[Federal Register: March 6, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 44)]
[Notices]
[Page 13487-13490]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06mr01-42]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Invitation for Applications
for the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant
Program (VADG) (Information Resource Center)
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the
availability of up to $5,000,000 in competitive grant funds for the
establishment of a value-added technical resource center. RBS hereby
requests proposals from eligible institutions to establish a single
pilot project to be known as the Agricultural Marketing Resource
Center. This Center will have the capabilities, including electronic,
to coordinate and provide information regarding research, business,
legal, financial, and logistical assistance to independent producers
and processors of value-added agricultural commodities and products of
agricultural commodities. The Center will also develop a nationwide
market information and coordination system.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of an application is 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on April 30, 2001. The application deadline is firm as to date and
hour and applies to submission of the original application and two
copies to the National Office in Washington, DC. The agency will not
consider any application received after the deadline. Comments
regarding the information collection requirements under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 must be received on or before May 7, 2001 to be
assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES: Send proposals and other required materials to Dr. Thomas H.
Stafford, Director, Cooperative Marketing Division, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4204, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3252. Telephone: (202) 690-0368, E-
Mail: thomas.stafford@usda.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Thomas H. Stafford, Director,
Cooperative Marketing Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service,
USDA, STOP 3252, Room 4202, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20250-3252. Telephone (202) 690-0368, Facsimile (202) 690-2723, E-mail:
thomas.stafford@usda.gov. You may also obtain information from the RBS
website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
This solicitation is issued pursuant to section 231 of the
Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 authorizing the establishment
of the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grants. The
Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to
USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2001. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
was established by the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994. The mission of RBS is to improve the quality of life in rural
America by financing businesses, providing technical assistance, and
creating effective strategies for rural development.
The primary objective of this program is to establish a pilot
project to be known as the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. This
Center will have the capabilities, including electronic capabilities,
to collect, disseminate, coordinate, and provide information on value-
added processing to independent producers and processors of value-added
agricultural commodities and products of agricultural commodities. This
includes information on value-added research, business operations,
legal issues, financial issues, and logistical assistance. The Center
will also develop a strategy to establish a nationwide market
information and coordination system.
A single grant will be awarded on a competitive basis to an
eligible institution as defined in this NOFA based on specific
selection criteria. Parts 3015 and 3019 of 7 CFR will be applicable to
this program.
This grant program has a matching funds requirement. Applicants
must provide matching funds at least equal to the grant. Grant funds
will be disbursed pursuant to relevant provisions of 7 CFR parts 3015
and 3019, as applicable. Matching funds must be used to support the
overall purpose of the VADG program.
All forms required to apply are available from the Cooperative
Services Program web-site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/
vadg.htm, by calling (202) 690-0368, or faxing (202) 690-2723. Forms
may also be requested via the internet by sending a message with your
name, mailing address (not e-mail), and phone number to
thomas.stafford@usda.gov. When calling or e-mailing, please indicate
you are requesting forms for fiscal year FY 2001 (FY 2001) Value-Added
Product Market Development Grant Program. Forms will be mailed to you
(not
e-mailed or faxed) as quickly as possible.
Definitions
Agency--The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) or its
successor.
Agricultural Product--Plant and animal products and their by-
products, including aquaculturally produced fish and seafood products
and forestry products.
Business Plan--A description of economic activities that will lead
to a potential viable value-added venture including feasibility
studies, marketing plans, business operations plans, and legal
evaluations.
Center--The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center which is to be
established and operated by the grantee to work with independent
producers and processors on value-added ventures.
Independent Producers--Agricultural producers, including
associations of producers and producer-owned corporations, who do not
produce the agricultural product under contract or joint ownership with
any other organization.
Matching Funds--Cash or confirmed funding commitments from non-
Federal sources. Matching funds must be at least equal to the grant
amount. In-kind contributions as defined in 7 CFR part 3015, subpart G
and 7 CFR section 3019.23 can be used as matching funds. Examples of
in-kind contributions include volunteer services furnished by
professional and technical personnel, donated supplies and equipment,
and donated office space.
Non-Profit Corporation or Institution--Any organization or
institution, including an accredited institution of higher education,
no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to
the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
Public Body--Any state, county, city, township, incorporated town
or village, borough, authority, district, economic development
authority, or Indian tribe on Federal or state reservations or other
federally recognized tribe.
Technical Assistance--Development activities to ensure that a
successful value-added venture is organized. These activities include,
but are not limited to, conducting feasibility, environmental, and
other essential studies, or preparing
[[Page 13488]]
business, marketing, and other plans for independent agricultural
producers wishing to enter into value-added activities.
Value-Added--Changes in the raw or partly processed agriculturally
produced commodity that result in a product having a higher value to
potential buyers. Examples include processing wheat into flour,
slaughtering livestock or poultry, further processing of meat and
poultry products, or collecting and converting methane from animal
waste to generate energy.
VADG--Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant
Program.
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
A grant may be made to a nonprofit corporation or institution,
including an accredited institution of higher education, that
demonstrates the capacity and technical expertise to provide assistance
to independent producers, an established plan outlining support of the
applicant in the agricultural community, and the availability of
resources (in cash or in-kind) of definite value to sustain the Center
following establishment. Grants may not be made to public bodies. Trade
associations are not eligible recipients.
Proposal Preparation
A proposal should contain the following:
(1) Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
(2) Standard Form 424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.''
(3) Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
(4) Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately
following the required forms. The Table of Contents should include page
numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination should begin
immediately following the Table of Contents.
(5) Proposal Summary. A summary of the Proposal, not to exceed one
page, should include the following: description of the proposed Center;
types of projects to be undertaken; and names of the individuals
responsible for conducting and completing the work of the Center.
(6) Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project
proposal must include at least the following:
(i) Information sheet. A separate one-page information sheet, which
lists each of the seven evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under
the ``Evaluation Criteria and Weights'' section, followed by the page
numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the
proposal which addresses or supports that criteria.
(ii) Goals of the Center. A clear statement of the ultimate goals
of the proposed Center must be presented.
(iii) Specific Tasks to Be Performed by the Center. The narrative
must describe the specific tasks that the Center will perform in
collecting and disseminating information on value-added research,
business operations, legal issues, financial issues, and logistical
assistance related to value-added processing and in developing a
strategy to establish a nationwide market information and coordination
system.
(iv) Evaluation Criteria. Each of the seven evaluation criteria
listed in the Evaluation Criteria and Weights section of this NOFA must
be addressed specifically and individually by category. Present these
criteria in narrative form with any supporting documentation.
(7) Verification of Matching Funds. For cash you should provide a
copy of a bank statement. Otherwise, you should provide a copy of the
confirmed funding commitment from the funding source.
(8) Budget. A detailed breakdown of estimated costs and a project
budget.
Grant Amounts
The amount of grant funds for the Center in FY 2001 will not exceed
$5,000,000.
Eligible Grant and Matching Fund Uses
Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of
establishing the Center, including the collection of information the
Center will disseminate to independent producers and processors of
value-added agricultural commodities and products of agricultural
commodities. The applicant's funding match may be either in cash or in-
kind contributions in accordance with 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019 and
must be from non-Federal sources. Grant and matching funds may be used
for, but are not limited to, the following purposes:
1. Activities to develop the Center's capacity to collect,
interpret and disseminate principles, facts, technical knowledge, or
other information that may be useful to independent agricultural
producers or processors wishing to enter into value-added activities.
2. Activities to develop a market information sharing and
coordination system.
3. Activities to develop training and instructional materials for
independent agricultural producers wishing to enter into value-added
activities.
4. Activities to develop resources concerning principles of
organizing value-added enterprises, facts, and other information
concerning the business, economic, and technical nature of value-added
activities.
Ineligible Grant and Matching Fund Uses
Grant and matching funds cannot be used to:
1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or
facility (including a processing facility);
2. purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment;
3. repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
4. pay for the preparation of the grant application;
5. fund political activities;
6. pay costs incurred prior to receiving this grant;
7. fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019, as
applicable; or
8. fund the Center's continuing operation.
Funds from this grant and the recipient's matching funds cannot be
used for the architectural or engineering design work for the physical
facility that are often part of the project feasibility studies.
Methods for Evaluating and Ranking Applications
RBS will review all applications for conforming to the requirements
of this NOFA. Applications that fall within the guidelines of this NOFA
will then be evaluated by a panel of agricultural economists and other
technical experts appointed by RBS. Applications will be evaluated
competitively and points awarded as specified in the Evaluation
Criteria and Weights section of this NOFA. After assigning points upon
those criteria, the application with the highest ranking will be
awarded the grant.
Evaluation Criteria and Weights
RBS will initially determine whether the submitting organization is
eligible and whether the application contains the information required
by this NOFA. Prior to technical examination, each proposal will be
reviewed for responsiveness to the funding solicitation. Submissions
that do not meet the guidelines stated in this NOFA
[[Page 13489]]
will be eliminated from the competition and will be returned to the
applicant. After this initial screening, RBS will use the following
criteria to rate and rank proposals received in response to this NOFA.
Failure to address any of the following criteria will disqualify the
proposal:
1. Nature of the Center's operations (Maximum 20 points). Describe
in detail the operation of the Center including the specific tasks to
be performed. Demonstrate how and where information will be collected,
processed, stored, and disseminated (print and electronic). Describe in
detail relevant experience in collecting and distributing research
information on business principles and operations, legal activities,
financial matters, and logistical methodologies. Describe in detail
what type of electronic capabilities the Center will adopt. Proposals
will be evaluated under this criteria for their overall ability to
maximize (1) the utility of the information to be provided, (2) its
accessibility, (3) its comprehensiveness to the user, and (4) the level
of personal assistance provided by the Center.
2. Ability and experience in producer and producer group outreach
(maximum 20 points). Describe in detail your experience in reaching
producers and producer groups with the kind of information that would
be provided by the Center. This includes mechanisms for promoting the
Center's products and services, methods of interacting with
stakeholders, and ways of obtaining feedback from producers and
producer groups about information products and services received.
3. Experience in developing an electronic market information and
coordination system (Maximum 15 points). Describe in detail relevant
experience in developing and operating electronic market information
and coordinating systems including web page design and maintenance, on-
line transactions, and other relevant activities.
4. Qualifications of the personnel performing the tasks; and a
demonstrated track-record of performing activities similar to those
being proposed (maximum 15 points). Describe in detail qualifications
of the in-house staff who will actually do the proposed tasks and
provide resumes and information about their organizations. If a
consultant or others are to be hired, include a statement as to their
commitment, as well as their qualifications.
5. A sound plan of work incorporating the appropriate tasks to
establish the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (maximum 10
points). Describe in detail your plan of work to establish the Center.
This plan must provide a ``road map'' for establishing the Center from
start to finish. This includes time tables, project benchmarks, and the
evaluation procedures used to determine the success of the effort.
6. Amount and type of linkages within the agriculture community
(Maximum 10 points). Describe in detail the types of linkages and
support the applicant has from the agriculture community, including
development organizations, cooperatives, and other agribusinesses.
Discuss the nature of these relationships and any joint activities with
them.
7. Amount and type of resources to sustain the Center once
established (Maximum 10 points). Described in detail the various
sources of funding and in-kind support available to the applicant to
sustain operations once the Center has been established and grant
funding exhausted. Discuss how the Center will retain its in-house
expertise after grant funds are exhausted.
What and Where To Submit
An original and two copies of the proposal, with all required forms
and documentation, must be submitted in one package to: Dr. Thomas H.
Stafford, Director, Cooperative Marketing Division, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4204, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-3252. Applications sent
electronically or by facsimile will not be accepted.
When To Submit
The deadline for receipt of an application is 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on April 30, 2001. The application deadline is firm as to date and
hour and applies to submission of the original application and two
copies to the National Office in Washington, DC. The Agency will not
consider any application received after the deadline.
Grantee Requirements
The grantee will be required to do the following.
1. Sign a Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant
Agreement acceptable to RBS.
2. Sign required Federal grant making forms.
3. Use Standard Form 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement''
to request advances and reimbursements.
4. Submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a quarterly
basis starting with the first full quarter after the grant award.
5. Submit quarterly performance reports which compare
accomplishments to the objectives; if established objectives are not
met, the report must discuss problems or delays that may affect
completion of the project, establish objectives for the next reporting
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use
of awarded funds.
6. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the
Agency.
7. Collect and maintain data provided by the independent producers
on race, sex, and national origin.
8. Submit a final project performance report.
Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals
considered for review and to the grant awarded. These include, but are
not limited to:
7 CFR part 15, subpart A--Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted
Programs of the Department of Agriculture--Effectuation of Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
7 CFR part 3015--Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
7 CFR part 3017--Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR part 3018--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
7 CFR part 3019--Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Non-Profit Organizations.
7 CFR part 3052--Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
Profit Organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The reporting requirements contained in this NOFA have received
temporary emergency clearance by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under Control Number 0570-0040. However, in accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, RBS will seek standard OMB approval of
the reporting requirements contained in this NOFA. Comments should be
submitted within 60 days of May 7, 2001.
Abstract: RBS, an Agency within the USDA Rural Development mission
area, will administer the VADG program. The primary objective of this
program is to establish the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.
This Center will have the capabilities, including electronic
[[Page 13490]]
capabilities, to coordinate and provide to independent producers and
processors of value-added agricultural commodities and products of
agricultural commodities information on value-added research, business
operations, legal issues, financial issues, and logistical assistance
related to value-added processing. The Center will also develop a
strategy to establish a nationwide market information and coordination
system.
Public Burden in This NOFA
At this time, the Agency is requesting OMB clearance of the
following burden:
Standard Form 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
This form is used by applicants as a required face sheet for
applications for Federal assistance.
Standard Form 424A ``Budget Information--Non-construction
Programs.''
This form must be completed by applicants to show the project's
budget breakdown, both as to expense categories and the division
between Federal and non-Federal sources.
Standard Form 424B ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
This form must be completed by the applicant to give the Federal
government certain assurances that the applicant has the legal
authority to apply for Federal assistance and the financial capacity to
pay the non-Federal share of project costs. The applicant also gives
assurance it will comply with various legal and regulatory requirements
as described in the form.
The grant awardee will be required to do the following.
1. Sign a Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant
Agreement acceptable to RBS.
2. Use Standard Form 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement''
to request advances and reimbursements.
3. Submit a Standard Form 269, ``Financial Status Report'' and list
expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories on a quarterly
basis starting with the first full quarter after the grant award.
4. Submit quarterly performance reports which compares
accomplishments to the objectives. If established objectives are not
met, discuss problems, delays, or other problems that may affect
completion of the project; establish objectives for the next reporting
period; and discuss compliance with any special conditions on the use
of awarded funds.
5. Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to the
Agency.
6. Collect and maintain data provided by the independent producers
on race, sex, and national origin.
7. Submit a final project performance report.
Project Proposal
The applicant must submit a project proposal containing the
elements described in this NOFA and in the format prescribed. The
elements of the proposal are: (1) Table of Contents providing page
numbers for each component of the proposal; (2) a project Summary, not
to exceed one page, that includes a description of the project and the
names of individuals working on the project; and (3) a project
narrative that discusses the goals of the Center, the specific tasks to
be performed, and the seven criteria which are the basis for selection
for funding.
Project Reporting Requirements
The grant Awardee will be required to submit written performance
reports on a quarterly basis. The performance report shall include, but
need not be limited to: (1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to
the objectives; (2) if objectives were not met, reasons why they were
not; (3) problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially
affect attainment of planned project objectives; (4) objectives
established for the next reporting period; and (5) status of compliance
with any special conditions on the use of awarded funds.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated to average 13 hours per response.
Respondents: Non-profit corporations and institutions of higher
education.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 40.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.2.
Estimated Number of Responses: 48.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 628 hours.
Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl
Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, (202) 692-0043.
Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the Agency, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who
are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms
of information technology.
All responses to this NOFA will be summarized and included in the
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of
public record. Comments on the paperwork burden may be sent to Cheryl
Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Rural
Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0742, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0742.
Dated: February 26, 2001.
William F. Hagy III,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, United States
Department of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 01-5372 Filed 3-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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