Notice2024-20344
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2025
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
October 18, 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) invites the submission of applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2025, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a FY 2025 Appropriations Act in order to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2025. Based on FY 2024 appropriated funding, the Agency estimates that approximately $30 million will be available for FY 2025. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 202 (Friday, October 18, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 202 (Friday, October 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83827-83833]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20344]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
[Docket #: RBS-24-Business-0014]
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Business
Development Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2025
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), a
Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) invites the submission of applications for grants
under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for fiscal
year (FY) 2025, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is
being issued prior to passage of a FY 2025 Appropriations Act in order
to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and
submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process
applications within FY 2025. Based on FY 2024 appropriated funding, the
Agency estimates that approximately $30 million will be available for
FY 2025. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for
funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may
ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are
responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
DATES: Complete applications may be submitted in paper or electronic
format and must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time on February 28,
2025, in the USDARD State Office for the State where the project is
located. A list of the USDA RD State Offices can be found at:
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
ADDRESSES: This funding announcement will also be announced on
<a href="http://www.Grants.gov">www.Grants.gov</a>. Applications must be submitted to the USDA RD State
Office for the State where the project is located. For projects
involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the RD
State Office where the Applicant is located. Applicants are encouraged
to contact their respective RD State Office for an email contact to
submit an electronic application prior to the submission deadline date.
A list of the USDA RD State Office contacts can be found at:
<a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mason at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b2822252f3265262a3824250b3e382f2a652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d4e4443495403404c5e42436d585e494c034a425b">[email protected]</span></a>,
Program Management Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 3226, Room 5160-South,
Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call (202) 720-1400. For further
information on submitting program applications under this notice,
please contact the USDA RD State Office in the State where the
applicant's headquarters is located. A list of RD State Office contacts
is provided at the following link: <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 83828]]
Overview
Federal Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Business Development Grant
Program.
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation Announcement (NOSA).
Funding Opportunity Number: RDBCP-RBDG-2025.
Assistance Listing: 10.351.
Dates: Complete applications may be submitted in paper or
electronic format and must be received by 4:30 p.m. local time on
February 28, 2025, in the USDA RD State Office for the State where the
project is located. A list of the USDA RD State Offices can be found
at: <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
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://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>):
<bullet> Creating More and Better Markets. Assist rural communities
to recover economically through more and better market opportunities
and through improved infrastructure.
<bullet> Advancing Racial Justice, Place-Based Equity, and
Opportunity. Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects.
<bullet> Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice.
Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of
climate change through economic support to rural communities.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the RBDG Program is to
promote economic development and job creation projects through the
awarding of grant funds to eligible entities. Applications will compete
in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business
enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community
projects that serve rural areas.
Business opportunity projects must be in compliance with eligible
uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(1) that include the establishment
of business support centers or providing funds for job training and
leadership development in rural areas. Business opportunity projects
must be consistent with any tribal, local and area-wide strategic plans
for community and economic development, coordinated with other economic
development activities in the project area, and consistent with any RD
State Strategic Plan.
Business enterprise projects must be in compliance with eligible
uses as stated in 7 CFR 4280.417(a)(2) and are to be used to finance or
develop small and emerging businesses in rural areas. Enterprise grant
purposes include projects for the acquisition and development of land,
access streets and roads, the conversion or modernization of buildings,
capitalization of revolving loan funds and the purchase of machinery
and equipment for businesses located in a rural area.
2. Statutory and Regulatory Authority.
(a) RBDG Program: The RBDG Program is authorized under 310B(c) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C.
1932(c) (<a href="http://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/7/1932">www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/7/1932</a>) and implemented by 7 CFR
part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>). Assistance provided under the RBDG Program will be made to eligible
entities and will be used for funding various business opportunity
projects and business enterprise projects, as applicable, that serve
Rural Areas. All applicants must indicate if the application is for
enterprise or opportunity type funds.
(b) Set-Aside Funding: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024
(Pub. L. 118-42), designated funding for Federally-Recognized Native
American Tribes, Rural Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Communities/Rural
Economic Area Partnerships, projects in Persistent Poverty Counties (as
discussed below), Native American Persistent Poverty areas and for
Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) projects in FY
2024.
Set-aside funding may or may not be made available through
appropriations in FY 2025 where continued emphasis is given to
financial assistance for projects located in these areas. For funding
made available in FY 2024, eligible applicants for the Native American
and Rural Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Communities/Rural Economic Area
Partnership set-aside funds were required to demonstrate that at least
75 percent of the benefits of an approved grant would assist
beneficiaries in the designated areas. For funding made available in FY
2024, eligible applicants for the Persistent Poverty Counties, Native
American Persistent Poverty areas, and the SECD set-aside funds were
required to demonstrate that 100 percent of the benefits of an approved
grant would assist beneficiaries in the designated areas. The completed
application deadline for these set-aside funds, if available, is
consistent with the RBDG application deadline date of February 28,
2025. Applicants for set-aside funds must indicate that they are
applying for set-aside funds and may not submit a duplicate application
for regular RBDG funds. In addition, the applications for set aside
must also indicate if the application is for enterprise or opportunity
type funds. If funding for an anticipated set-aside program is not
appropriated in FY 2025, or if any eligible applications for set-aside
funding are not funded due to insufficient funds, such applications
will be allowed to compete for available FY 2025 regular RBDG funds in
the State where the project is located.
(c) Persistent Poverty Funding: The Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2024 (Pub. L. 118-42) provided designated funding for projects in
Persistent Poverty Counties. ``Persistent Poverty Counties'' as defined
in Section 736 is ``any county that has had 20 percent or more of its
population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the
1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community
Survey 5-year average, or any territory or possession of the United
States''. Section 736 expanded the eligible population in Persistent
Poverty Counties to include any county seat of such a Persistent
Poverty County that had a population that did not exceed the authorized
population limit by more than 10 percent, expanding the current 50,000
population limit to 55,000 for only county seats located in Persistent
Poverty Counties. Therefore, beneficiaries of technical assistance
services located in county seats of Persistent Poverty Counties with
populations up to 55,000 (per the 2020 Census) were deemed eligible.
Comparable statutory provisions may or may not be included in the
appropriations act for FY 2025.
3. Definitions. The definitions applicable to this notice are
published at 7 CFR 4280.403 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.403">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.403</a>).
4. Application of Awards. Awards under the RBDG Program will be
made on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained
in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>). The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications
received in response to this notice based on the provisions found in 7
CFR part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>), and as indicated in this notice. The Agency advises all
interested parties that the applicant bears the full burden of
preparing and submitting an application in response to this notice
whether or not funding is appropriated for this program in FY 2025.
[[Page 83829]]
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2025.
Available Funds: Dependent upon FY 2025 appropriations. Funding is
anticipated to be approximately $30 million based on FY 2024 amounts.
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.
Award Amounts: The RBDG program does not have a minimum or maximum
amount. Applicants should note that in accordance with 7 CFR
4280.435(i) applications requesting smaller grant requests will receive
more priority points.
Anticipated Award Dates: Set-Aside awards, if applicable: May 31,
2025. Regular awards: August 31, 2025.
Performance Period: The period of time in which the grantee must
initiate and complete the project is June 1, 2025, through September
30, 2027. However, as indicated in 7 CFR 4280.421, to be considered for
funding, the project must reasonably be expected to be completed within
one full year after it has begun.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
Type of Financial Assistance Instrument: Financial Assistance
Agreement.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants. Grants may be made to a Public Body/
Government Entity, an Indian Tribe, or a Nonprofit entity primarily
serving rural areas. In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.416(d)
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.416#p-4280.416">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.416#p-4280.416</a>(d)),
applicants that are not delinquent on any Federal debt or not otherwise
disqualified from participation in these Programs are eligible to
apply. The Agency will check the System for Award Management (SAM) to
determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended at the time
of application and prior to the awarding of grant funds.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching. There are no cost sharing or matching
requirements associated with this grant. Matching funds are not
required for eligibility purposes; however, additional priority points
may be awarded for leveraging per 7 CFR 4280.435(a).
3. Other. Grant funds may be used for projects identified in 7 CFR
4280.417(a) (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.417">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.417</a>) as either a
business opportunity type grant or a business enterprise type grant.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package. Entities wishing to
apply for financial assistance should contact the USDA RD State Office
provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of
the application package.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
(a) The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete
application are located in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>), a copy of which will be provided
to any interested applicant making a request to a USDA RD State Office
for the State where the project is located. A list of the USDA RD State
Offices can be found at: <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices">www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices</a>.
(b) The Agency requires information to make an eligibility
determination through applications that must include the items
identified in 7 CFR 4280.427 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.427">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.427</a>). The written narrative outlined in 7 CFR 4280.427(d) should
include the following for Other Information:
(1) Please note that no assistance or funding can be provided to
hemp producers or processors unless they have a valid license issued
from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as per Section 10113 of
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334
(<a href="http://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-115publ334">www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-115publ334</a>). Verification of valid
hemp licenses will occur at the time of award; and
(2) Any additional information the Agency may request to assist in
making a grant award determination.
Each selection priority criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.435">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.435</a>) must be addressed in
the application. Failure to address any of the criterion will result in
a zero-point score for that criterion and will impact the overall
evaluation of the application.
(c) The application must be submitted in one package. The single
package should be well organized and include a table of contents, if
appropriate. There are no specific limitations on number of pages, font
size and type face, margins, paper size, and the sequence or assembly
requirements other than those described in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>).
(d) An original copy of the application must be filed with the RD
State Office for the State where the project is located. For projects
involving multiple states, the application must be filed in the RD
State Office where the Applicant is located.
(e) The component pieces of this application require original
signatures on the original application. Any form that requires an
original signature but is signed electronically in the application
submission must be signed in ink by the authorized person prior to the
disbursement of funds.
(f) RBDG grants must conform with the environmental policies and
procedures of 7 CFR part 1970 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1970">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1970</a>).
3. System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier.
(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active
registration in SAM before submitting its application in accordance
with 2 CFR part 25 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25</a>). In order to register in SAM, entities will be required to
obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the
UEI are available at <a href="http://sam.gov/content/entity-registration">sam.gov/content/entity-registration</a>.
(b) Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration, with
current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which
it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by
a Federal awarding agency.
(c) Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance
General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
(d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless
determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110</a>).
(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has
complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
(a) Application Technical Assistance Deadline Date. Prior to
official submission of grant applications, applicants may request
technical assistance or other application guidance from the Agency, as
long as such requests are made prior to February 10, 2025. Technical
assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of the quality
of the materials submitted, a
[[Page 83830]]
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility.
(b) Application Deadline Date. Applications (paper or electronic
format) must be submitted to the appropriate RD State Office no later
than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on February 28, 2025. If completed
applications are not received by the deadline date, the application
will neither be reviewed nor considered for funding under any
circumstances.
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.
5. Intergovernmental Review. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' applies to this
program. This E.O. requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities
for consultation on proposed assistance with State and local
governments. Many states have established a Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) to facilitate this consultation. For a list of States that
maintain a SPOC, please see the White House website:
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/">www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/</a>.
If your State has a SPOC, you may submit a copy of the application
directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be
provided to your State Office for consideration as part of your
application. If your state has not established a SPOC, you may submit
your application directly to the Agency. Applications from Federally
recognized Indian Tribes are not subject to this requirement.
6. Funding Restrictions.
(a) Indirect costs will be permitted in accordance with applicable
law and in accordance with 2 CFR part 200 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200</a>). Pre-Federal award costs will only be permitted with prior
written approval by the Agency.
(b) In accordance with 7 CFR 4280.421 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.421">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.421</a>), a project must reasonably be expected to be
completed within one (1) full year after it has begun.
7. Other Submission Requirements. Applicants may submit
applications in hard copy or electronic format as previously indicated
in the Application and Submission Information section of this notice.
If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its application, the addresses
for these deliveries are located in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria.
(a) The Agency will review each application for assistance in
accordance with the priorities established in 7 CFR 4280.435. The
Agency will assign each application a priority rating and will select
applications for funding based on the priority ratings and the total
funds available to the program. 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.
(b) The Agency will use the criteria in 7 CFR 4280.435 and this
notice to score applications for purposes identified under 7 CFR
4280.417(a)(1) and (2).
(1) Leveraging. In addition to the requirements provided in 7 CFR
4280.435(a), and to the extent that an applicant contributes leveraged
funds to a project, the application must contain a firm commitment in
writing of other funding for the project or points will not be awarded
to the application for leveraging.
(2) Discretionary points. Either the State Director or
Administrator may assign up to 50 discretionary points to an
application. Assignment of discretionary points must include a written
justification. Permissible justifications are geographic distribution
of funds, special Secretary of Agriculture initiatives such as Priority
Communities, or a state's strategic goals. Discretionary points may
only be assigned to initial grants. However, in the case where two
projects have the same score, the State Director may add one point to
the project that best fits the State's strategic plan regardless of
whether the project is an initial or subsequent grant.
(c) The following are examples of special Secretary of Agriculture
initiatives that can support obtaining discretionary points.
(1) Assisting rural communities recover economically through more
and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
Applicant would receive priority points if the project is located in or
is serving a rural community whose economic well-being ranks in the
most distressed tier (distress score of 80 or higher) of the Distressed
Communities Index using the Distressed Communities Look-Up Map
available at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>.
(2) Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects. Using the Social
Vulnerability Index (SVI) Look-Up Map (available at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>), an applicant would receive priority points if the
project:
<bullet> Is located in or serving a community with a score 0.75 or
above on the SVI;
<bullet> Is a Federally recognized tribe, including Tribal
instrumentalities and entities that are wholly owned by Tribes; or
<bullet> Is a project where at least 50 percent of the project
beneficiaries are members of Federally Recognized Tribes and non-Tribal
applicants include a Tribal Resolution of Consent from the Tribe or
Tribes that the applicant is proposing to serve.
<bullet> Is an application from or benefiting a Rural Partner's
Network's (RPN) community network. Currently, RPN Networks exist in
Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Puerto Rico, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Use the
Community Look-Up map (available at <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>) to
determine if your project qualifies.
(3) Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the
impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities. Using the Disadvantaged Community and Energy Community
Look-Up Map (available at <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points">https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points</a>),
applicants can receive priority points in one of the three ways:
<bullet> 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),
or
<bullet> If the project is located in or serves an Energy Community
as defined by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
<bullet> If applicants demonstrate through written narrative how
proposed climate-impact projects improve the livelihoods of community
residents and meet pollution mitigation or clean energy goals.
The Agency will assign each application a priority rating based on
the total score and will select applications for funding based on the
priority ratings and the total funds available to the program for
opportunity-type projects and enterprise-type projects.
2. Review and Selection Process.
The RD State Offices will review applications to determine if they
are eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR
4280.416 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.416">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-4280.416</a>) and 7 CFR
4280.417 (www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-
[[Page 83831]]
4280.417). Funding of projects is subject to the availability of funds
and Applicant's satisfactory submission of the items required by 7 CFR
part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>)
and this notice, in addition to any conditions specifically outlined in
any issued USDA RD Letter of Conditions if available funds are to be
awarded. The agency reserves the right to offer the applicant less than
the amount of grant funding requested.
The Agency will score each application based on the information
contained in the application and its supporting information. All
applications submitted for funding must be in one package and contain
sufficient information to permit the Agency to complete a thorough
priority rating. Agency employees may not consider any information that
is not provided by the applicant in writing for scoring purposes.
Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not provide
sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing required
elements.
Applications for set-aside funds, if available, will compete at the
National Office in their respective categories. Applications for
regular RBDG projects will compete at the state level in their
respective category, business opportunity grants or business enterprise
grants, for funding made available through RD State allocated funds.
Applications will be reviewed, prioritized by score, and funded by
ranking each project in highest to lowest score order until available
funds are exhausted. If funds are exhausted at the state level, each
State's highest scoring unfunded business enterprise project will have
the opportunity to compete for funding through a final national
competition.
The Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if RBDG funds
are not available. The applicant is permitted to respond in writing
that they wish their application to be reconsidered in the next FY. The
applicant may provide additional updated information to the Agency
prior to the next FY's application deadline for their project.
The Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if set-aside
funds are not available. Applications that are eligible for set-aside
funds but are unfunded due to the unavailability of funds will be
allowed to compete for available FY 2025 regular RBDG funds in the
State where the project is located. For projects involving multiple
states, the application will be returned to the RD State Office where
the Applicant is located and will compete for funds in that State. The
Agency will notify eligible applicants in writing if their application
will not be funded in FY 2025 due to insufficient funds in the set-
aside and regular RBDG programs.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices.
Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from
the USDA RD State Office. Applicants must comply with all applicable
statutes and regulations before the grant award can be approved and
funded. If an application is withdrawn by the applicant, it can be
resubmitted later and will be evaluated as a new application in the
period submitted.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
(a) Additional Requirements.
(1) Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for
this Program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>), and in the Grants and Agreements
regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR parts
25, 170, 180, 200, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421, and successor regulations
to these parts.
(2) All awards are subject to USDA grant regulations at 2 CFR part
400 (<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400</a>) which incorporates the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 2 CFR part 200
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200</a>).
(3) All successful applicants will be notified by letter which will
include a Letter of Conditions and a Letter of Intent to Meet
Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance,
but it is a notification that grant funds may be awarded subject to the
applicant meeting certain specified conditions. The grant will be
considered officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of
Conditions have been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the
project. If the applicant wishes to consider beginning their project
performance prior to the grant being officially closed, all pre-award
costs must be approved in writing and in advance by the Agency.
(4) 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="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--Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006--Content Details--
(<a href="http://govinfo.gov">govinfo.gov</a>) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b) (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.200#p-170.200">https://www.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="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-170.110#p-170.110</a>(b))).
(5) The following additional requirements apply to grantees
selected for these programs:
(i) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.''
(ii) Letter of Conditions.
(iii) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(iv) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(v) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
(vi) Grantees will use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or
Reimbursement'' when requesting grant funds from the Agency.
(b) Build America, Buy America. Awardees that are Non-Federal
Entities, defined pursuant to 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local
government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit
organization, shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of
the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) within the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58). Any requests for
waiver of these requirements must be submitted pursuant to USDA's
guidance available online at <a href="https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver">https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver</a>.
(c) Geospatial Information. Awardee, and any and all contracts
entered into by the Awardee with respect to the Award, shall ensure
that geospatial data required to be collected and provided to the
agency, conforms with the requirements of USDA Department Regulation
DR-3465-001 and the Geospatial Metadata Standards set forth in DM 3465-
001, which can be obtained online at <a href="http://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001">www.usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001</a> and <a href="http://www.usda.gov/directives/dm-3465-001">www.usda.gov/directives/dm-3465-001</a>.
3. Reporting.
(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project Performance Activity
Report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until
initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based
on the Federal FY. Grantees must continuously monitor performance to
ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work by time
periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives are
being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to the
Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the
[[Page 83832]]
quarter. The grantee will complete the project within the total time
available to it in accordance with the Scope of Work and any necessary
modifications thereof prepared by the grantee and approved by the
Agency. A final Project Performance Report will be required with the
final Financial Status Report. The final report may serve as the last
quarterly report. The final report must provide complete information
regarding the jobs created and supported as a result of the RBDG grant,
if applicable. The Project Performance Reports must include, but not be
limited to, the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period.
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have
affected or will affect attainment of overall project objectives,
prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular project work elements during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation.
(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period.
(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and
created, businesses assisted, or economic development which results in
improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific
requirements, will be placed in the reporting section of the Letter of
Conditions.
(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the project, the grantee
will provide a final Project Evaluation Report. The last quarterly
payment will be withheld until the final report is received and
approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements
will be withheld until the final Project Evaluation, Project
Performance, and Financial Status Reports are received and approved by
the Agency.
(b) In addition to any reports required by 2 CFR part 200
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200</a>) and 2 CFR chapter IV
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV</a>), the grantee must
provide reports as required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E
(<a href="http://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E">www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-4280/subpart-E</a>).
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
USDA RD State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
H. Other Information
1. Paperwork Reduction Act. In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information
collection requirements associated with the programs, as covered in
this notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.
2. National Environmental Policy Act. All recipients under this
notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 1970. 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) 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. Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations.
(a) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same
basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the
protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable
constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb
et seq. USDA will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for
or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious
character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of
conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a
similarly situated secular organization.
(b) A faith-based organization that participates in this program
will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to
carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience
protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought
under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.
(c) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial
assistance from USDA to support or engage in any explicitly religious
activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the
First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization
receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing
services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to
such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or
prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious
belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or
participate in a religious practice.
6. 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, 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="http://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf">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-
[[Page 83833]]
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#58282a373f2a39357631362c39333d182d2b3c39763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e0e0c11190c1f135017100a1f151b3e0b0d1a1f50191108">[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. 2024-20344 Filed 10-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-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 October 18, 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.