Home/Federal/Federal Register/2022-05066

Notice2022-05066

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No.: 10.443-Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

Primary source

Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.

Published

March 10, 2022

Issuing agencies

Agriculture DepartmentPartnerships and Public Engagement Office

Abstract

This notice announces the availability of funds for fiscal year (FY) 2022 and solicits applications from community-based and non- profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities to compete for financial assistance through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (hereinafter referred to as the "2501 Program").

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 47 (Thursday, March 10, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13689-13698]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05066]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

[FOA No.: OPPE-017]

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) No.: 10.443--
Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

AGENCY: Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE),
Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Fiscal Year 2022.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funds for fiscal
year (FY) 2022 and solicits applications from community-based and non-
profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal
entities to compete for financial assistance through the Outreach and
Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran
Farmers and Ranchers Program (hereinafter referred to as the ``2501
Program'').

DATES: Only one project proposal may be submitted per eligible entity.
Proposals must be submitted through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>) and
received by June 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Proposals submitted after
this deadline will not be considered for funding.
The OPPE will host two (2) webinars during the open period of this
announcement as provided below. Sessions will be recorded. Additional
sessions may be necessary to answer questions and clarify requirements.
There is no registration required to participate.
Session 1: March 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT--To join the
conference, click: <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_deGz0uf9TIyNPkkuvRfxUA">https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_deGz0uf9TIyNPkkuvRfxUA</a>.
Session 2: May 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EDT--To register for the
conference, click: <a href="https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_29_qm0hxTbeYw2I9e2QAfw">https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_29_qm0hxTbeYw2I9e2QAfw</a>.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the webinar, including call-in instructions.

ADDRESSES:

Filing a Complaint of Discrimination

To file a program discrimination complaint, you may obtain a
complaint form by sending an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84cbc5c7c4f1f7e0e5aae3ebf2">[email&#160;protected]</a>. You or your
authorized representative must sign the complaint form. You are not
required to use the complaint form. You may write a letter instead. If
you write a letter, it must contain all the information requested in
the form and be signed by you or your authorized representative.
Incomplete information will delay the processing of your complaint.
Employment civil rights complaints will not be accepted through this
email address.
Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax,
or email:
Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Center for Civil
Rights Enforcement, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
9410.
Fax: (202) 690-7442.
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99e9ebf6feebf8f4b7f0f7edf8f2fcd9eceafdf8b7fef6ef">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, Attn: Director, Grant
Programs, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 524-A, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-6350, Fax: (202) 720-
7704, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7d5d2d7d6a09586899394a792948386c9808891">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Persons with Disabilities: Persons who require alternative means
for communication (Braille large print, audiotape, etc.), should
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Additionally, alternative means for submissions due to disability
status will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The overall goal of the 2501 Program is to
encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers,
veteran farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers with
owning and operating farms and ranches and in participating equitably
in the full range of agricultural, forestry, and related programs
offered by USDA. It also includes projects that develop socially
disadvantaged youths' interest in agriculture. In partnership with the
OPPE, eligible entities may compete for funding on projects that
provide education and training in agriculture, agribusiness, forestry,
agricultural-related services, and USDA programs, and to conduct
outreach initiatives designed to accomplish those goals. This
partnership includes working closely with OPPE, attend OPPE-led events
in your proposed service territory, and collaborate with USDA Service
Centers located in your state (Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and Rural Development).
Funding/Awards: The total funding provided for this competitive
grant program is approximately $35 million. This includes approximately
$18 million as provided in the 2018 Farm Bill and funding from Section
754 of Division N, Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260, in the
amount of $17 million.
The OPPE will award grants from this announcement, subject to
availability of funds and the quality of applications received. All
applicants will compete based on their organization's entity type
(e.g., nonprofit organization, tribal entity, or higher education
institution), as described below. The project period must be three (3)
years for all proposals. The maximum amount of requested federal
funding for projects shall not exceed $750,000 over the 3-year period.
Additionally, the maximum award per year is $250,000. Projects will be
funded in accordance with the approved statement of work and the OPPE
Guidelines to maximize outreach, education and technical assistance
ensuring geographical distribution of funds as required in section 7
U.S.C. 2279(c)(4)(G).
Funds will be awarded to eligible entities that have at least three
(3) years of documented experience, preceding the submission of an
application, in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers to improve their ability to
start and maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related
operations. The Secretary shall give priority to nongovernmental and
community-based organizations with demonstrated history

[[Page 13690]]

of serving socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers (see
Section V. Application Review Information). OPPE will check several
sources, including the System of Award Management (<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>) to help
determine the minimum of 3 years of documented experience in working
with either socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers.
Entries in SAM take precedence when determining experience.
An applicant MUST be an entity or organization. Individuals and
for-profit organizations do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Unallowable use of 2501 Grant Program funds:
1. Funds may not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
2. Funds may not be used to pay hourly wages as in a jobs creation
program for individual farmers or ranchers.
3. Funds may not be used as small agricultural loans for individual
farmers or ranchers or used to incentivize individuals to attend
events, workshops, or training.
4. Funds may not be used to purchase farming supplies for
individual farmers or ranchers or to enhance individual farmers' or
ranchers' farms or production capabilities.
5. Funds may not be used to reward individual farmers or ranchers
for outstanding effort or achievement in training.
6. Funds may not be used to pay for scholarships for individual
farmers or ranchers to attend college courses, certificate courses, or
other ``for fee'' based courses.
7. Funds may not be used for start-up or financing costs for
businesses or for an organization's capacity building, which is defined
as the development of organizational competencies, strategies, or
systems and structures in order to improve organizational efficiency
and effectiveness.
8. Funds may not be used for large equipment purchases such as
vehicles, semi-tractors, or refrigeration systems.
Eligible entities may receive subsequent years funding provided
that:
(a) Activities and associated costs do not overlap with projects
awarded in previous years; and
(b) Recipients are current and compliant with financial and
performance reporting. The progress of existing projects, along with
the percentage of funds used to date, may impact funding decisions.
Funding will be awarded based on ranked scores comprised of the
three categories described below. The OPPE has discretion to allocate
funding among the three categories based upon the number and quality of
applications received. There is no commitment by the OPPE to fund any
particular application nor is there a minimum number of recipients
within each category.
Category #1: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.2,
III.A.3, and III.A.4 (1890 Land-Grant colleges and universities, 1994
Tribal Land-Grant, Alaska Native and American Indian Tribal colleges
and universities, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions of higher
education).
Category #2: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.1 and
III.A.6 (i.e., nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations,
including a network or a coalition of community-based organizations,
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5131), and
National Tribal organizations).
Category #3: Eligible entities described in Sections III.A.5 and
III.A.7 (i.e., all other institutions of higher education including
1862 colleges, nonprofit organizations without a 501(c)(3) status
certification from the IRS, and an organization or institution that
received funding under this program before January 1, 1996).

Contents of This Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Background
B. Scope of Work
C. Anticipated Outputs (Activities), Outcomes (Results), and
Performance Measures
II. Award Information
A. Statutory Authority
B. Expected Amount of Funding
C. Project Period
D. Award Type
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Entities
B. Cost-Sharing or Matching
C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria
IV. Proposal and Submission Information
A. System for Award Management (SAM)
B. Obtain Proposal Package From <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>)
C. Content of Proposal Package Submission
D. Sub-Awards and Partnerships
E. Submission Dates and Times
F. Confidential Information
G. Pre-Submission Proposal Assistance
V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
B. Evaluation Criteria for New Grants Proposals
C. Selection of Reviewers
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
C. Reporting Requirement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background

The OPPE is committed to ensuring underserved communities can
equitably participate in USDA programs. Differences in demographics,
culture, economics, language, and other factors preclude a single
approach to identifying solutions that can benefit underserved farmers
and ranchers. Grants are provided to community-based and non-profit
organizations, higher education institutions, eligible Tribal entities
and other eligible entities with at least three (3) years of documented
experience, preceding the submission of an application. Eligible
entities working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or
veteran farmers and ranchers can improve their ability to start and
maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related operations.
With 2501 Program funding, organizations can provide education,
training, and technical assistance and extend outreach and education
efforts to connect with and assist socially disadvantaged and veteran
farmers and ranchers to provide them with information on available USDA
resources.
1. The 2501 Program was authorized by the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 expanded the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture (the
Secretary) to provide awards under the program and transferred the
administrative authority to the OPPE. The Agricultural Act of 2014
further expanded the program to include outreach and technical
assistance to veterans. The 2501 Program extends USDA's capacity to
work with members of farming and ranching communities by funding
projects that enhance the equitable participation of socially
disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in USDA programs. It is
the OPPE's intention to build lasting relationships among USDA,
recipient organizations, and underserved communities to maximize the
availability of outreach and technical assistance in targeted
communities.
2. Only one proposal will be accepted from each organization. This
does not apply to applicants in the State of Massachusetts. The State
fiscal transfer agent may submit multiple proposals ensuring that only
one proposal is submitted on behalf of each of its individual fiscally
sponsored organizations.

[[Page 13691]]

B. Scope of Work

The 2501 Program provides funding to eligible organizations with at
least 3 years of documented experience, preceding the submission of an
application, in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers to improve their ability to
start and maintain successful forestry and/or agricultural-related
operations. Proposals must be consistent with requirements stated in 7
U.S.C. 2279(c)(3). Under this statute, the outreach and technical
assistance program funds shall be used exclusively:
1. To enhance coordination of the outreach, technical assistance,
education, and training efforts authorized under USDA agriculture
programs;
2. To assist the Secretary of Agriculture in:
a. Reaching current and prospective socially disadvantaged farmers
or ranchers, veteran farmers or ranchers, or beginning farmers and
ranchers in a linguistically appropriate manner; and
b. improving the participation of those farmers and ranchers in
USDA programs.
There are five programmatic mission areas that support the goals of
the 2501 Program. Proposals from eligible entities must address at
least two of the five following programmatic mission areas as they
develop their goals:
i. Assist socially disadvantaged, veteran farmers and ranchers,
including beginning farmers and ranchers in owning and operating
successful farms and ranches;
ii. Improve participation among socially disadvantaged or veteran
farmers and ranchers in USDA programs;
iii. Build relationships between current and prospective farmers
and ranchers who are socially disadvantaged or veterans and USDA's
local, state, regional, and National offices;
iv. Assist in reaching current and prospective socially
disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, or forest landowners in a
linguistically appropriate manner; and
v. Assist with identifying problems and barriers socially
disadvantaged farmers experience and working towards minimizing or
alleviating those issues to enable their equitable participation in
USDA programs.
The OPPE shall seek input from eligible entities providing
technical assistance under this subsection not less than once each year
to ensure that the program is responsive to the eligible entities
providing that technical assistance (7 U.S.C. 2279(c)(4)(J)). The OPPE
may require Project Directors to attend an Annual Meeting that can be
expensed with awarded grant funds not to exceed $1,800 per award year.
The Annual Meeting will allow participants, USDA officials, and other
agriculture-related industry participants to network, encourage
partnerships, share best practices (including COVID-related strategies
used to assist targeted communities), discuss programmatic
requirements, share information on new and enhanced USDA programs and
services, and obtain programmatic feedback. Stakeholder input will also
be accepted by those unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person by
September 30th of each fiscal year at: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#13212623225461727d676053666077723d747c65">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

C. Anticipated Outputs (Activities), Performance Measures, and Outcomes
(Results)

1. Outputs (Activities). The term ``output'' describes the volume
accomplished, produced, or put into action. Outputs indicate the extent
of project activity and generally address the question of ``how much?''
An example of an output is ``number of training sessions conducted,''
``number of individuals receiving training,'' or ``number of
educational materials developed.'' Other examples may include:
a. Conduct 12 workshops annually, either virtually or in-person, on
how to write a business plan;
b. Assist 100 new farmers/ranchers annually on what is required to
be able to process and accept SNAP payments;
c. Within the 3-year period of award, create 10 step-by-step videos
in 3 languages on implementing new irrigation techniques.
2. Performance Measures. Performance Measures evaluate an
organization's progress in meeting their objective which should be
based on at least two of the five programmatic mission areas mentioned
above; compare actual results to expected results; and evaluate their
project's effectiveness in delivering expected results. Organizations
should develop outcome-based performance measures to ensure their
project is progressing to meet their goals. Applicants must develop
performance measure targets for each of their proposed activities.
These targets will be used as a mechanism to track the progress and
success of the project. Quantitative data is expressed in quantities,
amounts, or a range and can be used to measure outputs and outcomes.
Qualitative data is information that cannot be measured such as a
change in perceptions. Baselines must be established in order to
determine whether an organization is meeting their goals. An example of
a Performance Measure is a comparison of how many farmers and ranchers
know about available USDA programs before an organization conducts
their workshops on USDA programs compared to the number of farmers and
ranchers that know about available USDA programs after training is
conducted.
3. Outcomes (Results). The term ``outcome'' means the final impact,
difference or effect that has occurred as a result from carrying out an
activity, workshop, meeting, or from delivery of services related to a
2501 programmatic goal or objective. Results may be agricultural,
behavioral, social, or economic in nature. Outcomes may reflect an
increase in knowledge or skills, a greater awareness of available
resources or programs, or actions taken by stakeholders as a result of
learning. Specifically, outcomes must be quantitative as it relates to
the project goals and objectives. Project Managers will be required to
document anticipated outcomes that are funded under this announcement.
Some examples include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Documenting the actual number of new farmers/ranchers as a
result of your project and the type of assistance (i.e., number of new
farms or ranches started) documenting higher profitability or economic
stability of existing socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers/
ranchers; documenting increased access to marketing and sales
opportunities for their products;
b. Documenting race, sex, national origin, disability (if provided)
and number of socially disadvantaged and/or veteran farmers or ranchers
with an increase in awareness in and applying for USDA programs;
c. Documenting race, sex, national origin, disability (if provided)
and number of socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers/ranchers that
have better access to USDA programs and have applications approved for
funding.

II. Award Information

A. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for this action is 7 U.S.C. 2279(c), which
authorizes award funding for projects designed to provide outreach and
technical assistance to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or
ranchers.

B. Expected Amount of Funding

The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards
under this

[[Page 13692]]

competitive opportunity is approximately $35 million. The maximum
amount of requested federal funding shall not exceed $750,000.

C. Project Period

The performance period for projects selected from this solicitation
will not begin prior to the effective award date listed in the grant
agreement. The project period must be three (3) years.

D. Award Type

Funding for selected projects will be in the form of a grant
agreement which must be fully executed no later than September 30
annually. The anticipated Federal involvement will include, but not
limited to, the following activities:
1. Approval of recipients' final budget and Project Narrative or
statement of work accompanying the grant agreement;
2. Monitoring of recipients' performance through semi-annual and
final financial and performance reports; and
3. Conducting on-site monitoring visits to review compliance, use
of Federal funds and fidelity in implementing the project.
All award notifications will be ``conditionally approved'' pending
final validation of all selected applicants' submission documentation
and/or application package. OPPE reserves the right not to fund any
``conditionally approved'' application(s) found to be ineligible after
final validation.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Entities

1. Any non-profit, community-based organizations, tribal entity,
networks, or a coalition of community-based organizations with at least
3 years of documented expertise in working with socially disadvantaged
farmers or ranchers or veteran farmers or ranchers that:
<bullet> Demonstrates experience in providing agricultural
education or other agriculturally related services on USDA programs and
services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers;
<bullet> provides documentary evidence of work with, and on behalf
of, socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers, or beginning
farmers and ranchers during the 3-year period preceding the submission
of a proposal for assistance under this program (the lead applicant
and/or any organization(s) comprising of a coalition or network must
meet the 3-year period preceding the submission criteria); and
<bullet> does not or has not engaged in activities prohibited under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.2.
2. An 1890 or 1994 land-grant institution of higher education (as
defined in 7 U.S.C. 7601 and in Section 533 of the Equity in
Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note)).
3. An American Indian Tribal community college or university or an
Alaska Native cooperative college.
4. A Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education (as defined
in 7 U.S.C. 3103).
5. Any other institution of higher education (as defined in 20
U.S.C. 1001) that has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural
education or other agricultural-related services to socially
disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers.
6. Any Federally-recognized Indian Tribe (as defined in 25 U.S.C.
5131) or a national tribal organization that has demonstrated
experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally
related services to socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or
ranchers.
7. All other organizations or institutions that received funding
under this program before January 1, 1996, but only with respect to
projects that the Secretary considers similar to projects previously
carried out by the entity under this program.

B. Cost-Sharing or Matching

There are no cost-sharing nor matching requirements associated with
this program. Applicants may charge their negotiated indirect cost rate
or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Indirect cost rates exceeding 10
percent will not be permitted.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

Applications from eligible entities that meet all criteria will be
evaluated as follows:
1. Proposals must comply with the submission instructions and
requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement. Pages
greater than the page limitation will not be considered.
2. Proposals must be received through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>)
as specified in Section IV of this announcement on or before the
proposal submission deadline. Applicants will receive an electronic
confirmation receipt of their proposal from <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
3. Proposals received after the submission deadline will not be
considered. Note that in order to submit proposals, organizations must
create an account in <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> and in the System for Awards Management
(<a href="http://www.SAM.gov">www.SAM.gov</a>; both of which could take several weeks. Therefore, it is
strongly suggested that organizations begin this process immediately.
Registering early could prevent unforeseen delays in submitting your
proposal.
4. Proposals must address a minimum of two programmatic mission
areas listed in Section I, Part B, (i-v) to provide outreach,
education, and/or technical assistance to socially disadvantaged or
veteran farmers or ranchers.
5. Recipients of a 2501 Grant with a Period of Performance that
extends beyond 90 days of the current fiscal year are not eligible to
apply (this does not apply to grantees with a no-cost extension). For
example, current 2501 Grant recipients must complete their projects by
the end of the current calendar year to be eligible to apply.
6. Incomplete or partial applications will not be eligible for
consideration. Any required documents missing from an applicant's
application will render that applicant ineligible and the application
will not be forwarded to the Review Panel (the Panel) for review.
Additionally, applications may not be accepted for review if they
exceed the maximum allowable pages for the Project Narrative, exceed
the maximum federal budget request, or propose objectives that do not
adhere to the specific goals of the 2501 Program. See Section IV.
Content of Proposal Package Submission, subparagraph C, for required
documents.

IV. Proposal and Submission Information

A. System for Award Management (SAM)

<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> streamlines the application process and reduces applicant
burden by enabling applicants to complete the required Financial
Assistance Representations and Certifications in <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> when applying
for any Federal financial assistance.
It is a requirement to register for SAM (www.sam.gov). There is NO
fee to register for this site. This registration must be maintained and
updated annually. Applicants can register or update their profile, at
no cost, by visiting the SAM website at www.sam.gov. This is a
requirement to registering for <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> where all organizations must
submit their application.
The Financial Assistance Representations and Certifications Report
must be completed. Grant applicants are essentially applying for

[[Page 13693]]

Federal financial assistance. Therefore, in order to complete the
Financial Assistance Representations and Certifications Report, you
must respond ``yes'' to the question in <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> that asks, ``Does XYZ
Organization wish to apply for a Federal Financial assistance project
or program?'' Completing this report certifies that your organization
is in compliance with all relevant provisions of Federal laws,
executive orders, regulations, and public policies governing financial
assistance awards.
Per 2 CFR part 200, applicants are required to: (1) Be registered
in SAM prior to submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique
entity identifier in the application; and (3) continue to maintain an
active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which the organization has an active Federal award or an application or
plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The OPPE may not
make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied
with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If
an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time
the OPPE is ready to make a Federal award, the OPPE 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. Additionally, organizations found to have unresolved key
personnel exclusions will not be awarded.
SAM contains the publicly available data for all active exclusion
records entered by the Federal Government identifying those parties
excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and
certain types of Federal financial and non-financial assistance and
benefits. All applicant organizations and their key personnel will be
vetted through SAM to ensure compliance with this Federal requirement.
Organizations identified as having delinquent Federal debt may contact
the Treasury Offset Program for instructions on resolution at (800)
304-3107. In the meantime, organizations will not be awarded a grant
prior to resolution.
Should an applicant be awarded a grant, ezFedGrants (USDA's
financial grants management system) is linked with SAM to ensure
funding payments are directed properly; therefore, entities must enter
their banking information through SAM. Federal agencies cannot award
funding to any organization not properly/fully registered is SAM.

B. Obtain Proposal Package From <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>)

Federal agencies post competitive funding opportunities on
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> and applicants must submit their application or proposal to
apply for Federal financial assistance through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applicants
can learn about grants by visiting <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>),
clicking on the Learn Grants tab and search for funding opportunities
by clicking on the Search Grants tab on this site.
All Applicants will be required to register with <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> in
order to begin the proposal submission process. We strongly suggest you
initiate this process immediately to avoid processing delays due to
registration requirements. There is no cost for registration. This
website is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, not
the OPPE. Many Federal agencies use this website to post Funding
Opportunity Announcements (FOA). Click on the ``Support'' tab to
contact their customer support personnel if you need help with
submitting your application.
Applicants may download individual grant proposal forms from
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. For assistance with <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, consult the Applicant User
Guide at <a href="http://grants.gov/assets/ApplicantUserGuide.pdf">http://grants.gov/assets/ApplicantUserGuide.pdf</a>.
Federal funding agencies post funding opportunities on <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
The OPPE is not responsible for submission issues associated with
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. If you experience submission issues, contact <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>
support staff for assistance.
Proposals must be submitted by June 8, 2022, via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> at
11:59 p.m. EDT. Proposals submitted after this deadline will not be
considered.

C. Content of Proposal Package Submission

All submissions must contain completed and electronically signed
original application forms, as well as a Project Narrative and a Budget
Narrative as described below:
1. Required forms, documents, and attachments. The forms listed
below can be found in the proposal package at <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> and must be
submitted with all applications. Required forms are provided in the
package as fillable forms. Applicants must download and complete these
forms and submit them in the application submission portal at
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. PDF documents listed below are documents the applicant must
create and submit in PDF format. Use the checklist of required
documents below to submit your application through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>:

[check] Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance
[check] Project/Performance Site Location(s)
[check] Project Abstract Summary
[check] Project Narrative (in PDF format)
[check] Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs
[check] Budget Narrative (in PDF format)
[check] Key Contacts (list names of all key personnel)
[check] <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> Lobbying Form
[check] Articles of Incorporation for non-profit organizations &
community-based organizations; attach under ``Attachments Form'' --see
last bullet)
[check] 501(c)3 Certificate/letter from the IRS (for non-profit
organizations; attach under ``Attachments Form'' --see last bullet)
[check] Resumes of all key personnel working on your project
[check] Attachments Form (where you may place all your appendices,
i.e., Letters of Partnership, Letters of Intent, Resumes, Articles of
Incorporation, other supporting documents, etc.)

Do not include lengthy or unnecessary organizational documents such
as your organization's business plans, Annual Reports, or full course
or training curriculums in your application. Excessively large
documents in applications are cumbersome and increase downloading
errors from <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> and in forwarding to the Review Panel.
Below is further guidance, where needed, for completing the
required forms, documents, and attachment forms listed above.
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
Complete all highlighted areas on this form. Pay particular
attention to block 18a of the SF-424. This is the total amount of
Federal funding you are requesting under the 2501 Program. This form is
the official requesting document and the amount that will be considered
if you should have any discrepancies between this form and your Budget
Information Form, SF-424A. Ensure this form is completed with accuracy,
particularly email addresses and phone numbers. The OPPE may not be
able to reach you if your information is incorrect.
Project/Performance Site Location(s)
Complete all highlighted areas on this form. Add additional
locations if your project will be carried out at additional sites.
Project Abstract Summary
A Project Abstract Summary is a concise summary about your project.
No

[[Page 13694]]

points will be given or subtracted for the Project Summary Page as it
will be used only for informational purposes. It may be used in its
entirety or in part for media purposes to include in press releases,
informational emails to potential stakeholders or partners, to provide
upper echelons of government with a snapshot of an organization, and
for demographic purposes. Do not restate the objectives of the 2501
Program (i.e., ``to provide outreach and technical assistance for
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and veterans farmers and
ranchers''); the Project Abstract Summary should reflect the goal of
your specific project. Limit your Project Abstract Summary to 250 words
and include the following:

<bullet> Your organization's name;
<bullet> Name of your project;
<bullet> Three or four sentences describing your project;
<bullet> The primary populations/communities you serve;
<bullet> The project's geographic service area (counties, state(s),
etc.); and
<bullet> Project Director's name, email address, and telephone number.
Project Narrative (Not To Exceed 30 Double-Spaced Pages)
The Project Narrative is a document that you create. It must
include a timeline of proposed activities. Formatting requirements for
Project Narratives are 1-inch margins and 12-point font, and double-
spaced. Number each page of the Project Narrative to indicate the total
number of pages (i.e., 1 of 30, 2 of 30, etc.). To ensure fairness and
uniformity for all applicants, Project Narratives not conforming to
this stipulation may not be considered.
Project proposals should include a well-conceived strategy for
addressing the programmatic mission areas stated in Section I, Part B,
Scope of Work. Organizations should state which programmatic mission
areas will be addressed. Additionally, proposals must: (1) Define and
establish the existence of the needs of socially disadvantaged farmers
or ranchers or veteran farmers or ranchers, or both; (2) identify the
geographic area of service; and (3) discuss the potential impact of the
project; (4) clearly state their 3-years of experience in delivering
agriculture related services to socially disadvantaged or veteran
farmers and ranchers and provide documented proof; and (5) clearly
document how you plan to fulfill the requirement to coordinate efforts
in partnership with the OPPE and USDA Service Centers in your state to
maximize outreach and training in your service territory.
<bullet> Programmatic Capability: Project proposals must: (1)
Identify the experience of the organization(s) and key personnel taking
part in the project (past successes); (2) identify the names of
organizations that will be your partners in the project if any; (3)
identify the qualifications, relevant experience, education, and
publications of each Project Manager or partners; and (4) specifically
address the work to be completed by key personnel and their roles and
responsibilities within the scope of the proposed project. This
includes partnering scenarios whereas each partners' roles and
responsibilities must be defined.
<bullet> Financial Management Experience: Document a demonstrated
ability to successfully manage and complete your project by including
details of successfully completed past projects and financial
management experiences.
<bullet> Tracking and Measuring: Clearly document a detailed plan
for tracking and measuring project progress including the results of
the project in terms of achieving expected project outputs and outcomes
as stated in Section I, Part C, Performance Measures. Address both
quantitative and qualitative data. A mitigation or contingency plan
should also be addressed.
<bullet> Timelines are an integral part of your project and must be
included in your Project Narrative. In an organized format, create a
timeline for each task to be accomplished during the entire proposed
period of performance. Relate each task to one of the five programmatic
mission areas in Section I, Part B. The timeline is part of the 30-page
limit and should be detailed enough to show your activities, start and
end dates, assigned personnel, milestones, and deliverables in a
chronological order. The timeline may be in a table format and does not
have to be double-spaced.
Attach your Project Narrative in PDF format to the Mandatory
Project Narrative form in your <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> package.
SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs
Provide as much information as possible on the SF-424A for each
year of your project. For example, on page 1 of SF-424A, line 1 across
may indicate year one of your project, line 2 across may indicate year
two of your project, and line 3 across may indicate year three of your
project. On page 1A of SF-424A, columns 1 through 3 may represent each
year of your project. All cost categories on page 1A of this form are
considered direct costs. Remember that your indirect cost rate may not
exceed the 10 percent statutory limitation based upon modified direct
costs found in 7 U.S.C. 2279(l)(7).
Budget Narrative (Not To Exceed 5 Pages)
The Budget Narrative is a document that you create. It must be no
more than five pages. It does NOT have to be double spaced. You may use
tables. While the OPPE understands that your proposed budget is an
estimation of costs, your Budget Narrative should be based on financial
forecasting assumptions. The Budget Narrative should identify and
describe the costs associated with the proposed project, including sub-
awards or contracts and indirect costs. These costs should be very
detailed and descriptive as to their purpose. Review 2 CFR part 200
Subpart E--Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards to ensure your project is not
planned with unallowable costs. Applicants may charge their negotiated
indirect cost rate or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Indirect cost
rates exceeding 10 percent will not be permitted. Each cost indicated
must be reasonable, allocable, necessary, and allowable under 2 CFR
part 200, subpart E in order to be funded.
<bullet> Cost categories, also called Object Class Categories,
include costs for Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment,
Supplies, Contractual, Construction, and Other costs.
[ssquf] Personnel costs: For each key staff person, provide the
name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage
of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded
salary. You may refer to the prevailing wage rates established by the
Department of Labor by occupation and geographical area. Compensation
for personnel services (whether classified as personnel, contractual
services, or any other form) may not exceed the pro-rated equivalent of
Step III of the Executive Schedule for Federal Employees.
[ssquf] Costs of consultants, subgrants, or contractors should be
included in the ``Contractual'' cost category.
[ssquf] Fringe Benefits: Provide a break-down of amounts and
percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health
insurance, FICA, retirement, etc.
[ssquf] Travel costs: Provide specifics on purpose of travel,
number of travelers, destination, and estimates on costs for airfare,
lodging, meals, car rentals, and incidentals. The Federal Travel
Regulations should be used as a guide.

[[Page 13695]]

[ssquf] Equipment: Any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal
property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition
costs which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization
level established by the organization for financial statement purposes,
or (b) $5,000. For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. The Recipient shall
maintain an annual inventory, which will include a brief description of
the item, serial number, and amount of purchase for equipment purchased
with grant funds, or received under a grant, and having a $5,000 or
more per unit cost. The inventory must also identify the sub-award
under which the equipment was purchased. Maintenance and insurance will
be the responsibility of the Recipient. Title of equipment will remain
with the Recipient until closeout when disposition will be provided in
writing by OPPE within 120 days of submission of final reports.
[ssquf] Supplies: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs (less than $5,000). Show computations and provide other
information which supports the amount requested.
[ssquf] Contractual costs: Costs should entail all contracts for
services and goods that further the work of the project only.
<bullet> Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable)
and contracts with secondary recipient organizations. Demonstrate that
all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide,
to the maximum extent practical, free, fair, and open competition.
Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-
contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is
expected to perform work estimated to be $30,000 or more, or 50% of the
total work effort, whichever is less.
<bullet> Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed
budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be
included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.
<bullet> Provide the following information for each planned
subcontract: A brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the
number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or
price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the
subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection;
e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder,
delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated
cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.
<bullet> Include all Subawards under Contractual Costs. Per 2 CFR
part 200.1, Subaward--refers to an award provided by a pass-through
entity (your organization) to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to
carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity.
It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an
individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may
be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement
that the pass-through entity considers a contract.
Subaward budgets: Roles and responsibilities must be defined to
determine the level of involvement and efforts to increase training and
outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. If applicable,
identify each planned subaward and its total proposed budget. Include a
brief description of the work to be performed.
[ssquf] Other costs: Identify and describe in detail any other
costs not identified in the above cost categories. Costs associated
with an organization's day-to-day operations such as custodial workers
would be an example of ``Other'' costs. Provide an itemized list with
costs and state the basis for each proposed item.
Special notes when creating your budget:
1. Review Unallowable Use of 2501 Grant Program Funds under the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this announcement.
2. Costs must be deemed reasonable. This includes salaries for key
personnel which may not exceed the prevailing wage rates established by
the Department of Labor by occupation and geographical area (see 2 CFR
part 200.404 and Appendix II(D)).
3. Food for attendees of conferences may not exceed $10 per person
per meal, not to exceed two meals per day. Additionally, animals
acquired and used for demonstration projects only, may not exceed
$4,000, which includes any transportation costs, feed/feeding lot, etc.
Grant funds may NOT be used to pay attendees as an incentive for
participation in conferences nor be advertised as such. For a list of
unallowable costs, see 2 CFR part 200, subpart E.
Attach your Budget Narrative in PDF format to the Mandatory Budget
Narrative form in your <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> package.
Key Contacts Form
All key personnel should be listed on your Key Contact Form. At a
minimum, the names of at least two key personnel should be provided to
ensure that we are able to contact your organization. Provide first,
middle, and last names of all key personnel that will be working on the
proposed project. All organizations should submit at least a Project
Director or Manager and a Financial Representative. Additional Key
Contacts Forms may be used as necessary. Ensure this form is completed
with accuracy. Individuals not listed on an applicants' Key Contacts
Form will not receive information about or access to data that concerns
the applicant organization.
Attachments Form for Appendices
Non-profit organizations must submit abbreviated Articles of
Incorporation (must have been established at least 3 years prior to
application submission) and their 501(c)3 Certificate/Letter from the
IRS. All applicants should submit r[eacute]sum[eacute]s for key
personnel and subaward key personnel; Letters of Commitment; Letters of
Intent, Partnership Agreements, or Memoranda of Understanding with
partner organizations; Letters of Support; or other supporting
documentation which is encouraged but not required. Using this form in
your <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> application package, applicants can consolidate all
supplemental materials into one attachment or attach appendices
documents individually. Do not include documents from other sections as
an Appendix.
DO NOT PASSWORD PROTECT ANY OF YOUR SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS OR FORMS.
Password protected documents cannot be viewed by the OPPE or the Review
Panel.

D. Sub-Awards and Partnerships

Funding may be used to provide subawards, which includes using
subawards to fund partnerships; however, the lead recipient must
utilize at least 50 percent of the total funds awarded, and no more
than three sub-awards will be permitted. Subawardees and partners are
generally responsible for carrying out grant activities as assigned.
All subawardees--and partners are subject to the requirements and
responsibilities on the grant and must be a nonprofit or institution of
higher education. This does not apply to contractors as they support
the grant activities by providing goods and services. All applicants,
including the lead or prime applicant if applying as a coalition of
nonprofits, are responsible

[[Page 13696]]

for ensuring that all sub-awardees comply with applicable requirements
for subawards and are subject to the Terms and Conditions of the
Agreement, if awarded. Applicants must provide documentation of a
competitive bidding process for services, contracts, and products,
including consultants and contractors, and conduct cost and price
analyses to the extent required by applicable procurement regulations.
The OPPE awards funds to one eligible applicant as the lead or
prime award recipient. The lead or prime applicant must be indicated as
the responsible party, if other organizations are named as partners or
co-applicants or members of a coalition or consortium. The lead or
prime award recipient will be held accountable to the OPPE for the
proper administrative requirements and expenditure of all funds.
Per OMB guidance, Federal awarding agencies are required to check
the SAM Exclusions list of persons and entities ineligible for Federal
awards. This requirement flows down to Federal Award recipients who are
required to check SAM Exclusions for all subawards and contracts. Lead
or prime recipients must obtain prior written approval from the
awarding agency for all proposed subawards, regardless of size, for all
subawards not included in the original proposal (see 2 CFR
200.308(c)(6)). For all subawards, prime recipients must confirm that
they have conducted a risk-assessment of each of the proposed
subrecipient(s) by name; and verify that each subrecipient does not
have active exclusions in SAM and does not appear on the Suspension and
Debarment List.

E. Submission Dates and Times

The closing date and time for receipt of proposal submissions is
June 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m., EDT, via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> (<a href="http://www.grants.gov">www.grants.gov</a>).
Proposals received after the submission deadline will be considered
late without further consideration. Proposals must be submitted through
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> without exception. Additionally, organizations must also be
registered in the System of Awards Management (SAM) at: www.sam.gov.
Creating an account for both websites can take several weeks to receive
account verification and/or PIN numbers. Allow sufficient time to
complete access requirements for these websites. <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> supports
many Federal granting agencies and their applicants. Delaying the
submission of your application until the last day could be result in
your application not being received on time due to issues pertaining to
a high volume of users, system maintenance, issues with registration,
having a pending registration because of a backlogged system, and
expired <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> registrations.The proposal submission deadline is firm.

F. Confidential Information

In accordance with 2 CFR part 200, the names of entities submitting
proposals, as well as proposal contents and evaluations, will be kept
confidential to the extent permissible by law. Any information that the
applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or
proprietary should be clearly marked as such in the proposal. If an
applicant chooses to include confidential or proprietary information in
the proposal, it will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by
law.

G. Pre-Submission Proposal Assistance

1. The OPPE may not assist individual applicants by reviewing draft
proposals or providing advice on how to respond to evaluation criteria.
However, the OPPE will respond to questions from individual applicants
regarding eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the
submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification regarding
the announcement. Any questions should be submitted to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#784a4d48493f0a19160c0b380d0b1c19561f170e">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Additionally, the OPPE will host public
teleconferences to address questions and clarify requirements during
the open period of this solicitation. Dates, time, and phone numbers
are provided on Page 1 of this announcement.
2. The OPPE will post questions and answers relating to this
funding opportunity during its open period on the Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) section of our website: <a href="http://www.partnerships.usda.gov/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers">www.partnerships.usda.gov/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers</a>. Reviewing this section of
our website will likely save you valuable time. The OPPE will update
the FAQs on a weekly basis and conduct teleconferences on an as-needed
basis.
3. Terms and Conditions of the Award. Visit our website at: <a href="https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers">https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers</a>
to review the most recent Terms and Conditions for administering our
grants. This version is subject to change upon new program
requirements.
4. Applicants selected for funding must inform their participants
that USDA, or any of its third-party representatives, may contact them
for quality assurance.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

Only eligible entities whose proposals meet the threshold criteria
in Section III of this announcement will be reviewed according to the
evaluation criteria set forth below. Applicants should explicitly and
fully address these criteria as part of their proposal package. Each
proposal will be evaluated under the regulations established under 2
CFR part 200.
The Panel will use a point system to rate each proposal, awarding a
maximum of 105 points for nonprofit and community-based organizations
(70 points, plus an additional 35 priority points for secretarial
priorities) and 100 points for all other applicants (70 points, plus an
additional 30 discretionary points for secretarial priorities). Each
proposal will be reviewed by at least two members of the Panel. Panel
members will review and score all applications that meet the initial
eligibility review. The Panel will numerically score and rank each
application. Funding decisions will be based on the Panel's rank score.
Final funding decisions will be made by the designated approving
official and are not appealable.
Please be patient as processing all submitted applications, vetting
organizations, proposal reviews, approval process, and agreement
creation is a lengthy process. All applicants will be notified
electronically of their application status when final selections have
been made and will be provided an opportunity for application feedback
as provided within the correspondence.

Evaluation Criteria for New Grants Proposals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Criteria Points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Project Narrative (up to 30 points): Under this criterion, your Up to 30 points.
proposal must address at least two of the five programmatic mission
areas identified in Section I, Part B, Scope of Work and will be
evaluated to the extent to which the narrative includes a well-
conceived strategy for addressing those requirements and objectives
(see Section IV, Part D Project Narrative for additional information).

[[Page 13697]]

Note: Applicants may assist either socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers, or both groups. There are no
additional points for addressing both of these group. Conversely, there
are no points deducted if your proposal addresses only one of these
groups.
2. The Secretary of Agriculture shall give priority to nongovernmental 5 points for CBOs and non-profit
and community-based organizations with an expertise in working with organizations.
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers or
ranchers. If the applicant is a nongovernmental or community-based
organization; they will automatically receive five (5) additional
points (per the 2018 Farm Bill).
3. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on 5 points.
projects that present problem-solving strategies that help socially
disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers in resolving heirs'
property issues/resolutions (including tribal fractionated land, and
land title issues); financial literacy and business planning; and how
to recoup losses resulting from COVID-19.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
within this bullet.
4. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on 5 points.
projects that align with the implementation of the American Rescue Plan
including: Increasing access to land and to credit; advancing education
and career pathways related to farming/ranching/forestry and
agriculture; providing avenues that help producers strengthen the food
supply chain and building a food system that is fair, resilient, and
equitable that helps socially disadvantaged and veteran producers'
ability to make a living; promoting use of multiple USDA programs as
well as local, state, tribal, and other resources; and generate rural
business opportunities and other development efforts to advance the
health, economic, and social welfare of socially disadvantaged and
veteran farmers/ranchers.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
within this bullet.
5. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on 5 points.
projects that address climate change with climate smart ag and forestry
solutions including but not limited to: building resilience to climate
change and increasing agricultural productivity; efficient and
renewable energy practices; indigenous regenerative practices, and
soil, land, and water conservation practices that preserve natural and
agricultural ecosystems.
Note: Applicants will receive 5 points for addressing any single issue
within this bullet.
6. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on 5 points.
projects that present problem-solving strategies that focus on removing
systemic barriers and increasing equitable participation in USDA's
programs and services, especially projects located in rural and urban
communities in persistent poverty census tracts and/or counties.
7. The Secretary of Agriculture places a priority for funding on 5 points.
projects that are designed to address at least one of the following:
<bullet> Create new and fair market opportunities to assist socially
disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers or ranchers or youth
<bullet> Provide relief for socially disadvantaged, veteran, and
beginning farmers or ranchers or youth that experienced adverse
impacts due to the pandemic
<bullet> Assist with climate change and climate-smart agriculture
<bullet> Rural community and economic development impacting socially
disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers or ranchers or youth
<bullet> Assist socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning
farmers or ranchers or youth with farm and financial planning with
a goal to increase sustainability of farming operations.
8. Programmatic Capability: Under this criterion, applicants will be Up to 10 points.
evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete and manage
the proposed project considering the applicant's organizational
experience, staff expertise and qualifications, and the organization's
resources (see Section IV, Part D Programmatic Capability). The
organization must clearly document its historical successes and future
plans to continue assisting socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers
and ranchers beyond the life of their project.
9. Financial Management Experience: Under this criterion, applicants Up to 5 points.
will be evaluated based on their demonstrated ability to successfully
complete and manage their proposed project considering their past
performance in successfully completing and managing prior funding
agreements (see Section IV, Part D Financial Management Experience).
Past performance documentation on successfully completed projects may
be at the Federal, state, or local community level. Per 2 CFR 200.205,
if an applicant is a prior Federal award recipient, their record in
managing that award will be reviewed, including timeliness in Progress
and Financial Reporting and compliance with the Terms and Conditions of
previous Federal awards.
10. Tracking and Measuring: Under this criterion, the applicant's Up to 15 points.
proposal will be evaluated based upon presenting a clear and detailed
plan for tracking and measuring their progress toward accomplishing
outputs and completing the expected outcomes (see Section I, Part C
Outputs, Performance Measures, and Outcomes). Applicants should
indicate clear thresholds or benchmarks in relation to stated goals and
objectives. Applicants must address how they intend to ensure a timely
and successful completion of their project. Address both quantitative
and qualitative data. A mitigation or contingency plan should also be
addressed.
11. Budget: Under this criterion, your proposed project budget will be Up to 10 points.
evaluated to determine whether costs are reasonable, allowable,
allocable, and necessary to accomplish the proposed project goals and
objectives (see 2 CFR part 200.404 and Appendix II-D). The proposed
budget must provide a detailed breakdown of the approximate funding
used for each major activity (see Section IV, Part D. Budget
Narrative). Additionally, indirect costs (10 percent maximum) must be
appropriately applied. For a list of unallowable costs, see 2 CFR Part
200, subpart E.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Selection of Panel Members

All eligible applications will be reviewed by the Panel. Panel
members are selected based upon training and experience in assisting
socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers. This
assistance includes, but is not limited to, bringing increased
awareness of USDA's programs and services in underserved communities,
outreach, technical assistance, cooperative extension services, civil
rights, education, statistical and ethnographic data collection and
analysis, and agricultural programs, and

[[Page 13698]]

are drawn from a diverse group of experts, including USDA Program
Managers and/or Grants Specialists and applicant peers, to create a
balanced panel.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Proposal Notifications and Feedback
1. Successful applicants will be notified by the OPPE via
telephone, email, and/or postal mail that its proposed project has been
recommended for award. The notification will be sent to the Project
Manager listed on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
Project Managers should be the Authorized Organizational Representative
(AOR) and authorized to sign on behalf of the organization. It is
imperative that this individual is responsive to notifications by the
OPPE. If the individual is no longer in the position, notify the OPPE
immediately to submit the new contact for the application by updating
your organization's Key Contacts form and forwarding a
r[eacute]sum[eacute] of the new key personnel. The grant agreement will
be forwarded to the recipient for execution and must be returned to the
OPPE Director, who is the authorizing official. Once grant documents
are executed by all parties, authorization to begin work will be given.
At a minimum, this process can take up to 30 days from the date of
notification.
2. Within 10 days of award status notification, unsuccessful
applicants may request feedback on their application. Feedback will be
provided as expeditiously as possible. Feedback sessions will be
scheduled contingent upon the number of requests and in accordance with
7 CFR 2500.026.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All awards resulting from this solicitation will be administered in
accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements
for Federal Awards codified at 2 CFR part 200, as supplemented by USDA
implementing regulations at 2 CFR parts 400 and 415, and the OPPE
Federal Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative
Procedures, 7 CFR part 2500. In compliance with its obligations under
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, it
is the policy of the OPPE to provide timely and meaningful access for
persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) to projects, programs,
and activities administered by Federal grant recipients. Recipient
organizations must comply with these obligations upon acceptance of
grant agreements as written in the OPPE's Terms and Conditions.
Following these guidelines is essential to the success of our mission
to improve access to USDA programs for socially disadvantaged and
veteran farmers and ranchers.

C. Reporting Requirement

Your approved statement of work, timeline, and budget are your
guiding documents in carrying out the activities of your project and
for your reporting requirements. Familiarize yourself with USDA's
grants management system called ezFedGrants: <a href="https://www.nfc.usda.gov/FSS/ClientServices/ezFedGrants/">https://www.nfc.usda.gov/FSS/ClientServices/ezFedGrants/</a>. In accordance with 2 CFR part 200, the
following reporting requirements will apply to awards provided under
this FOA. The OPPE reserves the right to revise the schedule and format
of reporting requirements as necessary in the award agreement.
1. Semi-annual Progress Reports and Financial Reports will be
required as follows:
<bullet> Semi-annual Progress Reports. The recipient is required to
provide a detailed narrative of project performance and activities as
described in the award agreement. Semi-annual progress reports must be
submitted to the designated OPPE official via ezFedGrants within 30
days after the end of each reporting period. This includes, but is not
limited to, activities completed, events held, and the release of sign-
in sheets with participants' contact information.
<bullet> Semi-annual Financial Reports. The recipient must submit
SF 425, Federal Financial Report to the designated OPPE official via
ezFedGrants within 30 days after the end of each reporting period.

Note: OPPE has the discretion to require quarterly reports
based upon non-federal entities' performance progress and
administration of grant funds.

2. Final Progress and Financial Reports will be required upon
project completion. The Final Progress Report must include a summary of
the project or activity throughout the funding period, achievements of
the project or activity, and a discussion of overall successes and
issues experienced in conducting the project or project activities. It
should convey the impact your project had on the communities you served
and discuss the project's accomplishments in achieving expected
outcomes. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, the number
of new USDA applicants as a result of your award, the number of
approved applicants for USDA programs and services, increased awareness
of USDA programs and services, etc.
3. The final Financial Report should consist of a complete SF-425
indicating the total costs of the project. Final Progress and Financial
Reports must be submitted to the designated OPPE official via
ezFedGrants within 120 days after the completion of the award period as
follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report Performance period Due date Grace period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Form SF-425, Federal Financial Report 1 October thru 31 March 31............... 30 days until 30 April.
& Performance Progress Report (Due March, September 30........... 30 days until 30
semi-annually). 1 April thru 30 October.
September.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Financial and Progress Reports. 120 days after project completion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Dates subject to change at the discretion of OPPE.

Lisa R. Ram[iacute]rez,
Director, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
[FR Doc. 2022-05066 Filed 3-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3412-89-P

</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>

View on FederalRegister.gov →Plain-text source

Indexed from Federal Register on March 10, 2022.

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.