Notice2022-24133
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2023
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Published
November 7, 2022
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative ServiceRural Housing ServiceRural Utilities Service
Abstract
The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is seeking applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) for projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the Agency will implement SECD by reserving loan and/or grant funds from the appropriations of the programs covered by this funding priority. This notice describes the requirements by which the Agency will consider projects eligible for the covered programs' reserved appropriated funds and the information needed to submit an application. This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act for FY 2023 to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under the covered programs and to give the Agency time to process applications. Once the FY 2023 funding amounts are determined, the Agency will publish them on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 214 (Monday, November 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 214 (Monday, November 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67010-67013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24133]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service
[Docket No. RBS-22-BUSINESS-0022]
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic
and Community Development Program for FY 2023
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications.
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SUMMARY: The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) is seeking
applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development
(SECD) priority, as reauthorized by Section 6401 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) for projects that support
multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment
plans. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the Agency will implement SECD by
reserving loan and/or grant funds from the appropriations of the
programs covered by this funding priority. This notice describes the
requirements by which the Agency will consider projects eligible for
the covered programs' reserved appropriated funds and the information
needed to submit an application. This NOSA is being issued prior to
passage of a final appropriations act for FY 2023 to allow potential
applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under
the covered programs and to give the Agency time to process
applications. Once the FY 2023 funding amounts are determined, the
Agency will publish them on its website at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas">https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas</a>.
DATES: Each of the participating covered programs has a different
established deadline for receipt of applications. Please refer to the
Agency website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register
notice for application deadline information. All applicants are
responsible for any expenses incurred in preparing and submitting
applications. To apply for SECD funding in FY 2023, applicants must
follow the instructions as published in this notice:
<bullet> All applicants must submit the Form RD 1980-88,
``Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401),'' with
their program application to the appropriate covered program.
[ssquf] SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant
Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA
Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is
located. A list of the USDA Rural Development State Offices can be
found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
<bullet> Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications
electronically at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect">https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect</a>.
<bullet> For lenders assigned a OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be
submitted to their assigned CRM.
ADDRESSES: SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant
Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA
Rural Development Office servicing the area where the project is
located. Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications
electronically at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect">https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect</a>. For
lenders assigned a CRM, SECD applications must be submitted to their
assigned CRM.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information, please contact
your respective Rural Development State Office listed here: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
For all other inquiries, you may contact Greg Batson, Rural
Development Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop
0793, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0783,
Telephone: (573) 239-2945, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ff988d9a98908d86d19d9e8b8c9091bfc39edf978d9a99c2" http: usda.gov">usda.gov</a>">gregory.batson@<a href="http://usda.gov">usda.gov</a></a>.
A checklist of all required application information for regional
planning priority can be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/strategic-economic-and-community-development">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/strategic-economic-and-community-development</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service,
Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Strategic Economic and Community
Development.
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications.
Dates: See information provided in the DATES section of this
notice.
Rural Development Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants
to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities of
Rural Development:
<bullet> Assisting rural communities recover economically through
more and better market opportunities and through improved
infrastructure;
<bullet> Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to
USDA--Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development
funded projects; and
<bullet> Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities.
For further information, visit Rural Development: Key Priorities
[verbar] Rural Development (<a href="http://usda.gov">usda.gov</a>), <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
[[Page 67011]]
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program
SECD supports projects that promote and partially or completely
implement strategic community investment plans. These plans use the
unique strengths of rural communities to advance prosperity. USDA Rural
Development helps finance and/or fund these projects to build community
prosperity by using community assets, identifying resources, convening
partners and leveraging Federal, state, local or private funding.
In FY 2023, the Agency plans to implement SECD through reserving
funds from the covered programs' appropriations as provided in 7 CFR
part 1980, subpart K. This notice provides requirements to applicants
submitting applications for the covered programs' reserved funds and
establishes the above-mentioned priority effective upon the publication
of this notice.
2. Statutory Authority
These funds are made available under the Authority of Section 6401
of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334);
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v).
3. The Covered Programs
Section 6401 of the 2018 Farm Bill (7 U.S.C. 2008v), authorizes any
program under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Pub. L.
87-128), as determined by the Secretary, to give priority to
applications that support the implementation of multi-jurisdictional
and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans.
Accordingly, the Agency is giving priority to projects implementing
strategic community investment plans in FY 23 through the following
Rural Development programs:
<bullet> Community Facility Loans; see 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A.
<bullet> Community Facilities Grants; see 7 CFR part 3570, subpart
B.
<bullet> Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans; see 7 CFR part
5001.
<bullet> Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans; see 7
CFR part 5001.
<bullet> Water and Waste Loans and Grants; see 7 CFR part 1780.
<bullet> Rural Business Development Grants; see 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart E.
<bullet> Community Connect Grants; see 7 CFR part 1739.
4. Application of Awards
The Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application based
on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for each
program's competition for the SECD reserved funds.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023 appropriated funds.
Available Funds: The amount of reserved funds available for SECD
projects is dependent on the amount of available appropriated funding
provided to each of the covered programs during the fiscal year. The
NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act for
FY 2023. Once the FY 2023 funding amount is determined, the Agency will
publish it on its website at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas">https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas</a>.
For FY 2023 applications, the following table specifies the
percentage of funds being reserved:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage
of funds
Program reserved
for SECD
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Community Facility Loans................................... 10
Community Facilities Grant Program......................... 5
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans...................... 5
Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans......... 10
Water and Waste Loans...................................... 5
Water and Waste Grants..................................... 3
Rural Business Development Grants.......................... 5
Community Connect Grant Program............................ 10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Award Amounts: Guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants will be
awarded in amounts consistent with each applicable covered program.
Anticipated Award Dates: Awards for SECD applications submitted to
the covered programs in FY 23 will be obligated on or before June 30,
2023, except Community Connect. Community Connect SECD awards will be
obligated upon completion of all required programmatic reviews. The
Agency will return any reserved funds that are not obligated by the
obligation deadline to each covered program's regular funding account
for obligation of eligible projects in that program.
Performance Period: Performance period will vary by covered
program.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: N/A.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Grants, loans and loan guarantees.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
To be considered for SECD reserved funds, both the applicant and
project must meet the eligibility requirements of the covered program.
These requirements vary among the covered programs and applicants
should refer to the regulations for those programs, which are
referenced in A.2. of this notice.
The agency supports community and regional planning through the
SECD regulation without making any changes to the applicant eligibility
requirements of the covered programs. The SECD regulation includes
three criteria that a project must meet in order to be considered for
the SECD reserve funding (see 7 CFR 1980.1010):
The first criterion, as noted above, is that the project meets the
applicable eligibility requirements of the covered program for which
the applicant is applying.
The second criterion is that the project is ``carried out in a
rural area'' as defined in 7 CFR 1980.1005. As defined, this means
either the entire project is physically located in a rural area, or all
the beneficiaries of the service(s) provided through the project must
either reside in or be located in a rural area. Note that the
definition of ``rural'' varies among the covered programs and the
Section 6401 regulation does not change those definitions. Therefore,
the applicable program regulations as outlined in A.2. should be
reviewed as necessary.
The third criterion is that the project supports partial or
complete implementation of a strategic community investment plan on a
multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral basis as defined in 7 CFR
1980.1005.
In order to be considered for the reserved funds from covered
programs in FY 2023, applicants must (1) meet all requirements of the
covered program; (2) meet all requirements in accordance with 7 CFR
part 1980, subpart K (see 7 CFR 1980.1010); and (3) submit Form RD
1980-88 and the supporting documentation required in 7 CFR 1080.1015
with their program application which includes:
<bullet> Sufficient information to show that the project will be
carried out in a rural area, as defined by the appropriate covered
program; and
<bullet> Identification of any current or previous applications the
applicant has submitted for funds from the covered programs.
[[Page 67012]]
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
All cost sharing, matching, and cost participation requirements of
the applicable covered program apply to projects seeking SECD reserved
funds.
3. Other
All other eligibility requirements (beyond those identified in C.1
of this notice) found in the covered programs' regulations applying to
applicants, their projects, and the beneficiaries of those projects are
unchanged by either this notice or the regulations for the SECD program
(7 CFR part 1980 subpart K).
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Request Application Package
Information on how to submit applications is provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applicants must submit the Form RD 1980-88, ``Strategic Economic
and Community Development (Section 6401),'' with their program
application to the appropriate covered program.
3. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active
registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting
its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25 (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25</a>). To register in SAM,
entities will be required to create Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at <a href="https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration">https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration</a>.
(b) Applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by
a Federal awarding agency.
(c) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(d) Applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110 (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110</a>).
(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has
complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
4. Application Submission Deadlines
Each of the participating covered programs has different
established deadlines for receipt of applications. Please refer to the
agency website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register
notice for application deadline information.
5. Intergovernmental Review
This notice is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
6. Funding Restrictions
All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
preparing and submitting applications.
7. Other Submission Requirements
(a) SECD applications, except for Community Connect Grant Program
SECD applications, must be submitted electronically to the USDA Rural
Development Office servicing the area where the project is located.
Rural Development State Offices can be found here: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
(b) Community Connect applicants must submit SECD applications
electronically to: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect">https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect</a>.
(c) For lenders assigned an OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be
submitted to their assigned CRM.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
All FY 2023 applications for covered programs will be reviewed,
evaluated, and scored based on the covered program's scoring criteria.
This notice does not affect that process. This notice only affects the
scoring of SECD applications competing for a covered program's SECD
reserve funds.
For applicants wishing to be considered for reserved SECD funds in
FY 23, the Agency will review, evaluate, and score each application
based on the criteria specified in 7 CFR 1980.1020, to award points for
each covered program's SECD reserved funds.
2. Review and Selection Process
The Agency will prioritize applications competing for a covered
program's reserved funds based on the covered program's awarded points
plus the SECD earned points to determine which projects receive
reserved funds. SECD points awarded are added to the covered program's
application score to elevate and prioritize projects for accessing
reserved funds.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices
The Agency will notify SECD applicants who receive funding in a
manner consistent with award notifications for the covered program.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Any and all additional requirements of the applicable covered
programs apply to projects receiving funding in response to this
notice. Please see the regulations for the applicable covered program.
3. Reporting Requirements
Any and all post-award covered program reporting requirements apply
to all projects receiving reserved funds in response to this notice.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this notice, please contact your
respective Rural Development State Office listed at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a> and other points of contact
provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.
H. Buy America
Awards under this announcement for Infrastructure projects to Non-
Federal entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local
government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit
organization, shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of
the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) within the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and its implementing regulations. The
Act requires the following Buy America preference:
(1) All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the
United States. This means all manufacturing processes, from the initial
melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the
United States.
(2) All manufactured products used in the project are produced in
the United States. This means the manufactured
[[Page 67013]]
product was manufactured in the United States, and the cost of the
components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or
manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the
total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless
another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content
of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law
or regulation.
(3) All construction materials are manufactured in the United
States. This means that all manufacturing processes for the
construction material occurred in the United States.
The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and
supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an
infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment,
and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the
construction site and removed at or before the completion of the
infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to
equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable
computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished
infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or
permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
information collection requirements contained in 7 CFR part 1980,
subpart K, have been approved by Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under OMB Control Number 0570-0068.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have an UEI
number and must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)
prior to submitting an application. Applicants may register for the SAM
and locate or register for a UEI number at <a href="https://www.sam.gov/SAM">https://www.sam.gov/SAM</a>. All
recipients of Federal financial grant assistance are required to report
information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. Applicants must ensure
they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and
Representations in SAM.
Civil Rights
Programs referenced in this Notice are subject to applicable Civil
Rights Laws. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act
of 1968, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Program information may be made available in languages other than
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service
at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,
which can be obtained online at <a href="https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027">https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027</a>, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a
letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's
name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date
of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or
letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410; or
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#48383a272f3a29256621263c29232d08742968203a2d2e75" http: usda.gov">usda.gov</a>">program.intake@<a href="http://usda.gov">usda.gov</a></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Xochitl Torres Small,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2022-24133 Filed 11-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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