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Notice2022-04293

Inviting Applications for Value-Added Producer Grants

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Published

March 1, 2022

Issuing agencies

Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service

Abstract

This Notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. Approximately $17 million is currently available in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 along with about $2.75 million in COVID-19 relief funds carried over from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the FY 2021 Appropriations Act) for a total of $19.75 million in funding. The Agency may also utilize any funding that becomes available through enactment of the FY 2022 appropriations. The Agency will publish the program funding level on the Rural Development website, https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/federal-funding-opportunities. The COVID-19 relief funds allow for a reduced cost- share match of 10 percent of the grant amount (i.e., at least $1 from the applicant for every $10 in Agency grant funds) for these funds during the public health emergency. In the event the public health emergency ends, applicants would have to meet the VAPG program statutory match of 100 percent of the grant for these funds. You are not required to demonstrate how your business operations were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 1, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 1, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11396-11405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04293]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket No. RBS-21-BUSINESS-0037]

Inviting Applications for Value-Added Producer Grants

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service (Agency) is accepting applications for the Value-Added Producer
Grant (VAPG) program. Approximately $17 million is currently available
in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 along with about $2.75 million in COVID-19
relief funds carried over from the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021 (the FY 2021 Appropriations Act) for a total of $19.75 million in
funding. The Agency may also utilize any funding that becomes available
through enactment of the FY 2022 appropriations. The Agency will
publish the program funding level on the Rural Development website,
<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/federal-funding-opportunities">https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/federal-funding-opportunities</a>. The
COVID-19 relief funds allow for a reduced cost-

[[Page 11397]]

share match of 10 percent of the grant amount (i.e., at least $1 from
the applicant for every $10 in Agency grant funds) for these funds
during the public health emergency. In the event the public health
emergency ends, applicants would have to meet the VAPG program
statutory match of 100 percent of the grant for these funds. You are
not required to demonstrate how your business operations were impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DATES: You must submit your complete paper application by May 2, 2022
or it will not be considered for funding. Paper applications must be
postmarked and mailed, shipped or sent overnight by this date. You may
also email or hand carry your application to one of our field offices,
but it must be received by close of business on the deadline date.
Electronic applications are permitted via <a href="https://www.grants.gov">https://www.grants.gov</a>
only and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 25, 2022.
Late applications are not eligible for grant funding under this Notice.

ADDRESSES: To submit a paper application, send it to the State Office
located in the state where your project will primarily take place. You
can find State Office contact information at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>. To submit an application through email,
contact your respective State Office before May 2, 2022 to obtain the
Agency email address where you will submit your application. If you
want to submit an application through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, follow the
instructions for the VAPG funding announcement on <a href="https://www.grants.gov/">https://www.grants.gov/</a>. Please review the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html</a> for instructions
on the process of registering your organization as soon as possible to
ensure you are able to meet the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> application deadline.
You should contact your USDA Rural Development State Office if you
have questions about eligibility or submission requirements. You are
encouraged to contact your State Office well in advance of the
application deadline to discuss your project and to ask any questions
about the application process. Application materials are available at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Daniels at 715-345-7637,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84e9edefe1aae0e5eaede1e8f7c4f1f7e0e5aae3ebf2">[email&#160;protected]</a> or Greg York at 202-281-5259
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7a1d081f1d15080354031508113a0f091e1b541d150c">[email&#160;protected]</a>, Program Management Division, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 3226, Room 5801-S, Washington, DC
20250-3226.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

Federal Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Value-Added Producer Grant.
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).
Assistance Listing Number: 10.352.
Funding Opportunity Number (grants.gov): RDBCP-VAPG-2022.
Dates: Application Deadline. You must submit your complete paper
application by May 2, 2022, or it will not be considered for funding.
You may also hand carry or email your application to one of our field
offices, but it must be received by close of business on May 2, 2022.
Electronic applications must be received by <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 25, 2022, or it will not be
considered for funding.
Administrative: The following apply to this NOSA:
(a) Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants to consider
projects that will advance the following:
<bullet> Assisting Rural communities recover economically from the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged
communities;
<bullet> Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
<bullet> Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities.
(b) Hemp Projects. In determining eligibility for the applicant,
project or use of funds, any project applying for funding under the
Value-Added Producer Grant program and proposing to produce, procure,
supply or market any component of the hemp plant or hemp related by-
products, must have a valid license from an approved State, Tribal or
Federal plan pursuant to Section 10113 of the 2018 Farm Bill, be in
compliance with regulations published by the Agricultural Marketing
Service at 7 CFR part 990, and meet any applicable U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory
requirements. Verification of valid hemp licenses will occur prior to
award.
(c) Local Agriculture Marketing Program (LAMP) Food Safety
Implementation: Until Farm Bill implementation is finalized via the
Agency rulemaking process, there will not be food safety reserve
funding. Food safety training, certifications, and supplies that are
eligible under the current program regulation may continue to be
included in the work plan/budget.

A. Program Description

1. Purpose of the Program. The objective of this grant program is
to assist viable Independent Producers, Agricultural Producer Groups,
Farmer and Rancher Cooperatives, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based
Businesses in starting or expanding value-added activities related to
the processing and/or marketing of Value-Added Agricultural Products.
Grants will be awarded competitively for either planning or working
capital projects directly related to the processing and/or marketing of
value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding
marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end
goals of the program. All proposals must demonstrate economic viability
and sustainability to compete for funding.
2. Statutory Authority: The VAPG program is authorized under
section 231 of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L.
106-224), as amended by section 10102 of the Agriculture Improvement
Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) (see 7 U.S.C. 1627c). Applicants must
adhere to the requirements contained in the program regulation, 7 CFR
part 4284, subpart J, which is incorporated by reference in this
Notice.
3. Definitions. The following definitions apply to this Notice:
(i) Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture,
incorporated from Section 10102 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
2018, means a venture greater than 50 percent of the ownership and
control of which is held by--
(a) 1 or more producers; or
(b) 1 or more entities, 100 percent of the ownership and control of
which is held by 1 or more producers. The term `entity' means--
(1) a partnership;
(2) a limited liability corporation;
(3) a limited liability partnership; and
(4) a corporation.
(ii) Market Expansion Project means a project in which the
Independent Producer applicant seeks to expand the market for an
existing value-added product (produced and marketed by the applicant
for at least 2 years at the time of application) through sales to
demonstrably new markets or to new customers in existing markets.
(iii) Additional terms you need to understand are defined in 7 CFR
4284.902.
4. Application of Awards. Applications will be reviewed,

[[Page 11398]]

processed and scored as described at 7 CFR 4284.940 and 4284.942. See
Section E, Review and Selection Process, of this Notice for additional
information.
Funds will be awarded in application scoring rank order. COVID-19
relief funds will be utilized first until exhausted and then the Agency
will continue making awards with the additional FY 2021 and FY 2022
funds.
Funding priority will be made available to Beginning Farmers and
Ranchers, Veteran Farmers and Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers
and Ranchers, Operators of Small and Medium-Sized Farms and Ranches
structured as Family Farms or Ranches, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives,
and projects proposing to develop a Mid-Tier Value Chain. See 7 CFR
4284.923 for Reserved Funds eligibility and 7 CFR 4284.924 for Priority
Scoring eligibility.

B. Federal Award Information

Type of Awards: Grant.
Available Funding: Approximately $17 million is currently available
in FY 2022 along with about $2.75 million in COVID-19 relief funding
carried over from the FY 2021 Appropriations Act for a total of $19.75
million in funding.
Maximum Award Amount: Planning--$75,000; Working Capital--$250,000.
Project Period: Up to 36 months depending on the complexity of the
project.
Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2022.
Reservation of Funds: Ten percent of available funds for
applications will be reserved for applicants qualifying as Beginning,
Veteran, and Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers. An additional
10 percent of available funds for applications from farmers or ranchers
proposing development of Mid-Tier Value Chains will be reserved.
Beginning, Veteran, and Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers and
applicants proposing Mid-Tier Value Chains not awarded for reserved
funds will compete with other eligible VAPG applications. In addition,
any funds that become available for persistent poverty counties through
enactment of FY 2022 appropriations will be allocated for assistance in
persistent poverty counties. Funds not obligated from these reserves by
September 30, 2022, will be used for the VAPG general competition and
made available in a subsequent application cycle.

C. Eligibility Information

Applicants must comply with the program regulation 7 CFR part 4284,
subpart J to meet all of the following eligibility requirements.
Required documentation is included in the application package.
Applications which fail to meet any of these requirements by the
application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be
evaluated further.
1. Eligible Applicants. You must demonstrate within the application
narrative that you meet all of the applicant eligibility requirements
of 7 CFR 4284.920 and 4284.921. This includes meeting the definition
requirements at 7 CFR 4284.902 by demonstrating how you meet the
definition for Agricultural Producer (i.e., how you participate in the
``day to day labor, management, and field operations'') of your
agricultural enterprise); how you qualify for one of the following
applicant types: Independent Producer, Agricultural Producer Group,
Farmer or Rancher Cooperative or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based
Business Venture; and whether you meet the Emerging Market,
Citizenship, Legal Authority and Responsibility, Multiple Grants and
Active Grants requirements of the section. Required documentation to
support eligibility is contained at 7 CFR 4284.931 and in the
application package.
Federally-recognized tribes and tribal entities must demonstrate
that they meet the definition requirements for one of the four eligible
applicant types. Rural Development State Offices and posted application
toolkits will provide additional information on tribal eligibility.
Per 7 CFR 4284.921, an applicant is ineligible 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 Do Not
Pay (DNP) system 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. Per the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260) any corporation
(i) that has been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any
Federal law within the past 24 months or (ii) 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
this or any other act, 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. It is possible that a comparable provision will be
included in the appropriations act for FY 2022.
Per 7 CFR 4284.905(a), Applicants must comply with other applicable
Federal laws. Applicants who are proposing working capital grants to
produce and market value-added products in the industries of wine,
beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise must comply with
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations, including
but not limited to permitting, filing of taxes and operational reports.
Please visit TTB's website at <a href="https://www.ttb.gov/">https://www.ttb.gov/</a> for more
information. If you are not in compliance with TTB's requirements, the
Agency may determine that you are not qualified to receive a Federal
award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to
another applicant. If, at any time after you have already received a
VAPG award, you are found to be in noncompliance with TTB's operational
reporting or tax requirements, the Agency may determine that you are
not in compliance with your grant terms and conditions.
2. Cost-Sharing or Matching. COVID-19 relief funds may include a
reduced cost share match requirement of 10 percent of the grant amount.
The other available funds have a statutory cost share match requirement
of 100 percent of the grant amount.
Funds will be awarded in application scoring rank order. COVID-19
relief funds will be utilized first until exhausted and then the Agency
will continue making awards with the additional FY 2021 funds and any
funds made available under the FY 2022 appropriations act, once
enacted. To be considered for both the COVID-19 relief funds and the FY
2021 or 2022 VAPG funds, you must submit a budget with a reduced cost
share match of at least $1 for every $10 in grant funds and an
alternate second budget that includes the standard cost-share match of
at least $1 for every $1 in grant funds. The second budget will allow
your application to compete further for the additional FY 2021 and 2022
funding. If you choose to apply for COVID-19 relief funds or the
additional FY 2021 and FY 2022 funding only, you will need to

[[Page 11399]]

ensure that you have the applicable cost share match in your budget.
Applicants unable to meet the standard cost-share match will be
ineligible to compete for the additional FY 2021 and 2022 funding.
Applicants submitting an alternate second budget will not be rescored
before competing for the FY 2021 and 2022 funding.
Matching funds may be in the form of cash or eligible in-kind
contributions. Matching contributions and grant funds may be used only
for eligible project purposes, including any contributions exceeding
the minimum amount required. Applicant matching contributions in the
form of raw commodity, time contributed to the project, or goods or
services for which no out-of-pocket expenditure is made during the
grant period, must be characterized as in-kind contributions. Donations
of goods and services from third-parties must be characterized as in-
kind contributions. Tribal applicants may utilize grants made available
under Public Law 93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act of 1975, as their matching contribution, and should
check with appropriate tribal authorities regarding the availability of
such funding.
Matching funds must be available at the time of application and
must be certified and verified as described in 7 CFR 4284.931(b)(3) and
(4). Do not include projected income as a matching contribution because
it cannot be verified as available. Note that matching funds must also
be discussed as part of the scoring criterion Commitments and Support
as described in section E.1.(iii).
3. Project Eligibility. You must demonstrate within the application
narrative that your project meets all the project eligibility
requirements of 7 CFR 4284.922.
(i) Product eligibility. Applicants for both planning and working
capital grants must meet all requirements at 7 CFR 4284.922(a),
including that your value-added product must result from one of the
five methodologies identified in the definition of Value-Added
Agricultural Product at 7 CFR 4284.902. In addition, you must
demonstrate that, as a result of the project, the customer base for the
agricultural commodity or value-added product will be expanded, by
including a baseline of current customers for the commodity, and an
estimated target number of customers that will result from the project;
and that, a greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing
or processing of the value-added product is available to the applicant
producer(s) of the agricultural commodity, by including a baseline of
current revenues from the sale of the agricultural commodity and an
estimate of increased revenues that will result from the project. Note
that working capital grants for market expansion projects per 7 CFR
4284.922(b) must demonstrate expanded customer base and increased
revenue resulting only from sales of existing products to new
customers. The VAPG recognizes that market expansion projects may
involve marketing and promotion activities such as trade shows, farmers
markets, and various media advertising which also result in increased
sales to existing customers. However, market expansion award recipients
must use grant and matching funds only on activities that demonstrably
focus on marketing products they have produced and sold for at least
two years, to new markets and/or to new customers in existing markets,
such that the producer's customer base (number of customers) is
expanded, per program requirements. Grant and matching funds cannot be
deliberately expended on sales of existing products to existing
customers.
In addition, per the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, working
capital applications must include a statement describing the direct or
indirect producer benefits intended to result from the proposed project
within a reasonable period of time after the receipt of a grant.
(ii) Purpose eligibility. Applicants for both planning and working
capital grants must meet all requirements at 7 CFR 4284.922(b)
regarding maximum grant amounts, verification of matching funds,
eligible and ineligible uses of grant and matching funds, and a
substantive, detailed work plan and budget.
(a) Planning grants. A planning grant is used to fund development
of a defined program of economic planning activities to determine the
viability of a potential value-added venture, specifically for paying a
qualified consultant to conduct and develop a feasibility study,
business plan, and/or marketing plan associated with the processing
and/or marketing of a value-added agricultural product. Planning grant
funds may not be used to fund working capital activities.
(b) Working capital grants. This type of grant provides funds to
operate a value-added project, specifically to pay the eligible project
expenses directly related to the processing and/or marketing of the
value-added products that are eligible uses of grant funds. Working
capital funds may not be used for planning purposes.
(iii) Reserved funds eligibility. To qualify for reserved funds as
a Beginning, Veteran, or Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher or if
you propose to develop a Mid-Tier Value Chain, you must meet the
requirements found at 7 CFR 4284.923. If your application is eligible,
but is not awarded under the reserved funds, it will automatically be
considered for general funds in that same fiscal year, as funding
levels permit.
(iv) Priority points. To qualify for priority points for projects
that contribute to increasing opportunities for Beginning Farmers or
Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, or if you are an
Operator of a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a
Family Farm, a Veteran Farmer or Rancher, propose a Mid-Tier Value
Chain project, or are a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, you must meet
the applicable eligibility requirements at 7 CFR 4284.923 and 4284.924
and must address the relevant proposal evaluation criterion.
Priority points will also be awarded during the scoring process to
eligible Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives,
and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures that best
contribute to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for
Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or
Ranchers, and/or Veteran Farmers or Ranchers. You must meet the
eligibility requirements at 7 CFR 4284.923 and 4284.924 and must
address the relevant proposal evaluation criterion.
4. Eligible Uses of Grant and Matching Funds. Eligible uses of
grant and matching funds are discussed, along with examples, in 7 CFR
4284.925. In general, grant and cost-share matching funds have the same
use restrictions and must be used to fund only the costs for eligible
purposes as defined at 7 CFR 4284.925(a) and (b).
5. Ineligible Uses of Grant and Matching Funds. Federal procurement
standards prohibit transactions that involve a real or apparent
conflict of interest for owners, employees, officers, agents, or their
immediate family members having a personal, professional, financial or
other interest in the outcome of the project, including organizational
conflicts, and conflicts that restrict open and free competition for
unrestrained trade. A list (not all-inclusive) of ineligible uses of
grant and matching funds is found in 7 CFR 4284.926.
6. Other. An applicant may submit only one application in response
to a solicitation and must explicitly direct that it competes in either
the general

[[Page 11400]]

funds competition or in one of the named reserved funds competitions.
Multiple applications from separate entities with identical or greater
than 75 percent common ownership, or from a parent, subsidiary or
affiliated organization (with ``affiliation'' defined by Small Business
Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or successor regulation) are
not permitted. Further, Applicants who have already received a Planning
Grant for the proposed project cannot receive another Planning Grant
for the same project. Applicants who have already received a Working
Capital Grant for the proposed project cannot receive any additional
grants for that project (Proposals from previous award recipients
should be substantially different in terms of products and/or markets
and should not merely be extensions of previously funded projects).

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package. The application toolkit,
regulation, and official program notification for this funding
opportunity can be obtained online at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>. You may also contact your USDA
Rural Development State Office by visiting <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>. The toolkit contains an application
checklist, templates, required grant forms, and instructions. Although
the Agency highly recommends the use of the templates in the toolkit,
it is not mandatory.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission. Applications may be
submitted in paper form, by email or electronically through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
Applications must contain all required information.
(i) Electronic submission. To apply electronically, you must follow
the instructions for this funding announcement at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>. Please note that we cannot accept faxed applications.
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 Assistance
Listing Number (included in the Overview Section) 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 Unique Entity Identifier
(UEI) number and you must also be registered and maintain registration
in SAM. The UEI is assigned by SAM and replaces the formerly known Dun
& Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number. The UEI number must be associated with the
correct tax identification number of the VAPG applicant. 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>.
If you are submitting your application electronically, you must
submit all of your application documents through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
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.
(ii) Paper submission. If you want to submit a paper or email
application, send it to the State Office located in the state where
your project will primarily take place. You can find State Office
contact information at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>.
An optional-use Agency application template is available online at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>.
(iii) Application contents. Your application must contain all the
required forms and proposal elements described in 7 CFR 4284.931,
unless otherwise clarified in this Notice. You are encouraged, but not
required to utilize the Application Toolkits found at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>, however,
you must provide all of the information requested by the template. You
must become familiar with the program regulation at 7 CFR part 4284,
subpart J in order to submit a successful application. Basic
application contents are outlined below:
(a) Standard Form (SF)-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,''
to include your UEI number and SAM (CAGE) code and expiration date (or
evidence that you have begun the SAM registration process). There are
no specific fields for a CAGE code and expiration date; therefore, you
may identify them anywhere on the form. If you do not include your UEI
number in your application, it will not be considered for funding.
(b) SF-424A, ``Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.'' This
form must be completed and submitted as part of the application
package.
(c) Permit. You must provide a valid permit or evidence of having
begun the permitting process if you are proposing a working capital
grant to produce and market value-added products in the industries of
wine, beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise.
(d) Producer license. You must provide a valid producer license
issued by a state, tribe, or USDA, as applicable, or in accordance with
7 CFR part 990 if you are proposing to market value-added hemp
products.
(e) Executive Summary and Abstract. A one-page Executive Summary
containing the following information: Legal name of applicant entity,
application type (planning or working capital), applicant type, amount
of grant request, a summary of your project, and whether you are
submitting a simplified application, and whether you are requesting
reserved funds. Also include a separate abstract of up to 100 words
briefly describing your project.
(f) Eligibility discussion.
(g) Work plan and budget.
(h) Performance evaluation criteria.
(i) Proposal evaluation criteria.
(j) Certification and verification of matching funds.
(k) Reserved Funds and Priority Point documentation (as
applicable).
(l) Feasibility studies, business plans, and/or marketing plans, as
applicable.
(m) Appendices containing required supporting documentation.
3. System for Awards Management (SAM) and assigned UEI. Each
applicant applying for grant funds must be registered in SAM before
submitting its application and provide a valid UEI, unless determined
exempt under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c) or (d). You may register in SAM at no
cost at <a href="https://www.sam.gov/SAM/">https://www.sam.gov/SAM/</a>.
(i) Applicants 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.
(ii) Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(iii) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has
complied with all applicable UEI 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 use that determination as
a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Please refer
to Section F.2 for additional submission requirements that apply to
grantees selected for this program.
4. Submission Dates and Times. Paper applications must be
postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by May 2, 2022. The
Agency will determine whether your application is late based on the
date shown on the postmark or shipping invoice. You may

[[Page 11401]]

also hand carry or email your application to one of our field offices,
but it must be received by close of business on the deadline date. If
the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the
application is due the next business day. Late applications will
automatically be considered ineligible and will not be evaluated
further.
Electronic applications must be received at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>
no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, April 25, 2022 to be eligible
for funding. Please review the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html</a> for instructions
on the process of registering your organization as soon as possible to
ensure you are able to meet the electronic application deadline.
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> will not accept applications submitted after the deadline.
5. Intergovernmental Review. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, applies to this program.
This E.O. requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities for
consultation on proposed assistance with state and local governments.
Many states have established a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to
facilitate this consultation. A list of states that maintain a SPOC may
be obtained at <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf">https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf</a>. If your state has a SPOC, you must submit your
application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC
must be provided to RD for consideration as part of your application.
If your state has not established a SPOC or you do not want to submit
your application to the SPOC, RD will submit your application to the
SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies. Applications from
federally recognized Indian tribes are not subject to Intergovernmental
Review.
6. Funding Restrictions. Funding limitations and reservations found
in the program regulation at 7 CFR 4284.927 will apply, including:
(i) Use of Funds. Grant and matching funds may only be used for
eligible purposes. (See examples of eligible and ineligible uses in 7
CFR 4284.925 and 4284.926, respectively). Grant funds may not be used
to pay any costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant
approval.
(ii) Grant Period (project period). Your project timeframe or grant
period can be a maximum of 36 months in length from the date of award,
depending on the complexity of your project. Your proposed grant period
should begin no earlier than the anticipated award announcement date in
this Notice and should end no later than 36 months following that date.
If you receive an award, your grant period will be revised to begin on
the actual date of award--the date the grant agreement is executed by
the Agency--and your grant period end date will be adjusted
accordingly. Your project activities should begin within 90 days of
that date of award. The length of your grant period should be based on
your project's complexity, as indicated in your application work plan.
For example, it is expected that most planning grants can be completed
within 12 months.
(iii) Program Income. If income (Program Income) is earned during
the grant period as a result of the project activities, it is subject
to the requirements in 2 CFR 200.307, and must be managed and reported
accordingly.
(iv) Majority Controlled Producer-Based Business. The total amount
of funds awarded to Majority Controlled Producer-Based Businesses in
response to this announcement shall not exceed 10 percent of the total
funds obligated for the program during the fiscal year.
(v) Reserved Funds. Ten percent of all funds available will be
reserved to fund projects that benefit Beginning Farmers or Ranchers,
Veteran Farmers or Ranchers, or Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or
Ranchers. In addition, 10 percent of total funding available will be
used to fund projects that propose development of Mid-Tier Value Chains
as part of a Local or Regional Supply Network. See related definitions
in 7 CFR 4284.902. In addition, any funds that become available for
persistent poverty counties through enactment of FY 2022 appropriations
will be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty counties.
(vi) Disposition of Reserved Funds Not Obligated. For this Notice,
any reserved funds that have not been obligated by September 30, 2022,
will be available to the Secretary to make VAPG grants in accordance
with Section 210A(i)(3)(A)(ii) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946, as amended.
7. Other Submission Requirements. Applications may be submitted in
paper form, by email or electronically through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Faxed
applications will not be accepted.

E. Application Review Information

Applications will be reviewed and processed as described at 7 CFR
4284.940. The Agency will review your application to determine if it is
complete and eligible. If at any time, the Agency determines that your
application is ineligible, you will be notified in writing as to the
reasons it was determined ineligible, and you will be informed of your
review and appeal rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications
will be limited to available funds.
The Agency will only score applications in which the applicant and
project are eligible, which are complete and sufficiently responsive to
program requirements, and in which the Agency agrees on the likelihood
of financial feasibility for working capital requests. We will score
your application according to the procedures and criteria specified in
7 CFR 4284.942, and with tiered scoring thresholds as specified below.
1. Scoring Criteria. For each criterion, you must show how the
project has merit and why it is likely to be successful. Your complete
response to each criterion must be included in the body of the
application, including summarizations of any feasibility studies,
business and marketing plans. If you do not address all parts of the
criterion, or do not sufficiently communicate relevant project
information, you will receive lower scores. The VAPG is a competitive
program, so you will receive scores based on the quality of your
responses. Simply addressing the criteria will not guarantee higher
scores. The maximum number of points that can be awarded to your
application is 100. For this Notice, the minimum score requirement for
funding is 50 points.
The Agency application toolkit provides additional instructions to
help you to respond to the criteria below.
(i) Nature of the proposed venture (graduated score 0-30 points).
For both planning and working capital grants, you must discuss the
technological feasibility of the project, as well as operational
efficiency, profitability, and overall economic sustainability
resulting from the project. You must also demonstrate the potential for
expanding the customer base for the agricultural commodity or value-
added product, and the expected increase in revenue returns to the
producer-owners providing the majority of the raw agricultural
commodity to the project. Working capital applicants must also provide
the potential number of jobs that will result from the project, along
with a justifiable basis for these projections. Please see the
application template for more information. All applicants must
reference and summarize third-party data and other information that
specifically supports your value-added project; discuss the value-added
process you are proposing; potential markets and distribution

[[Page 11402]]

channels; the value to be added to the raw commodity through the value-
added process; cost and availability of inputs, your experience in
marketing the proposed or similar product; business financial
statements; and any other relevant information that supports the
viability of your project. Working capital applicants should
demonstrate that these outcomes will result from the project and
include supportable projections of increase in customer base, revenue
returned to producers and jobs resulting from the project in order to
receive up to the maximum number of points. Planning grant applicants
should describe the expected results, and the reasons supporting those
expectations.
Points will be awarded as follows:
(a) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
(b) 1-5 points will be awarded if you do not address each of the
following: Technological feasibility, operational efficiency,
profitability, and overall economic sustainability.
(c) 6-13 points will be awarded if you address technological
feasibility, operational efficiency, profitability, and overall
economic sustainability, but do not reference third-party information
that supports the success of your project.
(d) 14-22 points will be awarded if you address technological
feasibility, operational efficiency, profitability, and overall
economic, supported by third-party information demonstrating a
reasonable likelihood of success.
(e) 23-30 points will be awarded if all criterion components are
well addressed, supported by third-party information, and demonstrate a
high likelihood of success.
(ii) Qualifications of project personnel (graduated score 0-20
points). You must identify all individuals who will be responsible for
managing and completing the proposed tasks in the work plan, including
the roles and activities that owners, staff, contractors, consultants
or new hires may perform; and show that these individuals have the
necessary qualifications and expertise, including those hired to do
market or feasibility analyses, or to develop a business operations
plan for the value-added venture. You must include the qualifications
of those individuals responsible for leading or managing the total
project (applicant owners or project managers), as well as those
individuals responsible for conducting the various individual tasks in
the work plan (such as consultants, contractors, staff or new hires).
You must discuss the commitment and the availability of any consultants
or other professionals to be hired for the project; especially those
who may be consulting on multiple VAPG projects. If staff or
consultants have not been selected at the time of application, you must
provide specific descriptions of the qualifications required for the
positions to be filled. Applications that demonstrate the strong
credentials, education, capabilities, experience and availability of
project personnel that will contribute to a high likelihood of project
success will receive more points than those that demonstrate less
potential for success in these areas.
Points will be awarded as follows:
(a) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
(b) 1-4 points will be awarded if qualifications and experience of
all staff is not addressed and/or if necessary, qualifications of
unfilled positions are not provided.
(c) 5-9 points will be awarded if all project personnel are
identified but do not demonstrate qualifications or experience relevant
to the project.
(d) 10-14 points will be awarded if most key personnel demonstrate
strong credentials and/or experience, and availability indicating a
reasonable likelihood of success.
(e) 15-20 points will be awarded if all personnel demonstrate
strong, relevant credentials or experience, and availability indicating
a high likelihood of project success.
(iii) Commitments and support (graduated score 0-10 points).
Producer, end-user, and third-party commitments will be evaluated under
this criterion. Sole proprietors can receive a maximum of 9 points.
Multiple producer applications can receive a maximum of 10 points.
(a) Producer commitments to the project will be evaluated based on
the number of named and documented independent producers currently
involved in the project; and the nature, level and quality of their
contributions.
(b) End-user commitments will be evaluated based on potential or
identified markets and the potential amount of output to be purchased,
as indicated by letters of intent or contracts (purchase orders) from
potential buyers referenced within the application. Applications that
demonstrate documented intent to purchase the value-added product will
receive more points. Note that for planning grants, this criterion can
be addressed by evidence of interest or support from identified or
potential customers.
(c) Third-party commitments to the project will be evaluated based
on the critical and tangible nature of their contribution to the
project, such as technical assistance, storage, processing, marketing,
or distribution arrangements that are necessary for the project to
proceed; and the level and quality of these contributions. Applications
that demonstrate strong technical and logistical support to
successfully complete the project will receive more points.
Letters of commitment by producers, end-users, and third-parties
should be summarized as part of your response to this criterion, and
the letters must be included in Appendix B. Please note that VAPG does
not require Congressional letters of support, nor do they carry any
extra weight during the evaluation process.
Points will be awarded as follows:
(1) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
(2) Independent Producer Commitment.
(i) Sole Proprietor (one owner/producer): 1 point
(ii) Multiple Independent Producers (note that in cases where
family members, such as husband and wife, are eligible Independent
Producers, each family member will count as one Independent Producer):
2 points
(3) End-user commitment:
(i) No, or insufficiently documented, commitment from end-users: 0
points
(ii) Well-documented commitment from one end-user: 2 point
(iii) Well-documented commitment from more than one end-user: 4
points
(4) Third-party commitment:
(i) No, or insufficiently documented, commitment from third-
parties: 0 points
(ii) Well-documented commitment from one third-party: 2 point
(iii) Well-documented commitment from more than one third-party: 4
points
(iv) Work plan and budget (graduated score 0-20 points). You must
submit a comprehensive work plan and budget (for full details, see 7
CFR 4284.922(b)(5)). Your work plan must provide specific and detailed
descriptions of the tasks and the key project personnel that will
accomplish the project's goals. The budget must present a detailed
breakdown and description of all estimated costs of project activities
(including source and basis for their valuation) and allocate those
costs among the listed tasks, as instructed in the application package.
You must show the source and use of both grant and matching funds for
all tasks. Matching funds must be spent at a rate equal to, or in
advance of, grant funds. An eligible start and end date for the entire
project, as well as for each individual project task must be clearly
shown. The project timeframe must not exceed 36 months and should be
scaled to the complexity of the project.

[[Page 11403]]

Working capital applications must include an estimate of program income
expected to be earned during the grant period (see 2 CFR 200.307).
Points will be awarded as follows:
(a) 0 points will be awarded if you do not address the criterion.
(b) 1-7 points will be awarded if the work plan and budget do not
account for all project goals, tasks, costs, timelines, and responsible
personnel.
(c) 8-14 points will be awarded if you provide a clear,
comprehensive work plan detailing all project goals, tasks, timelines,
costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic manner that
demonstrates a reasonable likelihood of success.
(d) 15-20 points will be awarded if you provide a clear,
comprehensive work plan detailing all project goals, tasks, timelines,
costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic manner that
demonstrates a high likelihood of success.
(v) Priority points up to 10 points (lump sum 0 or 5 points plus,
graduated score 0-5 points). It is recommended that you use the Agency
application package when applying for priority points and refer to the
requirements specified in 7 CFR 4284.924. Priority points may be
awarded in both the general funds and reserved funds competitions.
(a) 5 points will be awarded if you meet the requirements for one
of the following categories and provide the documentation described in
7 CFR 4284.923 and 4284.924 as applicable: Beginning Farmer or Rancher,
Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, Veteran Farmer or Rancher, or
Operator of a Small or Medium-sized Farm or Ranch that is structured as
a Family Farm, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or are proposing a Mid-
Tier Value Chain project.
(b) Up to 5 priority points will be awarded if you are an
Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or
Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture (referred to below
as ``applicant group'') whose project ``best contributes to creating or
increasing marketing opportunities'' for Operators of Small and Medium-
sized Farms and Ranches that are structured as Family Farms, Beginning
Farmers and Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, and
Veteran Farmers and Ranchers (referred to below as ``priority
groups''). For each of the priority point levels below, applications
must demonstrate how the proposed project will contribute to new or
increased marketing opportunities for respective priority groups.
Guidance on relevant information required to adequately demonstrate
this requirement can be found in the program application package.
(1) 2 priority points will be awarded if the existing membership of
the applicant group is comprised of either more than 50 percent of any
one of the four priority groups or more than 50 percent of any
combination of the four priority groups.
(2) 1 additional priority point will be awarded if the existing
membership of the applicant group is comprised of two or more of the
priority groups. One point is awarded regardless of whether a group's
membership is comprised of two, three, or all four of the priority
groups.
(3) 2 additional priority points will be awarded if the applicant's
proposed project will increase the number of priority groups that
comprise applicant membership by one or more priority groups. However,
if an applicant group's membership is already comprised of all four
priority groups, such an applicant would not be eligible for points
under this criterion because there is no opportunity to increase the
number of priority groups. Note also that this criterion does not
consider either the percentage of the existing membership that is
comprised of the four priority groups or the number of priority groups
currently comprising the applicant group's membership.
(vi) Administrator priority categories (graduated score 0-10
points). The Administrator of the Agency may choose to award priority
points to improve the geographic diversity of awardees and to
applications for projects that will advance RD Key Priorities (<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>) as defined and measured on the RD Key
Priorities website.
(a) Applications may be awarded up to a total of 10 points for the
following three priorities:
(1) Assisting rural communities recover economically from the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged
communities. Proposals where the project is located in or serving one
of the top 10% of counties or county equivalents based upon county risk
score in the United States. Information on this priority may be found
at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(2) Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects. Direct technical
assistance to a project located in or serving a community with a score
0.75 or above on the CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on
this priority may be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(3) Reduce climate pollution and increasing resilience to the
impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities. Direct technical assistance to a project addressing
climate impacts shown as either quantitative or qualitative. Additional
information on this priority may be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(i) Quantitative: Project is located in or serving coal, oil and
gas, and power plant communities whose economic well-being ranks in the
most distressed tier of the Distressed Communities Index.
(ii) Qualitative: Demonstrating how proposed climate-impact
projects improve the livelihoods of community residents and meet
pollution mitigation or clean energy goals.
(b) The Agency will automatically confirm if the project is located
in an area qualifying for these priorities. However, you can provide a
written narrative in the application (will be noted in the application
toolkits) on how your project reduces climate pollution and increases
resilience to the impacts of climate change if the project is not
located in or serving coal, oil and gas, and power plant communities
whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed tier.
2. Review and Selection Process. The Agency will select
applications for award under this Notice in accordance with the
provisions specified in 7 CFR 4284.950(a).
If your application is eligible and complete, it will be
qualitatively scored by at least two reviewers based on criteria
specified in section E.1. of this Notice. One of these reviewers will
be an experienced RD employee from your servicing State Office and at
least one additional reviewer will be a non-Federal, independent
reviewer, who must meet the following qualifications. Independent
reviewers must have at least a bachelor's degree in one or more of the
following fields: Agri-business, agricultural economics, agriculture,
animal science, business, marketing, economics or finance; or a minimum
of 8 years of experience in an agriculture-related field (e.g.,
farming, marketing, consulting, or research; or as university faculty,
trade association official, or non-Federal government official in an
agriculturally-related field). Each reviewer will score evaluation
criteria (i) through (iv) and the totals for each reviewer will be
added together and averaged. The RD State Office reviewer will also
assign priority points based on criterion (v) in section E.1. of this

[[Page 11404]]

Notice. These will be added to the average score. The sum of these
scores will be ranked highest to lowest and this will comprise the
initial ranking. To become a non-federal independent reviewer, please
contact Grant Solutions at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4a2b5a4b3a6b1a2bdb1a394b3a6b5baa0a6b1a2bdb1a3fabba6b3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
The Administrator of the Agency may choose to award up to 10
Administrator priority points based on criteria (vi) in section E.1. of
this Notice. These points will be added to the cumulative score for a
total possible score of 100.
A final ranking will be obtained based solely on the scores
received for criteria (i) through (v). A minimum score of 50 points is
required for funding. Applications for reserved funds will be funded in
rank order until funds are depleted. Unfunded reserve applications will
be returned to the general funds where applications will be funded in
rank order until the funds are expended. Funding for Majority
Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures is limited to 10 percent of
total grant funds expected to be obligated as a result of this Notice.
These applications will be funded in rank order until the funding
limitation has been reached. Grants to these applicants from reserved
funds will count against this funding limitation. In the event of tied
scores, the Administrator shall have discretion in breaking ties.
If your application is ranked, but not funded, it will not be
carried forward into the next application funding cycle.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices. If you are selected for funding, you will
receive a signed notice of Federal award containing instructions on
requirements necessary to proceed with execution and performance of the
award.
If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in
writing and informed of any review and appeal rights. Funding of
successfully appealed applications will be limited to available
funding.
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 J; the Grants and Agreements
regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR parts
180, 200, 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 sub-awards 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)). More information on these requirements
can be found at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>.
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
(i) Agency approved Financial Assistance Agreement.
(ii) Letter of Conditions.
(iii) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(iv) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(v) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
3. Reporting. After grant approval and through grant completion,
you will be required to provide the following, as indicated in the
Financial Assistance Agreement:
(i) An SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project
performance report will be required on a semiannual basis (due 30
working days after end of the semiannual period). For the purposes of
this grant, semiannual periods end on March 31st and September 30th.
The project performance reports shall include the elements prescribed
in the Financial Assistance Agreement.
(ii) A final project and financial status report within 120 days
after the expiration or termination of the grant.
(iii) Provide outcome project performance reports and final
deliverables.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact the State
Office as identified in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice. You are
also encouraged to visit the application website for application tools,
including an application guide and templates. The website address is:
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants</a>.
You may also contact National Office staff at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f7c6f784d5e514b4c7f485b5c114a4c5b5e11585049">[email&#160;protected]</a> or
call the main line at (202) 720-1400.

H. Other Information

(1) Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act, the paperwork burden associated with this Notice has
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB
Control Number 0570-0064.
(2) National Environmental Policy Act. This Notice has been
reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, ``Environmental Policies
and Procedures,'' and it has been determined that an Environmental
Impact Statement is not required because the issuance of regulations
and instructions, as well as amendments to them, describing
administrative and financial procedures for processing, approving, and
implementing the Agency's financial programs is categorically excluded
in the Agency's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulation
found at 7 CFR 1970.53(f). We have determined that this Notice does not
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment.
The Agency will review each grant application to determine its
compliance with 7 CFR part 1970 and whether proposed financial
assistance by the Agency would have a disproportionately high and
adverse human health or environmental effect on minority or low-income
populations. The applicant may be asked to provide additional
information or documentation to assist the Agency with this
determination.
(3) 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.
(4) Nondiscrimination Statement. In accordance with Federal civil
rights laws and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, its 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 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) should contact the
responsible Mission Area, agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-
2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA

[[Page 11405]]

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 the alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or
letter must be submitted 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;
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7b7b5a8a0b5a6aae9aea9b3a6aca287b2b4a3a6e9a0a8b1">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-04293 Filed 2-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P

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