obtaining an application package. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office:

RMA has ten Regional Offices serving potential applicants. A listing may be obtained from the RMA web site or RMA Headquarters.

Headquarters Office:

Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency, Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Stop 0805, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-2686. email: http://www.rma.usda.gov.

Web Site Address:

http://www.rma.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

A complete listing of projects funded under this program is provided on the RMA web site, or may be obtained by contacting RMA Headquarters. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Criteria used by the application review panel for recommending awards are listed in the Request for Applications.

applicants submit proposals according to published guidelines (generally in the Federal Register). Objectives will vary for the research proposals solicited and funded each year. Application procedures and guidelines may change each year. See the yearly Request for Applications (RFA) for specific guidelines.

Award Procedure:

Project funds for successful applicants are awarded to recipients based upon a merit review (panel) of all applications that meet the objectives outlined in the RFA announcement. The evaluation of each application will be conducted by a panel of not less than three independent reviewers. The panel will be comprised of representatives from USDA, other federal agencies, and others representing public and private organizations, as needed. The panel will examine and score applications based on the evaluation criteria and weights contained in the RFA. After assigning points based upon the evaluation criteria and weights, recommended applications will be listed in rank order and presented, along with funding level recommendations, to the Manager of FCIC, who will make the final selection andA.

Deadlines:

As specified in the RFA.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

From 30 180 days as specified in the RFA.

FEDERAL AGENCY:

THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION (FCIC),

OPERATING THROUGH THE RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY (RMA), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Federal Crop Insurance Act, 7 U.S.C. 1501, et. seq.), Section 522(d); Agricultural Market Transition Act, 7 U.S.C. 7333.

OBJECTIVES:

To develop risk management tools (risk management tools do not include insurance products, plans of insurances, policies, modifications thereof or any related material) for the U. S. agriculture producers with an emphasis on specialty crop(s) producers, livestock producers, rangeland producers and producers of underserved commodities currently covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 733). TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements). USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The availability of research partnership monies (variable) is announced on a yearly basis. The partnership agreements are for the development of non- insurance risk management tools for use directly by agricultural producers. Each partnership agreement recipient must demonstrate nonfinancial benefits from the partnership agreement and the partner must agree to substantial involvement of RMA in the project. Indirect costs must be limited to ten percent of the total direct costs. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:

Proposals are invited from all qualified public and private entities. Eligible applicants include all colleges and universities, Federal, State, local government agencies, Native American Tribal Organizations, nonprofit and for-profit private organizations or corporations, and other entities. Individuals are not eligible applicants.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

The research partnerships will result in the development of non-insurance risk management tools to be utilized by agricultural producers to assist them in mitigating the risks inherent in agricultural production. Credentials/Documentation:

Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based on its status as an eligible entity, other facts may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal assistance under this program (e.g., debarment and suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination of a violation of applicable ethical standards).

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

None. This program is excluded under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure:

This program is subject (as applicable) to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21, A-87, A-102, A-110, A-122, A-133 and FAR, part 31. Eligible

Not applicable.

Renewals:

Renewal possible depending upon agency review and needs. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

This program has no statutory formula other than the general yearly funding availability established under section 522(e)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act. This program has no matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Each approved project will be funded for a period of up to three years for the activities described in the RFA. Projects can also be in two parts with the first part including the research and feasibility studies and the second part including the development, implementation, delivery and maintenance of the non-insurance risk management tool. If the development of the tool is determined not to be feasible, the partnership may be terminated by RMA after completion of the first part, with funding reduced accordingly. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports:

All partnership recipients will submit progress and financial reports throughout the project period as specified in the partnership agreement as well as a final program and financial report not later than 90 days after the end of the mutually agreed upon project period.

Audits:

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, non-federal 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 OMB Circular No. A-123.

Records:

Financial records, supporting documentation, statistical records and all other records pertinent to the partnership agreement must be retained for a period of at least 3 years after closing.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification: 12-4085-0-3-351.

Obligations:

(Partnerships) FY 2005 $8,200,000; FY 2006 $4,000,000; and FY 2007 est $4,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

FY 02 Range: ($153,450 - $2,629,673); Average: $610,783/FY 03 Range: ($143,288 -$2,328,519); Average: $584,950/FY 04 Range: ($127,190 $743,050); Average: $425,729/FY 05 Range: ($99,338 - $1,023,038); Average: $411,912.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

RMA (FCIC) is cooperating via partnership activity in the development of a variety of risk management tools ranging from the development of labor cooperatives to early frost production systems. For example, RMA (FCIC) funded 15 partnerships in FY02, 18 partnerships in FY 03, 12 partnerships

in FY 04 and 20 partnerships in FY05. A complete listing of the funded partnerships may be found on the RMA website under "News Archives". For an example, visit

http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/2004/10/04/r&dtable.html.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Information concerning the Risk Management Agency and associated publications can be obtained using the public website at:

http://www.rma.usda.gov.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

Risk Management Agency, Stop 0813, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64133-4676. Telephone: (816) 926-6343. Fax: (816) 926-7343. Email: www.RMARED.Applications@rma.usda.gov.

Headquarters Office:

None.

Web Site Address:

http://www.rma.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

10.455, Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program; 10.457, Commodity Partnerships for Risk Management Education; 10.458, Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States; 10.459, Commodity Partnerships for Small Agricultural Risk Management Education Sessions. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

FY 03: http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/2003/10/03rdtable.html. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Evaluation criteria are specified in the Request for Application.

10.457 COMMODITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR RISK

MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

(Commodity Partnerships)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY (RMA), DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended. 7 U.S.C. 1522(d). OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this partnership agreement program is to deliver training and information in the management of production, marketing, and financial risk to U.S. agricultural producers, with a priority to producers of crops not insurable with federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Entities receiving funding will use funds to (a) plan a local program of risk management education for agricultural producers, (b) develop and assemble instructional materials, (c) promote awareness for risk management and educational opportunities, (d) deliver educational activities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals, and (e) document project activities. Applicants may propose additional uses of funds that meet the objectives of the program. RMA will be substantially involved in the management and direction of the project. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this program will be limited to ten percent of total direct costs of the partnership agreement. Funds may not be used to (a) plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility including a processing facility; (b) purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment; (c) repair or maintain privately owned vehicles; (d) pay the for preparation of the partnership agreement application; (e) fund political activities; (f) pay costs incurred prior to receiving a partnership agreement (g) pay for alcohol, food, beverage, or entertainment; or (h) fund any activity prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as applicable. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include State departments of agriculture, universities, non-profit agricultural organizations, and other public or private organizations with the capacity to lead a local program of risk management education for farmers and ranchers in an RMA Region. Individuals are not eligible applicants. Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based on its status as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an applicant from receiving federal assistance under this program (e.g. debarment and suspension; a determination of

non-performance on a prior contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination of a violation of applicable ethical standards). Beneficiary Eligibility:

The ultimate beneficiaries of this education program are agricultural producers, with a priority for producers of crops not insurable by Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities. Applicants receiving awards will ensure that such producers receive effective risk management education and information either directly or through agribusiness professionals that can impart risk management information to producers.

Credentials/Documentation:

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver risk management education and information programs to producers in the written narratives and statements of work that accompany applications. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

No preapplication coordination with governmental or nongovernmental units is required prior to the submission of a formal application. This program is excluded under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:

Eligible applicants must complete and submit a valid application to RMA Headquarters by the application deadline. Requirements for a complete application package and the application deadline are set forth in the Request for Applications. Eligible applicants will also be able to apply electronically using www.Grants.gov.

Award Procedure:

Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First, each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that it meets the requirements listed in the Request for Applications announcement. Second, a review panel will consider the merits of all applications that meet the requirements in the announcement. The panel will examine and score applications based on the evaluation criteria contained in the Request for Applications. Other review panel information is provided in the Request for Applications announcement. Following its review, the panel will report to the Manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) with a listing of the recommended applicants to receive partnership agreements. The Manager of FCIC will make the final determination on applications that will be awarded funding.

Deadlines:

The application due date is indicated in the Request for Applications notice and www.Grants.gov.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Generally from 30 to 90 days from the deadline listed in the Request for Applications.

Appeals:

No provision is provided in this program for an appeal. Renewals:

No provision is provided in this program for a renewal. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

The Request for Applications contains specifics on the limits of funding availability for individual projects. Although RMA prefers matching funds, this program has no matching requirement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Funding will normally be available for projects that will begin in July
through September and will continue for up to one year.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Quarterly performance reports are required which document project
progress. In addition, a comprehensive final report is required which
documents all educational activity conducted within the partnership
project.

Audits:

Recipients are subject to audit by the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, as set forth in OMB Circular No. A-133, or in Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Records:

The recipient will maintain at its place of business all records required by the partnership agreement and the respective OMB Circulars. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-4085-0-3-351.

Obligations:

FY 05 $5,237,680; FY 06 est $5,500,000; FY 07 est $5,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

FY 2005 Approximate Range: $49,360 to $150,000; FY 2005
Approximate Average: $130,942.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

FY 2005 funds will provide direct risk management training to approximately 30,000 agricultural producers and assist in raising risk management awareness to the larger agricultural community. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

This program is announced as a Request for Applications in the Federal Register, www.Grants.gov, and the RMA web site, along with specific information on obtaining an application package. INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

RMA has ten Regional Offices nationwide serving potential applicants. A listing may be obtained from the RMA web site or RMA Headquarters. Headquarters Office:

Risk Management Agency, Risk Management Education Division, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0808, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0808. Telephone: (202) 720-5265. E-mail: rma.risk-ed@rma.usda.gov.

Web Site Address:

http://www.rma.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

10.455, Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program; 10.456, Partnership Agreements to Develop Non- Insurance Risk Management Tools for Producers (Farmers); 10.458, Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States; 10.459, Commodity Partnerships for Small Agricultural Risk Management Education Sessions.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

A complete listing of projects funded under this program is provided on the RMA web site, or may be obtained by contacting RMA Headquarters. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Criteria used by the application review panel for recommending awards are listed in the Request for Applications.

Applicant Eligibility:

Eligible applicants include State departments of agriculture, universities, non-profit agricultural organizations, and other public or private organizations with the capacity to lead a local program of crop insurance education for farmers and ranchers in a Targeted State. Individuals are eligible applicants. Although an applicant may be eligible to compete for an award based on its status as an eligible entity, other factors may exclude an applicant from receiving federal assistance under this program (e.g. debarment and suspension; a determination of non-performance on a prior contract, cooperative agreement, grant or partnership; a determination of a violation of applicable ethical standards).

Beneficiary Eligibility:

The ultimate beneficiaries of this education program are agricultural producers in the Targeted States. Applicants receiving awards will ensure that such producers receive effective crop insurance education and information either directly or through agribusiness professionals that can impart crop insurance information to producers. Credentials/Documentation:

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver crop insurance education and information programs to producers in the written narratives and statements of work that accompany applications. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

No preapplication coordination with governmental or nongovernmental units is required prior to the submission of a formal application. This program is excluded under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:

Eligible applicants must complete and submit a valid application to RMA Headquarters by the application deadline. Requirements for a complete application package and the application deadline are set forth in the Request for Applications. Eligible applicants will also be able to apply electronically using www.Grants.gov.

Award Procedure:

Each application will be evaluated using a two-part process. First, each application will be screened by RMA personnel to ensure that it meets the requirements listed in the Request for Applications announcement. Second,

(Targeted States)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended. 7 U.S.C. 1524(a). OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to deliver crop insurance education and information to U.S. agricultural producers in certain, designated States that have been historically underserved with respect to crop insurance. The States, collectively referred to as Targeted States, are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Cooperative Agreements.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Entities receiving funding will use funds to (a) plan a local program of crop insurance education for agricultural producers, (b) develop and assemble instructional materials, (c) promote awareness for crop insurance and educational opportunities, (d) deliver crop insurance educational activities to agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals, and (e) document project activities. Applicants may propose additional uses of funds that meet the objectives of the program. RMA will be substantially involved in the management and direction of the project. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this program will be limited to ten percent of total direct costs of the cooperative agreement. Funds may not be used to (a) plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility including a processing facility; (b) purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment; (c) repair or maintain privately owned vehicles; (d) pay for the preparation of the partnership agreement application; (e) fund political activities; (f) purchase alcohol, food, beverage, or entertainment; (g) pay costs incurred prior to receiving a partnership agreement; or (g) fund any activity prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as applicable. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

requirements in the announcement. The panel will examine and score applications based on the evaluation criteria contained in the Request for Applications. Other review panel information is provided in the Request for Applications announcement. Following its review, the panel will report to the Manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) with a listing of the recommended applicants to receive cooperative agreements. The Manager of FCIC will make the final determination on applications that will be awarded funding.

Deadlines:

The application due date is indicated in the Request for Applications notice and www.Grants.gov.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:

Generally from 30 to 90 days from the deadline listed in the Request for Applications.

Appeals:

No provision is provided in this program for an appeal. Renewals:

No provision is provided in this program for a renewal. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

The Request for Applications contains specifics on the limits of funding availability for individual projects. Although RMA prefers matching funds, this program has no matching requirement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Funding will normally be available for projects that will begin in July
through September and will continue for up to one year.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Quarterly performance reports are required which document project
progress. In addition, a comprehensive final report is required which
documents all educational activity conducted within the partnership
project.

Audits:

Recipients are subject to audit by the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, as set forth in OMB Circular No. A-133, or in Federal Acquisition Regulations.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Quarterly performance reports are required which document project progress. In addition, a comprehensive final report is required which documents all educational activity conducted within the partnership project.

Audits:

Recipients are subject to audit by the Office of the Inspector General,

USDA, as set forth in OMB Circular No. A-133, or in Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Records:

The recipient will maintain at its place of business all records required by the partnership agreement and the respective OMB Circulars.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-4085-0-3-351.

Obligations:

FY 05 $316,141; FY 06 est $500,000; FY 07 est $500,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance:

FY 2005 Approximate Range: $8,979 to $10,000; FY 2005 Approximate Average: $9,879.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

FY 2005 funds will provide direct risk management training to approximately 3,000 agricultural producers and assist in raising risk management awareness to the larger agricultural community. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

This program is announced as a Request for Applications in the Federal Register, www.Grants.gov, and the RMA web site, along with specific information on obtaining an application package. INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:

RMA has ten Regional Offices nationwide serving potential applicants. A listing may be obtained from the RMA web site or RMA Headquarters. Headquarters Office:

Risk Management Agency, Risk Management Education Division, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0808, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0808. Telephone: (202) 720-5265. E-mail: rma.risk-ed@rma.usda.gov.

Web Site Address:

http://www.rma.usda.gov.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

10.455, Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program; 10.456, Partnership Agreements to Develop Non- Insurance Risk Management Tools for Producers (Farmers); 10.457, Commodity Partnerships for Risk Management Education; 10.458, Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

A complete listing of projects funded under this program is provided on the RMA web site, or may be obtained by contacting RMA Headquarters. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Criteria used by the application review panel for recommending awards are listed in the Request for Applications.

10.475 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH STATES FOR INTRAS TATE MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION (Meat and Poultry Inspection State Programs)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Federal Meat Inspection Act, Public Law 90-201, 21 U.S.C. 601-624, 641645, 661, 671-680; 691-695; Federal-State Cooperative Act (TalmadgeAiken), Public Law 87-718, 7 U.S.C. 450; Poultry Products Inspection Act, Public Law 90-492, 21 U.S.C. 451-471. Agriculture Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. OBJECTIVES:

To supply Federal assistance to States desiring to operate a meat and poultry inspection program in order to assure the consumer an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

To assist States that operate meat and poultry inspection programs which are equal to Federal meat and poultry inspection. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:

An appropriate State or U.S. Territory agency administering State or Territorial meat or poultry inspection programs under laws equal to the Federal Meat and Poultry Products Inspection Acts.

Beneficiary Eligibility:

General Public.

Credentials/Documentation:

Receipt of State inspection mandatory laws, copies of regulations related to the laws, and State performance plans. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. 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. Application Procedure:

Notify the Director, Federal-State Liaison Staff, Field Operations, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Congressional Quarterly Building, Room 329, Washington, DC 202503700. Contact: Dr. Muril Prasad. Telephone: (202) 418-8897. The applicant should express their interest and request copies of the cooperative agreements currently in use by participating States. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure:

None. Deadlines:

None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable.

Appeals:

Not applicable. Renewals:

Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:

Federal funds for any year shall not exceed 50 percent of the estimated total costs of the cooperative program, and the Federal funds shall be allocated equitably among the cooperating States.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:

Grants are awarded on an annual basis to States.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:

Applicant will keep a complete accounting of the cost of developing and operating the State inspection program and will submit quarterly statements to the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Audits:

State will arrange for an audit of the records pertaining to these agreements by the State Auditor of Public Accounts, annually or otherwise, as provided by applicable State law or regulations. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Other Non-Profit Organizations," State and local governments, that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards, will have a single or a program-specific audit made for that year. State and local government.

Records:

Complete accounting records shall be available to the Comptroller General of the United States and to the authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:

12-3700-0-1-554.

Obligations:

(Grants) FY 05 $43,477,400; FY 06 est $44,254,000; and FY 07 est $45,424,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: