**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**AGENCY:** Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

**ACTION: NOTICE**

Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program Fiscal Year 2008
Announcement of Program Funding

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.902

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** NRCS requests proposals for Agriculture
Conservation Experienced Services Program (ACES) for the purpose of
utilizing the talents of individuals who are age 55 or older to provide
technical support of the conservation related programs and authorities
carried out through the Secretary of Agriculture. Proposals are accepted
from nonprofit private agencies and organizations eligible to receive
grants under the Community Service Senior Opportunities Act. NRCS
anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY
2008 will be approximately \$2 million. Funds will be awarded through a
nationwide competitive grants process. Proposals will cover positions
throughout the nation for technical and professional levels. Proposals
are requested from eligible nonprofit private agencies and organizations
competitive consideration of awards for projects between one and five
years in duration. This notice identifies the objectives for ACES
projects, the eligibility criteria for projects and associated
instructions needed to apply.

**DATES:** Proposals must be received in the NRCS National Headquarters
by 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), on Friday, August 15, 2008.

**ADDRESSES:** The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals
submitted using express mail or overnight courier service is: USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Management Services Division,
Grants and Agreements Staff, Room 5224-S, 1400 Independence Ave, SW,
Washington, DC 20250. Contact phone numbers for hand-delivered proposals
are (202) 720-2604.

Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Management Services Division, Grants and Agreements Staff, Room 5224-S,
Post Office Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013-2890.

To submit your application electronically, visit
[www.grants.gov/apply](http://www.grants.gov/apply) and follow the
instructions.

**For more information contact:**

Technical Questions: Administrative Questions:

Angel Fiqueroa Karen Minor

ACES National Program Manager Grants and Agreements Specialist

USDA NRCS 1400 Independence Ave., SW

PO Box 2890 Room 5224-S

Washington, DC 20013-2890 Washington, DC 20250

Phone: 202-720-6731 Phone: 202-720-2604

Fax: 202-720-5334 Fax: 202-720-7149

e-mail: <angel.fiqueroa@wdc.usda.gov> e-mail: <karen.minor@wdc.usda.gov>

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION**

**Table of Contents**

**PART I -- FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

A.     Legislative Authority ..... 3

B.     Overview 3

**PART II -- FUNDING AVAILABILITY** 3

**PART III -- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION** 4

**PART IV -- APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**

A. How to Obtain Application Materials
.........................................................4

B. Application Content and Format
..........................................\......................4

C. How to Submit a Written Application
.................................\.........................6

D. How to Submit a Application Electronically
........................\.....................\...\...6

E. Application Due Date
......................................................\.......................6

F. Acknowledgement of Submission
.............................................................6

G. Funding Restrictions
............................................................................6

H. Withdrawal of Applications
..................................................................\...7

**PART V -- APPLICATION REVIEW**

A. Application Review and Selection Process
.............................................\......7

B. Criteria for Application Evaluation
...................................................\.........7

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
...............................................8

**PART VI -- AWARD INFORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION**

A.   Award Notification 8

B.   Reporting Requirements 8

**I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

**A. Legislative Authority**

ACES is authorized in The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008,
also known as the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill or the Farm Bill Extension Act of
2007. Specifically, ACES is under Section 2710 Subtitle F of title XII
of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by inserting after section
1251 (16 U.S.C. 2005a) the new section 1252 Agricultural Conservation
Experience Services Program or ACES.

**B. Overview**

ACES Program is a cost effective human capital tool designed to obtain
the services of experienced workers age 55 and older on a temporary
basis through an agreement with nonprofit organizations. The objective
of ACES is to obtain experienced older workers to support NRCS employees
to meet very high conservation workload demands. NRCS initiated a 3-year
demonstration project to develop procedures and policies to guide the
ACES program and enable the agency to further its mission to help people
to help the land.

Patterned after the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program of the
EPA. NRCS will enter into cooperative agreements with private, nonprofit
organizations to utilize the temporary part-time services of older
workers. The organization has the responsibility for recruiting,
screening, placing, and paying participants based on an approved work
description and cost amount. Selection of qualified applicants is done
in cooperation with the designated NRCS monitor (the term monitor refers
to the NRCS civil servant who oversees the work activities of one or
more participant and verifies the participant time sheet) but the
organization notified the participant of their acceptance. The
organization provides payroll, time record maintenance, record keeping,
and administrative support to participants.

NRCS will develop position descriptions for approval by the nonprofit
organization. The nonprofit organization screens the applicants and
forward qualified ones to NRCS for interviews. NRCS conducts the
interview and recommends the applicant for placement. Applicants are
expected to report within one week of the recommendation.

ACES positions cannot displace NRCS employees and participants enrolled
in the program are not considered a federal employee. Participants work
between 16-40 hours a week assisting a NRCS employee and do not perform
inherently governmental functions. They earn benefits (leave,
unemployment, wage increases, etc) and if retired, their retirement
annuity is not impacted by the stipend they receive. Participants may be
authorized to use government owned vehicles to conduct official
government business.

Complete applications will be evaluated by a review panel and scored
based on the Criteria for Application Evaluation identified in this
document. Applicants that meet or exceed the cut-off will be considered
for participation. NRCS intends to award one or more cooperative
agreements from this announcement.

**II. FUNDING AVAILABILITY**

**National Component**

NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program
in FY 2008 will be approximately \$2 million. Additional funds will be
provided in FY-09 to support ACES projects after NRCS receives its
annual appropriation for the fiscal year.

Funds will be awarded through this nationwide competitive grants
process. Future opportunities will be made available as the program
grows.

Special consideration will be given to organizations that have matching
funds to support positions for older workers. However, matching funds or
in-kind services are not requirements.

**III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**

ACES Program applicants must be nonprofit private agencies and
organizations eligible to receive grants under the Community Service
Senior Opportunities Act. And also a letter from the U.S. Department of
Labor stating they are eligible. Organizations should demonstrate their
eligibility.

[]{.mark}

**IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**

A.  **How to Obtain Application Materials**

All OMB standard forms necessary for ACES submission are posted on the
following website:
[www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp).

B.  **Application Content and Format**

Applications must contain the information set forth below in order to
receive consideration. Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on
the part of NRCS or others as to the relative merits of the project
described in the application. Submit applications in the following
format:

Applications should be typewritten or printed on 8½" x 11" white paper,
double spaced. The text of the application should be in a font no
smaller than 12-point, with one-inch margins.

[]{.mark}

**Applications must include all required forms and narrative sections
described below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.**

1.  **Cover Sheet:** Applicants must use **Standard Form (SF) 424** as
    the cover sheet for each project application. Standard Form 424 can
    be downloaded from
    [www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp)

2.  **Project Summary Sheet:** Applicants must submit a **Project
    Summary Sheet** (no more than 2 pages in length) that includes the
    listed information.

    a.  Organization Name

    b.  Organization office locations and addresses

    c.  Governing officials including the Project Director (s) name and
        contact information (including e-mail); name and location of
        field coordinators and board of directors

    d.  Project Start Date

3.  **Project Description:** Each project must be completely and
    accurately described in no more than 5 double-spaced pages. The
    description must include the following information:

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a.  [Organization background]{.underline}: Describe the history of and
    experience in providing older worker employment programs. Outline
    staff support for an ACES Program within your organization.
    Delineate resources that you will provide to support the program.

b.  [Project methods]{.underline}: Describe clearly the methodology you
    will use to recruit, screen, place, pay, and service applicants as
    well as those selected to participate in the project. Describe your
    website for posting positions and other electronic tools available
    to facilitate transfer of information. Outline advertising
    techniques and recruiting tools used. Specify the minimal amount of
    time to place an enrollee after selected. List any orientation
    requirements and processes. Describe your payroll process, time
    record maintenance activities, record keeping timesheet
    requirements, and payment processes.

c.  [Project area and location:]{.underline} Define your capacity to
    service NRCS offices in the United States, Pacific Islands, Puerto
    Rico, and Virgin Islands. Denote states where you have office
    locations and have currently placed enrollees through other
    programs.

d.  [Project action plan and timeline]{.underline}: Outline your process
    for closing out positions within areas. Include a breakdown of
    unanticipated costs that you or NRCS may incur.

e.  [Project management:]{.underline} Give a detailed description of how
    the project will be organized and managed. Denote a single point of
    contact for the program within your organization. Include a list of
    key project personnel and their location and relevant education or
    experience.

f.  [Project tracking and reporting]{.underline}: Describe your ability
    to maintain appropriate tracking systems to prepare and submit a
    semi-annual progress report.

**Budget Information**: Must use **Standard Form (SF) 424-A Budget
Information Non-Construction Programs** to document budget needs. SF
424-A is available at
[www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp).
A budget form is required for each year of requested support. In
addition, a cumulative budget is required detailing the requested total
support for the overall project period. The budget form may be
reproduced as needed by applicants. In addition to the SF 424-A, all
applicants must provide a **detailed narrative** in support of the
budget for the project, broken down by each project year. All budget
categories for which support is requested, must be individually listed
(with costs) in the same order as the budget and justified on a separate
sheet of paper and placed immediately behind the Budget SF 424-A.
Discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed activities.
Explain how such budget items as personnel, travel, equipment, etc., are
essential to achieving project objectives. Justify the project cost
effectiveness and include justification for personnel salaries. If
claiming indirect costs, an applicant must provide an indirect cost rate
agreement or indirect cost rate proposal as justification for the rate
of indirect costs being claimed.

4.  **Certifications:** All applications must include a signed
    **Standard Form (SF) 424 B - Assurances, Non-construction
    Programs**. SF 424 B may be found at:
    [www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp).
    Applicants, by signing and submitting an application, assure and
    certify that they are in compliance with the following from 7 Code
    of Federal Register (CFR):

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a.  Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension
    (Non-procurement)
    <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3o17_04.html>

b.  Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying
    <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3018_04.html>;
    and

c.  Part 3021, Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
    (Financial Assistance)
    <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3021_04.html>.

```{=html}
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5.  **DUNS Number**: A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering
    System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as
    the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70
    million businesses worldwide. A Federal Register notice of final
    policy issuance (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number in every
    application (i.e., hard copy and electronic) for a grant or
    cooperative agreement (except applications from individuals)
    submitted on or after October 1, 2003. For information about how to
    obtain a DUNS number go to <http://www.grants.gov/RequestaDUNS> or
    call 1-866-705-5711. **Please note that the registration may take up
    to 14 business days to complete.**

> **7. Required CCR Registration:** The Central Contractor Registry
> (CCR) is a database that serves as the primary Government repository
> for contractor information required for the conduct of business with
> the Government. This database will also be used as a central location
> for maintaining organizational information for organizations seeking
> and receiving grants from the Government. CIG applicants must register
> with the CCR. To register, visit
> [http://www.ccr.gov](http://www.ccr.gov/). **Allow a minimum of 5 days
> to complete the CCR registration.**

**C. How to Submit a Written Application**

Applicants must submit one signed original copy proposal. **Applications
submitted via facsimile or e-mail will not be accepted.**

The address for hand-delivered applications or applications submitted
using express mail or overnight courier service is:

> USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
>
> Management Services Division
>
> Grants and Agreements Staff, Room 5224-S
>
> 1400 Independence Ave, SW
>
> Washington, DC 20250

**Contact phone number for hand-delivered applications (needed to enter
the USDA South Building) is (202) 720-2604.**

The address for applications sent regular mail is:

> USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
>
> Management Services Division, Grants and Agreements Staff
>
> Room 5224-S, Post Office Box 2890
>
> Washington, D.C. 20013-2890

**D. How to Submit an Application Electronically**

Applicants may submit applications electronically through
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), the Federal government's e-grants
portal. Applications submitted through
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) must contain all of the elements of
a complete application outlined above. Instructions for electronically
submitting the required standard forms, abstract, narrative, and
declarations are posted on [Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/).
Instructions for adding attachments are available on Grants.gov.
Applications submitted electronically are date and time stamped by
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) and must be received by the
identified closing date. **Note that NRCS is not responsible for any
technical malfunctions or website problems related to**
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) **submissions. Applicants should
begin the** [Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) **process well before
the submission deadline to avoid problems.**

**E. Application Due Date**

**Applications not received by 5:00 pm on August 15, 2008 in Room 5224-S
at NRCS National Headquarters will not be considered for funding**. The
applicant assumes the risk of any delays in application delivery.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications via
overnight mail or delivery service to insure timely receipt by NRCS.

**F**. **Acknowledgement of Submission**

Applications received by the due date will be acknowledged with an
official letter. If an applicant has not received an acknowledgement
within 10 days of the closing of this announcement, they must contact
the NRCS administrative contact. Failure to do so may result in the
application not being considered for funding by the peer review panel.

**G. Funding Restrictions**

NRCS funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless
otherwise permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized
Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:

a.  Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project;

b.  Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the agreement;

c.  Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and any
    amendments thereto;

d.  Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to
    project objectives;

e.  Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising
    out of project activities.

This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of
particular items of cost should be directed to the administrative
contact person listed in this announcement.

**H. Withdrawal of Applications**

Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before an
award is made. Applications may be withdrawn in person by the applicant,
or by an authorized representative thereof, if the representative's
identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the
application.

**V. APPLICATION REVIEW**

**A. Application Review and Selection Process**

Prior to the application review, each application will be screened for
completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice.
Incomplete applications and those that do not meet the provisions of
this notice will be eliminated and notification will be mailed to the
applicant.

Applications meeting the provisions of this notice will be scored by the
Review Panel. Applications will be scored based on the Criteria for
Application Evaluation below. Scored applications that meet or exceed
the cut-off will be forwarded for consideration and funding.

**B. Criteria for Application Evaluation**

A technical review panel will use the following criteria to evaluate
project applications.

1\. Management Capabilities:

a.  The ability to Supply enrollees for positions identified by NRCS
    within one week of obtaining a qualified applicant.

b.  Be responsible for recruitment and screening participants based upon
    the approved position description. As NRCS has direct knowledge of
    the tasks to be completed, NRCS will interview those referred by the
    contractor and recommend selection. Note that Selection of qualified
    applicants will be done in cooperation with the designated NRCS
    Monitor (The term "monitor" refers to the NRCS civil servant who
    oversees the day-to-day work activities of one or more participants
    and signs the participant time sheet.)

c.  Be responsible for recruitment and screening participants based upon
    the approved position description. As NRCS has direct knowledge of
    the tasks to be completed, NRCS will interview those referred by the
    contractor and recommend selection. Note that Selection of qualified
    applicants will be done in cooperation with the designated NRCS
    Monitor (The term "monitor" refers to the NRCS civil servant who
    oversees the day-to-day work activities of one or more participants
    and signs the participant time sheet.)

d.  Provide payroll, time record maintenance, record keeping, and
    administrative support to participants. As well, they will provide
    orientation training to the participant.

    2\. Project management:

> a\. The application has designated staff, demonstrates an ability to
> provide qualified older workers, and experience in providing an older
> worker program
>
> b\. The project staff has the technical expertise needed to do the
> work
>
> c\. The budget is reasonable and adequately justified. Fringe benefits
> are customary and usual.
>
> d\. Demonstrates willingness to implement the NRCS program generally
> patterned after the model established by the demonstration project
> based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Senior Environmental
> Employment (SEE) Program with the understanding that NRCS modified
> that basic program model to meet NRCS requirements.

**C. Anticipated Announcement**

Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 5, 2008. Funds are
not awarded, and work may not start, until an agreement is signed by
both NRCS and the grantee.

**VI. AWARD INFORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION**

A.  **Award Notification**

Applicants who have been selected will receive a letter of official
notification from NRCS National Headquarters. This notice will indicate
the need to work with the administrative contact to develop an agreement
prior to starting work on the project. Applicants who are not selected
will be notified by official letter.

B.  **Reporting Requirements**

Grantees receiving an advance of Federal funds of more than \$25,000 are
required to submit a SF-272 (Report of Federal Cash Transactions), and
when necessary, the continuation sheet, SF-272-A, no later than 15 days
following the end of each quarter or 90 days after project completion.
These reports are used to monitor cash advanced to recipients and to
obtain disbursement and outlay information for each award.

Grantees must submit a Financial Status Report (SF 269) no later than 30
days after the end of each quarter and 90 days after completion of
project. The SF-272 and SF-269 are available at:
<http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/InfoForGrantees.html>.