Renewals: Applicants that have previously received a grant, and have achieved the goals established for the previous grant may reapply for an additional grant under the initial grant procedures. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: See 7 CFR 1940-L, 'Methodology and Formulas for Allocation of Loan and Grant Funds." This program has a statutory formula consisting of the following factors and weights: State's percentage of national rural population, 33 1/3 percent; State's percentage of national number of rural occupied substandard units, 33 1/3 percent; and State's percentage of national rural families with incomes below the poverty level, 33 1/ 3 percent. Data source for each factor is based on the latest census data available. The percentage for each factor is multiplied by the weight assigned and summed to arrive at a State factor. The State factor is multiplied by the total amount available for allocation nationally, minus the national office reserve (approximately 10 percent). This program has no cost-sharing arrangement or matching requirements although priorities under the project selection criteria include extent of leveraging of funds to complement the housing preservation grant. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are made for a 12 to 24 month period. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Quarterly financial and project performance reports are to be made to the FmHA office receiving the grant. Audits: Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's system of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-128, 'Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Records: Grantees shall maintain adequate records and accounts to assure that grant funds are used for authorized purposes. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2070-0-1-604. Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $23,000,000; FY 94 est $23,000,000; and FY 95 est $23,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The first year of funding for the program was fiscal year 1986, 129 applicants were selected from the 362 that applied. In fiscal year 1993, 197 applicants were selected from the 410 that applied. Grants ranged from $43,000 to $445,000; the average grant was approximately $117,000. The annual funding from 1986 through 1990 has been $19,140,000. In fiscal year 1991, total funding increased to $22,999,700. In fiscal years 1992 and 1993, funding was $23 million and fiscal year 1994, $23 million. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, 189 grantees were funded; collectively, the grantees propose to provide assistance to approximately 5,000 homeowners for the rehabilitation of their homes. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1944N, Section 1944.651 through 1944.700, FmHA Instruction 1944-N. Regulations are available from FmHA State offices. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory for FmHA District Office number. If no listing, contact appropriate FMHA State office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Multiple Family Housing Processing Division, Farmers Home Administration, Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1606. Use the same number for FTS. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.410, Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans; 10.411, Rural Housing Site Loans; 10.417, Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants; 10.420, Rural Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance; 14.108, Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance; 14.121, Mortgage Insurance-Homes in Outlying Areas. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Funded projects generally provide financial assistance to very low-income persons for bringing their dwellings up to local code standards through an HPG grant combined with other Federal funding, such as HUD's community development block grants or HHS's weatherization program. Other variations funded includes using HPG funds to establish a revolving loan fund that provides homeowners a long term, interest subsidized loan; 'lending homeowners the money and "forgiving 20 percent per year until the loan becomes a grant after five years; using the grantee's own employees to perform the rehabilitation work to reduce the costs; and, in a few instances, leveraging State resources for repair loans or grants. In most cases, grantees that are currently active in home repair and rehabilitation were selected and were able to leverage their existing programs with the new HPG funds. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Projects must provide a feasible repair rehabilitation program and serve areas with a concentration of substandard housing and very low and low-income persons. In addition, the following criteria will be considered in the selection of grant recipients. Each preapplication and its accompanying statement of activities will be evaluated on: (1) The percentage of very low-income persons assisted; (2) the percentage of use of HPG funds to total cost of housing preservation; (3) the applicant's administrative capacity and experience in (i) housing rehabilitation or weatherization, (ii) assisting very low and lowincome persons attain housing assistance and (iii) prior programs no outstanding audits findings; (4) the proposed program will be undertaken in non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas identified by FmHA as having populations below 10,000 or in remote parts of other rural areas, (i.e., rural areas contained in Metropolitan Statistical Areas with less than 5,000 population); (5) the program will minimize the use of grant funds for administrative purposes, i.e., less than 20 percent of grant funds; (6) the program will alleviate overcrowding in rural residences inhabited by very low and lowincome families; and (7) if an existing grantee has met the objectives of its current grant. 10.435 AGRICULTURAL LOAN MEDIATION PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, Title V, Public Law 100-233; Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Public Law 101-624; Agricultural Audit Improvement Act of 1992. OBJECTIVES: To assist States in establishing and administering loan mediation programs and services for agricultural producers and their creditors. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grants are to be used solely for the operation and administration of a State's Agricultural Loan Mediation Program which has been certified by the Administrator of Farmers Home Administration as meeting the requirements of Section 501(c) of Title V of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987. A grant will not exceed 70 percent of the total fiscal year funds that a qualifying State requires to operate and administer its Agricultural Loan Mediation Program, or $500,000, whichever is less. Eligible costs are limited to those that are reasonable and necessary to carry out the mission of the State's Agricultural Loan Mediation Program in providing mediation services for agricultural producers and their creditors. There is no other authorized use of grant funds. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: State governments. Beneficiary Eligibility: Agricultural producers and their creditors. Credentials/Documentation: Have an Agricultural Loan Mediation Program which has been certified by the Administrator of FmHA and which certification has not been withdrawn; provide evidence to justify the estimated costs of operating and administering the State's Agricultural Loan Mediation Program. The Governor of a State or head of State agency designated by the Governor of a State must make a written request to FmHA no later than August 1 of each year to receive a matching grant during the fiscal year commencing October 1, of that same year. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to each program under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that makes guarantees, or insurers of agricultural loans shall participate in agricultural loan mediation programs certified by the Administrator of Farmers Home Administration as meeting the requirements of Section 501(c) of Title V of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: 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 excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: Grant funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to qualifying States. If, however, when funds for a fiscal year become available, there are not sufficient funds to give all qualifying States 70 percent of their justified estimated expenses for the fiscal year, the percentage allocation will be reduced so as to give all States the same percentage of their expenses. Deadlines: Contact FmHA National Office for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Thirty days from receipt of a complete application package. Appeals: FmHA Instruction 1900-B, 'FmHA Appeal Procedure." Renewals: Annually through fiscal year 1995. Section 506 of Title V of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, Public Law 100-233 and Section 1853 of the Food, Agricultural, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990, Public Law 101-624, and Section 22 of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-554. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Seventy percent of fiscal year cost of operating and administering a State's Agricultural Loan Mediation Program, not to exceed $500,000 annually. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: From beginning to end of the Federal government's fiscal year. Grant will be an annual grant and will run concurrently with the Federal government's fiscal year; reimbursement by Treasury check. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Reports are submitted quarterly: Standard Form 269, 'Financial Status Report"; Standard Form 272, 'Federal Cash Transactions Report"; and Program Performance Report. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A128, 'Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. Records: Record keeping will conform to requirements of OMB Circular No. A-102. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4140-0-3-351. Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $2,710,100; FY 94 est $2,883,311; and FY 95 est $3,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $5,000 to $500,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, 18 matching grants were awarded totaling $3,000,000 to the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. All 18 States are expected to receive USDA certification in fiscal year 1994 and request matching grants totaling $3,000,000 in fiscal year 1994. The administration's budget recommendations for fiscal year 1995 is $0 funding. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 1946 published on August 26, 1988, 53 FR 32597. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: South Agriculture Building, Room 5019, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1471. FTS is not available. Contact Person: Chester A. Bailey. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Eighteen States having me diation programs certified by USDA have received matching grants totaling $3,000,000 in fiscal year 1993. A $171,433 grant was received by the State of Alabama; a $82,590 grant was received by the State of Arkansas; a $53,350 grant was received by Arizona; a $130,542 grant was received by the State of Indiana; a $194,800 grant was received by the State of Iowa; a $401,244 grant was received by the State of Kansas; a $330,000 grant was received by the State of Minnesota; a $194,312 grant was received by the State of Nebraska; a $117,540 grant was received by the State of New Mexico; a $389,098 grant was received by North Dakota; a $5,000 grant was received by Nevada; a $153,900 grant was received by the State of Oklahoma; a $52,000 grant was received by the State of Oregon; a $58,570 grant was received by the State of South Dakota; a $454,421 grant was received by the State of Texas; a $15,000 grant was received by Utah; a $176,200 grant was received by the State of Wisconsin; and a $20,000 grant was received by the State of Wyoming. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Certification by the Administrator, FmHA, that Mediation Program meets the requirements of Section 501(c) of Title V of the Agricultural Credit Act (Public Law 100-233); application meets requirements of FmHA regulations to be implemented. 10.437 INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended. OBJECTIVES: To aid not larger than family sized farms in obtaining credit when they are temporarily unable to project a positive cash flow without a reduction in the interest rate. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Guaranteed/Insured Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Interest Assistance Program can be used on any of the three types of guaranteed loans. The three types and loan purposes are as follows: (1) Farm Ownership (FO) Loans to buy, improve, or enlarge farms. Uses may include construction, improvement, or repair of farm homes and service buildings; improvement of on-farm water supplies; installation of pollution control or energy conservation measures; and establishing non-agricultural enterprises that help farmers supplement their farm income; (2) Operating Loans (OL) to pay for items needed for farm operations, including livestock, farm and home equipment, feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, chemicals, hail and other crop insurance, family living expenses, minor building improvements, water system development, hired labor, pollution abatement, and methods of operation to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act; and (3) Soil and Water (SW) to develop, conserve, or make proper use of land and water resources, including development of wells and other sources of water, irrigation systems, drainage improvements, and improvements associated with forestry, fish farming, land protection, or pollution control. Loan limits are as follows: Real estate loans (FO and SW) $300,000. For FO and SW loans, the County Supervisor can approve loans up to $260,000, the District Director up to $270,000, and the State Director or designee has the remaining authority to the maximum loan amount of $300,000. Operating (chattel) loans $400,000. For OL loans, the County Supervisor can approve loans up to $350,000, the District Director up to $360,000, and the State Director or designee has the full authority of $400,000. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Individuals, partnerships, or joint operations, legal resident aliens, corporations and cooperatives that meet the eligibility requirements for a guarantee loan and are able to project the required cash flow margins with the injection of interest assistance. Beneficiary Eligibility: This program aids both the borrower and the lender. The borrower is able to continue to get credit and the lender receives up to a 90 percent guarantee on the loan. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102. Application Procedure: A guaranteed loan with interest assistance can be made by contacting a lender or the FmHA County Supervisor in the county where the proposed farming operation or headquarters will be located for advice on procedures, forms, and requirements for making an application. FmHA has more than 1,750 county offices serving every rural county in the United States. They are normally located in the county seat. Farmers Home Administration offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture. Location of an office may be obtained by writing to Farmers Home Administration, USDA, Washington, DC 20250. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: This program expires September 30, 1995. No other deadlines are applicable. (Food Security Act of 1985, Section 1320). Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: One to 30 days. Appeals: At the time of any rejection FmHA will notify the applicant of appeal rights and procedures. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Interest Assistance can be granted for a period of up to 10 years or the life of the loan. Interest Rate Assistance Program can pay up to 4 percent of the borrowers interest costs. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: The lender is required to file FmHA Form 1980-24 annually. This form will reflect current loan information, request a claim payment and establish the amount of interest assistance for the next year. Audits: FmHA will review FmHA Form 1980-24 annually. In addition, FmHA will require a loan activity summary and calculation of interest charges. Records: The type of records required will be on a case-by-case basis. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4140-0-3-351; 12-1140-0-1-351. Obligations: (Subsidized Guaranteed Loans) FY 93 $215,500,000; FY 94 est $143,830,000; and FY 95 est $250,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $1 to $400,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1993, this program allowed over 1,519 family sized farmers to continue farming and receiving credit from the private sector. Participation is expected to increase in fiscal years 1994 and 1995. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Regulations published at 54 FR 1534, codified in 7 CFR Part 1980. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Farmers Home Administration State Offices can inform applicants of county office locations where applicants may apply for this assistance. FmHA State Office locations are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: A guaranteed loan can be obtained by contacting a lender or the FmHA County Supervisor in the county where the proposed farming operation or headquarters will be located. FmHA has more than 1,750 County Offices serving every rural county in the United States. Location of an office may be obtained by writing or contacting the FmHA, USDA, Washington, DC 20250. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Each loan application will be judged on its own merit and processed in chronological order. The Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 requires at least 30 percent of subsidized guarantees be extended to direct loan borrowers. This program will assist the agency's most credit-worthy direct loan borrowers in graduating with a guaranteed loan accomplished by an interest subsidy. 10.441 TECHNICAL AND SUPERVISORY FEDERAL AGENCY: FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, OBJECTIVES: To assist low-income rural families in obtaining adequate housing to meet their family's needs and/or to provide the necessary guidance to promote their continued occupancy of already adequate housing. These objectives will be accomplished through the establishment or support of housing delivery and counseling projects run by eligible applicants. This program is intended to make use of any available housing program that provides the low-income rural resident access to adequate rental properties or homeownership. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grant purposes: Grant funds are to be used for a housing delivery system and counseling program to include a comprehensive program of technical and supervisory assistance as set forth in the grant agreement and any other special conditions as required by FmHA. Uses of grant funds may include, but are not limited to: (a) The development and implementation of a program of technical and supervisory assistance as defined in 1944.506(h) and (i); (b) payment of reasonable salaries of professional, technical, and clerical staff actively assisting in the delivery of the TSA project; (c) payment of necessary and reasonable office expenses such as office supplies and office rental, office utilities, telephone services, and office equipment rental; (d) payment of necessary and reasonable administrative costs such as workers' compensation, liability insurance, audit reports, travel to and attendance at FmHA approved training sessions, and the employer's share of Social Security and health benefits. Payments to private retirement funds are prohibited unless prior written authorization is obtained from the Administrator; (e) payment of reasonable fees for necessary training of grantee personnel. This may inIclude the cost of travel and per diem to attend regional training sessions when authorized by the State Director; and (f) other reasonable travel and miscellaneous expenses necessary to accomplish the objectives of the specific TSA grant which were anticipated in the individual TSA grant proposal and which were included as eligible expenses at the time of grant approval. Ineligible activities: Grant funds may not be used for: (1) Acquisition construction, repair, or rehabilitation of structures or acquisition of land, vehicles, or equipment; (2) replacement of or substitution for any financial support which would be available from any other source; (3) duplication of current services in conflict with the requirements of 1944.514(c); (4) hiring personnel to perform construction; (5) buying property of any kind from families receiving technical or supervisory assistance from the grantee under the terms of the TSA grant; (6) paying for or reimbursing the grantee for any expenses or debts incurred before FmHA executes the grant agreement; (7) paying any debts, expenses or costs which should be the responsibilities of the individual families receiving technical and supervisory assistance; (8) any type of political activities, and (9) other costs including contributions and donations, entertainment, fines and penalties, interest and other financial costs, legislative expenses and any excess of cost from other grant agreements. Advice and assistance may be obtained from the national office where ineligible costs are proposed as part of the TSA project or where a proposed cost appears ineligible. The grantee may not change fees or accept compensation or gratuities from TSA recipients for the grantee's assistance under the program. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Technical and Supervisory Assistance Grants may be made to public or private nonprofit corporations, agencies, institutions, organizations, Indian Tribes, and other associations. Listed below are a description and definition of eligible applicants: 1. Sponsored organization - A public purpose group other than a unit of government that is a beneficiary under a plan or program administered by a State, or political subdivision of a State or local government, and which is subject to approval by a Federal agency. Usually organized to work for a specific purpose. Examples: Community development agencies, model cities, and community action agencies; 2. public nonprofit institution/organization A public owned agency or organization established to perform specialized functions or services for the benefit of all or part of the general public either without charge or at cost, making no profits and having no shareholders or receive dividends, includes institutions of higher education and hospitals. 3. Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government - the governing body or a governmental agency of an Indian tribe, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community (including native village as defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and 4. private nonprofit institution/organization - privately owned organization or institution which represent community service networks, public information, technical assistance, and public education. Operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes such that no part of its earnings is for the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, includes private institutions of higher education and hospitals. Examples: Girl Scouts, American Civil Liberties Union. Beneficiary Eligibility: Eligible beneficiaries must be low-income, individual/family and rural sponsored organizations. Credentials/Documentation: Have the financial, legal, administrative, and operational capacity to assume and carry out the responsibilities that meet this requirement of actual capacity, it must either: (a) Have necessary background and experience with proven ability to perform responsibly in the field of low-income rural housing development and counseling, or other business management or administrative experience which indicated an ability to provide responsible technical and supervisory assistance; or (b) be assisted by an organization which has such background experience and ability and which agrees in writing that it will provide, without charge, the assistance the applicant will need to carry out its responsibilities; (c) legally obligate itself to administer TSA funds, provide an adequate accounting of the expenditure of such funds, and comply with the grant agreement and FmHA regulations; (d) demonstrate an understanding of the needs of low-income rural families; (e) have the ability and willingness to work within established guidelines; and (f) if the applicant is engaged in or plans to become engaged in any other activities, it must be able to provide sufficient evidence and documentation that it has adequate resources, including financial resources, to carry on any other programs or activities to which it is committed without jeopardizing the success and effectiveness of its TSA project. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Application Submission: (a) Upon notification that the applicant has been tentatively selected for funding, the State office will forward to the applicant a signed Form AD-622 and provide SF 424.1 with instructions to the applicant for preparation of an application; (b) upon receipt of Form AD622, the applicant will submit an application, an original and two copies on Form SF 424.1, and provide whatever additional information is requested to the District office within 30 days; and (c) upon receipt of an application on SF 42.1 by the District office, a docket shall be assembled which will include the following: (1) Form SF 424.1 and the information submitted in accordance with 1944.526(a)(2); (2) Form AD-622; (3) any comments received in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015 subpart V, 'Intergovernmental Review of Department of Agriculture Programs and Activities.” See FmHA Instruction 1940-J, available in any FmHA office; (4) SF 424.1; (5) OGC legal administration made pursuant to 1944.526(c)(3); (6) grant agreement; (7) Form FmHA 1940-1, Request for Obligation of Funds;" (8) Form FmHA 400-1, 'Equal Opportunity Agreement;" (9) Form FmHA 400-4, 'Assurance Agreement;" (10) Form FmHA 1940-20, 'Request for Environmental Information;" (11) Form FmHA 1940- 22, 'Environmental Checklist for Categorical Exclusions," Form FmHA 1940-21, 'Environmental Assessment for Class I Actions" or exhibit H, subpart G of Part 1940 entitled, Environmental Assessment for Class II Actions; (12) the historical and archaeological assessment; and (13) the detailed budget for the agreement period based upon the needs outlined in the proposal and the comments and recommendations by FmHA. Application Procedure: Not applicable. Award Procedure: Grant Approval and Announcement: Grant approval and announcement will be accomplished under the following procedure. The Administrator may modify this section if necessary to obligate funds in a timely and efficient manner. (a) The District office will review the docket to determine whether the application complies with these regulations and is consistent with the information and supporting documents submitted with the preapplication and any comments and recommendations of the State and National Offices; (b) if major problems occur during the development of the docket, the District Office will call upon the State office for assistance; (c) if a grant is recommended, Form FmHA 1940-1 and the grant agreement will be prepared by the district office and forwarded to the applicant for signature as authorized in its authorizing resolution, Exhibit A, Grant Agreement, is a part of these regulations; (d) when Form FmHA 1940-1 and the Grant Agreement are received from the applicant and signed by the applicant, the docket will be forwarded to the State Director; (e) Exhibit A to FmHA Instruction 2015-C (available in any FmHA office) will be prepared and sent to the Director of Information in the National Office; and (f) if the State Director approves the project, the following actions will be taken in the order listed: (1) The State director, or the State Director's designee, will telephone the finance office check request station requesting grant funds for a particular project to be obligated. Immediately after contacting the finance office, the requesting official will furnish the requesting office's security identification code. Failure to furnish the security code will result in the rejection of the request for obligation. After the security code is furnished, the required information from Form FmHA 1940-1 will be furnished to the finance office. Upon receipt of the telephone request for obligation of funds, the finance office will record all information necessary to process the request for obligation in addition to the date and time of the request; (2) the individual making the request will record the date and time of the request and sign section 37 of Form FmHA 1940-1; (i) the finance office will notify the State Office by telephone when funds are reserved and of the date of obligation. If funds cannot be reserved for a project, the finance office will notify the State office that funds are not available. The obligation date will be six working days for the date the request for obligation is processed; (ii) the finance office will terminally process telephone obligation requests. Those requests received prior to 2:30 p.m. Central Time will be processed on the date of the request. Those requests received after 2:30, Form FmHA 440-57 will be completed and the check request will be called to the finance office check request station in accordance with the FMI for Form FmHA 440-57; (iii) the finance office will mail Form FmHA 44057, 'Acknowledgement of Obligated Funds/Check Request," to the State Director, confirming the reservation of funds with the obligation date inserted as required by Item 9 on the Form Manual Insert (FMI) for Form FmHA 440-57; and (iv) Form FmHA 1940-1 will not be mailed to the finance office; (3) the State director will notify the Director of Information in the Na tional office with a recommendation that the project announcement be released; (4) an executed form FmHA 1940-1 will be sent to the applicant along with an executed copy of the grant agreement and scope of work on or before the date funds are obligated; (i) The actual date of applicant notification will be entered on the original of Form FmHA 1940-1 and the original of the form will be included as a permanent part of the file; (ii) Standard Form 270, 'Request for Advance or Reimbursement," will be sent to the applicant for completion and returned to FmHA; (5) if it is determined that a project will not be funded or if major changes in the scope of the project are made after release of the approval announcement, the State director will notify the Administrator and the Director, Legislative Affairs and Public Information Staff (LAPIS) by telephone or electronic mail, giving the reasons for such action. The Director, LAPIS, will inform all parties who were notified by the project announcement if the project will be funded or of major changes in the project using the procedure similar to the announcement process. Form FmHA 1940-10, 'Cancellation of U.S. Treasury Check and/or Obligation," will not be submitted to the finance office until five working days after notifying the Administrator and the Director, LAPIS; and (6) upon receipt from the grantee of a properly completed SF-270. Form FmHA 440-57 will be completed and the check request will be called to the finance office check request station in accordance with the FMI for Form FmHA 440-57. Deadlines: Contact the State office for application deadlines. Renewals: Extending and revising grant agreements. (a) All requests extending the original grant agreement or revising the TSA program must be in writing. Such requests will be processed through the District director. Any such requests will be processed in accordance with the processing procedure specified in 1944.526 (b) and (c) of this Subpart. The State office will respond to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the request in the State office; (b) an extension of a grant beyond the two year term may be granted by the State director when: (1) There are grant funds remaining and the grantee request an extension at the end of the grant period; (2) the grantee has demonstrated its ability to conduct a comprehensive program to technical and supervisory assistance in accordance with the terms of its grant agreement and in a manner satisfactory to FmHA; (3) the grantee is likely to complete the goals outlined in the initial proposal; (4) there is an unmet need to continue the delivery of the technical and supervisory assistance being provided by the grantee, and (c) upon approval of the extension, the State director will authorize the District director to amend the ending date of the grant agreement and revise the budgets, if necessary, on behalf of the government; (d) if the grant agreement must be revised and amended other than by extension, including any changes in the scope and objectives of the TSA program, the grantee will submit a revised budget and TSA program together with any information necessary to justify its requests. Such requests will be submitted to the State director through the District director; (e) the State office will advise the National Office of all requests to extend or modify the original grant agreement prior concurrence of the national office is not required unless the State Director so desires, in which case the State director will advise the applicant that the request has been forwarded to the national office for concurrence. The State director's recommendation will accompany such requests; (f) Exhibit D to this Subpart shall be executed upon approval of an extension of the grant period, or significant change in either the project budget or the objectives of the approved technical and supervisory activities; and (h) if extension or modification is not approved, the State office will notify the applicant in writing of the decision and advise the applicant of the appeal procedures under Subpart B of part 1900 of this chapter. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Assistance is normally for one to two years. Requesting TSA checks: (a) The initial TSA check may cover the applicant's needs for the first calendar month. If the first calendar month is a partial month, the check will cover the needs for the partial month and the next whole month. (b) the initial advance of TSA grant funds may not be requested simultaneously with the request for obligation of TSA grant funds. The initial advance must be requested on Form FmHA 440-57 in accordance with the FMI after it has been received from the Finance Office indicating that funds have been obligated; and (c) all advances will be requested only after receipt of Standard Form 279 from the grantee. The amount requested must be in accordance with the detailed budget, including amendments, as approved by FmHA. Standard Form 270 will not be submitted more frequently than once every 30 days. In no case will additional funds be advanced if the grantee fails to submit required reports or is in violation of the grant agreement. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Grant Evaluation, Closeout, Suspension, and Termination: (a) Grant evaluation will be an ongoing activity performed by both the grantee and FmHA. The grantee will perform self-evaluations by preparing periodic project performance reports in accordance with 1944.541. FmHA will also review all reports prepared and submitted by the grantee in accordance with the grant agreement and this part. Audits: Within 45 days after the grant ending date, the grantee will complete closeout procedures as specified in the grant agreement. Records: Grantees are required to maintain financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the grant for a period of at least 3 years after the submission of the final Project Performance report. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2009-0-1-604. Obligations: (Grants) FY 93 $0; FY 94 est $4,500,000; and FY 95 est $5,500,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 1944 Subpart K. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Farmers Home Administration County Supervisor of the area to be served by the Technical Supervisory Assistance project. If the Technical and Supervisory Assistance area encompasses more than one District office, the preapplication will be filed at the District office which serves the area in which the grantees will provide the greatest amount of Technical Supervisory Assistance. Headquarters Office: Farmers Home Administration, USDA, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1474. FTS is not available. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: To be established, this is a new program. 10.442 HOUSING APPLICATION PACKAGING GRANTS (Section 509 Grants) FEDERAL AGENCY: FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION, To package single family housing applications for very low- and low-income rural residents in colonias and designated counties who wish to buy, build, or repair houses for their own use and to package applications for organizations wishing to develop rental units for lower income families. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grants reimburse eligible organizations for part or all of the costs of conducting, administering, |