[Federal Register: March 17, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 53)]
[Notices]
[Page 14525-14532]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17mr00-49]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This Notice announces the availability of $6 million of grant
funds for the RCDI program through the Rural Housing Service (RHS),
herein referred to as the Agency, USDA. Applicants must provide
matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to
the Federal grant. These grants will be made to qualified intermediary
organizations that will provide technical assistance to recipients to
develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects to improve
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development.
This Notice lists the information needed to submit an application for
these funds.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of an application is 4:00 p.m. EST on
June 15, 2000. The application deadline is firm as to date and hour.
The agency will not consider any application received after the
deadline.
The comment period for information collection under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 continues through May 16, 2000. Comments on the
paperwork burden must be received by this date to be assured of
consideration.
ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the
application requirements from the RCDI website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rhs/rcdi/index.htm. Applicants may also request application packages
from: Beth Jones, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence
Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0787, Telephone (202) 720-1498, E-mail:
epjones@rdmail.rural.usda.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Jones, Senior Loan Specialist,
Community Programs, RHS, USDA, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Ave. SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0787, Telephone (202) 720-1498, Facsimile (202)
690-0471, E-mail: epjones@rdmail.rural.usda.gov. You may also obtain
information from the RCDI website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/
index.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
The reporting requirements contained in this notice have received
temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under Control Number 0575-0180. However, in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, RHS will seek standard OMB approval of
the reporting requirements contained in this Notice and hereby opens a
60-day public comment period.
Abstract: RHS, an Agency within the USDA Rural Development mission
area, will administer the RCDI grant program through their Community
Facilities Division. The intent of the RCDI grant program is to develop
the capacity and ability of rural area recipients through a program of
technical assistance provided by qualified intermediary organizations.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 1.37 hours per response.
Respondents: Intermediaries and recipients.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 15.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,012 hours.
Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Tracy
Gillin, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, (202) 692-0039.
Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity
of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. Comments on the paperwork burden
may be sent to Tracy Gillin, Regulations and Paperwork Management
Branch, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0742,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0742. All responses
to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB
approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.
Background
Congress created the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
in Fiscal Year 2000 with an appropriation of $6 million under the Rural
Community Advancement Program (RCAP). These funds are to be used solely
to develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-
based housing and community development organizations, and low income
rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, and
community and economic development projects in rural areas. Qualified
private and public (including tribal) intermediary organizations
proposing to carry out technical assistance programs will be eligible
to receive the funding. The intermediary will be required to provide
matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount at least equal to
the RCDI grant.
Definitions for RCDI Purposes
Agency--The Rural Housing Service (RHS) or its successor.
Beneficiary--entities or individuals that receive benefits from
assistance provided by the recipient.
Capacity--the ability of a recipient to finance and implement
housing, community facilities, and community and economic development
projects or provide technical assistance to enhance a community's
potential.
Intermediary--a qualified private or public (including tribal)
organization that provides technical assistance to multiple recipients.
Low-income community a city, town, village, county, parish, or
borough with a median household income at, or below, 80 percent of the
statewide median household income.
Matching Funds cash or confirmed funding commitments from non-
Federal sources. Matching funds must be at least equal to the grant
amount. In-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds.
Recipient--the entity that receives the technical assistance from
the intermediary. The recipient must be either a private, nonprofit
community-based housing or community development organization or a low-
income rural community.
Rural and Rural Area--a city, town, or unincorporated area that has
a
[[Page 14526]]
population of 50,000 inhabitants or less, other than urbanized areas
immediately adjacent to a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a
population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants.
Technical Assistance--skilled help in improving the recipient's
abilities in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community
and economic development. The Agency will determine whether a specific
activity qualifies as technical assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
1. The recipient and beneficiary, but not the intermediary, must be
located in an eligible rural area. The applicable Rural Development
State Office can assist in determining the eligibility of an area. A
listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in this Notice.
2. The recipients must be identified in the grant application.
3. The recipients must be private, nonprofit organizations or low-
income rural communities, not individuals.
4. The intermediary must provide matching non-Federal funds at
least equal to the amount of the grant.
5. The intermediary must provide a program of technical assistance
to the recipient.
6. The intermediary organization must have at least three years
prior experience working with nonprofit organizations or low-income
rural communities in the areas of housing, community facilities, or
community and economic development.
7. The respective minimum and maximum grant amount per intermediary
is $50,000 and $1 million.
8. Proposals must be structured to utilize the grant funds within 3
years from the date of the award.
9. Each intermediary, whether singularly or jointly, may only
submit one application for RCDI funds under this NOFA unless the
intermediary's participation is limited to providing all or part of the
matching funds.
10. Only federally recognized Indian tribes are eligible tribal
applicants.
Eligible Grant Uses
Grant uses must be consistent with the RCDI purpose, (see
``Background'' section of this Notice). A nonexclusive list of eligible
grant uses includes the following:
1. Provide technical assistance to develop recipients' capacity and
ability to undertake projects to improve housing, community facilities,
or community and economic development, (e.g., the intermediary hires a
staff person to provide technical assistance to the recipient; the
recipient hires a staff person, under the supervision of the
intermediary, to carry out the technical assistance provided by the
intermediary).
2. Develop the capacity of recipients to conduct community
development programs, (e.g., home-ownership education or training for
minority business entrepreneurs).
3. Develop the capacity of recipients to conduct development
initiatives, (e.g., programs that support micro-enterprise,
cooperatives, and sustainable development).
4. Increase the leveraging ability and access to alternative
funding sources by providing resources to recipients for training,
staffing, and other related costs.
5. Develop successful essential community facilities by providing
resources to recipients for training, staffing, and other related
costs.
6. Assist recipients in completing predevelopment requirements for
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development
projects by providing resources for a technical assistance program.
7. Improve recipient's organizational capacity by providing
training and resource material on developing strategic plans, board
operations, and management.
Ineligible Grant Uses
1. Funding a revolving loan fund.
2. Construction (in any form).
3. Intermediary preparation of strategic plans for recipients.
4. Funding illegal activities.
5. Grants to individuals.
6. Funding a grant where there may be a conflict of interest or an
appearance of a conflict of interest involving any action by the
Agency.
7. Paying obligations incurred before the beginning date or after
the ending date of the grant agreement.
8. Purchasing real estate.
9. Improvement or renovation of the grantee's office space or for
the repair or maintenance of privately-owned vehicles.
10. Any other purpose prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and
3019, as applicable.
Methods for Evaluating Applications
Applications will be rated and ranked by a review panel based on
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' contained in this Notice. If
there is a tie score after the applications have been rated and ranked,
the tie will be resolved by a lottery. The names of the applicants will
be entered into a drawing. The first name drawn will receive the
highest ranking of those in the lottery. This name-drawing process will
continue until there are no tied scores. The State Office will review
their copy of the application and provide the State Director's written
comments and recommendations to the National Office.
Evaluation Criteria and Weights
This information should be presented in narrative form.
Documentation must be limited to two pages per criterion with the
exception of ``Economic Distress'', which must be limited to one page
per recipient.
1. Improve Capacity--maximum 60 points
The applicant must demonstrate how they will improve the
recipients' capacity as it relates to the RCDI purposes. Applications
must include a description of how the improved capacity will be
measured. All applications will be competitively ranked with the
applications providing the most improvement in capacity development and
specific measurements of success being ranked the highest. Each of the
following rating criteria will be equally considered, with the sub-
criteria equally considered within each criterion:
a. Number of recipients trained and extensiveness of training
programs on:
(1) Building organizational capacity through developing strategic
plans, board operations, and management;
(2) Developing projects related to housing, community facilities or
community and economic development; and
(3) Developing initiatives that support micro-enterprises,
cooperatives, and home-ownership education.
b. Programs' demonstrated ability to:
(1) Increase recipients' leveraging and access to alternative
funding sources;
(2) Enlarge the recipients' geographic service area;
(3) Increase the services provided by the recipient; and
(4) Allow the recipient to provide new services.
c. Any other technical assistance program that meets the
recipients' unique needs to improve capacity.
The application ranking and scoring are:
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Scoring
Ranking (points)
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8 highest ranking applications............................... 60
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 45
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 30
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 15
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[[Page 14527]]
2. Expertise--maximum 40 points
The applicant must demonstrate they have conducted programs of
technical assistance and achieved measurable results in the areas of
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development in
rural areas. All applications will be competitively ranked using the
following equally rated criteria:
a. The number of years of organizational experience the applicant
has providing technical and other assistance to nonprofit organizations
or low-income rural communities in the areas of housing, community
facilities, or community and economic development;
b. The average number of staff years the members of the applicant
organization have providing technical and other assistance to nonprofit
organizations or low-income rural communities in the areas of housing,
community facilities, or community and economic development; and
c. Previous Federal grant experience measured by the dollar amount
of Federal grants received in the last 5 years by the intermediary and
the number of housing, community facilities, or community and economic
development recipients assisted.
The application ranking and scoring are:
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Scoring
Ranking (points)
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8 highest ranking applications............................... 40
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 30
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 20
Next 8 highest ranking applications.......................... 10
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3. Population--maximum 30 points
Population is based on the 1990 census data. The applicant must
submit national data on population, from the Bureau of the Census, to
verify the population figures being used. This data can be accessed
from a link on the RCDI website. The RCDI web address is
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. The average population of the
recipient locations will be used and will be scored as follows:
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Scoring
Population (points)
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5,000 or less................................................ 30
5,001 to 10,000.............................................. 20
10,001 to 20,000............................................. 10
20,001 to 50,000............................................. 5
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4. Income--maximum 30 points
Points will be awarded by comparing the average median household
income of recipients' location with the State median household income
using 1995 data from the Bureau of the Census. The applicant must
submit national data on income to verify the income figures being used.
This information can be accessed from a link on the RCDI website. The
web address is www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. Points will be
awarded as follows:
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Scoring
Average recipient median income is (points)
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Less than 60 percent of the State median household income.... 30
Between 60 and 70 percent of the State median household 20
income......................................................
Greater than 70 percent of the State median household income. 10
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5. Sustainability--30 points
Applications that have self-sustaining proposals will be awarded 30
points. To be considered self-sustaining, a proposal must, at a
minimum, be expected to be fully functional for at least 3 years after
the expiration of the grant. Points will be awarded to applications
that have the highest score on the following factors: a. The number of
years the proposal will be self-sustaining and what the ongoing impact
will be; b. How the capacity being built and the impact will be
measured; and c. How the program will be financially sustained after
funds are fully disbursed.
6. Economic Distress--maximum 20 points
Appropriate documentation and verification must be submitted to
support these criteria. For each recipient location, select only one
type of economic distress, if applicable, and provide documentation.
The recipient location must meet the requirements listed for the
category selected. The areas of economic distress that will be
considered are:
a. Loss of industry--compare the annual average unemployment rate
for 1998 to the lowest annual average unemployment rate since 1994. The
difference between the rates must be seven percent or more and be
directly related to the loss of industry. Unemployment data, to verify
the differences in the unemployment rate, can be accessed from a link
on the RCDI website. The RCDI web address is www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/
rcdi/index.htm. Submit excerpts from this data to verify the difference
in unemployment figures. Newspaper articles or a letter from the
Chamber of Commerce can be used as verification of the loss of
industry.
b. Unemployment--an annual average unemployment rate for 1998 of
11.5 percent or greater, in accordance with the U.S. Department of
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data can be accessed from a
link on the RCDI website. The RCDI web address is www.rurdev.usda.gov/
rhs/rcdi.index.htm. Submit the excerpt from this data to verify the
unemployment rate.
c. Poverty--a location where the median household income is below
60% of the State median household income. Submit national data on
income, using 1995 data from the Bureau of the Census, to verify income
figures. This data can be accessed from a link on the RCDI website. The
RCDI web address is www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm.
d. Out-migration of population--a 10 percent or greater decline in
population between the July 1, 1998 estimated population and the April
1, 1990 census population. Submit population data to verify the decline
in population. The population figures can be accessed from a link on
the RCDI website. The RCDI web address is www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/
index.htm.
e. Natural disasters--a Presidentially declared natural disaster
area.
The percentages and scoring are:
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Scoring
Percentage of recipients with documented economic distress (points)
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95-100....................................................... 20
75-94........................................................ 15
50-74........................................................ 10
25-49........................................................ 5
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7. Innovative Approach--maximum 20 points
The applicant must demonstrate that they have developed an
innovative approach that can be used by other organizations as a model.
To be considered innovative, the approach must propose an easily
replicated new or useful service or method of providing service to
recipients that builds their capacity to improve their communities in
the areas of housing, community facilities or community and economic
development. Points will be awarded to applications that have the
highest score on the following factors:
a. Ease of replication by nonprofit organizations or low-income
rural communities;
b. Uniqueness of proposal;
[[Page 14528]]
c. Financial return to rural communities; and
d. Need by nonprofit organization or low-income rural community.
If warranted, up to ten applicants will be eligible to receive
points in this category. The application ranking and scoring are:
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Scoring
Ranking (points)
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5 highest ranking applications............................... 20
Next 5 highest ranking applications.......................... 10
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8. Geographic Distribution Points--20 points
Applicant must provide a map that specifically describes the areas
covered by their recipients. After applications have been evaluated and
awarded points under the first seven criteria, the Agency may award 20
points per application to promote a broad geographic distribution of
RCDI funds.
9. Purpose Distribution Points--20 points
Applicant must state the purpose of their application, i.e.,
housing, community facilities, or community and economic development.
After applications have been evaluated and awarded points under the
first seven criteria, the Agency may award 20 points per application to
promote diversity of RCDI purposes.
10. Proportional Distribution Points--20 points
Applicant must state the amount of their grant request. After
applications have been evaluated and awarded points under the first
seven criteria, the Agency may award 20 points per application to
promote dispersion of grant awards between the range of $50,000 to
$1,000,000.
Deliverables
Grant funds and matching funds must be used in equal proportions.
Grant funds will be disbursed pursuant to relevant provisions of 7 CFR
parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as applicable. Matching funds must be used
to support the overall purpose of the RCDI program.
Grant Amounts
In the event that the applicant is awarded a grant that is less
than the amount requested, they will be required to modify their
application to conform to the reduced amount before execution of the
grant agreement. The Agency reserves the right to reduce or de-obligate
the award if acceptable modifications are not submitted by the awardee
within 15 working days from the date the application is returned to the
applicant. Any modifications must be within the scope of the original
application.
Program Requirements
1. A Civil Rights Impact Analysis Certification must be completed
by the Agency prior to grant approval.
2. A pre-award compliance review will be conducted by the Agency
prior to closing the grant.
3. The intermediary and recipient must comply with title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and Executive Order 12250.
4. The grantee must comply with the applicable requirements of 7
CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,'' part 3016,
``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements to State and Local Governments,'' and part 3019, ``Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations.''
Grantee Requirements
Grantees will be required to do the following.
1. Execute a Rural Community Development Initiative Grant
Agreement, which is published at the end of this NOFA.
2. Execute Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
3. Provide evidence of fidelity or employee dishonesty bond
coverage equal to the grant amount at grant closing.
4. Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'' to
request advances and reimbursements.
5. Provide financial status and project performance reports on a
quarterly basis starting with the first full quarter after the grant
award.
6. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the
Agency.
7. Provide annual audits or management reports on Forms RD 442-2,
``Statement of Budget, Income, and Equity,'' and RD 442-3, ``Balance
Sheet,'' depending on the amount of Federal funds expended and the
outstanding balance.
8. Collect and maintain data provided by recipients on race, sex,
and national origin and ensure that their recipients collect and
maintain the same data on their beneficiaries.
9. Provide a final project performance report.
Contents of Application Package
A complete application for RCDI funds must include the following.
1. A summary page listing the following items. This information
should be double-spaced between items and not in narrative form.
a. Applicant's name,
b. Applicant's address,
c. Applicant's telephone number,
d. Name of applicant's contact person,
e. Amount of grant request,
f. Number of recipients, and
g. Source and amount of matching funds.
2. A detailed Table of Contents containing page numbers for each
component of the application.
3. A project overview, no longer than three pages, which should
include:
a. Recipient names and locations, (locations should include town,
county, and state and the population composition of the service area of
the recipient including race, sex, and national origin), submit
information from the 1990 census to verify population figures;
b. Evidence that the recipient is a nonprofit organization or a
public body in a low-income rural community; and
c. Verification of matching funds, i.e., a copy of a bank statement
if matching funds are in cash or a copy of the confirmed funding
commitment from the funding source. The applicant will be contacted by
the Agency prior to grant award if verification of matching funds was
not submitted with the application. The applicant will have 10 working
days, from the date of contact, to submit verification of matching
funds. If the applicant is unable to provide the verification within
that timeframe, their application will be considered ineligible.
Describe Items ``d'' Through ``h'' in Narrative Form.
d. The type of technical assistance and how it will be implemented,
e. How the capacity and ability of the recipient will be improved,
f. The overall goal to be accomplished,
g. The benchmarks that will be used to measure success, and
h. A synopsis of what the applicant organization does or attach a
copy of its mission statement, if available.
4. Each of the ``Evaluation Criteria'' must be addressed
specifically and individually by category. Present these criteria in
narrative form. Documentation must be limited to two pages per
criterion with the exception of ``Economic Distress'', which must be
limited to one page per recipient.
[[Page 14529]]
5. A separate one-page information sheet listing each of the
``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'', contained in this Notice, followed
by the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation
contained in the application which supports these criteria. This page
should immediately follow the project overview.
6. A breakdown of specific time increments and steps to accomplish
goals.
7. A detailed breakdown of estimated costs and a project budget.
8. Organizational documents for the intermediary.
9. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
10. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
11. Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other
Responsibility Matters u Primary Covered Transactions.''
12. Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion u Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
13. Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements.''
14. Certification of Non-Lobbying Activities.
15. Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities''.
16. Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement''.
17. Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement''.
18. Identify and Report Any Association or Relationship with Rural
Development Employees.
What and Where To Submit
An original and one copy of the complete application package must
be submitted to: Beth Jones, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0787, 1400
Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0787 and a copy of the
application must be submitted to the Rural Development State Office
that has jurisdiction over the location of the recipients of this
assistance. A listing of Rural Development State Offices is included in
this Notice. Applications sent electronically or by facsimile will not
be accepted.
When To Submit
The deadline for receipt of an application is 4:00 p.m. EST on June
15, 2000. The application deadline is firm as to date and hour and
applies to submission of the original application and one copy to the
National Office in Washington, DC. The Agency will not consider any
application received after the deadline. A listing of Rural Development
State Offices, their addresses, telephone numbers, and person to
contact follows:
Note: Telephone numbers listed are not toll-free.
Alabama State Office, Suite 601, Sterling Centre, 4121 Carmichael Road,
Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, (334) 279-3455, TDD (334) 279-3495, James B.
Harris
Alaska State Office, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645,
(907) 761-7705, TDD (907) 745-6494, Frank Muncy
Arizona State Office, Phoenix Corporate Center, 3003 N. Central Ave.,
Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2906, (602) 280-8747, TDD (602) 280-8706,
Leonard Gradillas
Arkansas State Office, 700 W. Capitol Ave., Rm. 3416, Little Rock, AR
72201-3225, (501) 301-3257, TDD (501) 301-3279, Jesse Sharp
California State Office, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, Davis, CA 95616-
4169, (530) 792-5825, TDD (530) 792-5825, Charles M. Clendenin
Colorado State Office, 655 Parfet Street, Room E100, Lakewood, CO
80215, (303) 236-2801 (ext. 136), TDD (303) 236-1590, Leroy W. Cruz
Connecticut served by Massachusetts State Office
Delaware and Maryland State Office, 5201 South Dupont Highway, PO Box
400, Camden, DE 19934-9998, (302) 697-4314, TDD (302) 697-4303, Arthur
Greenwood
Florida & Virgin Islands State Office, 4440 N.W. 25th Place, PO Box
147010, Gainesville, FL 32614-7010, (352) 338-3440, TDD (352) 338-3499,
Glenn E. Walden
Georgia State Office, Stephens Federal Building, 355 E. Hancock Avenue,
Athens, GA 30601-2768, (706) 546-2171, TDD (706) 546-2034, Jerry M.
Thomas
Guam served by Hawaii State Office
Hawaii, Guam, & Western Pacific Territories State Office, Room 311,
Federal Building, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 933-
8309, TDD (808) 933-8321, Thao Khamoui
Idaho State Office, Suite A1, 9173 West Barnes Dr., Boise, ID 83709,
(208) 378-5617, TDD (208) 378-5644, Daniel H. Fraser
Illinois State Office, Illini Plaza, Suite 103, 1817 South Neil Street,
Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 398-5412 (ext. 246), TDD (217) 398-5396,
Gerald A. Townsend
Indiana State Office, 5975 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46278,
(317) 290-3109 (ext. 431), TDD (317) 290-3343, Greg Delp
Iowa State Office, 873 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines,
IA 50309, (515) 284-4152, TDD (515) 284-4858, Dorman Otte
Kansas State Office, 1200 SW Executive Drive, PO Box 4653, Topeka, KS
66604, 785) 271-2728, TDD (785) 271-2767, Gary L. Smith
Kentucky State Office, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY
40503, (606) 224-7415, TDD (606) 224-7422, Vernon Brown
Louisiana State Office, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302,
(318) 473-7940, TDD (318) 473-7655, Danny H. Magee
Maine State Office, 967 Illinois Ave., Suite 4, PO Box 405, Bangor, ME
04402-0405, (207) 990-9168, TDD (207) 942-7331, Alan C. Daigle
Maryland Served by Delaware State Office
Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Rhode Island State Office, 451 West
Street, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-4318, TDD (413) 253-7068, Daniel
R. Beaudette
Michigan State Office, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI
48823, (517) 324-5192, TDD (517) 337-6795, Philip H. Wolak
Minnesota State Office, 410 AgriBank Building, 375 Jackson Street, St.
Paul, MN 55101-1853, (651) 602-7820, TDD (651) 602-3799, Jackie
Goodnough
Mississippi State Office, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 W. Capitol
Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965-4325, TDD (601) 965-5850, Danny
Ivy
Missouri State Office, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, Suite
235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876-0995, TDD (573) 876-9301, D. Clark
Thomas
Montana State Office, Unit 1, Suite B 900 Technology Blvd., Bozeman, MT
59715, (406) 585-2515, TDD (406) 585-2562, MaryLou Affleck
Nebraska State Office, Federal Building, room 152, 100 Centennial Mall
N, Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5559, TDD (402) 437-5093, Denise
Brosius-Meeks
Nevada State Office, 1390 South Curry Street, Carson City, NV 89703-
9910, (775) 887-1222 (ext. 26), TDD (775) 885-0633, Mike Holm
New Hampshire State Office, Concord Center, Suite 218, Box 317, 10
Ferry Street, Concord, NH 03301-5004, (603) 223-6037, TDD (603) 229-
0536, William W. Konrad
New Jersey State Office, Tarnsfield Plaza, Suite 22, 790 Woodland Road,
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060, (609) 265-3641, TDD (609) 265-3687, Michael P.
Kelsey
[[Page 14530]]
New Mexico State Office, 6200 Jefferson St., NE, Room 255, Albuquerque,
NM 87109, (505) 522-8775, ext. 6,TDD (505) 761-4938, Clyde F. Hudson
New York State Office, The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina Street,
Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202, (315) 477-6427, TDD (315) 477-6447,
David Miller
North Carolina State Office, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC
27609, (919) 873-2061, TDD (919) 873-2003, Thurman E. Burnette
North Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East Rosser,
PO Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, (701) 530-2040, TDD (701) 530-2113,
William C. Davis
Ohio State Office, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High Street,
Columbus, OH 43215-2477, (614) 255-2391, TDD (614) 469-5757, David M.
Douglas
Oklahoma State Office, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-2654,
(405) 742-1060, TDD (405) 742-1007, Rock W. Davis
Oregon State Office, 101 SW Main, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-3222,
(503) 414-3363, TDD (503) 414-3387, Jerry W. Sheridan
Pennsylvania State Office, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, (717) 237-2281, TDD (717) 237-2261, Gary
Rothrock
Puerto Rico State Office, New San Juan Office Bldg., Room 501, 159
Carlos E. Chardon Street, Hato Rey, PR 00918-5481, (787) 766-5095 (ext.
261), TDD 1-800-274-1572, Pedro Gomez
Rhode Island served by Massachusetts State Office,
South Carolina State Office, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 253-3432, TDD
(803) 765-5697, Larry D. Floyd
South Dakota State Office, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth
Street, SW, Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352-1132, TDD (605) 352-1147, Dwight
Wullweber
Tennessee State Office, Suite 300, 3322 West End Avenue, Nashvile, TN
37203-1084, (615) 783-1345, TDD (615) 783-1397, Keith Head
Texas State Office, Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 South Main,
Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742-9755, TDD (254) 742-9712, Eugene G. Pavlat
Utah State Office, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 S. State
Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84147-0350, (801) 524-4326, TDD
(801) 524-3309, Jack Cox
Vermont State Office, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street,
Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 828-6030, TDD (802) 223-6365, Rhonda Shippe
Virgin Islands served by Florida State Office
Virginia State Office, Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa
Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287-1600, TDD (804) 287-1753, H. Kent
Ware
Washington State Office, Suite B, 1835 Black Lake Boulevard, SW,
Olympia, WA 98512-5715, (360) 704-7707, TDD (360) 704-7760, Deborah
Davis
Western Pacific Territories served by Hawaii State Office
West Virginia State Office, Federal Building, 75 High Street, Room 320,
Morgantown, WV 26505-7500, (304) 284-4868, TDD (304) 284-5941, Dianne
Crysler
Wisconsin State Office, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481,
(715) 345-7615 (ext. 131), TDD (715) 345-7614, Mark Brodziski
Wyoming State Office, 100 East B, Federal Building, Room 1005, PO Box
820, Casper, WY 82602, (307) 261-6318, TDD (307) 261-6333, Charles Huff
Dated: March 13, 2000.
Inga Smulkstys,
Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development.
OMB NO. 0575-0180
United States Department of Agriculture
Rural Housing Service
Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Agreement
THIS GRANT AGREEMENT (Agreement) dated ______, is a contract for
receipt of grant funds under the Rural Community Development
Initiative (RCDI).
BETWEEN
a private or public or tribal organization, (Grantee or
Intermediary) and the United States of America acting through the
Rural Housing Service (the Agency), Department of Agriculture,
(Grantor), for the benefit of recipients listed in Grantee's
application for the grant.
WITNESSETH:
The principal amount of the grant is $______ (Grant Funds).
Matching funds, in an amount equal to the grant funds, will be
provided by Grantee from a non-Federal source. The Grantee and
Grantor will execute Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of
Funds''.
WHEREAS,
Grantee will provide a program of technical assistance to
develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-
based housing or community development organizations, or low-income
rural communities to undertake projects to improve housing,
community facilities, or community and economic development projects
in rural areas;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of said grant;
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are
required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number
for this information collection is 0575-0180. The time required to
complete this information collection is estimated to average 30
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and reviewing the collection of information.
Grantee agrees that Grantee will:
A. Provide a program of technical assistance in accordance with
the proposal outlined in the application, the terms of which are
incorporated with this Agreement and must be adhered to. Any changes
to the approved program of technical assistance must be approved in
writing by the Grantor;
B. Use Grant Funds only for the purposes and activities
specified in the application package approved by the Agency
including the approved budget. Any uses not provided for in the
approved budget must be approved in writing by the Agency in
advance;
C. Charge expenses for travel and per diem that will not exceed
the rates paid Agency employees for similar expenses;
D. Request cash advances in the minimum amount needed and shall
be timed to be in accord only with the actual, immediate cash
requirements for carrying out the grant purpose. Form SF 270,
``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'', will be used for this
purpose;
E. Provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A
financial status report and a project performance report will be
required on a quarterly basis (due 15 working days after each
calendar quarter). The financial status report must show how grant
funds and matching funds have been used to date and project the
funds needed and their purposes for the next quarter. A final report
may serve as the last quarterly report. Grantees shall constantly
monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and
projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project
performance reports shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
1. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period;
2. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if
applicable;
3. Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will affect
attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular
objectives during established time periods. This disclosure shall be
accomplished by a statement of the action taken or planned to
resolve the situation;
4. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period;
5. If available, a summary of the race, sex, and national origin
of the recipients and a summary from the recipients of the race,
sex, and national origin of the beneficiaries; and
6. The final report will also address the following:
(a) What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program?
[[Page 14531]]
(b) What advice would you give to other organizations planning a
similar program? Please include strengths and limitations of the
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done
differently?
(c) Are there any post-grant plans for this project? If yes, how
will they be financed?
(d) If an innovative approach was used successfully, the grantee
must describe their program in detail for replication by other
organizations and communities.
F. Consider potential recipients without discrimination as to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or
physical or mental disability;
G. Insure that any services or training offered by the
recipient, as a result of the technical assistance received, must be
made available to all persons in the recipient's service area
without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability at
reasonable rates, including assessments, taxes, or fees. Programs
and activities must be delivered from accessible locations. The
recipient must ensure that where there are non-English speaking
populations that materials are provided in the language that is
spoken;
H. Insure that recipients are required to place
nondiscrimination statements in advertisements, notices, pamphlets
and brochures making the public aware of their services. The Grantee
and recipient are required to provide widespread outreach and public
notification in promoting any type of training or services that are
available through grant funds;
I. The Grantee must collect and maintain data on recipients by
race, sex, and national origin. The grantee must ensure that their
recipients also collect and maintain data on beneficiaries by race,
sex, and national origin as required by title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 and must be provided to the Agency for compliance review
purposes;
J. Upon any default under its representations or agreements
contained in this instrument, Grantee, at the option and demand of
Grantor, will immediately repay to Grantor the Grant Funds with any
legally permitted interest from the date of the default. Default by
the Grantee will constitute termination of the grant thereby causing
cancellation of Federal assistance under the grant. The provisions
of this Agreement may be enforced by Grantor, at its option and
without regard to prior waivers of this Agreement or by such other
proceedings in law or equity, in either Federal or State courts as
may be deemed necessary by Grantor to assure compliance with the
provisions of this Agreement and the laws and regulations under
which this grant is made;
K. Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
1. Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial
results of each grant. Financial reporting will be on an accrual
basis;
2. Records that identify adequately the source and application
of funds for grant-supported activities. Those records shall contain
information pertaining to grant awards and authorizations,
obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and
income;
3. Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets. Grantees shall adequately safeguard all
such assets and shall ensure that they are used solely for
authorized purposes;
4. Accounting records supported by source documentation; and
5. Grantee tracking of fund usage and records that show matching
funds and grant funds are used in equal proportions. The grantee
will provide verifiable documentation regarding matching fund usage,
i.e., bank statements or copies of funding obligations from the
matching source.
L. Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, and all other records pertinent to the grant for a period
of at least three years after grant closing except that the records
shall be retained beyond the three-year period if audit findings
have not been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar methods
may be substituted in lieu of original records. The Grantor and the
Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly
authorized representatives, shall have access to any books,
documents, papers, and records of the Grantee's which are pertinent
to the specific grant program for the purpose of making audits,
examinations, excerpts, and transcripts;
M. Provide an A-133 audit report if $300,000 or more of federal
funds are expended in a one year period. If federal funds expended
during a one-year period are less than $300,000 and there is an
outstanding loan balance of $300,000 or more, an audit in accordance
with generally accepted government auditing standards is required.
If federal funds expended during a one year period are less than
$300,000 and there is an outstanding loan balance of less than
$300,000, a management report may be submitted on Forms RD 442-2,
``Statement of Budget, Income and Equity'' and 442-3, ``Balance
Sheet'';
N. Agree to account for and to return to Grantor interest earned
on grant funds pending their disbursement for program purposes when
the Grantee is a unit of local government. States and agencies or
instrumentalities of a State are not held accountable for interest
earned on grant funds pending their disbursement;
O. Not encumber, transfer or dispose of the equipment or any
part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Grantor funds without
the written consent of the Grantor; and
P. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have
been received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources
(public or private).
Grantor agrees that It:
A. Will make available to Grantee for the purpose of this
Agreement funds in an amount not to exceed the Grant Funds. The
funds will be advanced to Grantee on a pro rata basis with the
Grantee's matching funds; and
B. At its sole discretion and at any time may give any consent,
deferment, subordination, release, satisfaction, or termination of
any or all of Grantee's grant obligations, with or without valuable
consideration, upon such terms and conditions as Grantor may
determine to be:
1. Advisable to further the purpose of the grant or to protect
Grantor's financial interest therein; and
2. Consistent with both the statutory purposes of the grant and
the limitations of the statutory authority under which it is made.
Both Parties Agree:
A. Extensions of this grant agreement may be approved by the
Agency, in writing, provided in the Agency's sole discretion the
extension is justified and there is a likelihood that the grantee
can accomplish the goals set out and approved in the application
package during the extension period;
B. The Grantor must approve any changes in recipient or
recipient composition;
C. The Grantor has agreed to give the Grantee the Grant Funds,
subject to the terms and conditions established by the Grantor:
Provided, However, That any Grant Funds actually advanced and not
needed for grant purposes be returned immediately to the Grantor.
This agreement shall terminate three years from this date unless
extended or unless terminated beforehand due to default on the part
of the Grantee or for convenience of the Grantor and Grantee. The
Grantor may terminate the grant in whole, or in part, at any time
before the date of completion, whenever it is determined that the
Grantee has failed to comply with the conditions of this Agreement
or the applicable regulations;
D. As a condition of the Agreement, the Grantee certifies that
it is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the
Agreement with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders,
and other generally applicable requirements, including those
contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this
agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are
specifically contained herein. The Grantee will comply with title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, and Executive Order 12250;
E. The Grantee will ensure that the recipients comply with title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Executive Order 12250. Each recipient
must sign Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement'' and Form RD
400-4, ``Assurance Agreement'';
F. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal
Assistance Regulations,'' part 3016, ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and
Local Governments,'' or part 3019, ``Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations,'' are
incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference; and
G. This Agreement may be terminated for cause in the event of
default on the part of the Grantee or for convenience of the Grantor
and Grantee prior to the date of completion of the grant purpose.
Termination for convenience will occur when both the Grantee and
Grantor agree that the continuation of the program will not produce
[[Page 14532]]
beneficial results commensurate with the further expenditure of
funds.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has this day authorized and caused
this Agreement to be executed by
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Attest-----------------------------------------------------------------
By---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantee)
(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------
United States of America, Rural Housing Service.
By---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Grantor) (Name) (Title)
[FR Doc. 00-6673 Filed 3-16-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P
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