[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 6, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17370-17375]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7729]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to Invite Applications for
the American Indian and Alaska Native Credit Outreach Initiative
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting applications for
competitive cooperative agreement funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 for
the credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian and Alaska
Native farmers, ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian
reservations within the contiguous United States and in Alaska. There
is $400,000 available in funding for the remainder of FY 2010. FSA will
make one award to a successful applicant through a cooperative
agreement. FSA requests proposals from eligible nonprofit
organizations, land-grant institutions, and federally-recognized Indian
tribal governments interested in a competitively-awarded cooperative
agreement to create and implement a mechanism that will provide credit
outreach and promotion, pre-loan education, and one-on-one loan
application preparation assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native
farmers, ranchers, and youth. Successful proposals may include other
innovative services intended to enhance participation by American
Indians and Alaska Natives in specific FSA Agricultural Credit Programs
and other relevant credit programs available to American Indian and
Alaska Native producers.
DATES: Applications must be completed and submitted to the Agency no
later than 5 p.m. eastern time May 6, 2010. Late applications will not
be accepted and will be returned to the applicant. Applicants must
ensure that the service used to deliver the application can do so by
the deadline. Due to security concerns, packages sent to the Agency by
mail have been delayed several days or even weeks.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications and other required materials by mail to:
Mark Palmer, Director, Office of External Affairs, FSA, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), STOP 0505, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0511.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FSA Office of External Affairs or
Office of Outreach: Mark Palmer, (202) 720-9933; email:
mark.palmer@wdc.usda.gov.
For USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Janie Hipp, (202) 205-2249; e-
mail: janie.hipp@osec.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of Solicitation
This NOFA is being re-released because there was insufficient
response to the NOFA published on August 27, 2009 (74 FR 43665-43669).
This NOFA has been adjusted to reflect improvements in the American
Indian Credit Outreach Initiative Program that ensures it better serves
American Indian and Alaska Native producers. Most notable among these
improvements is the fact that FSA will now administer the program with
advice from USDA Office of Tribal Relations.
This solicitation is issued under 7 U.S.C. 2204b (b)(4), which
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative
agreements to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal
programs affecting rural areas. The principal objective of this
cooperative agreement is to continue a national outreach program that
enables American Indian and Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and youth
located either on Indian reservations or in other regions that have a
significant presence of American Indian and Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth in the contiguous United States and Alaska to
understand and have access to the various FSA Agriculture Credit
Programs.
The USDA Office of Tribal Relations will provide ongoing and
concrete assistance and advice in program planning, delivery, and
coordination; this will partially satisfy the ``significant agency
participation'' requirement for the cooperative agreement. All program
outcomes will be reported to FSA and the USDA Office of Tribal
Relations.
Proposal Requirements
All proposed approaches must include a plan for how the project
will have the following capabilities in place within three months after
acceptance of award:
1. The demonstrated ability to deliver these credit outreach
services. This should include demonstrated technical expertise, program
familiarity, and technological capability, including the ability to use
relevant software programs used for preparing farm business plans. This
should also include demonstrated cultural sensitivity and a thorough
understanding of the population targeted by the applicant, including a
firm grasp of the unique credit challenges faced by the targeted
population.
2. A strategic plan with concrete, actionable goals.
3. A tracking system with which to first, document the steps taken
by the cooperator to realize these goals, and second, gauge the
efficacy and impact of the program. Thus, the cooperator should be able
to document, track, and report on their own internal activities, as
well as their external results in the targeted population.
[[Page 17371]]
Proposals must demonstrate a well-thought out strategic plan for
ensuring that American Indian and Alaska Natives have improved access
to FSA Agricultural Credit Programs through targeted program education
efforts, including targeted educational programs, application training
sessions, one-to-one application troubleshooting, general information
dissemination, and promotional campaigns.
Applicants who can suggest metrics for gauging the impact of
Federal funding and success of their program education campaign will be
more competitive. Possible metrics could include, but are not limited
to:
Number of producers who, after receiving assistance from
the cooperator, successfully received an FSA loan or loan guarantee,
Percentage increase in producers on targeted reservation
or area receiving FSA credit support,
Number of attendees at outreach events, and
Number of attendees at outreach events who subsequently
sought services from cooperator related to FSA Agricultural Credit
Programs.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the FSA Office of Outreach,
the FSA Office of External Affairs, or the USDA Office of Tribal
Relations to discuss proposed Outreach strategies or proposed tracking
metrics. (See FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above.)
Background
Today, American Indians and Alaska Natives own and control
approximately 66 million acres of agricultural lands held in trust by
the United States Government and administered, for the most part, by
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of the Department of the Interior.
Land-based agricultural enterprises are considered the primary source
of revenue for most tribes, due in large part to their geographical
isolation from any urban type industrial development activities. Thus,
protecting this resource and utilizing it effectively are important
functions of the elected tribal officials charged with operating or
overseeing business activities that take place within reservations.
USDA provides farmers and ranchers technical, financial, and
educational resources. American Indian and Alaska Native agricultural
producers on reservations have historically been less able to benefit
from USDA services than other farmers and ranchers. Since 1987,
Congress has enacted Federal laws, such as the recent Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246), (2008 Farm
Bill), to address American Indians and Alaska Natives' (and other
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers) lack of access to USDA's
programs and services; this has resulted in beginning to close some of
the gaps in access to these programs and services. As positive as these
changes are, they have not fully addressed an implementation plan or
the funds needed to carry out implementation of sorely needed
agribusiness education and direct services to American Indian and
Alaska Native reservation and non-reservation farmers and ranchers.
American Indian and Alaska Native agribusinesses, as well as
individual American Indians and Alaska Natives, have consistently
reported that the primary need in agriculture is access to the capital
required to own and operate their own farms or ranches. Therefore, FSA
has created and implemented this cooperative funding mechanism to
provide credit outreach and other related business management training
and assistance services related to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs,
subject to funding, as a way to resolve some of the credit needs of
American Indian and Alaska Native agriculture.
Definitions
The following acronym and definitions are applicable to this
notice.
Agency or FSA. The United States Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency.
Farm land. Land used for commercial agriculture crops, poultry and
livestock enterprises, or aquaculture.
Federally-Recognized Indian Tribal Government. The governing body
or a governmental agency of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community (including any Native village as defined
in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C.
1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the
special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian
Affairs.
Land Grant Institutions. Any institution that is either:
1. A 1994 Institution, 1890 Institution, or 1862 Institution, (as
defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
2. An Indian tribal community college or an Alaska Native
cooperative college; or
3. A Hispanic-serving institution (as defined in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
Non-Profit Organization. Any corporation, trust, association,
cooperative, or other organization that:
1. Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
2. Is not organized primarily for profit; and
3. Is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as being certified
as compliant with 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.
501(c)(3)).
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must either be a non-profit organization, a federally
recognized Indian tribe, or a land grant institution as defined above.
Applications without sufficient information to determine eligibility
will not be considered.
Proposal Preparation
A proposal must contain an original and two copies of the following
(Contact Mark Palmer (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above) if you
need help getting the forms):
1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
4. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed table of contents immediately
following the required Federal forms. The table of contents should
include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination
should begin immediately following the table of contents.
5. Proposal Summary. A summary of the project proposal, not to
exceed two pages, that includes the title of the project, a description
of the project (including an overarching strategic plan (broad goals)
and discrete actionable tasks (specific goals) to be accomplished), the
names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the
tasks, and the expected time frame for completing all tasks.
6. Eligibility. A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages,
describing how the applicant meets the definition of land grant
institution, non-profit organization, or federally recognized Indian
tribal government. In addition, the applicant must describe all other
collaborative organizations that may be involved in the project, the
respective role the collaborative organization will play in program
delivery. The application must include a signed and dated full
description from any collaborative organization describing its proposed
role.
7. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project
proposal must be
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in a font such as Times New Roman (12 pt.) or comparable font and must
include the following:
a. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief,
not to exceed 100 characters, yet represent the major thrust of the
project.
b. Information Sheet. A separate one page information sheet that
lists each of the seven evaluation criteria listed in this notice (see
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section below) followed by the
page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in
the proposal that address or support that criteria.
c. Goals and Objectives of the Project. A clear statement of the
ultimate goals and objectives of the project must be presented.
d. Evaluation Criteria. Each of the nine evaluation criteria listed
in this notice (see the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section
below) must be addressed specifically and individually by category.
These criteria should be in narrative form with any specific supporting
documentation attached as addenda and should be placed directly
following the proposal narrative. If other materials, including
financial statements, will be used to support any evaluation criteria
it should also be placed directly following the proposal narrative. The
applicant must also propose and delineate significant agency
participation in the project. The applicant must also propose and
delineate significant agency participation in the project at the local
or regional level.
8. DUNS Number. A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number is required for entities receiving Federal contracts such
as a cooperative agreement under this notice.
Amount of Award
The amount of funds available for the remainder of FY 2010 (through
September 30, 2010) is up to $400,000. Expenses incurred in developing
applications will be at the applicant's risk.
Number of Awards
Only one cooperative agreement will be awarded.
Eligible Cooperative Agreement Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds may be used to cover allowable costs
incurred by the recipient and approved by FSA. Allowable costs are
governed by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and 3019, as applicable, and
applicable Office of Management and Budget Circulars.
Ineligible Fund Uses
Cooperative agreement funds must not be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including mobile and
other processing equipment;
3. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
4. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded venture (for
example, cooperative agreement funds cannot be used to support the
organization's general operations);
5. Fund political or lobbying activities;
6. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving the cooperative agreement;
7. Fund any activity prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, and
3019, as applicable; and
8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific
physical facility.
Evaluation Criteria, Proposal Review
A merit review panel of USDA employees as selected by the National
FSA Office and the USDA Office of Tribal Relations will review
applications for eligibility, completeness, and responsiveness to this
notice. Incomplete or non-responsive applications will be returned to
the applicant and not evaluated further. Applications received beyond
the time deadline identified in this notice will not be accepted for
review. The proposal will be evaluated using the criteria specified
below. Failure to address any one of the criteria will disqualify the
application. All proposals must be in compliance with this notice,
applicable statutes, and regulations.
Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made
by FSA for responsiveness to this notice and completeness. Proposals
that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines or are otherwise
ineligible will be eliminated from competition. All responsive
proposals will be reviewed by a merit review panel of reviewers using
the evaluation criteria stated below. The selected USDA employee
reviewers will be chosen to provide maximum expertise and objective
judgment in the evaluation of proposals. Evaluated proposals will be
ranked by the merit review panel, based on the evaluation criteria and
weights listed below. Final approval of those proposals will be made by
the Administrator of FSA.
Evaluation Criteria and Weights
All responsive proposals will be reviewed based on the following
nine criteria:
1. Applicant's Demonstrated Ability to Conduct Program Education
and Provide Technical Assistance (20 points). This standard evaluates
the degree to which the organization can demonstrate having the
requisite experience, qualifications, competency, and availability of
personnel and resources needed to provide targeted program education
and technical assistance on FSA credit sources, tailored to address the
unique challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native producers.
The applicant should be able to demonstrate its technical capacity for
delivering credit outreach services using any acceptable farm business
planning and management software, as deemed appropriate. A sufficient
explanation must be contained in the application concerning the
software used and the applicant's capacity and familiarity with the
software program selected.
2. Applicant's Demonstrated Understanding of Constituent Population
and Cultural Competency (5 points). This standard evaluates the degree
to which the applicant can demonstrate that they understand the unique
challenges facing American Indian and Alaska Native producers in such a
way that allows the applicant to effectively provide assistance to
these producers. Applicants should discuss in their proposal whether
they possess the cultural competency needed to be of service to
targeted constituent populations and to develop and foster a successful
relationship with constituent populations. This standard evaluates the
degree to which the proposal contains detailed programs to reach
persons identified as American Indian and Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth. The proposal will be evaluated for its potential
for encouraging and assisting American Indian or Alaska Native farmers,
ranchers, and youth to utilize the various FSA agriculture credit
programs.
3. A Strategic Plan Centered around Anticipated and Actual Results
for Constituent Population (20 points). This standard evaluates the
extent to which the proposal clearly describes its objectives and
evidences a high level of feasibility. This criterion relates to the
adequacy and soundness of the proposed approach to solve specific
problems and evaluates the plan of operation, the timetable,
evaluation, and dissemination plans. This area of the application must
clearly delineate all
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plans for execution during the life of the cooperative agreement; a
clear timetable for accomplishing all relevant plans; a specific
evaluation plan; and specific dissemination plans. A strategic plan
should be provided that specifies discrete, actionable goals. It should
propose metrics by which the applicant will measure its own success
over the duration of the funding period, such as the number of American
Indian and Alaska Native producers aided by applicant who successfully
gained FSA credit. This strategic plan should be results oriented,
focusing on progress in the economic state of the target population. If
the applicant has conducted this or similar programs in previous years,
they are required to reflect in their application the numbers of
individuals reached in each previous year (in detail, by location, by
funding year) and the number of individuals anticipated to be served
within the project year for which funds are sought. Applicants should
explain how they intend to independently gather this data.
4. Applicant's Ability to Track Internal Activity (15 points). This
standard evaluates whether the applicant is able to track the discrete
steps taken to realize its mission and explain the system it will use
to do so. This includes a tracking system for program education efforts
such as seminars or other teaching sessions, number of producers
provided with technical assistance, or outreach activities. This
tracking system will allow the applicant to effectively evaluate its
own strategy and continually evolve the strategy to maximize efficacy.
This tracking system should also be used to satisfy the reporting
requirement to USDA regarding use of funding.
5. Adequacy of Budget (15 points). This standard evaluates whether
the budget is designed to support the pursuit of the concrete,
actionable goals enumerated in the strategic plan. This standard also
evaluates the accuracy of the proposed budget and the accompanying
budget justification. The proposed budget should provide a detailed
description of each budget category that includes categorical subtotals
as well as a separate budget justification that clearly defines and
explains each and every proposed budget line item.
6. Sustainability of Effort (10 points). This standard rewards
applicants who make plans that would ensure the sustainability of their
effort and their ability to continue to provide American Indian and
Alaska Native producers with the crucial services of program education
and technical assistance. This includes the extent to which the
applicant has, or has plans to, diversify their funding base by working
with other USDA Agencies, other Federal Agencies, and non-government
funding sources such as foundations or private entities.
7. Detailed Description of Collaborative Partnerships, if any, and
Program Recipients (5 points). This standard evaluates the degree to
which the proposal reflects partnerships and collaborative initiatives
with other agencies or organizations to enhance the quality and
effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the areas and number of
underserved American Indian and Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and
youth who would benefit from the services offered will be evaluated.
Collaborative individuals or organizations must submit a written
(signed and dated) letter of collaboration in which all activities the
collaborative may engage in with the applicant will be clearly
outlined. All relevant personnel who will be involved in the project
will be identified by the collaborative entity.
8. Innovative Solutions to Challenges Faced by Targeted Population
(5 points). This standard rewards applicants for their ability to
propose innovative ways to address the challenges faced by Native
American and Alaska Native producers in accessing FSA credit.
9. Overall Quality of the Proposal (5 points). This standard
evaluates the degree to which the proposal complies with this notice
and is of high quality. Elements considered include adherence to
instructions, accuracy and completeness of forms, clarity and
organization of ideas, thoroughness and sufficiency of detail in the
budget narrative, specificity of allocations between targeted areas if
the proposal addresses more than one area, and completeness of vitae
for all key personnel associated with the project.
Selection Process
When the merit review panel reviewers have completed their
individual evaluations, the panel, based on the individual reviews,
will make a recommendation to the Administrator that one responsive
proposal be approved for support from available funds. Prior to award,
the Administrator reserves the right to negotiate with an applicant
whose project is recommended for funding regarding project revisions
(for example, change in scope of work or FSA's significant
involvement), funding level, or period of support. A proposal may be
withdrawn at any time before a final funding decision is made.
Cooperative Agreement Awards
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the
Administrator will enter into a cooperative agreement with the
successful applicant.
When To Submit an Application
The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5 p.m. eastern time
May 6, 2010. FSA will not accept any application received after the
deadline.
Cooperator Requirements
Cooperators will be required to do the following:
Sign required Federal assistance forms including:
[cir] Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions;
[cir] Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants); and
[cir] Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (Civil Rights).
Use Standard Form (SF) 270, Request for Advance or
Reimbursement to request payments.
Submit a SF-269, Financial Status Report, and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a semi-
annual basis. A financial report is due within 45 days after the first
half of the project period and another financial report is due within
60 days of the completion of the project.
Report information for active and pending projects on the
Current and Pending Support form.
Submit periodic performance reports to the FSA
Administrator and the USDA Office of Tribal Relations, as requested and
agreed upon in the cooperative agreement, that compare accomplishments
to the objectives; if established objectives are not met, discuss
problems, delays, or other problems that may affect completion of the
project; establish objectives for the next reporting period; and
discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use of awarded
funds.
Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable
to FSA.
Submit a final project performance report.
Sign an FSA approved cooperative agreement (an example of
which is provided at the end of this notice).
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Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
In addition to the requirements provided in this notice, other
Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals considered for
review and to our cooperative agreement award. These include, but are
not limited to:
7 CFR part 15, subpart A, Nondiscrimination in Federally-
Assisted Programs of the Department of Agriculture-Effectuation of
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations;
7 CFR parts 3016, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, as
applicable;
7 CFR part 3017, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Non-procurement);
7 CFR part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying;
7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and Other Non-profit Organizations, as applicable;
7 CFR part 3021, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Financial Assistance); and
7 CFR part 3052, Audits of States, Local Governments, and
Non-Profit Organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply to this notice because
the program does not receive applications from more than 10 persons
covered by 5 CFR 1320.3(c).
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2010.
Jonathan W. Coppess,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency
Cooperative Agreement--American Indian and Alaska Native Outreach
Initiative
This Cooperative Agreement (Agreement) dated--------, between ----
---- (Cooperator), and the United States of America, acting through the
Farm Service Agency of the Department of Agriculture (the Agency), for
$ -------- in cooperative agreement funds under the program, delineates
the agreement of the parties.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the Agreement;
The parties agree that:
1. All the terms and provisions of the notice entitled ``Notice of
Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the American Indian
and Alaska Native Credit Outreach Initiative,'' published in the
Federal Register on April 6, 2010 and the application submitted by the
Cooperator for this Agreement, including any attachments or amendments,
are incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to
these documents or this Agreement must be approved in writing by the
undersigned parties.
2. As a condition of the Agreement, the Cooperator certifies that
it is in compliance with, and will comply in the course of the
Agreement with, all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and
other generally applicable requirements, including, but not limited to:
Those contained in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are incorporated into this
Agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are
specifically contained herein. The Cooperator will comply with title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, and Executive Order 12250.
3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance
Regulations, and 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements
for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education,
Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations, as applicable, are
incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference.
4. All conditions and provisions of this Agreement will become
effective on signature of both parties and will continue until
completion of the project, but not later than September 30, --------.
Further, the Cooperator agrees that it will:
1. Not use cooperative agreement funds to plan, repair,
rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility (including a
processing facility); or to purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment.
2. Use funds only for the purpose and activities specified in the
proposal approved by the Agency including the approved budget. Any uses
not provided for in the approved budget must be approved in writing by
the Agency in advance of obligation by the Agency.
3. Submit a Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories. Reports are
due halfway through the period covered by the cooperative agreement, as
well as at the end of the period covered.
4. Provide periodic reports as required by the Agency. A financial
status report and a project performance report will be required on a
quarterly basis. The financial status report must show how cooperative
agreement funds have been used to date and project the funds needed and
their purposes for the next quarter. A final report may serve as the
last semi-annual report. Cooperators must constantly monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected
goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project performance
reports must include the following:
a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for
that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that
will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting
time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular
objectives during established time periods. This disclosure must be
accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve
the situation.
d. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting
period.
e. The final report will also address, but not be limited to, the
following:
i. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of
this program? What aspects of the program most need improvement? What
would be your plan for that improvement if given the opportunity to
change the program in the future?
ii. What advice would you give to other organizations planning a
similar program? These should include strengths and limitations of the
program. If you had the opportunity, what would you have done
differently?
iii. If an innovative approach was used successfully, the
Cooperator should describe their program in detail so that other
organizations might consider replication in their areas.
5. Provide Financial Management Systems which will include:
a. Records that identify adequately the source and application of
funds for cooperative agreement supported activities. Those records
must contain information pertaining to grant and cooperative agreement
awards and authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets,
liabilities, outlays, and income.
b. Effective control over and accountability for all funds,
property, and other assets. Cooperator must adequately safeguard all
such assets and ensure that they are used solely for authorized
purposes.
c. Accounting records supported by source documentation.
[[Page 17375]]
6. Retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, and all other records pertinent to the cooperative agreement
for a period of at least 3 years after closing, except that the records
must be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have not
been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies or similar methods may be
substituted in lieu of original records. The Agency and the Comptroller
General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized
representatives, must have access to any books, documents, papers, and
records of the Cooperator that are pertinent to the specific
cooperative agreement program for the purpose of making audits,
examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
7. Not encumber, transfer, or dispose of the equipment or any part
thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Agency funds without the
written consent of the Agency.
8. Not duplicate other program purposes for which monies have been
received, are committed, or are applied to from other sources (public
or private).
9. Immediately refund to the Agency, at the end of the Agreement,
any balance of unobligated funds received from the Agency.
The Agency agrees that it will:
1. Assist in defraying the project cost by reimbursing or advancing
to the Cooperator under this Agreement an amount not to exceed [Funding
Amount $XX]. The funds will be reimbursed or advanced in accordance
with applicable Federal regulations based on submission to the Agency
by the Cooperator of a complete Standard Form 270.
2. Monitor the program as it is being implemented and operated.
3. Evaluate the performance reports submitted by the Cooperator and
recommend revisions where necessary.
4. Halt activity, after written notice, if project objectives are
not met.
5. Identify USDA points of contact to address program questions.
Authorized and executed this day by:
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(Cooperator)
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(Title)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FARM SERVICE AGENCY
By:
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(Name)
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(Title)
[FR Doc. 2010-7729 Filed 4-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P