Notice2021-19491
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit Unions; Funding Opportunity
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
September 9, 2021
Issuing agencies
National Credit Union Administration
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50560-50562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19491]
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NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit
Unions; Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Revolving Loan
Fund (CDRLF) Grants.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 44.002
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is issuing this
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability of
technical assistance grants (awards) for low-income designated credit
unions (LICUs) through the CDRLF. The CDRLF serves as a source of
financial support in the form of loans and technical assistance grants
that better enable LICUs to support the communities in which they
operate. All grant awards made under this NOFO are subject to funds
availability and are at the NCUA's discretion.
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency
H. Grant Terms and Conditions
A. Program Description
The purpose of the CDRLF is to expand access of financial products
and services, and increase diversity, equity, and economic inclusion to
underserved communities. Through the CDRLF, the NCUA provides financial
support in the form of technical assistance grants to LICUs serving
predominantly low-income members to modernize, build capacity and
extend outreach into underserved communities.
The NCUA will consider requests for various funding initiatives.
More detailed information about the purpose of each initiative, amount
of funds available, funding priorities, permissible uses of funds,
funding limits, deadlines and other pertinent details will be defined
in the grant round guidelines. In addition, the NCUA may periodically
publish information regarding the CDRLF in Letters to Credit Unions,
press releases, and/or on the NCUA website.
1. Funding Initiatives
The Minority Depository Institution (MDI) Mentoring initiative will
be available during the fall 2021.
2. Authority and Regulations
i. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1772c-1, 1756, 1757(5)(D), and (7)(I),
1766, 1782, 1784, 1785 and 1786;
ii. Regulations: The regulation governing the CDRLF is found at 12
CFR part 705. In general, this regulation is used by the NCUA to govern
the CDRLF and set forth the program requirements. Additional
regulations related to the low-income designation are found at 12 CFR
parts 701.34 and 741.204. For the purposes of this NOFO, an
``Applicant'' is a Participating Credit Union that submits a complete
application to the NCUA under the CDRLF. The NCUA encourages Applicants
to review the regulations, this NOFO, the grant round guidelines, and
other program materials for a complete understanding of the program.
B. Award Information
Approximately $100,000 in awards will be available through this
NOFO. The NCUA reserves the right to: (i) Award more or less than the
amounts cited above; (ii) fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none
of the applications submitted in response to this NOFO; and (iii)
reallocate funds from the amount that is anticipated to be available
under this NOFO to other programs, particularly if the NCUA determines
that the number of awards made under this NOFO is fewer than projected.
General information about the purpose of each funding initiative and
the maximum award amount is provided below.
1. Purpose of Funding Initiatives
i. MDI Mentoring: The purpose of the MDI Mentoring initiative is to
encourage strong and experienced credit unions to provide guidance to
small MDI credit unions to increase their ability to thrive and serve
low-income and underserved populations. This grant may be used for
eligible expenses associated with facilitating a new mentorship
relationship. Funding approval will be based on the Applicant's ability
to demonstrate a well-developed plan for the mentoring assistance it
would receive from a mentor credit union. Applicants are expected to
meet the objectives of this initiative by establishing a mentorship to
accomplish the following objectives:
a. Credit union growth and expansion, such as growing the
membership or the loan portfolio;
b. Improved management and operations, such as leadership training,
developing new policy and procedure documents, or responding to exam or
audit findings;
c. Increased credit union capabilities, such as introducing a new
program or service or improving credit union systems; and/or
d. Other (Applicants will have opportunity to justify additional
projects).
2. Maximum Award Amount
The maximum amount for a CDRLF award is determined by the type of
funding initiative. There is no minimum amount for CDRLF awards. The
maximum award amount for this initiative is $25,000.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
This NOFO is open to credit unions that meet the eligibility
requirements defined in 12 CFR part 705. A credit union must have a
low-income designation obtained in accordance with 12 CFR 701.34 or
741.204 in order to participate in the CDRLF.
i. Non-Federally Insured Applicants: Each Applicant that is a non-
federally insured, state-chartered credit union must submit additional
application materials. These additional materials are more fully
described in 12 CFR 705.7(b)(3) and in the application.
a. Non-federally insured, state-chartered credit unions must agree
to be examined by the NCUA. The specific terms and covenants pertaining
to this condition will be provided in the award agreement of the
Participating Credit Union.
2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number
The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-
character number used to identify your organization. The federal
government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is
allocated. Registering for a DUNS number is FREE. Applicants can obtain
a DUNS number by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) website or calling
1-866-705-5711. The NCUA will not consider an application that does not
include a valid DUNS number issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). Such an
application will be deemed incomplete and will be declined.
[[Page 50561]]
3. Employer Identification Number
Each application must include a valid and current Employer
Identification Number (EIN) issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). The NCUA will not consider an application that does not include
a valid and current EIN. Such an application will be deemed incomplete
and will be declined. Information on how to obtain an EIN may be found
on the IRS's website.
4. System for Award Management
All Applicants are required by federal law to have an active
registration with the federal government's System for Award Management
(SAM) prior to applying for funding. SAM is a web-based, government-
wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates
business information about the federal government's trading partners in
support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment
processes. An active SAM account status and CAGE number is required to
apply for a CDRLF award. Credit unions that have an existing
registration with SAM must recertify and maintain an active status
annually. The SAM registration and recertification process is FREE.
First-time SAM users can register by following the instructions in the
Quick Start Guide for New Registrations. Existing users can recertify
or renew their SAM account status by following the instructions in the
Quick Start Guide for Renewing Registrations. The NCUA will not
consider an applicant that does not have an active SAM status. Such an
application will be deemed incomplete and will be declined.
5. Other Eligibility Requirements
i. Financial Viability: Applicants must meet the underwriting
standards established by the NCUA, including those pertaining to
financial viability, as set forth in the application and defined in 12
CFR 705.7(c).
ii. Compliance with Past Agreements: In evaluating funding requests
under this NOFO, the NCUA will consider an Applicant's record of
compliance with past agreements. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether to consider an application from an Applicant with a
past record of noncompliance, including any deobligation (i.e., removal
of unused awards) of funds.
a. If an Applicant is in default of a previously executed agreement
with the NCUA, the NCUA will not consider an application for funding
under this NOFO.
b. If an Applicant is a prior Participating Credit Union under the
CDRLF and has unused awards as of the date of application, the NCUA may
request a narrative from the Applicant that addresses the reason for
its record of noncompliance. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether the reason is sufficient to proceed with the review
of the application.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Application
Under this NOFO, all applications must be submitted online in the
NCUA's web-based application system, CyberGrants, in order to be
considered. Applications must be submitted online at <a href="https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications">https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications</a>. The application and related
documents are also located on the NCUA's website at <a href="https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx">https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx</a>.
2. Minimum Application Content
At a minimum, each application requires a narrative response that
describes the Applicant's proposed use of the CDRLF award. The NCUA
reserves the right to waive this requirement for any funding
initiatives with a defined list of allowable project activities. The
NCUA will identify the funding initiatives that do not require a
narrative response in the grant round guidelines. Other application
contents will be defined in the grant round guidelines found on NCUA's
website.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The NCUA will accept applications beginning October 11, 2021, at
9:00 a.m. eastern time (ET). Applications must be submitted by October
29, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late applications will not be considered.
E. Application Review Information
1. Eligibility and Completeness Review
The NCUA will review each application to determine whether it is
complete and that the Applicant meets the eligibility requirements
described in the regulations, the grant round guidelines, and in this
NOFO. An incomplete application or one that does not meet the
eligibility requirements will be declined without further
consideration.
2. Evaluation Criteria
Each funding initiative, due to its structure and impact, may have
varying degrees of evaluation criteria assigned. The evaluation
criteria for each funding initiative is fully described in the grant
round guidelines.
3. Application Review
The purpose of the application review is to determine whether an
application satisfies the criteria set forth for each particular
funding initiative. The NCUA will evaluate each application in
accordance with the criteria and procedures described in the grant
round guidelines. The NCUA reserves the right to contact the Applicant
during its review for the purpose of clarifying or confirming
information contained in the application. If so contacted, the
Applicant must respond within the time specified by the NCUA or the
NCUA, in its sole discretion, may decline the application without
further consideration.
4. Scoring and Funding Decision
The NCUA will make its funding decision based on a scoring system
that establishes a ranking position for each application. The
applications will be ranked according to the scoring criteria set forth
for each funding initiative in the grant round guidelines.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. NCUA Award Notice
The NCUA will notify each Applicant of its funding decision by
email. In addition, the NCUA will announce the successful applications
through a press release that includes a list of the Awardees.
Applicants that are approved for funding will also receive instructions
on how to proceed with the post-award activities.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
i. Award Agreement: The specific terms and conditions will be
established in the award agreement each Participating Credit Union must
sign prior to formally accepting an award. Each Participating Credit
Union under this NOFO must enter into an agreement with the NCUA before
the NCUA will disburse the award funds. The agreement includes the
terms and conditions of funding, including but not limited to the: (i)
Award amount; (ii) grant award details; (iii) roles and
responsibilities; (iv) accounting treatment; (v) signature pages; and
(vi) reporting requirements.
ii. Failure to Sign Agreement: The NCUA, in its sole discretion,
may rescind an award if the Applicant fails to sign and return the
agreement or any other requested documentation, within the time
specified by the NCUA.
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3. Reimbursement Process
Applicants that are approved for funding will be responsible for
the complete and timely submission of the post-award activities. This
includes, but it is not limited to, signing the award agreement and
completing a reimbursement request. Successful Applicants must submit a
reimbursement request in order to receive the awarded funds. The
reimbursement requirements are different depending on the funding
initiative. The NCUA will define the reimbursement requirements for
each funding initiative in the post-award guidelines.
The reimbursement request may require, all or a combination of, the
following items: (i) Certification of expenses, (ii) project related
documentation, (iii) a summary of project accomplishments and outcomes,
or (iv) a certification form signed by a credit union official (e.g.,
CEO, manager, or Board Chairperson) authorized to request the
reimbursement and make the certifications. The NCUA, in its sole
discretion, may modify these requirements. Additional reimbursement
request requirements will be described in the post-award guidelines.
G. Federal Awarding Agency
1. Methods of Contact
Further information can be found at <a href="https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx">https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx</a>. For questions related to
the CDRLF, email the NCUA's Office of Credit Union Resources and
Expansion at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#713224233430212122311f1204105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="317264637470616162715f5244501f565e47">[email protected]</span></a>.
2. Information Technology Support
People who have visual or mobility impairments that prevent them
from using the NCUA's website should call (703) 518-6610 for guidance
(this is not a toll-free number).
H. Grant Terms and Conditions
1. All credit unions are required to certify the following terms
and conditions prior to submitting an application:
i. The Applicant is a low-income designated credit union, as
defined in Section 701.34 of the NCUA's Rules and Regulations.
ii. The Applicant shall comply with United States Office of
Management and Budget, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
iii. The Applicants are required to have an audit conducted if they
hold $750,000 or more in Federal awards during a fiscal year.
Applicants that hold less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt
from this law.
a. For example, if a credit union uses a $250,000 loan from the
NCUA's CDRLF and a $500,000 grant from the Community Development
Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, totaling $750,000 in Federal awards
during the same fiscal year; then the credit union must have an audit
conducted.
iv. The Applicant is responsible for the efficient and effective
administration of the Federal Award through application of sound
management practices. Applicant assumes the responsibility for
administering Federal Funds in a manner consistent with underlying
agreements, program objectives, and the term and conditions of the
Federal Award.
v. No employee, contractor, consultant or vendor has participated
substantially for this grant-funded activity, nor otherwise benefited
directly or indirectly from the grant, who, to its knowledge (assuming
reasonable diligence), has a ``covered relationship'' with an NCUA
employee who presently holds a position that would enable him or her to
influence a pending or future grant award, or a reimbursement of
permitted expenses thereunder.
vi. An employee, contractor, consultant or vendor of the Applicant
would have such a ``covered relationship'' if he or she were either:
(1) A member of the household of an NCUA employee who presently holds a
position that would enable him or her to influence a pending or future
grant award, or a reimbursement thereunder; or (2) a relative of such
an NCUA employee with whom he or she has a close personal relationship.
5 CFR 2635.502(b)(1)(ii).
vii. The Applicant must disclose in writing to the NCUA any
potential conflict of interest in accordance with applicable Federal
awarding agency policy.
viii. Per 2 CFR 200.113, the Applicant must disclose all violations
of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity
violations potentially affecting the award.
ix. The Applicant conducts its activities such that no person is
excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is
subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age or disability in the distribution of services and/or benefits
provided under this grant program. The credit union agrees to provide
evidence of its compliance as required by the NCUA. Furthermore, credit
unions should ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964.
x. If a credit union enters into commitments for a project before
the grant decision is made, credit union will be obligated to pay
project expenses from its own funds should the grant not be approved;
if the grant is approved the credit union may be responsible for a
portion of the expenses due prior to the grant approval date.
xi. Requests to reallocate or change approved project(s) and/or
request an extension to the deadline must be submitted in writing prior
to the original deadline and approved by the NCUA prior to Applicant
incurring expenses.
xii. The Applicant is aware that the NCUA will correspond with the
credit union regarding this application by email (utilizing the email
provided in this application).
xiii. The Applicant hereby acknowledges that the NCUA reserves full
discretion to deny reimbursement under this grant in the event the NCUA
determines the Applicant is, or previously was, either in breach of
any-condition or limitation in the grant guidelines, or in breach of
the `covered relationship' restriction set forth above.
xiv. Information included in Outcome Summary or Success Stories is
considered by the NCUA to be Research Data and is governed by 2 CFR
200.315 and may be made publicly available.
xv. The Applicant is aware that any false, fictitious, or
fraudulent information or the omission of any material fact, may
subject Applicant to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for
fraud, false statements, false claims or otherwise. (U.S. Code Title
18, Section 1001 and Title 31, Sections 3729-3730, and 3801-3812).
xvi. The Applicant is aware recipients and subrecipients are
prohibited from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to procure
or obtain equipment, services, or systems that uses covered
telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential
component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any
system in accordance with Public Law 115-232, section 889 and 2 CFR
200.216.
By the National Credit Union Administration Board on September
3, 2021.
Melane Conyers-Ausbrooks,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2021-19491 Filed 9-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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