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[Editor's Note: Relevant Portion highlighted in bold]
[Federal Register: April 20, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 77)]
[Notices]
[Page 20355-20365]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20ap01-135]
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Part II
Department of Agriculture
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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
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Request for Proposals: Fund for Rural America, FY 2001; Notice
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Request for Proposals: Fund for Rural America, FY 2001
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for proposals and request for input.
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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service (CSREES) announces the availability of grant funds and requests
proposals for the Fund for Rural America (FFRA) for fiscal year (FY)
2001 to support competitively awarded research, extension and education
grants addressing key issues that contribute to economic
diversification and sustainable development in rural areas. The amount
available for support of this program in FY 2001 is approximately
$9,500,000.
This notice sets out the objectives for these projects, the
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, the application
procedures, and the set of instructions needed to apply for an FFRA
grant.
By this notice, CSREES additionally solicits stakeholder input from
any interested party regarding the FY 2001 FFRA Request for Proposals
(RFP) for use in development of any future RFPs for this program.
DATES: Proposals must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., June 19,
2001. Proposals received after this date will not be considered for
funding. Comments regarding this RFP are invited for six months from
the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Fund
for Rural America; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture; Room 1307, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20024, telephone: 202-205-0241.
Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: Fund for Rural America; c/o Proposal Services Unit;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S.
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-2245.
Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20250-2299; or via e-mail to: RFP-OEP@reeusda.gov. (This e-mail address
is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFP and not for
requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that
you are responding to the FY 2001 FFRA RFP.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Phillip Schwab, Program Co-
Director FFRA, telephone: 202-720-4423, e-mail: pschwab@reeusda.gov, or
Dr. Elizabeth Tuckermanty, Co-Director FFRA, telephone: 202-205-0241,
e-mail: etuckermanty@reeusda.gov, Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP
2241; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2241;
telephone: 202-205-0241, e-mail: etuckermanty@reeusda.gov.
Table of Contents
Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I. General Information
A. Legislative Authority
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
C. General Definitions
D. Eligibility
E. Matching Funds Requirement
F. Types of Proposals
G. Restrictions on Use of Funds
Part II. Program Description
A. Purpose of the Program
B. Approach
C. FY 2001 Program Areas
Part III. Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of Proposals
C. Submission of Proposals
D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
E. Current Research Information System (CRIS)
Part IV. Review Process
A. General
B. Evaluation Factors
C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality
Part V. Additional Information
A. Access To Review Information
B. Grant Awards
C. Funding Mechanism
D. Use of Funds; Changes
E. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
F. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
G. Regulatory Information
Stakeholder Input
CSREES is requesting comments regarding the Fund for Rural America
FY 2001 RFP from any interested party. In your comments, please include
the name of the program and the fiscal year RFP to which you are
responding. These comments will be considered in the development of the
next RFP for the program. Such comments will be used in meeting the
requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, 7 U.S.C. 7613(c). Comments
should be submitted as provided in the ADDRESSES portion of this
notice.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this
program is 10.224.
Part I. General Information
A. Legislative Authority
The Fund for Rural America, authorized under section 793 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) (7
U.S.C. 2204(f)), is established as an account in the Treasury of the
United States. The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 amended the FAIR Act to provide $60 million on
October 1 in each FY until FY 2003 for rural development activities and
a competitive grant program for research, education, and extension
activities. Not less than one-third of the funds will be available for
research, education, and extension activities, one-third will be
available for the Department's rural development activities, and one-
third will be allocated between the rural development and research
activities according to the Secretary's discretion. Section 722 of the
FY 2001 Agriculture Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 106-387) allowed for
the expenditure of $30 million of FY 2000 funds for the FY 2001 FFRA.
Of these available funds, the Secretary of Agriculture has determined
that $10 million (prior to reductions for administrative costs) will be
available for competitive grants for research, education and extension
activities in FY 2001.
Grants are to be awarded on the basis of merit, quality, and
relevance to advancing the purposes of federally supported agricultural
research, extension, and education provided in section 1402 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3101). Section 1402 identifies the following
purposes:
(1) enhance the competitiveness of the United States agriculture
and food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment;
(2) increase the long-term productivity of the United States
[[Page 20357]]
agriculture and food industry while maintaining and enhancing the
natural resource base on which rural America and the United States
agricultural economy depend;
(3) develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities,
such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops;
(4) support agricultural research and extension to promote economic
opportunity in rural communities and to meet the increasing demand for
information and technology transfer throughout the United States
agriculture industry;
(5) improve risk management in the United States agriculture
industry;
(6) improve the safe production and processing of, and adding of
value to, United States food and fiber resources using methods that
maintain the balance between yield and environmental soundness;
(7) support higher education in agriculture to give the next
generation of Americans the knowledge, technology, and applications
necessary to enhance the competitiveness of United States agriculture;
and
(8) maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to
meet human nutritional needs and requirements.''
Section 793(c)(2)(A) of the FAIR Act authorizes the Secretary to
use FFRA for competitive research, education, and extension grants to:
(i) increase international competitiveness, efficiency, and farm
profitability;
(ii) reduce economic and health risks;
(iii) conserve and enhance natural resources;
(iv) develop new crops, new crop uses, and new agricultural
applications of biotechnology;
(v) enhance animal agricultural resources;
(vi) preserve plant and animal germplasm;
(vii) increase economic opportunities in farming and rural
communities; and
(viii) expand locally-owned, value-added processing.
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
Congress established FFRA in 1996 to develop, adapt, and apply
science-based knowledge to the expected challenges faced by American
farmers and rural communities as reforms to Federal farm programs were
enacted such as commodity program deficiency payments phase outs. FFRA
was first administered in 1997 and funded grants which focused on (1)
international agricultural competitiveness, (2) environmental
stewardship, and (3) improved quality of life in rural areas.
In 1998, the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems
(IFAFS) was established to address critical emerging issues in
production agriculture including priority mission areas relating to
agricultural genomics and biotechnology, food safety and human
nutrition, new uses, farm profitability, and natural resources
management. CSREES will administer the FY 2001 FFRA and IFAFS programs
in a coordinated manner, with the FFRA emphasizing knowledge that
contributes to economic diversification and sustainable development in
rural areas, and IFAFS focusing on efficiency, use, and consequences of
agricultural production. Thus, this RFP solicits research, education
and extension to address two of the statutory purposes of FFRA:
increase economic opportunities in farming and rural communities and
expand locally-owned value-added processing.
There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or
to make a specific number of awards. Approximately $9,500,000 is
available in FY 2001 to award standard grants of up to a total of
$600,000 over four years in the following priority areas: (1) Rural
Community Innovation; and (2) Harnessing Demographic Change to Increase
Rural Opportunity.
Not less than 15 percent of the funds awarded under this program
will be used for grants to smaller institutions as defined in section
I. C.
C. General Definitions
For this program, the following definitions apply:
(1) Administrator means the Administrator of CSREES and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.
(2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
(3) Authorized organizational representative means the president or
chief executive officer of the applicant organization, or the official
designated by the president or chief executive officer of the applicant
organization, who has the authority to commit the resources of the
organization.
(4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months)
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting
purposes.
(5) Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including
the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third
parties.
(6) Department or USDA means the United States Department of
Agriculture.
(7) Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to a grantee to
assist in meeting the costs of conducting, for the benefit of the
public, an identified project which is intended to further the program
purpose as identified in this RFP.
(8) Grantee means the organization designated in the award document
as the responsible legal entity receiving the award.
(9) In-kind contributions means non-cash contributions of property
or services provided by the grantee or non-Federal third parties,
including real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable
property, directly benefitting and specifically identifiable to a
funded project or program.
(10) Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not
borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind
contributions.
(11) Peer review panel means a group of persons qualified by
training and experience in particular fields to give expert advice on
the merit of grant applications in such fields.
(12) Private research organization means any non-governmental
corporation, partnership, proprietorship, trust, or other organization
with an established and demonstrated capacity to perform research or
technology transfer which (1) either (A) conducts any systematic study
directed toward new or fuller knowledge and understanding of the
subject studied or (B) systematically relates or applies the findings
of research or scientific experimentation to the application of new
approaches to problem solving, technologies, or management practices;
and (2) has facilities, qualified personnel, independent funding, and
prior projects and accomplishments in research or technology transfer.
(13) Project director means the individual designated by the
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is
responsible for the direction and management of the project.
(14) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent
by an authorized departmental officer.
(15) Project means the particular activity within the program scope
supported by a grant award.
(16) Project period means the period, as stated in the award
document during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
(17) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved
may be delegated.
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(18) Smaller institution means a college or university or a
research foundation maintained by a college or university that ranks in
the lower one-third of such colleges, universities, or foundations on
the basis of Federal research funds received (excepting monies received
under the FFRA).
D. Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by Federal research agencies, national
laboratories, colleges and universities and research foundations
maintained by a college or university, and private research
organizations. National laboratories include Federal laboratories that
are government-owned contractor-operated or government-owned
government-operated. If the applicant is a private organization,
documentation must be submitted evidencing that the private
organization has an established and demonstrated capacity to perform
research or technology transfer. Documentary evidence shall provide
specific information regarding relevant staff or organizational
experience, including publications, credentials, and past or current
projects. A programmatic decision on the eligibility status of the
private organization will be made based on the information submitted.
E. Matching Funds Requirement
A grant awarded for applied research that is commodity-specific and
that is not of national scope must be matched by the recipient with
equal funds from a non-Federal source. The matching requirement may be
satisfied through cash and in-kind contributions for allowable costs
incurred by the recipient or subrecipient.
F. Types of Proposals
In FY 2001, all projects must be submitted as New Proposals. A new
proposal is a project proposal that has not been previously submitted
to the FFRA Program. All new proposals will be reviewed competitively
using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in Part
IV. Review Process.
G. Restrictions on Use of Funds
FFRA funds may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of
research spaces; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in
such spaces; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or
construction of buildings or facilities.
Part II. Program Description
A. Purpose of the Program
Economically healthy rural communities are a key factor in
maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. The FFRA was, in
part, designed to direct resources to the development of research,
education and extension programs which can help rural communities and
citizens improve their economic outlook and devise effective approaches
to community and rural development. Dramatic demographic changes and
recent innovations in agricultural practices and community development
methods offer new challenges and opportunities. An aging population,
the arrival of new immigrant populations, youth retention and workforce
development are all having an impact on the rural economy. Rural
communities need to understand these demographic forces and develop
capacity to turn them into economic promise. Communities also must
develop the capacity to translate on- and off-farm innovations into
economic growth and community prosperity. Value-added processing, e-
commerce, distance learning, niche markets and new industries can help
rural communities share more fully in economic opportunities,
especially where they are part of holistic approaches to community
development. CSREES is offering a two part program with the expectation
that the agency will award up to 15 grants not to exceed $600,000 each
to form the long-term, multi-state networks and develop programs to
address these critical issues facing rural America.
B. Approach
The FFRA will be available for cutting-edge research and technology
development, extension and related outreach, and education projects
which will result in breakthrough solutions to critical, well-defined
problems. Projects will be awarded for short- and intermediate-term
application of research and development through integration of
research, extension and education activities. The FFRA program
emphasizes the importance of systems-based, outcome-oriented approaches
to problem solving. Projects should involve relevant stakeholders such
as producers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, community
organizations, and non-governmental organizations, and should address
issues of national, regional, or multi-state importance. Therefore,
CSREES will give priority to projects that are designed and proposed by
eligible recipients in collaboration with institutions, organizations
and communities of interest. Strong partnerships will be critical to
apply research, education and extension to address user needs and solve
community-defined problems. In assessing proposals, priority will be
given for systems-based, inter-disciplinary, integrated approaches that
leverage prior research investments and include innovative
collaborations and partnerships with the goal of improving the quality
of life in rural America. The two FFRA program areas for FY 2001 are
``Rural Community Innovation'' and ``Harnessing Demographic Change to
Increase Rural Opportunity''.
C. FY 2001 Program Areas
1. Rural Community Innovation (RCI)
This program area seeks research, education, and extension
proposals that will help rural communities address existing and new
problems in innovative ways. Proposals should focus on two broad areas:
holistic systems-based community development and the connections
between agriculture and community development. The goals are to
generate and share new knowledge to assist rural communities to
diversify their economies, develop and maintain profitable farms and
businesses, build community leadership and decision-making capacity,
and create new strategies for improving community services.
Applications are encouraged that will increase knowledge and build
capacity for holistic community development by seeking to understand
the ways different kinds of community assets are related including
human, social, natural and financial capital, by applying a new
generation of information technology and computer based tools to
community planning, development, and decision-making, and by increasing
the capacity for citizens in communities to lead the development
process.
Applications are encouraged that will increase knowledge and build
capacity about the connections between innovative, entrepreneurial
agriculture and community development by understanding the
relationships among farms, businesses, and community institutions, by
understanding the community implications of moving to a bio-based
economy, by furthering the linkages among value-added agriculture, the
regional economy and local communities, and by including farmers in
local and regional economic development planning. Applicants should
demonstrate that the results of their work will expand economic
opportunities in agriculture as well as opportunities in non-
agricultural rural economic sectors.
Projects should contribute to new models of rural development and
contribute to core understandings of factors that lead to rural and
community
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prosperity. Successful projects will work collaboratively with
community-based partners in order to achieve specific outcomes relevant
to those communities, such as resilient farms, businesses, and
communities; but they must also contribute to larger understandings
that can be used broadly to benefit all of rural America.
2. Harnessing Demographic Change to Increase Rural Opportunity (HDC)
This program area seeks proposals that incorporate elements of
research, education and extension that will help communities understand
the phenomena of demographic change in rural America, develop new
knowledge to address these issues and educate rural citizens on how to
adapt and capitalize on these changes.
Applications are expected to address at least one of the following
areas: (a) The aging of rural America, including the development of
service economies to serve an aging and retirement-oriented population,
involving senior citizens in economic activities, and community
planning programs to address housing, leadership and infrastructure
issues affected by an aging population; (b) increased immigration to
rural America and developing new immigrants as agents of economic
vitality, assisting new immigrants to access basic financial, health
and employment services, assisting rural communities to adjust to the
cultural diversity resulting from the arrival of new immigrants and
assisting new immigrant farmers with an understanding of the
agricultural markets, risk management and environmental stewardship; [emphasis added]
and (c) improving youth retention and workforce development including
the development of programs to prepare young people for new economy
jobs, including e-business training, language skill development and
health care education, citizenship and leadership development, and new
farmer programs emphasizing new marketing opportunities, financial risk
management and technological innovation.
A proposal should include specific and substantive evidence of the
ability of the investigators to work within the target communities.
This ability should include appropriate language skill ability,
experience working with all collaborators, and long-standing and
substantive links to the target community. Unique partnerships between
rural and urban/suburban cooperators or international partners are also
encouraged.
Part III. Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
Program application materials are available at the CSREES website
(www.reeusda.gov/fra). If you do not have access to the CSREES web page
or have trouble downloading material, you may contact the Proposal
Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-
5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you
are requesting forms for the FY 2001 FFRA program. These materials may
also be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name,
mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number to psb@reeusda.gov. State
that you want a copy of the RFP and application materials (orange book)
for the FY 2001 program.
B. Content of Proposals
1. General
The proposal should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers to
more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic,
consistent fashion:
(a) The proposal should be prepared on only one side of the page
using standard size (8\1/2\" x 11") white paper, one inch margins,
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and
single or double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g.,
Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
(b) Each page of the proposal starting with the Project Description
and including the budget pages, required forms, and any appendices,
should be numbered sequentially.
(c) The proposal should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner.
Do not bind. An original and 14 copies (15 total) must be submitted in
one package, along with 10 copies of the ``Project Summary'' as a
separate attachment.
(d) If applicable, proposals should include original illustrations
(photographs, color prints, etc.) in all copies of the proposal to
prevent loss of meaning through poor quality reproduction.
2. Cover Page
Each copy of each grant proposal must contain an ``Application for
Funding,'' Form CSREES-661. One copy of the application, preferably the
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing
principal investigator(s)/project director(s) (PI/PD) and the
authorized organizational representative who possesses the necessary
authority to commit the organization's time and other relevant
resources to the project. Any proposed PI/PD or co-PI/PD whose
signature does not appear on Form CSREES-661 will not be listed on any
resulting grant award. Complete both signature blocks located at the
bottom of the ``Application for Funding'' form.
Form CSREES-661 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant
database; it is therefore important that it be completed accurately.
The following items are highlighted as having a high potential for
errors or misinterpretations:
(a) Title of Project (Block 6). The title of the project must be
brief (80-character maximum), yet represent the major thrust of the
effort being proposed. Project titles are read by a variety of
nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words or phraseology
should be avoided where possible. In addition, introductory phrases
such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,'' ``education for,'' or
``outreach that'' should not be used.
(b) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 7) ``FFRA.''
(c) Program Area and Number (Block 8). Either ``RCI'' for Rural
Community Innovation or ``HDC'' for Harnessing Demographic Change to
Increase Rural Opportunity should be inserted in this block.
(d) Type of Award Request (Block 13). Check the block for ``new.''
(e) Principal Investigator(s)/Project Director(s) (PI/PD) (Block
15). The designation of excessive numbers of co-PI/PDs creates problems
during final review and award processing. Listing multiple co-PI/PDs,
beyond those required for genuine collaboration, is therefore
discouraged. Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary,
but is an integral part of the CSREES information system and will
assist in the processing of the proposal.
(f) Type of Performing Organization (Block 18). A check should be
placed in the box beside the type of organization which actually will
carry out the effort. For example, if the proposal is being submitted
by an 1862 Land-Grant institution but the work will be performed in a
department, laboratory, or other organizational unit of an agricultural
experiment station, box ``03'' should be checked. If portions of the
effort are to be performed in several departments, check the box that
applies to the individual listed as PI/PD #1 in Block 15.a.
(g) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 22). List the names or acronyms
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within
USDA and other CSREES programs to which your application has been or
might be sent. In the event you decide to send
[[Page 20360]]
your application to another organization or agency at a later date, you
must inform the identified CSREES Program Director as soon as
practicable. Submitting your proposal to other potential sponsors will
not prejudice its review by CSREES; however, duplicate support for the
same project will not be provided.
3. Table of Contents
For consistency and ease in locating information, each proposal
must contain a detailed Table of Contents just after the cover page.
The Table of Contents should contain page numbers for each component of
the proposal.
4. Project Summary
The proposal must contain a Project Summary of 250 words or less on
a separate page placed immediately after the Table of Contents and not
numbered. The names and institutions of all PI/PDs and co-PI/PDs should
be listed on this form, in addition to the title of the project. The
summary should be a self-contained, specific description of the
activity to be undertaken and should focus on: overall project goal(s)
and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish the project goal(s); and
relevance of the project to FFRA goals. The importance of a concise,
informative Project Summary cannot be overemphasized.
5. Project Description
The written text may not exceed 15 single- or double-spaced pages
of written text including figures and tables, but excluding citations.
Each proposal's Project Description should contain the following:
(a) Introduction--A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and
supporting objectives of the proposed activities should be included.
Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities which
substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe ongoing or
recently completed significant activities related to the proposed
project including the work of key project personnel. Preliminary
information pertinent to the proposed project should be included;
(b) Relevance and significance--The objectives' specific
relationship to the FFRA goals and to the particular program area
should be stated. Include a description of the significance of the
activity and its value in improving rural communities through research,
education and extension. Clearly describe the potential impact of the
project.
(c) Approach--The activities proposed or problems being addressed
must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly
described. The following should be included: (1) A description of the
activities proposed; (2) methods to be used in carrying out the
project, including the feasibility of the methods; (3) expected
outcomes; (4) means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or
interpreted; and (5) how results or products will be used.
(d) Time Table--Provide an expected time line for completing the
project in the requested duration.
(e) Collaborative Arrangements--Identify collaborations and provide
a full explanation of the nature of the collaborations.
(f) Management Plan--Explain how the project will be managed to
ensure efficient administration of the grant and how activities will be
integrated most effectively.
(g) Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for
assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the stated proposal
objectives during the project and describe ways to determine the
effectiveness of the end results during and upon termination of the
project.
6. References to Works Cited in the Project Description
All references cited should be complete, including titles and all
co-authors, and should conform to an accepted bibliographic format.
7. Appendices to Project Description
Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are
directly germane to the proposed project and are limited to a total of
two of the following: reprints (papers that have been published) and
preprints (manuscripts in press); preprints must be accompanied by a
letter of acceptance from the publisher.
8. Key Personnel
All key personnel who are expected to be involved in the effort
should be clearly identified. For each person the following should be
included:
(1) The roles and responsibilities of each PI/PD should be
described;
(2) An estimate of time commitment for each PI/PD; and
(3) Vitae of each PI/PD, senior associate and other professional
personnel. This section should include vitae of all key persons who are
expected to work on the project, whether or not CSREES funds are sought
for their support. The vitae should be limited to two (2) pages in
length, excluding publication lists. A chronological list of all
relevant publications during the past four (4) years, including those
in press, must be provided for each project member for which a
curriculum vitae is provided. All authors should be listed in the same
order as they appear on each paper cited, along with the title and
complete reference as these usually appear in bibliographies.
9. Conflict-of-Interest List
A Conflict-of-Interest List must be provided for all individuals
identified as key personnel. Each list should be on a separate page and
include alphabetically the full names of the individuals in the
following categories: (a) All collaborators on projects within the past
four years, including current and planned collaborations; (b) all co-
authors on publications within the past four years, including pending
publications and submissions; (c) all persons in your field with whom
you have had a consulting or financial arrangement within the past four
years who stand to gain by seeing the project funded; and (d) all
thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors within the past four years
(some may wish to call these life-time conflicts). This form is
necessary to assist program staff in excluding from proposal review
those individuals who have conflicts-of-interest with the personnel in
the grant proposal. The Program Director, under the specific area or
sub-area, must be informed of any additional conflicts-of-interest that
arise after the proposal is submitted.
10. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be
fully explained and justified. If the need for consultant services is
anticipated, the proposal budget narrative should provide a
justification for the use of such services, a statement of work to be
performed, a resume or curriculum vitae for each consultant, and rate
of pay for each consultant. For purposes of proposal development,
informal day-to-day contacts between key project personnel and outside
experts are not considered to be collaborative arrangements and thus do
not need to be detailed.
All anticipated subcontractual arrangements also should be
explained and justified in this section. A proposed statement of work
and a budget for each arrangement involving the transfer of substantive
programmatic work or the providing of financial assistance to a third
party must be provided. A budget narrative for all budget categories
where
[[Page 20361]]
funding is requested is also required. Agreements between departments
or other units of your own institution and minor arrangements with
entities outside of your institution (e.g., requests for outside
laboratory analyses) are excluded from this requirement.
If you expect to enter into subcontractual arrangements, please
note that the provisions contained in 7 CFR Part 3019, USDA Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grant and Agreements with Institutions
of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations, and
the general provisions contained in 7 CFR Part 3015.205, USDA Uniform
Federal Assistance Regulations, flow down to subrecipients. In
addition, required clauses from 7 CFR 3019.40 through 3019.48
(``Procurement Standards'') and Appendix A (``Contract Provisions'') to
7 CFR Part 3019 should be included in final contractual documents, and
it is necessary for the subawardee to make a certification relating to
debarment/suspension by completing Form AD-1048.
11. Budget
(1) Budget Form--Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-55, in accordance
with instructions provided. Budgets of up to a total of $600,000 over
four years may be requested. Budgets should be commensurate with
activities proposed. A budget form is required for each year of
requested support. In addition, a cumulative budget is required
detailing the requested total support for the overall project period.
The budget form may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be
requested under any of the categories listed on the form, provided that
the item or service for which support is requested is allowable under
the authorizing legislation, the applicable Federal cost principles,
and these program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the
successful conduct of the proposed project. Applicants must also
include a Budget Narrative to justify their budgets (see paragraph (2)
below.)
The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal
budget(s):
(A) Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges
and may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project
in proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If
salary funds are requested, the number of key and Other Personnel and
the number of CSREES-Funded Work Months must be shown in the spaces
provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the total salary or
rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse them for time in
addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general period
of employment. Salary funds requested must be consistent with the
normal policies of the institution.
(B) Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit
costs if the usual accounting practices of your organization provide
that organizational contributions to employee benefits (social
security, retirement, etc.) be treated as direct costs. Fringe benefit
costs may be included only for those personnel whose salaries are
charged as a direct cost to the project.
(C) Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an
acquisition cost of $5,000 (or lower, depending on institutional
policy) or more per unit. Qualifying items of necessary instrumentation
or other nonexpendable equipment should be listed individually by
description and estimated cost in the Budget Narrative. This applies to
revised budgets as well, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may
change.
(D) Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be
indicated in general terms with estimated costs in the Budget
Narrative.
(E) Travel. The type, destination and specific purpose of travel
and its relationship to project objectives should be described briefly
and justified. If foreign travel is proposed, the country to be
visited, the specific purpose of the travel, a brief itinerary,
inclusive dates of travel, and estimated cost must be provided for each
trip. Airfare allowances normally will not exceed round-trip jet
economy air accommodations. U.S. flag carriers must be used when
available. See 7 CFR Part 3015.205(b)(4) for further guidance.
(F) Publication Costs/Page Charges. Include anticipated costs
associated with print and electronic publications (preparing and
publishing results including page charges, necessary illustrations, and
the cost of a reasonable number of coverless reprints), websites and
audio-visual materials that will be produced. Photocopying and printing
brochures, etc., should be shown in Section (H), ``All Other Direct
Costs'' of Form CSREES-55.
(G) Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using
specialized facilities (such as a university- or department-controlled
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such
services are required for completion of the work.
(H) All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated
costs and justified in the Budget Narrative. This also applies to
revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar amount(s) may change.
Examples may include space rental at remote locations, subcontractual
costs, consulting services, telephone, facsimile, shipping costs, and
fees necessary for laboratory analyses. You are encouraged to consult
the ``Instructions for Completing Form CSREES-55, Budget,'' of the
Application Kit for detailed guidance relating to this budget category.
(I) Indirect Costs--Section 1462 of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310)
limits indirect costs for this program to 19 percent of total Federal
funds provided under each award. Therefore, the recovery of indirect
costs under this program may not exceed the lesser of the institution's
official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 19 percent
of total Federal funds awarded. Another method of calculating the
maximum allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct costs. If no
rate has been negotiated, a reasonable dollar amount (equivalent to or
less than 19 percent of total Federal funds requested) in lieu of
indirect costs may be requested, subject to approval by USDA.
(2) Budget Narrative--All budget categories for which support is
requested, with the exception of Indirect Costs, must be individually
listed (with costs) and justified on a separate sheet of paper and
placed immediately behind the Budget Form.
(3) Matching Funds--Explanations of matching funds or lack thereof
on commodity-specific projects also are to be included in the Budget
Narrative. If an applicant concludes that matching funds are not
required as specified in Part I. E., a justification should be
included. CSREES will consider this justification when ascertaining
final matching requirements. CSREES retains the right to make final
determinations regarding matching requirements.
For those grants requiring matching funds as specified in Part I.
E., proposals should include written verification of commitments of any
matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from
third parties. Written verification means:
[[Page 20362]]
(a) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant
organization, which must include: (1) The name, address, and telephone
number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3)
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (4) the dollar
amount of the cash donation; and (5) a statement that the donor will
pay the cash contribution during the grant period; and
(b) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the
applicant organization, which must include: (1) The name, address, and
telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant
organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is
made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the
third party in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor
will make the contribution during the grant period.
The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and
placed in the proposal immediately following the Budget Narrative. All
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following
the summary of matching support.
The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be
established in accordance with applicable cost principles. Applicants
should refer to OMB Circulars A-21, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions; A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal
Governments; A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations; and
for for-profit organizations, the cost principles in the Federal
Acquisition Regulation at 48 CFR Subpart 31.2 (see 7 CFR 3015.194).
12. Current and Pending Support
All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current
public or private support (including in-house support) to which key
personnel identified in the proposal have committed portions of their
time, whether or not salary support for the person(s) involved is
included in the budget. Analogous information must be provided for any
pending proposals that are being considered by, or that will be
submitted in the near future to, other possible sponsors, including
other USDA Programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of identical or
similar proposals to the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal
review or evaluation by CSREES. However, a proposal that duplicates or
overlaps substantially with a proposal already reviewed and funded (or
to be funded) by another organization or agency will not be funded
under this program. Note that the project being proposed should be
included in the pending section of the form.
13. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-662)
A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project, it is
expected that some applications submitted in response to these
guidelines will involve the following:
a. Recombinant DNA or RNA Research. As stated in 7 CFR Part
3015.205 (b)(3), all key personnel identified in the proposal and all
endorsing officials of the proposing organization are required to
comply with the guidelines established by the National Institutes of
Health entitled, ``Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA
Molecules,'' as revised. If your project proposes to use recombinant
DNA or RNA techniques, you must so indicate by checking the ``yes'' box
in Block 19 of Form CSREES-661 (the Cover Page) and by completing
Section A of Form CSREES-662. For applicable proposals recommended for
funding, Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required before
CSREES funds will be released.
b. Animal Care. Responsibility for the humane care and treatment of
live vertebrate animals used in any grant project supported with funds
provided by CSREES rests with the performing organization. Where a
project involves the use of living vertebrate animals for experimental
purposes, all key project personnel identified in a proposal and all
endorsing officials of the proposing organization are required to
comply with the applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966
(7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq. and the regulations promulgated thereunder by
the Secretary in 9 CFR Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 pertaining to the care,
handling, and treatment of these animals. If your project will involve
these animals, you should check ``yes'' in block 20 of Form CSREES-661
and complete Section B of Form CSREES-662. In the event a project
involving the use of live vertebrate animals results in a grant award,
funds will be released only after the Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee has approved the project.
c. Protection of Human Subjects. Responsibility for safeguarding
the rights and welfare of human subjects used in any grant project
supported with funds provided by CSREES rests with the performing
organization. Guidance on this issue is contained in the National
Research Act, Pub. L. No. 93-348 and implementing regulations
promulgated by the Department under 7 CFR Part 1c. If you propose to
use human subjects for experimental purposes in your project, you
should check the ``yes'' box in Block 21 of Form CSREES-661 and
complete Section C of Form CSREES-662. In the event a project involving
human subjects results in a grant award, funds will be released only
after the appropriate Institutional Review Board has approved the
project. The approval must have been received at most one year prior to
the grant award.
14. Certifications
Note that by signing Form CSREES-661 the applicant is providing
certifications required by 7 CFR Part 3017, regarding Debarment and
Suspension and Drug Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, regarding
Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the application
package for informational purposes only. These forms should not be
submitted with the proposal since by signing form CSREES-661 your
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a form AD-1048 to the grantee organization for
retention in their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
15. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Form
CSREES-1234
As outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the CSREES supplemental regulations
implementing NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is
to be provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any
further action is needed. In some cases, the preparation of
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary;
therefore, Form CSREES-1234, ``NEPA Exclusions
[[Page 20363]]
Form,'' must be included in the proposal indicating whether the
applicant is of the opinion that the project falls within a categorical
exclusion and the reasons therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion
that the proposed project falls within the categorical exclusions, the
specific exclusion(s) must be identified. Form CSREES-1234 and
supporting documentation should be included as the last page of this
proposal.
Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions,
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.
C. Submission of Proposals
1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
Proposals must be received on or before 5:00 P.M., June 19, 2001.
Proposals received after this date will not be considered for funding.
2. What to Submit
An original and 14 copies must be submitted. In addition submit 10
copies of the proposal's Project Summary. All copies of the proposals
and the Project Summaries must be submitted in one package.
3. Where to Submit
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed proposals
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the
USDA. The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted
using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Fund for Rural
America, c/o Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room
1307, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024,
Telephone: 202-205-0241.
Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: Fund for Rural America, c/o Proposal Services Unit,
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-2245, Telephone: 202-205-0241.
D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
The receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by e-mail. Therefore,
applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail addresses, where
designated, on the Form CSREES-661. If the applicant's e-mail address
is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge receipt of the proposal by
letter.
Once the proposal has been assigned an identification number,
please cite that number on all future correspondence. If the applicant
does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of the submission
deadline, please contact the Program Director.
E. Current Research Information System (CRIS)
For research projects CRIS Forms AD-416 and AD-417, will be
requested if a proposal is identified for funding. In addition,
grantees will be asked to submit annual CRIS progress reports.
Part IV. Review Process
A. General
Each proposal will be evaluated in a three-part process. First,
each proposal will be screened to ensure that it falls within the scope
of the request for proposals. Proposals that do not fall within the
guidelines as stated in this RFP, including the Program Area
Description, will be eliminated from competition and returned to the
applicant. Second, proposals that meet these guidelines will be
evaluated by a peer review panel which will provide written comments on
and discuss each proposal prior to recommending applications for
funding.
The peer review panel will be composed of persons who are uniquely
qualified by training and experience in their respective fields to
render expert advice on the merit, quality and relevance of the
proposals. This training and experience includes academic training in
research, education and extension as well as practical experience in
community-related issues. Peer review panel members will be selected in
such a way as to form a diverse group of individuals characterized by
the following: (a) Academicians with relevant research, education or
extension training and experience; (b) practitioners, including an
appropriate mix of producers, entrepreneurs, consumers, community
leaders, consultants, etc.); (c) a variety of organizational types
(e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies,
private profit and non-profit organizations); (d) a variety of
geographic locations; and (e) a broad gender, ethnic, racial, and age
representation.
In addition to peer review, the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board will assess the
relevance of projects recommended for funding toward achieving the
programmatic goals of the FFRA.
B. Evaluation Factors
The review of applications submitted for funding consideration will
consist of a technical evaluation conducted by CSREES using the
competitive peer review process. The following evaluation factors will
be applied. All evaluation factors will be weighted equally.
1. Merit: Scientific, technical, or educational merit: Well defined
problem; clearly defined objectives; appropriateness of approach,
(including selection of proper approach to address systems,
multifaceted, or multidisciplinary problems); demonstrated integration
of components (such as research, education and extension components);
degree of feasibility; soundness and effectiveness of management plan.
2. Quality: Creativity and innovativeness in addressing problem and
issues; selection of appropriate and qualified individuals to address
problem; competence and experience of personnel; effective utilization
of knowledge base in addressing problem; and potential to contribute
solutions to stated problem.
3. Relevance: Proposal advances purposes for Federally supported
research, education, and extension of Section 1402 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3101); potential to contribute to economic diversification and
sustainable development of rural communities; identification and
involvement of stakeholders; involvement of communities of interest and
stakeholders in the identification of problems set forth in proposal;
and partnership with those affected by the outcome.
C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality
During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts-of-interest that may impact
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts-of-
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution
shall be determined by reference to the 2000 Higher Education
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone:
(703) 532-2305.
[[Page 20364]]
Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as
proposal content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential,
except to those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted
by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain
confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names
of reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the
fiscal year, names of panelists will be made available in such a way
that the panelists cannot be identified with the review of any
particular proposal.
Part V. Additional Information
A. Access To Review Information
Copies of summary reviews, not including the identity of reviewers,
will be sent to the applicant PI/PD after the review process has been
completed.
B. Grant Awards
(1) General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFP. The date specified by the
Administrator as the effective date of the grant shall be no later than
September 30. It should be noted that the project need not be initiated
on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as practical so
that project goals may be attained within the funded project period.
All funds granted by CSREES under this RFP shall be expended solely for
the purpose for which the funds are granted in accordance with the
approved application and budget, the regulations, the terms and
conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost principles, and
the Department's assistance regulations (parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 of
7 CFR).
(2) Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFP,
if such information has not been provided previously under this or
another CSREES program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended
for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward
process.
(3) Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
The grant award document shall include at a minimum the following:
(a) Legal name and address of performing organization or
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the
terms of this request for proposals;
(b) Title of project;
(c) Name(s) and address(es) of principal investigator(s) chosen to
direct and control approved activities;
(d) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
(e) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;
(f) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by
the Administrator during the project period;
(g) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
(h) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
(i) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular grant.
The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will be
prepared and will provide pertinent instructions or information to the
grantee that is not included in the grant award document.
C. Funding Mechanism
The mechanism by which grants may be awarded is a Standard grant.
This is a funding mechanism whereby the Department agrees to support a
specified level of effort for a predetermined time period without the
announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.
D. Use of Funds; Changes
(1) Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
Unless the terms and conditions of the grant state otherwise, the
grantee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or
expenditure of grant funds.
(2) Changes in Project Plans
(a) The permissible changes by the grantee, PI/PD(s), or other key
project personnel in the approved project grant shall be limited to
changes in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the
project to expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the
grantee or the PI/PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies
with this provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES
Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
(b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
(c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.
(d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers,
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the grant.
(e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project. Institutions of higher education
and other non-profit institutions by regulation can receive only one
extension for a period not to exceed 12 months, 7 CFR 3019.25(e)(2).
Any extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by the
grantee and approval in writing by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise
in the terms and conditions of a grant, but in no case shall a grant
period of performance exceed 5 years.
(f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or grant
award.
E. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant
proposals considered for review and to project grants awarded under
this program. These include, but are not limited to:
7 CFR Part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.
7 CFR Part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.
[[Page 20365]]
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
7 CFR Part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122) and
incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308, as well as general
policy requirements applicable to recipients of Departmental financial
assistance.
7 CFR Part 3016--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR Part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR Part 3019--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Other Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3407--CSREES supplemental regulations implementing the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR
Part 15b (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination
based upon disability in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR
Part 401).
F. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
When a proposal results in a grant, it becomes a part of the record
of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific request.
Information that the Secretary determines to be of a confidential,
privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the
extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant
wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary
should be clearly marked within the proposal. The original copy of a
proposal that does not result in a grant will be retained by the CSREES
for a period of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Such a
proposal will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to
the extent required by law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time
prior to the final action thereon.
G. Regulatory Information
For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR
part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0022.
Done at Washington, DC, this 13th day of April 2001.
Louise Ebaugh,
Acting Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 01-9745 Filed 4-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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