Notice2024-06962
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit Unions
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 2, 2024
Issuing agencies
National Credit Union Administration
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22745-22749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06962]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Access for Credit
Unions
ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Development Revolving Loan
Fund (CDRLF) Grants.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 44.002.
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is issuing this
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability of
technical assistance grants (awards) for low-income-designated credit
unions (LICUs) through the CDRLF. The CDRLF provides financial support
in the form of loans and technical assistance grants that help credit
unions support the communities in which they operate. All grant awards
made under this NOFO are subject to funds availability and are at the
NCUA's discretion.
Table of Contents
A. Program Description
B. Award Information
C. Eligibility Information
D. Application and Submission Information
E. Application Review Information
F. Federal Award Administration
G. Federal Awarding Agency
H. Grant Terms and Conditions
[[Page 22746]]
A. Program Description
The purpose of the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
(CDRLF) is to assist LICUs in providing basic financial services to
their members and to stimulate economic activities in their
communities. Through the CDRLF, the NCUA provides financial support in
the form of technical assistance grants to eligible credit unions to
modernize, build capacity, and extend outreach into underserved
communities.
The NCUA will consider requests for various funding initiatives.
More detailed information about the purpose of each initiative, amount
of funds available, funding priorities, permissible uses of funds,
funding limits, deadlines, and other pertinent details will be defined
in the Grant Round Guidelines. In addition, the NCUA may periodically
publish information regarding the CDRLF in Letters to Credit Unions,
press releases, and/or on the agency website, <a href="http://NCUA.gov">NCUA.gov</a>.
1. Funding Initiatives
The funding initiatives available during 2024 include:
i. Training;
ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity;
iii. Consumer Financial Protection;
iv. MDI Capacity Building;
v. Underserved Outreach; and
vi. Impact Through Innovation.
2. Authority and Regulations
i. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1772c-1, 1756, 1757(5)(D), and (7)(I),
1766, 1782, 1784, 1785 and 1786; and Further Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2024, Public Law 118-47, Div. B, Title V (2024).
ii. Regulations: The regulation governing the CDRLF is found at 12
CFR part 705. In general, this regulation governs the CDRLF, and sets
forth the program requirements. Additional regulations related to the
low-income designation are found at 12 CFR 701.34 and 741.204. For the
purposes of this NOFO, an ``Applicant'' is a Participating Credit Union
that submits a complete application to the NCUA under the CDRLF. The
NCUA encourages Applicants to review the regulations, this NOFO, the
Grant Round Guidelines, and other program materials for a complete
understanding of the program.
B. Award Information
Up to $3,465,000 in awards will be available through this NOFO. The
NCUA reserves the right to: (i) award more or less than the amounts
cited above; (ii) fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or none of the
applications submitted in response to this NOFO; and (iii) reallocate
funds available under this NOFO to other programs, particularly if the
NCUA finds that the number of awards made under this NOFO is fewer than
projected. General information about the purpose of each funding
initiative and the maximum award amount is provided below. Additional
initiative information will be detailed in the 2024 Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund Grant Round Application Guidelines
found on the NCUA's website.
1. Purpose of Funding Initiatives
i. Training: The training initiative aims to strengthen credit
union management's leadership skills and promote succession planning.
Credit unions will be able to use funds to develop a management
succession plan or to enroll an employee in advanced training courses
to enhance leadership skills and operational knowledge of credit
unions. To direct grant funds to credit unions with the greatest need
for resources, credit unions with assets in excess of $100 million are
not eligible for funding under this initiative.
ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity: This initiative is intended
to increase access to safe, fair, and affordable digital financial
products and services. Applicants can request funding for equipment
needed to improve their remote work posture, upgrade equipment to
current industry standards, or implement new financial products and
services that provide members access to the credit union without
physical access to the branch. Cybersecurity activities include
cybersecurity training for board members and employees, procurement of
software and hardware required for cybersecurity upgrades, contracts
for external security services, business continuity, development or
implementation of an incident response plan, vulnerability scans, or IT
auditing and testing. To direct grant funds to credit unions with the
greatest need for resources, credit unions with assets in excess of
$250 million are not eligible for funding under this initiative.
iii. Consumer Financial Protection: The purpose of this initiative
is to ensure credit unions have the resources and expertise to protect
credit union members and consumers, raise awareness of potential
frauds, and facilitate access to fair and affordable financial
services. Many credit unions need additional expertise, systems, and
support to ensure consumer financial protection. Under this initiative,
credit unions can obtain the resources, such as consultants, to train
staff on consumer financial protection laws and regulations. To ensure
funds for these activities reach credit unions with the greatest need
for resources, credit unions with assets in excess of $500 million are
not eligible for funding under this initiative.
iv. MDI Capacity Building: The purpose of funding initiatives for
low-income-designated MDIs is to support and help preserve these
institutions in furtherance of Section 308 of the Financial
Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. Low-income-
designated MDI credit unions are often challenged to fund training for
staff and volunteers or invest in technological upgrades, growth, and
expansion. The MDI Capacity Building initiative will provide larger
awards to low-income designated MDIs for training, mentoring,
implementing new products and services, strategic planning, outreach,
opening a new service facility in an underserved community, and other
capacity building activities. This initiative allows these credit
unions to undertake the many activities required to grow and meet the
unique needs of their members. Only low-income-designated credit unions
that also have self-designated as Minority Depository Institutions as
of the date of their grant application are eligible for funding under
this initiative. To ensure funds for these activities reach credit
unions with the greatest need regardless of size, no asset limitations
will be placed on applicants for this initiative.
v. Underserved Outreach: The Underserved Outreach initiative will
help credit unions implement innovative outreach strategies to help
close the wealth gap in underserved communities and for minority,
veteran, and immigrant populations through new or expanded outreach
efforts, such as opening a new service facility in an underserved
community, creating financial education programs, and offering
financial products and services. To ensure funds for these activities
reach credit unions with the greatest need regardless of size, no asset
limitations will be placed on applicants for this initiative.
vi. Impact Through Innovation: The NCUA's priority for the CDRLF is
to support the growth of credit unions and make a positive impact on
communities that are financially underserved. Providing greater support
will require larger awards and longer performance periods. The Impact
Through Innovation initiative will encourage credit unions to meet
challenges affecting underserved communities, targeting banking
deserts, affordable housing, credit invisibles, and financial
technologies (fintechs) in new ways. As
[[Page 22747]]
part of the 2023 CDRLF Pilot grant initiative, funds will be available
only to credit unions that received a 2023 CDRLF Pilot grant under the
Impact Through Innovation initiative. The Impact Through Innovation
initiative is a multi-year award implemented as a continuation grant.
Funds are available for the second performance period of these
projects. Credit unions are eligible to receive funding up to $100,000
in 2024. Subsequent awards are dependent on successful project
performance and the availability of future congressional
appropriations. See the 2023 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
Pilot Grant Application Guidelines for additional details.
2. Maximum Award Amount
The maximum amount for a CDRLF award is determined by the funding
initiative. There is no minimum amount for CDRLF awards. The maximum
award amount for each funding initiative is provided below.
i. Training--$5,000
ii. Digital Services and Cybersecurity--$10,000
iii. Consumer Financial Protection--$10,000
iv. MDI Capacity Building--$50,000
v. Underserved Outreach--$50,000
vi. Impact Through Innovation--$100,000
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
This NOFO is open to low-income-designated credit unions that meet
the eligibility requirements defined in 12 CFR part 705.
i. Non-Federally Insured Applicants: Each Applicant that is a non-
federally insured, state-chartered credit union must submit additional
application materials. These additional materials are more fully
described in 12 CFR 705.7(b)(3) and in the application.
a. Non-federally insured, state-chartered credit unions must agree
to be examined by the NCUA. The specific terms and covenants pertaining
to this condition will be provided in the award agreement of the
Participating Credit Union.
2. Employer Identification Number
Each application must include a valid and current Employer
Identification Number (EIN) issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
(IRS). The NCUA will not consider an application that does not include
a valid and current EIN. Such an application will be deemed incomplete
and will be declined. Information on how to obtain an EIN may be found
on the IRS' website.
3. System for Award Management
All Applicants are required by federal law to have an active
registration with the federal government's System for Award Management
(SAM) prior to applying for funding. SAM is a web-based, government-
wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates
business information about the Federal Government's trading partners in
support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment
processes. An active SAM account status and unique entity identifier
(UEI) number are required to apply for a CDRLF grant. Credit unions
receive a UEI upon registration in SAM. Once registered, credit unions
must recertify and maintain an active status annually. There is no
charge for the SAM registration and recertification process. SAM users
can register or recertify their account by following the instructions
for registration. The NCUA will not consider an applicant that does not
have an active SAM status.
4. Other Eligibility Requirements
i. Financial Viability: Applicants must meet the grant award
standards established by the NCUA, including those pertaining to
financial viability, as set forth in the application and defined in 12
CFR 705.7(b) and 705.7(c).
ii. Compliance with Past Agreements: In evaluating funding requests
under this NOFO, the NCUA will consider an Applicant's record of
compliance with past agreements. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether to consider an application from an Applicant with a
past record of noncompliance, including any deobligation of funds
(removal of unused awards).
a. If an Applicant is in default of a previously executed agreement
with the NCUA, the NCUA will not consider an application for funding
under this NOFO.
b. If an Applicant is a prior Participating Credit Union under the
CDRLF and has unused awards as of the date of application, the NCUA may
request a narrative from the Applicant that addresses the reason for
its record of noncompliance. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, will
determine whether the reason is sufficient to proceed with the review
of the application.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Application
Under this NOFO, all applications must be submitted online in the
NCUA's web-based application system, CyberGrants, to be considered.
Applications must be submitted online at <a href="https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications">https://www.cybergrants.com/ncua/applications</a>. The application and related documents are also
located on the NCUA's website at <a href="https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx">https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx</a>.
2. Minimum Application Content
A complete application will consist of similar components for each
funding initiative. At a minimum, each initiative requires a narrative
that describes the Applicant's proposed use of the CDRLF award. The
NCUA may waive this requirement for funding initiatives with a defined
list of allowable project activities. The NCUA will identify the
funding initiatives that do not require a narrative response in the
grant round guidelines. Other application contents that are specific to
a particular funding initiative will be defined in the grant round
guidelines found on the NCUA's website.
3. Submission Dates and Times
The NCUA will accept applications beginning May 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.
Eastern. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
Eastern. Late applications will not be considered.
E. Application Review Information
1. Eligibility and Completeness Review
The NCUA will review each application to determine whether it is
complete and that the Applicant meets the eligibility requirements
described in the regulations, the Grant Round Guidelines, and in this
NOFO. An incomplete application or one that does not meet the
eligibility requirements may be declined without further consideration.
2. Evaluation Criteria
Each funding initiative, due to its structure and impact, may have
different evaluation criteria assigned. The evaluation criteria for
each funding initiative are fully described in the Grant Round
Guidelines.
3. Application Review
The purpose of the application review is to determine whether an
application satisfies the criteria for the applicable funding
initiative. The NCUA will evaluate each application for adherence to
the grant round guidelines. The NCUA may contact the Applicant during
its review to clarify or confirm information in the application. The
Applicant must respond within the time specified by the NCUA or the
NCUA, in its sole discretion, may decline the
[[Page 22748]]
application without further consideration.
4. Scoring and Funding Decision
The NCUA uses a scoring system that establishes a ranking position
for each application. The applications will be ranked according to the
scoring criteria set forth for each funding initiative in the Grant
Round Guidelines.
F. Federal Award Administration
1. NCUA Award Notice
The NCUA will notify each Applicant of its funding decision by
email. In addition, the NCUA will announce the successful applications
through a press release that includes a list of the Awardees.
Applicants that are approved for funding will also receive instructions
on how to proceed with the post-award activities.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
i. Award Agreement: The specific terms and conditions will be
established in the award agreement each Participating Credit Union must
sign prior to formally accepting an award. Each Participating Credit
Union under this NOFO must enter into an agreement with the NCUA before
the NCUA will disburse the award funds. The agreement includes the
terms and conditions of funding, including but not limited to the (i)
award amount, (ii) grant award details, (iii) accounting treatment,
(iv) signature pages, and (v) reporting requirements.
ii. Failure to Sign Agreement: The NCUA, in its sole discretion,
may rescind an award if the Applicant fails to sign and return the
agreement or any other requested documentation, within the time
specified by the NCUA.
3. Payment Process
Awardees will be responsible for the timely completion of all post-
award activities. This includes, but it is not limited to, signing the
award agreement and completing a payment request for the awarded funds.
The payment requirements vary by funding initiative and are detailed in
the application and post-award guidelines.
The payment request may require, all or a combination of the
following items: (i) certification of expenses; (ii) project related
documentation; (iii) a summary of project accomplishments and outcomes;
or (iv) a certification form signed by a credit union official (such as
CEO, manager, or Board Chairperson) authorized to request the payment
and make the certifications. The NCUA, in its sole discretion, may
modify these requirements. Additional payment request requirements will
be described in the post-award guidelines.
G. Federal Awarding Agency
1. Methods of Contact
Further information can be found at <a href="https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx">https://www.ncua.gov/services/Pages/resources-expansion/grants-loans.aspx</a>. For questions related to
the CDRLF, email the NCUA's Office of Credit Union Resources and
Expansion at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#317264637470616162715f5244501f565e47"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cdfc9ced9ddcccccfdcf2ffe9fdb2fbf3ea">[email protected]</span></a>.
2. Information Technology Support
People who have visual or mobility impairments that prevent them
from using the NCUA's website should call (703) 518-6610 for guidance
(this is not a toll-free number).
H. Grant Terms and Conditions
1. Every Applicant Must Certify it Meets and Agrees to the Following
Terms and Conditions Prior To Submitting an Application
i. Applicant is a low-income-designated credit union, as defined in
Section 701.34 of the NCUA's Rules and Regulations.
ii. Applicant shall comply with U.S. Office of Management and
Budget, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards.
iii. Applicants are required to have an audit conducted if they
hold $750,000 or more in Federal awards during a fiscal year.
Applicants that hold less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt
from this requirement.
For example, if a credit union uses a $250,000 loan from the NCUA's
CDRLF and a $500,000 grant from the Community Development Financial
Institutions Fund, totaling $750,000 in Federal awards during the same
fiscal year, then the credit union must have an audit conducted.
iv. Applicant is responsible for the efficient and effective
administration of the Federal Award through application of sound
management practices. Applicant assumes the responsibility for
administering Federal Funds in a manner consistent with underlying
agreements, program objectives, and the term and conditions of the
Federal Award.
v. No employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor has participated
substantially for this grant-funded activity, nor otherwise benefited
directly or indirectly from the grant, who, to its knowledge (assuming
reasonable diligence), has a ``covered relationship'' with an NCUA
employee who presently holds a position that would enable him or her to
influence a pending or future grant award, or a payment of permitted
expenses thereunder.
vi. An employee, contractor, consultant, or vendor of the Applicant
would have such a ``covered relationship'' if he or she were either:
(1) a member of the household of an NCUA employee who presently holds a
position that would enable him or her to influence a pending or future
grant award, or a payment thereunder; or (2) a relative of such an NCUA
employee with whom he or she has a close personal relationship. 5 CFR
2635.502(b)(1)(ii).
vii. Applicant must disclose in writing to the NCUA any potential
conflict of interest in accordance with applicable Federal awarding
agency policy.
viii. Per 2 CFR 200.113, Applicant must disclose all violations of
Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations
potentially affecting the award.
ix. The Applicant conducts its activities such that no person is
excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is
subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age,
or disability in the distribution of services and/or benefits provided
under this grant program. The credit union agrees to provide evidence
of its compliance as required by the NCUA. Furthermore, credit unions
should ensure compliance with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
x. If a credit union enters into commitments for a project before
the grant decision is made, the credit union will be obligated to pay
project expenses from its own funds should the grant not be approved;
if the grant is approved, the credit union may request payment for
expenses incurred as of the publication date of the notice of funding
opportunity associated with this funding round.
xi. Requests to reallocate or change approved project(s) and/or
request an extension to the deadline must be submitted in writing prior
to the original deadline and approved by the NCUA prior to Applicant
incurring expenses.
xii. The Applicant is aware that the NCUA will correspond with the
credit union regarding this application by email, using the email
address provided in this application.
xiii. Applicant hereby acknowledges that the NCUA reserves full
discretion to deny payment under this grant in the event the NCUA
determines the Applicant is, or previously was, either
[[Page 22749]]
in breach of any condition or limitation in the grant guidelines or in
breach of the `covered relationship' restriction set forth above.
xiv. Information included in Outcome Summary or Success Stories is
considered by the NCUA to be Research Data and is governed by 2 CFR
200.315 and may be made publicly available.
xv. Applicant is aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent
information or the omission of any material fact may subject Applicant
to criminal, civil or administrative penalties for fraud, false
statements, false claims, or otherwise. (U.S. Code title 18, section
1001 and title 31, sections 3729-3730, and 3801-3812).
xvi. Applicant is aware recipients and subrecipients are prohibited
from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to procure or obtain
equipment, services, or systems that use covered telecommunications
equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any
system or as critical technology as part of any system in accordance
with Public Law 115-232, section 889 and 2 CFR 200.216.
xvii. Applicants receiving payment in advance must maintain both
written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer
of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial
management systems that meet the standards for fund control and
accountability.
By the National Credit Union Administration Board.
Ji Kwon,
Acting Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 2024-06962 Filed 4-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535-01-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 2, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.