[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27434-27441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09260]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket #: RBS-23-CO-OP 0005]


Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Delta Health Care Services 
Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice of funding opportunity (notice) announces that the 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year 
(FY) 2023 applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) grant 
program. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance 
to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta Region through 
cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher 
education, research institutions, and economic development entities in 
the Delta Region. There is $3 million currently available for FY 2023. 
All funds must support projects located in persistent poverty counties 
in the Delta Region and as described in the Overview section of this 
notice. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in 
developing their applications.

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by no 
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 3, 2023 through http://www.grants.gov to be eligible for grant funding. Please review the 
Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html for instructions on the process of 
registering your organization as soon as possible to ensure you are 
able to meet the electronic application deadline. Late or incomplete 
applications will not be eligible for funding.

ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will also be announced on 
www.Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective 
USDA Rural Development State Office well in advance of the application 
deadline to discuss their Project and ask any questions about the 
application process. Contact information for State

[[Page 27435]]

Offices can be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices. Applicants may obtain program guidance and application tools 
from http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants.
    To submit an application, follow the instructions for the Delta 
Health Care Services (DHCS) funding announcement located at http://www.grants.gov. Please review the Grants.gov website at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html for 
instructions on the process of registering your organization as soon as 
possible to ensure you are able to meet the application deadline. You 
are strongly encouraged to file your application early and allow 
sufficient time to manage any technical issues that may arise.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Honie Turner, Business Loan and Grant 
Analyst at [email protected] Program Management Division, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3226; or call 202-
720-1400 or email [email protected].
    For further information on program requirements under this notice, 
please contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in the state 
where the applicant's headquarters is located. A list of Rural 
Development State Office contacts is provided at the following link: 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Overview

    Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Delta Health Care Services Grant Program 
(DHCS).
    Announcement Type: Notice of funding opportunity.
    Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-DHCS-2023.
    Assistance Listing: 10.874.
    Dates: Application Deadline. Electronic applications must be 
received by http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time 
July 3, 2023, or it will not be considered for funding.
    Rural Development Key Priorities:
    The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will 
advance the key priorities below (more details available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
     Assisting rural communities to recover economically 
through more and better market opportunities and through improved 
infrastructure.
     Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
     Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to 
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural 
communities.

A. Program Description

    1. Purpose of the Program. The primary objective of the program is 
to provide financial assistance to address the continued unmet health 
needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care 
professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, 
and other individuals and entities in the Delta Region. Grants are 
awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum award amount per grant is 
$1,000,000.

2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority

    (a) Statutory. The DHCS program is authorized by section 379G of 
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u).
    (b) Persistent Poverty Counties. The Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), division A, title VII, section 736 
(Section 736), allocates funding for projects in Persistent Poverty 
Counties. Persistent Poverty Counties as defined in section 736 is 
``any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living 
in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 
decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year 
average, or any territory or possession of the United States[.]'' 
Another provision in section 736 expands the eligible population in 
Persistent Poverty Counties to include any county seat of such a 
Persistent Poverty County that has a population that does not exceed 
the authorized population limit by more than 10 percent. Therefore, 
applications for projects in Persistent Poverty County seats with 
populations up to 55,000 (per the 2010 Census) are eligible. Funding in 
the amount of $3 million has been allocated to support Persistent 
Poverty Counties.

3. Definitions

    Academic Health and Research Institute--A combination of a medical 
school, one or more other health profession schools or educational 
training programs (such as allied health, dentistry, graduate studies, 
nursing, pharmacy, or public health), and one or more owned or 
affiliated teaching or health systems; or a health care nonprofit 
organization or health system, including nonprofit medical and surgical 
hospitals, that conduct health related research.
    Conflict of Interest--A situation in which a person or entity has 
competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it 
difficult for the person or business to act impartially. Federal 
procurement standards prohibit transactions that involve a real or 
apparent conflict of interest for owners, employees, officers, agents, 
or their immediate family members having a financial or other interest 
in the outcome of the Project; or that restrict open and free 
competition for unrestrained trade. Specifically, Project Funds may not 
be used for services or goods going to, or coming from, a person or 
entity with a real or apparent conflict of interest, including, but not 
limited to, owner(s) and their immediate family members. An example of 
a conflict of interest includes when the consortium member's employees, 
board of directors, or the immediate family of either, have the 
appearance of a professional or personal financial interest in the 
recipients receiving the benefits or services of the grant.
    Consortium--A group of three or more entities that are regional 
Institutions of Higher Education, Academic Health and Research 
Institutes, and/or Economic Development Entities located in the Delta 
Region that have at least one year of prior experience addressing the 
health care issues in the region. At least one of the consortium 
members must be legally organized as an incorporated organization or 
other legal entity and have legal authority to contract with the 
Federal Government.
    Delta Region--The 252 counties and parishes within the states of 
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Missouri, and Tennessee that are served by the Delta Regional 
Authority. To view the areas identified within the Delta Region visit 
http://dra.gov/about-dra/dra-states.
    Economic Development Entity--Any public or non-profit organization 
whose primary mission is to stimulate local and regional economies 
within the Delta Region by increasing employment opportunities and 
duration of employment, expanding or retaining existing employers, 
increasing labor rates or wage levels, reducing outmigration, and/or 
creating gains in other economic development-related variables such as 
land values. These activities shall primarily benefit low- and 
moderate-income individuals in the Delta Region.
    Health System--The complete network of agencies, facilities, and 
all providers of health care to meet the

[[Page 27436]]

health needs of a specific geographical area or target population.
    Institution of Higher Education--A postsecondary (post-high school) 
educational institution that awards a bachelor's degree or provides not 
less than a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward 
such a degree, or a postsecondary vocational institution that provides 
a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a 
recognized occupation.
    Nonprofit Organization--Any organization or institution, including 
an accredited institution of higher education, no part of the net 
earnings of which may inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder 
or individual.
    Project--All activities funded by the DHCS grant.
    Project Funds--Grant funds requested plus any other contributions 
to the proposed Project.
    Rural and rural area--Includes (1) Any area of a State other than 
(a) a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 
inhabitants, according to the latest decennial census of the United 
States and (b) any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or 
town described in (a); and (2) Urbanized areas that are rural in 
character as defined by 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13). For the purposes of this 
definition, cities and towns are incorporated population centers with 
definite boundaries, local self-government, and legal powers set forth 
in a charter granted by the State.
    State--Includes each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be 
determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the 
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
and the Republic of Palau.

4. Application of Awards

    Awards under the DHCS Program will be made on a competitive basis. 
The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in 
response to this notice.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023.
    Available Funds: $3 million.
    Award Amounts
    Maximum Award: $1,000,000.
    Minimum Award: $50,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2023.
    Performance Period: Up to 24 months.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Not applicable.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance Agreement 
(Grant Agreement).

C. Eligibility Information

1. Applicant

    Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements. 
Your application will not be considered for funding if it does not 
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or is missing 
required elements. Applicants that fail to submit the required elements 
by the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be 
evaluated further. Information submitted after the application deadline 
will not be accepted. Grants funded through DHCS may be made to a 
Consortium as defined in section A.3 of this notice. One member of the 
Consortium must be designated as the lead entity by the other members 
of the Consortium and have legal authority to contract with the Federal 
Government.
    The lead entity is the recipient (see 2 CFR 200.1) of the DHCS 
grant funds and accountable for monitoring and reporting on the Project 
performance and financial management of the grant. It is expected that 
the recipient will make subawards in the form of a grant, cooperative 
agreement, or contract, as appropriate, to the other members of the 
Consortium. If a grant or cooperative agreement is awarded, the 
organization receiving the subaward is a subrecipient (see 2 CFR 200.1 
and the recipient is responsible for complying with all applicable 
requirements of 2 CFR part 200, including provisions for making and 
monitoring an award. If a contract is awarded, the organization 
receiving the subaward is a contractor, and the recipient is 
responsible for following its written procurement procedures and 
complying with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Both subrecipients 
and contractors are required to comply with all applicable laws and 
regulations, including performance and financial reporting, as 
described in their award document.
    (a) An applicant is ineligible if they do not submit ``Evidence of 
Eligibility'' and ``Consortium Agreements'' as described in section 
D.2. of this notice.
    (b) An applicant is ineligible if they have been debarred or 
suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in 
Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment 
and Suspension.'' In addition, an applicant will be considered 
ineligible for a grant due to an outstanding judgment obtained by the 
U.S. in a Federal Court (other than U.S. Tax Court), is delinquent on 
the payment of Federal income taxes, or is delinquent on Federal debt. 
The applicant must certify as part of the application that they do not 
have an outstanding judgment against them. The Agency will check the DO 
NOT PAY system to verify if the applicant has been debarred or 
suspended or has an outstanding judgment against them.
    (c) Any corporation (1) that has been convicted of a felony 
criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or 
(2) that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, 
for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted 
or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant 
to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax 
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with funds 
appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 
117-103), division E, title VII, sections 744 and 745 unless a Federal 
agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and 
has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to 
protect the interests of the Government.
    (d) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application 
includes any funding restrictions identified under section D.6.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    There are no cost sharing or matching requirements associated with 
this grant. However, if you are adding any other contributions to the 
proposed Project, you must provide documentation indicating who will be 
providing the matching funds, the amount of funds, when those funds 
will be provided, and how the funds will be used in the Project budget. 
Examples of acceptable documentation include: a signed letter from the 
source of funds stating the amount of funds, when the funds will be 
provided, and what the funds can be used for or a signed resolution 
from your governing board authorizing the use of a specified amount of 
funds for specific components of the Project. The matching funds you 
identify must be for eligible purposes and included in your work plan 
and budget. Additionally, expected program income may not be used as 
matching funds at the time you submit your application. If you choose, 
you may use a template to summarize the matching funds. The template is 
available either from your State Office or the program website at: 
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants.

[[Page 27437]]

3. Other

    (a) Use of Funds. Your application must propose to use Project 
Funds for eligible purposes. Eligible Project purposes include the 
development of: (1) health care services; (2) health education 
programs; (3) health care job training programs; and (4) the 
development and expansion of public health-related facilities in the 
Delta Region.
    (b) Project Eligibility. The proposed Project must take place 
within the Delta Region as defined in this notice. However, the 
applicant need not propose to serve the entire Delta Region. All funds 
must support projects located in persistent poverty counties as 
described in paragraph A.2.(b).
    (c) Project Input. Your proposed Project must be developed based on 
input from local governments, public health care providers, and other 
entities in the Delta Region.
    (d) Grant Period Eligibility. All awards are limited to up to a 24-
month grant period based upon the complexity of the Project. Your 
proposed grant period should begin no earlier than October 1, 2023 and 
should end no later than 24 months following that date. If you receive 
an award, your grant period will be revised to begin on the actual date 
of award--the date the financial assistance agreement is executed by 
the Agency--and your grant period end date will be adjusted 
accordingly. Your Project activities must begin within 90 days of the 
date of award. If you request funds for a time period beginning before 
October 1, 2023 and/or ending later than 24 months from that date, your 
application will be ineligible. The length of your grant period should 
be based on your Project's complexity, as indicated in your application 
work plan.
    (e) Multiple Application Eligibility. The Consortium, including its 
members, is limited to submitting one application for funding under 
this notice. We will not accept applications from Consortiums that 
include members who are also members of other Consortiums that have 
submitted applications for funding under this notice. If we discover 
that a Consortium member is a member of multiple Consortiums with 
applications submitted for funding under this notice, all applications 
will be considered ineligible for funding.
    (f) Satisfactory Performance Eligibility. If you have an existing 
DHCS award, you must be performing satisfactorily to be considered 
eligible for a new DHCS award. Satisfactory performance includes being 
up to date on all financial and performance reports as prescribed in 
the grant award, and current on tasks and timeframes for utilizing 
grant and matching funds as approved in the work plan and budget. If 
you have any unspent grant funds on DHCS awards made prior to FY 2020 
your application will not be considered for funding. If your FY 2021 or 
FY 2022 award has unspent funds of 50 percent or more than what your 
approved work plan and budget projected at the time your FY 2023 
application is evaluated, your application may not be considered for 
funding. The Agency will verify the performance status of FY 2021 and 
FY 2022 awards and make a determination after the FY 20223 application 
period closes.
    (g) Completeness Eligibility. Your application must provide all the 
information requested in section D.2. of this notice. Applications 
lacking sufficient information to determine eligibility and scoring 
will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for scoring.
    (h) Indirect Costs. Your negotiated indirect cost rate approval 
does not need to be included in your application, but you will be 
required to provide it if a grant is awarded. Approval for indirect 
costs that are requested in an application without an approved indirect 
cost rate agreement is at the discretion of the Agency.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    The application guide and necessary forms are available at http://www.grants.gov. Additionally, the application guide, general program 
information, and other application tools for this funding opportunity 
is located at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants. Use of the application guide is strongly 
recommended to assist you with the application process. You may also 
contact your State Office for more information. Contact information for 
State Offices is located at http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    You must submit your application electronically through Grants.gov. 
Your application must contain all required information. To apply, you 
must follow the instructions for this funding announcement at http://www.grants.gov. Please note that we cannot accept applications through 
mail, courier delivery, in-person delivery, email, or fax. Paper 
applications are not accepted.
    You can locate the Grants.gov downloadable application package for 
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Assistance 
Listing Number for this program. When you enter the Grants.gov website, 
you will find information about applying electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. To use Grants.gov, you must 
already have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and you must also 
be registered and maintain registration in the System for Award 
Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. The UEI is assigned by SAM and 
replaces the formerly known Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number. The UEI 
number must be associated with the correct tax identification number of 
the applicant. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the 
application deadline date to begin the application process through 
Grants.gov.
    You must submit all application documents electronically through 
Grants.gov. Applications must include electronic signatures. Original 
signatures may be required if funds are awarded. After applying 
electronically through Grants.gov, you will receive an automatic 
acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking 
number.
    The organization submitting the application will be considered the 
lead entity. The Contact/Program Manager must be associated with the 
lead entity submitting the application.
    Your application must also contain the following required forms and 
proposal elements:
    (a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' The 
application for Federal assistance must be completed by the lead entity 
as described in section C.1. of this notice. Your application must 
include your UEI and SAM Commercial code and expiration date (or 
evidence that you have begun the SAM registration process). If you do 
not include the expiration date and the UEI in your application, it 
will not be considered for funding. The form must be signed by an 
authorized representative.
    (b) Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.'' This form must be completed and submitted as part of the 
application package.
    (c) Form SF-424C, ``Budget Information--Construction Programs.'' 
This form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the 
application package for construction Projects.

[[Page 27438]]

    (d) Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one 
page, briefly describing the Project, tasks to be completed, and other 
relevant information that provides a general overview of the Project 
must be provided.
    (e) Evidence of Eligibility. Evidence of the Consortium's 
eligibility to apply under this notice must be provided. This section 
must include a detailed summary demonstrating that the applicant is a 
Consortium as defined in paragraph A of this notice and explain how 
each Consortium member meets the definition of an eligible entity as 
defined under Definitions in this notice.
    (f) Consortium Agreements. The application must include a formal 
written agreement with each Consortium member that addresses the 
negotiated arrangements for administering the Project to meet Project 
goals, the Consortium member's responsibilities to comply with 
administrative, financial, and reporting requirements of the grant, 
including those necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable 
Federal regulations and policies, and facilitate a smooth functioning 
collaborative venture. Under the agreement, each Consortium member must 
perform a substantive role in the Project and not merely serve as a 
conduit of funds to another party or parties. This agreement must be 
signed by an authorized representative of the lead entity and an 
authorized representative of each partnering consortium entity.
    (g) Scoring Criteria. Each of the scoring criteria in this notice 
must be addressed in narrative form. Failure to address each scoring 
criterion will result in the application being determined ineligible.
    (h) Performance Measures. The Agency has established annual 
performance measures to evaluate the DHCS program. Estimates on the 
following performance measures, as part of your application, must be 
provided:
    (1) Number of businesses assisted;
    (2) Number of jobs created;
    (3) Number of jobs saved; and
    (4) Number of individuals assisted/trained.
    It is permissible to have a zero in a performance element. When 
calculating jobs created, estimates should be based upon actual jobs to 
be created by your organization as a result of the DHCS funding or 
actual jobs to be created by businesses as a result of assistance from 
your organization. When calculating jobs saved, estimates should be 
based only on actual jobs that would have been lost if your 
organization did not receive DHCS funding or actual jobs that would 
have been lost without assistance from your organization.
    You can also suggest additional performance elements, for example 
where job creation or jobs saved may not be a relevant indicator. These 
additional elements should be specific, measurable performance elements 
that could be included in an award document.
    (i) Financial Information and Sustainability. Current financial 
statements and a narrative description demonstrating sustainability of 
the Project, all of which show sufficient resources and expertise to 
undertake and complete the Project and how the Project will be 
sustained following completion must be provided. Applicants must 
provide three years of pro-forma financial statements for the Project.
    (j) Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence. The lead entity must 
provide evidence of its legal existence and authority to enter into a 
grant agreement with the Agency and perform the activities proposed 
under the grant application.
    (k) Service Area Maps. Maps with sufficient detail to show the area 
that will benefit from the proposed facilities and services and the 
location of the facilities improved or purchased with grant funds, if 
applicable, must be provided.
    (l) Environmental information necessary to support the Agency's 
environmental finding. Required information can be found in 7 CFR part 
1970, specifically in subpart B, and subpart C. These provisions may be 
found at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970 Construction related activities funded by RD 
must comply with State and local building codes and 7 CFR part 1924. 
Depending on the actions anticipated, an appropriate 7 CFR part 1970 
compliant environmental document must be submitted and approved, prior 
to commencement of construction.

3. System for Award Management and Assigned Unique Entity Identifier

    (a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active 
registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting 
its application in accordance with 2 CFR 25 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25). In order to register in 
SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier 
(UEI). Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    (b) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with 
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which 
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
a Federal awarding agency.
    (c) Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance 
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
    (d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in their application, 
unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110).
    (e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has 
complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an 
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the 
Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the 
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that 
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another 
applicant.

4. Submission Date and Time

    Application Deadline Date: Completed applications must be submitted 
electronically to www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 3, 
2023, to be eligible for funding. Please review the Grants.gov website 
at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html for instructions on the process of registering your 
organization as soon as possible to ensure you can meet the electronic 
application deadline. Grants.gov will not accept applications submitted 
after the deadline. All application documents identified in this notice 
are required in the submission to be considered a complete application.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The 
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification 
on materials contained in the submitted application. See the 
application guide for a full discussion of each item comprising a 
complete application. For complete application requirements, refer to 
section D. 2. of this document.

5. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs, applies to this program. This E.O. requires that Federal 
agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance 
with State and

[[Page 27439]]

local governments. Many States have established a Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of States 
that maintain a SPOC, please see the White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/
    If your State has a SPOC, you may submit a copy of the application 
directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be 
provided to your State Office for consideration as part of your 
application. If your State has not established a SPOC, or if you do not 
want to submit a copy of the application, our State Offices will submit 
your application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies. 
Applications from Federally recognized Indian tribes are not subject to 
this requirement.

6. Funding Restrictions

    Project funds may not be used for ineligible purposes. In addition, 
you may not use Project Funds for the following:
    (a) To duplicate current services or to replace or to substitute 
support previously provided, however, Project Funds may be used to 
expand the level of effort or a service beyond what is currently being 
provided;
    (b) To pay for costs to prepare the application for funding under 
this notice;
    (c) To pay for costs of the Project incurred prior to the effective 
date of the period of performance;
    (d) To pay expenses for applicant employee training not directly 
related to the Project;
    (e) To fund political activities;
    (f) To pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which 
does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either 
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after 
being legally admitted for permanent residence;
    (g) To pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
    (h) To engage in any activities that are considered a Conflict of 
Interest, as defined by this notice; or
    (i) To fund any activities prohibited by 2 CFR part 200.
    In addition, your application will not be considered for funding if 
it does any of the following:
    (1) Assists a hemp producer without a valid license issued by a 
State, Tribe or USDA, as applicable, or in accordance with 7 CFR part 
990.
    (2) Requests more than the maximum grant amount; or
    (3) Proposes ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of 
the Project Funds.
    The Agency will consider your application for funding if it 
includes ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total Project Funds, 
if it is determined eligible otherwise. However, if your application is 
successful, those ineligible costs must be removed and replaced with 
eligible costs before the Agency will make the grant award or the 
amount of the grant award will be reduced accordingly. If the Agency 
cannot determine the percentage of ineligible costs, your application 
will not be considered for funding.

7. Other Submission Requirements

    To submit an application, you must follow the instruction for this 
funding opportunity at http://www.grants.gov. A password is not 
required to access the website. You should not submit your application 
in more than one format or in more than one submission. Applications 
will not be accepted if the text is less than 11-point font. Applicants 
having technical difficulties with submitting an application should 
contact grants.gov directly. Technical difficulties submitting an 
application through Grants.gov. will not be a reason to extend the 
application deadline.

E. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation Criteria

    All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on 
the following criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the 
information provided or cross-referenced by page number in each 
individual scoring criterion. DHCS is a competitive program, so you 
will receive scores based on the quality of your responses. Simply 
addressing the criteria will not guarantee higher scores. The total 
points possible for the criteria are 110. The minimum score requirement 
for funding is 60 points. It is at the Agency's discretion to fund 
applications with a score of 59 points or less if it is in the best 
interest of the Federal Government.
    (a) Community Needs and Benefits Derived from the Project (maximum 
of 30 points). A panel of USDA employees will assess how the Project 
will benefit the residents in the Delta Region. This criterion will be 
scored based on the documentation in support of the community needs for 
health services and public health-related facilities and the benefits 
to people living in the Delta Region derived from the implementation of 
the proposed Project. It should lead clearly to the identification of 
the Project participant pool and the target population for the Project 
and provide convincing links between the Project and the benefits to 
the community to address its health needs. You must discuss the:
    (i) Health care needs/issues/challenges facing the service area and 
explain how the identified needs/issues/challenges were determined. 
Discussion should also identify problems faced by the residents in the 
region.
    (ii) Proposed assistance to be provided to the service area and how 
the Project will benefit the residents in the region.
    (iii) Implementation plan for the Project and provide milestones 
which are well-defined and can be realistically completed.
    (iv) Expected outcomes of the proposed Project and how they will be 
tracked and monitored. You should attempt to quantify benefits in terms 
of outcomes from the Project; that is, ways in which peoples' lives, or 
the community, will be improved. Provide estimates of the number of 
people affected by the benefits arising from the Project.
    (b) The Project Management and Organization Capability (maximum of 
30 points). A panel of USDA employees will evaluate the Consortium's 
experience, past performance, and accomplishments addressing health 
care issues to ensure effective Project implementation. This criterion 
will be scored based on the documentation of the Project's management 
and organizational capability. You must discuss:
    (i) Your organization's management and fiscal structure including 
well-defined roles for administrators, staff, and established financial 
management systems.
    (ii) Relevant qualifications, capabilities, and educational 
background of the identified key personnel (at a minimum, the Project 
Manager) who will manage and implement programs.
    (iii) Your organization's current successful and effective 
experience (or demonstrated experience within the past five years) 
addressing the health care issues in the Delta Region.
    (iv) Your organization's experience managing grant-funded programs.
    (v) The extent to which administrative/management costs are 
balanced with funds designated for the provision of programs and 
services.
    (vi) The extent and diversity of eligible entity types within the 
applicant's Consortium of regional institutions of higher education, 
academic health and research institutes, and economic development 
entities located in the Delta Region.

[[Page 27440]]

    (c) Work Plan and Budget (maximum of 30 points). You must provide a 
work plan and budget that includes the following: (1) the specific 
activities, such as programs, services, trainings, and/or construction-
related activities for a facility to be performed under the Project; 
(2) the estimated line item costs associated with each activity, 
including grant funds and other necessary sources of funds; (3) the key 
personnel who will carry out each activity (including each Consortium 
member's role); and (4) the specific time frames for completion of each 
activity.
    An eligible start and end date for the Project and for individual 
Project tasks must be clearly shown and may not exceed Agency specified 
timeframes for the grant period. You must show the source and use of 
both grant and other contributions for all tasks. Other contributions 
must be spent at a rate equal to, or in advance of, grant funds.
    A panel of USDA employees will evaluate your work plan for detailed 
actions and an accompanying timetable for implementing the proposal. 
Clear and comprehensive work plans detailing all project goals, tasks, 
timelines, costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic 
manner will result in a higher score.
    (d) Local Support (maximum 10 points). A panel of USDA employees 
will evaluate your application for local support of the proposed 
Project. The application must include documentation detailing support 
solicited from local government, public health care providers, and 
other entities in the Delta Region. Evidence of support can include, 
but is not limited to, surveys conducted amongst Delta Region residents 
and stakeholders, notes from focus groups, or letters of support from 
local entities.
    (e) Administrator Discretionary Points (maximum of 10 points). The 
Administrator may choose to award up to 10 points to support geographic 
distribution of funds and/or key priorities as follows (more details 
available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
    (1) Assisting rural communities recover economically through more 
and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. 
Proposals where 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 this priority may be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (2) Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects. Direct technical 
assistance to a project located in or serving a community with a score 
0.75 or above on the CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on 
this priority may be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (3) Reduce climate pollution and increasing resilience to the 
impacts of climate change through economic support to rural 
communities. Direct technical assistance to a project addressing 
climate impacts shown as either quantitative or qualitative. Additional 
information on this priority may be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (i) Quantitative: 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.
    (ii) Qualitative: Demonstrating how proposed climate-impact 
projects improve the livelihoods of community residents and meet 
pollution mitigation or clean energy goals.

2. Review and Selection Process

    The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are 
eligible for assistance based on requirements in this notice, and other 
applicable Federal regulations. If determined eligible, the review 
panel will convene to reach a consensus on the scores for each of the 
eligible applications. The Administrator may choose to award up to 10 
Administrator discretionary points based on criterion (e) in section 
E.1. of this notice. These points will be added to the cumulative score 
for a total possible score of 110. Applications will be funded in 
highest ranking order until the funding limitation has been reached. 
Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered partial funding 
at the Agency's discretion. If your application is ranked and not 
funded, it will not be carried forward into the next competition.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

    Successful applicants will receive notification for funding by 
electronic mail, containing instructions on requirements necessary to 
proceed with execution and performance of the award. Applicants must 
comply with the terms of the award, including meeting all applicable 
statutes and regulations before the grant award can be approved and 
funded.
    If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in 
writing by electronic mail and informed of any review and appeal 
rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications will be limited 
to available FY 2023 funding.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this 
program can be found in 2 CFR parts 25, 170, 180, 200, 400, 415, 417, 
418, and 421; and 48 CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to these 
parts. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to 
report information about first tier subawards and executive 
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the 
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal 
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act reporting requirements (see 
2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)). These 
regulations may be obtained at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse.
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for this program:
    (a) Execution of an Agency approved Financial Assistance Agreement.
    (b) Acceptance of a written Letter of Conditions.
    (c) Submission of Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of 
Funds.''
    (d) Submission of ``Certification for Contracts, Grants and 
Loans.''
    (e) SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' if applicable.

3. Reporting

    After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be 
required to provide the following:
    (a) A SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project 
performance report will be required on a semiannual basis (due 30 
working days after the end of the semiannual period). For the purposes 
of this grant, semiannual periods end on June 30th and December 31st. 
The project performance reports shall include a comparison of actual 
accomplishments to the objectives established for that period.
    (b) Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
    (c) Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if 
any, which have affected or will affect attainment of overall project 
objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude 
the attainment of particular objectives during established time 
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the 
action taken or planned to resolve the situation.

[[Page 27441]]

    (d) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting 
period.
    (e) A final project and financial status report within 90 days 
after the expiration or termination of the grant.
    (f) Outcome project performance reports and final deliverables.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For general questions about this funding opportunity, please 
contact your USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice. You may also contact Honie Turner, 
Program Management Division, Direct Programs Branch, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, USDA at (202) 720-1400 or email [email protected]. 
You are also encouraged to visit the application website for 
application tools, including an application template, at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants.

H. Other Information

Build America, Buy America Act

    Funding to Non-Federal Entities. Awardees that are Non-Federal 
Entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local 
government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit 
organization, shall be governed by the requirements of section 70914 of 
the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) within the Infrastructure 
Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58. Any requests for waiver of 
these requirements must be submitted pursuant to USDA's guidance 
available online at https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), OMB 
must approve all ``collection of information'' as a requirement for 
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements 
imposed on ten or more persons * * *'' (44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A)). The 
Agency has concluded that the reporting requirements contained in this 
rule/funding announcement will involve less than 10 persons and do not 
require approval under the provisions of the Act.

National Environmental Policy Act

    All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 
7 CFR part 1970 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970). The Agency will review each 
grant application to determine its compliance with 7 CFR part 1970. The 
applicant may be asked to provide additional information or 
documentation to assist the Agency with this determination.

Executive Order 13175 Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This Executive Order imposes requirements on Rural Development in 
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications or 
preempt tribal laws. Rural Development has determined that this notice 
does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian 
Tribe(s) or on either the relationship or the distribution of powers 
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Indian 
Tribes. Thus, this notice is not subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175. Tribal Consultation inquiries and comments 
should be directed to RD's Tribal Coordinator at [email protected] or (720) 
544-2911.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

    All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25), must be registered in SAM and 
have a UEI number as stated in section D.3 of this notice. All 
recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report 
information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total 
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170).

Civil Rights Act

    All grants made under this notice are subject to title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15, 
subpart A (Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the 
Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title 
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, title IX, Executive Order 13166 
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal 
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    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 711 Relay Service.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should 
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 
which can be obtained online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf 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; and
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or,
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-09260 Filed 5-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P