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Notice2023-09260

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023

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Published

May 2, 2023

Issuing agencies

Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service

Abstract

This notice of funding opportunity (notice) announces that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year (FY) 2023 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. There is $3 million currently available for FY 2023. All funds must support projects located in persistent poverty counties in the Delta Region and as described in the Overview section of this notice. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27434-27441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-09260]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

[Docket #: RBS-23-CO-OP 0005]

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Delta Health Care Services
Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice of funding opportunity (notice) announces that the
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is accepting fiscal year
(FY) 2023 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. There is $3 million currently available for FY 2023.
All funds must support projects located in persistent poverty counties
in the Delta Region and as described in the Overview section of this
notice. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
developing their applications.

DATES: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 3, 2023 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 or incomplete
applications will not be eligible for funding.

ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will also be announced on
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective
USDA Rural Development State Office well in advance of the application
deadline to discuss their Project and ask any questions about the
application process. Contact information for State

[[Page 27435]]

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>. Applicants may obtain program guidance and application tools
from <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>.
To submit an application, follow the instructions for the Delta
Health Care Services (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 application deadline. You
are 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, Business Loan and Grant
Analyst at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fe969190979bd08a8b8c909b8cbe8b8d9a9fd0999188">[email&#160;protected]</a> Program Management Division, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, United States Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3226; or call 202-
720-1400 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#175447706576796364576264737639707861">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
For further information on program requirements under this notice,
please contact the USDA Rural Development State Office in the state
where the applicant's headquarters is located. A list of Rural
Development State Office contacts is provided at the following link:
<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Delta Health Care Services Grant Program
(DHCS).
Announcement Type: Notice of funding opportunity.
Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-DHCS-2023.
Assistance Listing: 10.874.
Dates: Application Deadline. Electronic applications must be
received by <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a> no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
July 3, 2023, or it will not be considered for funding.
Rural Development Key Priorities:
The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will
advance the key priorities below (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 to recover economically
through more and better market opportunities and through improved
infrastructure.
<bullet> Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
<bullet> Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities.

A. Program Description

1. Purpose of the Program. 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.

2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority

(a) Statutory. The DHCS program is authorized by section 379G of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u).
(b) Persistent Poverty Counties. The Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), division A, title VII, section 736
(Section 736), 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 has been allocated to support Persistent
Poverty Counties.

3. 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, or 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 includes 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 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. 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

[[Page 27436]]

health needs of a specific geographical area or target population.
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--Any organization or institution, including
an accredited institution of higher education, 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.
Rural and rural area--Includes (1) Any area of a State other than
(a) 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 (b) any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or
town described in (a); and (2) Urbanized areas that are rural in
character as defined by 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13). 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.

4. Application of Awards

Awards under the DHCS Program will be made on a competitive basis.
The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in
response to this notice.

B. Federal Award Information

Type of Award: Grant.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2023.
Available Funds: $3 million.
Award Amounts
Maximum Award: $1,000,000.
Minimum Award: $50,000.
Anticipated Award Date: September 30, 2023.
Performance Period: Up to 24 months.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Not applicable.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance Agreement
(Grant Agreement).

C. Eligibility Information

1. Applicant

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. Grants funded through DHCS may be made to a
Consortium as defined in section A.3 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 200.1) 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 200.1
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, 2023 (Public Law
117-103), division E, title VII, sections 744 and 745 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.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements associated with
this grant. 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>.

[[Page 27437]]

3. Other

(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 paragraph A.2.(b).
(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, 2023 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 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, 2023 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 2020
your application will not be considered for funding. If your FY 2021 or
FY 2022 award has unspent funds of 50 percent or more than what your
approved work plan and budget projected at the time your FY 2023
application is evaluated, your application may not be considered for
funding. The Agency will verify the performance status of FY 2021 and
FY 2022 awards and make a determination after the FY 20223 application
period closes.
(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 guide and necessary forms are available at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>. Additionally, the application guide, general program
information, and other application tools 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 guide 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. Paper
applications are not accepted.
You can locate the <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> downloadable application package for
this program by using a keyword, the program name, or the Assistance
Listing Number 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 the System for Award
Management (SAM) at <a href="http://www.sam.gov">www.sam.gov</a>. 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 code and expiration date (or
evidence that you have begun the SAM registration process). If you do
not include the 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.

[[Page 27438]]

(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 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 provisions may be
found at <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970</a> Construction related activities funded by RD
must comply with State and local building codes and 7 CFR part 1924.
Depending on the actions anticipated, an appropriate 7 CFR part 1970
compliant environmental document must be submitted and approved, prior
to commencement of construction.

3. System for Award Management and Assigned Unique Entity Identifier

(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 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>). In order to register in
SAM, entities will be required to obtain a 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) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by
a Federal awarding agency.
(c) Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in their 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. Submission Date and Time

Application Deadline Date: Completed applications must be submitted
electronically to www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time July 3,
2023, 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. All application documents identified in this notice
are required in the submission to be considered a complete application.
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 comprising a
complete application. For complete application requirements, refer to
section D. 2. 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

[[Page 27439]]

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/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/">https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/</a>
If your State has a SPOC, you may submit a copy of the application
directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be
provided to your State Office for consideration as part of your
application. If your State has not established a SPOC, or if you do not
want to submit a copy of the application, our State Offices will submit
your application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies.
Applications from Federally recognized Indian tribes are not subject to
this requirement.

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, 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;
(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) Assists a hemp producer without a valid license issued by a
State, Tribe or USDA, as applicable, or in accordance with 7 CFR part
990.
(2) Requests more than the maximum grant amount; or
(3) 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

To submit an application, you must follow the instruction for this
funding opportunity at <a href="http://www.grants.gov">http://www.grants.gov</a>. A password is not
required to access the website. You should not submit your application
in more than one format or in more than one submission. Applications
will not be accepted if the text is less than 11-point font. Applicants
having technical difficulties with submitting an application should
contact grants.gov directly. Technical difficulties submitting an
application through <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. will not be a reason to extend the
application deadline.

E. Application Review Information

1. Evaluation 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:
(i) 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.
(ii) Proposed assistance to be provided to the service area and how
the Project will benefit the residents in the region.
(iii) Implementation plan for the Project and provide milestones
which are well-defined and can be realistically completed.
(iv) 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:
(i) Your organization's management and fiscal structure including
well-defined roles for administrators, staff, and established financial
management systems.
(ii) Relevant qualifications, capabilities, and educational
background of the identified key personnel (at a minimum, the Project
Manager) who will manage and implement programs.
(iii) 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.
(iv) Your organization's experience managing grant-funded programs.
(v) The extent to which administrative/management costs are
balanced with funds designated for the provision of programs and
services.
(vi) 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.

[[Page 27440]]

(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.
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>):
(1) Assisting rural communities recover economically through more
and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
Proposals where the project is located in or serving one of the top 10%
of counties or county equivalents based upon county risk score in the
United States. Information on this priority may be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(2) Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects. Direct technical
assistance to a project located in or serving a community with a score
0.75 or above on the CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on
this priority may be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(3) Reduce climate pollution and increasing resilience to the
impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities. Direct technical assistance to a project addressing
climate impacts shown as either quantitative or qualitative. Additional
information on this priority may be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(i) Quantitative: Project is located in or serving coal, oil and
gas, and power plant communities whose economic well-being ranks in the
most distressed tier of the Distressed Communities Index.
(ii) Qualitative: Demonstrating how proposed climate-impact
projects improve the livelihoods of community residents and meet
pollution mitigation or clean energy goals.

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, 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

Successful applicants will receive notification for funding by
electronic mail, containing instructions on requirements necessary to
proceed with execution and performance of the award. Applicants must
comply with the terms of the award, including meeting all applicable
statutes and regulations before the grant award can be approved and
funded.
If you are not selected for funding, you will be notified in
writing by electronic mail and informed of any review and appeal
rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications will be limited
to available FY 2023 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) Submission of ``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.

[[Page 27441]]

(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. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

For general questions about this funding opportunity, please
contact your USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice. 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#773427100516190304370204131659101801">[email&#160;protected]</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

Build America, Buy America Act

Funding to Non-Federal Entities. Awardees that are 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 (BABAA) within the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58. Any requests for waiver of
these requirements must be submitted pursuant to USDA's guidance
available online at <a href="https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver">https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver</a>.

Paperwork Reduction Act

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), OMB
must approve all ``collection of information'' as a requirement for
``answers to * * * identical reporting or recordkeeping requirements
imposed on ten or more persons * * *'' (44 U.S.C. 3502(3)(A)). The
Agency 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.

National Environmental Policy Act

All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of
7 CFR part 1970 (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970</a>). 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.

Executive Order 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 Tribal Coordinator at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d3c343c331d282e393c733a322b">[email&#160;protected]</a> or (720)
544-2911.

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25 (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25</a>), must be registered in SAM and
have a UEI number as stated in section D.3 of this notice. All
recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report
information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170 (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170</a>).

Civil Rights Act

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 (Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the
Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, title IX, Executive Order 13166
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

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.
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 711 Relay Service.
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.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf">https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf</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; and
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or,
(3) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b646a686b5e584f4a054c445d">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Karama Neal,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-09260 Filed 5-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P

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