Notice2024-11714
Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024
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Published
June 3, 2024
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Housing Service
Abstract
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The funding amount available for FY 24 is $540,000.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 107 (Monday, June 3, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 107 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47510-47515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11714]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
[Docket No. RHS-24-CF-0013]
Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Facilities
Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024
AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural
Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), announces that it is accepting applications under the Community
Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program for
fiscal year (FY) 2024. The funding amount available for FY 24 is
$540,000.
[[Page 47511]]
DATES: Complete applications for grants must be submitted according to
the following deadlines:
Paper submissions: Paper submissions must be received by the Agency
no later than 4:00 p.m. local time on July 8, 2024 to be eligible for
funding under this grant opportunity. Late or incomplete applications
will not be eligible for funding.
Electronic submissions: Electronic submissions submitted via
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
July 3, 2024 to be eligible for funding under this grant opportunity.
Late or incomplete applications will not be eligible for funding.
ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will be announced on <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
Paper applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development
State Office (RDSO) for the State where the Project is located. For
Projects involving multiple states, the application must be filed in
the RDSO where the Applicant is located. Applicants may also request
paper application packages from their respective RDSO. A list of the
USDA RDSO contacts can be found at: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
Entities wishing to apply for assistance may download the
application documents and requirements described in this notice from
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Application information for electronic submissions may be
found at <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Trivette, Asset Risk Management
Specialist at email address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6804071d011b461c1a011e0d1c1c0d281d1b0c09460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="620e0d170b114c16100b140716160722171106034c050d14">[email protected]</span></a>, United States
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, 214 N. College Street,
Suite 300, Greeneville, TN 37745; or call; Telephone: 423-612-1791. For
further information on submitting program applications under this
notice, please contact the USDA RDSO in the state where the applicant's
headquarters is located. A list of RDSO contacts is provided at the
following link: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices">rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/state-offices</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Federal Awarding Agency Name: Rural Housing Service (RHS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Facilities Technical
Assistance and Training Grant.
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-CFTAT-2024.
Assistance Listing: 10.766.
Dates: Applications must be submitted using one of the following
methods:
<bullet> Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper
application is 4 p.m. local time, July 8, 2024. Applicants intending to
mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on or
before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by the United
States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute delivery.
Facsimile (FAX), electronic mail, and postage due applications will not
be accepted.
<bullet> Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be
accepted via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. The deadline for receipt of an electronic
application via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 3, 2024.
The application dates and times are firm. The Agency will not consider
any application received after the deadline.
Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may
request technical assistance or other application guidance from the
Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to June 28, 2024.
Technical assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of
the quality of the materials submitted, a substitute for agency review
of completed applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such
determination requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will not solicit
or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after
the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact
applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in
the submitted application.
Rural Development Key Priorities: The Agency encourages applicants
to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities
(more details available at <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/priority-points">rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>):
<bullet> Creating More and Better Market Opportunities: Assisting
rural communities recover economically through more and better market
opportunities through improved infrastructure.
<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.
For further information, visit <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/priority-points">rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the Community Facilities
TAT Grant Program is to provide technical assistance and training with
respect to essential community facilities programs. To meet this
purpose, the Agency will make grants to public bodies and private
nonprofit corporations (such as States, counties, cities, townships,
and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts,
and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations) to provide
assistance and/or training with respect to essential community
facilities programs. The Technical Assistance and/or training will
assist communities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations to
identify and plan for community facility needs that exist in their
area. Once those needs have been identified, the Grantee can assist in
identifying public and private resources to finance those identified
community facility needs.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority. This NOFA is authorized
pursuant; Section 306(a)(26) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)); and implemented under 7 CFR
part 3570, subpart F.
3. Definitions. The definitions and abbreviations applicable to
this Notice are published at 7 CFR 3570.252 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.252">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.252</a>).
4. Application of Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and
score applications received in response to this notice based on the
provisions found in 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F, and as indicated in
this notice.
The requirements for submitting an application can be found at 7
CFR 3570.267 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267</a>). All applicants can access application
materials at <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applications must be received by the Agency by
the due date listed in the DATES section of this Notice. Applications
received after that due date will not be considered for funding. Paper
copies of the applications must be submitted to the RDSO in which the
applicant is headquartered. Electronic submissions must be submitted at
<a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. A listing of the RDSO contacts may be found at <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf">rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf</a>. Applicants whose headquarters are
in the District of Columbia must submit their application to the
National Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 1400 Independence Ave.,
SW, STOP 0787, Community Programs
[[Page 47512]]
Division Room 5104A RD Rural Housing Service (RHS) Community Facilities
General Mailbox, Washington, DC 20250. Both paper and electronic
applications must be received by the Agency by the deadlines stated in
the DATES section of this Notice. The use of a courier and package
tracking for paper applications is strongly encouraged. An applicant
can only submit one application for funding. Application information
for electronic submissions may be found at <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. Applications
will not be accepted via FAX or email.
5. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant
bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application in response
to this notice whether or not the applicant receives any funding as a
result of its application.
6. If the proposal involves large increases in employment;
hazardous waste; a change in use, size, capacity, purpose, or location
from an original facility; or is publicly controversial, the following
is required: environmental documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part
1970; financial and statistical information; and a written project
description.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2024.
Available Funds: $540,000. Up to ten percent of the available funds
may be awarded to the highest scoring Ultimate Recipient(s) as long as
they score a minimum score of at least 65. The Agency reserves the
right to reduce funding amounts based on the Agency's determination of
available funding or other Agency funding priorities.
Award Amounts: Grant funds are limited and are awarded through a
competitive process.
Minimum/Maximum Award Amount: Grant awards made to Ultimate
Recipients will not exceed $50,000. The Agency has capped the grant
awards for Technical Assistance Providers assisting Ultimate Recipients
to not exceed $150,000. This applies even if the Technical Assistance
Provider covers entities in one county, multiple counties, or multiple
states.
Anticipated Award Date: Awards will be made on or before September
15, 2024.
Performance Period: The grant period is to be for no more than
three 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. The Agency awards points for applicants that have
not received a previous grant. Applicants must re-apply for an
additional grant.
Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant agreement.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants. Both the applicant and the use of funds
must meet eligibility requirements. The applicant eligibility
requirements can be found at 7 CFR 3570.262. Eligible project purposes
can be found at 7 CFR 3570.263. Ineligible project purposes can be
found at 7 CFR 3570.264.
Non-tribal applicants proposing to provide Technical Assistance to
Tribes should provide adequate documentation (for example, a letter of
support from the Tribe or Tribes) that the Technical Assistance they
are proposing to provide is supported by the Tribes they plan to serve.
Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony criminal
violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months, or that has
any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all
judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have
lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an
agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with full-
year appropriated funds, unless a Federal agency has considered
suspension or debarment of the corporation and has made a determination
that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of
the Government.
Debarment and suspension information is required in accordance with
2 CFR parts 417 (Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension) and 180 (OMB
Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement). The section heading ``What information must I provide
before entering into a covered transaction with a Federal agency?''
located at 2 CFR 180.335 is part of OMB's Guidance for Grants and
Agreements concerning Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension.
Applicants are not eligible if they have been debarred or suspended or
otherwise excluded from, or ineligible for, participation in Federal
assistance programs under 2 CFR parts 180 and 417.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching funds are not required. Up to
10 points may be awarded for applications that contain matching funds.
These matching funds must be in the form of cash.
3. Other. All submitted applications must meet the eligibility
requirements in this notice and at 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F
(<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F</a>), and application
requirements noted in 7 CFR 3570.267 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.267</a>).
Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing
required elements.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package. For further information
on the Community Facilities TAT Grant Program, entities wishing to
apply for assistance should contact the USDA RDSO provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application
package. Application information is also available at <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>.
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 Federal
Relay Service.
Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may
request application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests
are made prior to June 28, 2024. Technical assistance is not meant to
be an analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted,
a substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility. The Agency will not solicit or consider
scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the
application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact
applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in
the submitted application.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission. An application must
contain all of the required elements outlined in 7 CFR 3570.267. Each
application must address the applicable scoring criteria presented in 7
CFR 3570.273 for the type of funding being requested.
3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier. 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. In order to register in SAM, entities
will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
[[Page 47513]]
Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at <a href="http://sam.gov/content/entity-registration">sam.gov/content/entity-registration</a>.
a. 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.
b. Applicant must ensure that it completes the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
c. Applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.
d. 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. Application Funding Submission
Deadlines:
a. Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper
application is 4 p.m. local time, July 8, 2024.
b. Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be accepted
via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a>. The deadline for receipt of an electronic application
via <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 3, 2024.
Explanation of Dates: The application dates and times are firm.
Applications must be in the USDA RDSO by the dates and times specified
above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday,
the application is due the next business day. The Agency will not
consider any application received after the deadline.
Allow Sufficient Time For Mailing of Application: Applicants
intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit
delivery on or before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by
the United States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute
delivery. Facsimile (FAX), electronic mail, and postage due
applications will not be accepted. Prior to official submission of
applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made
prior to June 28, 2024.
5. Intergovernmental Review. This program is subject to Executive
Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state
and local officials. RD conducts intergovernmental consultation as
implemented by 2 CFR part 415, subpart C. Not all States have chosen to
participate in the intergovernmental review process. A list of
participating States is available at the following website:
<a href="http://whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management">whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management</a>.
6. Funding Restrictions. None.
7. Other Submission Requirements. None.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria. All eligible and complete applications will be
evaluated and scored based on the selection criteria and weights
contained in 7 CFR 3570.273 (see, <a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.273">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXV/part-3570/subpart-F/section-3570.273</a>). 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.
All applications that are complete and eligible will be scored and
ranked competitively.
The categories for scoring criteria used are the following:
The Agency will score each application using the following scoring
factors unless otherwise provided in an annual Notice in the Federal
Register:
(a) Experience: Applicant Experience at developing and implementing
successful technical assistance and/or training programs:
(1) More than 10 years--40 points.
(2) More than 5 years to 10 years--25 points.
(3) 3 to 5 years--10 points.
(b) No prior grants received:
(1) Applicant has never received a TAT Grant--5 points.
(c) Population: The average population of proposed area(s) to be
served:
(1) 2,500 or less--15 points.
(2) 2,501 to 5,000--10 points.
(3) 5,001 to 10,000--5 points.
(d) MHI: The average median household income (MHI) of proposed area
to be served is below the higher of the poverty line or:
(1) 60 percent of the State's MHI--15 points.
(2) 70 percent of the State MHI--10 points.
(3) 90 percent of the State's MHI--5 points.
(e) Multi-jurisdictional: The proposed technical assistance or
training project is a part of a Multi-jurisdictional project comprised
of:
(1) More than 10 jurisdictions--15 points.
(2) More than 5 to 10 jurisdictions--10 points.
(3) 3 to 5 jurisdictions--5 points.
(f) Soundness of approach: Up to 10 points.
(1) Needs assessment: The problem/issue being addressed is clearly
defined, supported by data, and addresses the needs;
(2) Goals and objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;
(3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to
accomplishing objectives and clearly identifies who will be served by
the project;
(4) The proposed activities are needed in order for a complete
Community Facilities loan and/or grant application.
(g) Matching funds:
(1) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 20%
of the total project costs--10 points.
(2) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of 10%
of the total project costs--5 points.
(h) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may
award up to 10 discretionary points for the highest priority project in
each state, up to 7 points for the second highest priority project in
each state, and up to 5 points for the third highest priority project
that addresses unforeseen exigencies or emergencies, such as the loss
of a community facility due to an accident or natural disaster, or
other areas of need in their particular state. The State Director will
place written documentation in the project file each time the State
Director assigns these points--Up to 10 points.
(i) Administrator discretionary points. The Administrator may award
up to 20 discretionary points for projects to address geographic
distribution of funds, emergency conditions caused by economic
problems, natural disasters and other initiatives identified by the
Secretary--Up to 20 points.
2. Review and Selection Process. The State Offices will review
applications to determine if applications are eligible for assistance
based on requirements contained in 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F. If
determined eligible, your application will be forwarded to the National
Office. Funding of projects is subject to the intermediary's
satisfactory submission of the additional items required by that
subpart and the USDA RD Letter of Conditions. Due to the competitive
nature of this program, applications receiving the same score will be
competed/ranked based on the application scoring the highest on
matching funds and multi-jurisdictional categories. In addition to the
State
[[Page 47514]]
Director and Administrator Discretionary priority points, under 7 CFR
3570.273 (see, 7 CFR 3570.273(h) and 7 CFR 3570.273(i)), points may
also be awarded with documented justification for any of the three
following categories, not to exceed the points allowed in 7 CFR
3570.273(h) and 7 CFR 3570.273(i):
<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. An
applicant can receive priority points through one of the three options
listed below:
Option 1: Applicants will receive points if the project is located
in or serves a Disadvantaged Community as defined by the Climate and
Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), from the White House Council
on Environmental Quality (CEQ). CEJST is a tool to help Federal
agencies identify disadvantaged communities that will benefit from
programs included in the Justice40 initiative. Census tracts are
considered disadvantaged if they meet the thresholds for at least one
of the CEJST's eight (8) categories of burden: Climate, Energy, Health,
Housing, Legacy Pollution, Transportation, Water and Wastewater, or
Workforce Development.
Option 2: Applicants will receive points if the project is located
in or serves an Energy Community as defined by the Inflation Reduction
Act (IRA). The IRA defines energy communities as:
<bullet> A ``brownfield site'' (as defined in certain subparagraphs
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)).
<bullet> A ``metropolitan statistical area'' or ``non-metropolitan
statistical area'' that has (or had at any time after 2009).
<bullet> 0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local
tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or
storage of coal, oil, or natural gas; and has an unemployment rate at
or above the national average unemployment rate for the previous year.
<bullet> A census tract (or directly adjoining census tract) in
which a coal mine has closed after 1999; or in which a coal-fired
electric generating unit has been retired after 2009.
Option 3: Applicants will receive points by demonstrating through
written narrative how proposed climate-impact projects improve the
livelihoods of community residents and meet pollution mitigation or
clean energy goals.
To determine if your project qualifies for priority points under
Option 1 or Option 2, please use the Disadvantaged Community & Energy
Community Look-Up Map.
For more information, please use the following link: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/priority-points">rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
<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.
Applicant receives priority points if the project is located in or
serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the CDC Social
Vulnerability Index. Please use Community Look-Up Map to look up map or
list to determine if your project qualifies for priority points.
Applications from Federally Recognized Tribes, including Tribal
instrumentalities and entities that are wholly owned by Tribes will
receive priority points. Federally Recognized Tribes are classified as
any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village or
community as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act
(List Act) of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-454). Please refer to the Bureau of
Indian Affairs for a listing of Federally Recognized Tribes.
Additionally, projects where at least 50% of the project
beneficiaries are members of Federally Recognized Tribes, will receive
priority points if applications from non-Tribal applicants include a
Tribal Resolution of Consent from the Tribe or Tribes that the
applicant is proposing to serve.
Applications from or benefiting a Rural Partner's Network's (RPN)
community network will receive priority points (<a href="http://rural.gov">rural.gov</a>) in
applicable funding notices. Currently RPN Networks exist in Alaska,
Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North
Carolina, Puerto Rico, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Please use the
Community Look-Up map to determine if your project qualifies for
priority points.
For additional information on data sources used for this priority
determination, please download the Data Sources for Rural Development
Priorities document at the following link: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf">rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf</a>.
<bullet> Creating More and Better Market Opportunities: Assisting
rural communities recover economically through more and better market
opportunities through improved infrastructure. Applicants receive
priority points if the project is located in or serving a rural
community whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed tier
of the Distressed Communities Index. The Distressed Communities Index
provides a score between 1-100 for every community at the zip code
level. The most distressed tier of the index are those communities with
a score over 80. Please use the Distressed Communities Index Look-Up
Map to determine if your project qualifies for priority points.
For additional information on data sources used for this priority
determination, please download the Data Sources for Rural Development
Priorities document at the following link: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf">rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/rd-ic-prioritiesdatasupplementalupdatedfy2024.pdf</a>.
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. If an application is withdrawn by the applicant, it can be
resubmitted and will be evaluated as a new application, provided the
application is resubmitted before the submission deadline as stated in
section D4.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Additional
requirements that apply to Grantees selected for this Program can be
found in 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F">ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-3570/subpart-F</a>). Awards are subject to the grant regulations at 2 CFR
part 400 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400</a>), which adopt the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 2 CFR part 200 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200</a>) as USDA policies and procedures for grant
awards.
If the applicant wishes to consider beginning its project
performance prior to the grant being officially closed, all pre-
evaluation award costs must be approved in writing and in advance by
the Agency.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170">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="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.200#p-170.200">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.200#p-170.200</a>(b)), unless the recipient is exempt under 2
CFR 170.110(b) (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110</a>(b)).
[[Page 47515]]
The following additional requirements apply to Grantees selected
for these Programs:
(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 and each prospective ultimate recipient.
(f) Grantees must collect and maintain data provided by ultimate
recipients on race, sex, and national origin and ensure ultimate
recipients collect and maintain this data. 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.
(e) The applicant and the ultimate recipient 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) Reporting. The Grantee must provide reports as required by 7
CFR part 3570, subpart F. A financial status report, SF 425 ``Federal
Financial Report,'' and a project performance report will be required
as provided in the grant agreement. The financial status report must
show how grant funds and matching funds have been used to date. A final
report may serve as the last report. Grantees shall constantly monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected
goals by time periods are being accomplished. Applicant may find the
reporting requirements for this grant as set forth at 7 CFR 3570.276 in
addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200</a>) and 2 CFR 400.1 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.1">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.1</a>) to 400.2 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.2">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-400.2</a>), and 2 CFR
parts 415 to 422 (<a href="http://ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-415">ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-415</a>).
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
USDA RDSO as provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice or the
program website at: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program">rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program</a>.
H. Other Information
(1) Civil Rights Requirements. All grants made under this Notice
are subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and USDA's
nondiscrimination regulation (7 CFR part 15, subpart A), 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.
(2) Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirement contained
in this notice has been approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 0575-
0198.
(3) National Environmental Policy Act. All recipients under this
notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1970, available
at: <a href="http://rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance">rd.usda.gov/resources/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance</a>.
(4) 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, or staff office; or the 711 Federal
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="http://usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf?time=1671165786489">usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf?time=1671165786489</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#b8c8cad7dfcad9d596d1d6ccd9d3ddf8cdcbdcd996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f383819c9481929edd9a9d87929896b386809792dd949c85">[email protected]</span></a>.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Yvonne Hsu,
Acting Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-11714 Filed 5-31-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on June 3, 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.