[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19995-20004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7902]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 64 / Tuesday, April 3, 2012 /
Notices
[[Page 19995]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Funding Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education in Targeted
States (Targeted States Program); Announcement Type: Announcement of
Availability of Funds and Request for Applications (RFA) for
Competitive Cooperative Agreements
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.458.
DATES: All applications, which must be submitted electronically through
Grants.gov, must be received by close of business (COB) on May 18,
2012. Hard copy applications will NOT be accepted.
SUMMARY: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating
through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces its intent to award
approximately $5,000,000 (subject to availability of funds) to fund
cooperative agreements under the Risk Management Education in Targeted
States Program.
Purpose: The purpose of the Targeted States program is to deliver
crop insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers
in States where there is traditionally, and continues to be, a low
level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability, and
producers are underserved by the Federal crop insurance program. These
states, defined as Targeted States for the purposes of this RFA, are
Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah,
Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Any cooperative agreements that
may be funded will not exceed the maximum funding amount established
for each of the Targeted States. Awardees must agree to the substantial
involvement of RMA in the project.
Applications submitted under this RFA must demonstrate how the
proposed education and outreach activities will help producers in
Targeted States understand:
The kinds of risks addressed by crop insurance;
The features of existing and emerging crop insurance
products;
The use of crop insurance in the management of risk;
How the use of crop insurance can affect other risk
management decisions, such as the use of marketing and financial tools;
How to make informed decisions on crop insurance prior to
the sales closing date deadline; and,
Record-keeping requirements for crop insurance.
Funding availability for this program may be announced at
approximately the same time as funding availability for the similar but
separate program, the Risk Management Education and Outreach
Partnerships Program (CFDA No. 10.460). Prospective applicants must
carefully examine and compare the notices of each announcement.
The collections of information in this announcement have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under control
number 0563-0067.
This Announcement Consists of Eight Sections
Section I--Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
B. Background
C. Project Goal
Section II--Award Information
A. Type of Application
B. Funding Availability
C. Location and Target Audience
D. Maximum Award
E. Project Period
F. Description of Agreement Award--Awardee Tasks
G. RMA Activities
H. Other Tasks
Section III--Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
Section IV--Application and Submission Information
A. Electronic Application Package
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
C. Funding Restrictions
D. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
E. Indirect Cost Rates
F. Other Submission Requirements
G. Acknowledgement of Applications
Section V--Application Review Process
A. Criteria
B. Selection and Review Process
Section VI--Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement to Use USDA Logo
2. Requirement to Provide Project Information to RMA-selected
Representative(s)
3. Access to Panel Review Information
4. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
5. Audit Requirements
6. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regards to Lobbying
7. Applicable OMB Circulars
8. Requirement to Assure Compliance with Federal Civil Rights
Laws
9. Requirement to Participate in a Post Award Teleconference
10. Requirement to Participate in a Post Award Civil Rights
Training Teleconference
11. Requirement to Submit Educational Materials to the National
AgRisk Education Library
12. Requirement To Submit Proposal Results to the National
AgRisk Education Library
C. Reporting Requirements
Section VII--Agency Contact
Section VIII--Additional Information
A. The Restriction of the Expenditure of Funds to Enter into
Financial Transactions
B. Required Registration with the Central Contract Registry
(CCR) for Submission of Proposals
C. Related Programs
Full Text of Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
The Targeted States Program is authorized under section 524(a)(2)
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (FCIA), 7 U.S.C. 1524(a)(2).
B. Background
RMA promotes and regulates sound risk management solutions to
improve the economic stability of American agriculture. On behalf of
FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop insurance products through
a network of private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new
risk management products, seeking enhancements in existing products,
ensuring the integrity of crop insurance programs, offering outreach
programs aimed at equal access and participation of underserved
[[Page 19996]]
communities, and providing risk management education and information.
One of RMA's strategic goals is to ensure that its customers are
well-informed of risk management solutions available. This educational
goal is authorized by section 524(a)(2) of the FCIA (7 U.S.C.
1524(a)(2). This section authorizes funding for the establishment of
crop insurance education and information programs in States where there
is traditionally, and continues to be, a low level of Federal crop
insurance participation and availability, and producers are underserved
by the Federal crop insurance program. In accordance with the FCIA, the
States with this designation for FY 2012 are Connecticut, Delaware,
Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West
Virginia, and Wyoming (defined as ``Targeted States'' for the purposes
of this RFA).
C. Project Goal
The goal of the Targeted States Program is to ensure that producers
in the Targeted States are fully informed of existing and emerging crop
insurance products in order to take full advantage of such products. In
carrying out the requirements under Section 12026 of the Food,
Conservation, And Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary of Agriculture has
placed special emphasis on risk management strategies, education, and
outreach specifically targeted to the following producers:
(A) Beginning farmers or ranchers;
(B) Legal immigrant farmers or ranchers that are attempting to
become established producers in the United States;
(C) Socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
(D) Farmers or ranchers that--
(i) are preparing to retire; and
(ii) are using transition strategies to help new farmers or
ranchers get started; and
(E) New or established farmers or ranchers that are converting
production and marketing systems to pursue new markets.
II. Award Information
A. Type of Application
Only electronic applications will be accepted and they must be
submitted through Grants.gov. Hard copy applications will not be
accepted. Applications submitted for the Risk Management Education in
Targeted States Program are new applications: there are no renewals.
All applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection
process and evaluation criteria described in Section V--Application
Review Process. Each award will be designated as a Cooperative
Agreement, which will require substantial involvement by RMA.
B. Funding Availability
There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application
or make a specific number of awards. RMA intends to award approximately
$5,000,000 (subject to availability of funds) in fiscal year 2012 to
fund one or more cooperative agreement(s) not to exceed the maximum
funding amount established for each of the Targeted States. The maximum
funding amount anticipated for the agreement(s) in each Targeted State
is as follows. An applicant must apply for funding for that Targeted
State where the applicant intends to deliver the educational
activities, and must limit its request for funding in a particular
Targeted State based upon the funding levels available below.
Connecticut............................................. $250,000
Delaware................................................ 287,000
Hawaii.................................................. 246,000
Maine................................................... 259,000
Maryland................................................ 371,000
Massachusetts........................................... 239,000
Nevada.................................................. 248,000
New Hampshire........................................... 216,000
New Jersey.............................................. 282,000
New York................................................ 586,000
Pennsylvania............................................ 700,000
Rhode Island............................................ 206,000
Utah.................................................... 316,000
Vermont................................................. 259,000
West Virginia........................................... 242,000
Wyoming................................................. 293,000
---------------
Total............................................... $5,000,000
Funding amounts were determined by first allocating an equal amount
of $200,000 to each Targeted State. Remaining funds were allocated on a
pro rata basis according to each Targeted State's share of agricultural
cash receipts reported in the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS) 2007 Agricultural Census, relative to the total for all Targeted
States. Both the equal allocation and the pro rata allocation were
totaled together and rounded to the nearest $1,000 to arrive at the
funding limit for each Targeted State.
In the event that additional funds become available under this
program or in the event that no application for a given Targeted State
is recommended for funding by the evaluation panel, these additional
funds, or unused funds for a particular Targeted State, may be
allocated pro-rata to other awardees. These additional or unused funds
may be offered to selected awardees for use in broadening the size or
scope of awarded projects within the Targeted States in which funds
were awarded, if such selected awardees agree to any changes to the
project necessary determined by RMA to make use of the additional
funds. The decision of whether any additional or unused funds are
offered to other award recipients, and the pro-rata manner in which
they may be distributed to recipients that are willing to make required
adjustments to their awarded projects to accept such additional funds,
is within the discretion of the FCIC Manager. RMA is not required to
distribute any additional or unused funds to the awardees.
In the event that the Manager of FCIC determines that available RMA
resources cannot support the administrative and substantial involvement
requirements of all agreements recommended for funding, the Manager may
elect to fund fewer agreements than the available funding might
otherwise allow. All awards will be made and agreements finalized no
later than September 30, 2012.
C. Location and Target Audience
The RMA Regional Offices that service the Targeted States are
listed below. Staff from these respective RMA Regional Offices will
provide the RMA substantial involvement for Targeted States projects
conducted within the respective Regions.
Billings, MT Regional Office: (WY).
Davis, CA Regional Office: (HI, NV and UT).
Raleigh, NC Regional Office: (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA,
RI, VT and WV).
Each application must clearly designate the Targeted State where
crop insurance educational activities for the project will be delivered
in block 14 of the SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
Applications without this designation in block 14 will be rejected.
Applicants may apply to deliver education to producers in more than one
Targeted State, but a separate application must be submitted for each
Targeted State because applications will be compared to applications
submitted for the same state. Any single application proposing to
conduct educational activities in more than one Targeted State will be
rejected.
D. Maximum Award
Any application that requests funding under this Announcement of
more than the amount listed above for a project in a given Targeted
State will be rejected.
[[Page 19997]]
E. Project Period
Projects will be funded for a period of up to one year from the
project starting date.
F. Description of Agreement Award--Awardee Tasks
In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this
program in a designated Targeted State, the awardee shall be
responsible for performing the following tasks:
Develop and conduct a promotional program in English or a
non-English language to producers. If non-English language is used, a
translation in English must be provided. This program will include
activities using media, newsletters, publications, or other appropriate
informational dissemination techniques that are designed to: (a) Raise
awareness for crop insurance; (b) inform producers of the availability
of crop insurance; (c) inform producers of the crop insurance sales
closing dates prior to the deadline; and (d) inform producers (and may
inform agribusiness professionals) in the designated Targeted State of
training and informational opportunities.
Deliver crop insurance training and informational
opportunities in English or a non-English language to agricultural
producers (and may deliver to agribusiness professionals) in the
designated Targeted State in a timely manner, prior to crop insurance
sales closing dates, in order for producers to make informed decisions
regarding risk management tools prior to the crop insurance sales
closing dates deadline. This delivery will include organizing and
delivering educational activities using instructional materials that
have been assembled to meet the local needs of agricultural producers.
Activities must be directed primarily to agricultural producers, but
may include those agribusiness professionals that frequently advise
producers on crop insurance tools and decisions and shall use the
information gained from these trainings to advise producers.
Document all educational activities conducted under the
cooperative agreement and the results of such activities, including
criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the program.
The awardee shall also be required, if requested by RMA, to provide
information to RMA-selected contractor(s) to evaluate all educational
activities and advise RMA regarding the effectiveness of activities.
G. RMA Activities
RMA will be substantially involved during the performance of the
funded project through RMA's three (3) Regional Offices identified
earlier. Potential types of substantial involvement by these three (3)
Regional Offices will include, but are not limited to, the following
activities.
Collaborate with the awardee in assembling, reviewing, and
approving risk management materials for producers in the designated
Targeted States.
Collaborate with the awardee in reviewing and approving a
promotional program for raising awareness for risk management and for
informing producers of training and informational opportunities in the
Targeted States.
Collaborate with the awardee on the delivery of education
to producers and agribusiness professionals for the Targeted States.
This collaboration shall include: (a) Reviewing and approving in
advance all producer and agribusiness professional educational
activities; (b) advising the awardee on technical issues related to
crop insurance education and information; and (c) assisting the awardee
in informing producers and agribusiness professionals about educational
activity plans and scheduled meetings.
Conduct an evaluation of the performance of the awardee in
meeting the tasks and subtasks of the project.
Assist in the selection of subcontractors and project
staff.
Applications that do not contain substantial involvement by RMA
will be rejected.
H. Other Tasks
In addition to the specific, required tasks listed above, the
applicant may propose additional tasks that would contribute directly
to the purpose of this program. For any proposed additional task, the
applicant must identify the objective of the task, the specific
subtasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines for
performing the subtasks, and the specific responsibilities of partners.
The applicant must also identify specific ways in which RMA would have
substantial involvement in the proposed project task.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include: State Departments of Agriculture,
State Cooperative Extension Services; Federal, State, or tribal
agencies; groups representing producers, community-based organizations
or a coalition of community-based organization that has demonstrated
experience in providing agricultural education or other agricultural-
related services to producers; nongovernmental organizations; junior
and four-year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a
college or university; private for-profit organizations; and other
entities with the capacity to lead a program of risk management
education for producers in one or more Targeted States.
1. Individuals are not eligible applicants.
2. Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award
based on its status as the type of entity described immediately above,
other factors may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal
assistance under this program, which is governed by Federal law and
regulations (e.g. debarment and suspension; a determination of non-
performance on a prior contract, cooperative agreement, grant or
cooperative partnership; a determination of a violation of applicable
ethical standards). Applications in which the applicant or any of the
partners are ineligible or excluded persons will be rejected in their
entirety.
3. Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal
crop insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are
eligible to apply for funding under this Announcement. However, such
entities and their partners, affiliates, and collaborators for this
Announcement shall not receive funding to conduct activities that are
already required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement or any other
agreement in effect between FCIC/RMA and the entity, or between FCIC/
RMA and any of the partners; affiliates, or collaborators for awards
under this Announcement. In addition, such entities and their partners,
affiliates, and collaborators for this Announcement shall not be
allowed to receive funding to conduct activities that could be
perceived by producers as promoting the services or products of one
company over the services or products of another company that provides
the same or similar services or products. If applying for funding, such
organizations must be aware of potential conflicts of interest and must
describe in their application the specific actions they shall take to
avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching Funding
Although RMA prefers cost sharing by the applicant, this program
has neither a cost sharing nor a matching requirement.
[[Page 19998]]
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Electronic Application Package
RMA will only accept electronic applications for this program.
These electronic applications must be submitted via Grants.gov to the
Risk Management Agency in response to this RFA. Prior to preparing an
application, it is suggested that the Project Director (PD) first
contact an Authorized Representative (AR) (also referred to as
Authorized Organizational Representative or AOR) to determine if the
organization is prepared to submit electronic applications through
Grants.gov. If the organization is not prepared, the AR should see,
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp, for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.
Grants.gov assistance is available as follows:
Grants.gov customer support, Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726,
Business Hours: 24 Hours a day, Email: [email protected].
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The title of the application must include (1) The Targeted State,
(2) the producer group to be reached, and (3) the educational topic(s)
to be presented.
For an application to potentially be considered complete and valid,
an application must include the following items, at a minimum:
1. A completed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance.''
2. A completed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget Information--Non-
construction Programs.''
3. A completed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances, Non-
constructive Programs.''
4. An Executive Summary of the Project (One (1) page).
5. A Proposal Narrative (Not to Exceed 15 single-sided pages in
Microsoft Word), which shall also include a Statement of Work. The
Statement of Work (SOW) must include each task and subtask associated
with the work, the objective of each task and subtask, specific time
lines for performing the tasks and subtasks, and the responsible party
for completing the activities listed under each task and subtask
including the specific responsibilities of partners and/or RMA. The SOW
must be very clear on who does what, where, when, as well as the
objective for each task and subtask. Letters of support for the
applicant should be an appendix to the application and should not be
included as part of the Proposal Narrative.
6. Budget Narrative (in Microsoft Excel) describing how the
categorical costs listed on the SF 424-A are derived. The budget
narrative must provide enough detail for reviewers to easily understand
how costs were determined and how they relate to the tasks and subtask
of the project.
7. Partnering Plan that includes how each partner of the applicant
(who will be working on this project) shall aid in carrying out the
specific tasks and subtasks. The Partnering Plan must also include
``Letters of Commitment'' from each partner who will do the specific
task or subtask as identified in the SOW. The Letters must (1) be dated
within 45 days of the submission and (2) list the specific tasks or
subtasks the committed partner has agreed to do with the applicant on
this project.
8. Project Plan of Operation in the Event of a Human Pandemic
Outbreak (Pandemic Plan). RMA requires that project leaders submit a
project plan of operation in case of a human pandemic event. The plan
must address the concept of continuing operations as they relate to the
project. This plan must include the roles, responsibilities, and
contact information for the project team and individuals serving as
back-ups in case of a pandemic outbreak.
9. Current and Pending Report. The application package from
Grants.gov contains a document called the Current and Pending Report.
On the Current and Pending Report you must state for this fiscal year
if this application is a duplicate application or overlaps
substantially with another application already submitted to or funded
by another USDA Agency, including RMA, or other private organization.
The percentage of each person's time associated with the work to be
done under this project must be identified in the application. The
total percentage of time for both ``Current'' and ``Pending'' projects
must not exceed 100% of each person's time. Applicants must list all
current public or private employment arrangements or financial support
associated with the project or any of the personnel that are part of
the project, regardless of whether such arrangements or funding
constitute part of the project under this Announcement (supporting
agency, amount of award, effective date, expiration date, expiration
date of award, etc.). If the applicant has no projects to list, ``N/A''
should be shown on the form. An application submitted under this RFA
that duplicates or overlaps substantially with any application already
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by any other organization or
agency, including but not limited to other RMA, USDA, and Federal
government programs, will not be funded under this program. RMA
reserves the right to reject your application based on the review of
this information.
10. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, ``Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities.''
11. A completed and signed AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I--For Grantees Other
Than Individuals.''
Applications that do not include the items listed above will be
considered incomplete, will not receive further consideration, and will
be rejected.
C. Funding Restrictions
Cooperative agreement funds under this RFA may not be used to:
a. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility including a processing facility;
b. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
c. Purchase portable equipment (such as laptops, projectors, etc.)
d. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
e. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement
application;
f. Fund political activities;
g. Purchase alcohol, food, beverage, or entertainment;
h. Lend money to support farming or agricultural business operation
or expansion;
i. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a cooperative agreement;
j. Provide scholarships;
k. Pay entrance fees or other expenses to conferences or similar
activities; or
l. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable.
D. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
Total costs for salary and benefits allowed for projects under this
Announcement shall be limited to not more than 70 percent reimbursement
of the funds awarded under the cooperative partnership agreement. The
reasonableness of the total costs for salary and benefits allowed for
projects under this Announcement will be reviewed and considered by RMA
as part of the application review process. Applications for which RMA
does not consider the salary and benefits reasonable for the proposed
application will be rejected, or will only be offered a cooperative
agreement upon the condition of changing the salary and benefits
structure to one deemed appropriate by RMA for that
[[Page 19999]]
application. The goal of the Targeted States Program is to maximize the
use of the limited funding available for crop insurance education to
producers in Targeted States.
E. Indirect Cost Rates
a. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this
announcement shall be limited to ten (10) percent of the total direct
cost of the cooperative agreement. Therefore, when preparing budgets,
applicants should limit their requests for recovery of indirect costs
to the lesser of their institution's official negotiated indirect cost
rate or 10 percent of the total direct costs.
b. RMA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with
successful applicants.
F. Other Submission Requirements
Applicants are entirely responsible for ensuring that RMA receives
a complete application package by the closing date and time. RMA
strongly encourages applicants to submit applications well before the
deadline to allow time for correction of technical errors identified by
Grants.gov. Application packages submitted after the deadline will be
rejected.
G. Acknowledgement of Applications
Receipt of applications may be acknowledged by email, whenever
possible; however it is the responsibility of the applicant to check
Grants.gov for successful submission. Therefore, applicants are
encouraged to provide email addresses in their applications. There will
be no notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications
until the award decisions have been made. When received by RMA,
applications will be assigned an identification number. This number
will be communicated to applicants in the acknowledgement of receipt of
applications. An application's identification number must be referenced
in all correspondence submitted by any party regarding the application.
If the applicant does not receive an acknowledgement of application
receipt by 15 days following the submission deadline, the applicant
must notify RMA's point of contact indicated in Section VII, Agency
Contact.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
Applications submitted under the Targeted States program will be
evaluated within each Targeted State according to the following
criteria:
Project Impacts--Maximum 20 Points Available
Each application must demonstrate that the project benefits to
producers warrant the funding requested. Applications will be scored
according to the extent they can: (a) Identify the specific actions
producers shall likely be able to take as a result of the educational
activities described in the Proposal Narrative's Statement of Work
(SOW); (b) identify the specific measures for evaluating results that
shall be employed in the project; (c) reasonably estimate the total
number of producers that shall be reached through the various methods
and educational activities described in the Statement of Work; (d)
identify the number of meetings that shall be held; (e) provide an
estimate of the number of training hours that shall be held; (f)
provide an estimated cost per producer, and (e) justify such estimates
with specific information. Estimates for reaching agribusiness
professionals may also be provided but such estimates must be provided
separately from the estimates of producers. Reviewers' scoring will be
based on the scope and reasonableness of the application's clear
descriptions of specific expected actions producers shall accomplish,
and well-designed methods for measuring the project's results and
effectiveness. Applications using direct contact methods with producers
will be scored higher.
Applications must identify the type and number of producer actions
expected as a result of the projects, and how results shall be
measured, in the following categories:
Understanding risk management tools;
Evaluating the feasibility of implementing various risk
management options;
Developing risk management plans and strategies;
Deciding on and implementing a specific course of action
(e.g., participation in crop insurance programs or implementation of
other risk management actions).
Statement of Work (SOW)--Maximum 20 Points Available
Each application must include a clear and specific Statement of
Work for the project as part of the Proposal Narrative. For each of the
tasks contained in the Description of Agreement Award (see Section II,
Award Information), the application must identify and describe specific
subtasks, responsible entities including partners, expected completion
dates, RMA substantial involvement, and deliverables that shall further
the purpose of this program. Applications will obtain a higher score to
the extent that the Statement of Work is specific, measurable and
reasonable, has specific deadlines for the completion of tasks and
subtasks, and relates directly to the required activities and the
program purpose described in this Announcement.
Partnering--Maximum 20 Points Available
Each application must demonstrate experience and capacity to
partner with and gain the support of producer organizations,
agribusiness professionals, subject matter experts, and agricultural
leaders to carry out a local program of education and information in a
designated Targeted State. Each application must establish a written
Partnering Plan that describes how each partner shall aid in carrying
out the project goal and purpose stated in this announcement and should
include letters of commitment dated no more than 45 days prior to
submission of the relevant application stating that the partner has
agreed to do this work. Each application must ensure this Plan includes
a list of all partners working on the project, their titles, and how
they will be contribute to the deliverables listed in the application.
The Partnering Plan will not count towards the maximum length of the
application narrative. Applications will receive higher scores to the
extent that the application demonstrates: (a) That partnership
commitments are in place for the express purpose of delivering the
program in this announcement; (b) that a broad group of producers shall
be reached within the Targeted State; (c) that partners are
contributing to the project and involved in recruiting producers to
attend the training; (d) that a substantial effort has been made to
partner with organizations that can meet the needs of producers in the
designated Targeted State; and (e) statements from each partner
regarding the number of producers that partner is committed to recruit
for the project that would support the estimates specified under the
Project Impacts criterion.
Project Management--Maximum 20 Points Available
Each application must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and
effective project management practices. Higher scores in this category
will be awarded to applications that demonstrate organizational skills,
leadership, and experience in delivering services or programs that
assist agricultural producers in the designated Targeted State. Each
application must
[[Page 20000]]
demonstrate that the Project Director has the capability to accomplish
the project goal and purpose stated in this announcement by (a) having
a previous or existing working relationship with the agricultural
community in the designated Targeted State of the application,
including being able to recruit approximately the number of producers
to be reached in the application and/or (b) having established the
capacity to partner with and gain the support of producer
organizations, agribusiness professionals, and agribusiness leaders
locally to aid in carrying out a program of education and information,
including being able to recruit approximately the number of producers
to be reached in this application. Applications must designate an
alternate individual to assume responsibility as Project Director in
the event the original Project Director is unable to finish the
project. Applications that will employ, or have access to, personnel
who have experience in directing local educational programs that
benefit agricultural producers in the respective Targeted State will
receive higher rankings in this category.
Budget Appropriateness and Efficiency--Maximum 20 Points Available
Applications must provide a detailed budget summary, both in
narrative and in Microsoft Excel, that clearly explains and justifies
costs associated with the project's tasks and subtasks. Applications
will receive higher scores in this category to the extent that they can
demonstrate a fair and reasonable use of funds appropriate for the
project and a budget that contains the estimated cost of reaching each
individual producer.
Bonus Points for Diversity Partnering--Maximum 25 Bonus Points
Available
RMA is focused on adding diversity to this program. RMA may add up
to an additional 25 points to the final paneled score of any submission
demonstrating a partnership with another producer group or community
based group that represent minority producers. The application must
state in the Partnering Plan that a Diversity Partnership is in place
as validated by a current Letter of Commitment that identifies the
producer group or community based group partner that will represent
minority producers.
``Minority'' producers are defined as:
African American producers
Asian American, Pacific Islander producers
Hispanic producers
Native American producers
B. Selection and Review Process
Applications will be evaluated using a two-part process. First,
each application will be screened by USDA and RMA personnel to ensure
that it meets the requirements in this announcement. Applications that
do not meet the minimum requirements of this announcement or are
incomplete will not advance to the second portion of the review
process. Applications that meet announcement requirements will be
grouped together for comparison by the Targeted State for which the
application proposes to conduct the project and will be presented to a
review panel for consideration in such groups. Thus, applications will
only be compared against other applications for the same Targeted
State.
Second, the review panel will meet in person or via live meeting
teleconference to consider and discuss the merits of each application.
The panel will consist of at least three independent reviewers.
Reviewers will be drawn from USDA, other Federal agencies, and/or
public and private organizations, as needed. After considering the
merits of all applications within a Targeted State, panel members will
score each application according to the criteria and point values
described above. The panel will then rank each application against
others within the Targeted State according to the scores received.
The review panel will report the results of the evaluation to the
Manager of FCIC. The panel's report will include the applicants
recommended to receive awards for each Targeted State. An application
receiving a total score less than 60 will not receive funding.
An organization, or group of organizations in partnership, may
apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to the
program described in this announcement. However, if the Manager of FCIC
determines that an application recommended for funding under this
Announcement is substantially similar to or duplicative of a project
that has been funded or has been recommended to be funded under another
RMA or FCIC program, then the Manager may elect to not fund that
application under this program in whole or in part, depending upon the
extent of the similarity or duplicity of applications. The Manager of
FCIC will make the final determination on those applications that will
be awarded funding.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
The award document will provide pertinent instructions and
information including, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Legal name and address of performing organization or
institution to which the FCIC Manager has issued an award under the
terms of this Request for Applications;
(2) Title of project;
(3) Name(s) and employing institution(s) of Project Directors
chosen to direct and control approved activities;
(4) Identifying award number assigned by RMA;
(5) Project period, specifying the amount of time RMA intends to
support the project without requiring recompeting for funds;
(6) Total amount of RMA financial assistance approved by the
Manager of FCIC for the project period;
(7) Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;
(8) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
number;
(9) Applicable award terms and conditions (see http://www.rma.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html to view RMA award
terms and conditions);
(10) Approved budget plan for categorizing allowable project funds
to accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
(11) Other information or provisions required by RMA to carry out
its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the purpose of a
particular award.
Following approval by the Manager of FCIC of the applications to be
selected for funding, awardees whose applications have been selected
for funding will be notified. Within the limit of funds available for
such a purpose, the Manager of FCIC will enter into cooperative
agreements with the awardees. After a cooperative agreement has been
signed by all Parties (including RMA), RMA will extend to awardees, in
writing, the authority to draw down funds for the purpose of conducting
the activities listed in the agreement. All funds provided to the
awardee by RMA must be expended solely for the purpose for which the
funds are obligated in accordance with the approved agreement and any
applicable Federal law. No commitment of Federal assistance beyond the
project period is made or implied for any award resulting from this
notice.
Notification to applicants for whom funding is denied will be sent
to applicants after final funding decisions
[[Page 20001]]
have been made and awardees have been announced publicly. Reasons for
denial of funding may include, but are not limited to, incomplete
applications, applications with evaluation scores below 60, or
applications with evaluation scores that are lower than those of other
applications in a Targeted State. Debriefings will be offered to
unsuccessful applicants.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. Requirement to Use USDA Logo
Awardees of cooperative agreements will be required to use a USDA
logo provided by RMA for all instructional and promotional materials if
appropriate.
2. Requirement to Provide Project Information to RMA-selected
Representative(s)
Awardees of cooperative agreements may be required to assist RMA in
evaluating the effectiveness of its educational programs by notifying
the RMA of upcoming training, meeting, and by providing documentation
of educational activities, materials, and related information to any
representative(s) selected by RMA for program evaluation purposes.
3. Access to Panel Review Information
Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.
4. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of
applications will remain confidential, except to those involved in the
review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members may be made
available. However, panelists will not be identified with the review of
any particular application.
When an application results in a cooperative agreement, that
agreement becomes a part of the official record of RMA transactions,
available to the public upon specific request. Information that the
Secretary of Agriculture 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 be considered confidential, privileged, or proprietary must
be clearly marked within an application, including the legal basis for
such designation. The original copy and extra copies of all
applications, regardless of whether the application results in an
award, will be retained by RMA for a period of at least three years,
then may be destroyed. Any copies of an application will be released
only to the extent required by law. An application may be withdrawn at
any time prior to the time when award decisions are made.
5. Audit Requirements
Awardees of cooperative agreements may be subject to audit.
6. Prohibitions and Requirements With Regards to Lobbying
All cooperative agreements will be subject to the requirements of 7
CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.'' A signed
copy of the certification and disclosure forms must be submitted with
the application and are available at the address and telephone number
listed in Section VII, Agency Contact.
Departmental regulations published at 7 CFR part 3018 imposes
prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related
to lobbying on awardees of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative
partnership agreements and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian
Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective awardees, and
any subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other than
profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal
agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative
partnership agreement or loan. In addition, for each award action in
excess of $100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires awardees and
any subcontractors to complete a certification in accordance with
Appendix A to Part 3018 and a disclosure of lobbying activities in
accordance with Appendix B to Part 3018.: The law establishes civil
penalties for non-compliance.
7. Applicable OMB Circulars
All cooperative agreements funded as a result of this notice will
be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable OMB
circulars) http://www.whitehouse.gov/omg/grants_circulars.
8. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Laws
Awardees and all partners/collaborators of all cooperative
agreements funded as a result of this notice are required to know and
abide by Federal civil rights laws, which include, but are not limited
to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.),
and 7 CFR part 15. RMA requires that awardees submit an Assurance
Agreement (Civil Rights), assuring RMA of this compliance prior to the
beginning of the project period.
9. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Teleconference
RMA requires that project leaders participate in a post award
teleconference, if conducted, to become fully aware of agreement
requirements and for delineating the roles of RMA personnel and the
procedures that shall be followed in administering the agreement and
shall afford an opportunity for the orderly transition of agreement
duties and obligations if different personnel are to assume post-award
responsibility.
10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Civil Rights Training
Teleconference
RMA requires that project leaders participate in a post award Civil
Rights and EEO training teleconference to become fully aware of Civil
Rights and EEO law and requirements.
11. Requirement To Submit Educational Materials to the National AgRisk
Education Library
RMA requires that awardees upload digital copies of all risk
management educational materials developed as part of the project to
the National AgRisk Education Library (http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/) for
posting, if electronically reporting. RMA must be clearly identified as
having provided funding for the materials.
12. Requirement To Submit Proposed Results to the National AgRisk
Education Library
RMA requires that awardees submit results of the project to the
National AgRisk Education Library (http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/) for
posting, if electronically reporting. RMA must be clearly identified as
having provided funding for the materials.
C. Reporting Requirements
Awardees shall be required to submit quarterly progress reports
using the Performance Progress Report (OMB SF-PPR) as the cover sheet
and quarterly financial reports (OMB SF 425)
[[Page 20002]]
throughout the project period, as well as a final program and financial
report not later than 90 days after the end of the project period. The
quarterly progress reports and final program reports MUST be submitted
through the Results Verification System. The Web site address is for
the Results Verification System is www.agrisk.umn.edu/RMA/Reporting.
VII. Agency Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested
parties must contact: USDA-RMA-RME, phone: 202-720-0779, email:
[email protected]. You may also obtain information regarding
this announcement from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements/.
VIII. Additional Information
A. The Restriction of the Expenditure of Funds To Enter Into Financial
Transactions
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (Pub. L. 112-55) contains
the restriction of the expenditure of funds to enter into financial
transactions Corporations that have been convicted of felonies within
the past 24 months or that have federal tax delinquencies where the
agency is aware of the felonies and/or tax delinquencies.
Section 738 (Felony Provision)
None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enter
into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement
with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to any
corporation that was convicted (or had an officer or agency of such
corporation acting on behalf of the corporation convicted) of a felony
criminal violation under any Federal or State law within the preceding
24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless
the agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation,
or such officer or agent, and made a determination that this further
action is not necessary to protect the interest of the Government.
Section 739 (Tax Delinquency Provision)
None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enter
into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement
with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that [has] any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been
assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner
pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting
the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax
liability, unless the agency has considered suspension or debarment of
the corporation and made a determination that this further action is
not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry (CCR) for
Submission of Proposals
Under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of
2006, the applicant must comply with the additional requirements set
forth in Attachment A regarding the Dun and Bradstreet Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) Requirements and the CCR Requirements found at
2 CFR part 25. For the purposes of this RFA, the term ``you'' in
Attachment A shall mean ``applicant.'' The applicant shall comply with
the additional requirements set forth in Attachment B regarding
Subawards and Executive Compensation. For the purpose of this RFA, the
term ``you'' in Attachment B shall mean ``applicant''. The Central
Contract Registry CCR is a database that serves as the primary
Government repository for contractor information required for the
conduct of business with the Government. This database will also be
used as a central location for maintaining organizational information
for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the Government.
Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the submission of
applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR registration. For
information about how to register in the CCR, visit ``Get Registered''
at the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 business
days to complete the CCR registration.
C. Related Programs
Funding availability for this program may be announced at
approximately the same time as funding availability for similar but
separate programs--and CFDA No. 10.458 (Crop Insurance Education in
Targeted States). These programs have some similarities, but also key
differences. The differences stem from important features of each
program's authorizing legislation and different RMA objectives.
Prospective applicants should carefully examine and compare the notices
for each program.
Attachment A
I. Central Contractor Registration and Universal Identifier
Requirements
A. Requirement for Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
Unless you are exempted from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110,
you as the recipient must maintain the currency of your information in
the CCR until you submit the final financial report required under this
award or receive the final payment, whichever is later. This requires
that you review and update the information at least annually after the
initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in
your information or another award term.
B. Requirement for Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
Numbers if you are authorized to make subawards under this award,
you:
1. Must notify potential subrecipients that no entity (see
definition in paragraph C of this award) may receive a subaward from
you unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to you.
2. May not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has
provided its DUNS number to you.
C. Definitions for Purposes of This Award Term
1. Central Contractor Registration (CCR) means the Federal
repository into which an entity must provide information required for
the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about
registration procedures may be found at the CCR Internet site
(currently at http://www.ccr.gov).
2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number means the nine-
digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D &
B) to uniquely identify business entities. A DUNS number may be
obtained from D & B by telephone (currently 1-866-705-5711) or the
Internet (currently at http://fedgov.dnb.comlwebform).
3. Entity, as it is used in this award term, means all of the
following, as defined at 2 CFR part 25, subpart C:
a. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local government,
or Indian Tribe;
b. A foreign public entity;
c. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization;
d. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization; and
e. A Federal agency, but only as a subrecipient under an award or
subaward to a non-Federal entity.
[[Page 20003]]
4. Subaward:
a. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the
performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for
which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to an
eligible subrecipient.
b. The term does not include your procurement of property and
services needed to carry out the project or program (for further
explanation, see Sec. 10 of the attachment to OMB Circular A-I33,
``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations'').
c. A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement,
including an agreement that you consider a contract.
5. Subrecipient means an entity that:
a. Receives a subaward from you under this award; and
b. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds provided
by the subaward.
Attachment B
I. Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation
a. Reporting of First-Tier Subawards
1. Applicability. Unless you are exempt as provided in paragraph d.
of this award term, you must report each action that obligates $25,000
or more in Federal funds that does not include Recovery funds (as
defined in section 1512(a)(2) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5) for a subaward to an entity (see
definitions in paragraph e. of this award term).
2. Where and when to report.
i. You must report each obligating action described in paragraph
a.I. of this award term to http://www.fsrs.gov.
ii. For subaward information, report no later than the end of the
month following the month in which the obligation was made. (For
example, if the obligation was made on November 7, 2010, the obligation
must be reported by no later than December 31, 2010.)
3. What to report. You must report the information about each
obligating action that the submission instructions posted at http://www.fsrs.gov specify.
b. Reporting Total Compensation of Recipient Executives
1. Applicability and what to report. You must report total
compensation for each of your five most highly compensated executives
for the preceding completed fiscal year, if--
i. The total Federal funding authorized to date under this award is
$25,000 or more;
ii. In the preceding fiscal year, you received--
(A) 80 percent or more of your annual gross revenues from Federal
procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial
assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320
(and subawards); and
(B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal
procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial
assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320
(and subawards); and
iii. The public does not have access to information about the
compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78m(a), 780(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation
information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total
compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.)
2. Where and when to report. You must report executive total
compensation described in paragraph b.1. of this award term:
i. As part of your registration profile at http://www.ccr.gov.
ii. By the end of the month following the month in which this award
is made, and annually thereafter.
c. Reporting of Total Compensation of Subrecipient Executives
1. Applicability and what to report. Unless you are exempt as
provided in paragraph d. of this award term, for each first-tier
subrecipient under this award, you shall report the names and total
compensation of each of the subrecipient's five most highly compensated
executives for the subrecipient's preceding completed fiscal year, if--
i. in the subrecipient's preceding fiscal year, the subrecipient
received--
(A) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues from Federal
procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial
assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320
(and subawards); and
(B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal
procurement contracts (and subcontracts), and Federal financial
assistance subject to the Transparency Act (and subawards); and
ii. The public does not have access to information about the
compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
U.S.C. 78m(a), 780(d) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation
information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total
compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.).
2. Where and when to report. You must report subrecipient executive
total compensation described in paragraph c.1. of this award term:
i. To the recipient.
ii. By the end of the month following the month during which you
make the subaward. For example, if a subaward is obligated on any date
during the month of October of a given year (i.e., between October 1
and 31), you must report any required compensation information of the
subrecipient by November 30 of that year.
d. Exemptions
If, in the previous tax year, you had gross income, from all
sources, under $300,000, you are exempt from the requirements to
report:
i. Subawards, and
ii. The total compensation of the five most highly compensated
executives of any subrecipient.
e. Definitions
For purposes of this award term:
1. Entity means all of the following, as defined in 2 CFR part 25:
i. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local government,
or Indian tribe;
ii. A foreign public entity;
iii. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization;
iv. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization;
v. A Federal agency, but only as a subrecipient under an award or
subaward to a non-Federal entity.
2. Executive means officers, managing partners, or any other
employees in management positions.
3. Subaward:
1. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the
performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for
which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to an
eligible subrecipient.
ii. The term does not include your procurement of property and
services needed to carry out the project or program (for further
explanation, see Sec. -- .210 of the attachment to OMB Circular A-133,
``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations'').
iii. A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement,
including an agreement that you or a subrecipient considers a contract.
4. Subrecipient means an entity that:
[[Page 20004]]
i. Receives a sub award from you (the recipient) under this award;
and
ii. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds provided
by the subaward.
5. Total compensation means the cash and noncash dollar value
earned by the executive during the recipient's or subrecipient's
preceding fiscal year and includes the following (for more information
see 17 CFR 229.402(c)(2):
i. Salary and bonus.
ii. Awards of stock, stock options, and stock appreciation rights.
Use the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance with the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004) (FAS
123R), Shared Based Payments.
iii. Earnings for services under non-equity incentive plans. This
does not include group life, health, hospitalization or medical
reimbursement plans that do not discriminate in favor of executives,
and are available generally to all salaried employees.
iv. Change in pension value. This is the change in present value of
defined benefit and actuarial pension plans.
v. Above-market earnings on deferred compensation which is not tax-
qualified.
vi. Other compensation, if the aggregate value of all such other
compensation (e.g. severance, termination payments, value of life
insurance paid on behalf of the employee, perquisites or property) for
the executive exceeds $10,000.
Signed in Washington, DC on March 26, 2012.
William J. Murphy,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2012-7902 Filed 4-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P