maintenance of rural telephone systems. Also available are annual statistical summaries; and Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1590, Room 5151, Washington, DC 20250 1590. Telephone number (202) 720 9554, Facsimile (202) 720 0810. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/rus/ RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.852, Rural Telephone Bank Loans; 10.886, Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.852 RURAL TELEPHONE BANK LOANS (RTB Loans) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, Title IV, 7 U.S.C. 921a, 921b and 941-950b. OBJECTIVES: To provide supplemental financing to extend and improve telecommunications services in rural areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Long-term loans to qualified organizations for the purpose of supplying and improving telecommunications services in rural areas. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Borrowers, including those located in the U.S. Territories, or possessions which have received a loan or loan commitment under Section 201 of Rural Electrification Act or which have been certified by the Administrator as qualified to receive such a loan, are eligible to borrow from the Rural Telephone Bank. Beneficiary Eligibility: Residents of rural areas, and others who receive telecommunications service resulting from service provided to rural areas. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Applicants must supply environmental impact information to determine whether an environmental impact assessment or an environmental impact statement will be required. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102. Application Procedure: The completed loan application consists of 4 parts, an RUS Form 490, a market survey called Area Coverage Survey (ACS), and an Application for Telephone Loan or Loan Guarantee. Detailed information for applying is in 7 CFR Parts 1610 and 1737, available from RUS upon request. This is the same procedure used when applying for an RUS telephone loan. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Depending on the amount of the application, the Governor of the Rural Telephone Bank (who is also the Administrator of RUS), Assistant Administrator, or the appropriate Area Director, makes the final decision, based upon a finding that the loan is economically feasible and serves the purposes of the Rural Electrification Act. Borrowers and Members of Congress are notified of loan approval directly, and the public is notified through normal media communications. Deadlines: Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis throughout the fiscal year ending September 30. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 2 to 3 months. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Obtaining a Rural Telephone Bank loan will require obtaining a concurrent RUS telephone loan. The statistical factor used for eligibility is any area of the United States not within the boundaries of any city, village or borough having a population over 5,000 (farm and nonfarm) and the source is the 1990 Decennial Census. The statistical factor used for fund allocation does not apply to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Loans can be made for up to 35 years (average loan maturity is 18 yrs). Provision is normally made for advances to be completed within 5 years, but this period is subject to extension if required. Advances of loan funds are made as required by the borrower. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Each Bank loan recipient must submit to RUS regularly scheduled operating reports showing financial condition and operating progress. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMD Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a programspecific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. All other borrowers have their books audited annually by a Certified Public Accountant. The information on audits of RUS borrowers is in 7 CFR, Part 1773. Records: Each recipient must keep records prescribed for telephone companies by the State regulatory body having jurisdiction, or by the Federal Communications Commission if there is no such regulatory body. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1231-0-1-452; 12-4231-0-3-452. Obligations: (Direct Loans) FY 05 $169,955,940; FY 06 est $175,000,000; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: FY 04: $33,600 to $73,399,200; Average: $5,860,550. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: During fiscal year 2004, 29 borrowers received loans. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: CFR-XVI. To the extent possible, the Rural Telephone Bank will be covered by regulations, guidelines, and literature of the Rural Utilities Service telephone loan program. RUS publishes and issues upon request technical operations manuals and bulletins covering financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of rural telephone systems. There are available annual statistical summaries; and Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1590, Room 5151, Washington, DC 20250 1590. Telephone number (202) 720 9554, Facsimile (202) 720 0810. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/rus/. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.851, Rural Telephone Loans and Loan Guarantees; 10.854, Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants; 10.857, State Bulk Fuel Revolving Fund Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.853 LOCAL TELEVISION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM : (LOCAL TV Program) FEDERAL AGENCY: LOCAL TELEVISION LOAN GUARANTEE BOARD, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Local Television Act of 2000, as amended, Title X, Public Law 106-553, 47 U.S.C. 1101-1110. OBJECTIVES: To facilitate access, on a technologically neutral basis, to signals of local television stations for households located in Nonserved Areas and Underserved Areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Guaranteed/Insured Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Guarantees of up to 80 percent of the principal only of loans made to qualified organizations by eligible lenders to finance the acquisition, improvement, enhancement, construction, deployment, launch, or rehabilitation of the means by which local television broadcast signals will be delivered to a Nonserved Area or Under served Area. The proceeds of a guaranteed loan may not be used for operating, advertising, or promotion expenses, or for the acquisition of licenses. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: A Corporation, partnership, joint venture trustee, or government entity, agency or instrumentality that proposes directly to provide, as a result of financing received under the LOCAL TV Program, local television broadcast signals to households in Nonserved Areas or Underserved Areas, is eligible for the loan guarantees. An individual is not eligible. Beneficiary Eligibility: Residents of Nonserved Areas and Underserved Areas and others who receive local television broadcast signals or other services resulting from the project funded by the guaranteed loan. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded form coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: The completed loan guarantee application consists of twelve parts: (1) an executive summary; (2) background information; (3) a business plan; (4) a financial forecast and information; (5) a certified system plan, (6) technical analysis and design; (7) lender information; (8) other financial information; (9) compliance certifications; (10) environmental impact information; (11) federal debt certification; and (12) an application fee. Award Procedure: The LOCAL Television Loan Guarantee Board makes the final decision regarding the extension of loan guarantees based on the characteristics of the applications considered in light of priorities included in the establishing statute. Deadlines: Applications are accepted during an announced application window. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Applications are reviewed for completeness, evaluated in depth, and then considered in a comparative manner. The precise amount of time for the process is dependent on the number and complexity of applications. Due to statutory limitations, no guarantee decisions will be made later than December 31, 2006. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: A loan guarantee issued under the LOCAL TV Program may not exceed an amount equal to 80 percent of a qualified loan in accordance with the LOCAL TV Act 47 U.S.C. 1103 (f)(2). Also, a guarantee may not be approved under the LOCAL TV Program for a project that is designed primarily to serve 1 or more of the top 40 designated market areas (as that term is defined in 17 USC 122(j)), in accordance with the LOCAL TV Act, 47 USC 1103 (e)(1)(C)(i). Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Loans receiving a guarantee through the LOCAL TV Program must have a loan term not exceeding the lesser of 25 years from the date of execution of the loan or the economically useful life of the primary assets to be used in the delivery of signals under the project being funded, in accordance with 47 USC 1103(d)(2)(E). POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Borrowers receiving loan guarantees under the LOCAL TV Program will be required regularly to submit performance reports in accordance with the stipulated performance schedule to be entered into between the borrower and the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. In addition the borrower may be required to have ongoing third-party inspection and valuation of collateral that secures the loan in accordance with the arrangements set forth in the guarantee. Audits: Borrowers receiving loan guarantees under the LOCAL TV Program will be required to submit annual audited financial statements with more frequent reporting possible, depending on the terms of the guarantee and the financial condition of the borrower. In addition, in accordance with 47 USC 1105 (a)(2), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an annual audit of the financial position of each borrower receiving a loan guarantee under this program. Records: Borrowers will be required to retain records sufficient to indicate uses of all Loan funds in addition to the requirements of any regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the borrowers. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1233-0-1-452. Obligations: (Gross amount of loans subject to guarantee) FY 05 $0; FY 06 est $0; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No loan guarantees have been awarded under the program. The first application window for the LOCAL TV program opened December 23, 2003 and closed April 21, 2004. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Regulations have been issued for the program; see 7 CFR Parts 2200 and 2201. In addition, a Notice of application filing deadline was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2003, on page 74434. Underwriting Criteria developed for the program are also available to the public through the program web site. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Secretary LOCAL Television Loan Guarantee Board, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, STOP 1575, RM 2919-S, Washington, D.C. 20250-1575. Phone: 202-720-0530. Fax: 202-720-3724 Email: localtv@usda.gov. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/rus/localtvboard/. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The LOCAL TV Act and the implementing regulations for the program state certain priorities to be used by the LOCAL TV Board in considering applications (see 47 USC 1103(e)(1)(A) and 7 CFR 2201.18). Chief among these are provision of service to households in nonserved areas and underserved areas. Within each of the two priority service categories, the LOCAL TV Board is to balance projects that served the largest number of households with those that serve isolated areas that are less likely to be served by the marketplace. Also, within each category, the board is to give priority to those that provide the highest quality service at the lowest cost per household. 10.854 RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND GRANTS FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, Title III, 7 U.S.C. 930940c. OBJECTIVES: To promote rural economic development and job creation projects, including funding for project feasibility studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural development. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans; Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Projects which promote rural economic development and job creation. For fiscal year 2001, maximum amount of grant is $200,000; maximum amount of loan is $450,000. Maximum term of loan is ten years at zero interest rate. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Electric and telephone utilities that have current loans with the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) or Rural Telephone Bank loans or guarantees outstanding and are not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings. Beneficiary Eligibility: Rural/General Public. Credentials/Documentation: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Application Form: OMB Standard form 424. This program except for feasibility studies is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." The RUS utility should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. An environmental review is conducted by the agency for the projects. An environmental assessment without scooping is occasionally required. Application Procedure: Submit application as described in 7 CFR 1703.34, no State plan required. Award Procedure: RBS selects projects to be funded. The funds pass through the RUS utility to rural economic development projects. Deadlines: Applications may be filed on any working day during the month. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Open ended. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Renewal of same application for one year. Submit new or revised ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: This program requires supplemental funds in the amount of 20 percent of the RBS application amounts. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Reporting need established in 7 CFR 1703, Subpart B. Audits: Financial audit of the RUS utility is required. Records: Record retention requirements established in 7 CFR 1703, Subpart B. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4230-0-3-271; 12-3108-0-1-452; 12-3105-0-1-452. Obligations: (Loans) FY 05 $24,302,375; FY 06 est $25,223,183; and FY 07 est $35,000,000. (Grants) FY 05 $8,120,000; FY 06 est $10,000,000: and FY 07 est $10,000,000. (Note: Grants to establish Revolving Loan Fund Programs.) Range and Average of Financial Assistance: (Loans) $450,000 to $740,000; $467,353 average. (Grants) $120,000 to $300,000; $261,935 average. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2005, 83 projects were funded. It is anticipated that in fiscal year 2006, the level of activity will be approximately the same. Considering the estimated funding level for fiscal year 2007, funding activity is anticipated to be the same. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1703, Subpart B and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory for RD District Office number. If no listing, get in touch with appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the catalog. Headquarters Office: Director, Specialty Lenders Division, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1400. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: (1) a $740,000 loan to construct an addition to a hospital to house a Rural Health Clinic. (2) a $450,000 loan to purchase equipment to be used in a business expansion. (3) a $300,000 grant to establish a revolving loan fund to provide business loans to businesses in 10 counties. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: See 7 CFR 1703.46. 10.855 DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE LOANS AND GRANTS FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Title VII, To encourage and improve the use of telemedicine, telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies to provide educational and medical benefits through distance learning and telemedicine projects to people living in rural areas and to improve rural opportunities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants; Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies that provide educational and/or medical benefits to students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents. Eligible costs depend on the type of financial assistance being requested; i.e., grant or loan. See 7 CFR Part 1703 for details. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: To be eligible to receive a grant, loan and grant combination, or loan, the applicant must be legally organized as an incorporated organization or partnership, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, a state or local unit of government, a consortium, or other legal entity. The applicant must have legal capacity to contract with RUS. The applicant also must propose to utilize the financing to: (i) operate a rural community facility; or (ii) deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural areas. The applicant must not be delinquent on any Federal debt. RUS electric and telecommunications borrowers are not eligible for grants. Generally, applicants are organizations such as schools, libraries, hospitals, medical centers, or other eligible organizations that will be users of a telecommunications, computer network, or related advanced technology system to provide educational and/or medical benefits to rural residents. Beneficiary Eligibility: The people living in rural areas and to improve rural opportunities, particularly in the areas of education, training and medical services. Credentials/Documentation: See 7 CFR Part 1703 for details. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 (7 CFR 3015). This program is not subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-102. Application Procedure: Submit application Form 424; non-delinquent on any Federal obligations; consultation with USDA State Director (for grant applicants); evidence of legal existence and authority to perform the proposed grant activities; a comprehensive rural telecommunications plan; scope of work plan, executive summary for the project: financial information; a statement of experience; funding commitment from other sources; compliance with Federal statutes and regulations (compliance with scoring criteria) and environmental impact; supplemental information and required additional RUS information. Award Procedure: Based on a determination that the loan is economically feasible and serves the purposes of the Rural Electrification Act, loans are approved for grants, RUS rates the applicants and determines awards based on those ratings. Deadlines: See the federal register notice for grant application deadline. Loan applications may be submitted anytime and loans are approved through out the year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Applications are approved each fiscal year for which funding is made available. Applications that have not been approved may be resubmitted each year for consideration. Appeals: A grant applicant may appeal the numerical scoring to the Secretary in writing within 10 days after applicant is notified of the scoring level. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no formula requirements. A 15 percent matching contribution will be required from the applicant. No matching is required for applicants requesting loans. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funds may be advanced monthly or as needed to reimburse disbursements for approved grant purposes. Applicants generally have three years to spend funds. Extensions may be granted. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: SF 269, "Financial Status Report," and project performance activity report required annually. Audits: For a grant recipient, an audit report is required for the years in which funds are received. For a loan recipient, an audit report is required annually until all RUS loans have been repaid. Records: Grantee will provide evidence that funds are expended for approved purposes. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1232-0-1-452. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $2,049,691; FY 06 est $54,410,012; and FY 07 est 25,000,000. (Loans) FY 05 $2,682,000; FY 06 est $25,000,000; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The minimum is $50,000. The maximum varies and is not to exceed the amount established by the RUS Administrator. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Please see the program website. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1703, subparts D through G. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Grant Application Guide - Fiscal Year 2005 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program Loan and Combination Loan-Grant Application Guide - Fiscal Year 2005. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1590, Room 5151, Washington, DC 20250 1590. Telephone number (202) 720 9554, Facsimile (202) 720 0810. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Depending on the type of financial assistance: interactive rural education networks, remote health care units linkups, computer terminals that are required for a distance learning or telemedicine system, video and audio equipment, site development and alteration of buildings, telecommunications transmission facilities, and other telemedicine or distance learning projects. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: See 7 CFR Part 1703, subparts D through G. 10.856 1890 LAND GRANT INSTITUTIONS RURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL OUTREACH PROGRAM (1890 REOD Initiative) FEDERAL AGENCY: BUSINESS AND COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: 7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)(4) and Executive Order 13256 (February 12, 2002), President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. OBJECTIVES: To encourage 1890 Institutions to provide technical assistance for business creation in economically challenged rural communities, to conduct educational programs that develop and improve upon the professional skills of rural entrepreneurs, and to provide outreach and promote USDA Rural Development programs in small rural communities with the greatest economic need. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments for Specified Use (Cooperative Agreements). USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Rural Development cooperative agreements with the 1890 Institutions must be used to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to undertake innovative, comprehensive, citizen led, long-term strategies for community and economic development. Only one application or proposal per 1890 institution per year will be accepted. Recognized outreach efforts to promote Rural Development programs in targeted underserved rural communities include, but are not limited to: (a) business startup and related technical assistance; seminars and workshops for small businesses; (b) development of management and technical assistance plans that: (1) assess small business alternatives to traditional agriculture; (2) assist in the development of business plans or loan packages, marketing, or bookkeeping; (3) assist and train small businesses in customer relations, product development, or business planning and development; (c) feasibility studies; (d) advice and recommendations regarding best practices in community economic development; (e) the conduct of seminars to stimulate business and economic development; and (f) developing computer technology outreach and establishing and maintaining a computer network system, linking community leaders and residents to available economic development information. Rural Development funds may be used to pay up to 75 percent of the costs for carrying out relevant projects. Applicants' contributions (matching 25 percent) may be in cash or in-kind contributions but must be from non-Federal funds. The applicant and assigned personnel must also have expertise and experience in providing the recommended assistance. Applicants should also have a previous record of successful implementation of similar projects and must have the expertise in the use of electronic network technologies and/or a business information system network website. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: 1890 Land Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University (1890 Institutions). Beneficiary Eligibility: The 1890 REOD Initiative is limited to residents located in a rural area as defined in 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13) with economic need. Location in an Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, Champion Community, Federally-recognized Tribal Indian groups or other Federally declared economic depressed or disaster area is sufficient evidence of economic need. Eligible beneficiaries must also be located in communities that show significant community support for the proposal. Preference will be given for projects that operate in a multi-county service area. See annual notice of funding availability for details. Credentials/Documentation: Eligible applicants are 1890 Land Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University. Eligible applicants must provide matching funds equal to at least 25 percent of the amount provided by Rural Development in the cooperative agreement. See annual notice of funding availability for details. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Applicants are encouraged to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants must follow the instructions given at "http://www.grants.gov" website. Applicants are advised to visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan to apply electronically to insure that they have obtained the proper authentication and have sufficient computer resources to complete the application. To obtain paper application instructions and all required forms, contact Rural Development--Cooperative Programs, USDA. The application forms and instructions may be requested via e-mail (edgar.lewis@wdc.usda.gov) and are also located on the Business and Cooperative Programs website noted later in this announcement. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. Application Procedure: Submit (1) Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance; (2) Form SF424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; (3) Form SF424B, Assurances--Non-construction Programs; (4) Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and other Responsibility Matters; (5) Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug Free Workplace Requirements (6) Form SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; and, (7) other information as requested by the annual Request For Proposals. See annual solicitation in the Federal Register for specific procedures. Award Procedure: The 1890s Institutions must submit their application to the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office where it will be reviewed and scored on a competitive basis as described in the annual solicitation for proposals. If selected for an award, the applicant must complete the objectives as defined in the approved proposal. Deadlines: Annual deadline as published in the Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 60 to 120 days after solicitation closes and application is filed with the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs. Appeals: Applicants may appeal any adverse decisions to the National Appeals Division. Renewals: This program is conducted annually and requires a new application and competition each year. Hence, renewals are not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Federal funds may be used to pay up to 75 percent of the costs for carrying out relevant projects. Applicants' contributions may be in cash or in-kind contributions and must be from non-Federal funds. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Matching funds must be spent in proportion to the spending of funds received from the cooperative agreement. All awards are for one year from the beginning of the performance period as specified in the terms and conditions of the agreement. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Progress reports must be submitted to Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office on a quarterly basis. A final report must be submitted to Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office within 90 days following the end of the performance period. All reports forwarded to Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office must also be forwarded to the Rural Development State Office. Upon request by Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office, the recipient will deliver manuscripts, videotapes, software, or other media, as may be identified in approved proposals. Recipients will deliver project outreach success stories and other project related information requested by Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office for use on the website. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular A-133. Those non-Federal entities exempt from Circular A-133 will be audited by the Rural Development State Office. Records: The recipient will maintain adequate records and accounts to assure that agreement funds are used for authorized purposes. Records will also be maintained by the Rural Development--Cooperative Programs National Office National Office and RD Budget Office according to USDA and Agency record-keeping requirements. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-0403-0-1-452. Obligations: Program funds are discretionary in nature and funding decisions are made during the third quarter of the fiscal year. Cooperative Agreements for technical assistance with 1890 Institutions totaled the following amounts in the year indicated: FY 05 $1,199,053; FY 06 est $1,500,000; and, FY 07 $1,500,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Cooperative Agreements awarded typically range from $75,000 to $150,000 and average $136,000. However, in FY 05 the maximum award was limited to $100,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, 15, 11 and 11 cooperative agreements were awarded to 1890 Institutions, respectively. Fiscal year 2003 funds provided entrepreneurship and information technology outreach and technical assistance to over 130 counties and 8-10 Empowerment Zones/Enterprise Communities and Champion Communities in 17 southern and southeastern States, in support of Rural Development mission of outreach to underserved rural communities. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3017; 7 CFR 3018; 7 CFR 3019; 7 CFR 3021; and, 7 CFR 3052. NOTE: Executive Order 13256 (February 12, 2002), President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Please see all details in the annual program notice of funding availability in the Federal Register. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact the appropriate RD State Office or check the website noted in this announcement. Email: CP Grants@wdc.usda.gov. Headquarters Office: Edgar L. Lewis, Rural Development 1890 Land Grant Outreach Manager, Cooperative Programs, Business and Cooperative Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 3252, Washington, DC 20250 3252. Telephone: (202) 690-3407. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/oa/1890.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Cooperative Agreement funds were used to fund outreach initiatives. |