Self Help Housing Land Development Loans; 10.415, Rural Rental Housing Loans; 10.417, Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants; 10.433, Rural Housing Preservation Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.443 OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS FEDERAL AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OF OUTREACH AUTHORIZATION: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 2501, Public Law 101-624, 7 U.S.C. 2279. OBJECTIVES: To reverse the decline of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers across the United States. The intended outcome is to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate their own farms and ranches, participate in agricultural programs, and thus allow them to become an integral part of the agricultural community and strengthen the rural economy. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: To provide outreach, training and technical assistance to socially 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, including Tuskegee University, Indian Tribal Community Colleges, Alaska Native cooperative colleges, Hispanic serving post-secondary educational institutions, other post-secondary educational institutions providing Agricultural education or other agriculturally-related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in their region and community-based organizations that: (1) Have demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in their region; (2) provides documentary evidence of its past experience in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers during the 2 years preceding its application for assistance; and (3) does not engage in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Beneficiary Eligibility: A farmer or rancher who is a member of one or more of the following groups whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. Groups include, but are not limited to, AfricanAmericans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. The Secretary of Agriculture will determine on a case-bycase basis whether additional groups qualify under this definition, either at the Secretary's initiative or in response to a written request with supporting explanation. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must have the financial, legal, administrative, and operational capacity to carry out the objectives of the program by having experience in agriculture. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-122 "Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations" and OMB Circular No. A-21, "Cost Principles for Educational Institutions" as implemented by USDA regulation 7 CFR part 3019. Community-based organizations should provide a current certification of non-profit status in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Notice of fund availability and request for proposals will be published in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposals should be submitted as outlined in the solicitation of proposals/applications. Application procedures are contained in the 2501 Program Application booklet. This program is subject to the Administrative procedures of 7 CFR Part 26. Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by the 2501 Program staff members with the assistance and advice of a review panel of appropriate persons that are specialists who are qualified by training and experience in the fields covered by the proposals. Proposals are ranked and recommended in order of merit and funded to the extent permitted by available funds. Final approval for those proposals selected will be made by the Awarding Official. Deadlines: Dates governing the acceptance, review, and selection of projects will be published in the Federal Register Notice or other applicable publication announcing the request for proposals. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline. Appeals: As stipulated in OMB Circular No. A-110, Uniform Administrative None. Applicants that have previously received a grant, and have achieved the goals established for the previous grant, must reapply for an additional grant under the initial grant procedures. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants can be awarded from one to five years as stipulated by the current request for proposals notification published in the Federal Register. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Quarterly financial and program performance/progress reports are due within 30 days after the reporting period. A final financial and performance/progress report is required within 90 days of the expiration of each agreement, which shall include an evaluation of the activities under the Agreement since the inception of the Project. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," which implement OMB 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 program-specific 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 7 CFR 3052. 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: 12-0601-0-1-351. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $5,592,539; FY 06 est $0; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: FY 2001, 27 recipients - $62,941 to $550,000, average was approximately $225,000; and FY 2002, 30 recipients - $66,437 to $276,822, average was approximately $200,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The 27 recipients serviced 22 States and 394 counties by providing assistance to more than 8,686 farmers and ranchers. These efforts have provided outreach to more than 107,566 rural constituents. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 26, "Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program; and 2501 Program Application Booklet. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact appropriate USDA State Office listed in Appendix IV of Catalog. Headquarters Office: Department of Agriculture, USDA Office of Outreach, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., AG STOP 1710, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202)720-6350. Fax: (202) 720-7489. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/agency/outreach. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.224, Fund for Rural America_Research, Education, and Extension Activities; 10.350, Technical Assistance to Cooperatives; 10.450, Crop Insurance; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.960, Technical Agricultural Assistance. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Under the current funded projects, the grantees proposed a one-year plan for outreach and technical assistance to encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own and operate farms and ranches and to participate in agricultural programs. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Prior to technical examination, a preliminary review will be made for responsiveness to the solicitation. Proposals that do not fall within the solicitation guidelines will be eliminated from competition. All accepted proposals will be reviewed by a review panel. In evaluating the proposal, the following will be taken into account to the degree to which the proposal demonstrates the following: (1)degree to which the proposal clearly describes its objective and evidences a high level of feasibility and consistency with USDA policy and the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers objectives; (2) degree to which the institution or organization is committed to the project, as shown by funds, in-kind services, or historical success in meeting the objectives of the program; (3) degree to which the proposal reflects collaborative approaches in meeting with other agencies or organizations to enhance the objectives of the program. Also, the areas and number of farmers who would benefit from the services offered; (4) degree to which the proposal contains efforts to reach persons identified as socially disadvantaged and farmers in designated socially disadvantage counties; and (5)degree to which the proposal reflects special innovative features to attract, interest, and improve the economical and social conditions of the farmer and/or rancher. 10.444 DIRECT HOUSING-NATURAL DIS AS TER LOANS AND GRANTS (SECTION 504, Rural Housing Loans and Grants) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING PROGRAMS (RHP), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Housing Act of 1949, Title V, Section 504, as amended, Public Laws 89117, 89-754, and 92-310, 42 U.S.C. 1474; Public Law 104-134. OBJECTIVES: To assist qualified recipients to meet emergency assistance needs resulting from natural disaster. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For the purpose of administering these funds, natural disaster will only include those counties identified by a Presidential declaration. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans; Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: To assist very-low income owner-occupants to repair or replace damaged property as a direct result of a natural disaster. Loans are made in counties named by the Federal Management Agency as being eligible for Federal assistance under an emergency declaration by the President. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must own and occupy the home in a rural area. Loan recipients must have sufficient income to repay the loan. Grant recipients must be 62 years of age or older and be unable to repay a loan for that part of the assistance received as a grant. The applicant's income for a loan may not exceed the very low-income limit which can be obtained in any Rural Development (RD) field office. Beneficiary Eligibility: Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries when they meet all eligibility criteria. Credentials/Documentation: Natural disasters will only include those areas identified by a Presidential declaration. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Applicants must establish that physical damage was caused by natural disaster. For Section 504 loans/grants, there must be evidence of ownership and verification of income and debts. For grant recipients, evidence of age is required. The applicant must be unable to get credit elsewhere and demonstrate repayment for the loan. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Applicants must file Form RD 410-4 at the Rural Development field office serving the county where the dwelling is located. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Final approval of the application is given by the Community Development Manager. Deadlines: Applicants must file applications from the date of declaration/designation and until supplemental appropriated funds are exhausted. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 30 to 60 days subject to the availability of funds, from the time the application is filed if no backlog of applications exist. Appeals: Applicants may request reconsideration at the local RD field office and may appeal adverse actions in accordance with 7 CFR Part 11. Appeals may be filed within 30 days after notification of the adverse decision is received by the loan/grant applicants. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: This program has no matching requirement or statutory formula. These funds are available only if the Supplemental Emergency Funding for POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: None. Records: Borrowers are not required to, but should retain copies of loan/grant related documents. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: (Loans) 12-2081-0-1-371; 12-4215-0-3-371. (Grants) 12-1953-0-1-999. Obligations: (Loans) FY 05 $2,000,000 includes carrryover from prior years); FY 06 est $3,100,000; and FY 07 est $0. (Grants) FY 05 $5,800,000; FY 06 est $38,000; and FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: FY 05 average (Loans) $6,167; (Grants) $5,241. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2005, the number of existing houses improved through Section 504 Natural Disaster Loans and Grants was 1,322. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 3550. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory under United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development field office number. If no listing, contact appropriate RD State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. Headquarters Office: Director, Single Family Processing Division, Rural Housing Programs (RHP), Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1474. Use the same number for FTS. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.410, Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.445 DIRECT HOUSING-NATURAL DIS AS TER (Section 502 Very Low and Low Income Loans) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL DEVELOPMENT, RURAL HOUSING PROGRAMS (RHP), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Housing Act of 1949, Title V, Section 502, as amended, Public Law 89117, 42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq; Public Law 92-310, 42 U.S.C. 1480, 42 U.S.C. 1472; Public Law 98-51; Public Law 100- 233; Amendment of Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of 1987, Section 601. OBJECTIVES: To assist qualified lower income rural families to meet emergency assistance needs resulting from natural disaster to buy, build, rehabilitate, or improve dwellings in rural areas. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For the purpose of administering these funds, natural disaster will only include those areas identified by a Presidential declaration. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Direct loans may be used for construction, repair, or purchase of housing. Payment subsidy is available to eligible low and very low-income applicants. The term payment subsidy refers to either payment assistance or interest credit. A payment subsidy reduces the borrower's scheduled payment to an amount equal to what it would be if the note were amortized to as low as one percent. Payment subsidies are subject to recapture by the government when the borrower transfers title or ceases to occupy the property. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must be without adequate resources to obtain housing or related facilities. Applicants must be unable to secure the necessary credit from other sources at prevailing terms and conditions for residential financing. Beneficiary Eligibility: Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries when they meet all eligibility criteria. Credentials/Documentation: Natural disasters will only include those areas identified by a Presidential declaration. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Applicants must establish that physical damage was caused by natural disaster. An applicant needs to submit evidence of inability to obtain credit elsewhere, verification of income and debts, plans, specifications, and cost estimates. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Applicants must file Form RD 410-4 at the Rural Development field office serving the county where the dwelling is located. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Final approval of the application is approved by the Community Development Manager. Deadlines: Applicants must file applications from the date of declaration/designation and until supplemental appropriated funds are exhausted. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 30 to 60 days subject to the availability of funds, from the time the application is filed if no backlog of applications exists. Appeals: Applicants may request reconsideration at the local Rural Development field office or may appeal adverse actions in accordance with RD Instruction appeal procedure. Appeals may be filed within 30 days after notification of the adverse decision is received by the loan applicant. Renewals: Applicants may reapply at any time. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no matching requirement or statutory formula. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: These funds are available only until the Supplemental Emergency Funding for Natural Disaster are exhausted. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: None. Audits: None. Records: Borrowers are not required to, but should retain copies of loan related documents. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2081-0-1-371; 12-4215-0-3-371. Obligations: (Loans) FY 05 $0; FY 06 est $1,800,000 million; and FY 07 est $0. Note: Funds under this program are based on supplemental funding provided by Congress in response to a natural disaster. No funding legislation has been provided for fiscal year 2006. Hurricane Emergency Supplemental funds are not included in the projected amounts. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: (Loans) $0. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2005, no houses were financed through the Section 502 Direct Loan (Natural Disaster) Program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3550. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory under United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development field office number. If no listing, contact appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. Headquarters Office: Director, Single Family Processing Division, Rural Housing Programs (RHP), Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1474. Use the same number for FTS. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.405, Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants; 10.411, Rural Housing Site Loans and Self Help Housing Land Development Loans; 10.417, Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants; 10.420, Rural Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.446 RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and OBJECTIVES: To develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low income rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, community and economic development projects in rural areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be used for but are not limited to (a) training sub-grantees to conduct a program on homeownership education; (b) training sub- grantees to conduct a program for minority business entrepreneurs; (c) providing technical assistance to subgrantees on how to effectively prepare a strategic plan; (d) provide technical assistance to sub- grantees on how to access alternative funding sources; (e) building organizational capacity through board training; (f) developing training tools, such as videos, workbooks, and reference guides to be used by the sub-grantee; (g) providing technical assistance and training on how to develop successful child care facilities; and (h) providing training on effective fundraising techniques. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be made to a legally qualified private or public (including tribal) organization that provides technical assistance to nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low income rural communities. The grantee must provide a program of technical assistance to the sub-grantee. The grantee must have been legally organized for a minimum of three years prior experience working with nonprofit organizations or lowincome rural communities in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Assistance is authorized for eligible applicants in rural areas of the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palaw, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Beneficiary Eligibility: Subgrantees must be legally organized private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, low income rural communities, and Federally recognized Indian Tribes. Credentials/Documentation: Have the legal, financial, administrative, and operational capacity relative to the activity for which assistance is requested. Have necessary background and experience with proven ability to perform responsibly in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Have the ability to work within established guidelines. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: A complete application for RCDI funds must include the following: (a) a summary page; (b) a detailed table of contents containing page numbers for each component of the application; (c) a project overview, (d) the evaluation criteria; (e) a separate one-page information sheet listing each of the evaluation criteria followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the application which supports these criteria; (f) a breakdown of specific time increments and steps to accomplish goals; (g) a detailed breakdown of estimated costs and a project budget; (h) organizational documents for the grantee; (i) Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance; (j) Form SF-424B, Assurances - NonConstruction Programs; (k) Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions; (1) Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions; (m) Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; (n) Certification of Non- Lobbying Activities; (0) Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; (p) Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement; and (q) report any association or relationship with Rural Development employees. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Application procedures will be announced in the Federal Register and on the Grants.gov web site. Award Procedure: Award is made by the Administrator, Housing and Community Facilities Programs. Deadlines: Announced in Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: As required, 90 days to 120 days. Appeals: If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are fully stated. The applicant may request a review of the decision from the National Appeals Division, USDA. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: The grantee must provide matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant in the form of cash or committed funding. (No in-kind contributions.) Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Proposals must be structured to utilize the Rural Community Development Initiative grant funds within 3 years from the execution of the Rural Community Development Initiative grant agreement. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: The grantee will perform self-evaluations by preparing quarterly financial and project performance reports in accordance with the grant agreement for RCDI. Audits: Periodic audits should be made as part of the grantee's system of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of the grant. In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive 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 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: The borrower must maintain adequate records and accounts related to the technical assistance performed. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2081-0-1-371; 12-4215-0-3-371. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $6,600,000; FY 06 est $6,000,000; and FY 07 est Range and Average of Financial Assistance: In fiscal year 2005, 31 grants were made. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Regulations 7 CFR 3015, 7 CFR 3016, 7 CFR 3019, 7 CFR 3052; H.R. 5426 Guidelines announced in NOFA, published in the Federal Register. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory for Rural Development field office numbers. If no listing, contact the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Community Programs, Housing and Community Facilities Programs, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 202503222. Telephone: (202) 720-1490. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Grants were made to (a) hire a staff person to provide technical assistance to the sub-grantee; (b) the sub-grantee organization hires a staff person, under the supervision of the grantee, to carry out the technical assistance; (c) develop the capacity of sub-grantees to conduct community development programs; (d) develop the capacity of sub-grantees to conduct home-ownership education programs; and (e) develop the capacity of subgrantees to conduct training for minority business entrepreneurs. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Factors considered for project selection include but are not limited to median household income, rural population, and points for evaluation criteria. 10.449 BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION LOAN PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Public Law 104- 180, 7 U.S.C. 1989. OBJECTIVES: To assist producers and State governmental agencies to eradicate boll weevils from the United States. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may be used to purchase or lease supplies and equipment, to pay entity operating expenses and to pay salaries and benefits. Loan funds may not be used to pay for lobbying, public relations, or related activities. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Applicants may be determined eligible if the organization: (a) Meets the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cost-sharing requirements; (b) possesses a legal nonprofit corporate authority; (c) possesses the legal authority to enter into a contract; (d) operates in an area approved by a majority of cotton producers via referendum; (e) is unable to obtain funds elsewhere; and (f) may pledge producer assets as loan collateral. Beneficiary Eligibility: The beneficiaries of this program include the local boll weevil organization and agricultural community as well as local, State, and national governments. Credentials/Documentation: All applicants must be nonprofit entities, authorized to operate under the appropriate State law and for the specific purpose of eradicating boll weevils from the nation's agricultural community. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Applicants are eligible for loan consideration after pre-approved funding is established by APHIS. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Complete applications will be accepted by the National Office accompanied by documentation showing the entity's authority to borrow and the operation's ability to make the scheduled loan payment(s). Award Procedure: Loans will be written within specific credit guidelines as well as within the borrowing entity's documented ability to repay the loan. Deadlines: Initial loan request should be reviewed with APHIS prior to the funding year with a complete loan package submitted to FSA 90 days prior to the anticipated disbursal of funds. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Agency credit decisions will generally be issued within 60 days of the receipt of a complete loan package. Appeals: None. Renewals: Boll weevil loans are term loans based upon certain procedural and program criteria. Although loans are not renewed, additional loan requests may be submitted by each entity for consideration. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: While there are eligibility requirements, there are no formula or matching fund requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Loans can be applied for at anytime during the year. The loan term varies anywhere from one to seven years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Profit and loss statements may be required monthly, but are always required quarterly and annually. Income and expense deviations in excess of ten percent must be reported immediately. Audits: Audited financial statements and profit and loss statements will be annually submitted for review and analysis. Records: Detailed records will be maintained by each entity in the respective offices. These same records will be made available to the Agency for review upon demand. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1140-0-1-351. Obligations: (Interest Free Loan) FY 05 $83,070,000; FY 06 est $100,000,000; and FY 07 est $59,400,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Loans for fiscal year 2001 ranged in size between $1,000,000 and $46,000,000. The median loan would total approximately $7,000,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The FSA Boll Weevil Eradication program is in its third year. Loans have been made or are in the process of being made in most all cotton producing States. Although the eradication of the boll weevil is difficult, where implemented, the program is highly successful. Full implementation is anticipated within the next five years and general eradication accomplished within the next decade. Maintenance programs will be required perpetually. In fiscal year 2001, 11 boll weevil loans were made; in fiscal year 2002, 13 boll weevil loans were made. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: The Federal regulations are found at 7 CFR Part 1941, Subpart C. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Funds Management Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0522, Room 5438 SO/AGRIB, Washington, DC 20250-0522. Telephone: (202) 720-1632. Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Tennessee Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The criteria for selecting applications are based upon area boll weevil infestation, APHIS recommendation, individual State and Charter authority, and the ability of the entity to repay the loan. 10.450 CROP INSURANCE FEDERAL AGENCY: RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1501-1520, Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, Title V, 52 Stat. 31; Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980, as amended, Public Law 101-624; Federal Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-354; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127; Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, Public Law 105-185; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999, Public Law 105-277; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2000, Public Law 106-78; Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000, Public Law 106-224; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2001, Public Law 106-387; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2002, Public Law 107-76. OBJECTIVES: To promote the national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a sound system of crop insurance and providing the means for the research and experience helpful in devising and establishing such insurance. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is a wholly-owned government corporation created February 16, 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1501.) The program was amended by Public Law 96-365, dated September 26, 1980, to provide for nationwide expansion of a comprehensive crop insurance plan. The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L.104127) required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an independent office for supervision of the FCIC. FCIC is administered by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), and promotes the national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a secure system of crop insurance. In recent years, RMA has seen dramatic changes in the network of Federal programs designed to give producers a meaningful "safety net" against adversity. The President enacted emergency |