Notice2022-10361
Inviting Applications for the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service
Abstract
This Notice of Funding Availability (Notice) announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2022 applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) grant program. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the Delta Region. $3 million is currently available for FY 2022. All funds must support projects located in persistent poverty counties in the Delta Region and as described in the Overview section of this Notice.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 93 (Friday, May 13, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29273-29280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10361]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #: RBS-22-CO-OP 0001]
Inviting Applications for the Delta Health Care Services Grant
Program
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
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SUMMARY: This Notice of Funding Availability (Notice) announces that
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal
year (FY) 2022 applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS)
grant program. The purpose of this program is to provide financial
assistance to address the continued unmet health needs in the Delta
Region through cooperation among health care professionals,
institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic
development entities in the Delta Region. $3 million is currently
available for FY 2022. All funds must support projects located in
persistent poverty counties in the Delta Region and as described in the
Overview section of this Notice.
DATES: Completed applications for grants must be submitted
electronically by no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 12, 2022
through <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> to be eligible for grant funding. Please
review the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-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. Late
applications are not eligible for funding under this Notice and will
not be evaluated.
ADDRESSES: You are encouraged to contact your USDA Rural Development
State Office well in advance of the application deadline to discuss
your Project and ask any questions about the application process.
Contact information for State Offices can be found at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>.
Program guidance as well as application templates may be obtained
at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants</a> or by contacting your State Office. To submit an electronic
application, follow the instructions for the DHCS funding announcement
located at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://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/organization-registration.html">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-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. You are
[[Page 29274]]
strongly encouraged to file your application early and allow sufficient
time to manage any technical issues that may arise.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Honie Turner, Program Management
Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3226,
202-720-1400 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7231221500131c060132070116135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="165546716477786265566365727738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Federal Agency Name: USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Delta Health Care Services Grant
Program.
Announcement Type: Initial Notice.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.874.
Dates: Application Deadline. Your electronic application must be
received by <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
July 12, 2022, or it will not be considered for funding.
Administrative
The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will
advance the following key priorities (more details available at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>):
<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
Rural Development (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.
Hemp Related Projects
Please note that no assistance or funding can be provided to a hemp
producer unless they have a valid license issued by a State, Tribe or
USDA, as applicable, or in accordance with 7 CFR part 990. Verification
of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of award.
Persistent Poverty Counties
Section 736 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, allocates
funding for projects in Persistent Poverty Counties. Persistent Poverty
Counties as defined in Section 736 is ``any county that has had 20
percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30
years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-
2011 American Community Survey 5-year average, or any territory or
possession of the United States.'' Another provision in Section 736
expands the eligible population in Persistent Poverty Counties to
include any county seat of such a Persistent Poverty County that has a
population that does not exceed the authorized population limit by more
than 10 percent. Therefore, applications for projects in Persistent
Poverty County seats with populations up to 55,000 (per the 2010
Census) are eligible. Funding in the amount of $3 million is available
to support Persistent Poverty Counties.
A. Program Description
The DHCS program is authorized by Section 379G of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u). The primary objective
of the program is to provide financial assistance to address the
continued unmet health needs in the Delta Region through cooperation
among health care professionals, institutions of higher education,
research institutions, and other individuals and entities in the Delta
Region. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum award
amount per grant is $1,000,000.
Definitions
Academic Health and Research Institute--A combination of a medical
school, one or more other health profession schools or educational
training programs (such as allied health, dentistry, graduate studies,
nursing, pharmacy, public health), and one or more owned or affiliated
teaching or health systems; or a health care nonprofit organization or
health system, including nonprofit medical and surgical hospitals, that
conduct health related research.
Conflict of Interest--A situation in which a person or entity has
competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it
difficult for the person or business to act impartially. 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 financial or other interest
in the outcome of the Project; or that restrict open and free
competition for unrestrained trade. Specifically, Project Funds may not
be used for services or goods going to, or coming from, a person or
entity with a real or apparent conflict of interest, including, but not
limited to, owner(s) and their immediate family members. An example of
a conflict of interest occurs when the consortium member's employees,
board of directors, or the immediate family of either, have the
appearance of a professional or personal financial interest in the
recipients receiving the benefits or services of the grant.
Consortium--A group of three or more entities that are regional
Institutions of Higher Education, Academic Health and Research
Institutes, and/or Economic Development Entities located in the Delta
Region that have at least one year of prior experience in addressing
the health care issues in the region. At least one of the consortium
members must be legally organized as an incorporated organization or
other legal entity and have legal authority to contract with the
Federal Government.
Delta Region--The 252 counties and parishes within the states of
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Missouri, and Tennessee that are served by the Delta Regional
Authority. (The Delta Region may be adjusted by future Federal
statute.) To view the areas identified within the Delta Region visit
<a href="http://dra.gov/about-dra/dra-states">http://dra.gov/about-dra/dra-states</a>.
Economic Development Entity--Any public or non-profit organization
whose primary mission is to stimulate local and regional economies
within the Delta Region by increasing employment opportunities and
duration of employment, expanding or retaining existing employers,
increasing labor rates or wage levels, reducing outmigration, and/or
creating gains in other economic development-related variables such as
land values. These activities shall primarily benefit low- and
moderate-income individuals in the Delta Region.
Health System--The complete network of agencies, facilities, and
all providers of health care to meet the health needs of a specific
geographical area or target populations.
Institution of Higher Education--A postsecondary (post-high school)
educational institution that awards a bachelor's degree or provides not
less than a two year program that is acceptable for full credit toward
such a degree, or a postsecondary vocational institution that provides
a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a
recognized occupation.
Nonprofit Organization--An organization or institution, including
an accredited institution of higher education, where no part of the net
earnings of which may inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder
or individual.
Project--All activities funded by the DHCS grant.
Project Funds--Grant funds requested plus any other contributions
to the proposed Project.
[[Page 29275]]
Rural and rural area--Any area of a State: (1) Not in a city or
town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, according
to the latest decennial census of the United States; and (2) The
contiguous and adjacent urbanized area; (3) Urbanized areas that are
rural in character as defined by 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13); and (4) For the
purposes of this definition, cities and towns are incorporated
population centers with definite boundaries, local self-government, and
legal powers set forth in a charter granted by the State.
State--Includes each of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa,
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be
determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
and the Republic of Palau.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Award: Competitive Grant.
Total Funding: $3,000,000.
Maximum Award: $1,000,000.
Minimum Award: $50,000.
Project Period: Up to 24 months.
Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2022.
C. Eligibility Information
Applicants must meet all the following eligibility requirements.
Your application will not be considered for funding if it does not
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or is missing
required elements. Applicants that fail to submit the required elements
by the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be
evaluated further. Information submitted after the application deadline
will not be accepted.
1. Eligible Applicants
Grants funded through DHCS may be made to a Consortium as defined
in Paragraph A of this Notice. One member of the Consortium must be
designated as the lead entity by the other members of the Consortium
and have legal authority to contract with the Federal Government.
The lead entity is the recipient (see 2 CFR 200.86) of the DHCS
grant funds and accountable for monitoring and reporting on the Project
performance and financial management of the grant. It is expected that
the recipient will make subawards in the form of a grant, cooperative
agreement, or contract, as appropriate, to the other members of the
Consortium. If a grant or cooperative agreement is awarded, the
organization receiving the subaward is a subrecipient (see 2 CFR
200.93), and the recipient is responsible for complying with all
applicable requirements of 2 CFR part 200, including provisions for
making and monitoring an award. If a contract is awarded, the
organization receiving the subaward is a contractor, and the recipient
is responsible for following its written procurement procedures and
complying with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Both subrecipients
and contractors are required to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations, including performance and financial reporting, as
described in their award document.
(a) An applicant is ineligible if they do not submit ``Evidence of
Eligibility'' and ``Consortium Agreements'' as described in Section
D.2. of this Notice.
(b) 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.'' 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.
The applicant must certify as part of the application that they do not
have an outstanding judgment against them. The Agency will check the DO
NOT PAY system to verify if the applicant has been debarred or
suspended or has an outstanding judgment against them.
(c) Any corporation (1) that has been convicted of a felony
criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months or
(2) 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 the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-
103), 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.
(d) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application
includes any funding restrictions identified under Section D.6.
(e) Applications will be deemed ineligible if the application is
not complete in accordance with the requirements stated in Section C.3.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Matching funds are not required. However, if you are adding any
other contributions to the proposed Project, you must provide
documentation indicating who will be providing the matching funds, the
amount of funds, when those funds will be provided, and how the funds
will be used in the Project budget. Examples of acceptable
documentation include: A signed letter from the source of funds stating
the amount of funds, when the funds will be provided, and what the
funds can be used for or a signed resolution from your governing board
authorizing the use of a specified amount of funds for specific
components of the Project. The matching funds you identify must be for
eligible purposes and included in your work plan and budget.
Additionally, expected program income may not be used as matching funds
at the time you submit your application. If you choose, you may use a
template to summarize the matching funds. The template is available
either from your State Office or the program website at: <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants</a>.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
(a) Use of Funds. Your application must propose to use Project
Funds for eligible purposes. Eligible Project purposes include the
development of: (1) Health care services; (2) health education
programs; (3) health care job training programs; and (4) the
development and expansion of public health-related facilities in the
Delta Region.
(b) Project Eligibility. The proposed Project must take place
within the Delta Region as defined in this Notice. However, the
applicant need not propose to serve the entire Delta Region. All funds
must support projects located in persistent poverty counties as
described in the Overview section of this Notice.
(c) Project Input. Your proposed Project must be developed based on
input from local governments, public health care providers, and other
entities in the Delta Region.
(d) Grant Period Eligibility. All awards are limited to up to a 24-
month grant period based upon the complexity of the Project. Your
proposed grant period should begin no earlier than October 1, 2022 and
should end no later than 24 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 financial assistance
[[Page 29276]]
agreement is executed by the Agency--and your grant period end date
will be adjusted accordingly. Your Project activities must begin within
90 days of the date of award. If you request funds for a time period
beginning before October 1, 2022, and/or ending later than 24 months
from that date, your application will be ineligible. The length of your
grant period should be based on your Project's complexity, as indicated
in your application work plan.
(e) Multiple Application Eligibility. The Consortium, including its
members, is limited to submitting one application for funding under
this Notice. We will not accept applications from Consortiums that
include members who are also members of other Consortiums that have
submitted applications for funding under this Notice. If we discover
that a Consortium member is a member of multiple Consortiums with
applications submitted for funding under this Notice, all applications
will be considered ineligible for funding.
(f) Satisfactory Performance Eligibility. If you have an existing
DHCS award, you must be performing satisfactorily to be considered
eligible for a new DHCS award. Satisfactory performance includes being
up to date on all financial and performance reports as prescribed in
the grant award, and current on tasks and timeframes for utilizing
grant and matching funds as approved in the work plan and budget. If
you have any unspent grant funds on DHCS awards made prior to FY 2019,
your application will not be considered for funding. If your FY 2020 or
FY 2021 award has unspent funds of 50 percent or more than what your
approved work plan and budget projected at the time your FY 2022
application is evaluated, your application may not be considered for
funding. The Agency will verify the performance status of FY 2020 and
FY 2021 awards and make a determination after the FY 2022 application
period closes. The Agency understands that recipients may have had a
loss of operations due to COVID-19 and will consider providing
flexibility in terms of fund utilization on previous awards with an
acceptable justification of delays resulting from the COVID-19
pandemic.
(g) Completeness Eligibility. Your application must provide all the
information requested in Section D.2. of this Notice. Applications
lacking sufficient information to determine eligibility and scoring
will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered for scoring.
(h) Indirect Costs. Your negotiated indirect cost rate approval
does not need to be included in your application, but you will be
required to provide it if a grant is awarded. Approval for indirect
costs that are requested in an application without an approved indirect
cost rate agreement is at the discretion of the Agency.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
The application template for this funding opportunity is located at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants</a>. Use of the application template is strongly recommended to
assist you with the application process. You may also contact your
State Office for more information. Contact information for State
Offices is located at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
You must submit your application electronically through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
Your application must contain all required information.
To apply, 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 applications through mail, courier delivery, in-person delivery,
email or fax.
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 CFDA number
for this program.
When you enter the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> website, you will find information
about applying electronically through the site, as well as the hours of
operation.
To use <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>, you must already have a 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 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>.
You must submit all application documents electronically through
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applications must include electronic signatures. Original
signatures may be required if funds are awarded.
After applying electronically 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.
The organization submitting the application will be considered the
lead entity. The Contact/Program Manager must be associated with the
lead entity submitting the application.
Your application must also contain the following required forms and
proposal elements:
(a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' The
application for Federal assistance must be completed by the lead entity
as described in Section C.1. of this Notice. Your application must
include your UEI and SAM Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code
and expiration date (or evidence that you have begun the SAM
registration process). Because there are no specific fields for a CAGE
code and expiration date, you may identify them anywhere you want to on
the form. If you do not include the CAGE code and expiration date and
the UEI in your application, it will not be considered for funding. The
form must be signed by an authorized representative.
(b) Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.'' This form must be completed and submitted as part of the
application package.
(c) Form SF-424C, ``Budget Information--Construction Programs.''
This form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the
application package for construction Projects.
(d) Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one
page, briefly describing the Project, tasks to be completed, and other
relevant information that provides a general overview of the Project
must be provided.
(e) Evidence of Eligibility. Evidence of the Consortium's
eligibility to apply under this Notice must be provided. This section
must include a detailed summary demonstrating that the applicant is a
Consortium as defined in paragraph A of this Notice and explain how
each Consortium member meets the definition of an eligible entity as
defined under Definitions in this Notice.
(f) Consortium Agreements. The application must include a formal
written agreement with each Consortium member that addresses the
negotiated arrangements for administering the Project to meet Project
goals, the Consortium member's responsibilities to comply with
administrative, financial, and reporting requirements of the grant,
including those necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable
Federal regulations and policies, and facilitate a smooth
[[Page 29277]]
functioning collaborative venture. Under the agreement, each Consortium
member must perform a substantive role in the Project and not merely
serve as a conduit of funds to another party or parties. This agreement
must be signed by an authorized representative of the lead entity and
an authorized representative of each partnering consortium entity.
(g) Scoring Criteria. Each of the scoring criteria in this Notice
must be addressed in narrative form. Failure to address each scoring
criterion will result in the application being determined ineligible.
(h) Performance Measures. The Agency has established annual
performance measures to evaluate the DHCS program. Estimates on the
following performance measures, as part of your application, must be
provided:
(1) Number of businesses assisted;
(2) Number of jobs created;
(3) Number of jobs saved; and
(4) Number of individuals assisted/trained.
It is permissible to have a zero in a performance element. When
calculating jobs created, estimates should be based upon actual jobs to
be created by your organization as a result of the DHCS funding or
actual jobs to be created by businesses as a result of assistance from
your organization. When calculating jobs saved, estimates should be
based only on actual jobs that would have been lost if your
organization did not receive DHCS funding or actual jobs that would
have been lost without assistance from your organization.
You can also suggest additional performance elements for example
where job creation or jobs saved may not be a relevant indicator. These
additional elements should be specific, measurable performance elements
that could be included in an award document.
(i) Financial Information and Sustainability. Current financial
statements and a narrative description demonstrating sustainability of
the Project, all of which show sufficient resources and expertise to
undertake and complete the Project and how the Project will be
sustained following completion must be provided. Applicants must
provide three years of pro-forma financial statements for the Project.
(j) Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence. The lead entity must
provide evidence of its legal existence and authority to enter into a
grant agreement with the Agency and perform the activities proposed
under the grant application.
(k) Service Area Maps. Maps with sufficient detail to show the area
that will benefit from the proposed facilities and services and the
location of the facilities improved or purchased with grant funds, if
applicable, must be provided.
(l) Environmental information necessary to support the Agency's
environmental finding. Required information can be found in 7 CFR part
1970, specifically in Subpart B, and Subpart C. These documents can be
found here: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/instructions">https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/instructions</a>.
Construction related activities funded by RD must comply with State and
local building codes and 7 CFR part 1924. Depending on the construction
actions anticipated, an appropriate 7 CFR part 1970 compliant
environmental document will need to be submitted and approved, prior to
commencement of construction. Non-construction Projects applying under
this Notice are hereby classified as Categorical Exclusions in
accordance with 7 CFR 1970.53(b), including the award of financial
assistance for planning purposes, management and feasibility studies,
or environmental impact analyses, and which do not require any
additional environmental documentation.
3. System for Awards Management (SAM) and Assigned UEI
(a) must be registered in SAM before submitting an application and
must 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://sam.gov">https://sam.gov</a>.
(b) You 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.
(c) You must complete the Financial Assistance General
Certifications and Representations in SAM.
If you have not fully complied with all applicable UEI and SAM
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 Date and Time
Application Deadline Date: July 12, 2022.
Explanation of Deadline: Electronic applications must be RECEIVED
by <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 12, 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/organization-registration.html">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html</a> for instructions on the process of registering your
organization as soon as possible to ensure you can meet the electronic
application deadline. <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> will not accept applications submitted
after the deadline.
The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification
on materials contained in the submitted application. See the
Application Guide for a full discussion of each item. For requirements
of completed grant applications, refer to Section D of this document.
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. For a list of
States that maintain a SPOC, please see the White House website:
<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 may submit your application directly for
review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to your
State Office for consideration as part of your application.
6. Funding Restrictions
Project funds may not be used for ineligible purposes. In addition,
you may not use Project Funds for the following:
(a) To duplicate current services or to replace or to substitute
support previously provided; provided, however, Project Funds may be
used to expand the level of effort or a service beyond what is
currently being provided;
(b) To pay for costs to prepare the application for funding under
this Notice;
(c) To pay for costs of the Project incurred prior to the effective
date of the period of performance;
(d) To pay expenses for applicant employee training not directly
related to the Project;
(e) To fund political activities;
[[Page 29278]]
(f) To pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which
does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either
citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after
being legally admitted for permanent residence;
(g) To pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
(h) To engage in any activities that are considered a Conflict of
Interest, as defined by this Notice; or
(i) To fund any activities prohibited by 2 CFR part 200.
In addition, your application will not be considered for funding if
it does any of the following:
(1) Requests more than the maximum grant amount; or
(2) Proposes ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of
the Project Funds.
The Agency will consider your application for funding if it
includes ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total Project Funds,
if it is determined eligible otherwise. However, if your application is
successful, those ineligible costs must be removed and replaced with
eligible costs before the Agency will make the grant award or the
amount of the grant award will be reduced accordingly. If the Agency
cannot determine the percentage of ineligible costs, your application
will not be considered for funding.
7. Other Submission Requirements
(a) Applications will not be accepted if the text is less than 11-
point font.
(b) National Environmental Policy Act. This Notice has been
reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, ``Environmental Policies
and Procedures.'' We have 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 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. The applicant may be asked to provide
additional information or documentation to assist the Agency with this
determination.
(c) Civil Rights Compliance Requirements. All grants made under
this Notice are subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as
required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
E. Application Review Information
The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements in this Notice, and other
applicable Federal regulations. If determined eligible, your
application will be scored by a panel of USDA employees in accordance
with the point allocation specified in this Notice. Applications will
be funded in rank order until the funding limitation has been reached.
Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered partial funding
at the Agency's discretion.
1. Scoring Criteria
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on
the following criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the
information provided or cross-referenced by page number in each
individual scoring criterion. DHCS 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 total
points possible for the criteria are 110. The minimum score requirement
for funding is 60 points. It is at the Agency's discretion to fund
applications with a score of 59 points or less if it is in the best
interest of the Federal Government.
(a) Community Needs and Benefits Derived from the Project (maximum
of 30 points). A panel of USDA employees will assess how the Project
will benefit the residents in the Delta Region. This criterion will be
scored based on the documentation in support of the community needs for
health services and public health-related facilities and the benefits
to people living in the Delta Region derived from the implementation of
the proposed Project. It should lead clearly to the identification of
the Project participant pool and the target population for the Project
and provide convincing links between the Project and the benefits to
the community to address its health needs. You must discuss the:
(1) Health care needs/issues/challenges facing the service area and
explain how the identified needs/issues/challenges were determined.
Discussion should also identify problems faced by the residents in the
region.
(2) Proposed assistance to be provided to the service area and how
the Project will benefit the residents in the region.
(3) Implementation plan for the Project and provide milestones
which are well-defined and can be realistically completed.
(4) Expected outcomes of the proposed Project and how they will be
tracked and monitored. You should attempt to quantify benefits in terms
of outcomes from the Project; that is, ways in which peoples' lives, or
the community, will be improved. Provide estimates of the number of
people affected by the benefits arising from the Project.
(b) The Project Management and Organization Capability (maximum of
30 points). A panel of USDA employees will evaluate the Consortium's
experience, past performance, and accomplishments addressing health
care issues to ensure effective Project implementation. This criterion
will be scored based on the documentation of the Project's management
and organizational capability. You must discuss:
(1) Your organization's management and fiscal structure including
well-defined roles for administrators, staff, and established financial
management systems.
(2) Relevant qualifications, capabilities, and educational
background of the identified key personnel (at a minimum, the Project
Manager) who will manage and implement programs.
(3) Your organization's current successful and effective experience
(or demonstrated experience within the past five years) addressing the
health care issues in the Delta Region.
(4) Your organization's experience managing grant-funded programs.
(5) The extent to which administrative/management costs are
balanced with funds designated for the provision of programs and
services.
(6) The extent and diversity of eligible entity types within the
applicant's Consortium of regional institutions of higher education,
academic health and research institutes, and economic development
entities located in the Delta Region.
(c) Work Plan and Budget (maximum of 30 points). You must provide a
work plan and budget that includes the following: (1) The specific
activities, such as programs, services, trainings, and/or construction-
related activities for a facility to be performed under the Project;
(2) the estimated line item costs associated with each activity,
including grant funds and other necessary sources of funds; (3) the key
personnel who will carry out each activity (including each Consortium
member's role); and (4) the specific time frames for completion of each
activity.
[[Page 29279]]
An eligible start and end date for the Project and for individual
Project tasks must be clearly shown and may not exceed Agency specified
timeframes for the grant period. You must show the source and use of
both grant and other contributions for all tasks. Other contributions
must be spent at a rate equal to, or in advance of, grant funds.
A panel of USDA employees will evaluate your work plan for detailed
actions and an accompanying timetable for implementing the proposal.
Clear and comprehensive work plans detailing all project goals, tasks,
timelines, costs, and responsible personnel in a logical and realistic
manner will result in a higher score.
(d) Local Support (maximum 10 points). A panel of USDA employees
will evaluate your application for local support of the proposed
Project. The application must include documentation detailing support
solicited from local government, public health care providers, and
other entities in the Delta Region. Evidence of support can include,
but is not limited to, surveys conducted amongst Delta Region residents
and stakeholders, notes from focus groups, or letters of support from
local entities.
(e) Administrator Discretionary Points (maximum of 10 points). The
Administrator may choose to award up to 10 points to support geographic
distribution of funds and/or key priorities as follows (more details
available at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>):
<bullet> Assisting rural communities recover economically from the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged
communities (3 points);
<bullet> Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects (3 points); and
<bullet> Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities (3 points).
Applicants that provide a clear and comprehensive response to how
they are addressing the Administration's priorities (1 point)
The DHCS program is a nationally-competed program with a panel that
reviews all Administration priority point requests and makes
recommendations to the Administrator based on which applicants provided
the most comprehensive and clear plan for meeting the Administration's
priorities.
2. Review and Selection Process
The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements in this Notice, and other
applicable Federal regulations. If determined eligible, your
application will be scored by a panel of USDA employees in accordance
with the point allocation specified in this Notice. The review panel
will convene to reach a consensus on the scores for each of the
eligible applications. The Administrator may choose to award up to 10
Administrator discretionary points based on criterion (e) in section
E.1. of this Notice. These points will be added to the cumulative score
for a total possible score of 110. Applications will be funded in
highest ranking order until the funding limitation has been reached.
Applications that cannot be fully funded may be offered partial funding
at the Agency's discretion. If your application is ranked and not
funded, it will not be carried forward into the next competition.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices
If you are selected for funding, you will receive a signed notice
of Federal award by postal or electronic mail, 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 via postal or electronic mail and informed of any review and
appeal rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications will be
limited to available FY 2022 funding.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
program can be found in 2 CFR parts 25, 170, 180, 200, 400, 415, 417,
418, and 421; and 48 CFR 31.2, and successor regulations to these
parts. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to
report information about first tier subawards and executive
compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to have the
necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act reporting requirements (see
2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)). These
regulations may be obtained at <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse">https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse</a>.
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
(a) Execution of an Agency approved Financial Assistance Agreement.
(b) Acceptance of a written Letter of Conditions.
(c) Submission of Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of
Funds.''
(d) RD Instruction 1940-Q, Exhibit A-1, ``Certification for
Contracts, Grants and Loans.''
(e) SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' if applicable.
3. Reporting
After grant approval and through grant completion, you will be
required to provide the following:
a. A SF-425, ``Federal Financial Report,'' and a project
performance report will be required on a semiannual basis (due 30
working days after the end of the semiannual period). For the purposes
of this grant, semiannual periods end on June 30th and December 31st.
The project performance reports shall include a comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives established for that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any,
which have affected or will affect attainment of overall project
objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude
the attainment of particular objectives during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation.
d. Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
e. A final project and financial status report within 90 days after
the expiration or termination of the grant.
f. Outcome project performance reports and final deliverables.
G. Agency Contacts
For general questions about this announcement and for program
Technical Assistance, please contact the appropriate State Office at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices">http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices</a>. You may also contact
Honie Turner, Program Management Division, Direct Programs Branch,
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA at (202) 720-1400 or email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4102112633202f353201343225206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="064556617467687275467375626728616970">[email protected]</span></a>. You are also encouraged to visit the application
website for application tools, including an application template, at
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants">http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/delta-health-care-services-grants</a>.
H. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), OMB
must approve all ``collection of information''
[[Page 29280]]
as a requirement for ``answers to . . . identical reporting or
recordkeeping requirements imposed on, ten or more persons . . .'' (44
U.S.C. 3502(3)(A)). RUS has concluded that the reporting requirements
contained in this rule/funding announcement will involve less than 10
persons and do not require approval under the provisions of the Act.
Applications must contain all the required elements of this NOSA,
and all standard requirements as required by 7 CFR part 1734.
Additional supporting data or documents may be required by RUS
depending on the individual application or financial conditions. All
applicants must comply with all Federal laws and regulations.
Executive Order (E.O.) 13175 Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
This Executive Order imposes requirements on Rural Development in
the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications or
preempt tribal laws. Rural Development has determined that this Notice
does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
tribe(s) or on either the relationship or the distribution of powers
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Indian
tribes. Thus, this Notice is not subject to the requirements of
Executive Order 13175. Tribal Consultation inquiries and comments
should be directed to RD's Native American Coordinator at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#610008000f21141205004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f1e161e113f0a0c1b1e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>
or (720) 544-2911.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the Agency or
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA
through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally,
program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at <a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-program-discrimination-complaint-form.pdf">https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-program-discrimination-complaint-form.pdf</a> and at any USDA office, or write a
letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all the information
requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call
(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410; and
(2) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b646a686b5e584f4a054c445d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afe0eeecefdadccbce81c8c0d9">[email protected]</span></a>.
Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10361 Filed 5-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.