discussion of overall successes and 
issues experienced in conducting the project or project activities. It 
should convey the impact your project had on the communities you served 
and discuss the project's accomplishments in achieving expected 
outcomes. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, the number 
of new USDA applicants as a result of your award, the number of 
approved applicants for USDA programs and services, increased awareness 
of USDA programs and services, etc.
    3. The final Financial Report should consist of a complete SF-425 
indicating the total costs of the project. Final Progress and Financial 
Reports must be submitted to the designated OPPE official via 
ezFedGrants within 120 days after the completion of the award period as 
follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Report                    Performance period            Due date               Grace period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Form SF-425, Federal Financial Report  1 October thru 31        March 31...............  30 days until 30 April.
 & Performance Progress Report (Due     March,                  September 30...........  30 days until 30
 semi-annually).                       1 April thru 30                                    October.
                                        September.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Financial and Progress Reports.                      120 days after project completion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Dates subject to change at the discretion of OPPE.


Lisa R. Ram[iacute]rez,
Director, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
[FR Doc. 2022-05066 Filed 3-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3412-89-P