[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 66 (Thursday, April 4, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23551-23560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07136]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket No: RBS-24-CO-OP-0003]


Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Cooperative Development 
Grants for Fiscal Year 2024

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a 
Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), invites applications for grants under the Rural 
Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. 
This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to 
leverage financing, prepare and submit applications, and give the 
Agency time to process applications within FY 2024. Successful 
applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and 
subsequently awarded. 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 (ET), June 3, 2024, through 
www.grants.gov, to be eligible for grant funding. Late or incomplete 
applications are not eligible for funding under this notice and will 
not be evaluated.

ADDRESSES: All applications must be submitted electronically at 
www.grants.gov. Additional resources are available at https://
www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-cooperative-

[[Page 23552]]

development-grant-program, www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program.
    Applicants are encouraged to contact the USDA RD State Office for 
the State where the Project will be located in advance of the 
application deadline to discuss the Project and ask any questions about 
the RCDG program or the application process. Contact information for 
USDA RD State Offices can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Sharp at [email protected], 
Business Loan and Grant Analyst, Program Management Division, RBCS, 
USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop-3226, Room 5160-South, 
Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call (202) 720-1400.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Cooperative Development Grant.
    Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity.
    Funding Opportunity Number: RBCS-RCDG-2024.
    Assistance Listing Number: 10.771.
    Dates: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by 
11:59 p.m. ET on, June 3, 2024, through www.grants.gov, to be eligible 
for grant funding. Late or incomplete applications are not eligible for 
funding under this notice and will not be evaluated.
    Rural Development Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants 
to consider Projects that will advance the following key priorities 
(more details available at www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points):
     Creating More and Better Market Opportunities; Assisting 
Rural communities recover economically through more and better market 
opportunities and through improved infrastructure;
     Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and 
Opportunity; Ensuring all Rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
     Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice; 
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 RCDG 
program is to improve the economic condition of Rural Areas by helping 
individuals and businesses start, expand, or improve Rural cooperatives 
and Mutually Owned Businesses through Cooperative Development Centers.
    2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority. The RCDG program is 
authorized under Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)), as amended by the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334, title VI, secs. 
6412-15, 6601(a)(1)(B), 6701(c), (d)(1)), and implemented by 7 CFR part 
4284, subparts A and F.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, (Pub. L. 118-42, 
Division B, title VII, sec. 736, has designated funding for Projects in 
Persistent Poverty Counties. Persistent poverty counties are defined in 
section 736 as ``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.'' The eligible population in persistent poverty counties 
includes any county seat of any persistent poverty county that has a 
population that does not exceed the authorized population limit by more 
than 10 percent. This provision expanded the current 50,000 population 
limit to 55,000 for only county seats located in persistent poverty 
counties.
    3. Definitions. The following definition, in addition to the ones 
published at 7 CFR 4284.3 and 4284.504, is applicable to this notice. 
In addition, the terms ``Rural'' and ``Rural Area,'' as defined in 7 
U.S.C. 1991(a)(13), will be used for this program instead of the 
definition of ``Rural and Rural Area'' currently published at 7 CFR 
4284.3. The first letter of each word in a defined term is capitalized 
from this point forward in the notice for easy identification.
    Mutually Owned Business--An organization owned and governed by 
members who are its consumers, producers, employees, or suppliers.
    4. Application of Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and 
score applications received in response to this notice based on the 
provisions found in 7 CFR 4284.511, .512, .513, and as indicated in 
this notice. Awards under the RCDG program will be made on a 
competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7 CFR 
4284.513.

B. Federal Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024.
    Available Funds: $5.8 million will be available for FY 2024. RBCS 
may at its discretion, increase the total level of funding available in 
this funding round from any available source provided the awards meet 
the requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the 
Agency.
    Award Amounts: Maximum amount $200,000.
    Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2024.
    Performance Period: The grant performance period should begin no 
earlier than October 1, 2024, and no later than January 1, 2025. The 
application must include no more than a one-year grant performance 
period, or it will not be considered for funding. Applications that 
request funds for a period beginning after January 1, 2025, will not be 
considered for funding. Projects must be completed within a one-year 
timeframe. Prior written approval is needed from the Agency if the 
applicant is awarded a grant and desires the grant performance period 
to begin earlier or later than previously approved.
    Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
    Type of Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance Agreement.

C. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants must meet the 
eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 4284.507. You must be a nonprofit 
corporation or an institution of higher education to apply for this 
program. Public bodies and individuals are not eligible to apply for 
this program. Applicants must be aware of the following:
    (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 25.200. To register in SAM, 
entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 
Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at sam.gov/content/entity-registration. Further information regarding SAM registration and 
the UEI can be found in this notice.
    (b) Each applicant must certify that it has not been debarred or 
suspended or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation 
in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, Debarment 
and Suspension. The Agency will check the Do Not Pay (DNP) system at 
the time of application and prior to funding any grant award to 
determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended. Applicants 
are responsible

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for resolving any issues that are reported in the DNP system and if 
issues are not resolved by deadlines found in this notice, the Agency 
may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants. In addition, 
an applicant must be eligible in accordance with 7 CFR 4284.6 and will 
be required to certify as part of the application that it does not have 
an outstanding judgment against it.
    (c) The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Public Law 
118-47, Division B, title VII, sections 744 and 745 provide that any 
corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal violation 
under any Federal law within the past 24 months or that has any unpaid 
Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial 
and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and 
that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with 
the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not 
eligible for financial assistance provided with funds appropriated by 
this Act, 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.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching. A match of at least 25 percent (5 
percent for 1994 Institutions) of the total project cost is required 
for the application as provided in 7 CFR 4284.513(f). When calculating 
the Matching Funds requirement, round up or down to whole dollars as 
appropriate.
    An example of how to calculate Matching Funds is as follows:
    (a) Take the amount of grant funds requested and divide it by .75. 
This will provide the total project cost.

Example: $200,000 (grant amount)/0.75 (percentage for use of grant 
funds) = $266,667 (total project cost)

    (b) Subtract the amount of grant funds requested from the total 
project cost. This will provide the Matching Funds requirement.

Example: $266,667 (total project cost)-$200,000 (grant amount) = 
$66,667 (Matching Funds requirement)

    (c) A quick way to confirm the correct amount of Matching Funds is 
to take the total project cost and multiply it by .25.

Example: $266,667 (total project cost) x .25 (maximum percentage of 
Matching Funds requirement) = $66,667 (Matching Funds requirement)

    The applicant must verify that all Matching Funds are available 
during the grant performance period and provide documentation with the 
application in accordance with requirements identified in section 
D.2(b)(8) of this notice. If awarded a grant, additional verification 
documentation may be required to confirm the availability of Matching 
Funds.
    Other rules for Matching Funds that applicants must follow are 
listed below.
    (a) They must be spent on eligible expenses during the grant 
period.
    (b) They must be from eligible sources.
    (c) They must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant 
funds being spent.
    (d) They must be provided by either the applicant or a third party 
in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution.
    (e) They cannot include board/advisory council member's time.
    (f) They cannot include other Federal grants unless provided by 
authorizing legislation.
    (g) They cannot include cash or in-kind contributions donated 
outside of the grant period.
    (h) They cannot include over-valued, in-kind contributions.
    (i) They cannot include any project costs that are ineligible under 
the RCDG program.
    (j) They cannot include any project costs that are restricted or 
unallowable under 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, and the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (CFR title 48) (for-profits) or successor 
regulation.
    (k) They can include loan funds from a Federal source.
    (l) They can include travel and incidentals for board/advisory 
council members if the organization has established written policies 
explaining how these costs are normally reimbursed, including rates. 
The applicant must include an explanation of this policy in the 
application, or the contributions will not be considered as eligible 
Matching Funds.
    (m) The applicant must be able to document and verify the number of 
hours worked and the value associated with any in-kind contribution 
being used to meet a Matching Funds requirement.
    (n) In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or 
cooperatives which are being assisted by the applicant cannot be 
provided for the direct benefit of their own projects as RD considers 
this to be a Conflict of Interest or the appearance of a Conflict of 
Interest.
    3. Other Eligibility Requirements.
    (a) Purpose eligibility. Applications must propose the 
establishment or continuation of a Cooperative Development Center. 
Applicants must use project funds, including grant and Matching Funds, 
for eligible purposes only (see 7 CFR 4284.508). In addition, project 
funds may also be used for programs providing for the coordination of 
services and sharing of information among the Centers as stated in 7 
U.S.C. 1932(e)(4)(C)(vi).
    (b) Project eligibility. All Project activities must be for the 
benefit of a Rural Area.
    (c) Multiple applications deemed ineligible. Only one application 
can be submitted per applicant. If two applications are submitted 
(regardless of the applicant's name) that include the same Executive 
Director and/or advisory boards or committees of an existing Center, 
both applications will be determined ineligible for funding.
    (d) Satisfactory performance. Applicants must be performing 
satisfactorily on any outstanding RCDG award to be considered eligible 
for a new award. Satisfactory performance includes being up to date on 
all financial and performance reports as prescribed in the grant award, 
and current on all tasks and timeframes for utilizing grant and 
Matching Funds as approved in the work plan and budget. If applicants 
have any unspent grant funds on RCDG awards prior to FY 2023, the 
application will not be considered for funding. If an applicant has 
prior award(s) with unspent funds of 50 percent or more than what the 
approved work plan and budget projected at the time a FY 2024 
application is being evaluated, the application will not be considered 
for funding. The Agency will verify the performance status of the 
applicant's prior awards and make a determination after the FY 2024 
application period closes.
    (e) Duplication of current services. Applications must demonstrate 
that the applicant is providing services to new customers or new 
services to current customers. If the work plan and budget are 
duplicative of the applicant's existing award, the application will not 
be considered for funding. If the workplan and budget are duplicative 
of a previous or existing RCDG and/or Socially Disadvantaged Groups 
Grant award, the application will not be considered for funding. The 
Agency will make this determination at its sole discretion. Please note 
that the Agency only allows one active RCDG award to a grantee to 
ensure that there is no duplication of services.
    (f) Indirect costs. Negotiated indirect cost rate approval does not 
need to be included in the application but will need to be provided if 
a grant is

[[Page 23554]]

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. Applicants considering a de minimis rate or 
in need of establishing an indirect cost rate should discuss these 
options with the Agency.

D. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package. The RCDG program 
application template, copies of necessary forms and samples are 
available at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program. The RCDG program regulations are available 
at 7 CFR part 4284 subparts A and F. For further information, contact 
the USDA State Office where the Project will be located at 
www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission. An application must 
contain all the required elements outlined in 7 CFR 4284.510 and this 
notice. Each application must address the applicable scoring criteria 
presented in 7 CFR 4284.513 and this notice for the type of funding 
being requested.
    Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to utilize the 
application template found at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program. The application template 
provides specific, detailed instructions for each item of a complete 
application. The Agency emphasizes the importance of including every 
item and strongly encourages applicants to follow the instructions 
carefully, using the examples and illustrations in the application 
template.
    Incomplete applications will be ineligible to compete for funds. 
Applications lacking sufficient information to determine eligibility 
and scoring will be considered ineligible. Information submitted after 
the application deadline will not be accepted.
    (a) Clarifications on Forms.
    (1) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form 
must include the applicant's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number in 
item 8c on the form. The UEI is assigned automatically to all active 
SAM.gov registered entities If an applicant does not include the UEI 
number in the application, it will not be considered for funding.
    (2) Form SF 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. This form 
is no longer required as a part of the application. This information is 
now collected through the applicant's registration or annual 
recertification in SAM.gov through the Financial Assistance General 
Representations and Certifications.
    (b) Clarifications on Proposal Elements. Requirements below are 
provided in addition to the requirements provided in 7 CFR 4284.510(c).
    (1) Title Page. Must include the title of the Project as well as 
any other relevant identifying information.
    (2) Table of Contents. This must include page numbers for each 
component of the application.
    (3) Executive Summary. In addition to the items in 7 CFR 
4284.510(c)(3), this must discuss the percentage of work that will be 
performed among organizational staff, consultants, or other 
contractors. The summary must not exceed two pages.
    (4) Eligibility. This discussion must also include Matching Funds 
and other eligibility requirements. This discussion must not exceed two 
pages.
    (5) Proposal Narrative. Must not exceed 40 pages using at least 11-
point font and should describe the essential aspects of the Project. 
The Executive Summary and Eligibility discussion are not included 
within the 40-page limit of the proposal narrative.
    (i) Information Sheet. If evaluation criteria are listed on the 
Table of Contents and then specifically and individually addressed in 
narrative form, it is not necessary to include an information sheet. 
Otherwise, it is required as described at 7 CFR 4284.510(c)(5)(ii).
    (ii) Goals of the Project.
    (A) Applicant must include a statement providing information 
outlined in 7 CFR 4284.510(c)(5)(iii)(A), (B), (C) and (D).
    (B) Expected economic impacts should be tied to tasks included in 
the work plan and budget.
    (iii) Performance Evaluation Criteria. The Agency has established 
annual performance evaluation measures to evaluate the RCDG program and 
the applicant must provide estimates on the following:
    (A) Number of groups assisted who are not legal entities.
    (B) Number of businesses assisted that are not cooperatives.
    (C) Number of cooperatives assisted.
    (D) Number of businesses incorporated that are not cooperatives.
    (E) Number of cooperatives incorporated.
    (F) Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance.
    (G) Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance.
    (H) Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
    (I) Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG 
funding.
    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 the organization because of the RCDG funding or actual 
jobs to be created by cooperative businesses or other businesses as a 
result of assistance from the organization. When calculating jobs 
saved, estimates should be based only on actual jobs that would have 
been lost if the organization did not receive RCDG funding or actual 
jobs that would have been lost without assistance from the 
organization.
    Additional performance elements may be included. In instances where 
job creation or job retention may not be a relevant indicator, 
applicants should provide relevant, specific and measurable performance 
elements that could be included in an award document. For example, 
applicants may consider the following as it relates to their specific 
work: housing cooperatives (number of units created or preserved); 
worker cooperatives (number of jobs created, number of employee-owned 
positions created); consumer cooperatives (number of people with access 
to groceries, renewable energy services); shared services cooperatives 
(number of businesses with access to affordable products or services, 
joint marketing, distribution channels); real estate cooperatives 
(number of community members invested in their community, number of 
real estate properties created or saved).
    (iv) Undertakings. The applicant must expressly undertake to do the 
following:
    (A) Take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of 
financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the 
private sector;
    (B) Make arrangements for the activities by the Nonprofit 
Institution operating the Center to be monitored and evaluated; and
    (C) Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee 
under this subpart.
    (v) Work Plan. Work plan and budget proposal elements should be 
addressed under proposal narrative criterion in 7 CFR 
4284.510(c)(5)(iv), utilizing the specific requirements of Section 
E.1(h) of this notice.
    (vi) Delivery of Cooperative Development Assistance. The applicant 
must describe its previous accomplishments and outcomes in Cooperative 
Development activities and/or its potential for effective delivery of 
Cooperative Development services to Rural Areas. The description(s) 
should

[[Page 23555]]

be addressed under proposal narrative criterion in 7 CFR 
4284.510(c)(5)(vii) utilizing the specific requirements of technical 
assistance and other services in Section E.1(b) of this notice.
    (vii) Qualifications of Personnel. Applicants must describe the 
qualifications of personnel expected to perform key Center tasks, and 
whether these personnel are to be full/part-time Center employees or 
contract personnel. All requirements of 7 CFR 4284.510(c)(5)(viii) 
should be addressed under the proposal narrative criterion, utilizing 
the specific requirements of qualifications of those performing the 
tasks in Section E.1(i) of this notice.
    (viii) Support and Commitments and Future Support. Applicants must 
describe the level of support and commitment in the community for the 
proposed Center and the services it would provide under 7 CFR 
4284.510(c)(5)(ix) and the future support and funding under 7 CFR 
4284.510(c)(5)(x) utilizing the requirements of commitment in section 
E.1(f) and local and future support in section E.1(j) of this notice.
    (ix) Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Applications will not be 
considered for funding if they do not address all of the proposal 
evaluation criteria. See application review information in Section E.1. 
of this notice for a description of the proposal evaluation criteria.
    (x) Relevant Information. Only appendices A-C will be considered 
when evaluating applications. Do not include resumes of staff or 
consultants in the application.
    (6) No Current Outstanding Federal Judgments Certification. Each 
applicant must certify that the United States has not obtained an 
unsatisfied judgement against its property, is not delinquent on the 
payment of federal income taxes or any other federal debt and will not 
use grant funds to pay judgments obtained by the United States. 
Applicants should make this certification within their application with 
this statement in the application: ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] 
certifies that the United States has not obtained an unsatisfied 
judgment against its property, is not delinquent on the payment of 
Federal income taxes, or any Federal debt, and will not use grant funds 
to pay any judgments obtained by the United States.'' A separate 
signature relating to this certification is not required.
    (7) Certification. Applicants must certify that they have obtained 
Matching Funds as required by 7 CFR 4284.510(c)(7). Applicants should 
make this certification within their certification, with this 
statement: ``[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that Matching Funds 
will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be 
spent and that expenditures of Matching Funds shall be pro-rated or 
spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the 
total project cost, at least 25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) 
of Matching Funds will be expended.'' A separate signature relating to 
this certification is not required.
    (8) Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must verify all 
Matching Funds. The documentation must be included in Appendix A of the 
application and will not count towards the 40-page limitation. The 
Agency recommends making this verification with a template letter, but 
the template is not required. Template letters are available for each 
type of Matching Funds contribution at: www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-cooperative-development-grant-program.
    (i) Matching Funds provided in cash. The following requirements 
must be met:
    (A) Provided by the Applicant. The application must include a 
statement verifying: (1) the amount of the cash and (2) the source of 
the cash. Applicants may also provide a bank statement dated 30 days or 
less from the application deadline date to verify a cash match.
    (B) Provided by a Third-Party. The application must include a 
signed letter from the third party verifying: (1) how much cash will be 
donated and (2) that it will be available corresponding to the proposed 
time frame or donated on a specific date within the grant performance 
period.
    (ii) Matching Funds provided by an in-kind donation. The following 
requirements must be met:
    (A) Provided by the Applicant. The application must include a 
signed letter from the applicant or the authorized representative 
verifying: (1) the nature of the goods and/or services to be donated 
and how they will be used, (2) when the goods and/or services will be 
donated (i.e., corresponding to the proposed grant performance period 
or to specific dates within the specified time frame), and (3) the 
value of the goods and/or services. Please note that most applicant 
contributions for the RCDG program are considered applicant cash match 
in accordance with this notice. Applicants needing clarification for 
verification of Matching Funds should contact the RD State Office. 
Identifying Matching Funds improperly can affect application scoring.
    (B) Provided by a Third-Party. The application must include a 
signed letter from the third party verifying: (1) the nature of the 
goods and/or services to be donated and how they will be used, (2) when 
the goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., corresponding to the 
proposed grant performance period or to specific dates within the grant 
performance period), and (3) the value of the goods and/or services.
    (iii) Identification and Verification of Matching Funds. To ensure 
applicants are identifying and verifying Matching Funds appropriately, 
please note the following:
    (A) If applicants are paying for goods and/or services as part of 
the Matching Funds requirement, the expenditure is considered a cash 
match, and must verify it as such. Universities must verify the goods 
and services they are providing to the Project as a cash match and the 
verification must be approved by the appropriate approval official 
(i.e., sponsored programs office or equivalent).
    (B) If applicants have already received cash from a third party 
(e.g., a foundation) before the start of the proposed grant performance 
period, the applicant must verify this as its own cash match and not as 
a third-party cash match. If applicants are receiving cash from a third 
party during the grant performance period, then the applicant must 
verify the cash as a third-party cash match.
    (C) Board resolutions for a cash match must be approved at the time 
of application.
    (D) Applicants can only consider goods or services for which no 
expenditure is made as an in-kind contribution.
    (E) If a non-profit or another organization contributes the 
services of affiliated volunteers, they must follow the third-party, 
in-kind donation verification requirement for each individual 
volunteer.
    (F) Expected program income may not be used to fulfill the 
applicant Matching Funds requirement at the time of the application 
submission. If the applicant has a contract to provide services in 
place at the time of application submission, then they must submit the 
contract with the application, and applicants can verify the amount of 
the contract as a cash match.
    (G) The valuation processes used for in-kind contributions do not 
need to be included in the application, but applicants must be able to 
demonstrate how the valuation was derived if a grant is awarded. The 
grant award may be withdrawn, or the amount of the grant

[[Page 23556]]

reduced if applicant cannot demonstrate how the valuation was derived.
    Successful applicants must comply with requirements identified in 
this notice in Section F, Federal Award Administration Information.
    (c) Completeness. An application will not be considered for funding 
if it fails to meet all eligibility criteria by the application 
deadline or does not provide sufficient information to determine 
eligibility and scoring. Applicants must include, in one submission to 
the Agency, all the forms and proposal elements as discussed in the 
program regulation and as clarified further in this notice. Incomplete 
applications will not be reviewed by the Agency.
    3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier.
    (a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active 
registration in the SAM before submitting its application in accordance 
with 2 CFR part 25. To register in SAM, entities will be required to 
obtain a UEI. Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at 
sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
    (b) Each applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with 
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which 
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by 
a Federal awarding agency.
    (c) Each applicant must ensure that it completes the Financial 
Assistance General Representations and Certifications in SAM.
    (d) Each applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, 
unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 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 Dates and Times.
    (a) Application Technical Assistance. Prior to official submission 
of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other 
application guidance from the Agency, if such requests are made prior 
to May 6, 2024. Agency contact information can be found in Section G of 
this notice.
    (b) Application Deadline Date. Completed applications must be 
submitted electronically through www.grants.gov and received no later 
than 11:59 p.m. ET on June 3, 2024, to be eligible for grant funding. 
Please review the Grants.gov website at www.grants.gov/register for 
instructions on the process of registering an organization as soon as 
possible to ensure that all electronic application deadlines are met. 
Grants.gov will not accept applications submitted after the deadline.
    The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility 
information that is submitted after the application deadline. RBCS also 
reserves the right to ask applicants for clarifying information and 
additional verification of assertions in the application.
    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 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: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/. If the applicant's State has a 
SPOC, then a copy of the application must be submitted for review. Any 
comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to the applicant's 
State Office for consideration as part of the application. If the 
applicant's State has not established a SPOC, applications may be 
submitted directly to the Agency. Applications from federally 
recognized Indian Tribes are not subject to this requirement.
    6. Funding Restrictions.
    (a) The use of grant funds is outlined at 7 CFR 4284.508. Grant 
funds may be used to pay for up to 75 percent of the cost of 
establishing and operating centers for Rural Cooperative Development. 
Grant funds may be used to pay for 95 percent of the cost of 
establishing and operating centers for Rural Cooperative Development 
when the applicant is a college identified as a ``1994 Institution'' 
for purposes of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 
1994, as defined by 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382, as amended.
    (b) As required by 7 U.S.C. Chapter 38, Subchapter VII and 7 CFR 
part 990, no assistance or funding can be provided to a hemp producer 
unless they have a valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal 
or Federal plan as defined by 7 U.S.C. 1639o. Verification of valid 
hemp licenses will occur at the time of award. The purpose of the RCDG 
program is to provide technical assistance, so funding to produce hemp 
or marketing hemp production is not eligible.
    (c) Project funds, including grant and Matching Funds, cannot be 
used for ineligible grant purposes as provided in 7 CFR 4284.10. Also, 
applicants shall not use Project funds for the following:
    (1) To purchase, rent, or install laboratory equipment or 
processing machinery;
    (2) To pay for the operating costs of any entity receiving 
assistance from the Center;
    (3) To pay costs of the Project where a Conflict of Interest 
exists;
    (4) To fund any activities prohibited by 2 CFR part 200; or
    (5) To fund any activities considered unallowable by 2 CFR part 
200, subpart E, Cost Principles, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
or successor regulations.
    (d) In addition, an application will not be considered for funding 
if it does any of the following:
    (1) Focuses assistance on only one cooperative or Mutually Owned 
Business;
    (2) Requests more than the maximum grant amount; or
    (3) Proposes ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of 
total project costs. The ineligible costs will NOT be removed at this 
stage to proceed with application processing. For purposes of this 
determination, the grant amount requested plus the Matching Funds 
amount constitutes the total project costs.
    (e) We will consider applications for funding that include 
ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project costs if the 
remaining costs are determined eligible. If the application is 
successful, ineligible costs must be removed and replaced with eligible 
costs before the Agency makes the grant award, or the amount of the 
grant award will be reduced accordingly. If the Agency cannot determine 
the percentage of ineligible costs due to lack of detail, the 
application will not be considered for funding.
    7. Other Submission Requirements. Applications must be submitted 
electronically. Note that we cannot accept applications submitted 
through mail or courier delivery, in-person delivery, email, or fax. 
For electronic applications, applicants must follow the instruction for 
this funding announcement at www.grants.gov. Applicants can locate the 
Grants.gov downloadable application package for this program by using a 
keyword, the program name, Assistance Listing Number or the Funding 
Opportunity Number for this program.

[[Page 23557]]

    Users of Grants.gov must already have a UEI number and must also be 
registered and maintain registration in SAM in accordance with 2 CFR 
part 25. The UEI number must be associated with the correct tax 
identification number of the RCDG applicant. We strongly recommend that 
applicants do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
    All application documents must be submitted through Grants.gov. 
Applications must include electronic signatures. Original signatures 
may be required if funds are awarded. After electronically applying 
through Grants.gov, applicants will receive an automated 
acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking 
number.

E. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria. Scoring criteria will follow statutory criteria in 7 
U.S.C. 1932(e), the criteria published in the program regulations at 7 
CFR 4284.513, and criteria in this notice. Applicants should also 
include Content and Form of Application Submission information as 
described in Section D.2 of this notice. if addressing these items 
under the scoring criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the 
responses within each individual scoring criteria. Applicant may cross-
reference another section to avoid duplication of narrative. The 
maximum number of points available is 110. Newly established or 
proposed Centers that do not yet have a track record on which to 
evaluate the criteria should refer to the expertise and track records 
of staff or consultants expected to perform tasks related to the 
respective criteria. Proposed or newly established Centers must be 
organized well enough at the time of application to address their 
capabilities for meeting these criteria.
    The clarifications provided below are in addition to, and do not 
replace the guidance provided in 7 CFR 4284.513.
    (a) Administrative Capabilities. Maximum score of ten (10) points. 
At a minimum, applicants must discuss the administrative capabilities 
provided in 7 CFR 4284.513(a) and expertise in administering Federal 
grant funding within the last five years, including but not limited to 
past RCDG awards. Please list the name of the Federal grant program(s), 
the amount(s), and the date(s) of funding received.
    Applicants will score higher on this criterion by demonstrating 
that the Center has independent governance. Applicants that are 
universities or parent organizations should demonstrate that there is a 
separate board of directors for the Center.
    (b) Technical Assistance and Other Services. Maximum score of ten 
(10) points. Each application will be evaluated based on its 
demonstrate expertise within the last five years in providing technical 
assistance and accomplishing effective outcomes in Rural Areas to 
promote and assist the development of cooperatively and Mutually Owned 
Businesses. At a minimum, applicants must discuss:
    (1) Potential for delivering effective technical assistance;
    (2) The types of assistance provided;
    (3) The expected effects of that assistance;
    (4) The sustainability of organizations receiving the assistance; 
and
    (5) The transferability of the applicant's Cooperative Development 
strategies and focus to other areas of the United States.
    A chart or table showing the outcomes of the demonstrated expertise 
based upon the performance elements listed in Section D.2(b)(5)(iii) of 
this notice or as identified in the award document on previous RCDG 
awards is recommended. At a minimum, please provide information for FY 
2019 to FY 2023 awards. Applicants may also include any performance 
outcomes from a FY 2023 RCDG award. It is preferred that one chart or 
table for each award year be provided. The intention is for the 
applicant to provide actual performance numbers based upon award years 
(fiscal year) even though the grant performance period for the award 
was implemented during the next calendar or fiscal year. If applicants 
have not previously received an RCDG award, provide a narrative of 
explanation.
    Applicants will score higher on this criterion by providing 
evidence of outcomes for more than three fiscal year awards and 
demonstrating that any organizations assisted within the last five 
years are sustainable. Please describe specific Project(s) when 
addressing items 1-5 of paragraph (b) of this section. To reduce 
duplication, descriptions of specific Projects and their impacts, 
outcomes, and roles can be discussed once under criterion (b) or (c) of 
this section. Applicants must cross-reference the information under the 
other criterion.
    (c) Economic Development. Maximum score of ten (10) points. 
Applicant's demonstrated ability to assist in the development of the 
items listed in 7 CFR 4284.513(c) or Mutually Owned Businesses will be 
evaluated. Examples of facilitating development of new cooperative 
approaches are organizing cooperatives among underserved individuals or 
communities; an innovative market approach; a type of cooperative 
currently not in the applicant's service area; a new cooperative 
structure; novel ways to raise member equity or community 
capitalization; conversion of an existing business to cooperative 
ownership.
    Applicants will score higher on the Economic Development criteria 
by providing quantifiable economic measurements showing the impacts of 
past development projects within the last five years, and details of 
the applicant's role in Economic Development outcomes.
    (d) Past performance in Establishing Legal Business Entities. 
Maximum score of ten (10) points. Applicants demonstrating past 
performance in establishing legal cooperative business entities and 
other legal business entities since October 1, 2019, will be evaluated. 
Provide the name of the organization(s) established, the date(s) of 
formation, and the applicant's role(s) in assisting with the 
incorporation(s) under this criterion. Documentation verifying the 
establishment of legal business entities must be included in Appendix C 
of the application and will not count against the 40-page limit for the 
narrative. The documentation must include proof that organizational 
documents were filed with the Secretary of State's Office (i.e., 
Certificate of Incorporation or information from the State's official 
website naming the entity established and the date of establishment); 
or if the business entity is not required to register with the 
Secretary of State, or a certification from the business entity that a 
legal business entity has been established and when. Please note that 
applicants are not required to submit articles of incorporation to 
receive points under this criterion. Applicants that are an established 
legal cooperative business will score higher on this criterion. If the 
applicant's State does not incorporate cooperative business entities, 
please describe how the established business entity operates like a 
cooperative. Examples may include, but are not limited to, principles 
and practices of shared ownership, democratic control, and distribution 
of net income based on use of the business rather than equity 
contributed.
    (e) Networking and Regional Focus. Maximum score of ten (10) 
points. A panel of USDA employees will evaluate the applicant's 
demonstrated commitment to:
    (1) Networking with other Cooperative Development Centers, and 
other organizations involved in Rural Economic Development efforts, and

[[Page 23558]]

    (2) Developing multi-organizational and multi-State approaches to 
addressing the Economic Development and cooperative needs of Rural 
Areas.
    Applicants will score higher on this criterion by demonstrating the 
outcomes of multi-organizational and multi-State approaches. Please 
describe the Project(s), partners and the outcome(s) that resulted from 
the approach.
    (f) Commitment. Maximum score of ten (10) points. See 7 CFR 
4284.513(e). Applicants will score higher on this criterion by defining 
and describing the underserved and economically distressed areas within 
the service area, provide economic statistics, and identify past or 
current Projects within or affecting these areas, as appropriate. 
Persistent poverty counties provisions are included in the 2024 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, therefore Projects identified in the 
work plan and budget that are located in persistent poverty counties, 
will score higher on this criterion.
    (g) Matching Funds. Maximum score of ten (10) points. Each 
applicant's Matching Funds requirements will be evaluated on 
requirements listed in 7 CFR 4284.513(f). A chart or table should be 
provided to describe all Matching Funds being committed to the Project. 
Formal documentation to verify all the Matching Funds must be included 
in Appendix A of the application. Applicants will be scored on the 
total amount and type of Matching Funds (cash vs. in-kind). You will be 
scored on the total amount and how you identify your Matching Funds.
    (1) If you meet the 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions) 
Matching Funds requirement, points will be assigned as follows:
    (i) In-kind only--one (1) point;
    (ii) Mix of in-kind and cash--Three (3) to four (4) points (maximum 
points will be awarded if the ratio of cash to in-kind is 30 percent or 
more); or
    (iii) Cash only--five (5) points.
    (2) If you exceed the 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions) 
Matching Funds requirement, points will be assigned as follows:
    (i) In-kind only--two (2) points;
    (ii) Mix of in-kind and cash--six (6) to seven (7) points (maximum 
points will be awarded if the ratio of cash to in-kind is 30 percent or 
more); or
    (iii) Cash only--up to ten (10) points.
    (h) Work Plan/Budget. Maximum score of ten (10) points. Applicant's 
work plan will be evaluated for detailed actions and an accompanying 
timetable for implementing the proposal. The budget must present a 
breakdown of the estimated costs associated with cooperative and 
business development activities as well as the operation of the Center 
and allocate these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken. 
Matching Funds as well as grant funds must be accounted for separately 
in the budget. At a minimum, the following should be discussed.
    (1) Specific tasks (whether it be by type of service or specific 
project) to be completed using grant and Matching Funds;
    (2) How customers will be identified;
    (3) Key personnel; and
    (4) The evaluation methods to be used to determine the success of 
specific tasks and overall objectives of Center operations. Please 
provide qualitative methods of evaluation. For example, evaluation 
methods should go beyond quantitative measurements of completing 
surveys or number of evaluations.
    Applicants will score higher on this criterion by presenting a 
clear, logical, realistic, and efficient work plan and budget.
    (i) Qualifications of those Performing the Tasks. Maximum score of 
ten (10) points. The application will be evaluated to determine if the 
requirements of 7 CFR 4284.513(i) have been met. The application must 
indicate whether the personnel expected to perform the tasks are full/
part-time employees of the organization or are contract personnel. 
Applicants will score higher on this criterion by demonstrating 
commitment and availability of qualified personnel expected to perform 
the tasks.
    (j) Local and Future Support. Maximum score of ten (10) points. A 
panel of USDA employees will evaluate each application for local and 
future support. Support should be discussed directly when responding to 
this criterion.
    (1) Discussion of local support should include previous and/or 
expected local support and plans for coordinating with other 
developmental organizations in the proposed service area, or with State 
and local government institutions. Applicants will score higher by 
demonstrating strong support from potential beneficiaries and formal 
evidence of intent to coordinate with other developmental 
organizations. Applicants may also submit a maximum of ten letters of 
support or intent to coordinate with the applicant to verify discussion 
of local support. These letters should be included in Appendix B of the 
application and will not count against the 40-page limit for the 
narrative. Documentation to verify local support will be required 
before an award is made.
    (2) Discussion of future support is required in the applicant's 
vision for funding operations in future years. Applicants should 
document:
    (i) New and existing funding sources that support applicant goals;
    (ii) Alternative funding sources that reduce reliance on Federal, 
State, and local grants; and
    (iii) The use of in-house personnel for providing services versus 
contracting out for expertise. Please discuss the strategy for building 
in-house technical assistance capacity.
    Applicants will score higher by demonstrating that future support 
will result in long-term sustainability of the Center, including the 
fostering of in-house personnel development in order to provide 
services.
    (k) Administrator Discretionary Points. Maximum score of ten (10) 
points. The Administrator may choose to award up to 10 points to an 
eligible non-profit corporation or institution of higher education that 
has never previously been awarded an RCDG grant or whose application 
seeks to advance the key priorities addressed in the Supplemental 
Section of this notice and detailed below. Points will be assigned as 
follows:
    (1) Applicant has never received a RCDG award--five (5) points;
    (2) Applicant seeks to advance one or more of the following key 
priorities--five (5) points:
    (i) Assisting Rural communities recover economically through more 
and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. 
Applicant would receive priority points if the Project is located in or 
serving a Rural community whose economic well-being ranks in the most 
distressed tier (distress score of 80 or higher) of the Distressed 
Communities Index using the Distressed Communities Look-Up Map 
available at www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
    (ii) Ensuring all Rural residents have equitable access to RD 
programs and benefits from RD funded projects. Using the Social 
Vulnerability Index (SVI) Look-Up Map (available at www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points), an applicant would receive priority points if the 
Project is: Located in or serving a community with a score 0.75 or 
above on the SVI;
     Is a federally recognized Tribe, including Tribal 
instrumentalities and entities that are wholly owned by Tribes; or
     Is a Project where at least 50 percent of the Project 
beneficiaries are members of federally Recognized Tribes and non-Tribal 
applicants include a Tribal Resolution of Consent from the

[[Page 23559]]

Tribe or Tribes that the applicant is proposing to serve.
    (iii) Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the 
impacts of climate change through economic support to Rural 
communities. Using the Disadvantaged Community and Energy Community 
Look-Up Map (available at www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points), applicants 
will receive priority in three ways:
     If the Project is located in or serves a Disadvantaged 
Community as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool 
(CEJST), from the White House Council on Environmental Quality;
     If the Project is located in or serves an Energy Community 
as defined by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA); and
     If applicants can demonstrate through a written narrative 
how the proposed climate-impact Projects will improve the livelihoods 
of community residents and meet pollution mitigation or clean energy 
goals.
    2. Review and Selection Process. The USDA RD State Office will 
review applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance 
based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284, subparts A and F, this 
notice, and other applicable Federal regulations. If determined 
eligible, applications will be scored by a panel of USDA employees in 
accordance with the point allocation specified in section E.1 of this 
notice. The Administrator may choose to award up to ten (10) 
Administrator priority points based on criteria (k) 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 appropriations funding limitation for the RCDG 
program has been reached. Applications that cannot be fully funded may 
be offered partial funding at the Agency's discretion. The Agency 
reserves the right to offer the applicant less than the full amount of 
grant funding requested. Applications evaluated, but not funded, will 
not be carried forward into the competition for any subsequent fiscal 
year program funding. Successful applicants must comply with 
requirements identified in Section F of this notice.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

    1. Federal Award Notices. If an application is selected for 
funding, the applicant will receive a signed notice of Federal award by 
postal or electronic mail from the USDA RD State Office where the 
applicant is located containing instructions and requirements necessary 
to proceed with execution and performance of the award. Applicants must 
comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and notice 
requirements before the grant award will be funded.
    Applicants not selected for funding will be notified in writing via 
postal or electronic mail and informed of any review and appeal rights. 
See 7 CFR part 11 for USDA National Appeals Division (NAD) procedures. 
Note that rejected applicants that are successful in their NAD appeals 
will not receive funding if all FY 2024 RCDG program funding has 
already been awarded and obligated to other applicants.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional 
requirements that apply to grantees selected for this program can be 
found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F; the Grants and Agreements 
regulations applicable to the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 
CFR parts 180, 200, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; 
and 48 CFR part 31, and successor regulations to these parts.
    In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are 
required to report information about first tier subawards and executive 
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. Applicants will be 
required to have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply 
with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 
(Pub. L. 109-282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless 
exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
    The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected 
for awards within this program:
    (a) Execution of Form RD 4280-2, Rural Business Cooperative Service 
Financial Assistance Agreement;
    (b) Acceptance of a written Letter of Conditions; and submission of 
the following Agency forms:
    (1) Form RD 1940-1, Request for Obligation of Funds.
    (2) Form RD 1942-46, Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.
    (3) SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable.
    3. Reporting. After grant approval and through grant completion, 
applicants will be required to provide an SF-425, Federal Financial 
Report, and a Project performance report on a semiannual basis (due 30 
working days after the end of the semiannual period). The Project 
performance reports shall include the following:
    (a) 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; and
    (d) The grantee must provide a final Project and financial status 
report within 90 days after the expiration or termination of the grant 
performance period with a summary of the Project performance reports 
and final deliverables to close out a grant in accordance with 2 CFR 
200.344.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

    For general questions about this announcement, please contact the 
USDA RD State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

H. Other Information

    1. Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information 
collection requirements associated with the program, as covered in this 
notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under OMB Control Number 0570-0006.
    2. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). All recipients under 
this notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1970. 
However, awards for technical assistance and training under this notice 
are classified as a Categorical Exclusion pursuant to 7 CFR 1970.53(b), 
and usually do not require any additional documentation. RBCS 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 RBCS with this determination. A review for 
NEPA compliance is required prior to the award of grant funds.
    3. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. All 
applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR 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 funding are required to report information about 
first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance 
with 2 CFR part 170.
    4. 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 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973, title VIII of

[[Page 23560]]

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).
    5. Nondiscrimination Statement. In accordance with Federal civil 
rights laws and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, 
its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions 
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from 
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, 
gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, 
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived 
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or 
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity 
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). 
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, Agency, or staff office; 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 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:
    (a) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410; or
    (b) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (c) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Kathryn E. Dirksen Londrigan,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA Rural 
Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-07136 Filed 4-3-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P