Notice2024-03333
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024
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Published
February 20, 2024
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Business-Cooperative Service
Abstract
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. These grant funds will be made to qualified types of Applicants ("Applicants") to provide technical assistance to Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses applying to REAP ("REAP Applicants"), with priority for applications that: assist Agricultural Producers and Tribal entities, provide assistance to projects located in a Disadvantaged Community or a Distressed Community, support projects using Underutilized Renewable Energy Technologies ("Underutilized Technologies"), and/or support grant applications of $20,000 or less. This Program has $16,000,000 available for FY 2024 utilizing funding provided under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. All Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 34 (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12815-12820]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03333]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #: RBS-23-Business-0029]
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Energy for America
Program Technical Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a
Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under
the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG)
Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. These grant funds will be made to
qualified types of Applicants (``Applicants'') to provide technical
assistance to Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses
applying to REAP (``REAP Applicants''), with priority for applications
that: assist Agricultural Producers and Tribal entities, provide
assistance to projects located in a Disadvantaged Community or a
Distressed Community, support projects using Underutilized Renewable
Energy Technologies (``Underutilized Technologies''), and/or support
grant applications of $20,000 or less. This Program has $16,000,000
available for FY 2024 utilizing funding provided under the Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022. All Applicants are responsible for any expenses
incurred in developing their applications.
DATES: Completed applications for grants must be submitted
electronically via <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a> or to the USDA RD State
Office (RDSO) State Energy Coordinator of the State where the project
is located via email no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on
March 15, 2024. The RDSO State Energy Coordinator for the applicable
State can be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-energy-coordinators">https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-energy-coordinators</a>.
ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will be announced on <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a>.
Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the
application documents and requirements provided in this notice from
<a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a>. Application information for electronic
submissions may be found at FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan
Burns at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#016b6e6f607569606f2f6374736f7241747265602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80eaefeee1f4e8e1eeaee2f5f2eef3c0f5f3e4e1aee7eff6">[email protected]</span></a>, Business Loan and Grant Analyst,
Direct Programs Branch, RBCS, USDA, (774) 678-7238.
For further information on submitting program applications under
this notice, please contact the RDSO in the state where the Applicant's
headquarters is located. A list of RDSO 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
(RBCS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Energy for America (REAP)
Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program.
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding of Opportunity (NOFO).
Funding Opportunity Number: RD-BCP-24-TAG-REAP.
Assistance Listing: 10.868.
Dates: Electronic submissions must be made no later than 11:59 p.m.
ET on March 15, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be
eligible for funding.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the REAP TAG Program is
to enable Applicants to provide technical assistance to Agricultural
Producers and Rural Small Businesses applying to REAP, with priority
for applications assisting at least two or more of the following types
of REAP Applicants: (a) Agricultural Producers, (b) REAP applicants
pursuing projects located in disadvantaged or distressed communities,
(c) Tribal entities, (d) REAP Applicants pursuing projects using
Underutilized Technologies, and (e) REAP Applicants pursuing projects
under $20,000. To meet this purpose, the Agency will make grants to
eligible entities to provide services to assist potential REAP
Applicants in submitting Complete Applications.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority. The REAP TAG Program is
authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-169,
``IRA''), Title II, Subtitle C, Section 22002(b), and will be
administered by RBCS.
3. Definitions. The definitions and abbreviations applicable to
this notice are published at 7 CFR 4280.103.
For purposes of this Notice only, Underutilized Renewable Energy
Technologies (``Underutilized
[[Page 12816]]
Technologies'') are defined as those technologies that make up less
than 20 percent of the total grant dollars obligated at the end of the
FY, two (2) years previous to the current year. For example, FY 2022
award data will be utilized to determine which technologies are
Underutilized Technologies for the FY 2024 competition. The eligible
Underutilized Technologies will be fixed at the time of award for the
duration of the period of performance.
For awareness, the number of employees calculation used to
determine the size of a business concern in the definition of Small
Business is being updated to 24 months versus 12 months, to align with
recent changes made by the Small Business Administration.
4. Application of Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and
score applications as indicated in this notice. Awards under the REAP
TAG Program will be made on a competitive basis using specific
selection criteria contained in Section E.1. of this notice. The Agency
advises all interested parties that the Applicant bears the full burden
in preparing and submitting an application in response to this notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024.
Available Funds: The FY 2024 total funding amount is $16,000,000.
RBCS may, at its discretion, increase the total level of funding
available in this funding round, or in any category in this funding
round, from any available source provided the awards meet the
requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the
Agency. Based on projected need for REAP technical assistance grants as
determined on a state-by-state basis by each RDSO, funding will be
provided as follows:
The following States will make $250,000 available for the REAP TAG
Program: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida/
United States Virgin Islands, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada,
New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
The following States will make $500,000 available for the REAP TAG
Program: Alaska, Connecticut, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana,
New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, West Virginia, and
Wisconsin.
No REAP TAG funds will be available in Hawaii and Western Pacific,
Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, or Minnesota. Instead, these States will
receive equivalent assistance in the form of additional staffing
resources outside of this funding announcement. Applications filed in
these States will not be eligible for funding.
All remaining unobligated funds at the end of FY 2024 will be used
for the Underutilized Technologies Fund established in the Federal
Register notice 88 FR 19239, Notice of Solicitation of Applications
(NOSA) for the Rural Energy for America Program for FYs 2023 and 2024,
published on March 31, 2023.
Award Amounts: A grant award will not exceed $250,000 or $500,000
depending on the State or territory (see Available funds section
above). A single Applicant will not be granted more than one (1) grant
award. RDSOs may select a single or multiple Applicants that are
awarded a REAP TAG grant in each state or territory. No award amount of
less than $100,000 will be made.
Anticipated Award Date: Awards will be made before June 30, 2024.
Performance Period: The grant period is at the discretion of the
Applicant but can be no longer than three (3) years from the date of
the award. Additional funding opportunity announcements may be made in
future years.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: Applicants may apply for funding in
future funding cycles. No unfunded applications will carry over to the
next funding cycle. Applicants must re-apply for an additional grant,
and receipt of past REAP TAG Program awards does not guarantee receipt
of future awards. Applicants applying that have previously received a
REAP TAG award must be performing at a satisfactory level as determined
by the Agency at the TAG application date, including but not limited to
meeting the budget, timelines, reporting, goals, and objectives as
defined in the previous REAP TAG award work plan.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance Agreement.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants. Eligible Applicants must meet the
eligibility requirements, as applicable, specified in paragraphs (a)
through (c) of this section.
(a) Eligible Applicants are:
(1) A unit of State, Tribal, or local government or an
instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government;
(2) A land-grant college or university, or other Institution of
Higher Education;
(3) A rural electric cooperative;
(4) A Public Power Entity;
(5) A Council, as defined under the Resource Conservation and
Development Program, at 16 U.S.C. 3451.
(6) A Not-for-profit entity;
(b) The Applicant must have sufficient capacity to perform the
activities proposed in the application to ensure success as determined
by the Agency. The Agency will make this assessment based on the
information provided in the application and any additional requests for
clarifying information.
(c) The Applicant must have the legal authority necessary to apply
for and carry out the purpose of the grant.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching. There are no cost sharing or matching
requirements associated with this grant.
3. Other. All submitted applications must meet the eligibility
requirements in this notice. Applications will not be considered for
funding if they do not provide sufficient information to determine
eligibility or are missing required elements. Applicants will apply for
a single state or territory in which they intend to complete work.
Applicants that serve Tribes or Tribal entities located in multiple
states are permitted to provide technical assistance to those Tribes
and Tribal entities in multiple states. Applicants may not apply in
multiple states or territories. Only one application will be accepted
per applicant. Applications requesting more than the maximum grant
amount or less than the minimum grant amount will not be eligible.
(a) Eligible Activities. Includes recruitment of Renewable Energy
or energy efficiency projects, identification and/or use of electrical
engineering services related to generating complete REAP applications,
preparation of REAP applications for Agency financial assistance, as
well as preparing reports and assessments necessary to request
financial assistance. Contracted services are allowable. All activities
must be directly related to providing technical assistance to
Agricultural Producers or Rural Small Businesses to apply for
assistance under REAP. Eligible activities include but are not limited
to:
(1) Assisting Agricultural Producers or Rural Small Businesses to
apply for assistance under REAP for Energy Efficiency Improvements, or
Renewable Energy Systems.
(2) Providing information on how to improve the energy efficiency
of the operations and to use Renewable Energy technologies and
resources in their operations.
(3) Conducting and promoting Energy Assessments and energy audits
as
[[Page 12817]]
defined in 7 CFR 4280.103 or other electrical engineering services
necessary to complete a REAP application.
(4) Preparing a technical report in accordance with 7 CFR
4280.110(g).
(5) Assisting with filing for System Award Management (SAM and
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)) registrations.
(6) Assisting with completing a REAP grant application in
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.116.
(7) Assisting with planning construction and performance
development in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.125.
(8) Assisting with completion of environmental reports and/or
documentation required for submittal of applications.
(9) Assisting Tribal entities to determine applicant and project
eligibility.
(b) Ineligible activities. Includes, but are not limited to:
(1) Projects where funding is not targeted directly to assisting
Agricultural Producers or Rural Small Businesses.
(2) Projects which propose to provide Energy Audits or Renewable
Energy Development Assistance for residential purposes.
(c) Eligible Project Costs. Those costs incurred after the date the
Financial Assistance Agreement has been executed and that are directly
related to technical assistance to Agricultural Producers or Rural
Small Businesses to apply for assistance under REAP, which include but
are not limited to:
(1) Salaries, including fringe benefits;
(2) Travel expenses;
(3) Office supplies (e.g., paper, pens, file folders, items with
per unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or less with a useful life of 1
year or less); and
(4) Indirect cost of up to a maximum of 5 percent for administering
the grant, regardless of existing negotiated cost rates.
(d) Ineligible Project Costs. Includes, but are not limited to:
(1) Payment for any construction-related activities;
(2) Purchase or lease of equipment;
(3) Payment of any judgment or debt owed to the United States;
(4) Any goods or services provided by a Person or entity who has a
conflict of interest as provided in 7 CFR 4280.106;
(5) Any costs of preparing the application package for funding
under this notice;
(6) Funding of political or lobbying activities; and
(7) Payment or waiver of student tuition.
(e) Do Not Pay. The Agency will check the Do Not Pay portal to
determine if the Applicant has been debarred or suspended at the time
of application and also prior to funding any grant award.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package. Application information
is available at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/">https://www.grants.gov/</a> and <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-technical-assistance-grant-program">https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-technical-assistance-grant-program</a>.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission. An application must
contain all the required elements outlined in paragraphs (a) through
(f) of this section. The project will be determined incomplete and will
not be eligible to compete for funding should these elements not be
complete. Each application must address the applicable scoring criteria
presented in Section E.1. of this notice for the type of funding being
requested.
(a) Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (For Non-
Construction).
(b) Form SF 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
(c) Certification that the Applicant is a legal entity in good
standing (as applicable) and operating in accordance with the laws of
the State(s) or Tribe where the Applicant has a place of business.
(d) The Applicant must identify whether the Applicant has a known
relationship or association with an Agency employee. If there is a
known relationship, the Applicant must identify each Agency employee
with whom the Applicant has a known relationship.
(e) A proposed scope of work to include the items listed in
paragraphs (1) to (10) of this section. The proposed scope of work must
be typed, single-spaced, in 11-point font, not to exceed 12 8.5 x 11''
pages.
(1) A brief summary, including a project title, describing the
proposed project;
(2) Goals of the proposed project;
(3) Geographic scope or service area of the proposed project and
the method and rationale used to select the service area;
(4) Identification of the specific needs for the service area and
the target audience to be served. List or describe the types of
technical assistance and proposed services to be provided. State the
number of Agricultural Producers and/or Rural Small Businesses to be
served and identified, including name and contact information, if
available, as well as the method and rationale used to select the
Agricultural Producers and/or Rural Small Businesses;
(5) Timeline describing the proposed tasks to be accomplished and
the schedule for implementation of each task. Include whether
organizational staff, consultants, or contractors will be used to
perform each task;
(6) Marketing strategies to include a discussion on how the
Applicant will be marketing and providing outreach activities to the
proposed service area ensuring that Agricultural Producers and/or Rural
Small Businesses are served;
(7) Applicant's experience as follows:
(i) The Applicant's experience in completing similar activities,
such as Renewable Energy Site Assessments, Energy Assessments or
Audits, and Renewable Energy Technical Assistance provided directly to
Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses or Tribal entities,
including the number of similar projects the Applicant has performed
and the number of years the Applicant has been performing a similar
service. Include personnel on staff or to be contracted to provide the
service and their experience with similar projects.
(ii) The amount of experience in administering similar activities
as applicable to the purpose of the proposed project. Provide
commentary if the Applicant has any existing programs that can
demonstrate the achievement of energy savings or energy generation with
Agricultural Producers and/or Rural Small Businesses the Applicant has
served. If the Applicant has received one or more accolades within the
last 5 years in recognition of its Renewable Energy, energy savings, or
energy-based technical assistance, please describe the achievement(s).
(iii) The Applicant's experience working with Agricultural
Producers, Tribal entities, and/or disadvantaged or distressed
communities.
(8) Latest financial information to show the Applicant's financial
viability to carry out the proposed work. A current audit report is
preferred; however, Applicants not subject to 2 CFR 200, subpart F may
submit a current (less than 90 days from date of application) balance
sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows in lieu of an
audit report.
(9) Itemized budget including contracted services and itemized
staff salaries and benefits; and estimated breakdown of costs,
including those to be funded by the Applicant as well as other sources.
Sufficient detail should be provided to permit the approval official to
determine reasonableness, applicability, and allowability.
[[Page 12818]]
(10) Summarize the Applicant's capacity to perform the proposed
technical assistance activities including a summary of all other
programs and activities the Applicant will also perform during the
proposed project performance period.
(f) Documentation on each of the scoring criteria listed in Section
E.1. of this notice. Documentation in support of scoring criteria must
be typed, single-spaced, in an 11-point font, not to exceed 12 8.5 x
11'' pages. Acceptable file types include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg,
.jpeg, .png, .gif, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, and .pptx. If the Applicant
would like to submit another file type, please contact the RDSO first
for approval.
3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier.
(a) At the time of application, each Applicant must have an active
registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in accordance
with 2 CFR part 25.
(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) Applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(d) Applicants must provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
on the SF 424 form submitted as part of a complete application.
(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 Dates and Times.
(a) Application Technical Review. Prior to official submission of
applications, Applicants may request technical reviews or other
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made
prior to March 1, 2024. Agency contact information can be found in the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.
(b) Application Deadline Date.
Electronic submissions via <a href="https://www.Grants.gov">https://www.Grants.gov</a> or to a RDSO
State Energy Coordinator via email must be received no later than 11:59
p.m. ET on March 15, 2024. The State Energy Coordinator in the
applicable State to be eligible for funding under this grant
opportunity contact list can be found at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-energy-coordinators">https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-energy-coordinators</a>
(c) Applications Received After Deadline Date. If complete
applications are not received by the March 15, 2024, deadline, the
application will neither be reviewed nor considered for funding under
any circumstances. The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring
or eligibility information that is submitted after the application
deadline. RBCS reserves the right to ask Applicants for clarifying
information and additional verification of assertions in the
application.
5. Funding Restrictions. Applications must be for eligible purposes
as defined above.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria. All eligible and Complete Applications will be
evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights
outlined in this section. Failure to address any one of the criteria by
the application deadline will result in the application being
determined ineligible, and the application will not be considered for
funding. Documentation in support of scoring criteria must be typed,
single-spaced, in an 11-point font, not to exceed 12 8.5 x 11'' pages.
(a) Experience. A maximum of 20 points will be awarded for this
criterion. Applicants should provide a narrative description of their
organizational and aggregate staff experience at implementing
successful technical assistance programs. Applicants can discuss
internal and contracted experience.
(1) Applicants should note prior projects or experience related to
energy efficiency, Renewable Energy Systems, federal funding, and the
provision of technical assistance. Up to 15 points will be awarded
based on years of successful implementation as well as the type and
quality of the work by the Applicant.
(i) More than 10 years of successful implementation, 15 points will
be awarded;
(ii) More than 5 years to less than 10 years of successful
implementation, 10 points will be awarded;
(iii) More than 3 to less than 5 years of successful
implementation, 5 points will be awarded;
(iv) More than 1 to less than 3 years of successful implementation,
3 points will be awarded; or
(v) Applicants with less than 1 year of experience, 0 points will
be awarded.
(2) Applicants should note prior projects or experience working
with the types of REAP Applicants it seeks to support (e.g.
Agricultural Producers, Tribal entities, and/or disadvantaged or
distressed communities). Up to 5 points will be awarded based on
previous successful implementation related to work with proposed REAP
Applicant types it seeks to support.
(b) Soundness of approach. A maximum of 30 total points will be
awarded for this criterion. A maximum of 15 points will be awarded for
each criterion listed below. Applicants should address each component
with a brief narrative response.
(1) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to
accomplishing objectives & clearly identifies who will be served by the
project and demonstrates knowledge of and experience working with those
served; (Tribal entities, Rural Small businesses and Agricultural
Producers)--0 to 15 points will be awarded; and
(2) Goals & objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as
defined in the work plan, and are measurable in terms of new
applications generated--0 to 15 points will be awarded.
(c) Recruitment of Priority REAP Projects. 20 points will be
awarded for this criterion. Applicants should provide a narrative
addressing which of the following priority REAP project(s) will be
targeted and how those project(s) will be targeted. Exactly 20 points
will be awarded for Applicants' satisfactory targeting of at least two
of the following priorities:
(1) Projects requesting $20,000 or less in REAP funds.
(2) Projects located in a Disadvantaged Community or a Distressed
Community. A Disadvantaged Community will be determined by the Agency
by using the Council on Environmental Quality's Climate and Economic
Justice Screening Tool (which is incorporated into the USDA look-up
map) which identifies communities burdened by climate change and
environmental injustice. Additionally, all communities within the
boundaries of Federally Recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages
will also be determined to be Disadvantaged Communities by the Agency.
A Distressed Community will be determined by the Agency by using the
Economic Innovation Group's Distressed Communities Index (which is
incorporated into the USDA look-up map), which uses several socio-
economic measures to identify communities with low economic well-being.
To determine if your project is
[[Page 12819]]
located in a Disadvantaged Community or a Distressed Community, please
use the following USDA look-up map: <a href="https://ruraldevelopment.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4acf083be4c44bb7864d90f97de0c788">https://ruraldevelopment.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4acf083be4c44bb7864d90f97de0c788</a>.
(3) Projects submitted by Tribes and/or proposing to serve
primarily Tribal entities.
(4) Projects submitted by Agricultural Producers.
(5) Projects seeking funding for Underutilized Technologies, as
defined in Section A.3 of this notice.
(d) Performance measures. A maximum of 10 points will be awarded
for this criterion. Applicants can receive up to 10 points based on the
proposed performance measures to evaluate the progress and impact of
the proposed project. Performance measures should be based on the
Applicant's proposed scope of work as described in Section D.2(g) of
this notice and must include a description for how the results of the
technical assistance will be measured and the benchmarks to be used for
measuring effectiveness. Indicators to be used should be specific and
quantifiable.
(e) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may
award up to 20 discretionary points to address geographic distribution
of funds, ensure selection of Priority REAP Projects as described in
Section E.1(c) of this notice that meet the needs of the respective
state or region, or if selecting the application helps further a
Presidential initiative or a Secretary of Agriculture priority (<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points/rural-development-priorities-fy-2024">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points/rural-development-priorities-fy-2024</a>).
2. Review and Selection Process. The Agency will review
applications to determine if applications are eligible for assistance
based on the eligibility requirements in Section C of this notice.
Applicants meeting those eligibility requirements will be scored based
on the criteria in Section E.1. of this notice. Only those meeting the
minimum score of 40 points will be considered for funding. The total
maximum points that an Applicant may receive is 100 points.
Applications will be evaluated based only on required information
submitted by the Applicant in the application. All applications that
are complete and eligible will be scored and ranked competitively
against all other applications received in a particular state by the
Agency. The Agency reserves the right to offer the Applicant less than
the grant funding requested.
Funding of projects is subject to the Applicant's satisfactory
submission of the additional items required by Section F and the USDA
RD Letter of Conditions.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices. Successful Applicants will receive
notification for funding from the RDSO. Applicants must comply with all
applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award can be
approved.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about executive compensation (see, 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>). The Applicant
will be required to have the necessary processes and systems in place
to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
of 2006 (Pub. L. 109- 282) and reporting requirements (see, 2 CFR
170.200(b) (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170/subpart-B/section-170.200">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170/subpart-B/section-170.200</a>), unless the recipient is exempt
under 2 CFR 170.110(b) (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170/subpart-A/section-170.110">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170/subpart-A/section-170.110</a>).
The following additional requirements apply to Applicants selected
for this program:
(a) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(b) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(c) Form SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if
applicable.
(d) Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
(e) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement'' must be completed by the
Applicant.
(f) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
(g) Grantees must collect and maintain data provided by REAP
Applicants on race, sex, and national origin. Race and ethnicity data
will be collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice,
``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on
Race and Ethnicity'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data will be
collected in accordance with title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972. These items should not be submitted with the application but
should be available upon request by the Agency.
(h) The Applicant must comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive Order 12250, Executive Order
13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart
E.
3. Grant Disbursement. The Agency will disburse grant funds on a
reimbursement basis. A form SF-270 must be completed by the grantee and
submitted to the Agency, along with adequate documentation to support
costs charged to the Federal award that comply with 2 CFR 200 subpart
E, no more often than monthly to request their reimbursement of funds.
4. Reporting.
(a) Project Performance/Reporting. After grant approval and through
grant completion, awardees will be required to provide the following,
as indicated in the Financial Assistance Agreement:
(1) Federal Financial Report, Form SF-425, and a project
performance report will be required on a semiannual basis (due 30
working days after end of the semiannual period). For the purposes of
this grant, semiannual periods end on March 31st and September 30th.
The project performance reports shall include the elements prescribed
in the Financial Assistance Agreement, including, as appropriate, but
not limited to:
(i) A description of the activities that the funds reflected in the
financial status report were used for including the number of
recipients (Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses)
assisted, and the type of assistance provided, a list of recipients
with each recipient's North American Industry Classification System
(NAICS) code, the location of each recipient, and Renewable Energy
technology that would be used or Energy Efficiency Improvement if the
projects were implemented. Also provide the number of and identify the
recipients who submitted REAP grant applications and the recipients
receiving REAP grant awards (noting those with disadvantaged or
distressed community status and underutilized technology status).
(ii) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period;
(iii) Reasons why established objectives were not met, if
applicable;
(iv) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will affect
attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of objectives
during established time periods. This disclosure shall be accomplished
by a Statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the situation;
(v) Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period;
[[Page 12820]]
(vi) A demographic summary of the of the agricultural producers and
business owners receiving the technical assistance.
(2) A final project and financial status report within 90 days
after the expiration or termination of the grant.
(3) Outcome project performance report. One year after project
completion, awardees must provide a project performance report
describing their outcomes as related to REAP TAG Program goals as
identified in your Financial Assistance Agreement. The final report
will also address the following:
(i) The most challenging or unexpected aspects of this grant.
(ii) What advice you would give to other organizations applying for
this grant.
(iii) The strengths and limitations of this grant.
(iv) If you had the opportunity, what would you have done
differently?
(v) Are there any post-grant plans for this Project?
The report is due 60 days after the first full year following the
year in which the expansion project was completed.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
RDSO as provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice or the program
website at: <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/reap">https://www.rd.usda.gov/reap</a>.
H. Other Information
1. Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements
associated with the program, as covered in this notice, have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control
Number 0503-0028.
2. National Environmental Policy Act. All Applicants under this
notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR 1970, available at:
<a href="https://rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance">https://rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance</a>. However, awards for technical assistance and training under
this notice are classified as a Categorical Exclusion according to 7
CFR 1970.53(b), and usually do not require any additional
documentation. RBCS 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 RBCS with this
determination.
3. Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. All
Applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 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; or
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690- 7442; or
(3) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c7c7e636b7e6d61226562786d67694c797f686d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfafadb0b8adbeb2f1b6b1abbeb4ba9faaacbbbef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Kathryn E. Dirksen Londrigan,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA Rural
Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-03333 Filed 2-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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