[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7404-7411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02680]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Household Water Well System Grant Program Announcement of
Application Deadlines and Funding
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA).
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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Household
Water Well System Grant Program (HWWS) application window for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2015. RUS will make grants to qualified private non-profit
organizations to establish lending programs for homeowners to borrow up
to $11,000 to construct or repair household water wells for an existing
home. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1926e.
Regulations may be found at 7 CFR part 1776. Of particular note this
year, the RUS will assign administrative discretion points to
applications that:
1. Direct loans to rural areas where according to the American
Community Survey data by census tracts show that at least 20 percent of
the population is living in poverty. This emphasis will support Rural
Development's goal of providing 20 percent of its funding by 2016 to
these areas of need.
2. Direct loans to areas which lack running water, flush toilets,
and modern sewage disposal systems, and areas which have open sewers
and high rates of disease caused by poor sanitation, in particular,
colonias or Substantially Underserved Trust Areas.
3. Direct loans to areas stricken by drought.
RUS will publish on its Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-individualwellsystems.htm the amount of funding received in the final
FY2015 Appropriations Act. Successful applications will be selected by
the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that
funding may ultimately be made available to the Agency through
appropriations.
DATES: The deadline for completed applications for a HWWS grant is
April 13, 2015. Applications in either paper or electronic format must
be postmarked or time-stamped electronically on or before
[[Page 7405]]
the deadline. Late applications will be ineligible for grant
consideration.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications to the following addresses:
1. Electronic applications: http://www.grants.gov (Grants.gov).
Submit electronic applications through Grants.gov, following the
instructions on that Web site.
2. Paper applications: Water Programs Division, Rural Utilities
Service, STOP: 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-1570.
Obtain application guides and materials for the HWWS Grant Program
electronically or in paper format from the following addresses:
1. Electronic copies: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-individualwellsystems.htm.
2. Paper copies: Write Water Programs Division, Rural Utilities
Service, STOP: 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-1570 or call (202) 720-9589.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joyce M. Taylor, Community Programs
Specialist, Water Programs Division, Water and Environmental Programs.
Telephone: (202) 720-9589, fax: (202) 690-0649, email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Service.
Funding Opportunity Title: HWWS Grant Program.
Announcement Type: Solicitation of Applications.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.862.
Due Date for Applications: April 13, 2015.
Items in Supplementary Information
I. Funding Opportunity: Description of the HWWS Grant Program.
II. Award Information: To be determined.
III. Eligibility Information: Who is eligible, what kinds of
projects are eligible, what criteria determine basic eligibility.
IV. Application and Submission Information: Where to get application
materials, what constitutes a completed application, how and where
to submit applications, deadlines, items that are eligible.
V. Application Review Information: Considerations and preferences,
scoring criteria, review standards, selection information.
VI. Award Administration Information: Award notice information,
award recipient reporting requirements.
VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, fax, email, contact name.
VIII. Non-discrimination Statement: USDA non-discrimination
statement, how to file a complaint, persons with disabilities.
I. Funding Opportunity
A. Program Description
The HWWS Grant Program has been established to help individuals
with low to moderate incomes finance the costs of household water wells
that they own or will own. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under
Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(CONACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926e. The CONACT authorizes the RUS to make grants
to qualified private non-profit organizations to establish lending
programs for household water wells.
As the grant recipients, private non-profit organizations will
receive HWWS grants to establish lending programs that will provide
water well loans to individuals. The individuals, as loan recipients,
may use the loans to construct, refurbish, and service their household
well systems. A loan may not exceed $11,000 and will have a term up to
20 years at a one percent annual interest rate.
B. Background
The RUS supports the sound development of rural communities and the
growth of our economy without endangering the environment. The RUS
provides financial and technical assistance to help communities bring
safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally sound waste disposal
facilities to Rural Americans in greatest need.
Central water systems may not be the only or best solution to
drinking water problems. Distance or physical barriers make public
central water systems costly to deploy in remote areas. A significant
number of geographically isolated households without water service
might require individual wells rather than connections to new or
existing community systems. The goal of the RUS is not only to make
funds available to those communities most in need of potable water but
also to ensure that facilities used to deliver drinking water are safe
and affordable. There is a role for private wells in reaching this
goal.
C. Purpose
The purpose of the HWWS Grant Program is to provide funds to
private non-profit organizations to assist them in establishing loan
programs from which individuals may borrow money for HWWS. Faith-based
organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply for this program.
Applicants must show that the project will provide technical and
financial assistance to eligible individuals to remedy household well
problems.
Due to the limited amount of funds available under the HWWS Grant
Program in previous fiscal years, the RUS expects that 10 applications
may be funded from FY 2015 funds. Applications from existing HWWS grant
recipients are acceptable and will be evaluated as new applications.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Available funds: To be determined. This Notice is being issued
prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential
applicants time to submit proposals and give the Agency time to process
applications within the current fiscal year. RUS will publish on its
Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-individualwellsystems.htm
the amount of funding received in the final FY2015 Appropriations Act.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 10.
Length of Project Periods: 12-month project.
Assistance Instrument: Grant Agreement with successful applicants
before any grant funds are disbursed.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Who is eligible for grants?
1. An organization is eligible to receive a HWWS grant if it:
a. Has an active registration with current information in the
System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly Central Contractor
Registry, (CCR)) and has a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number.
b. Is a private, non-profit organization.
c. Is legally established and located within one of the following:
(1) A state within the United States
(2) The District of Columbia
(3) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(4) A United States territory.
d. Has the legal capacity and authority to carry out the grant
purpose.
e. Has sufficient expertise and experience in lending activities.
f. Has sufficient expertise and experience in promoting the safe
and productive use of individually-owned HWWS and ground water.
g. Has no delinquent debt to the Federal Government or no
outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt.
h. Demonstrates that it possesses the financial, technical, and
managerial capability to comply with Federal and State laws and
requirements, and
i. Is not a corporation that has been convicted of a felony (or had
an officer
[[Page 7406]]
or agent acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a felony)
within the past 24 months. 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 is not eligible.
2. An individual is ineligible to receive a Household Water Well
grant. An individual may receive a loan from an organization receiving
a grant award.
B. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a project?
1. Project Eligibility. To be eligible for a grant, the project
must:
a. Be a revolving loan fund created to provide loans to eligible
individuals to construct, refurbish, and service individually-owned
HWWS (see 7 CFR 1776.11 and 1776.12). Loans may not be provided for
home sewer or septic system projects.
b. Be established and maintained by a private, non-profit
organization.
c. Be located in a rural area. Rural area is defined as locations
other than cities or towns of more than 50,000 people and the
contiguous and adjacent urbanized area of such towns and cities.
2. Required Matching Contributions. Grant applicants must provide
written evidence of a matching contribution of at least 10 percent from
sources other than the proceeds of a HWWS grant. In-kind contributions
will not be considered for the matching requirement. Please see 7 CFR
1776.9 for the requirement.
3. Other--Requirements.
a. DUNS Number. The applicant for a grant must supply a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of an
application. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the
DUNS number. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by
calling Dun and Bradstreet. Please see http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify
your organization's number.
b. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must register
in the System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly Central Contractor
Registry, (CCR)).
(1) Applicants may register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
(2) The SAM registration must remain active with current
information at all times while RUS is considering an application or
while a Federal Grant Award or loan is active. To maintain the
registration in the SAM database the applicant must review and update
the information in the SAM database annually from date of initial
registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must
ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and
complete.
c. Eligibility to receive a HWWS loan will be based on the
following criteria:
(1) An individual must be a member of a household of which the
combined household income of all members does not exceed 100 percent of
the median non-metropolitan household income for the State or territory
in which the individual resides. Household income is the total income
from all sources received by each adult household member for the most
recent 12-month period for which the information is available. It does
not include income earned or received by dependent children under 18
years old or other benefits that are excluded by Federal law. The non-
metropolitan household income must be based on the most recent
decennial census of the United States.
RUS publishes a list of income exclusions in 7 CFR 3550.54(b).
Also, the Department of Housing and Urban Development published a list
of income exclusions in the Federal Register on May 20, 2014, at 79 FR
28938 (See ``Federally Mandated Exclusions'').
(2) The loan recipient must own and occupy the home being improved
with the proceeds of the Household Water Well loan or be purchasing the
home to occupy under a legally enforceable land purchase contract which
is not in default by either the seller or the purchaser.
(3) The home being improved with the water well system must be
located in a rural area.
(4) The loan for a water well system must not be associated with
the construction of a new dwelling.
(5) The loan must not be used to substitute a water well system for
water service available from collective water systems. (For example, a
loan may not be used to restore an old well abandoned when a dwelling
was connected to a water district's water line.)
(6) The loan recipient must not be suspended or debarred from
participation in Federal programs.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Where To Get Application Information
The Household Water Well System Grant Application Guide
(Application Guide), copies of necessary forms and samples, and the
HWWS Grant Program regulation are available from these sources:
1. Internet for electronic copies: http://www.grants.gov or http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-individualwellsystems.htm;
2. Water and Environmental Programs for paper copies: RUS, Water
Programs Division, STOP 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Ave. SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-1570, Telephone: (202) 720-9589, Fax: (202) 690-
0649.
B. Content and Form of Application Submission
1. Rules and Guidelines
a. Detailed information on each item required can be found in the
HWWS Grant Program regulation (7 CFR part 1776) and the Application
Guide. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read and apply both the
regulation and the Application Guide. This Notice does not change the
requirements for a completed application for any form of HWWS financial
assistance specified in the regulation. The regulation and Application
Guide provide specific guidance on each of the items listed.
b. Applications should be prepared in conformance with the
provisions in 7 CFR part 1776, subpart B, and departmental and other
applicable regulations including 2 CFR parts 180, 182, 417, 421, 7 CFR
parts 3015, 3018, 3019, and 3052 or any successor regulations.
Applicants should use the Application Guide which contains instructions
and other important information in preparing their application.
Completed applications must include the items found in the checklist in
the next paragraph.
2. Checklist of Items in Completed Application Packages
a. DUNS Number. The applicant for a grant must supply a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of an
application. The Standard Form 424 (SF-424) contains a field for the
DUNS number. The applicant can obtain the DUNS number free of charge by
calling Dun and Bradstreet. Please see http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
for more information on how to obtain a DUNS number or how to verify
your organization's number.
b. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must register
in the System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly Central Contractor
Registry (CCR).
[[Page 7407]]
(1) Applicants may register for the SAM at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.
(2) The SAM registration must remain active with current
information at all times while RUS is considering an application or
while a Federal Grant Award or loan is active. To maintain the
registration in the SAM database the applicant must review and update
the information in the SAM database annually from date of initial
registration or from the date of the last update. The applicant must
ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate, and
complete.
(3) Your organization must be listed in the SAM. If you have not
used Grants.gov before, you will need to register with the SAM and the
Credential Provider. New registrations can take 3-5 business days to
process. Updating or renewing an active registration has a shorter
turnaround, 24 hours. Registrations in SAM are active for one year. The
SAM registers your organization, housing your organizational
information and allowing Grants.gov to use the information to verify
your identity. The DUNS number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN),
and name and address of the applicant organization must match SAM data
files.
c. The electronic and paper application process requires forms with
the prefixes RD and SF as well as supporting documents and
certifications.
Application Items
(1) SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance''.
(2) SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs''.
(3) SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs''.
(4) SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activity''.
(5) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement''.
(6) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement (Under Title VI, Civil
Rights Act of 1964).
(7) Project Proposal, Project Summary, Needs Assessment, Project
Goals and Objectives, Project Narrative.
(8) Work Plan.
(9) Budget and Budget Justification.
(10) Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence.
(11) Documentation of private non-profit status and Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Tax Exempt Status.
(12) List of Directors and Officers.
(13) Financial information and sustainability (narrative).
(14) Assurances and Certifications of Compliance with Other Federal
Statutes.
The forms in items 1 through 6 must be completed and signed where
appropriate by an official of your organization who has authority to
obligate the organization legally. RD forms are used by programs under
the Rural Development mission area. Standard forms (SF) are used
Government-wide. In addition to the sources listed in section A, the
forms may be accessed electronically through the Rural Development Web
site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/FormsAndPublications.html.
See section V, ``Application Review Information,'' for instructions
and guidelines on preparing Items 7 through 13.
3. Compliance with Other Federal Statutes. The applicant must
provide evidence of compliance with other Federal statutes and
regulations, including, but not limited to the following:
a. 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.
b. 2 CFR part 417--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement), or any successor regulations.
c. 7 CFR part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
profit Organizations, or any successor regulations.
d. Subpart B of 2 CFR part 421, which adopts the Government wide
implementation (2 CFR part 182) of the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
e. Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for
Persons with Limited English Proficiency. '' For information on limited
English proficiency and agency-specific guidance, go to http://www.LEP.gov.
f. Federal Obligation Certification on Delinquent Debt.
C. How many copies of an application are required?
1. Applications Submitted on Paper. Submit one signed original and
two additional copies. The original and each of the two copies must
include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices,
be signed by an authorized representative, and have original
signatures. Do not include organizational brochures or promotional
materials.
2. Applications Submitted Electronically. Additional paper copies
are unnecessary if the application is submitted electronically through
http://www.grants.gov.
D. How and Where To Submit an Application
1. Submitting Paper Applications
a. For paper applications, mail or ensure delivery of an original
paper application (no stamped, photocopied, or initialed signatures)
and two copies by the deadline date to: RUS, Water Programs Division,
STOP 1570, Room 2233-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20250-1570, Telephone: (202) 720-9589.
Submit paper applications marked ``Attention: Water and
Environmental Programs.''
b. Applications must show proof of mailing or shipping by one of
the following:
(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark;
(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the
USPS; or,
(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial
carrier.
c. If a deadline date falls on a weekend, it will be extended to
the following Monday. If the date falls on a Federal holiday, it will
be extended to the next business day.
d. Due to screening procedures at the Department of Agriculture,
packages arriving via the USPS are irradiated, which can damage the
contents and delay delivery. RUS encourages applicants to consider the
impact of this procedure in selecting an application delivery method.
2. Submitting Electronic Applications
a. Applications will not be accepted by fax or electronic mail.
b. Electronic applications for grants will be accepted if submitted
through Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.
c. Applicants must preregister successfully with Grants.gov to use
the electronic applications option. Application information may be
downloaded from Grants.gov without preregistration.
d. Applicants who apply through Grants.gov should submit their
electronic applications before the deadline.
e. Grants.gov contains full instructions on all required passwords,
credentialing, and software. Follow the instructions at Grants.gov for
registering and submitting an electronic application.
f. Grants.gov has two preregistration requirements: A DUNS number
and an active registration in SAM. See the ``Checklist of Items in
Completed Application Packages'' for instructions on obtaining a DUNS
number and registering in the SAM.
[[Page 7408]]
g. You must be registered with Grants.gov before you can submit an
electronic grant application.
(1) You must register at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
(2) Organization registration user guides and checklists are
available at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
(3) Grants.gov requires some credentialing and online
authentication procedures. When an applicant organization is registered
with SAM, the organization designates a point of contract who receives
a password authorizing the person to designate staff members who are
allowed to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov. These
authorized organization representatives must be registered with
Grants.gov to receive a username and password to submit applications.
These procedures may take several business days to complete.
(4) Some or all of the SAM and Grants.gov registration,
credentialing and authorizations require updates. If you have
previously registered at Grants.gov to submit applications
electronically, please ensure that your registration, credentialing and
authorizations are up to date well in advance of the grant application
deadline.
h. To use Grants.gov:
(1) Follow the instructions on the Web site to find grant
information.
(2) Download a copy of an application package.
(3) Complete the package off-line.
(4) Upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site.
(5) If a system problem or technical difficulty occurs with an
electronic application, please use the customer support resources
available at the Grants.gov Web site.
(6) Again, RUS encourages applicants to take early action to
complete the sign-up, credentialing and authorization procedures at
http://www.grants.gov before submitting an application at the Web site.
E. Deadlines
The deadline for paper and electronic submissions is April 13,
2015. Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or
sent overnight no later than the closing date to be considered for FY
2015 grant funding. Electronic applications must have an electronic
date and time stamp by midnight of April 13, 2015 to be considered on
time. RUS will not accept applications by fax or email. Applications
that do not meet the criteria above will be considered late
applications and will not be considered. RUS will notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered.
F. Funding Restrictions
1. Eligible Grant Purposes
a. Grant funds must be used to establish and maintain a revolving
loan fund to provide loans to eligible individuals for household water
well systems.
b. Individuals may use the loans to construct, refurbish,
rehabilitate, or replace household water well systems up to the point
of entry of a home. Point of entry for the well system is the junction
where water enters into a home water delivery system after being pumped
from a well.
c. Grant funds may be used to pay administrative expenses
associated with providing Household Water Well loans.
2. Ineligible Grant Purposes
a. Administrative expenses incurred in any calendar year that
exceed 10 percent of the household water well loans made during the
same period do not qualify for reimbursement.
b. Administrative expenses incurred before RUS executes a grant
agreement with the recipient do not qualify for reimbursement.
c. Delinquent debt owed to the Federal Government does not qualify
for reimbursement.
d. Grant funds may not be used to provide loans for household sewer
or septic systems.
e. Household Water Well loans may not be used to pay the costs of
water well systems for the construction of a new house.
f. Household Water Well loans may not be used to pay the costs of a
home plumbing system.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria
This section contains instructions and guidelines on preparing the
project proposal, work plan, and budget sections of the application.
Also, guidelines are provided on the additional information required
for RUS to determine eligibility and financial feasibility.
1. Project Proposal. The project proposal should outline the
project in sufficient detail to provide a reader with a complete
understanding of the loan program. Explain what will be accomplished by
lending funds to individual well owners. Demonstrate the feasibility of
the proposed loan program in meeting the objectives of this grant
program. The proposal should include the following elements:
a. Project Summary. Present a brief project overview. Explain the
purpose of the project, how it relates to RUS' purposes, how the
project will be executed, what the project will produce, and who will
direct it.
b. Needs Assessment. To show why the project is necessary, clearly
identify the economic, social, financial, or other problems that
require solutions. Demonstrate the well owners' need for financial and
technical assistance. Quantify the number of prospective borrowers or
provide statistical or narrative evidence that a sufficient number of
borrowers will exist to justify the grant award. Describe the service
area. Provide information on the household income of the area and other
demographical information. Address community needs.
c. Project Goals and Objectives. Clearly state the project goals.
The objectives should clearly describe the goals and be concrete and
specific enough to be quantitative or observable. They should also be
feasible and relate to the purpose of the grant and loan program.
d. Project Narrative. The narrative should cover in more detail the
items briefly described in the Project Summary. Demonstrate the grant
applicant's experience and expertise in promoting the safe and
productive use of individually-owned household water well systems. The
narrative should address the following points:
(1) Document the grant applicant's ability to manage and service a
revolving fund. The narrative may describe the systems that are in
place for the full life cycle of a loan from loan origination through
servicing. If a servicing contractor will service the loan portfolio,
the arrangement and services provided must be discussed.
(2) Show evidence of the availability of funds from sources other
than the HWWS grant. Describe the contributions the project will
receive from your organization, state agencies, local government, other
federal agencies, non-government organizations, private industry, and
individuals. The documentation should describe how the contributions
will be used to pay your operational costs and provide financial
assistance for projects.
(3) Demonstrate that the organization has secured commitments of
significant financial support from other funding sources.
(4) List the fees and charges that borrowers will be assessed.
2. Work Plan. The work plan or scope of work must describe the
tasks and activities that will be accomplished with available resources
during the
[[Page 7409]]
grant period. It must include who will carry out the activities and
services to be performed and specific timeframes for completion.
Describe any unusual or unique features of the project such as
innovations, reductions in cost or time, or extraordinary community
involvement.
3. Budget and Budget Justification. Use the Form SF-424A, Budget
Information--Non-Construction Programs, to show your budget cost
elements. The form summarizes resources as Federal and non-Federal
funds and costs. ``Federal'' refers only to the HWWS Grant Program for
which you are applying. ``Non-Federal'' refers to resources from your
organization, state agencies, local government, other Federal agencies,
non-government organizations, private industry, and individuals. Both
Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed and justified in
the budget and narrative justification.
a. Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified in section B of the Budget
Information form (SF-424A). Detailed calculations must include
estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar
quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.
Also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block 15
of the SF-424.
b. Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived for all capital and administrative
expenditures, the matching contribution, and other sources of funds
necessary to complete the project. Discuss the necessity,
reasonableness, and allocability of the proposed costs. Consult OMB
Circular A-122: ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations'', and
any successor OMB guidance for information about appropriate costs for
each budget category.
c. If the grant applicant will use a servicing contractor, the fees
may be reimbursed as an administrative expense as provided in 7 CFR
1776.13. These fees must be discussed in the budget narrative. If the
grant applicant will hire a servicing contractor, it must demonstrate
that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to
provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition.
Recipients must justify any anticipated procurement action that is
expected to be awarded without competition and exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 134 (currently set at
$100,000).
d. The indirect cost category should be used only when the grant
applicant currently has an indirect cost rate approved by the
Department of Agriculture or another cognizant Federal agency. A grant
applicant that will charge indirect costs to the grant must enclose a
copy of the current rate agreement. If the grant applicant is in the
process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, the grant
applicant shall submit its indirect cost proposal to the cognizant
agency immediately after the applicant is advised that an award will be
made. In no event, shall the indirect cost proposal be submitted later
than three months after the effective date of the award. Consult OMB
Circular A-122 and any successor OMB guidance for information about
indirect costs.
4. Evidence of Legal Authority and Existence. The applicant must
provide satisfactory documentation that it is legally recognized under
state or Tribal and Federal law as a private non-profit organization.
The documentation also must show that it has the authority to enter
into a grant agreement with the RUS and to perform the activities
proposed under the grant application. Satisfactory documentation
includes, but is not limited to, certificates from the Secretary of
State, copies of state/Tribal statutes or laws establishing your
organization, and copies of your organization's articles of
incorporation and bylaws. Letters from IRS awarding tax-exempt status
are not considered adequate evidence.
5. List of Directors and Officers. The applicant must submit a
certified list of directors and officers with their respective terms.
6. IRS Tax Exempt Status. The applicant must submit evidence of tax
exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
7. Financial Information and Sustainability. The applicant must
submit pro forma balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow
statements for the last three years and projections for three years.
Additionally, the most recent audit of the applicant's organization
must be submitted.
B. Evaluation Criteria
Grant applications that are complete and eligible will be scored
competitively based on the following scoring criteria:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scoring criteria Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Degree of expertise and experience Up to 30 points.
in promoting the safe and
productive use of individually-
owned household water well systems
and ground water.
Degree of expertise and successful Up to 20 points.
experience in making and servicing
loans to individuals.
Percentage of applicant
contributions. Points allowed
under this paragraph will be based
on written evidence of the
availability of funds from sources
other than the proceeds of a HWWS
grant to pay part of the cost of a
loan recipient's project. In-kind
contributions will not be
considered. Funds from other
sources as a percentage of the
HWWS grant and points
corresponding to such percentages
are as follows:
0 to 9 percent................. ineligible.
10 to 25 percent............... 5 points.
26 to 30 percent............... 10 points.
31 to 50 percent............... 15 points.
51 percent or more............. 20 points.
Extent to which the work plan Up to 20 points.
demonstrates a well thought out,
comprehensive approach to
accomplishing the objectives of
this part, clearly defines who
will be served by the project, and
appears likely to be sustainable.
Extent to which the goals and Up to 10 points.
objectives are clearly defined,
tied to the work plan, and
measurable.
Lowest ratio of projected Up to 10 points.
administrative expenses to loans
advanced.
Administrator's discretion,
considering such factors as:
Creative outreach ideas for Up to 10 points.
marketing HWWS loans to rural
residents; factors include:.
[[Page 7410]]
1. Directs loans to rural
areas where according to
the American Community
Survey data by census
tracts show that at least
20 percent of the
population is living in
poverty. This emphasis
will support Rural
Development's goal of
providing 20 percent of
its funding by 2016 to
these areas of need.
2. Directs loans to areas
that lack running water,
flush toilets, and modern
sewage disposal systems,
and areas that have open
sewers and high rates of
disease caused by poor
sanitation, in particular,
colonias or Substantially
Underserved Trust Areas.
3. Directs loans to areas
stricken by drought.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Review Standards
1. Incomplete applications as of the deadline for submission will
not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete,
the applicant will be notified in writing and the application will be
returned with no further action.
2. Ineligible applications will be returned to the applicant with
an explanation.
3. Complete, eligible applications will be evaluated competitively
by a review team, composed of at least two RUS employees selected from
the Water Programs Division. They will make overall recommendations
based on the program elements found in 7 CFR part 1776 and the review
criteria presented in this notice. They will award points as described
in the scoring criteria in 7 CFR 1776.9 and this notice. Each
application will receive a score based on the averages of the
reviewers' scores and discretionary points awarded by the RUS
Administrator.
4. Applications will be ranked and grants awarded in rank order
until all grant funds are expended.
5. Regardless of the score an application receives, if RUS
determines that the project is technically infeasible, RUS will notify
the applicant, in writing, and the application will be returned with no
further action.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
RUS will notify a successful applicant by an award letter
accompanied by a grant agreement. The grant agreement will contain the
terms and conditions for the grant. The applicant must execute and
return the grant agreement, accompanied by any additional items
required by the award letter or grant agreement.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. This notice, the 7 CFR part 1776, and the Application Guide
implement the appropriate administrative and national policy
requirements.
2. Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under the
HWWS Grant Program shall not be used to fund inherently religious
activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization.
Therefore, organizations that receive direct assistance should take
steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious
activities from the services funded under the HWWS Grant Program.
Regulations for the Equal Treatment for Faith-based Organizations are
contained in 7 CFR part 16, which includes the prohibition against
Federal funding of inherently religious activities.
C. Reporting
1. Performance Reporting. All recipients of HWWS Grant Program
financial assistance must provide quarterly performance activity
reports to RUS until the project is complete and the funds are
expended. A final performance report is also required. The final report
may serve as the last annual report. The final report must include an
evaluation of the success of the project.
2. Financial Reporting. All recipients of HWWS Grant Program
financial assistance must provide an annual audit, beginning with the
first year a portion of the financial assistance is expended. The
grantee will provide an audit report or financial statements as
follows:
a. Grantees expending $500,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal
year will submit an audit conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-
133 or any successor OMB guidance. The audit will be submitted within 9
months after the grantee's fiscal year. Additional audits may be
required if the project period covers more than one fiscal year.
b. Grantees expending less than $500,000 will provide annual
financial statements covering the grant period, consisting of the
organization's statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed
by an appropriate official of the organization. Financial statements
will be submitted within 90 days after the grantee's fiscal year.
3. Recipient and Subrecipient Reporting. The applicant must have
the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the
reporting requirements for first-tier sub-awards and executive
compensation under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency
Act of 2006 in the event the applicant receives funding unless such
applicant is exempt from such reporting requirements pursuant to 2 CFR
part 170 Section 170.110(b). The reporting requirements under the
Transparency Act pursuant to 2 CFR part 170 are as follows:
a. First Tier Sub-Awards of $25,000 or more in non-Recovery Act
funds (unless they are exempt under 2 CFR part 170) must be reported by
the Recipient to http://www.fsrs.gov no later than the end of the month
following the month the obligation was made.
b. The Total Compensation of the Recipient's Executives (5 most
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Recipient (if
the Recipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ by the end of the month following the
month in which the award was made.
c. The Total Compensation of the Subrecipient's Executives (5 most
highly compensated executives) must be reported by the Subrecipient (if
the Subrecipient meets the criteria under 2 CFR part 170) to the
Recipient by the end of the month following the month in which the
subaward was made.
VII. Agency Contacts
A. Web site: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWP-individualwellsystems.htm.
B. Phone: 202-720-0499.
C. Fax: 202-690-0649.
D. Email: [email protected].
E. Main point of contact: Joyce M. Taylor, Community Programs
Specialist, Water Programs Division, Water and Environmental Programs,
RUS, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the
bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender
identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs,
marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all
[[Page 7411]]
or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any
program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all
prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment
activities.)
How To File a Complaint
If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your
agency's EEO Counselor within 45 days of the date of the alleged
discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action.
Additional information can be found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html.
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of
discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form
(PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-
9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of
the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint
form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at
[email protected].
Persons With Disabilities
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech
disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint
please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339
or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint,
please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or
by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
Dated: January 6, 2015.
Jasper Schneider,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02680 Filed 2-9-15; 8:45 am]
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