EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Current funding is directed solely to the establishment of two diagnostic networks: one for plant diseases and pests and one for animal diseases and pests. Funding is not available under this section for research projects. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

In FY 2002, a panel of USDA scientists knowledgeable in the Nation's plant and animal disease diagnostic capability, recommended to the Secretary a plan of initiating a comprehensive national network of laboratories for the rapid detection and diagnosis of plant and animal diseases. The institutions selected by the panel for initial inclusion in the network were recommended using the following criteria: (1) Existing scientific capacity; (2) Existing laboratory capacity which could be modified to meet Biosafety Level 3 requirements; (3) Both animal and plant diagnostic capabilities; (4) Geographical location meeting one or more of the following requirements: located in are area with a high risk of disease/pest incursions; located in an area with high concentration of vulnerable agricultural activity; complements or supplements regional Federal laboratory activity or is in an area not effectively served by an existing Federal facility; (5) State-of-the-art communication and information technology systems. Must be capable of managing secure communications with other laboratories and central reporting unit; and 6) An effective outreach/extension system.

guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.

Award Procedure:

Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines:

Specific deadline dates are announced on the Agency's Web site and in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline.

Appeals:

None.

Renewals:

Requests for renewal support must be submitted as new proposals at the announced deadline, and are considered in equal competition wit other applications.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

As announced in the request for applications.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
From one to four years.

GRANTS PROGRAM)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES) AUTHORIZATION:

Section 1459 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended 7 U.S.C. 3292b. OBJECTIVES:

To support projects to: enhance the international content of curricula; ensure that faculty work beyond the U.S. and bring lessons learned back home; promote international research partnerships; enhance the use of application of foreign technologies in the U.S., and strengthen the role that colleges and universities play in maintaining U.S. competitiveness. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Funded projects will respond to specific needs and strengths of the university or college that will enable it to strengthen the global competence of students, faculty and staff in agriculture and related areas and enhance business performance in international agriculture and related sectors through extension, research and/or teaching programs. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility:

Applications may be submitted by colleges and universities and defined in section 1404 of NARETPA. The terms college and university mean an educational institution in any State which (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an education program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Colleges and universities; pubic or other nonprofit institutions. Credentials/Documentation:

None. The program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A87.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:
Preapplication Coordination:

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Quarterly financial reports. Annual progress reports. Final financial and final summary progress reports.

Audits:

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations." Records:

Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-1502-0-1-352.

Obligations:

(Grants) FY 05 $952,320; FY 06 $918,400; FY 07 est 950,400. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: None.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

None. This is a new program.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (implementing the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110); 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative: Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.

INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office:

None.

Headquarters Office:

International Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP 2203; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-2203; telephone: 202-720-3801. Web Site Address:

http://www.csrees.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research; 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.210, Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants; 10.216, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants; 10.219,

Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.226, Secondary and TwoYear Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

None.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Applications are evaluated based on four major criteria: 1) Overall Approach and Collaboration, which includes soundness of proposed approach, procedures, integration with existing programs and realistic time table, cooperation among the lead institution and other partner organizations and institutional commitment; and 2) Potential for Contributing to Internationalization which includes the extent of importance or impact of the project, expected products or results, an adequate evaluation plan, a dissemination plan, and continuation plans; 3) Personnel Resources; and Budget and Cost Effectiveness.

10.306 BIODIESEL

(BIODIESEL)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES) AUTHORIZATION:

Section 9002, Public Law 107-171, 7 U.S.C. 8104. OBJECTIVES:

To educate governmental and private entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities (as determined by the Secretary), and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

This funding is used for education and outreach activities. Program funds may not be used for renovation or refurbishment or research space; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition or construction of buildings or facilities. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:

Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations or institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)).

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)). Credentials/Documentation:

None.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.

Award Procedure:

Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the

proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines:

Specific deadline date is announced in the request for applications in the first fiscal year of the program.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline.

Appeals:

None.

Renewals:

Awards are made as continuation grants, and subsequent annual funding is

provided based on demonstrated progress.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
Same level of funding for five years.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Quarterly progress reports; annual and summary reports submitted to the
Current Research Information System.

Audits:

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations." Records:

Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-1500-0-1-352.

Obligations:

(Grants) FY 05 $960,000; FY 06 $0; FY 07 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

$190,000 and $770,000.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

To increase the use of biodiesel fuel nationally, to provide information about the benefits of using biodiesel, to provide consistent information about technical issues related to biodiesel use.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

7 CFR Part 1, subpart A USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. 7 CFR Part 3 USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A 129 regarding debt collection. 7 CFR Part 15, subpart A USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. 7 CFR Part 3015 USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A 21 and A 122) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301 6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law 95224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance. 7 CFR Part 3017 USDA implementation of Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants). 7 CFR Part 3018 USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. 7 CFR Part 3019 USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3052 USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A 133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non profit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3407 CSREES procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. 29 U.S.C. 794 (sec. 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part 15b (USDA implementation of statute) prohibiting discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs. 35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. Bayh Dole Act, controlling allocation of rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part 401). FR Vol 68, No. 189, September 30, 2003, pages 5613756143 (regulation); FR Vol. 68, No. 135, July 15, 2003, pages 4177041777 (request for applications). INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

None.

Headquarters Office:

Plant and Animal Systems, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; STOP 2220; Washington, DC 20250-2220; Telephone: (202) 401-5877.

Web Site Address:

http://www.csrees.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

America's Energy Future; National Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Within guidelines established for the program, demonstrated knowledge of biodiesel fuel production, use, or distribution; and demonstrated ability to conduct educational and technical support programs; relevance of proposed project to current and future issues, reasonableness of the proposed project, and technical quality of the proposed project.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The Integrated Organic Program is particularly interested in proposed projects that emphasize research and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning and ecosystem integration. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers.

(ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES) AUTHORIZATION:

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Section 7218, as amended; The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 1672B, 7 U.S.C. 5925b).

OBJECTIVES:

Facilitate the development of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods. Functionally identify soil microbial communities and ways to manage microbial dynamics to enhance nutrient cycling and disease. suppression; Develop systemic approaches to weed, insect and disease management; Prevent, control, and treat internal and external parasites in various livestock species; and Breed crops for disease and insect resistance, good yield in a biologically diverse system, compatibility with intercrops, good response to organic fertility sources, horizontal resistance (traits determined by multiple genes). Evaluate the potential economic benefits to producers and processors who use organic methods. Analyze potential economic costs, returns and risks of organic production systems; Use environmental valuation tools to quantify externalities of producing food, and compare externalities of producing organic and conventional food; Analyze price and market structures, including ability of small, medium-, and large-scale growers to access different markets, in order to frame policies that minimize concentration within the industry; and Analyze marketing channels to document how organic food is distributed, what share of the organic food dollar is returned to the farmer, and the implications of large-scale manufacturers entering the organic market. Explore international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities. Compare compatibility of certification standards used in different parts of the world, with the ultimate goal of harmonization and reciprocity; Undertake marketing studies of international consumer demand for U.S. produced organic goods; and Perform Welfare analyses (quantified gains and losses for producers and consumers) of trade policies affecting international competitiveness, including implementation of the National Organic Program, domestic support programs such as the Conservation Security Act, country of origin labeling, GMO labeling, etc. Determine desirable traits for organic commodities. Examine relationships between nutrients in the soil and nutrients in the food grown on that soil, including long-term soil nutrient and crop nutrient profiles under conventional and organic management; Perform comparisons of nutrient levels between organic and conventional crops and relationship, if any, between taste and nutrient profile; Investigate the role of post-harvest handling and treatment in the maintenance of quality in fresh market organic products; and Determine the reasons for consumer preferences for organic goods. Identify marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture. Analyze opportunities and constraints to organic agriculture resulting from provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002; Investigate specific barriers to markets, such as scale-based regulations that restrict family farm access to processors and/or markets; Study negative lender perception of organic farming and ways to change this; and Analyze regulatory barriers, such as lack of access to Federal farm programs, and developing solutions to these challenges. Conduct advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions. (Note: Many topics from other goal areas can be conducted on working farms.) Develop rigorous on-farm systems research designs; and Conduct long-term, interdisciplinary systems research.

on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program (http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop) for organic production standards.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:

Applications may be submitted by State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. For both ORG and OREI, all award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Beneficiary Eligibility:

State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. Credentials/Documentation:

Curricula vitae for all project directors and sub-contractors. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.

Award Procedure:

Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines:

applications must be received 60 days after publication of the Request for Applications.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline.

Appeals:

Not applicable. Renewals:

Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements:

If a grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity,
the grant recipient is required to match the USDA funds awarded on a
dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and/or in-kind
contributions. CSREES may waive the matching funds requirement for a
grant if CSREES determines that: (1) the results of the project, while of
particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be
applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (2) the project
involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically
important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the
matching funds requirement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:
None.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Grantees must submit Annual Progress Reports to CSREES that detail
progress toward achieving goals and objectives of the project and a Final
Performance Report that includes a brief project impact statement written
in lay language. These reports should be succinct and no longer than five
(5) pages, single-spaced, using 12-point font. They should include the
following information about the project: (1) basic information (i.e., project
title, name(s) of PD(s), award number, and reporting period); (2) a
description of the stakeholder needs identified, problems addressed, and

results of the project (including publications); (3) plans for the upcoming year; and (4) a description of subaward activity, including the process used to select recipients. Any students who work on a project should be listed in the project reports (i.e., report graduate degrees awarded and under graduates trained, as applicable). A budget summary should be attached to each report to provide an overview of all monies spent during the reporting period. Grantees also are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via CSREES. Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS is an electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.

Audits:

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations." Records:

Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-1502-0-1-352.

Obligations:

(Grants) FY 05 $2,880,000; FY 06 $2,862,000; FY 07 est $2,862,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

None. This is a new program.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Not applicable.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

None.

Headquarters Office:

Plant and Animal Systems, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; STOP 2220; Washington, DC 20250-2220. Telephone: (202) 401-3356.

Web Site Address:

http://www.csrees.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

None.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications submitted in response to this RFA: Proposal Relevance (50%): (a) Documented need. Application includes documentation substantiating that project is directed to current and likely future potential problems/challenges in organic agriculture; (b) Stakeholder involvement; (c) Potential for project to contribute to profitable and sustainable organic production or marketing systems; (d) Importance of the commodity or production system or importance of marketing constraints and resulting impacts on the production system; (e) Potential for project to make a difference, to have an impact; (f) Potential for project to contribute to long-term improvement and sustainability of organic agriculture and (g) Feasibility, probability of success. Proposal Quality (50%): (a) Conceptual adequacy. Application clearly states objectives which are potentially attainable within project time, scope and budget; (b) Design. The application's methodology and analytical approach are appropriate to project objectives; (c) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise; (d) Experience of key project personnel; (e) Appropriateness of budget; and (f) Adherence to guidelines.

10.308 RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREA ACTIVITIES

AUTHORIZATION:

Section 1491 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002,
Public Law 107-171, 7 U.S.C. 3363.
OBJECTIVES:

(a) In General. -The Secretary of Agriculture shall make competitive grants to eligible institutions to- (1) strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to identified State, regional, national, or international education needs in the food and agricultural sciences; (2) attract and support undergraduate and graduate students in order to educate them in identified areas of national need in the food and agriculture sciences; 3) facilitate cooperative initiatives between two or more insular area eligible institutions, or between those institutions and units of State Government or organizations in the private sector, to maximize the development and use of resources such as faculty, facilities, and equipment to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs; and 4) conduct undergraduate scholarship programs to assist in meeting national needs for training food and agricultural scientists. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
None.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility:

The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that each eligible institution, prior to receiving grant funds under subsection (a), shall have a significant demonstrable commitment to higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences and to each specific subject area for which grant funds under this section are to be used. (2) The Secretary of Agriculture may require that any grant awarded under this section contain provisions that require funds to be targeted to meet the needs identified in section 1402. Beneficiary Eligibility:

The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that each eligible institution, prior to receiving grant funds under subsection (a), shall have a significant demonstrable commitment to higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences and to each specific subject area for which grant funds under this section are to be used. (2) The Secretary of Agriculture may require that any grant awarded under this section contain provisions that require funds to be targeted to meet the needs identified in section 1402. Credentials/Documentation:

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:

Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.

Award Procedure:

Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines:

Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline.

Appeals:

None. Renewals:

Reports: None.

Audits:

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations." Records:

Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-1500-0-1-352.

Obligations:

(Grants) FY 05 $476,160; FY 06 $469,100; FY 07 est $475,200. Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

None.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

This program is designed to enhance teaching programs in extension programs in food and agricultural sciences that are located in the insular areas of the Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. Funds may be used that enhance programs in agriculture, natural resources, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics, and disciplines closely allied to the food and agriculture production and delivery systems.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

None.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

None.

Headquarters Office:

Science and Education Resources Development (SERD) Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service(CSREES), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2250.

Web Site Address:

www.csrees.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

None.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: None.

10.350 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO COOPERATIVES FEDERAL AGENCY:

RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT

OFAGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926, 7 U.S.C. 451-457; Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

OBJECTIVES:

To develop and administer research, technical assistance, statistical, and educational programs on finances, organization, management, legal, social, and economic aspects of rural cooperatives, focusing on farmer cooperatives.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Provision of Specialized Services; Advisory Services and Counseling;
Training; Dissemination of Technical Information.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Services are limited to rural residents, including groups interested in

forming cooperatives and established rural cooperatives. Publications are available to anyone.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:

Farmer and rural cooperatives and groups of rural residents interested in forming cooperatives, Native Americans, and rural residents in all U.S. Territories.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

Beneficiary Eligibility: Farmer/Rancher/Agriculture Producer; Rural

residents.

Credentials/Documentation:

Requests for technical assistance by an established cooperative should come from the cooperative board of directors. Requests for assistance in forming a cooperative should be made in writing from a steering committee on behalf of the interested rural group. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination:

None. Consultation or assistance is available from the State Office or National Office to aid in preparing the request for assistance. Initial e-mail inquiries may be sent to Coopinfo@usda.gov. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:

A formal letter requesting assistance and including a description of the problem or nature of request is required. Send letters to either the National Office--Letter to the Deputy Administrator for Cooperative Services, Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) or State Rural Development Office--Letter to the State Director, Rural Development. Requests made to the State Office may be forwarded to the National Office. Appropriate addresses may be found at the Web site shown later in this program description.

Award Procedure:

RBS considers all requests. Deadlines:

None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Requests are usually acted upon within 10 days following receipt at the National or State Offices.

Appeals:

Requests denied by the State Office may be appealed to the National Office.

Renewals:

If clients need additional assistance following formal closure of Federal assistance, a new request must be submitted. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements:

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Varies depending on the nature of the request or complexity of problem. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:

On a periodic basis, RBS will request key persons representing the client to evaluate the assistance received.

Audits:

In accordance with the provisions of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003). "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. NonFederal entities that expend less than $500,000 per year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:

None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1900-0-1-452.

Obligations:

Not separately identifiable.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Cooperative Services provides research, technical assistance, education and advisory services, and publication materials to rural and farmer cooperatives and to groups interested in organizing cooperatives. National Office and State Office staffs coordinate activities and responsibilities to best serve clients. Assistance to cooperatives was authorized by the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 and is available as part of the rural economic development efforts within the USDA.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Many publications related to farmer and rural cooperatives are available via the World Wide Web at the indicated Web Site or through USDA.gov. INFORMATION CONTACTS: