Notice2021-12335
Inviting Applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service
Abstract
This notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2021 applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program. The program funding level for FY 2021 is a total of $10 million. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to support job accelerator partnerships that improve the ability of distressed rural and energy communities to create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and maximize local assets.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32016-32023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12335]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #RBS-21-Business-0012]
Inviting Applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy
(RISE) Grant Program
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2021 applications for
the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program. The program
funding level for FY 2021 is a total of $10 million. The purpose of
this program is to provide financial assistance to support job
accelerator partnerships that improve the ability of distressed rural
and energy communities to create high wage jobs, accelerate the
formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and
maximize local assets.
DATES: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, August 2, 2021, through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>,
to be eligible for grant funding. Please review the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website
at <a href="http://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp">http://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp</a> for
instructions on the process of registering your organization as soon as
possible to ensure that you are able to meet the electronic application
deadline. Late applications are not eligible for funding under this
notice and will not be evaluated.
ADDRESSES: You are encouraged to contact your USDA Rural Development
State Office well in advance of the application deadline to discuss
your project and ask any questions about the RISE program or
application process. Contact information for State Offices can be found
at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>.
Program guidance as well as an application template may be obtained
at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/RISEgrant-program">http://www.rd.usda.gov/RISEgrant-program</a>. To submit an electronic
application, follow the instructions for the RISE funding announcement
located at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Dodson, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop-3226, Room 5160-South, Washington,
DC 20250-3226, (202) 720-1400 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4c3ddd8d89ad0dbd0c7dbdaf4c1c7d0d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a1d6c8cdcd8fc5cec5d2cecfe1d4d2c5c08fc6ced7">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Preface
As outlined in the Initial Report to the President on Empowering
Workers Through Revitalizing Energy Communities, available at <a href="https://netl.doe.gov/IWGInitialReport">https://netl.doe.gov/IWGInitialReport</a>, the Agency encourages energy communities
to utilize the RISE program to support workforce development; identify
and maximize local assets; spur job creation; and connect to regional
opportunities, networks, and industry clusters.
To focus investments to areas for the largest opportunity for
growth in prosperity, the Agency encourages applications that serve the
smallest communities with the lowest incomes, with an emphasis on areas
where at least 20 percent of the population is living in poverty,
according to the American Community Survey data by census tracts.
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant
Program.
Announcement Type: Initial Notice.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.755
Date: Application Deadline. Electronic applications must be
received and accepted by <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> no later than 11:59 p.m.
Eastern time, August 2, 2021, or it will not be considered for funding.
The Application Template provides specific, detailed instructions
for each item of a complete application. The Agency emphasizes the
importance of including every item and strongly encourages applicants
to follow the instructions carefully, using the examples and
illustrations in the Application Template. Prior to official submission
of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made
prior to July 16, 2021. Agency contact information can be found in
Section D of this document.
Hemp related projects: Please note that no assistance or funding
from this grant can be provided to a hemp producer unless they have a
valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as
defined by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018,
[[Page 32017]]
Public Law 115-334. Verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at
the time of award.
The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification
on materials contained in the submitted application. See the
Application Template for a full discussion of each item. For
requirements of completed grant applications, refer to Section D of
this document.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35), USDA requested that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) conduct an emergency review of a new information collection that
contains the Information Collection and Recordkeeping requirements
contained in this notice by May 28, 2021. In addition to the emergency
clearance, the regular clearance process is initiated in the regulation
publication (RIN 0570-AB06), which published in the issue June 15, 2021
issue of the Federal Register, to provide the public with the
opportunity to comment under a full comment period. The information
collection requirement contained in this notice is under the OMB
Control Number 0570-0075.
A. Program Description
The RISE program is a new grant program authorized under section
6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) (2018
Farm Bill) to help struggling communities by funding job accelerators
in low-income rural communities. You are required to comply with the
regulations for this program published at 7 CFR part 4284, subpart L,
which is adopted by reference in this notice. Therefore, you should
become familiar with these regulations. The primary objective of the
RISE program is to support jobs accelerator partnerships to improve the
ability of distressed rural and energy communities to create high wage
jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural
communities identify and maximize local assets. Grants are awarded on a
competitive basis. The minimum award per grant is $500,000 and the
maximum award amount per grant is $2,000,000. Grant funds may be used
to pay for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs. Grant funds may
be used to pay for costs directly related to the purchase or
construction of an innovation center located in a rural area; costs
directly related to operations of an innovation center including
purchase of equipment, office supplies, and administrative costs
including salaries directly related to the project; costs directly
associated with support programs to be carried out at or in direct
partnership with job accelerators; reasonable and customary travel
expenses directly related to job accelerators and at rates in
compliance with 2 CFR 200.474; utilities, operating expenses of the
innovation center and job accelerator programs and associated programs;
and administrative costs of the grantee not exceeding 10% of the grant
amount for the duration of the project.
Definitions
The terms you need to understand are defined and published at 7 CFR
4284.1103. In addition, the terms ``rural'' and ``rural area,'' defined
at section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)), are adopted by reference, and will be used
for this program. The term ``you'' referenced throughout this notice
should be understood to mean ``you'' the applicant.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Award: Competitive Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2020 and FY 2021.
Total Funding: $10,000,000.
Minimum Award: $500,000.
Maximum Award: $2,000,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2021.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements.
Applications which fail to meet any of these requirements by the
application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be
evaluated further.
(1) Applicant Eligibility
To be considered an eligible applicant, you must be a rural jobs
accelerator partnership formed on or after December 20, 2018, and meet
the eligibility criteria found in 7 CFR 4282.1112 to apply for this
program. The rural jobs accelerator partnership must include one or
more representatives of the following:
(a) A state, Tribal or local government;
(b) A state, Tribal, or local government entity;
(c) A land-grant college or university or other institution of
higher education, as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001);
(d) A rural non-profit cooperative; or,
(e) A private entity, which may include a business in an industry
cluster, economic development or community development organization,
financial institution including a community development financial
institution, philanthropic organization, or labor organization.
(2) Lead Applicant Eligibility
The rural jobs accelerator partnership must also have a lead
applicant who is responsible for the administration of the grant
proceeds and activities. A lead applicant must be one of the following
entities:
(a) A district organization;
(b) An Indian Tribe, or a political subdivision of an Indian Tribe,
including a special purpose unit of an Indian Tribe, or a consortium of
Indian Tribes;
(c) A state or a political subdivision of a state, including a
special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic
development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
(d) An institution of higher education (as defined in section 101
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001) or a consortium of
institutions of higher education;
(e) A public or private nonprofit organization.
(3) Additional Eligibility Requirements
You must also meet the following requirements:
(a) An applicant is not eligible if they have been debarred or
suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in
Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, ``Debarment
and Suspension.'' The Agency will check the System for Award Management
(SAM) at the time of application and prior to funding any grant award
to determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended. In
addition, an applicant will be considered ineligible for a grant due to
an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other
than U.S. Tax Court), is delinquent on the payment of Federal income
taxes, or is delinquent on Federal debt. See 7 CFR 4284.6. The
applicant must certify as part of the application that they do not have
an outstanding judgment against them. The Agency will check the Do Not
Pay System at the time of application and also prior to funding any
grant award to verify this information.
(b) Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal
violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or that has
any unpaid
[[Page 32018]]
Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial
and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and
that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with
the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, is not
eligible for financial assistance, unless a Federal agency has
considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the
interests of the Government.
(c) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application
includes any funding restrictions identified under Section D.6(a) and
(b) of this notice. Inclusion of funding restrictions outlined in
Section D.6(a) and (b) of this notice preclude the Agency from making a
federal award.
(d) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application is
not complete in accordance with the requirements stated in Section C.3.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Your matching funds requirement is 20 percent of the total eligible
project costs of any activity carried out using RISE grant funds.
Additional information on matching funds is found at 7 CFR 4284.1114.
When you calculate your matching funds requirement, please round up or
down to whole dollars as appropriate. To calculate your matching funds
requirement, multiply your total eligible project costs of each
eligible activity by 0.20.
You must provide a written commitment of matching funds to verify
that all matching funds are available during the grant period and
provide this documentation with your application in accordance with
requirements identified in Section D.2.(d)(5)(xii)(A) of this notice.
If you are awarded a grant, additional verification documentation may
be required to confirm the availability of matching funds for the
duration of the grant term.
Matching funds must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) They must be spent on eligible expenses during the grant
period.
(b) They must be from eligible sources.
(c) They must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant
funds being spent.
(d) They must be provided by either the applicant or a third party
in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution.
(e) They cannot include other Federal grants unless provided by
authorizing legislation.
(f) They cannot include cash or in-kind contributions donated
outside of the grant period.
(g) They cannot include over-valued, in-kind contributions.
(h) They cannot include any project costs that are ineligible under
the RISE program.
(i) They cannot include any project costs that are restricted or
unallowable under 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, and the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or successor regulation.
(j) They can include reasonable and customary travel expenses for
staff delivering the RISE program if you have established written
policies explaining how these costs are normally reimbursed, including
rates. You must include an explanation of this policy in your
application or the contributions will not be considered as eligible
matching funds.
(k) You must be able to document and verify the number of hours
worked and the value associated with any in-kind contribution being
used to meet a matching funds requirement.
(l) In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or
cooperatives which are being assisted by you cannot be provided for the
direct benefit of their own projects as the Agency considers this to be
a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
(a) Completeness
Your application will not be considered for funding if it fails to
meet all eligibility criteria by the application deadline or if it does
not provide sufficient information to determine eligibility and
scoring. You must include all the forms and proposal elements as
discussed in the regulation and as clarified further in this notice in
one package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the
Agency. For more information on what is required for a complete
application, see 7 CFR 4284.1115.
(b) Purpose Eligibility
Your application must propose the establishment of an innovation
center and/or costs directly related to operations of an innovation
center and/or costs directly associated with support of programs to be
carried out at or in direct partnership with job accelerators as
outlined in 7 CFR 4284.1113. The applicant project outcome must
accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential,
improve the ability of rural businesses and distressed rural
communities to create high-wage jobs, and strengthen rural regional
economies. You must use project funds, including grant and matching
funds, for eligible purposes only as outlined in 7 CFR 4284.114.
(c) Project Eligibility
All project activities must be for the benefit of communities,
industries and residents located in a rural area, as defined in 7 CFR
4284.1103. The applicant is cautioned against taking any actions or
incurring any obligations prior to the Agency completing the
environmental review that would either limit the range of alternatives
to be considered or that would have an adverse effect on the
environment, such as the initiation of construction. If the applicant
takes any such actions or incurs any such obligations, it could result
in project ineligibility.
Projects involving the construction of an innovation center as an
eligible purpose are subject to the environmental requirements of 7 CFR
part 1970, local building codes and all Federal, State, and local
accessibility standards.
(d) Multiple Application Eligibility
Only one application can be submitted per applicant, who is defined
as a lead applicant as found in 7 CFR 4282.1112(b). If two applications
are submitted by the same lead applicant, both applications will be
determined ineligible for funding.
(e) Grant Period
Your application must include no more than a four-year grant
period, or it will not be considered for funding. The grant period
should begin no earlier than October 1, 2021, and no later than January
1, 2022. Applications that request funds for a project with a
performance period ending after January 1, 2026, will not be considered
for funding. Projects must be completed within a four-year timeframe.
Prior approval is needed from the Agency if you are awarded a grant and
desire the grant period to begin earlier or later than previously
discussed or approved.
The Agency may approve requests to extend the grant period for up
to an additional two-year period at its discretion. Further guidance on
grant period extensions will be provided in the award document.
(f) Satisfactory Progress
The lead applicant must be performing satisfactorily on any
outstanding RISE award to be considered eligible for a new award as
found in 7 CFR 4282.1110(a). Satisfactory performance includes being
[[Page 32019]]
up to date on all financial and performance reports as prescribed in
the grant award, and current on tasks and timeframes for utilizing
grant and matching funds as approved in the work plan and budget.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
For further information and program materials, you should contact
the Rural Development National Office at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants</a>. materials
may also be obtained at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov">http://www.rd.usda.gov</a>.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications will be accepted electronically through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
You are encouraged, but not required to utilize the application
template found at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants</a>.
(a) Electronic Submission
An optional-use Agency application template is available online at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov">http://www.rd.usda.gov</a>. To apply electronically, you must use the
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website at http://www.<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. You may not apply
electronically in any way other than through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
You can locate the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> downloadable application package for
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program.
When you enter the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website, you will find information
about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of
operation.
To use <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, you must already have a DUNS number and you must
also be registered and maintain registration in SAM. We strongly
recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to
begin the application process through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
You must submit all your application documents electronically
through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applications must include electronic signatures.
Original signatures may be required if funds are awarded.
After electronically applying through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, you will receive
an automatic acknowledgement from <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> that contains a <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>
tracking number.
(b) Supplemental Information
Your application must contain all the required forms and proposal
elements described in 7 CFR 4284.1115 and as otherwise clarified in
this notice. If your application is incomplete, it is ineligible to
compete for funds. Applications lacking sufficient information to
determine eligibility and scoring criteria will be considered
ineligible. Information submitted after the application deadline will
not be accepted.
(c) Clarifications on Forms
Your DUNS number should be identified in the ``Organizational
DUNS'' field on Standard Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance.'' You must also provide your SAM Commercial and Government
Entity (CAGE) Code and expiration date under the applicant eligibility
discussion in your proposal narrative. If you do not include the CAGE
code and expiration date and the DUNS number in your application, it
will not be considered for funding.
You can voluntarily fill out and submit the ``Survey on Ensuring
Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' as part of your application if you
are a nonprofit organization.
(d) Clarifications on Proposal Elements
Applicants may only submit one RISE grant application each Federal
Fiscal Year. There are no specific limitations on the number of pages
or other formatting requirements of an application, but a complete
application should be in a narrative form using a minimum of 11-point
font and must consist of the following components:
(1) Rural jobs accelerator partnership information including the
members and structure of the partnership, the date formalized, and the
governance or leadership board. The information will identify the lead
applicant and each partner's ties to the region, their roles in the
delivery of the RISE program, and any history of previous collaboration
between partners. The amount and source of anticipated matching funds
will also be provided.
(2) Describe the geographic region to be served including the total
population, economic characteristics of the region such as unemployment
rates and income levels. Industry sectors, their status, size and
economic contribution to the region and all communities including
metropolitan statistical areas and nonmetro low income communities
within the region should be identified. The availability and planned
enhancements of broadband service and other assets of the region should
also be identified. If the region to be served has a population of more
than 50,000 inhabitants, the applicant must document why they believe
the area is ``rural in character'' including, but not limited to, the
area's population density, demographics, and topography and how the
local economy is tied to a rural economic base.
(3) Identify the industry cluster(s) that will be prioritized by
the rural jobs accelerator partnership with information on the firms
and support industries in those clusters. Describe the status of the
industry (as emerging, existing, or declining) any existing
interconnection and networks within the industry cluster and describe
participation and scale of small and disadvantaged businesses within
the industry cluster. Describe the opportunities or potential of
industry growth in the region and competitive advantages of the region
and industry cluster should be highlighted along with opportunities
within the industry for the creation of or upgrading to high wage jobs.
(4) An executive summary, project plan and scope of work must be
provided with the applicant's strategy, activities, budget, goals and
objectives for the use of RISE funds. The applicant should also provide
information on the sustainability of the partnership and jobs
accelerator at the conclusion of the RISE grant period.
(5) The lead applicant must be registered in the System for Award
Management (SAM) and submit a complete application consisting of the
elements specified in (b)(5)(i) through (b)(5)(xiii), as applicable, of
this section.
(i) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
(ii) Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs,'' if applicable.
(iii) Form SF-424C, ``Budget Information--Construction Programs,''
if applicable.
(iv) Form SF-424D, ``Assurances--Construction Programs,'' if
applicable.
(v) RD Form 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement,'' for
construction projects only.
(vi) Identify the ethnicity, race, and gender characteristics of
the lead applicant's leadership. This information is optional and is
not a required component for a complete application.
(vii) Certification that the lead applicant is a legal entity in
good standing (as applicable) and operating in accordance with the laws
of the state(s) or Tribe where the applicant exists.
[[Page 32020]]
(viii) The lead applicant must identify whether or not the lead
applicant has a known relationship or association with an Agency
employee. If there is a known relationship, the lead applicant must
identify each Agency employee with whom the lead applicant has a known
relationship.
(ix) Readiness Demonstration, which shall be comprised of the
following items:
(A) Description of readiness of all partners of the rural jobs
accelerator partnership to contribute to the project including their
ability to coordinate activities, finances, and outcomes of the
project.
(B) Evidence of a formal agreement among partners of the rural jobs
accelerator partnership for delivery of the RISE program.
(C) Evidence of demonstrated readiness in administering the RISE
grant, if awarded, including demonstration of potential success in
establishment of a jobs accelerator project, which targets an industry
cluster and the initiatives of the RISE grant. The application should
indicate when activities related to the expected outcomes will
commence.
(D) Description of how the project will be marketed in the region
and how the rural jobs accelerator partnership will capture any program
impacts and success stories.
(E) Timeline describing the proposed tasks to be accomplished and
the schedule for implementation of each task.
(x) Provide documentation of how the RISE project will impact the
initiatives below, as applicable, including a brief description of how
and when the initiative will be delivered.
(A) Linking rural communities and entrepreneurs to markets,
networks, industry clusters, and other regional opportunities to
support high wage job creation, new business formation, business
expansion, and economic growth;
(B) Integrating small businesses into a supply chain;
(C) Creating or expanding commercialization activities for new
business formation;
(D) Identifying and building assets in rural communities that are
crucial to supporting regional economies;
(E) Facilitating the repatriation of high wage jobs to the United
States;
(F) Supporting the deployment of innovative processes,
technologies, and products;
(G) Enhancing the capacity of small businesses in regional industry
clusters, including small and disadvantaged businesses;
(H) Increasing United States exports and business interaction with
international buyers and suppliers;
(I) Developing the skills and expertise of local workforces,
entrepreneurs, and institutional partners to meet the needs of
employers and prepare workers for high wage jobs in the identified
industry clusters, including the upskilling of incumbent workers; and
(J) Ensuring rural communities have the capacity and ability to
carry out projects related to housing, community facilities,
infrastructure, or community and economic development to support
regional industry cluster growth.
(xi) Potential to produce high wage jobs and benefit rural small
and disadvantaged businesses, including a description of the following:
(A) Describe how the project will develop the skills and expertise
of the local workforce, entrepreneurs and institutional partners to
meet the needs of employers and prepare high wage jobs in the targeted
industry cluster(s), which may also include the upskilling of incumbent
worker.
(B) Demonstrate how the project will benefit the skills and
expertise of small and disadvantaged businesses, as applicable.
(C) Demonstrate any participation of higher education, applied
research institutions, workforce development entities and community-
based organizations, that are willing to partner with the project to
provide workers with skills relevant to the industry cluster needs of
the region, with an emphasis on the use of on-the-job training,
classroom occupational training or incumbent worker training, as
applicable.
(D) Demonstrate any participating investment organizations, venture
development organizations, venture capital firms, revolving loan
funders, angel investment groups, community lenders, community
development financial institutions, rural business investment
companies, small business companies (as defined in Section 103 of the
Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662)), philanthropic
organizations, and other institutions focused on expanding access to
capital, are committed partners in the job accelerator partnership and
willing to potentially invest in projects emerging from the jobs
accelerator.
(xii) Describe the targeted region, including the following
information:
(A) Provide the latest Census Bureau information on the targeted
region's median household income.
(B) Provide the latest Census Bureau information on the targeted
region's educational attainment, specifically the percentage of the
population who hold a bachelor's degree.
(C) Discuss how any direct career training will be provided to
existing residents of the region (existing residents being those that
live in the region at the time of application submission).
(D) Discuss any local support for the RISE project.
(E) Discuss the entrepreneurial commitment to the RISE project.
(F) Discuss any innovative processes and technologies to be
utilized in the targeted industry cluster(s) of the RISE project.
(G) Discuss the initial and continuing capital investment in the
RISE project.
(H) Discuss any demand for regional and global markets of the
product and/or service provided by the targeted industry cluster.
(I) Discuss if the region consists of any areas or communities that
qualify for federal initiatives.
(J) Elaborate on the current broadband service within the region
and any plans to leverage the current broadband service or enhance
broadband service in the region through the RISE project.
(xiii) Financial information, including the following:
(A) Identification of matching funds and other sources of funds for
the project. Provide written commitments for matching funds and other
sources of funds at the time the application is submitted.
(B) Current financial statements and a narrative description
demonstrating financial feasibility and sustainability of the project,
all of which demonstrate sufficient resources and expertise to
undertake and complete the project and how the project will be
sustained following completion.
(e) Upon receipt of a complete application, the Agency will
determine if the applicant and project are eligible and whether the
intended outcomes described meet the requirements of the RISE program.
If the application is ineligible or not feasible, the Agency will
inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the Agency's
determination and no further evaluation of the application will occur.
3. Submission Date and Time
Explanation of Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted
electronically by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, August 2,
2021, through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, to be eligible for grant funding. Please
review the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website at <a href="http://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp">http://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp</a> for instructions on the process of
registering your organization as soon as
[[Page 32021]]
possible to ensure that you can meet the electronic application
deadline. <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> will not accept applications submitted after the
deadline.
4. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,'' does not apply to this program.
5. Funding Restrictions
(a) Project funds, including grant and matching funds, cannot be
used for ineligible grant purposes (see 7 CFR 4284.1114(d)), 2 CFR part
200, subpart E, ``Cost Principles,'' and the most current Federal
Acquisition Regulation (for-profits) or successor regulations.
(b) In addition, your application will not be considered for
funding if it:
(i) Focuses assistance on only one business; or
(ii) Requests less than the minimum grant amount or more than the
maximum grant amount.
6. Other Submission Requirements
(a) You should not submit your application in more than one format
or in more than one submission. You must submit your application
electronically. Note that we cannot accept applications through mail or
courier delivery, in-person delivery, email, or fax. To submit an
application electronically, you must follow the instruction for this
funding announcement at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>. A password is not
required to access the website.
(b) National Environmental Policy Act
All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of
7 CFR part 1970. However, technical assistance awards under this notice
are classified as a Categorical Exclusion according to 7 CFR
1970.53(b), and usually do not require any additional documentation.
The Agency will review each grant application to determine its
compliance with 7 CFR part 1970. The applicant may be asked to provide
additional information or documentation to assist the Agency with this
determination.
(c) Civil Rights Compliance Requirements
All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15,
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
E. Application Review Information
The National Office will review applications to determine if they
are eligible for assistance based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284,
subpart L, this notice, and other applicable Federal regulations. If
determined eligible, your application will be scored by a panel of USDA
employees in accordance with the point allocation specified in this
notice. Applications will be funded in rank order until the funding
limitation has been reached. Applications that cannot be fully funded
may be offered partial funding at the Agency's discretion.
1. Scoring Criteria
Scoring criteria will follow criteria published at 7 CFR 4284.1117.
The regulatory and statutory criteria are clarified and supplemented
below.
The Agency will score each complete and eligible RISE application
using the criteria specified in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this
section with a maximum score of 100 points possible. Points will be
allowed only for factors indicated by well documented, reasonable plans
which, in the opinion of the Agency, provide assurance that the items
have a high probability of being accomplished. Points will be awarded
at the discretion of the Agency to scoring criteria with a minimum and
maximum number of points available. Applicants that demonstrate the
experience or ability to deliver the stated criteria will be awarded
higher points in that criteria.
(a) Demonstrated readiness. The rural jobs accelerator partnership
demonstrates readiness in administering the RISE grant successfully and
shows strong documentation indicating the potential for success in
establishing a jobs accelerator project which targets an industry
cluster and the initiative(s) of the RISE grant program. Points are
awarded on a scale of 0 to 10 with a maximum of 10 points being
awarded.
(b) Targeted initiatives. A maximum of 15 points will be awarded
for this criterion based on meeting the targeted initiatives as stated
in Sec. 4284.1115(b)(2)(xi) of this part with action narratives
outlined in the application on how and when the initiatives will be
delivered. More points will be awarded for reasonable initiatives that
can be delivered within 12 months of the grant award and for those
projects leveraging improvements in high-speed broadband service to the
region.
(c) Project support. Points will be awarded for the strength of
local support of the RISE project and entrepreneurial commitment. A
maximum of 15 points can be awarded for application materials that
indicate the strength of support for the RISE project. Points will be
awarded from the partnership's demonstration of its sources of funding,
personnel and technical resources committed to the project, and a focus
on the inclusion of institutional partners expanding access to capital
and willingness to potentially invest in projects emerging from the
jobs accelerator. Points shall also be awarded for demonstrated
resources that will sustain the project beyond the term of the RISE
grant period.
(d) Targeted region. A maximum of 20 points will be awarded for
this criterion based on the region's demographics according to the
latest Census Bureau information. The applicant must provide adequate
documentation to the latest Census Bureau information to receive
points.
(1) If the targeted region has a median household income of:
(i) 50% or less of state median household income; 5 points will be
awarded;
(ii) Over 50% and up to 80% of state median household income; 3
points will be awarded.
(2) If the targeted region residents have the educational
attainment of a bachelor's degree by:
(i) 10% or less of the population; 5 points will be awarded;
(ii) Over 10% and up to 30% of the population; 3 points will be
awarded.
(3) Existing residents of the targeted region will receive direct
career training for new employment or upscaling to a high wage job; 5
points will be awarded.
(4) If the identified region has fewer than 50,000 residents
according to the most recent decennial census; 5 points will be
awarded.
(e) RISE grant funds requested. A maximum of 10 points will be
awarded for this criterion if:
(i) The RISE grant request is for $500,000 to $750,000; 10 points
will be awarded.
(ii) The RISE grant request is for over $750,000 and up to
$1,000,000; 5 points will be awarded.
(f) Regional impact. Points are awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 points
for each category, with a total maximum of 20 points being awarded for
this criterion. To receive points, the applicant must provide
documentation to warrant strength on the following criteria, with
points awarded for each:
(i) Targeted industry(ies) in the region is classified as an
emerging industry.
(ii) Applicant demonstrates that the targeted industry(ies) in the
region hold a competitive advantage or will enhance its competitive
advantage through the RISE project.
(iii) Applicant demonstrates that the industry provides significant
support of regional assets, including broadband, and provides community
and economic development support within the region.
[[Page 32022]]
(iv) The RISE project's forecasted outcomes align with RISE
objectives.
(v) The RISE project will target support to existing industry(ies),
whose significance in the region may be stagnant or on the decline but
can be enhanced through outcomes of the RISE project.
(g) Administrator points. A maximum of 10 points will be awarded,
with justification, at the discretion of the Agency Administrator. The
Administrator may award points to an application by a region comprised
primarily of distressed communities with high concentrations of
employment in coal, oil and gas industries, and coal-fired generation
facilities transitioning away from fossil fueled energy production. A
list of qualifying communities, which includes both county and zip
code, can be found at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-grants</a>. The Administrator may also award
points to an application to achieve geographic distribution of RISE
grant awards across the maximum number of States and diversity of
industries targeted.
2. Review and Selection Process
The National Office will review applications to determine if they
are eligible for assistance based on requirements in 7 CFR part 4284,
subpart L, this notice, and other applicable Federal regulations. If
determined eligible, your application will be scored by a panel of USDA
employees in accordance with the point allocation specified in this
notice. The Administrator may choose to award up to 10 Administrator
priority points based on criterion (g) in section E.1. of this notice.
These points will be added to the cumulative score for a total possible
score of 100. Applications will be funded in highest ranking order
until the available funding is exhausted. Applications that cannot be
fully funded may be offered partial funding at the Agency's discretion.
If your application is evaluated, but not funded, it will not be
carried forward into the next competition. Successful applicants must
comply with requirements identified in Section F, Federal Award
Administration Information.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices
If you are selected for funding, you will receive a signed notice
of Federal award by postal or electronic mail from the State Office
where your application was submitted, containing instructions and
requirements necessary to proceed with execution and performance of the
award. You must comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and
notice requirements before the grant award will be funded.
If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in
writing via postal or electronic mail and informed of any review and
appeal rights. See 7 CFR part 11 for USDA National Appeals Division
procedures. There will be no available funds for successful appellants
once all funds available under this notice are awarded and obligated.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart L; the Grants and
Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2
CFR parts 180, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170; and 48
CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to these parts.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282)
reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt
under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for awards within this program:
(a) Execution of an Agency-approved financial assistance agreement;
and
(b) Acceptance of a written letter of conditions; and submission of
the following Agency forms:
(1) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(2) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(3) Form RD 400-1 for construction projects.
3. Reporting
After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be
required to provide an SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a
performance report on a semiannual basis (due 30 working days after the
end of the semiannual period) for the first two years, and then
annually thereafter, with the first report submitted no later than six
months after receiving a grant under this section The project
performance reports shall include the following:
(a) All activities funded with the grant funds.
(b) Evaluation of progress towards strategic initiatives identified
in the application for the grant. Discuss any issues which may have
occurred.
(c) Measurement of progress using performance measures during the
project period, which may include the following:
(1) High wage jobs created;
(2) High wage jobs retained;
(3) Private investment leveraged;
(4) Businesses improved;
(5) Businesses retained;
(6) New business formations;
(7) New products, prototypes and/or services commercialized;
(8) Improvement of the value of existing products or services under
development;
(9) Regional collaboration as measured by the number of
organizations actively engaged in the industry cluster and/or the
number of symposia held by the industry cluster, including
organizations that are not located in the immediate region defined by
the partnership and/or the number of further cooperative agreements;
(10) Number of educations and training activities relating to the
innovation;
(11) Number of innovative products, services and/or prototypes
launched;
(12) Number of jobs relocated from outside of the United States to
the region;
(13) Amount and number of new equity investments in industry
cluster firms;
(14) Amount and number of new loans to industry cluster firms;
(15) Dollar increase in exports resulting from the project
activities;
(16) Percentage of employees for which training was provided;
(17) Improvement in sales of participating businesses;
(18) Improvement in wages paid at participating businesses;
(19) Improvement in income of participating workers;
(20) Any measure determined appropriate by the Agency; and
(21) Broadband development in the targeted region.
(d) Initiatives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
(e) Any additional information as found in the annual Federal
Register notice.
G. Agency Contacts
If you have questions about this notice, please consult the RISE
program web page at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/RISE">https://www.rd.usda.gov/RISE</a> where program guidance
as well as application and matching funds templates may be obtained. If
you want
[[Page 32023]]
to submit an electronic application, follow the instructions for the
RISE funding announcement located at <a href="https://www.grants.gov">https://www.grants.gov</a>. You may
also contact National Office Program Management Division: RISE Program
Lead, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5c6d5c2d7c4cbd1d6e5d0d6c1c48bc2cad3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="abc8dbccd9cac5dfd8ebded8cfca85ccc4dd">[email protected]</span></a> or call the main line at 202-720-1400.
H. Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages
other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at <a href="https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint">https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint</a> and
at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in
the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a
copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed
form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410; or
(2) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#733c323033060017125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="db949a989baea8bfbaf5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Mark Brodziski,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12335 Filed 6-14-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.