[Federal Register: September 10, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 175)]
[Notices]
[Page 57364-57371]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10se02-27]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Request for Applications (RFA): Innovative Programs for
Addressing Common Community Problems
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(CSREES), USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for applications and request for input.
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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service (CSREES) announces the availability of grant funds for a new
activity, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems
(IPACCP). This notice requests applications for the IPACCP for fiscal
year (FY) 2002 to support a grant to a non-governmental organization
(NGO) to establish and operate a national information clearinghouse on
innovative means for addressing common community problems. CSREES
additionally requests stakeholder input from any interested party for
use in the development of the next Request for Applications (RFA) for
this program.
The amount available for the support of IPACCP activities in FY
2002 is $200,000.
This notice identifies the objectives of the IPACCP project,
eligibility criteria for the project and applicants, and the
application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a
IPACCP grant.
DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
September 20, 2002. Applications received after this deadline will not
be considered for funding. Comments regarding this RFA are requested
within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received
after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using express mail (U. S. Postal Service) or overnight
courier service is: Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community
Problems; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room
1420, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW.; Washington, DC 20024;
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by
USDA.
Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES;
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or
via e-mail to: rfp-oep@reeusda.gov. (This e-mail address is intended
only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting
information or forms.) In your comments state that you are responding
to the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems
RFA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested
parties are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Tuckermanty, Program
Director, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 2241, Washington, DC 20250-2241;
telephone: (202) 205-0241; fax: (202) 401-6488; email:
etuckermanty@reeusda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
PART I--GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Legislative Authority and Background
B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability
C. Eligibility
D. Matching Requirements
E. Funding Restrictions
F. Types of Applications
PART II--PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
A. Project Types
B. Program Description
PART III--PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION
A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of Applications
C. Submission of Applications
[[Page 57365]]
D. Acknowledgment of Applications
PART IV--REVIEW PROCESS
A. General
B. Evaluation Factors
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
PART V--AWARD ADMINISTRATION
A. General
B. Organizational Management Information
C. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
PART VI--ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Access to Review Information
B. Use of Funds; Changes
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
F. Regulatory Information
G. Definitions
Stakeholder Input
CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any
interested party. In your comments please include the name of the
program and the fiscal year solicitation for applications to which you
are responding. These comments will be considered in the development of
any future RFA for the program. CSREES has determined that this program
is not an agricultural research, extension, or education program for
the purpose of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, 7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2).
Therefore, CSREES is not required by the statute to solicit stakeholder
input regarding this RFA. CSREES, however, always welcomes constructive
comments from interested parties regarding a RFA or particular program.
Comments should be submitted as provided in the ADDRESSES and DATES
portions of this Notice. The e-mail address in the addresses portion is
intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not for
requesting information or forms.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance under 10.225, Innovative Programs for Addressing Common
Community Problems.
Part I--General Information
A. Legislative Authority and Background
Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), as
amended by section 4125 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171), authorizes the provision of a competitive
grant to one non-governmental organization (NGO) to coordinate with
Federal agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other non-
governmental organizations (collectively referred to in this notice as
``targeted entities'') to gather information on Innovative Programs for
Addressing Common Community Problems, and recommend such programs to
targeted entities.
B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability
1. Purpose and Priorities
The purpose of the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common
Community Problems (IPACCP) is to provide Federal funds to support
coordination with targeted entities to gather information, and
recommend to targeted entities: innovative programs for addressing
common community problems. Common community problems refer to the
underlying causes of hunger and poverty, including the loss of farms
and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, hunger, the need for
job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and
communities.
The IPACCP grantee will: operate a national information
clearinghouse on innovative means, including Community Food Projects,
for addressing common community problems in the areas outlined above;
provide information and guidance to other targeted entities on
innovative programs that offer constructive, community-based or
grassroots solutions to hunger, community food insecurity, and poverty;
and contribute in-kind resources toward implementation of the grant.
2. Fund Availability
The amount of funds available in FY 2002 for support of a grant
award under the IPACCP is $200,000.
C. Eligibility
Only non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to receive
an IPACCP grant. Eligible NGOs must be:
(1) Experienced in working with targeted entities-- Federal
agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other non-governmental
organizations--and in organizing workshops that demonstrate programs to
targeted entities;
(2) Experienced in identifying programs that effectively address
community problems, including loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty,
welfare dependency, hunger, the need for job training, and the need for
self-sufficiency by individuals and communities, that can be
implemented by other targeted entities;
(3) Experienced in, and capable of receiving information from and
communicating with targeted entities throughout the United States; and
(4) Experienced in operating a national information clearinghouse
that addresses one or more of the community problems described in
paragraph (2) above.
D. Matching Requirements
The legislation establishing the IPACCP requires that as a
condition to receiving a grant from CSREES, the NGO must ``contribute
in-kind resources toward the implementation of the grant.'' To comply
with this provision, CSREES has determined that applicants must provide
at least 25 percent of total project resources on an in-kind basis
during the term of the grant award. The Federal share of IPACCP costs
can be no more than 75 percent of total project costs.
IPACCP grantees may provide matching resources through in-kind
contributions from their own organization or from third-party in-kind
contributions, fairly evaluated, including facilities. The non-Federal
share of the resources may come from State government, local
government, other non-profit entities, or private sources. Examples of
qualifying matching contributions may include direct costs such as:
rent for office space used exclusively for the funded project;
duplication or postage costs; and staff time from an entity other than
the applicant for IPACCP activities.
E. Funding Restrictions
Applicants should ensure their proposed work fully justifies the
$200,000 that is available.
The award will be made based on the merit of the proposed project
with budgets considered only after the merits of the project have been
determined. USDA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with the
successful applicant. The grantee shall perform a substantive portion
of the project. No more than one-half of an IPACCP award, as determined
by budget expenditures, may be subawarded or subcontracted to other
organizations. For additional knowledge or expertise that is not
available within the applicant organization, funds for expert
consultation may be included in the ``All Other Direct Costs'' section
of the proposed budget.
F. Types of Applications
In FY 2002, applications should be submitted to the IPACCP as a New
Application. This is a project application that has not been previously
submitted to the Program. All New Applications will be reviewed
[[Page 57366]]
competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria
described in Part IV--Review Process.
Part II--Program Description
A. Project Types
In FY 2002 $200,000 is available for a single, standard grant to
establish and operate a national information clearinghouse for
innovative approaches to common community problems and to provide
information and guidance to other targeted entities on innovative
programs. Applicants may request funding for up to three years in
duration with a budget of not more than $200,000.
B. Program Description
The purpose of the Innovative Programs for Addressing Common
Community Problems is to gather and disseminate among local, community,
state, and Federal organizations and agencies information about
innovative programs that address or ameliorate common community
problems in the general subject areas of food, nutrition, and
agriculture, including the loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty,
welfare dependency, hunger, community food insecurity, the need for job
training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and
communities. The grantee should also receive and distribute information
on Community Food Projects supported by CSREES.
In addition to operating a national information clearinghouse on
innovative means to address community problems, the grantee will also
provide information and guidance on innovative programs through other
means, for example, workshops, printed or copied materials, and
electronic means. Clearinghouse information should be readily available
to and easily accessible by Federal, state, and local government
agencies, local community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and
the public.
Part III--Preparation of An Application
A. Program Application Materials
Program application materials (application kit) are available at
the CSREES Funding Opportunities Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/
funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to the Web page or have
trouble downloading material and you would like a hardcopy, you may
contact the Proposal Services Unit, USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-5048. When
calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you are
requesting the RFA and associated application forms for the Innovative
Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems. These materials also
may be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name,
mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number to psb@reeusda.gov. State
that you want a copy of the RFA and the associated application forms
for IPACCP and request that the materials be sent by overnight
delivery.
B. Content of Applications
The application should be prepared following the guidelines and the
instructions below. Each application must contain the following
elements in the order indicated:
1. General
Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
(a) Prepare the application on only one side of the page using
standard size (8 \1/2\ x 11'') white paper, one-inch margins, typed or
word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and single or
double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Geneva,
Helvetica, Times Roman).
(b) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms,
and any appendices.
(c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not
bind. An original and four copies (five total) must be submitted in one
package.
(d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints,
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning
through poor quality reproduction.
(e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the
following order:
(1) Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002, Page A)
(2) Table of Contents
(3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
(4) Project Description
(5) References
(6) Appendices to Project Description
(7) Key Personnel
(8) Collaborative Arrangements (including Letters of Support)
(9) Budget (Form CSREES-2004)
(10) Budget Narrative
(11) Matching
(12) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
(13) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
(14) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
(Form CSREES-2006)
(15) Page B, Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002), Personal Data
on Project Director
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
Please note that Form CSREES-2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A
which is the ``Proposal Cover Page'' and Page B which is the ``Personal
Data on Project Director.''
Page A
Each copy of each grant application must contain a ``Proposal Cover
Page,'' Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing
Project Directors (PD's) and the Authorized Organizational
Representative (AOR), the individual who possesses the necessary
authority to commit the organization's time and other relevant
resources to the project. If there are more than three co-PD's for an
application, please list additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of
paper (with appropriate information and signatures) and attach to the
Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose
signature does not appear on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional
sheets will not be listed on any resulting grant award. Complete both
signature blocks located at the bottom of the ``Proposal Cover Page''
form.
Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in
its entirety, especially the e-mail addresses requested in blocks 4.c.
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
(a) Type of Performing Organization (Blocks 6A and 6B). For block
6A, a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify the
non-profit or non-governmental organization which is the legal
applicant named in block 1. Only one box should be checked. For block
6B, please check as many boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD
listed in block 16.
(b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7). The title of the project
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), yet represent
the major thrust of the effort being proposed.
(c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8). Enter Innovative
Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems or IPACCP.
[[Page 57367]]
(d) Type of Request (Block 14). Check the block for ``New.''
(e) Project Director (PD) (Blocks 16-19). Blocks 16-18 are used to
identify the PD and Block 19 to identify co-PD's. If needed, additional
co-PD's may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to Form
CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the applicable co-PD
information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PD's, beyond those
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
Page B
Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s).
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.
3. Table of Contents
For consistency and ease in locating information, each application
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with
the first page of the Project Description.
4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
The application must contain a ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-
2003. The summary should be no more than 250 words, contained within
the box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not be
numbered. The names and affiliated organizations of all PD's and co-
PD's should be listed on this form, in addition to the title of the
project. The summary should be a self-contained, specific description
of the activity to be undertaken and should focus on: overall project
goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goal(s);
and relevance of the project to the goals of the program. The
importance of a concise, informative Project Summary cannot be
overemphasized. If there are more than four co-PD's for an application,
please list additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of paper (with
appropriate information) and attach to the Project Summary (Form
CSREES-2003).
5. Project Description
Please Note: The Project Description shall not exceed 15 pages
of written text and up to 10 pages of additional pages for figures
and tables. This maximum (25 pages) has been established to ensure
fair and equitable competition.
A narrative Project Description must repeat and respond to the
points in (a) through (d) below:
(a) How common community problems upon which information is to be
gathered will be identified. Succinctly describe the process by which
the most common community problems contributing to food insecurity, in
the opinion of the applicant, will be identified. This section should
also address how information on innovative programs addressing such
problems will be gathered. At a minimum, these problems should include:
loss of farms and ranches; rural poverty; welfare dependency; hunger;
the need for job training; and the need for self-sufficiency by
individuals and communities.
Information on CSREES supported Community Food Projects (CFP) must
also be gathered, and the applicant should describe how, in
coordination with CSREES and the Community Food Security Coalition, CFP
information will be gathered and disseminated.
(b) How targeted entities will be identified. The applicant should
provide a systematic approach to identifying appropriate targeted
entities--Federal agencies, States, political subdivisions, and other
non-governmental organizations--involved in food, nutrition, and
agriculture issues.
(c) How IPACCP information will be delivered to targeted entities.
Applicants should detail potential methods for delivering information
to targeted entities. Describe experience in delivering information on
programs that effectively address community problems, including loss of
farms and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, hunger, the need
for job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals and
communities, that can be implemented by other targeted entities;
(d) How a national information clearinghouse will be organized and
operated. Applicants should discuss how a national clearinghouse will
function in responding to inquiries about hunger and poverty issues.
Applicants should address how various types of requests--telephonic,
electronic, and mail--will be handled to provide expeditious responses
to targeted entities.
(e) Organizational experience. Provide information on the
applicant's experience in IPACCP-type activities. To be eligible for an
award, the applicant and/or collaborators must be experienced in
working with targeted entities and in organizing workshops, identifying
model programs, receiving and communicating information, and operating
a national clearinghouse. If other NGOs are to be involved in carrying
out the proposed work plan, their role should be outlined and their
experience also detailed in the application. Letters from the
organizations involved acknowledging their support and contributions
must be provided in an appendix to the proposal.
(f) Timeline. Identify the major milestones that will indicate
progress toward achieving the project goals. Provide a timeline or
systematic description of the approach for accomplishing major project
objectives.
(g) Evaluation. The IPACCP grantee will work in conjunction with
the Community Food Security Coalition to determine appropriate
evaluation measures for IPACCP activities and then proceed to institute
those measures. The Community Food security Coalition currently has an
evaluation grant so coordination is important.
6. References
All references to works cited should be completed, including titles
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format.
References are not considered in the page-limitation for the Project
Description.
7. Appendices to Project Description
Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices
should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables
page limitations.
8. Key Personnel
The following should be included as appropriate:
(a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator
should be clearly described; and
(b) The vitae of the PD and each co-PD, senior associate, and other
professional personnel. This section should include the vitae of all
key persons who are expected to work on the project, whether or not
CSREES funds are sought for their support. The vitae should be limited
to two (2) pages each in length, excluding publications listings. The
vitae should include a presentation of academic and research
credentials, as applicable, e.g., earned
[[Page 57368]]
degrees, teaching experience, employment history, professional
activities, honors and awards, and grants received. A chronological
list of all publications in refereed journals during the past four (4)
years, including those in press, must be provided for each project
member for whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Also list only those
non-refereed technical publications that have relevance to the proposed
project. All authors should be listed in the same order as they appear
on each paper cited, along with the title and complete reference as
these usually appear in journals.
9. Collaborative Arrangements
If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s)
are known at the time of application, a vitae or resume should be
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter or support) should be
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of
the application. See instructions in the application forms for
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.
10. Budget
(a) Budget Form (Form CSREES-2004)
Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with
instructions provided with the application forms. A budget form is
required for each year of requested support. In addition, a cumulative
budget is required detailing the requested total support for the
overall project period. The budget form may be reproduced as needed by
applicants. Funds may be requested under any of the categories listed
on the form, provided that the item or service for which support is
requested is allowable under the authorizing legislation, the
applicable statutes, regulations, and Federal cost principles, and
these program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the
successful conduct of the proposed project. Applicants also must
include a budget narrative to justify their budget requests (see
section 11 below.)
(b) Indirect Costs
If available, the current rate negotiated with the cognizant
Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs may not
exceed the negotiated rate. If a negotiated rate is used, the
percentage and base should be indicated in the space allotted under
item L. on the Budget Form. If no rate has been negotiated, a
reasonable dollar amount for indirect costs may be requested, which
will be subject to approval by USDA. In the latter case, if a proposal
is recommended for funding, an indirect cost rate proposal must be
submitted prior to award to support the amount of indirect costs
requested. CSREES will request an indirect cost rate proposal and
provide instructions, as necessary. An applicant may elect not to
charge indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for direct
costs. If indirect costs are not charged, the phrase ``None requested''
should be written in this space.
11. Budget Narrative
All budget categories, with the exception of Indirect Costs, for
which support is requested, must be individually listed (with costs) in
the same order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper
and placed immediately behind the Budget form.
12. Matching
As stated in above, in-kind matching resources are mandatory for
all IPACCP projects. All of the applicant's matching support should be
shown on the original budget in the appropriate categories (salary,
materials and supplies, equipment, etc.) A budget narrative for these
items must also be included. Proposals should include written
verification of commitments of matching support of in-kind
contributions from third parties.
Written verification means that for any third party in-kind
contributions, a separate pledge agreement for each contribution,
signed by the authorized organizational representatives of the donor
organization and the applicant organization, which must include: (1)
The name, address, and telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of
the applicant organization; (3) the title of the project for which the
donation is made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market
value of the third party in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that
the donor will make the contribution during the grant period.
The sources and amounts of all matching support from outside the
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and
placed in the proposal immediately following the Budget Narrative. All
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following
the summary of matching support. The value of applicant contributions
to the project shall be established in accordance with applicable cost
principles.
13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item
8.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s)
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar
applications to possible sponsors will not prejudice application review
or evaluation by CSREES. However, an application that duplicates or
overlaps substantially with an application already reviewed and funded
(or to be funded) by another organization or agency will not be funded
under this program. Please note that the project being proposed should
be included in the pending section of the form.
14. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project,
applications involving any of the following elements must comply with
the additional requirements as applicable.
15. Certifications
Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing
the certifications required by 7 CFR part 3017, regarding Debarment and
Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR part 3018, regarding
Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the application
package for informational purposes only. These forms should not be
submitted with the application since by signing Form CSREES-2002 your
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower
Tier Covered Transactions, to the grantee organization for retention in
their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
[[Page 57369]]
16. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form
CSREES-2006)
As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service regulations implementing NEPA), the
environmental data for any proposed project is to be provided to CSREES
so that CSREES may determine whether any further action is needed. In
some cases, however, the preparation of environmental data may not be
required. Certain categories of actions are excluded from the
requirements of NEPA.
In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary;
therefore, Form CSREES-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included
in the application indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion
that the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons
therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion(s) must
be identified.
Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions,
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.
C. Submission of Applications
1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
Applications must be received by COB on September 20, 2002 (5 p.m.
Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will not be
considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
An original and four copies (a total of five copies) of the
application must be submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications
via overnight mail, U.S. Postal Service express mail or delivery
service to ensure timely receipt by the USDA. The address for hand-
delivered applications or applications submitted using express mail (U.
S. Postal Service) or overnight courier service is:
Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems, c/o
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1420,
Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address:
Innovative Programs for Addressing Common Community Problems, c/o
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 2245, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.
D. Acknowledgment of Applications
The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail.
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the
applicant's e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge
receipt of the application by letter.
If the applicant does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days
of the submission deadline, please contact the program director. Once
the application has been assigned an application number, please cite
that number on all future correspondence.
Part IV--Review Process
A. General
Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened to ensure that it meets the
administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second,
applications that meet these requirements will be technically evaluated
by CSREES staff.
Since the award process must be completed by September 30, 2002,
applicants should submit fully developed applications that meet all the
requirements set forth in this RFA and have fully developed budgets as
well. However, USDA does retain the right to conduct discussions with
applicants to resolve technical and/or budget issues as it deems
necessary.
At least three members of the CSREES staff will conduct the merit
review based on the evaluation criteria. Evaluated applications will be
ranked based on merit. Final approval for the application recommended
for an award will be made by the Administrator.
B. Evaluation Factors
The evaluation of Innovative Programs for Addressing Common
Community Problems applications by CSREES reviewers will be based on
the following criteria, weighted relative to each other, and assigned a
point value, as noted in the parentheses following each criteria
discussion:
1. How common community problems upon which information will be
gathered will be identified. The applicant should describe its process
for identifying community problems related to hunger and poverty, along
with proposed solutions for such problems, and how the applicant will
determine which problems and solutions will be included in the
clearinghouse database (20 points);
2. How the applicant will identify and collect information from
targeted entities (20 points);
3. The appropriateness of methods to deliver IPACCP information to
targeted entities. The applicant should describe the full range of
activities that will deliver information to targeted entities and how
it will determine which method is most appropriate for which targeted
entity (20 points);
4. How the applicant will organize and operate a national
information clearinghouse on IPACCP issues (20 points); and
5. Organizational experience in researching and disseminating
information on IPACCP issues (20 points).
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
During the evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact
review or evaluation. Evaluations will be confidential to USDA staff
members, expert reviewers, and the project director(s), to the extent
permitted by law.
Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as
application content and peer and staff evaluations, will be kept
confidential, except to those involved in the review process, to the
extent permitted by law. In addition, the identities of reviewers will
remain confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore,
the names of the reviewers will not be released to applicants.
Part V--Award Administration
A. General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grant to the
[[Page 57370]]
applicant whose application is judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose,
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project
need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within
the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are
granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, the
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable
Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations
(parts 3015 and 3019 of 7 CFR).
B. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA,
if such information has not been provided previously under this or
another CSREES program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended
for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the pre-award
process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as
one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant
from receiving Federal financial and non-financial assistance and
benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an
individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not
responsible based on submitted organizational management information).
C. Award Document and Notice of Award
The grant award document will provide pertinent instructions and
information, including at a minimum, the following:
(1) Legal name and address of performing organization or
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the
terms of this request for applications;
(2) Title of project;
(3) Name(s) and institution(s) of PD's chosen to direct and control
approved activities;
(4) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
(5) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring re-competition for
funds;
(6) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by
the Administrator during the project period;
(7) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
(8) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
(9) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular grant.
Part VI--Additional Information
A. Access To Review Information
Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a
summary of the expert reviewers' comments will be sent to the applicant
PD after the review process has been completed.
B. Use of Funds; Changes
1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
Unless the terms and conditions of the grant state otherwise, the
grantee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or
expenditure of IPACCP funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
a. The permissible changes by the grantee, PD(s), or other key
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes
in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to
expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the grantee or
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of
the award document, not the program contact.
b. Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
c. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.
d. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers,
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the grant.
e. Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended by
CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of
the grant.
f. Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or grant
award.
C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
Upon the award of a grant, applicants will be requested to finalize
goals and objectives against which progress will be measured on an
annual basis. Grantees must submit an annual report narrative and
budget summary detailing activities and expenditures on the project. A
format for these reports will be provided on an annual basis by CSREES.
D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under
this program. These include, but are not limited to:
7 CFR part 1, Subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.
7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.
7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122)
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-224),
as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of
Departmental financial assistance.
[[Page 57371]]
7 CFR part 3016--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal grants, cooperative
agreements, and loans.
7 CFR part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
Organizations.
7 CFR part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
7 CFR part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR
part 15b (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR
part 401).
E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
When an application results in a grant, it becomes a part of the
record of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential,
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the
application. The original copy of an application that does not result
in a grant will be retained by the Agency for a period of one year.
Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will be released
only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by
law. An application may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final
action thereon.
F. Regulatory Information
For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR
part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.
G. Definitions
For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are
applicable:
(1) Administrator means the Administrator of CSREES and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.
(2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
(3) Authorized organizational representative means the president,
director, or chief executive officer or other designated official of
the applicant organization who has the authority to commit the
resources of the organization.
(4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months)
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting
purposes.
(5) Common Community Problems means problems or issues that are or
contribute to the underlying causes of hunger and poverty, including
the loss of farms and ranches, rural poverty, welfare dependency, the
need for job training, and the need for self-sufficiency by individuals
and communities.
(6) Community Food Project is a community-based project that
requires a one-time infusion of Federal assistance to become self-
sustaining and is designed to increase food security in a community by:
(i) meeting the food needs of low-income people; (ii) increasing the
self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs; and
(iii) promoting comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and
nutrition issues.
(7) Department or USDA means the United States Department of
Agriculture.
(8) Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible
entity to assist in meeting the costs of conducting, for the benefit of
the public, an identified project.
(9) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
(10) Innovative Programs to Address Common Community Problems means
activities outlined in section 25 (h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as
amended.
(11) Matching means that portion of project costs not borne by the
Federal Government, including the value of in-kind contributions.
(12) Non-governmental organization means in a literal sense any
organization that is independent from government. NGOs are typically
value-based organizations. Although the NGO sector has become
increasingly professionalized over the last two decades, principles of
altruism and voluntarism remain key defining characteristics.
(13) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent
by an authorized departmental officer.
(14) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the
program supported by a grant award.
(15) Project director (PD) means the single individual designated
by the grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary
who is responsible for the direction and management of the project.
(16) Project period means the period, as stated in the award
document, during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
(17) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other
officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture to whom the
authority involved is delegated.
(18) Targeted entities means Federal agencies, States, political
subdivisions, and non-governmental organizations.
(19) Third party in-kind contributions means non-cash contributions
of property or services including real property, equipment, supplies
and other expendable property, provided by non-Federal third parties
and directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project.
Done at Washington, DC, this 4th day of September 2002.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-23026 Filed 9-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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