[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14238-14242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05080]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

[Docket No. RHS-21-CF-0020]


Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant 
Program for Fiscal Year 2022

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (Agency), a Rural Development agency 
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that 
it is accepting applications under the Community Facilities Technical 
Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant program for fiscal year (FY) 2022. 
This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations 
act for FY 2022 to allow potential applicants time to submit 
applications for financial assistance under the program and to give the 
Agency time to process applications. Once the FY 2022 funding amount is 
determined, the Agency will publish it on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted using one of the 
following methods:
     Paper submissions: The Agency must receive applications in 
paper, postmarked, and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by 4:00 p.m. 
local time on May 26, 2022. Applicants intending to mail applications 
must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on or before the 
closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by the United States Postal 
Service or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile 
(FAX), electronic mail, and postage due applications will not be 
accepted. The application dates and times are firm. The Agency will not 
consider any application received after the deadline.
     Electronic submissions: Electronic applications must be 
submitted via https://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight 
Savings Time on May 23, 2022.
    Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may 
request application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests 
are made prior to May 16, 2022. Technical assistance is not meant to be 
an analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a 
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a 
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth 
analysis.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring nor eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification 
information on materials contained in the submitted application.

ADDRESSES: This notice and application materials may be accessed at 
https://www.grants.gov. This Notice may also be viewed at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
    Applicants can submit an electronic application by following the 
instructions for the TAT funding announcement on https://www.grants.gov. Applications may be submitted by the following methods:
    Applications are to be submitted to the USDA Rural Development 
State Office for the State in which the applicant is located. The 
address for the headquarters of each USDA Rural Development State 
Office can be accessed at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. The Applicant should contact the USDA 
Rural Development State Office to see if applications may be submitted 
to Field Offices within the state.
    For applicants located in the District of Columbia, applications 
will be submitted to the National Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 
1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250.
    Electronic applications will be submitted via https://www.grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Rural Development office for the 
state in which the applicant is located. A list of Rural Development 
State Office contacts is provided at the following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants located 
in Washington, DC can contact Shirley Stevenson at (202) 205-9685 or 
via email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority

    This solicitation is authorized pursuant to Section 306(a)(26) of 
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)), 
7 CFR part 3570, subpart F, and 7 CFR 3570.267.

Rural Development: Key Priorities

    The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will 
advance the following key priorities:
     Assisting Rural communities recover economically from the 
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged 
communities;
     Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to 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.
    Additional information regarding RD's funding priorities is 
available at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points. Expenses incurred in developing grant application packages will 
be at the applicant's sole risk.

[[Page 14239]]

Background

    USDA's Rural Development Agencies, comprised of the Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RB-CS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Rural 
Utilities Service (RUS), are leading the way in helping rural America 
improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for 
rural people. RHS offers a variety of programs to build or improve 
housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. The Agency 
also offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees for single- and multi-
family housing, child-care centers, fire and police stations, 
hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, first responder vehicles 
and equipment, housing for farm laborers and much more. The Agency also 
provides technical assistance loans and grants in partnership with non-
profit organizations, Indian tribes, state and Federal government 
agencies, and local communities.

Program Description

    The RHS provides TAT grants to eligible public bodies and private, 
nonprofit organizations (such as states, counties, cities, townships, 
incorporated towns, villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and 
Tribes located on Federal or state reservations) to provide technical 
assistance and training in support of essential community facilities 
programs. In turn, this technical assistance and training helps 
grantees identify and plan for community facility needs in their area. 
Once these needs are pinpointed, the grantee can find additional public 
and private financial resources.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The paperwork burden has been approved by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0575-0198.

Overview

    Federal Agency: Rural Housing Service (RHS).
    Funding Opportunity Title: Community Facilities Technical 
Assistance and Training Grant.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).
    Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA): 10.766.
    Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-CFTAT-202.
    Due Date for Applications: Applications must be submitted using one 
of the following methods:
    Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper application 
is 4 p.m. local time, May 26, 2022.
    Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be accepted 
via Grants.gov. The deadline for receipt of an electronic application 
via https://Grants.gov is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time on 
May 23, 2022. The application dates and times are firm. The Agency will 
not consider any application received after the deadline. Applicants 
intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit 
delivery on or before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by 
the United States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute 
delivery. Facsimile (FAX), electronic mail, and postage due 
applications will not be accepted. Prior to official submission of 
applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other 
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made 
prior to May 17, 2022. Technical assistance is not meant to be an 
analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a 
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a 
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth 
analysis. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or 
eligibility information that is submitted after the application 
deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek 
clarification information on materials contained in the submitted 
application.

Items in Supplementary Information

I. Funding Opportunity Description
II. Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
IV. Application and Submission Information
V. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Awards Management 
(SAM)
VI. Application Processing
VII. Scoring Criteria
VIII. Federal Award Administration Information
IX. Non-Discrimination Statement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant 
program is authorized by Section 306(a)(26) of the Consolidated Farm 
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)).
    Program regulations can be found at 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F, 
referenced in this Notice. The purpose of this Notice is to seek 
applications from entities that will provide technical assistance and/
or training with respect to essential community facilities programs. 
The purpose of this program is to assist entities in rural areas in 
accessing funding under RHS's Community Facilities Programs in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F. Funding priority will be 
made to private, nonprofit or public organizations that have experience 
in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.

II. Award Information

    Type of Awards: Grants will be made to eligible entities who will 
then provide technical assistance and training to eligible ultimate 
recipients.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022 TAT Grant funds.
    Available Funds: This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a 
final appropriations act for FY 2022. Once the FY 22 funding amount is 
determined, the Agency will publish it on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Up to 
ten percent of the available funds may be awarded to the highest 
scoring Ultimate Recipient(s) as long as they score a minimum score of 
at least 70. The Agency reserves the right to reduce funding amounts 
based on the Agency's determination of available funding or other 
Agency funding priorities.
    Funding Award Amounts: Grant awards for Technical Assistance 
providers assisting Ultimate Recipients within one state may not exceed 
$150,000. Grant awards made to Ultimate Recipients will not exceed 
$50,000.
    Award Dates: Awards will be funded on or before September 15, 2022.

III. Eligibility Information

    Both the applicant and the use of funds must meet eligibility 
requirements. The applicant eligibility requirements can be found at 7 
CFR 3570.262. Eligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.263. 
Ineligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.264. 
Restrictions substantially similar to Sections 744 and 745 outlined in 
Division C, Title VII, ``General Provisions--Government-Wide'' of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260) will apply 
unless noted on the Rural Development website (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-technical-assistance-and-training-grant). 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 full-
year appropriated funds, unless a Federal

[[Page 14240]]

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.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    The requirements for submitting an application can be found at 7 
CFR 3570.267. All applicants can access application materials at 
https://www.grants.gov. Applications must be received by the Agency by 
the due date listed in the DATES section of this Notice. Applications 
received after that due date will not be considered for funding. Paper 
copies of the applications will be submitted to the State Office in 
which the applicant is headquartered. Electronic submissions should be 
submitted at https://www.grants.gov. A listing of the Rural Development 
State Offices may be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants whose headquarters are in the 
District of Columbia will submit their application to the National 
Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 
0787, Washington, DC 20250. Both paper and electronic applications must 
be received by the Agency by the deadlines stated in the DATES section 
of this Notice. The use of a courier and package tracking for paper 
applications is strongly encouraged. An applicant can only submit one 
application for funding. Application information for electronic 
submissions may be found at https://www.grants.gov. Applications will 
not be accepted via FAX or email.

V. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Awards Management 
(SAM)

    Grant applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and 
register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting 
an application pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). Instructions for obtaining 
the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    In addition, an entity applicant must maintain registration in SAM 
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an 
application or plan under consideration by the Agency. The applicant 
must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, 
and complete. Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial 
Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM. 
Similarly, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required 
to report information about first-tier subawards and executive 
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. So long as an entity 
applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the 
applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to 
comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant receive 
funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).
    An applicant, unless excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c), or (d), 
is required to:

    (a) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;
    (b) Provide a valid UEI in its application; and
    (c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current 
information at all times during which it has an active Federal award 
or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding 
agency.

    The Federal awarding agency may not make a federal award to an 
applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and 
SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with these 
requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a 
Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the 
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant.
    As required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), all grant 
applications must provide a UEI number when applying for Federal 
grants. Organizations can obtain a UEI at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

VI. Application Processing

    (a) Applications will be processed in accordance with this NOSA and 
7 CFR 3570.272:
    (1) Applications that are not selected for funding due to low 
rating will be notified by the Agency. Applications that cannot be 
funded in the fiscal year that the application was received will not be 
retained for consideration in the following fiscal year.
    (2) Applicants selected for funding will need to accept the 
conditions set forth in the Letter of Conditions, meet all such 
conditions, and complete a grant agreement which outlines the terms and 
conditions of the grant award before grant funds will be disbursed.

VII. Scoring Criteria

    Applications will be scored in accordance with this NOSA and 7 CFR 
3570.273. Those applications receiving the highest points using the 
scoring factors will be selected for funding. Up to 10% of the 
available funds may be awarded to the highest scoring Ultimate 
Recipient(s) as long as they score a minimum score of at least 70. In 
the case of a tie, the first tiebreaker will go to the applicant who 
scores the highest on matching funds. If two or more applications are 
still tied after using this tiebreaker, the next tiebreaker will go to 
the applicant who scores the highest in the multi-jurisdictional 
category. Once the successful applicants are announced, the State 
Office will be responsible for obligating the grant funds, executing 
all obligation documents, and the grant agreement, as provided by the 
agency.
    The Agency will score each application using the following scoring 
factors:
    (a) Experience: Applicant Experience at developing and implementing 
successful technical assistance and/or training programs:

    (1) More than 10 years--40 points.
    (2) More than 5 years to 10 years--25 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 years--10 points.

    (b) No prior grants received:

    (1) Applicant has never received a TAT Grant--5 points.

    (c) Population: The average population of proposed area(s) to be 
served:

    (1) 2,500 or less--15 points.
    (2) 2,501 to 5,000--10 points.
    (3) 5,001 to 10,000--5 points.

    (d) MHI: The average median household income (MHI) of the proposed 
area to be served is below the higher of the poverty line or:

    (1) 60 percent of the State's MHI--15 points.
    (2) 70 percent of the State MHI--10 points.
    (3) 90 percent of the State's MHI--5 points.

    (e) Multi-jurisdictional: The proposed technical assistance or 
training project is part of a Multi-jurisdictional project comprised 
of:

    (1) More than 10 jurisdictions--15 points.
    (2) More than 5 to 10 jurisdictions--10 points.
    (3) 3 to 5 jurisdictions--5 points.

    (f) Soundness of approach: Up to 10 points.

    (1) The problem/issue being addressed in the Needs Assessment is 
clearly defined, supported by data, and addresses the needs;
    (2) Goals & objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as 
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;
    (3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to 
accomplishing objectives and clearly identifies who will be served 
by the project; and
    (4) The proposed activities are needed in order for a complete 
Community Facilities loan and/or grant application.

    (g) Matching funds:


[[Page 14241]]


    (1) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 
20% of the total project costs--10 points.
    (2) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 
10% of the total project costs--5 points.

    (h) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may 
award up to 10 discretionary points for the highest priority project in 
each state, up to 7 points for the second highest priority project in 
each state, and up to 5 points for the third highest priority project 
that address the following key priorities:

    (1) COVID-19 Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the 
project is located in or serving one of the top 10% of counties or 
county equivalents based upon county risk score in the United 
States. Information on whether your project qualifies for priority 
points can be found at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (2) Equity. Priority points may be awarded if the project is 
located in or serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the 
CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on whether your project 
qualifies for priority points can be found at the following website: 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (3) Climate Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the 
project is located in or serving coal, oil and gas, and power plant 
communities whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed 
tier of the Distressed Communities Index. Information on whether 
your project qualifies for priority points can be found at the 
following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

    The State Director will place written documentation in the project 
file each time the State Director assigns these points.
    (i) Administrator discretionary points. The Administrator may award 
up to 20 discretionary points for projects to address geographic 
distribution of funds, emergency conditions caused by economic 
problems, natural disasters and other initiatives identified by the 
Secretary such as applicants proposing to advance any or all of the 
Agency's three key funding priorities, provided that all other 
requirements set forth in this notice are otherwise met. The key 
priorities are:

    (1) COVID-19 Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the 
project is located in or serving one of the top 10% of counties or 
county equivalents based upon county risk score in the United 
States. Information on whether your project qualifies for priority 
points can be found at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (2) Equity. Priority points may be awarded if the project is 
located in or serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the 
CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on whether your project 
qualifies for priority points can be found at the following website: 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (3) Climate Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the 
project is located in or serving coal, oil and gas, and power plant 
communities whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed 
tier of the Distressed Communities Index. Information on whether 
your project qualifies for priority points can be found at the 
following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.

VIII. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Federal Award Notice. Within the limit of funds available for 
such purpose, the awarding official of the Agency shall make grants in 
ranked order to eligible applicants under the procedures set forth in 
this Notice and the grant regulation 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F. 
Successful applicants will receive a letter in the mail containing 
instructions on requirements necessary to proceed with execution and 
performance of the award. This letter is not an authorization to begin 
performance. In addition, selected applicants will be requested to 
verify that components of the application have not changed at the time 
of selection and on the award date, if requested by the Agency.
    The award is not approved until all information has been verified, 
and the awarding official of the Agency has signed Form RD 1940-1, 
``Request for Obligation of Funds'' and the grant agreement.
    Unsuccessful and ineligible applicants will receive written 
notification of their review and appeal rights.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Grantees will 
be required to do the following:

    (a) Execute a Grant Agreement.
    (b) Execute Form RD 1940-1.
    (c) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'' to 
request reimbursement. Provide receipts for expenditures, 
timesheets, and any other documentation to support the request for 
reimbursement.
    (d) Provide financial status and project performance reports as 
set forth at 7 CFR 3570.276.
    (e) Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to 
the Agency.
    (f) Ensure that records are maintained to document all 
activities and expenditures utilizing CF TAT grant funds and any 
matching funds, if applicable. Receipts for expenditures will be 
included in this documentation.
    (g) Provide audits or financial information as set forth in 7 
CFR 3570.277.
    (h) Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on 
race, sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients 
collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be 
collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice, 
``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data 
on Race and Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data 
will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the 
application but should be available upon request by the Agency.
    (i) Provide a final performance report as set forth at 7 CFR 
3570.276(a)(7).
    (j) Identify and report any association or relationship with 
Rural Development employees.
    (k) The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education 
Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 
1975, Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English 
Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. The grantee must 
comply with policies, guidance, and requirements as described in the 
following applicable Code of Federal Regulations and any successor 
regulations:
    (1) 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards).
    (2) 2 CFR parts 417 and 180 (Government-wide Debarment and 
Suspension (Nonprocurement)).

    3. Reporting
    Reporting requirements for this grant as set forth at 7 CFR 
3570.276.

IX. Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
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) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office, the USDA TARGET 
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY), or 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

[[Page 14242]]

Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, or 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: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-9410; or
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Joaquin Altoro,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05080 Filed 3-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P