Notice2024-02782
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2024
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Published
February 13, 2024
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative ServiceRural Housing ServiceRural Utilities Service
Abstract
The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD or Agency) 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) 2024, the covered RD programs 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 RD programs 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 2024 to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under the covered programs and to give the RD programs time to process applications. Information on estimated FY 24 funding amounts can be found under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, section B. Federal Award Information of this notice.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 30 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10026-10029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02782]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service
[Docket No. RBS-23-BUSINESS-0025]
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic
and Community Development Program for FY 2024
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD or Agency) 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) 2024, the covered RD programs
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 RD programs 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 2024 to allow potential applicants time to submit
applications for financial assistance under the covered programs and to
give the RD programs time to process applications. Information on
estimated FY 24 funding amounts can be found under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION, section B. Federal Award Information of this notice.
DATES: Each of the participating covered programs has a different
established deadline for receipt of applications. Please refer to the
RD website or the appropriate covered program's Federal Register Notice
for application deadline information.
ADDRESSES: SECD applications, except for the covered Water and Waste
Loans and Grant Programs, must be submitted electronically to the USDA
RD Office servicing the area where the project is located. Applications
for Water and Waste Loans and Grants Programs must be submitted
electronically at <a href="https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/">https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/</a>. For lenders
assigned a CRM, SECD applications must be submitted to their assigned
CRM.
All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
preparing and submitting applications.
To apply for SECD funding in FY 2024, 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,
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334)),'' located at
<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/strategic-economic-and-community-development">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/strategic-economic-and-community-development</a>, with their program application to
the appropriate covered program.
<bullet> SECD applications, except for the Water and Waste Loans
and Grant Program SECD applications, must be submitted electronically
to the USDA RD Office servicing the area where the project is located.
A list of the USDA RD 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> Water and Waste Loans and Grant Program must submit SECD
applications electronically at <a href="https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/">https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/</a>.
<bullet> For lenders assigned a OneRD Loan Guarantee Initiative
Customer Relationship Manager (CRM), SECD applications must be
submitted to their assigned CRM.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information, please contact
your respective RD 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 Dr. Gregory Batson, Rural
Development Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6138, Stop 0793, Washington, DC 20250,
Telephone: (573) 239-2945, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#563124333139242f78343722253938166a37763e2433306b" 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.
Funding Opportunity Number: The following covered programs with
their Assistance Listing (AL) numbers are listed as flows:
<bullet> Community Facilities 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.
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:
<bullet> Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice.
Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of
climate change through economic support to rural communities.
<bullet> Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and
Opportunity. Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
<bullet> Creating More and Better Market Opportunities. Assisting
rural communities recover economically through more and better market
opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
For further information on FY 24 Rural Development Priorities,
please visit the following website: Rural
[[Page 10027]]
Development Priorities: FY 2024 [verbar] Rural Development (<a href="http://usda.gov">usda.gov</a>).
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 RD
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 2024, 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 and Regulatory Authority
These funds are made available under Section 379H of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended (7 U.S.C.
2008v).
3. The Covered Programs
Section 379H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as
amended (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 24 through the following RD
programs:
<bullet> Community Facilities 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.
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 2024 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 2024. Funding for the SECD covered programs in FY 2023 was
$409,892,029, however, funding for FY 2024 will not be known until
Congress passes an appropriations act for FY 2024. Successful
applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and
subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made
available through appropriations. The Agency advises that all
interested parties bear the financial burden of preparing and
submitting an application in response to this Notice whether or not
funding is appropriated for this program in FY 2024.
For FY 2024 applications, the following table specifies the
percentage of funds being reserved for the covered SECD programs:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage of
funds reserved
Program for SECD
(percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Facilities Loans.............................. 10
Community Facilities Grant Program...................... 5
Community Facilities Guaranteed Loans................... 5
Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans...... 10
Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans................... 5
Water and Waste Disposal Grants......................... 3
Rural Business Development Grants....................... 5
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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 24 will be obligated on or before June 30,
2024. 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, direct 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 Section 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 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 SECD
regulation (7 CFR part 1980, subpart K) does not change those
definitions. Therefore, the applicable program regulations as outlined
in Section A.2 of this notice 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.
To be considered for the reserved funds from covered programs in FY
2024, 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:
[[Page 10028]]
<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.
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
Section 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) Priority,'' located at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/strategic-economic-and-community-development#to-apply">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/strategic-economic-and-community-development#to-apply</a>, 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 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) 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. The Agency will not
solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility information that is
submitted after the application deadline. The covered RD programs also
reserve the right to ask applicants for clarifying information and
additional verification of assertions in the application.
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 must be submitted electronically to the USDA
RD Office servicing the area where the project is located. RD 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) Water and Waste Loans and Grant Program must submit SECD
applications electronically at <a href="https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/">https://rdapply.sc.egov.usda.gov/</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 2024 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 24, 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. The RD covered programs reserve the right to offer the
applicant less than the funding requested.
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.
[[Page 10029]]
H. Build America, Buy America
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 IIJA. 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>.
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 070-0068.
National Environmental Policy Act
All projects to be financed under this notice are subject to the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and RD's environmental regulation at
7 CFR part 1970 (Environmental Policies and Procedures).
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="http://www.sam.gov/SAM">http://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 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, staff office, 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 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#bbcbc9d4dcc9dad695d2d5cfdad0defb87da9bd3c9dedd86" 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.
Roger Glendenning,
Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-02782 Filed 2-12-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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