Notice2021-27447
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022
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Published
December 20, 2021
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service
Abstract
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites applications under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2022. Selected applicants will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and maximize local assets. An announcement will be made on the Agency website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation- applications-nosas regarding any amount received in the FY 22 appropriations.
Full Text
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 241 (Monday, December 20, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71868-71873]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27447]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #: RBS-21-BUSINESS-0039]
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Innovation
Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency), an agency of
the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites
applications under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program
for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to the availability of funding. This
notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to
leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the
Agency time to process applications within FY 2022. Selected applicants
will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support
of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the
ability of distressed rural communities to create high wage jobs,
accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities
identify and maximize local assets. An announcement will be made on the
Agency website: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas">https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas</a> regarding any amount received in the FY 22
appropriations.
DATES: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, April 19, 2022, 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="https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp">https://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. The Agency will
not consider any application(s) received after the deadline and that
are not submitted through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Potential applicants may submit a
concept proposal for review by the Agency to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0938deefca1e0a8b2a5a6fd" mailto:USDA-RD.RISE@usda.gov"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e4b4d5a5f334c5a304c574d5b5e6b6d7a7f30797168">[email protected]</span></a>">SM.<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f1a4a2b5b0dca3b5dfa3b8a2b4b184829590df969e87"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="22777166630f70660c706b716762575146430c454d54">[email protected]</span></a></a>
no later than February 18, 2022 in compliance with 7 CFR 4284.1115(a).
The application and Concept Proposal deadline dates and time are firm.
ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for a RISE grant, or to submit a
Concept Proposal for their project, may download the application
documents and requirements delineated in this notice from <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants</a>. Information for the submission of an
electronic application may be found at: <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a>. Concept
Proposals containing elements outlined in Section D.2.(b) of this
Notice must be submitted to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3a0bedda1baa0b6dea1b7dda1baa0b6b386809792dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="30637d1e627963751d62741e6279637570454354511e575f46">[email protected]</span></a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Dodson, Program Management
Division, 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#3d6e7013015c1d554f585b00" mailto:USDA-RD.RISE@usda.gov"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32676176731f60761c607b617772474156531c555d44">[email protected]</span></a>">SM.<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24717760650976600a766d776164515740450a434b52"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91c4c2d5d0bcc3d5bfc3d8c2d4d1e4e2f5f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agency encourages applicants to consider
projects that will advance the following key priorities (more details
available at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>):
--Assisting rural communities to recover economically from the impacts
of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged communities;
[[Page 71869]]
--Ensuring that all rural residents have equitable access to Rural
Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
--Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts
of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
Priority will also be given to projects that will leverage next
generation gigabit broadband service to promote entrepreneurship and
entities based in geographical areas with established agriculture and
technology sectors which are focused on the development of precision
and autonomous agriculture technologies as a way to strengthen rural
economies and create jobs.
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant
Program.
Announcement Type: Initial Notice.
Assistance Listing: 10.755.
Funding Opportunity Number (grants.gov): RD-RBS-22-01-RISE.
Dates: Electronic applications must be received and accepted by
<a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> no later than 11:59 Eastern Standard Time, April
19, 2022, or they will not be considered for funding.
Potential applicants may submit a concept proposal for review by
the Agency to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0f5c4221336e2f677d6a6932" mailto:USDA-RD.RISE@usda.gov"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9bcbaada8c4bbadc7bba0baaca99c9a8d88c78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>">SM.<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fdadccbcea2ddcba1ddc6dccacffafcebeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fda8aeb9bcd0afb9d3afb4aeb8bd888e999cd39a928b">[email protected]</span></a></a> no later than February 18, 2022
in compliance with 7 CFR 4294.1115(a). Submission of a concept proposal
is not an application for program funds. Administrative: To focus
investments in areas resulting in the greatest 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.
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.
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, 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.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program
The RISE program is a grant program to help struggling communities
by funding job accelerators in low-income rural communities. The
primary objective of the RISE program is to support jobs accelerator
partnerships to improve the ability of distressed rural communities to
create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses
through innovation centers, and help rural communities identify and
maximize local assets.
2. Statutory Authority
The RISE program is a grant program authorized under section 379I
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008w).
The regulations governing this program are published at 7 CFR part
4284, subpart L.
3. Definitions
The terms you need to understand are defined and published at 7 CFR
4284.1103. In addition, the terms ``rural'' and ``rural area,'' are
defined at section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) and will be used for this program. The term
``you'' referenced throughout this notice should be understood to mean
``you'' the applicant.
4. Application of Awards
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The Agency will review,
evaluate, and score applications received in response to this notice
based on the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4284, subpart L, and as
indicated in this notice. The minimum award amount per grant is
$500,000 and the maximum award amount per grant is $2,000,000, as
authorized by Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008w). Grant funds may be used to pay for up
to 80 percent of eligible project activity costs. Grant funds may be
used to pay for costs directly related to the purchase or construction
of an innovation center located in a low-income 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.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Award: Competitive Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022.
Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for
funding under this Program is encouraged to consult the Rural
Development Notices of Solicitation of Applications website at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas">https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas</a> for
the amount of available funds appropriated in FY 2022.
Minimum Award: $500,000.
Maximum Award: $2,000,000.
Due Date for Applications: April 19, 2022.
Due Date for Concept Proposals: February 18, 2022.
Anticipated Award Date: September 15, 2022.
Performance Period: September 15, 2022, through December 31, 2026.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Initial Solicitation Announcement.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements.
Applications that fail to meet any of these requirements by the
application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be
evaluated further. To be considered an eligible applicant, you must be
a rural jobs accelerator partnership formed after December 20, 2018,
and meet the eligibility criteria found in 7 CFR 4282.1112 to apply for
this program. Individuals and individual entities are not an eligible
applicant for the RISE program.
(i) The rural jobs accelerator partnership must have a lead
applicant who is responsible for the administration of the grant
proceeds and activities. A lead applicant will be the named applicant
on Agency documents and must be one of the following entities:
[[Page 71870]]
(a) A district organization;
(b) 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; or
(e) A public or private nonprofit organization.
(ii) Additional eligibility requirements you must meet are as
follows:
(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 Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with funds
appropriated by an Appropriations Act for FY 2022, 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 precludes 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.
(e) The Lead Applicant must be registered in the System for Award
Management (SAM) prior to submitting an application. The Lead Applicant
must also maintain an active SAM registration with current information
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application under consideration by the Agency. All other restrictions
in this notice will apply.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Your matching funds requirement is 20 percent of the eligible
project costs of any activity carried out using RISE grant funds.
Matching funds must be available throughout the grant term and applied
individually to each RISE activity. Grant funds may only be used for up
to 80 percent of an eligible RISE activity. 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 RISE activity by
0.20. The amount of matching funds required for your RISE activities is
then added together to attain the total amount of non-Federal matching
funds required for your project. Applications that only provide
matching funds equal to 20 percent of the grant amount will be deemed
ineligible due to an insufficient matching funds amount.
You must provide a written commitment of match 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 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:
(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 an eligibility criterion by the time of application deadline or
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
[[Page 71871]]
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 4284.1114.
(c) Project Eligibility
All project activities must be for the benefit of communities,
industries and residents located in a rural area, as defined. 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, as well as the applicable design and construction
requirements of Rural Development and the adopted codes of the
jurisdiction.
(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
deemed ineligible for funding.
(e) Grant Period
Your application must include a cost and performance plan for no
more than a four-year grant period, or it will not be considered for
funding. The grant period should begin no earlier than September 15,
2022, and no later than January 1, 2023. Applications that request
funds for a project with a performance period ending after December 31,
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.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Application Information
For further information and program materials, including an
Application Template, you should contact the Rural Development National
Office and/or review the program website at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants</a>.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applicants may only submit one RISE grant application each Federal
Fiscal Year. You must submit your application electronically through
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applications submitted to the Agency in any format outside
of <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> will not be considered for funding. You are encouraged,
but not required to utilize an optional-use application template found
at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants</a>. 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.
(a) Electronic Submission
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 10.755 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. 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>. Applicants are also encouraged to review all application
requirements of 7 CFR 4284.1115 prior to preparing or submitting their
application.
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 will
at a minimum include all information required in a concept proposal as
stated in 7 CFR 4284.1115(a). The narrative must clearly describe the
jobs accelerator partnership, characteristics of the targeted region
and targeted industry cluster(s), and how the project meets the RISE
program initiatives.
(b) Concept Proposal
A potential applicant for RISE is strongly encouraged to submit a
concept proposal for review by the Agency not less than 60 days in
advance of the application submittal deadline. The concept proposal
should be in a narrative format up to 10 pages in length using a
minimum of 11-point font and submitted electronically by email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#61322c4f332832244c33254f3328322421141205004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c0f11720e150f19710e18720e150f191c292f383d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>. The concept proposal must include all items
stated in 7 CFR 4284.1115(a). The concept proposal will be evaluated by
the Agency and an encouragement or discouragement letter will be issued
to the potential applicant. If a discouragement letter is issued, it
will detail any weaknesses evaluated in the Agency's review, though a
complete application may still be submitted prior to the application
deadline. Applicants who submit a concept proposal to the Agency will
not need to resubmit the same information with their application.
However, submission of a concept proposal is not an application for
program funds.
3. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (or Unique Entity
Identifier) and System for Award Management
All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a
toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at <a href="https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform">https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform</a>.
(i) Each applicant applying for loan or grant funds must (A) be
registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting
its application and (B) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its
application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
(ii) Applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by
a Federal awarding agency.
(iii) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(iv) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has
complied with all applicable DUNS (unique entity identifier) and SAM
requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the
requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the
Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a
Federal award and
[[Page 71872]]
use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
4. Submission Date and Time
Explanation of Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted
electronically through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Time, April 19, 2022, to be eligible for grant funding. Please review
the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website for instructions on the process of registering
your organization as soon as 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. Please see <a href="https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp">https://grants.gov/applicants/organization_registration.jsp</a> for instructions on
the process of registering your organization as soon as 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.
Potential applicants may electronically submit a concept proposal
for review by the Agency to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2b1afccb0abb1a7cfb0a6ccb0abb1a7a297918683cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ddec0a3dfc4dec8a0dfc9a3dfc4dec8cdf8fee9eca3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a> no later than
February 18, 2022 in compliance with 7 CFR 4294.1115(a) and as stated
in Section D, 2(b) of this Notice. Submission of a concept proposal is
not an application for program funds.
5. Intergovernmental Review of Applications
Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs,'' does not apply to this program.
6. Funding Restrictions
(a) Project funds, including grant and matching funds, cannot be
used for ineligible grant purposes as stated in 7 CFR 4284.1114, 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 does any of the following:
(i) Focuses assistance on only one business;
(ii) Requests less than the minimum grant amount or more than the
maximum grant amount;
(iii) The project budget includes administrative costs in excess of
10 percent of the grant amount; or
(iv) Grant funds will be passed through to a member of the
partnership in the form of lease payments or other activities with a
conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
7. 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
1. Criteria
Eligible applicant partnerships formed after December 20, 2018,
will use Agency grant funds to provide financial assistance in support
of innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the
ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs,
accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities
identify and maximize local assets.
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 and scoring criteria
published at 7 CFR 4284.1117. Applications will be funded in rank order
from highest to lowest score until the available funding has been
exhausted. Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered
partial funding at the Agency's discretion.
If your application is evaluated as an eligible project, but not
funded, it will not be carried forward into the next competition.
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 USDA Rural
Development 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. We anticipate that there will be no available funds for
successful appellants once all FY 2022 funds, if available, 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;
(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.
[[Page 71873]]
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 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 all items listed in paragraph (h)(2) under 7 CFR
4284.1120.
G. Agency Contacts
If you have questions about this notice, please contact the Rural
Development National Office by email at: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2e1ff9c8ed392dac0d7d48f" mailto:USDA-RD.RISE@usda.gov"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="32676176731f60761c607b617772474156531c555d44">[email protected]</span></a>">SM.<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#45101601046817016b170c160005303621246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8edbddcacfa3dccaa0dcc7ddcbcefbfdeaefa0e9e1f8">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Program guidance as well as application and matching funds templates
may be obtained at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-innovation-stronger-economy-rise-grants</a>. If you want 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>. You may also
contact the National Office Program Management Division at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#56030512177b041278041f0513162325323778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1a4a2b5b0dca3b5dfa3b8a2b4b184829590df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.
H. Other Information
1. Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements
associated with the programs, as covered in this notice, have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control
Number 0570-0075.
2. National Environmental Policy Act. All recipients under this
Notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1970.
3. Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff
offices, employees and institutions participating in or administering
USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status,
family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Program information may be made available in languages other than
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Mission Area, agency or staff office, the USDA TARGET
Center, at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,
which can be obtained online at: <a href="https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027">https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027</a>, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a
letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's
name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date
of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or
letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f383819c9481929edd9a9d87929896b386809792dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d2d2f323a2f3c30733433293c36381d282e393c733a322b">[email protected]</span></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27447 Filed 12-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 20, 2021.
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.