[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 68 (Monday, April 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21067-21077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8410]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation


Funding Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education and Outreach 
Partnerships Program

    Announcement Type: Announcement of Availability of Funds and 
Request for Application for Competitive Cooperative Partnership 
Agreements.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.460.


DATES: All applications, which must be submitted electronically through 
Grants.gov, must be received by close of business (COB) on May 24, 
2012. Hard copy applications will NOT be accepted.

SUMMARY: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), operating 
through the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces its intent to award 
approximately $3,000,000 (subject to availability of funds) to fund the 
Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program.
    Purpose: The purpose of this competitive cooperative partnership 
agreement program is to deliver crop

[[Page 21068]]

insurance education and risk management training to U.S. agricultural 
producers to assist them in identifying and managing production, 
marketing, legal, financial and human risk. The program gives priority 
to: (1) Educating producers of crops currently not insured under 
Federal crop insurance, specialty crops, and underserved commodities, 
including livestock and forage; and (2) providing collaborative 
outreach and assistance programs for limited resource, socially 
disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and 
ranchers. Education activities developed under the Risk Management 
Education and Outreach Partnerships Program shall provide U.S. farmers 
and ranchers with training and information opportunities to be able to 
understand:
    1. The kinds of risks addressed by existing and emerging risk 
management tools;
    2. The features and appropriate use of existing and emerging risk 
management tools; and
    3. How to make sound risk management decisions.

The minimum award for any cooperative partnership agreement is $20,000. 
The maximum award for any cooperative partnership agreement is $99,999. 
The cooperative partnership agreements will be awarded on a competitive 
basis up to one year from the date of the award. Awardees must 
demonstrate non-financial benefits from a cooperative partnership 
agreement and must agree to the substantial involvement of RMA in the 
project. Funding availability for this program may be announced at 
approximately the same time as funding availability for similar but 
separate programs--CFDA No. 10.458 (Crop Insurance Education in 
Targeted States). Prospective applicants should carefully examine and 
compare the notices of each announcement. The collections of 
information in this Announcement have been approved by OMB under 
control numbers 0563-0066 and 0563-0067.
    This announcement consists of eight sections:

Section I--Funding Opportunity Description
    A. Legislative Authority
    B. Background
    C. Definition of Priority Commodities
    D. Project Goal
Section II--Award Information
    A. Type of Application
    B. Funding Availability
    C. Location and Target Audience
    D. Minimum and Maximum Award
    E. Project Period
    F. Description of Agreement Award--Awardee Tasks
    G. RMA Activities
    H. Other Tasks
Section III--Eligibility Information
    A. Eligible Applicants
    B. Cost Sharing or Matching Funding
    C. Other--Non-Financial Benefits
Section IV--Application and Submission Information
    A. Electronic Application Package
    B. Content and Form of Application Submission
    C. Funding Restrictions
    D. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits
    E. Indirect Cost Rates
    F. Other Submission Requirements
    G. Acknowledgement of Applications
Section V--Application Review Information
    A. Criteria
    B. Review and Selection Process
Section VI--Award Administration Information
    A. Award Notices
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    1. Requirement To Use USDA Logo
    2. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected 
Representative
    3. Access to Panel Review Information
    4. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    5. Audit Requirements
    6. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
    7. Applicable OMB Circulars
    8. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights 
Laws
    9. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Teleconference
    10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Civil Rights 
Training Teleconference
    11. Requirement To Submit Educational Materials to the National 
AgRisk Education Library
    12. Requirement To Submit a Project Plan of Operation in the 
Event of a Human Pandemic Outbreak
    C. Reporting Requirements
Section VII--Agency Contact
Section VIII--Additional Information
    A. The Restriction of the Expenditure of Funds To Enter Into 
Financial Transactions
    B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry 
(CCR) for Submission of Proposals

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Legislative Authority

    The Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnership Program is 
authorized under section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
(Act) (7 U.S.C. 1522(d)(3)(F)).

B. Background

    RMA promotes and regulates sound risk management solutions to 
improve the economic stability of American agriculture. On behalf of 
FCIC, RMA does this by offering Federal crop insurance products through 
a network of private-sector partners, overseeing the creation of new 
risk management products, seeking enhancements in existing products, 
ensuring the integrity of crop insurance programs, offering programs 
aimed at equal access and participation of underserved communities, and 
providing risk management education and information.
    One of RMA's strategic goals is to ensure that its customers are 
well informed as to the risk management solutions available. This 
educational goal is supported by section 522(d)(3)(F) of the Federal 
Crop Insurance Act (FCIA) (7 U.S.C. 1522(d)(3)(F), which authorizes 
FCIC funding for risk management training and informational efforts for 
agricultural producers through the formation of partnerships with 
public and private organizations. With respect to such partnerships, 
priority is to be given to reaching producers of Priority Commodities, 
as defined below. A project is considered as giving priority to 
Priority Commodities if 75 percent of the educational and training 
activities of the project are directed to producers of any one of the 
three classes of commodities listed in the definition of Priority 
Commodities or any combination of the three classes.

C. Definition of Priority Commodities

    For purposes of this program, Priority Commodities are defined as:
    1. Agricultural commodities covered by (7 U.S.C. 7333). Commodities 
in this group are commercial crops that are not covered by catastrophic 
risk protection crop insurance, are used for food or fiber (except 
livestock), and specifically include, but are not limited to, 
floricultural, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees, turf grass sod, 
aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops.
    2. Specialty crops. Commodities in this group may or may not be 
covered under a Federal crop insurance plan and include, but are not 
limited to, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, syrups, honey, roots, herbs, 
and highly specialized varieties of traditional crops.
    3. Underserved commodities. This group includes: (a) Commodities, 
including livestock and forage, that are covered by a Federal crop 
insurance plan but for which participation in an area is below the 
national average; and (b) commodities, including livestock and forage, 
with inadequate crop insurance coverage.

D. Project Goal

    The goal of this program is to ensure that ``* * * producers will 
be better

[[Page 21069]]

able to use financial management, crop insurance, marketing contracts, 
and other existing and emerging risk management tools.''
    For the 2012 fiscal year, the FCIC Board of Directors and the FCIC 
Manager are seeking projects that address one or more of the Priority 
Commodities. In addition, the application must clearly designate that 
education or training shall be provided on at least one (1) of the 
Special Emphasis Topics listed below. Applications that do not include 
at least one (1) Special Emphasis Topic will not be considered for 
funding.
Special Emphasis Topics
Production: AGR and AGR-Lite; Livestock Gross Margin Dairy; Pasture, 
Rangeland, Forage Rainfall and/or Vegetative Index; Common Crop 
Insurance Policy Basic Provisions (``COMBO''); Enterprise Units; 
Specialty Crops; Prevented Planting; or Other Existing Crop Insurance 
Programs; Irrigation; Erosion Control Measures; Good Farming Practices; 
Wildfire Management; Forest Management; and Range Management or other 
similar topics.
Legal: Legal and Succession Planning or other similar topics;
Marketing: Marketing Strategies; Farm Products Branding; Farmers 
Markets or other similar topics;
Financial: Financial Tools and Planning; Farm Management Strategies; 
Farm Financial Benchmarking or other similar topics; or
Human: Farm Labor; Farm Safety; Food Safety, Risk Management Education 
to Students; or other similar topics.

In addition, the application must clearly demonstrate that the 
education or training shall be provided to at least one (1) of the 
Producer Types listed below. Applications that do not include at least 
one (1) of the Producer Types will not be considered for funding.

Producer Types
Producers and Ranchers;
New and Beginning Farmers;
Women Producers and Ranchers;
    Hispanic Producers and Ranchers;
    African American Producers and Ranchers;
    Native American Producers and Ranchers;
    Limited Resource Producers and Ranchers;
    Asian American and Pacific Islander Producers and Ranchers;
    Transitional Farmers and Ranchers;
    Senior Farmers and Ranchers;
    Small Acreage Producers;
    Specialty Crop Producers; or
    Military Veteran Producers and Ranchers.

II. Award Information

A. Type of Application

    Only electronic applications will be accepted and they must be 
submitted through Grants.gov. Hard copy applications will NOT be 
accepted. Applications submitted to the Risk Management Education and 
Outreach Partnerships Program are new applications: there are no 
renewals. All applications will be reviewed competitively using the 
selection process and evaluation criteria described in Section V--
Application Review Process. Each award will be designated as a 
Cooperative Partnership Agreement, which will require substantial 
involvement by RMA.

B. Funding Availability

    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application. 
Approximately $3,000,000 is expected to be available in fiscal year 
2012 but it is possible that this amount may be reduced or not funded. 
In the event that all funds available for this program are not 
obligated after the maximum number of agreements are awarded or if 
additional funds become available, these funds may, at the discretion 
of the Manager of FCIC, be used to award additional applications that 
score highly by the technical review panel or allocated pro-rata to 
awardees for use in broadening the size or scope of awarded projects, 
if agreed to by the awardee. In the event that the Manager of FCIC 
determines that available RMA resources cannot support the 
administrative and substantial involvement requirements of all 
agreements recommended for funding, the Manager may elect to fund fewer 
agreements than the available funding might otherwise allow. All awards 
will be made and agreements finalized no later than September 30, 2012.

C. Location and Target Audience

    RMA Regional Offices and the States serviced within each RMA Region 
are listed below. Staff from the respective RMA Regional Offices will 
provide substantial involvement for projects conducted within the 
Region.

Billings, Montana Regional Office: (MT, ND, SD, and WY)
Davis, California Regional Office: (AZ, CA, HI, NV, and UT)
Jackson, Mississippi Regional Office: (AR, KY, LA, MS, and TN)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Regional Office: (NM, OK, and TX)
Raleigh, North Carolina Regional Office: (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, 
NY, NC, PA, RI, VT, VA, and WV)
Spokane, Washington Regional Office: (AK, ID, OR, and WA)
Springfield, Illinois Regional Office: (IL, IN, MI, and OH)
St. Paul, Minnesota Regional Office: (IA, MN, and WI)
Topeka, Kansas Regional Office: (CO, KS, MO, and NE)
Valdosta, Georgia Regional Office: (AL, FL, GA, PR, and SC)

Each application must clearly designate the RMA Region where 
educational activities will be conducted in the application narrative 
in block 12 of the SF-424 form. Applications without this designation 
will be rejected. Applications may designate more than one state but 
cannot designate more than one RMA Region. Applications with proposed 
activities in more than one state all serviced by the same RMA Region 
are acceptable. Single applications proposing to conduct educational 
activities in states served by more than one RMA Region will be 
rejected. Applications serving Tribal Nations will be accepted and 
managed from the RMA Regional office serving the designated Tribal 
Office.

D. Minimum and Maximum Award

    Any application that requests Federal funding of less than $20,000 
or more than $99,999 for a project will be rejected. RMA also reserves 
the right to fund successful applications at an amount less than 
requested if it is judged that the application can be implemented at a 
lower funding level.

E. Project Period

    Projects will be funded for a period of up to one year from the 
project starting date.

F. Description of Agreement Award--Awardee Tasks

    In conducting activities to achieve the purpose and goal of this 
program in a designated RMA Region, the awardee shall be responsible 
for performing the following tasks:
    1. Develop and conduct a promotional program in English or a non-
English language to producers as appropriate to the audience. This 
program shall include activities using media, newsletters, 
publications, or other appropriate informational dissemination 
techniques that are designed to: (a) Raise awareness for crop insurance 
and risk management; (b) inform producers of the availability of crop 
insurance and risk management tools; and (c) inform producers and 
agribusiness leaders in

[[Page 21070]]

the designated RMA Region of training and informational opportunities.
    2. Deliver crop insurance and risk management training in English 
or non-English language as appropriate to the audience as well as 
informational opportunities to agricultural producers and agribusiness 
professionals in the designated RMA Region. This will include 
organizing and delivering educational activities using the 
instructional materials assembled by the awardee to meet the local 
needs of agricultural producers. Activities should be directed 
primarily to agricultural producers, but may include those agribusiness 
professionals that have frequent opportunities to advise producers on 
risk management tools and decisions.
    3. Document all educational activities conducted under the 
cooperative partnership agreement and the results of such activities, 
including criteria and indicators used to evaluate the success of the 
program. The awardee shall also be required to provide information to 
RMA as requested for evaluation purposes.

G. RMA Activities

    FCIC, working through RMA, will be substantially involved during 
the performance of the funded project through RMA's ten (10) Regional 
Offices. Potential types of substantial involvement may include, but 
are not limited to, the following activities.
    1. Collaborate with the awardee in assembling, reviewing, and 
approving crop insurance and risk management materials for producers in 
the designated RMA Region.
    2. Collaborate with the awardee in reviewing and approving a 
promotional program for raising awareness for crop insurance and risk 
management and for informing producers of training and informational 
opportunities in the RMA Region.
    3. Collaborate with the awardee on the delivery of education to 
producers and agribusiness leaders in the RMA Region. This will 
include: (a) Reviewing and approving in advance all producer and 
agribusiness leader educational activities; (b) advising the project 
leader on technical issues related to crop insurance education and 
information; and (c) assisting the project leader in informing crop 
insurance professionals about educational activity plans and scheduled 
meetings.
    4. Conduct an evaluation of the performance of the awardee in 
meeting the tasks and subtasks of the project.
    Applications that do not address substantial involvement by RMA 
will be rejected.

H. Other Tasks

    In addition to the specific, required tasks listed above, the 
applicant may propose additional tasks that would contribute directly 
to the purpose of this program. For any proposed additional task, the 
applicant must identify the objective of the task, the specific 
subtasks required to meet the objective, specific time lines for 
performing the subtasks, and the specific responsibilities of the 
applicant and any entities working with the applicant in the 
development or delivery of the project. The applicant must also 
identify specific ways in which RMA would have substantial involvement 
in the proposed project task.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

    Eligible applicants include: State Departments of Agriculture, 
State Cooperative Extension Services; Federal, State, or tribal 
agencies; groups representing producers, community based organizations 
or a coalition of community-based organization that has demonstrated 
experience in providing agricultural or other agricultural-related 
services to producers; nongovernmental organizations; junior and four-
year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a college or 
university; private for-profit organizations; faith-based organizations 
and other appropriate partners with the capacity to lead a local 
program of crop insurance and risk management education for producers 
in an RMA Region.
    1. Individuals are not eligible applicants.
    2. 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 governed 
by Federal law and regulations (e.g. debarment and suspension; a 
determination of non-performance on a prior contract, cooperative 
partnership agreement, or grant; or a determination of a violation of 
applicable ethical standards.) Applications in which the applicant or 
any of the partners are ineligible or excluded persons will be rejected 
in their entirety.
    3. Private organizations that are involved in the sale of Federal 
crop insurance, or that have financial ties to such organizations, are 
eligible to apply for funding under this Announcement. However, such 
entities and their partners, affiliates, and collaborators for this 
Announcement will not receive funding to conduct activities that are 
already required under a Standard Reinsurance Agreement or any other 
agreement in effect between FCIC/RMA and the entity, or between FCIC/
RMA and any of the partners, affiliates, or collaborators for awards 
under this Announcement. In addition, such entities and their partners, 
affiliates, and collaborators for this Announcement will not be allowed 
to receive funding to conduct activities that could be perceived by 
producers as promoting the services or products of one company over the 
services or products of another company that provides the same or 
similar services or products. If applying for funding, such 
organizations must be aware of potential conflicts of interest and must 
describe in their application the specific actions they shall take to 
avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Funding

    Although RMA prefers cost sharing by the applicant, this program 
has neither a cost sharing nor a matching requirement.

C. Other--Non-financial Benefits

    To be eligible, applicants must also be able to demonstrate that 
they will receive a non-financial benefit as a result of a cooperative 
partnership agreement. Non-financial benefits must accrue to the 
applicant and must include more than the ability to provide employment 
income to the applicant or for the applicant's employees or the 
community. The applicant must demonstrate that performance under the 
cooperative partnership agreement shall further the specific mission of 
the applicant (such as providing research or activities necessary for 
graduate or other students to complete their educational program). 
Applications that do not demonstrate a non-financial benefit will be 
rejected.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Electronic Application Package

    Only electronic applications will be accepted and they must be 
submitted via Grants.gov to the Risk Management Agency in response to 
this Announcement. Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested 
that the Project Director (PD) first contact an Authorized 
Representative (AR) (also referred to as Authorized Organizational 
Representative or AOR) to determine if the organization is prepared to 
submit electronic applications through Grants.gov. If the organization 
is not prepared, the AR should see, http://www.grants.gov/applicants/

[[Page 21071]]

get--registered.jsp, for steps for preparing to submit applications 
through Grants.gov.
    Grants.gov assistance is available as follows:

<bullet> Grants.gov customer support, Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726, 
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#16656366667964625671647778626538717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e6d6b6e6e716c6a5e796c7f706a6d30797168">[email protected]</span></a>.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

    The title of the application must include the (1) RMA Region, (2) 
the State or States within the RMA Region where the educational 
activities will be conducted, (3) the Special Emphasis Topic(s); and 
(4) the Producer Type 2 (For example only: Billings RO, Montana, Crop 
Insurance for Military Veterans).
    A complete and valid application must include the following:
    1. A completed OMB Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal 
Assistance.''
    2. A completed OMB Standard Form 424-A, ``Budget Information--Non-
construction Programs.'' Federal funding requested (the total of direct 
and indirect costs) must not exceed $99,999.
    3. A completed OMB Standard Form 424-B, ``Assurances, Non-
constructive Programs.''
    4. An Executive Summary (One page) of the Project.
    5. A Proposal Narrative (Not to Exceed 15 single-sided pages in 
Microsoft Word), which shall also include a Statement of Work. The 
Statement of Work (SOW) must include each task and subtask associated 
with the work, the objective of each task and subtask, specific time 
lines for performing the tasks and subtasks, and the responsible party 
for completing the activities listed under each task and subtask 
including the specific responsibilities of partners and/or RMA. The SOW 
must be very clear on who does what, where, and when, as well as, the 
objective for each task and subtask. Letters of support for the 
applicant should be an appendix to the application and should not be 
included as part of the Proposal Narrative.
    6. Budget Narrative (in Microsoft Excel) describing how the 
categorical costs listed on the SF 424-A are derived. The budget 
narrative must provide enough detail for reviewers to easily understand 
how costs were determined and how they relate to the goals and 
objectives of the project.
    7. Partnering Plan that includes how each partner of the applicant 
(who will be working on this project) shall aid in carrying out the 
specific tasks and subtasks. The Partnering Plan must also include 
``Letters of Commitment'' from each partner who shall do the specific 
task or subtask as identified in the SOW. The Letters must (1) be dated 
within 45 days of the submission and (2) list the specific tasks or 
subtasks the committed partner has agreed to do with the applicant on 
this project.
    8. Project Plan of Operation in the Event of a Human Pandemic 
Outbreak (Pandemic Plan). RMA requires that project leaders submit a 
project plan of operation in case of a human pandemic event. The plan 
must address the concept of continuing operations as they relate to the 
project. This plan must include the roles, responsibilities, and 
contact information for the project team and individuals serving as 
back-ups in case of a pandemic outbreak.
    9. Current and Pending Report. The application package from 
Grants.gov contains a document called the Current and Pending Report. 
On the Current and Pending Report you must state for this fiscal year 
if this application is a duplicate application or overlaps 
substantially with another application already submitted to or funded 
by another USDA Agency, including RMA, or other private organization. 
The percentage of each person's time associated with the work to be 
done under this project must be identified in the application. The 
total percentage of time for both ``Current'' and ``Pending'' projects 
must not exceed 100% of each person's time. Applicants must list all 
current public or private employment arrangements or financial support 
associated with the project or any of the personnel that are part of 
the project, regardless of whether such arrangements or funding 
constitute part of the project under this Announcement (supporting 
agency, amount of award, effective date, expiration date, expiration 
date of award, etc.). If the applicant has no projects to list, ``N/A'' 
should be shown on the form. An application submitted under this RFA 
that duplicates or overlaps substantially with any application already 
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by any other organization or 
agency, including but not limited to other RMA, USDA, and Federal 
government programs, will not be funded under this program. RMA 
reserves the right to reject your application based on the review of 
this information.
    10. A completed and signed OMB Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities.
    11. A completed and signed AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug-
Free Workplace.
    Applications that do not include the items listed above will be 
considered incomplete, will not receive further consideration, and will 
be rejected.

C. Funding Restrictions

    Cooperative 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. Purchase portable equipment (such as laptops, projectors, etc.)
    d. Repair or maintain privately owned vehicles;
    e. Pay for the preparation of the cooperative agreement 
application;
    f. Fund political activities;
    g. Purchase alcohol, food, beverage, give-away promotional items, 
or entertainment;
    h. Lend money to support farming or agricultural business operation 
or expansion;
    i. Pay costs incurred prior to receiving a cooperative agreement;
    j. Provide scholarships to meetings, seminars or similar events;
    k. Pay entrance fees or other expenses to conferences or similar 
activities;
    l. Pay costs associated 501(c) applications;
    m. Purchase electronic devices (such as I-pads, cell phones, 
computers or similar items) for consultants or Board Members; or
    n. Fund any activities prohibited in 7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019, as 
applicable.

D. Limitation on Use of Project Funds for Salaries and Benefits

    Total costs for salary and benefits allowed for projects under this 
Announcement will be limited to not more than 70 percent reimbursement 
of the funds awarded under the cooperative partnership agreement. The 
reasonableness of the total costs for salary and benefits allowed for 
projects under this Announcement will be reviewed and considered by RMA 
as part of the application review process. Applications for which RMA 
does not consider the salary and benefits reasonable for the proposed 
application will be rejected, or will only be offered a cooperative 
agreement upon the condition of changing the salary and benefits 
structure to one deemed appropriate by RMA for that. The goal of the 
Risk Management Education and Outreach Partnerships Program is to 
maximize the use of the limited funding available for crop insurance 
risk management education for producers of Priority Commodities and 
Special Emphasis Topics.

[[Page 21072]]

E. Indirect Cost Rates

    1. Indirect costs allowed for projects submitted under this 
Announcement will be limited to ten (10) percent of the total direct 
cost of the cooperative partnership agreement. Therefore, when 
preparing budgets, applicants should limit their requests for recovery 
of indirect costs to the lesser of their institution's official 
negotiated indirect cost rate or 10 percent of the total direct costs.
    2. RMA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with 
successful applicants.

F. Other Submission Requirements

    Applicants are entirely responsible for ensuring that RMA receives 
a complete application package by the closing date and time. RMA 
strongly encourages applicants to submit applications well before the 
deadline to allow time for correction of technical errors identified by 
Grants.gov. Application packages submitted after the deadline will be 
rejected.

G. Acknowledgement of Applications

    Receipt of applications may be acknowledged by email, whenever 
possible; however it is the responsibility of the applicant to check 
Grants.gov for successful submission. Therefore, applicants are 
encouraged to provide email addresses in their applications. There will 
be no notification of incomplete, unqualified or unfunded applications 
until the award decisions have been made. When received by RMA, 
applications will be assigned an identification number.
    This number will be communicated to applicants in the 
acknowledgement of receipt of applications. An application's 
identification number must be referenced in all correspondence 
submitted by any party regarding the application. If the applicant does 
not receive an acknowledgement of application receipt by 15 days 
following the submission deadline, the applicant must notify RMA's 
point of contact indicated in Section VII, Agency Contact.

V. Application Review Information

A. Criteria

    Applications submitted under the Risk Management Education and 
Outreach Partnerships Program will be evaluated within each RMA Region 
according to the following criteria:
Project Impacts--Maximum 20 Points Available
    Each application must demonstrate that the project benefits to 
producers warrant the funding requested. Applications will be scored 
according to the extent they can: (a) Identify the specific actions 
producers will likely be able to take as a result of the educational 
activities described in the Proposal Narrative's Statement of Work 
(SOW); (b) identify the specific measures for evaluating results that 
will be employed in the project; (c) reasonably estimate the total 
number of producers that will be reached through the various methods 
and educational activities described in the Statement of Work; (d) 
identify the number of meetings that will be held; (e) provide an 
estimate of the number of training hours that will be held; (f) provide 
an estimated cost per producer, and (e) justify such estimates with 
specific information. Estimates for reaching agribusiness professionals 
may also be provided but such estimates must be provided separately 
from the estimates of producers. Reviewers' scoring will be based on 
the scope and reasonableness of the application's clear descriptions of 
specific expected actions producers will accomplish, and well-designed 
methods for measuring the project's results and effectiveness. 
Applications using direct contact methods with producers will be scored 
higher.
    Applications must identify the type and number of producer actions 
expected as a result of the projects, and how results will be measured, 
in the following categories:
    <bullet> Understanding risk management tools;
    <bullet> Evaluating the feasibility of implementing various risk 
management options;
    <bullet> Developing risk management plans and strategies;
    <bullet> Deciding on and implementing a specific course of action 
(e.g., participation in crop insurance programs or implementation of 
other risk management actions).
Statement of Work (SOW)--Maximum 20 Points Available
    Each application must include a clear and specific Statement of 
Work for the project as part of the Proposal Narrative. For each of the 
tasks contained in the Description of Agreement Award (see Section II, 
Award Information), the application must identify and describe specific 
subtasks, responsible entities including partners, expected completion 
dates, RMA substantial involvement, and deliverables that shall further 
the purpose of this program. Applications will obtain a higher score to 
the extent that the Statement of Work is specific, measurable and 
reasonable, has specific deadlines for the completion of tasks and 
subtasks, and relates directly to the required activities and the 
program purpose described in this Announcement.
Partnering--Maximum 20 Points Available
    Each application must demonstrate experience and capacity to 
partner with and gain the support of producer organizations, 
agribusiness professionals, subject matter experts, and agricultural 
leaders to carry out a local program of education and information in a 
designated State. Each application must establish a written Partnering 
Plan that describes how each partner shall aid in carrying out the 
project goal and purpose stated in this announcement and should include 
letters of commitment dated no more than 45 days prior to submission of 
the relevant application stating that the partner has agreed to do this 
work. Each application must ensure this Plan includes a list of all 
partners working on the project, their titles, and how they will 
contribute to the deliverables listed in the application. The 
Partnering Plan will not count towards the maximum length of the 
application narrative. Applications will receive higher scores to the 
extent that the application demonstrates: (a) That partnership 
commitments are in place for the express purpose of delivering the 
program in this announcement; (b) that a broad group of producers will 
be reached within the State; (c) that partners are contributing to the 
project and involved in recruiting producers to attend the training; 
(d) that a substantial effort has been made to partner with 
organizations that can meet the needs of producers in the designated 
State; and (e) statements from each partner regarding the number of 
producers that partner is committed to recruit for the project that 
would support the estimates specified under the Project Impacts 
criterion.
Project Management--Maximum 20 Points Available
    Each application must demonstrate an ability to implement sound and 
effective project management practices. Higher scores in this category 
will be awarded to applications that demonstrate organizational skills, 
leadership, and experience in delivering services or programs that 
assist agricultural producers in the designated State. Each application 
must demonstrate that the Project Director has the capability to 
accomplish the project goal and purpose stated in this announcement by 
(a) having a previous or existing working relationship with the 
agricultural community in the designated State of

[[Page 21073]]

the application, including being able to recruit approximately the 
number of producers to be reached in the application and/or (b) having 
established the capacity to partner with and gain the support of 
producer organizations, agribusiness professionals, and agribusiness 
leaders locally to aid in carrying out a program of education and 
information, including being able to recruit approximately the number 
of producers to be reached in this application. Applications must 
designate an alternate individual to assume responsibility as Project 
Director in the event the original Project Director is unable to finish 
the project. Applications that will employ, or have access to, 
personnel who have experience in directing local educational programs 
that benefit agricultural producers in the respective State will 
receive higher rankings in this category.
Budget Appropriateness and Efficiency--Maximum 20 Points Available
    Applications must provide a detailed budget summary, both in 
narrative and in Microsoft Excel, that clearly explains and justifies 
costs associated with the project's tasks and subtasks. Applications 
will receive higher scores in this category to the extent that they can 
demonstrate a fair and reasonable use of funds appropriate for the 
project and a budget that contains the estimated cost of reaching each 
individual producer.
Bonus Points for Minority Partnering--Maximum 20 Bonus Points Available
    RMA is focused on adding diversity to this program. RMA may add up 
to an additional 20 points to the final paneled score of any submission 
demonstrating a partnership with another producer group or community 
based group that represent minority producers. The application must 
state in the Partnering Plan that a Minority Partnership is in place as 
validated by a current Letter of Commitment that identifies the 
producer group or community based group partner that will represent 
minority producers.

``Minority'' producers are defined as:
    <bullet> African American producers
    <bullet> Asian American, Pacific Islander producers
    <bullet> Hispanic producers
    <bullet> Native American producers
Bonus Points for StrikeForce Partnering--Maximum Bonus 20 Points 
Available
    RMA is focused on providing crop insurance education and other risk 
management training and outreach to the States and counties identified 
in the USDA StrikeForce initiative (www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/usda_strike_force.pdf ).
    RMA may add up to an additional 20 points to the final paneled 
score of any submission demonstrating that the activities describe in 
the proposal will be directed to the producers in the StrikeForce 
areas. The application must state in the Partnering Plan that a 
StrikeForce Partnership is in place as validated by a current Letter of 
Commitment that identifies the producer group or community based group 
that represent producers farming in the areas identified in the 
StrikeForce areas noted below:

Arkansas
    StrikeForce Counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, 
Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, 
Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Phillips, Randolph, 
Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis, and Woodruff
Colorado
    StrikeForce Counties: Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, 
Cheyenne, Costilla, Conejos, Crowley, Denver, Elbert, El Paso, 
Huerfano, Jefferson, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, 
Montezuma, Otero, Pueblo, Prowers, Rio Grande, San Juan, Saquache, 
Sedgwick, and Weld
Georgia
    StrikeForce Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, 
Berrien, Bulloch, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, 
Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Early, Emanuel, Evans, 
Grady, Hancock, Irwin, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Macon, 
Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, 
Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Tattnall, 
Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, 
Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Wilkes
Mississippi
    StrikeForce Counties: Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, 
Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, 
Covington, Franklin, Greene, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, 
Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, 
Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Marion, Monroe, 
Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Scott, Sharkey, 
Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, 
Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha, and Yazoo
Nevada
    StrikeForce Counties: Clark, Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, 
Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, 
Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine
New Mexico
    StrikeForce Counties: Lincoln, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, 
Santa Fe, and Taos.

B. Review and Selection Process

    Applications will be evaluated using a two-part process. First, 
each application will be screened by USDA and RMA personnel to ensure 
that it meets the requirements in this Announcement. Applications that 
do not meet the requirements of this Announcement or that are 
incomplete will not receive further consideration during the next 
process. Applications that meet Announcement requirements will be 
sorted into the RMA Region in which the applicant proposes to conduct 
the project and will be presented to a review panel for consideration.
    Second, the review panel will meet to consider and discuss the 
merits of each application. The panel will consist of not less than 
three independent reviewers. Reviewers will be drawn from USDA, other 
Federal agencies, and public and private organizations, as needed. 
After considering the merits of all applications within an RMA Region, 
panel members will score each application according to the criteria and 
point values listed above. The panel will then rank each application 
against others within the RMA Region according to the scores received. 
The review panel will report the results of the evaluation to the 
Manager of FCIC. The panel's report will include the recommended 
applicants to receive cooperative partnership agreements for each RMA 
Region.
    Funding will not be provided for an application receiving a score 
less than 60. Funding will not be provided for an application that is 
``highly similar'' to a higher-scoring application in the same RMA 
Region. ``Highly similar'' is defined as one that proposes to reach the 
same producers, farmers and ranchers who are likely to be reached by 
another applicant that scored higher by the panel and provides the same 
general educational material. An organization, or group of 
organizations in partnership,

[[Page 21074]]

may apply for funding under other FCIC or RMA programs, in addition to 
the program described in this Announcement. However, if the Manager of 
FCIC determines that an application recommended for funding is 
sufficiently similar to a project that has been funded or has been 
recommended to be funded under another RMA or FCIC program, then the 
Manager may elect not to fund that application in whole or in part. The 
Manager of FCIC will make the final determination on those applications 
that will be awarded funding.

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

    The award document will provide pertinent instructions and 
information including, at a minimum, the following:
    (1) Legal name and address of performing organization or 
institution to which the Manager of FCIC has issued an award under the 
terms of this request for applications;
    (2) Title of project;
    (3) Name(s) and employing institution(s) of Project Directors 
chosen to direct and control approved activities;
    (4) Identifying award number assigned by RMA;
    (5) Project period, specifying the amount of time RMA intends to 
support the project without requiring recompeting for funds;
    (6) Total amount of RMA financial assistance approved by the 
Manager of FCIC during the project period;
    (7) Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;
    (8) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
numbers;
    (9) Applicable award terms and conditions (see http://www.rma.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html to view RMA award 
terms and conditions);
    (10) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
    (11) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by RMA to 
carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular award.
    Following approval by the Manager of FCIC of the applications to be 
selected for funding, project leaders whose applications have been 
selected for funding will be notified. Within the limit of funds 
available for such a purpose, the Manager of FCIC will enter into 
cooperative partnership agreements with those selected applicants.
    After a cooperative partnership agreement has been signed, RMA will 
extend to awardees, in writing, the authority to draw down funds for 
the purpose of conducting the activities listed in the agreement. All 
funds provided to the applicant by FCIC must be expended solely for the 
purpose for which the funds are obligated in accordance with the 
approved cooperative partnership agreement and budget, the regulations, 
the terms and conditions of the award, and the applicability of Federal 
cost principles. No commitment of Federal assistance beyond the project 
period is made or implied for any award resulting from this notice.
    Notification of denial of funding will be sent to applicants after 
final funding decisions have been made and the awardees announced 
publicly. Unsuccessful applicants will be provided a debriefing upon 
request to the Director, Risk Management Education.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Requirement To Use USDA Logo
    Applicants awarded cooperative partnership agreements will be 
required to use a USDA logo provided by RMA for all instructional and 
promotional materials, when deemed appropriate.

2. Requirement To Provide Project Information to an RMA-selected 
Representative

    Applicants awarded cooperative partnership agreements may be 
required to assist RMA in evaluating the effectiveness of its 
educational programs by notifying RMA of upcoming training meeting and 
by providing documentation of educational activities, materials, and 
related information to any representative selected by RMA for program 
evaluation purposes.
3. Access to Panel Review Information
    Upon written request from the applicant, scores from the evaluation 
panel, not including the identity of reviewers, will be sent to the 
applicant after the review and awards process has been completed.
4. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    The names of applicants, the names of individuals identified in the 
applications, the content of applications, and the panel evaluations of 
applications will all be kept confidential, except to those involved in 
the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In addition, the 
identities of review panel members will remain confidential throughout 
the entire review process and will not be released to applicants. At 
the end of the fiscal year, names of panel members will be made 
available. However, panelists will not be identified with the review of 
any particular application. When an application results in a 
cooperative partnership agreement, that agreement becomes a part of the 
official record of RMA transactions, available to the public upon 
specific request.
    Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be of a 
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in 
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information 
that the applicant wishes to be considered confidential, privileged, or 
proprietary should be clearly marked within an application, including 
the basis for such designation. The original copy of an application 
that does not result in an award will be retained by RMA for a period 
of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Copies of applications not 
receiving awards will be released only with the express written consent 
of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An application may 
be withdrawn at any time prior to award.
5. Audit Requirements
    Applicants awarded cooperative partnership agreements are subject 
to audit.
6. Prohibitions and Requirements Regarding Lobbying
    All cooperative agreements will be subject to the requirements of 7 
CFR part 3015, ``Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.'' A signed 
copy of the certification and disclosure forms must be submitted with 
the application and are available at the address and telephone number 
listed in Section VII, Agency Contact.
    Departmental regulations published at 7 CFR part 3018 imposes 
prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related 
to lobbying on awardees of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative 
partnership agreements and loans. It provides exemptions for Indian 
Tribes and tribal organizations. Current and prospective awardees, and 
any subcontractors, are prohibited from using Federal funds, other than 
profits from a Federal contract, for lobbying Congress or any Federal 
agency in connection with the award of a contract, grant, cooperative 
partnership agreement or loan. In addition, for each award action in 
excess of $100,000 ($150,000 for loans) the law requires awardees and 
any subcontractors to complete a certification in accordance with 
Appendix A to Part 3018 and a disclosure of lobbying activities in

[[Page 21075]]

accordance with Appendix B to Part 3018.: The law establishes civil 
penalties for non-compliance.
7. Applicable OMB Circulars
    All cooperative partnership agreements funded as a result of this 
notice will be subject to the requirements contained in all applicable 
OMB circulars at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omg/grants_circulars
8. Requirement To Assure Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Laws
    Awardees and all partners/collaborators of all cooperative 
agreements funded as a result of this notice are required to know and 
abide by Federal civil rights laws, which include, but are not limited 
to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), 
and 7 CFR part 15. RMA requires that awardees submit an Assurance 
Agreement (Civil Rights), assuring RMA of this compliance prior to the 
beginning of the project period.
9. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Teleconference
    RMA requires that project leaders participate in a post award 
teleconference, if conducted, to become fully aware of agreement 
requirements and for delineating the roles of RMA personnel and the 
procedures that will be followed in administering the agreement and 
will afford an opportunity for the orderly transition of agreement 
duties and obligations if different personnel are to assume post-award 
responsibility.
10. Requirement To Participate in a Post Award Civil Rights Training 
Teleconference
    RMA requires that project leaders participate in a post award Civil 
Rights and EEO training teleconference to become fully aware of Civil 
Rights and EEO law and requirements.
11. Requirement To Submit Educational Materials to the National AgRisk 
Education Library
    RMA requires that project leaders upload digital copies of all risk 
management educational materials developed because of the project to 
the National AgRisk Education Library at http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/ for 
posting. RMA will be clearly identified as having provided funding for 
the materials.
12. Requirement To Submit a Project Plan of Operation in the Event of a 
Human Pandemic Outbreak
    RMA requires that project leaders submit a project plan of 
operation in case of a human pandemic event. The plan should address 
the concept of continuing operations as they relate to the project. 
This should include the roles, responsibilities, and contact 
information for the project team and individuals serving as back-ups in 
case of a pandemic outbreak.

C. Reporting Requirements

    Awardees will be required to submit quarterly progress reports 
using the Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR) as the cover sheet, and 
quarterly financial reports (OMB Standard Form 425) throughout the 
project period, as well as a final program and financial report not 
later than 90 days after the end of the project period. The quarterly 
progress reports and final program reports MUST be submitted through 
the Results Verification System. The Web site address is 
www.agrisk.umn.edu/RMA/Reporting

VII. Agency Contact

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact: USDA-RMA-RME, phone: 202-720-0779, 
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#72203f335c201b01195f371632001f135c070116135c151d04"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f0d121e710d362c34721a3b1f2d323e712a2c3b3e71383029">[email protected]</span></a>. You may also obtain information 
regarding this announcement from the RMA Web site at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/agreements.

VIII. Additional Information

A. The Restriction of the Expenditure of Funds To Enter Into Financial 
Transactions

    The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, 
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (Pub. L. 112-55) contains 
the restriction of the expenditure of funds to enter into financial 
transactions Corporations that have been convicted of felonies within 
the past 24 months or that have federal tax delinquencies where the 
agency is aware of the felonies and/or tax delinquencies.
Section 738 (Felony Provision)
    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enter 
into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement 
with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to any 
corporation that was convicted (or had an officer or agency of such 
corporation acting on behalf of the corporation convicted) of a felony 
criminal violation under any Federal or State law within the preceding 
24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless 
the agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation, 
or such officer or agent, and made a determination that this further 
action is not necessary to protect the interest of the Government.
Section 739 (Tax Delinquency Provision)
    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to enter 
into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement 
with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any 
corporation that [has] any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been 
assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been 
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner 
pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting 
the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax 
liability, unless the agency has considered suspension or debarment of 
the corporation and made a determination that this further action is 
not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

B. Required Registration With the Central Contract Registry (CCR) for 
Submission of Proposals

    Under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 
2006, the applicant must comply with the additional requirements set 
forth in Attachment A regarding the Dun and Bradstreet Universal 
Numbering System (DUNS) Requirements and the CCR Requirements found at 
2 CFR part 25. For the purposes of this RFA, the term ``you'' in 
Attachment A will mean ``applicant''. The applicant shall comply with 
the additional requirements set forth in Attachment B regarding 
Subawards and Executive Compensation. For the purpose of this RFA, the 
term ``you'' in Attachment B will mean ``applicant''. The Central 
Contract 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. 
Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the submission of 
applications. A DUNS number is needed for CCR registration. For 
information about how to register in the CCR, visit ``Get Registered'' 
at the Web site, http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 business 
days to complete the CCR registration.

[[Page 21076]]

C. Related Programs

    Funding availability for this program may be announced at 
approximately the same time as funding availability for similar but 
separate programs--and CFDA No. 10.458 (Crop Insurance Education in 
Targeted States). These programs have some similarities, but also key 
differences. The differences stem from important features of each 
program's authorizing legislation and different RMA objectives. 
Prospective applicants should carefully examine and compare the notices 
for each program.

Attachment A

I. Central Contractor Registration and Universal Identifier 
Requirements

A. Requirement for Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

    Unless you are exempted from this requirement under 2 CFR 
25.110, you as the recipient must maintain the currency of your 
information in the CCR until you submit the final financial report 
required under this award or receive the final payment, whichever is 
later. This requires that you review and update the information at 
least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently 
if required by changes in your information or another award term.

B. Requirement for Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Numbers

    If you are authorized to make subawards under this award, you:
    1. Must notify potential sub recipients that no entity (see 
definition in paragraph C of this award) may receive a subaward from 
you unless the entity has provided its DUNS number to you.
    2. May not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has 
provided its DUNS number to you.

C. Definitions for Purposes of This Award Term

    1. Central Contractor Registration (CCR) means the Federal 
repository into which an entity must provide information required 
for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information 
about registration procedures may be found at the CCR Internet site 
(currently at http://www.ccr.gov).
    2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number means the nine-
digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D 
& B) to uniquely identify business entities. A DUNS number may be 
obtained from D & B by telephone (currently 866-705-5711) or the 
Internet (currently at ttp://fedgov.dnb.comlwebform).
    3. Entity, as it is used in this award term, means all of the 
following, as defined at 2 CFR part 25, subpart C:
    a. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local 
government, or Indian Tribe;
    b. A foreign public entity;
    c. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization;
    d. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization; and
    e. A Federal agency, but only as a subrecipient under an award 
or subaward to a non-Federal entity.
    4. Subaward
    a. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the 
performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for 
which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to 
an eligible subrecipient.
    b. The term does not include your procurement of property and 
services needed to carry out the project or program (for further 
explanation, see Sec. 10 of the attachment to OMB Circular A-I33, 
``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations'').
    c. A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement, 
including an agreement that you consider a contract.
    5. Subrecipient means an entity that
    a. Receives a subaward from you under this award; and
    b. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds 
provided by the subaward.

Attachment B

I. Reporting Sub Awards and Executive Compensation

    a. Reporting of First-Tier Subawards.
    1. Applicability. Unless you are exempt as provided in paragraph 
d. of this award term, you must report each action that obligates 
$25,000 or more in Federal funds that does not include Recovery 
funds (as defined in section 1512(a)(2) of the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5) for a subaward to an entity 
(see definitions in paragraph e. of this award term).
    2. Where and when to report.
    i. You must report each obligating action described in paragraph 
a.I. of this award term to http://www.fsrs.gov.
    ii. For sub award information, report no later than the end of 
the month following the month in which the obligation was made. (For 
example, if the obligation was made on November 7, 2012, the 
obligation must be reported by no later than December 31, 2012.)
    3. What to report. You must report the information about each 
obligating action that the submission instructions posted at http://www.fsrs.gov specify.
    b. Reporting Total Compensation of Recipient Executives.
    1. Applicability and what to report. You must report total 
compensation for each of your five most highly compensated 
executives for the preceding completed fiscal year, if--
    i. The total Federal funding authorized to date under this award 
is $25,000 or more;
    ii. In the preceding fiscal year, you received--
    (A) 80 percent or more of your annual gross revenues from 
Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal 
financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 
2 CFR 170.320 (and subawards); and
    (B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal 
procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial 
assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 
170.320 (and subawards); and
    iii. The public does not have access to information about the 
compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under 
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 
U.S.C. 78m(a), 780(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation 
information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total 
compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.)
    2. Where and when to report. You must report executive total 
compensation described in paragraph b.1. of this award term:
    i. As part of your registration profile at http://www.ccr.gov.
    ii. By the end of the month following the month in which this 
award is made, and annually thereafter.
    c. Reporting of Total Compensation of Sub Recipient Executives.
    1. Applicability and what to report. Unless you are exempt as 
provided in paragraph d. of this award term, for each first-tier sub 
recipient under this award, you shall report the names and total 
compensation of each of the sub recipient's five most highly 
compensated executives for the sub recipient's preceding completed 
fiscal year, if--
    i. In the subrecipient's preceding fiscal year, the subrecipient 
received--
    (A) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues from Federal 
procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial 
assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at ~ CFR 
170.320 (and subawards); and
    (B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal 
procurement contracts (and subcontracts), and Federal financial 
assistance subject to the Transparency Act (and subawards); and
    ii. The public does not have access to information about the 
compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under 
section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 
U.S.C. 78m(a), 780(d) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation 
information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total 
compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.)
    2. Where and when to report. You must report subrecipient 
executive total compensation described in paragraph c.1. of this 
award term:
    i. To the recipient.
    ii. By the end of the month following the month during which you 
make the subaward. For example, if a subaward is obligated on any 
date during the month of October of a given year (i.e., between 
October 1 and 31), you must report any required compensation 
information of the subrecipient by November 30 of that year.
    d. Exemptions
    If, in the previous tax year, you had gross income, from all 
sources, under $300,000, you are exempt from the requirements to 
report:
    i. Subawards, and

[[Page 21077]]

    ii. The total compensation of the five most highly compensated 
executives of any sub recipient.
    e. Definitions. For purposes of this award term:
    1. Entity means all of the following, as defined in 2 CFR part 
25:
    i. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local 
government, or Indian tribe;
    ii. A foreign public entity;
    iii. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization;
    iv. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization;
    v. A Federal agency, but only as a subrecipient under an award 
or subaward to a non-Federal entity.
    2. Executive means officers, managing partners, or any other 
employees in management positions.
    3. Subaward:
    1. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the 
performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for 
which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to 
an eligible subrecipient.
    ii. The term does not include your procurement of property and 
services needed to carry out the project or program (for further 
explanation, see Sec.--.210 of the attachment to OMB Circular A-133, 
``Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 
Organizations'').
    iii. A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement, 
including an agreement that you or a subrecipient considers a 
contract.
    4. Subrecipient means an entity that:
    i. Receives a sub award from you (the recipient) under this 
award; and
    ii. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds 
provided by the subaward.
    5. Total compensation means the cash and noncash dollar value 
earned by the executive during the recipient's or subrecipient's 
preceding fiscal year and includes the following (for more 
information see 17 CFR 229.402(c)(2):
    i. Salary and bonus.
    ii. Awards of stock, stock options, and stock appreciation 
rights. Use the dollar amount recognized for financial statement 
reporting purposes with respect to the fiscal year in accordance 
with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 
(Revised 2004) (FAS 123R), Shared Based Payments.
    iii. Earnings for services under non-equity incentive plans. 
This does not include group life, health, hospitalization or medical 
reimbursement plans that do not discriminate in favor of executives, 
and are available generally to all salaried employees.
    iv. Change in pension value. This is the change in present value 
of defined benefit and actuarial pension plans.
    v. Above-market earnings on deferred compensation which is not 
tax-qualified.
    vi. Other compensation, if the aggregate value of all such other 
compensation (e.g. severance, termination payments, value of life 
insurance paid on behalf of the employee, perquisites or property) 
for the executive exceeds $10,000.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2012.
William J. Murphy,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2012-8410 Filed 4-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-08-P


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