Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 6

Federal Register / Vol. 72, No.

47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices 10973

given approximately 5 minutes to must demonstrate non-financial benefits Part I—General Information
present their views. All persons making from a partnership agreement and must
A. Legislative Authority and
oral presentations are requested to agree to the substantial involvement of
Background
provide their comments in writing. RMA in the project. This announcement
Written submissions may contain lists the information needed to submit This program is authorized under
information other than that presented at an application under this program. section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Act which
the oral presentation. Anyone may authorizes FCIC funding for risk
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: management training and informational
submit written comments at the
David Wiggins, National Outreach efforts for agricultural producers
meeting. Persons submitting written
Program Manager, Telephone (202) 690– through the formation of partnerships
comments are asked to provide 30
2686, Facsimile (202) 690–1518, E-mail: with public and private organizations.
copies.
Interested persons may visit the david.wiggins@rma.usda.gov. RMA promotes and regulates sound risk
NOSB portion of the NOP Web site at Application materials can be management solutions to improve the
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop to view downloaded from the RMA Web site at economic stability of American
available meeting documents prior to http://www.rma.usda.gov; or from the agriculture. One of RMA’s four strategic
the meeting, or visit Government grants Web site at http:// goals is to ensure that its customers and
www.regulations.gov to submit and view www.grants.gov. Click on ‘‘Find Grant potential customers are well informed of
comments as provided for in ADDRESSES Opportunities,’’ then select ‘‘Search the risk management solutions
above. Documents presented at the Grant Opportunities,’’ then select ‘‘Basic available. On behalf of FCIC, RMA does
meeting will be posted for review on the Search,’’ type in ‘‘RMA’’ in the Keyword this by offering Federal crop insurance
NOP Web site approximately 6 weeks Search field and select ‘‘Search,’’ select products through a network of private-
following the meeting. ‘‘Community Outreach and Assistance sector partners, overseeing the creation
Partnership Program’’ under the of new risk management products,
Dated: March 7, 2007. Opportunity Title column to access the seeking enhancements in existing
Lloyd C. Day, application package for this products, ensuring the integrity of crop
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing announcement. insurance programs, providing risk
Service.
This announcement consists of seven management education and information
[FR Doc. 07–1156 Filed 3–7–07; 3:12 pm]
parts. and offering outreach programs aimed at
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
Part I—General Information equal access and participation of
A. Legislative Authority and Background underserved communities. A priority
B. Purpose must be given to reaching producers of
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
C. Definition of Priority Commodities Priority Commodities as defined in
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation D. Program Description section C of this part.
Part II—Award Information
A. Available Funding
B. Purpose
Community Outreach and Assistance
Partnership Program B. Types of Applications The purpose of this program is to
Part III—Eligibility Information fund projects that provide limited
Funding Opportunity Title: A. Eligible Applicants resource, socially disadvantaged, and
Community Outreach and Assistance B. Project Period other traditionally underserved
Partnership Program. C. Non-Financial Benefits producers of Priority Commodities with
Announcement Type: Request for D. Cost Sharing or Matching training, informational opportunities
Applications (RFA) Community E. Funding Restrictions and assistance necessary to understand:
Outreach and Assistance Partnership Part IV—Application and Submission
(1) The kind of risks addressed by
Program: Initial Announcement. Information
existing and emerging risk management
CFDA Number: 10.455. A. Address to Submit an Application
Package tools;
Dates: The closing date and time for (2) The features and appropriate use
receipt of an application is 5 p.m. B. Content and Form of Application
Part V—Application Review Process of existing and emerging risk
eastern time on May 1, 2007. management tools; and
A. General
Applications received after the deadline B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights (3) How to make sound risk
will not be considered for funding. All Part VI—Award Administration management decisions.
awards will be made and partnership A. Notification of Award Each partnership agreement awarded
agreements completed no later than B. Access to Panel Review Information through this program will provide the
September 30, 2007. C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and applicant with funds, guidance, and the
Overview: In accordance with section Awards substantial involvement of RMA to
522(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance D. Reporting Requirements deliver outreach and assistance
Act (Act), the Federal Crop Insurance E. Administration programs to producers in a specific
Corporation (FCIC), operating through F. Prohibitions and Requirements geographical area.
the Risk Management Agency (RMA), Regarding Lobbying
announces the availability of G. Applicable OMB Circulars C. Definition of Priority Commodities
approximately $5 million in fiscal year H. Confidentiality For purposes of this program, Priority
2007 for collaborative outreach and I. Civil Rights Training Commodities are defined as:
Part VII—Additional Information
assistance programs for limited • Agricultural commodities covered
A Requirement to Use Program Logo
resource, socially disadvantaged and by (7 U.S.C. 7333). Commodities in this
B. Requirement to Provide Project
other traditionally under-served farmers group are commercial crops that are not
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

Information to an RMA representative


and ranchers, who produce Priority C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations covered by catastrophic risk protection
Commodities as defined in Part I.C. and Potential Conflict of Interest crop insurance, are used for food or
Awards under this program will be D. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B Data Universal fiber (except livestock), and specifically
made on a competitive basis for projects Numbering System) include, but are not limited to,
of up to one year. Recipients of awards E. Required Registration for Grants.gov floricultural, ornamental nursery,

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1
10974 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices

Christmas trees, turf grass sod, task. Task milestones must be listed to • Review and approve in advance the
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), ensure that progress can be measured at recipient’s project delivery plan.
and industrial crops. various stages throughout the life of the • Collaborate with the recipient in
• Specialty crops. Commodities in project. The plan must also provide for assembling risk management materials
this group may or may not be covered the substantial involvement of RMA in for producers. This will include: (a)
under a Federal crop insurance plan and the project. Reviewing and approving in advance all
include, but are not limited to, fruits, Note: All partnership agreements resulting educational materials for technical
vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, from this announcement will include accuracy; (b) serving on curriculum
roots, herbs, and highly specialized delivery plans in a table format. All development workgroups; (c) providing
varieties of traditional crops. applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to curriculum developers with fact sheets
• Underserved commodities. This the table in the application package, when and other risk management publications
group includes: (a) Commodities, preparing a delivery plan and to use this prepared by RMA; (d) advising the
including livestock, that are covered by format as part of the project description. applicant on the materials available over
a Federal crop insurance plan but for • Assemble risk management the internet through the AgRisk
which participation in an area is below instructional materials appropriate for Education Library; (e) advising the
the national average; and (b) producers of Priority Commodities to be applicant on technical issues related to
commodities, including livestock, with used in delivering education and crop insurance instructional materials;
inadequate crop insurance coverage information. This will include: (a) and (f) advising the applicant on the use
produced by limited resource, socially Gathering existing instructional of the standardized design and layout
disadvantaged, and other traditionally materials that meet the local needs of formats to be used on program
underserved producers. producers of Priority Commodities; (b) materials.
A project is considered as giving • Collaborate with the recipient on a
identifying gaps in existing instructional
priority to Priority Commodities if the promotional program for raising
materials; and (c) developing new
majority of the educational outreach and awareness of risk management and for
materials or modifying existing
assistance activities are directed to informing producers of training and
instructional materials to fill existing
limited resource, socially disadvantaged informational opportunities. This will
gaps.
and other traditionally under-served include: (a) Reviewing and approving in
• Develop and conduct a promotional
producers of one or more of the three advance all promotional plans,
program. This program will include
classes of commodities listed above or materials, and programs; (b) serving on
activities using the media, newsletters,
any combination of the three classes. workgroups that plan promotional
publications, or other informational
D. Program Description dissemination techniques that are programs; (c) advising the applicant on
designed to: (a) Raise awareness for risk technical issues relating to the
This program will support a wide
management; (b) inform producers of presentation of crop insurance products
range of innovative outreach and
the availability of risk management in promotional materials; and (d)
assistance activities in farm
tools; and (c) inform producers of the participating, as appropriate, in media
management, financial management,
training and informational opportunities programs designed to raise general
marketing contracts, crop insurance and
being offered. Minority media and awareness or provide farmers with risk
other existing and emerging risk
publications should also be used to management education.
management tools FCIC, working • Collaborate with the recipient on
through RMA, will be substantially achieve the broadest promotion of
outreach opportunities for limited outreach activities to agricultural
involved in the activities listed under producers and agribusiness leaders.
paragraph 2. The applicant must resource and socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers possible. This will include: (a) Reviewing and
identify specific ways in which RMA approving in advance all producer and
could have substantial involvement in • Deliver risk management training
and informational opportunities to agribusiness educational delivery plans;
the proposed outreach activity. (b) advising the applicant on technical
In addition to the specific, required limited resource and socially
disadvantaged agricultural producers issues related to the delivery of crop
activities listed under paragraph 1, the
and agribusiness professionals of insurance education and information;
applicant may suggest other activities
Priority Commodities. This will include and (c) assisting the applicant in
that would contribute directly to the
organizing and delivering educational informing crop insurance professionals
purpose of this program. For any
activities using the instructional about educational plans and scheduled
additional activity suggested, the
materials identified earlier. Activities meetings.
applicant should identify the objective
should be directed primarily to • Reviewing and approving
of the activity, the specific tasks
agricultural producers, but may include recipient’s documentation of risk
required to meet the objective, specific
those agribusiness professionals that management education and outreach
time lines for performing the tasks, and
have frequent opportunities to advise activities.
specific responsibilities of the partners.
1. In conducting activities to achieve farmers on risk management. Part II—Award Information
the purpose and goal of this program, • Document all outreach activities
award recipients will be required to conducted under the partnership A. Available Funding
perform the following activities: agreement and the results of such The amount of funds available in FY
• Develop and finalize a risk activities, including criteria and 2007 for support of this program is
management outreach delivery plan that indicators used to evaluate the success approximately $5 million dollars. There
will contain the tasks needed to of the program. The recipient will also is no commitment by USDA/RMA to
accomplish the purpose of this program, be required to provide information to an fund any particular project or to make
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

including a description of the manner in RMA-selected contractor to evaluate all a specific number of awards. No
which various tasks for the project will outreach activities and advise RMA as maximum or minimum funding levels
be completed, the dates by which each to the effectiveness of activities. have been established for individual
task will be completed, and the partners 2. RMA will be responsible for the projects or geographic locations.
that will have responsibility for each following activities: Applicants awarded a partnership

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices 10975

agreement for an amount that is less performance on a prior contract, Washington, DC 20250–0805. All
than the amount requested may be cooperative agreement, grant or applications must be submitted by the
required to modify their application to partnership; a determination of a deadline. Late or incomplete
conform to the reduced amount before violation of applicable ethical applications will not be considered and
execution of the partnership agreement. standards). Applications from ineligible will be returned to the applicant.
It is expected that awards will be made or excluded persons will be rejected in Applications will be considered as
approximately 120 days after the their entirety. meeting the announced deadline if they
application deadline. are received in the mailroom at the
B. Project Period following address on or before the
B. Types of Applications Each project will be funded for a deadline. Applicants are cautioned that
Applicants must specify whether the period of up to one year from the project express, overnight mail or other delivery
application is a new, renewal, or starting date for the activities described services do not always deliver as agreed.
resubmitted application. in this announcement. Applicants using the U.S. Postal Service
1. New Application—This is an should allow for the extra time for
C. Non-Financial Benefits
application that was not been delivery due to the additional security
previously submitted to the RMA To be eligible, applicants must also measures that mail delivered to
Outreach Program. All new applications demonstrate that they will receive a government offices in the Washington
will be reviewed competitively using non-financial benefit as a result of a DC area now requires. Failure of the
the selection process and evaluation partnership agreement. Non-financial selected delivery services will not
criteria described in this RFA. benefits must accrue to the applicant extend the deadline. Applicants are
2. Renewal Application—This is an and must include more than the ability strongly encouraged to submit
application that requests additional to provide employment income to the completed and signed application
funding for a project beyond the period applicant or for the applicant’s packages using overnight mail or
that was approved in an original or employees or the community. The delivery service to ensure timely
amended award. Applications for applicant must demonstrate that receipt.
renewed funding must contain the same performance under the partnership
agreement will further the specific B. Content and Form of Application
information as required for new Submission
applications, and additionally must mission of the applicant (such as
contain a Progress Report. Renewal providing research or activities 1. General—Use the following
applications must be received by the necessary for graduate or other students guidelines to prepare an application.
relevant due dates, will be evaluated in to complete their educational program). Each application must contain the
competition with other pending Applications that do not demonstrate a following elements in the order
applications, and will be reviewed non-financial benefit will be rejected. indicated. Proper preparation of
according to the same evaluation criteria applications will assist reviewers in
D. Cost Sharing or Matching evaluating the merits of each
as new applications.
3. Resubmitted Application—This is Cost sharing, matching, in-kind application in a systematic, consistent
an application previously submitted to contribution, or cost participation is not fashion.
the RMA Outreach office, but was not required. (a) Prepare the application on only
funded. Resubmitted applications must one side of the page using standard size
E. Funding Restrictions
be received by the relevant due dates, (81⁄2″ × 11″) white paper, one-inch
Indirect costs for projects submitted margins, typed or word processed using
and will be evaluated in competition
in response to this solicitation are no type smaller than 12 point font, and
with other pending applications and
limited to 10 percent of the total direct single or double spaced. Use an easily
will be reviewed according to the same
costs of the agreement. Partnership readable font face (e.g., Geneva,
evaluation criteria as new applications.
agreement funds may not be used to: Helvetica, Times Roman).
Part III—Eligibility/Funding 1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or (b) Number each page of the
construct a building or facility including application sequentially, starting with
A. Eligible Applicants a processing facility; the Project Description, including the
Educational institutions, community 2. To purchase, rent, or install fixed budget pages, required forms, and any
based organizations, associations of equipment; appendices.
farmers and ranchers, state departments 3. Repair or maintain privately owned (c) Staple the application in the upper
of agriculture, and other non-profit vehicles; left-hand corner. Do not bind. An
organizations with demonstrated 4. Pay for the preparation of the original and two copies of the
capabilities in developing and partnership application; completed and signed application (3
implementing risk management and 5. Fund political activities; total) and one electronic copy (Microsoft
other marketing options for priority 6. Pay costs incurred prior to Word format preferred) on compact disc
commodities are eligible to apply. receiving this partnership agreement; or diskette must be submitted in one
Individuals are not eligible applicants. 7. Fund any activities prohibited in 7
package. Only hard copies of OMB
Applicants are encouraged to form CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as applicable.
Standard Forms should be submitted.
partnerships with other entities that Part IV—Application and Submission Do not include the standard forms on
complement, enhance, and/or increase Information the diskette.
the effectiveness and efficiency of the (d) Include original illustrations
proposed project. Although an applicant A. Address To Submit an Application (photographs, color prints, etc.) in all
may be eligible to compete for an award Package copies of the application to prevent loss
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

based on its status as an eligible entity, The address for submissions is USDA/ of meaning through poor quality
other factors may exclude an applicant RMA, Community Outreach, and reproduction.
from receiving Federal assistance under Assistance Partnership Program, c/o 2. Application for Federal Assistance,
this program (e.g. debarment and William Buchanan, 1400 Independence OMB Standard Form 424—Please
suspension; a determination of non- Avenue, SW., Room 6709, Stop 0805, complete this form in its entirety. The

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1
10976 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices

original copy of the application must 7. Budget, OMB Standard Form 424– or overlaps substantially with an
contain a pen-and-ink signature of the, A, ‘‘Budget Information, Non- application already reviewed and
authorized organizational representative Construction Program’’—Indirect costs funded (or to be funded) by another
(AOR), individual with the authority to allowed for projects submitted under organization or agency will not be
commit the organization’s time and this announcement will be limited to 10 funded under this program. The projects
other relevant resources to the project. percent of the total direct cost of the proposed for funding should be
The Catalog of Federal Domestic partnership or cooperative agreement. included in the pending section.
Assistance Number (block 10) is ‘‘10– Applicants should include reasonable 12. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,
455—Community Outreach and travel costs associated with attending at OMB Standard Form LLL—All
Assistance’’. least two RMA designated two-day applications must contain a signed copy
3. Table of Content—Each application events, which will include a Project of this form (See Part VI (F)). Applicants
must contain a detailed Table of Directors’ meeting and civil rights who are not engaging in lobbying
Contents immediately following OMB training. activities should write ‘‘Not Applicable’’
SF 424. 8. Budget Narrative—A detailed and sign the form.
4. Project Summary—(Limited to one narrative in support of the budget 13. A completed and Signed
page, placed after the Table of Contents) should show all funding sources and ‘‘Certification Regarding Debarment,
The summary should be a self- itemized costs for each line item Suspension, and Other Responsibility
contained, specific description of the contained on the SF–424A. All budget Matters (Primary Covered Transactions),
activity to be undertaken and should categories must be individually listed AD 1047.’’
focus on: overall project goals(s) and (with costs) in the same order as the 14. A completed and Signed
supporting objectives; plans to budget and justified on a separate sheet ‘‘Certifications Regarding Drug-Free
accomplish project goals; and relevance of paper and placed immediately behind Workplace, AD–1049.’’
of the project to the goals of the the SF–424A. There must be a detailed 15. Appendices are allowed if they are
community outreach and assistance breakdown of all costs, including directly germane to the proposed
program. indirect costs. Include budget notes on project.
5. Progress Report—(Limited to three each budget line item detailing how
each line item was derived. Also C. Acknowledgment of Applications
pages, placed immediately after the
provide a brief narrative description of Applications submitted by facsimile
Project Summary) Renewal applications
any costs that may require explanation or through other electronic media
of an existing project supported under
(i.e., why a specific cost may be higher (except grants.gov), regardless of the
the same program should include a
than market costs). Only items or date or time of submission or the time
clearly identified summary progress
services that are necessary for the of receipt, will not be considered and
report describing the results to date. The
successful completion of the project will will be returned to the applicant.
progress report should contain a
be funded as permitted under the Act, Receipt of applications will be
comparison of actual accomplishments
the applicable Federal Cost principles, acknowledged by e-mail, whenever
with the goals established for the
and are not prohibited under any other possible. Therefore, applicants are
project. Federal statute. Salaries of project
6. A Project Description—(Limited to encouraged to provide an e-mail address
personnel should be requested in in the application. If an e-mail address
twenty-five single-sided pages) that proportion to the effort that they would
describes the outreach project in detail, is not indicated on an application,
devote to the project. receipt will be acknowledged in writing.
including the program delivery plan and 9. Key Personnel—The roles and
a Statement of Work. The description There will be no notification of
responsibilities of each PD and/or incomplete, unqualified, or unfunded
should provide reviewers with collaborator should be clearly described;
sufficient information to effectively applications until the awards have been
and the vitae of the PD and each co-PD, made. RMA will assign an identification
evaluate the merits of the application senior associate and other professional
under the criteria contained in Part V. number to the application when
personnel. received. This number will be provided
The description should include the 10. Collaborative Arrangements
circumstances giving rise to the to applicants when the receipt of
(including Letters of Support)—If it will
proposed activity; a clear, concise application is acknowledged.
be necessary to enter into formal
statement of the objectives; the steps Applicants should reference the
consulting or collaborative
necessary to implement the program to assigned identification number in all
arrangements, such arrangements
attain the objectives; an evaluation plan correspondence regarding the
should be fully explained and justified.
for the activities; and a program delivery application.
If the consultants or collaborators are
plan and statement of work that If receipt of application is not
known at the time of application, a vitae
describes how the activities will be acknowledged by RMA within 15 days
or resume should be provided. Evidence
implemented and managed by the of the submission deadline, the
(e.g., letter of support) should be
applicant. applicant should contact David Wiggins
included if the collaborators involved
The statement of work in table format at (202) 690–2686 or electronically at
have agreed to render these services.
should identify each objective and the david.wiggins@rma.usda.gov.
Additional information on consultants
key tasks to achieve the objective, the and collaborators are required in the Part V—Application Review Process
entity responsible for the task, the budget portion of the application.
completion date, the task location, and 11. Current and Pending Support— A. General
RMA’s role. Applicants are strongly All applications must list all current Each application will be evaluated
encouraged to refer to the sample table public or private support to which using a two-part process. First, each
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

in the application package, when personnel identified in the application application will be screened by RMA
preparing a delivery plan and to use this have committed portions of their time, personnel to ensure that it meets the
table format in that portion of the whether or not salary support for requirements in this announcement.
application narrative that addresses the persons involved is included in the Applications that do not meet the
delivery plan. budget. An application that duplicates requirements of this announcement or

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices 10977

are incomplete will not receive further warrant the funding requested. for small farmers and ranchers; (d) that
consideration. Applicants will be scored according to a broad and diverse group of farmers
Second, a review panel will consider the extent they can: (a) Reasonably and ranchers will be reached; and (e)
the merits of all applications that meet estimate the number of producers that a substantial effort has been made
the requirements in the announcement. reached through the project; (b) justify to partner with organizations that can
A panel of not less than three the estimates with clear specifics related meet the needs of producers that are
independent reviewers will evaluate to the delivery plan; (c) identify the small, have limited resources, are
each application. Reviewers will be actions producers will likely be able to minorities, or are beginning farmers and
drawn from USDA, other Federal take as a result of the project; and (d) ranchers.
agencies, and others representing public identify specific measures for evaluating
the success of the project. Reviewers’ 4. Delivery Plan—Maximum 20 Points
and private organizations, as needed.
The project description and any scoring will be based on the scope and The applicant must demonstrate that
appendices submitted by applicant will reasonableness of the applicants’ its program delivery plan is clear and
be used by the review panel to evaluate estimate of the number of producers specific. For each of the applicant’s
the merits of the project being proposed reached through the project, clear responsibilities contained in the
for funding. The panel will examine and descriptions of specific expected project description of the program, the
score applications based on each of the benefits for producers, and well- applicant must demonstrate that it can
four criteria contained in paragraph B of constructed plans for measuring the identify specific tasks and provide
this part ‘‘Evaluation Criteria and project’s effectiveness. reasonable time lines that further the
Weights’’. 2. Project Management—Maximum 20 purpose of this program. Applicants
The panel will be looking for the Points will obtain a higher score to the extent
specific elements listed with each that the tasks of the project are specific,
criterion when evaluating the The applicant must demonstrate an measurable, and reasonable, have
applications and scoring them. For each ability to implement sound and effective specific periods for completion, relate
application, panel members will assign project management practices. Higher directly to the required activities, the
a point value up to the maximum for scores will be awarded to applicants program objectives described in this
each criterion. After all reviewers have that can demonstrate organizational announcement, and use the appropriate
evaluated and scored each of the skills, leadership; and experience in language service.
applications, the scores for the entire delivering services or programs using
the appropriate language service, that 5. Diversity—Maximum 20 Points
panel will be averaged to determine an
application’s final score. assist limited resource, socially Management reserves the right to
After assigning points for each disadvantaged and other traditionally award applications up to 20 additional
criterion, applications will be listed in underserved producers. If the applicant points to promote the broadest
initial rank order and presented, along has been a recipient of other Federal or geographic diversity.
with funding level recommendations, to other government grants, cooperative
agreements, or contracts, the applicant Part VI—Award Administration
the Manager of FCIC, who will make the
final decision on awarding of a must also detail that they have A. Notification of Cooperative or
partnership agreement. Applications consistently complied with financial Partnership Agreement Awards
will then be funded in final rank order and program reporting and auditing
requirements. Applicants that will Following approval by the RMA
until all available funds have been awarding official, project leaders whose
employ, or have access to, personnel
expended. Applicants must score 50 applications have been selected for
who have experience in directing
points or more to be considered for funding will be notified. Within the
agricultural programs or providing
funding. If there are unused remaining limit of funds available for such a
educations programs that benefit
funds, RMA may conduct another round purpose, the awarding official of RMA
producers will receive higher rankings.
of competition through the shall enter into partnership agreements
Higher scores will be awarded to
announcement of another RFA. with applicants whose applications are
An organization, or group of applicants with no more than two on-
going projects funded by RMA under judged to be most meritorious under the
organizations in partnership, may apply procedures set forth in this
for funding under other FCIC or RMA this program in previous years.
announcement. The agreements provide
programs, in addition to the programs 3. Collaborative Partnering—Maximum the amount of Federal funds for use in
described in this announcement. 20 Points the project period, the terms, and
However, if the Manager of FCIC The applicant must demonstrate conditions of the award and the time
determines that an application experience and capacity to partner with period for the project.
recommended for funding under this and gain the support of other agencies, The effective date of the agreement is
announcement is sufficiently similar to grower organizations, agribusiness the date the agreement is executed by
a project that has been funded or has professionals, and agricultural leaders to both parties. RMA will extend to award
been recommended to be funded under enhance the quality and effectiveness of recipients, in writing, the authority to
another FCIC or RMA education or the program. Applicants will receive draw down funds for conducting the
outreach program, then the Manager higher scores to the extent that they can activities listed in the agreement. All
may elect to not fund that application in document and demonstrate: (a) That funds provided to the applicant by FCIC
whole or in part. partnership commitments are in place must be expended solely for the purpose
B. Evaluation Criteria and Weights for the express purpose of delivering the for which the funds are obligated in
program in this announcement; (b) that accordance with the approved
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

1. Project Benefits—Maximum 40 Points the project will incorporate training on agreement and budget, the regulations,
The applicant must demonstrate that the benefits and implementation of the the terms and conditions of the award,
the project benefits to limited resource, Adjusted Gross Revenue Lite (AGR– and the applicability of Federal cost
socially disadvantaged and other LITE) insurance coverage plan; (c) that principles. No commitment of Federal
traditionally underserved producers the project promotes energy alternatives assistance beyond the project period is

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1
10978 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 47 / Monday, March 12, 2007 / Notices

made or implied for any award resulting requirements contained in all applicable for funding under this announcement.
from this notice. OMB circulars. However, such entities will not be
Applicants that are not funded will be H. Confidentiality allowed to receive funding to conduct
notified within 120 days after the activities that would otherwise be
submission deadline. The names of applicants, the names of required under a Standard Reinsurance
individuals identified in the Agreement or any other agreement in
B. Access to Panel Review Information applications, the content of effect between FCIC and the entity.
Upon written request from the applications, and the panel evaluations Such entities will also not be allowed to
applicant, your score from the of applications will be kept confidential, receive funding to conduct activities
evaluation panel, not including the except to those involved in the review that could be perceived by producers as
identity of reviewers, will be sent to the process, to the extent permitted by law. promoting one company’s services or
In addition, the identities of review products over another’s. If applying for
applicant after the review and awards
panel members will remain confidential
process has been completed. funding, such organizations are
throughout the entire review process
encouraged to be sensitive to potential
C. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and will not be released to applicants.
conflicts of interest and to describe in
and Awards At the end of the fiscal year, names of
their application the specific actions
panel members will be made available.
When an application results in a However, panelists will not be they will take to avoid actual and
partnership agreement, it becomes a part identified with the review of any perceived conflicts of interest.
of the official record of RMA particular application.
transactions, available to the public D. DUNS Number
upon specific request. Information that I. Requirement To Participate in Civil
A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data
the Secretary of Agriculture determines Rights Training
Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
to be of a confidential, privileged, or All recipients of federally assisted number is a unique nine-digit sequence
proprietary nature will be held in programs are required to comply with recognized as the universal standard for
confidence to the extent permitted by Federal civil rights laws and identifying and keeping track of
law. Therefore, any information that the regulations. USDA/RMA policies and businesses worldwide. A Federal
applicant wishes to be considered procedures requires recipients of Register notice of final policy issuance
confidential, privileged, or proprietary federally assisted programs to attend (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number
should be clearly marked within an mandatory civil rights training
application, including the basis for such in every application (i.e., hard copy and
sponsored by RMA, to become fully electronic) for a grant or cooperative
designation. The original copy of a aware of civil rights requirements and
proposal that does not result in an agreement. Therefore, potential
responsibilities. Applicants should applicants should verify that they have
award will be retained by RMA for a include in their budgets reasonable
period of one year. Other copies will be a DUNS number or take steps needed to
travel costs associated with attending at
destroyed. Copies of proposals not obtain one. For information about how
least two two-day RMA designated
receiving awards will be released only to obtain a DUNS number, go to
events that includes a Project Directors
with the express written consent of the meeting and required civil rights http://www.grants.gov. Please note that
applicant or to the extent required by training. the registration may take up to 14
law. A proposal may be withdrawn at business days to complete.
any time prior to award. Part VII—Additional Information
E. Required Registration for Grants.gov
D. Reporting Requirements A. Requirement To Use Program Logo
Applicants awarded partnership The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is
Applicants awarded partnership agreements will be required to use a a database that serves as the primary
agreements will be required to submit program logo and design provided by Government repository for contractor
quarterly progress and financial reports RMA for all instructional and information required for the conduct of
(OMB Standard Form 269) throughout promotional materials. business with the Government. This
the project period, as well as a final database will also be used as a central
program and financial report no later B. Requirement To Provide Project location for maintaining organizational
than 90 days after the end of the project Information to an RMA-selected information for organizations seeking
period. Contractor and receiving grants from the
E. Administration Applicants awarded partnership Government. Such organizations must
agreements will be required to assist register in the CCR prior to the
All partnership agreements are subject RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of submission of applications via
to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015. its outreach program by providing grants.gov (a DUNS number is needed
F. Prohibitions and Requirements With documentation of outreach activities for CCR registration). For information
Regard to Lobbying and related information to any about how to register in the CCR, visit
contractor selected by RMA for program http://www.grants.gov. Allow a
All partnership agreements are subject evaluation purposes. This requirement minimum of 5 days to complete the CCR
to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3018. also includes providing demographic registration.
A copy of the certification and data on program participants. Signed in Washington, DC on March 6,
disclosure forms must be submitted
C. Private Crop Insurance Organizations 2007.
with the application.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES

and Potential Conflicts of Interest James Callan,


G. Applicable OMB Circulars Acting Manager, Federal Crop Insurance
Private organizations that are
All partnership and cooperative involved in the sale of Federal crop Corporation.
agreements funded as a result of this insurance, or that have financial ties to [FR Doc. E7–4334 Filed 3–9–07; 8:45 am]
notice will be subject to the such organizations, are eligible to apply BILLING CODE 3410–08–P

VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:04 Mar 09, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\12MRN1.SGM 12MRN1

You might also like