[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26376-26383]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12460]



[[Page 26375]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part V





Department of Agriculture





_______________________________________________________________________



Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



_______________________________________________________________________



Grant Funds Availability and Proposals (RFP) Request for the Community 
Food Projects Competitive Grants Program; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 91 / Tuesday, May 12, 1998 / 
Notices

[[Page 26376]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Announcement of Availability of Grant Funds and Request for 
Proposals (RFP) for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP): Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program.

SUMMARY: The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
established new authority for a program of Federal grants to support 
the development of community food projects designed to meet the food 
needs of low-income people; increase the self-reliance of communities 
in providing for their own food needs; and promote comprehensive 
responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
    This RFP sets out the objectives for these projects, the 
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application 
procedures. Proposals are requested for projects designed to increase 
food security in a community (termed Community Food Projects).
    This RFP contains the entire set of instructions needed to apply 
for a Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 Community Food Projects Competitive Grants 
Program (CFPCGP) grant. A key change from last year's RFP is that there 
is no solicitation this fiscal year for training and technical 
assistance proposals.

DATE: Applications must be received on or before June 19, 1998. (See 
Part IV--Submission of a proposal below for information on where and 
when to submit an application.) Proposals received after June 19, 1998 
will be returned without review.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark R. Bailey, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 2241, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20250-2241; telephone: (202) 401-1898; Internet: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f29f90939b9e978bb280979787819693dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="573a35363e3b322e172532322224333679303821">[email protected]</span></a>., or Dr. Elizabeth Tuckermanty, Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 2240, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20250-2240, telephone: (202) 205-0241; Internet: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7a2b3b2a4aca2b5aaa6a9b3be87b5a2a2b2b4a3a6e9a0a8b1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6938283959d93849b9798828fb684939383859297d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>

Table of Contents

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority
B. Definitions
C. Eligibility

Part II--Program Description

A. Purpose and Scope of the Program
B. Available Funds and Award Limitations
C. Matching Funds Requirement

Part III--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of a Proposal

Part IV--Submission of a Proposal

A. What to Submit
B. Where and When to Submit
C. Acknowledgment of Proposals

Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process
B. Evaluation Criteria

PART VI--Supplementary Information:

A. Access to Review Information
B. Grant Awards
C. Use of Funds; Changes
D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations that Apply
E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
F. Evaluation of Program

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority

    Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended by Section 
401(h) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
(Pub. L. No. 104-127) (7 U.S.C. 2034), authorized a new program of 
Federal grants to support the development of community food projects; 
$16 million is authorized over seven years (1996-2002). For FY 1998, 
approximately $2.5 million is available ($2.5 million has been 
authorized in each subsequent year through fiscal year 2002). These 
grants are intended to assist eligible private nonprofit entities that 
need a one-time infusion of Federal dollars to establish and sustain a 
multi-purpose community food project.

B. Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding grants under this program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    (1) Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service and any other officer or 
employee of the Department to whom the authority involved may be 
delegated.
    (2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any 
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify 
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    (3) Authorized organizational representative means the president, 
director, or chief executive officer of the applicant organization or 
the official, designated by the president or chief executive officer of 
the applicant organization, who has the authority to commit the 
resources of the organization.
    (4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) 
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    (5) Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including 
the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third 
parties.
    (6) Community Food Project is a project that requires a one-time 
infusion of Federal assistance to become self-sustaining and is 
designed to: (i) meet the food needs of low-income people; (ii) 
increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own 
food needs; and (iii) promote comprehensive responses to local food, 
farm, and nutrition issues. These activities help to increase food 
security in a community.
    (7) Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (8) Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to a private, 
non-profit entity to assist in meeting the costs of conducting, for the 
benefit of the public, an identified Community Food Project which is 
intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the CFPCGP as 
identified in these guidelines.
    (9) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    (10) Matching means that portion of project costs not borne by the 
Federal Government, including the value of third party in-kind 
contributions.
    (11) Review experts means a group of experts qualified by training 
and experience in particular fields to give expert advice on the merit 
of grant applications in such fields, and who evaluate eligible 
proposals submitted to this program in their personal and professional 
area(s) of expertise.
    (12) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent 
by an authorized departmental officer as defined in (2) above.
    (13) Private non-profit entity means any corporation, trust, 
association, cooperative or other organization which (i) is operated 
primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar 
purposes in the public interest; (ii) is not organized primarily for 
profit; and (iii) uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or 
expand its operations. The term private nonprofit organization excludes 
public entities, including State, local, and Federally recognized 
Indian tribal governments.

[[Page 26377]]

    (14) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    (15) Project director means the single individual designated by the 
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is 
responsible for the direction and management of the project.
    (16) Project period means the period, as stated in the award 
document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal 
sponsorship begins and ends.
    (17) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved 
may be delegated.
    (18) Third Party in-kind contributions means non-cash contributions 
of property or services provided by non-Federal third parties, 
including real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable 
property, directly benefitting and specifically identifiable to a 
funded project or program.

C. Eligibility

    Grantees under the CFPCGP are statutorily limited to private, 
nonprofit entities. Because proposals for Community Food Projects must 
promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition 
issues, applicants are encouraged to seek and create partnerships among 
public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit entities. However, no 
more than one-third of an award for a Community Food Project may be 
subawarded to a for-profit organization or firm.
    To be eligible for a Community Food Project grant, a private 
nonprofit applicant must meet three requirements:
    (1) have experience in the area of:
    (a) community food work that involves the provision of food to low-
income people and familiarity with developing new markets in low-income 
communities to enhance their access to fresher, more nutritious foods; 
and/or
    (b) job training and business development activities for food-
related activities in low-income communities to increase the potential 
for long-term sustainability in the food security project being 
proposed;
    (2) demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal 
accountability and oversight, collect data, and prepare reports and 
other appropriate documentation; and
    (3) demonstrate a commitment and willingness to share information 
with researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties.
    The intent of the CFPCGP is to encourage and support community-
based, grass-roots efforts that enhance food security. To that end, 
applicants are strongly encouraged to link with academic and/or other 
appropriate professionals, and to involve other relevant community-
based organizations and local government entities, as they plan for and 
then develop proposals that serve the mutual interests that support 
community food security projects.
    Successful applicants must provide matching funds, either in cash 
and/or third party in-kind, amounting to at least 50 percent of the 
total cost of the project (i.e., an amount equal to or greater than the 
amount of Federal funds being requested) during the term of the grant 
award as provided by section 25(e) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The 
Federal share of the project costs can be no more than 50 percent of 
the total.

Part II--Program Description

A. Purpose and Scope of the Program

    Proposals are invited for competitive grant awards under the CFPCGP 
for FY 1998. This program is administered by the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of this program is to 
support the development of Community Food Projects with a one-time 
infusion of Federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. 
Community Food Projects should be designed to: (i) meet the food needs 
of low-income people; (ii) increase the self-reliance of communities in 
providing for their own food needs; and (iii) promote comprehensive 
responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
    Community Food Projects are intended to take a comprehensive 
approach to developing long-term solutions to an identified community 
food need that help to ensure food security in communities by linking 
the food production and processing sectors to community development, 
economic opportunity, and environmental enhancement. Comprehensive 
solutions may include elements such as: (i) improved access to high 
quality, affordable food among low-income households; (ii) expanded 
economic opportunities for community residents through local businesses 
or other economic development, improved employment opportunities, job 
training, youth apprenticeship, school-to-work transition, and the 
like, and (iii) support for local food systems, from urban gardening to 
local farms that provide high quality fresh foods, ideally with minimal 
adverse environmental impact. Any solution proposed must tie into 
community food needs.
    Project goals should integrate multiple objectives into their 
design. Proposed projects should seek to address impacts beyond a 
specific goal such as increasing food produced or available for a 
specific group. Goals and objectives should integrate economic, social, 
and environmental impacts such as job training, employment 
opportunities, small business expansion, neighborhood revitalization, 
open space development, transportation assistance or other community 
enhancements.

B. Available Funds and Award Limitations

    The total amount of funds available in FY 1998 for support of this 
program is approximately $2,500,000. Applicants should request a budget 
commensurate with the project proposed. However, due to the effort 
required to properly evaluate proposals, USDA strongly urges that the 
Federal funds requested for a Community Food Project not be less than 
$10,000.
    The spirit of the authorizing legislation is that no one grant 
should command a significant portion of the total funds available and 
that many grants be awarded each year. Therefore, USDA has concluded 
that no single grant shall exceed $100,000 in any single year or more 
than $250,000 over the life of the project.
    Applicants may request one, two, or three years of funding, but in 
all cases, the grant term may not exceed three years for any one 
project. A Community Food Project may be supported by only a single 
grant under this program.
    Awards will be made based on the merit of the proposed project with 
budgets considered only after the merits of the project have been 
determined. USDA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with 
successful applicants. It is intended that the grantee will perform the 
substantive effort on the project. No more than one-third of the award, 
as determined by budget expenditures, may be subawarded to for-profit 
organizations. For purposes of obtaining additional knowledge or 
expertise that is not currently within the applicant organization, 
funds for expert consultation may be included in the All Other Direct 
Costs section of the proposed budget.

C. Matching Funds Requirement

    Federal funds requested must be matched, at a minimum, on a dollar-
for-dollar basis. The Federal share of the cost of establishing or 
carrying out a Community Food Project that receives

[[Page 26378]]

assistance under this program, may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of 
the project during the term of the grant. Grantees may provide for the 
non-Federal share through cash and/or third party in-kind 
contributions, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, and 
services. A grantee may provide for the non-Federal share of the 
funding through State government, local government, or private sources. 
Examples of matching funds include direct costs such as: rent for 
office space used exclusively for the funded project; duplication or 
postage costs; and staff time from an entity other than the applicant 
for job training or nutrition education.

Part III--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials will be made available to interested 
entities upon request. These materials include information about the 
purpose of the program, how the program will be conducted, and the 
required contents of a proposal, as well as the forms needed to prepare 
and submit grant applications under the program. To obtain program 
application materials, please contact the Proposal Services Unit; 
Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, 
and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 
Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2245; Telephone: 
(202) 401-5048. When contacting the Proposal Services Unit, please 
indicate that you are requesting application materials for the 
Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program.
    Application materials may also be requested via Internet by sending 
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone 
number to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#79090a1b390b1c1c0c0a1d18571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2d2d1c0e2d0c7c7d7d1c6c38cc5cdd4">[email protected]</span></a> that states that you wish to receive a copy 
of the application materials for the FY 1998 Community Food Projects 
Competitive Grants Program. The materials will then be mailed to you 
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.
    You may also download this RFP and the application forms by 
contacting the agency home page at www.reeusda.gov, and clicking on 
``Funding Opportunities,'' that brings up ``All Funding 
Opportunities,'' and then click on ``Community Food Projects Program.''

B. Content of a Proposal

(1) General
    The proposal should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers to 
more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic, 
consistent fashion:
    (a) The proposal should be prepared on only one side of the page 
using standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'') white paper, one inch margins, 
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and 
single spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Geneva, 
Helvetica, CG Times). Once accepted for review, your proposal will be 
read by at least three expert reviewers. Thus it is to your advantage 
to ensure that your proposal is not difficult to read.
    (b) Each page of the proposal, including the Project Summary, 
budget pages, required forms, and appendices, should be numbered 
sequentially in the top right corner.
    (c) The proposal should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner. 
Do not bind. An original and 9 copies (10 total) must be submitted in 
one package, along with 20 copies of the ``Project Summary'' as a 
separate attachment.
(2) Cover Page
    Complete Form CSREES-661, Application for Funding, in its entirety. 
This form is to be utilized as the Cover Page. In Block 14., note the 
total amount of Federal dollars being requested.
    (a) Blocks 7., 13., 18., 19., 20., and 21. have been completed for 
you.
    (b) In Block 8., enter ``Community Food Project''. Ignore all 
references to a program number.
    (c) Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary, but 
is an integral part of the CSREES information system and will assist in 
the processing of the proposal.
    (d) The original copy of the Application for Funding form must 
contain the pen-and-ink signatures of the project director(s) and 
authorized organizational representative for the applicant 
organization.
    (e) Note that by signing the Application for Funding form, the 
applicant is providing the required certifications set forth in 7 CFR 
Part 3017, as amended, regarding Debarment and Suspension and Drug-Free 
Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, regarding Lobbying. The three 
certification forms are included in this application package for 
informational purposes only. It is not necessary to sign and submit the 
forms to USDA as part of the proposal.
(3) Table of Contents
    For ease in locating information, each proposal must contain a 
detailed table of contents just after the Cover Page. The Table of 
Contents should include page numbers for each component of the 
proposal. Page numbers, shown in the top right corner, should begin 
with the first page of the project summary.
(4) Project Summary
    The proposal must contain a project summary of 250 words or less on 
a separate page. The summary must be self-contained and describe the 
overall goals and relevance of the project. The summary should also 
contain a listing of the major organizations participating in the 
project. The Project Summary should immediately follow the Table of 
Contents. In addition to the summary, this page must include the title 
of the project, the name of the applicant organization, the authorized 
organizational representative, and the project director(s), followed by 
the summary.
(5) Project Narrative
    PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 10 pages. This 
maximum has been established to ensure fair and equitable competition. 
Reviewers are instructed that they need to read only the first 10 pages 
of the Project Narrative and to ignore information on additional pages. 
The Project Narrative must repeat and answer each of the following 
eight questions [(a) through (h) below]:
    (a) What is the community and the need(s) to be served by the 
proposed project? This part of the narrative lays the foundation as to 
the significance of the proposed project.
    Succinctly describe critical elements of the local food economy or 
food system, demographics, income, and geographic characteristics of 
the area to be served and any other pertinent information, such as the 
community's assets and needs.
    (b) What organizations will be involved in carrying out the 
proposed project and which segments of the local food economy or system 
do they link? This information will inform the reviewers on the extent 
to which the community is involved.
    Include a description of the relevant experience of the 
organizations, including the applicant organization, that will be 
involved, and any project history. Letters from the organizations 
involved acknowledging their support and contributions must be provided 
in an appendix to the proposal. Letters specifying the type and amount 
of support, where appropriate, are strongly encouraged, for this 
provides evidence of community involvement. Proposals should 
demonstrate extensive community linkages and coalitions.
    If an applicant organization has received CFPCGP support in the 
past, information on the results from that

[[Page 26379]]

prior funding is required as an appendix to this application. This 
information will be used in the review of the proposal and is limited 
in length to one page per award. For each award, list the CFPCGP award 
number, the amount and period of support, the title of the project, a 
summary of the results of the completed work, and the long-term effects 
of these results, and any publications resulting from the CFPCGP award.
    (c) What are the goals or purposes to be achieved by the proposed 
project?
    List these goals and/or purposes of the project and a justification 
for the goals in terms of the needs stated above.
    (d) How will the goals be achieved?
    Provide a systematic description of the approach by which the goals 
will be accomplished.
    (e) What are the major milestones that will indicate progress 
toward achieving the project goals?
    Provide a time line or description for accomplishing major project 
objectives.
    (f) The legislation outlines three major objectives of the CFPCGP: 
(i) meet the food needs of low-income people; (ii) increase the self-
reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs; and 
(iii) promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm and nutrition 
issues.
    What measures will be used to assess project progress toward each 
of these three objectives? How will you assess whether or to what 
degree the project achieves these outcomes?
    For example, an applicant may propose to develop a farmers' market 
in a low-income urban area, selling produce grown by farmers in the 
surrounding area, and employing staff from both the urban and rural 
communities. The goals may be to increase access to fresh produce by 
community residents (addresses objective i), increase employment and 
the income of farmers (addresses objective ii), and reduce the extent 
of poor nutrition among low-income residents (addresses objective iii). 
Possible outcome measures are the change in the consumption of produce 
by customers, the number of jobs created by the market, and the change 
in income experienced by the farmers supplying the market.
    Community Food Project proposals should contain a strong evaluation 
component. Innovative evaluation strategies are especially encouraged. 
Evaluations should focus on the measurement of success in meeting the 
major objectives of the CFPCGP.
    Through the CFPCGP, USDA also hopes to learn more about what 
happens to make such projects succeed, partially succeed, or fail. 
Therefore, proposals are encouraged that include both process 
evaluations (developing and monitoring indicators of progress towards 
the objectives) and outcome evaluations (to determine whether the 
objectives were met). Applicants should seek the help of experts in 
evaluation design and implementation as appropriate.
    (g) How does the proposed project address each of the following 
issues: (i) development of innovative linkages and coalitions between 
two or more sectors of the food system; (ii) support for 
entrepreneurial and job-training projects; and (iii) encouragement of 
both short-term and long-term planning activities that encompass many 
agencies and organizations with different food security interests and 
missions in order to promote multi-system, interagency approaches?
    Provide a description of how each of these issues, as appropriate, 
will be addressed. Entrepreneurial projects should provide evidence 
(e.g., in the form of a market analysis or the outline of a business 
plan) to demonstrate that it is likely to become self-sustaining and 
provide employees with important job skills.
    (h) What are the plans for achieving self-sustainability?
    Describe why a one-time infusion of Federal funds will be 
sufficient for the proposed Community Food Project to advance local 
capacity-building and deliver sustainability.
(6) Supplementary Considerations
    In drafting the project narrative, applicants should keep in mind 
the intent of the program. Proposed projects should seek solutions 
rather than be focused on short-term food relief. They should seek 
comprehensive solutions to problems across all levels of the food 
system from producer to consumer. This point is emphasized because many 
proposals submitted previously were primarily for expanding applicant 
efforts in food relief and assistance, or for connecting established or 
partially established programs (such as community gardens and farmers' 
markets) with little evidence of strategic planning and participation 
by stakeholders in the proposed project design. Proposals must 
emphasize a food system and/or food security approach (i.e., an 
applicant must describe the large food-related picture in the community 
and the place of the proposed project within it). They must also show 
evidence of information sharing, coalition building, and substantial 
community linkages.
    Applicants should be aware of several USDA policy themes and 
initiatives that have the potential to strengthen the impact and 
success of some community food projects. These include food recovery 
and gleaning efforts; connecting the low-income urban consumer with the 
rural food producer; aiding citizens in leaving public assistance and 
achieving self-sufficiency; and utilizing micro enterprise and/or 
development projects related to community food needs. Relevant ongoing 
USDA and other Federal initiatives include farmers' markets; CSREES 
programs and activities under the Fund for Rural America; U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development designated Empowerment 
Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Champion Communities; and the 
AmeriCorps National Service Program (a potential source of staff 
support for Community Food Projects).
    Applicants should also recognize the role played by food and 
nutrition assistance programs administered by USDA and may want to 
discuss in their proposals the utilization of these programs by the 
community and the connection to the proposed Community Food Project. 
These programs include: the Food Stamp Program; child nutrition 
programs such as the School Lunch, School Breakfast, Women, Infants, 
and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition, Child and Adult Care Food, 
and Summer Food Service Programs; and commodity distribution programs.
    Applicants also should be cognizant of resources available from 
other Federal programs with similar or related goals, such as the 
Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) and Job Opportunities for 
Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program administered by the Office of 
Community Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services.
    The community, not the individual per se, is the unit of analysis 
and medium for action. Many solutions to food access problems may come 
from beyond a community's own boundaries, since most food also comes 
from outside. In that context, wherever possible, Community Food 
Projects should support food systems based on strategies that improve 
the availability of high-quality locally or regionally produced foods 
to low-income people.
    Community Food Projects are intended to bring together stakeholders 
from the distinct parts of the food system. Solutions to hunger and 
access to food should reflect a process that involves partnership 
building among the public, private nonprofit, and

[[Page 26380]]

private for-profit sectors. Together, these parties can address issues 
such as: the capacity of the community to produce food and support 
local growers; the need for, and location of, grocery stores that 
market affordable, high quality food; transportation constraints; 
economic opportunities for residents to increase income, thereby 
increasing access to high quality nutritious food; community 
development issues; the environment; and so on.
    Community Food Projects should not be designed to merely support 
individual food pantries, farmers' markets, community gardens or other 
established projects. Rather, proposed Community Food Projects should 
build on these experiences and encourage innovative long-term efforts. 
A project should be designed to endure and outlive the one-time 
infusion of government and other matching funds. Community Food 
Projects should be intended to become self-supporting (or have a 
sustainable funding source) and expand or prove to be a replicable 
model.
    The primary objectives of the CFPCGP are to increase the food self-
reliance of communities; promote comprehensive responses to local food, 
farm and nutrition issues; develop innovative linkages between the 
public, for-profit, and nonprofit food sectors; and encourage long-term 
planning activities and multi-system inter-agency approaches. The 
following are some examples of these objectives in practice:
    <bullet> Developing a working link between a food bank and area 
farmers to market fresh produce to a community through community-
supported agriculture. Community members provide the financial support 
while the project develops links to institutions such as restaurants, 
food pantries, schools, and other institutions. The process increases 
community awareness and commitment to local agriculture, while 
providing farmers a local market for their goods, thereby expanding the 
supply of and access to high-quality food.
    <bullet> Implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for a lower-
income neighborhood to increase residents' access to high-quality, 
affordable food through farmers' markets, community gardens, 
supermarkets, and other food programs. Such a plan should include 
transportation assistance, business development, and/or neighborhood 
improvement. As with other sector planning, the community participates 
in identifying its food-related priorities and works with institutions 
through a collaborative interagency process to meet its objectives.
    <bullet> Developing a system of community farm stands sponsored by 
neighborhood organizations and managed by youth that sell locally grown 
produce in low-income communities. The project provides skills training 
and/or jobs and aims to become self-supporting within a reasonable 
time. It increases participants' understanding of the food system, 
including food production and distribution, expands interest in good 
nutrition, and provides entrepreneurial training opportunities for 
young people.
    <bullet> A local food policy council may develop and implement a 
plan that creates several new food ventures, including a new 
supermarket in a low-income neighborhood. The council serves as the 
planning and coordinating entity that brings together local farmers, 
for-profit food operators such as restaurants, processors, and 
retailers with low-income neighborhood development organizations and 
job training groups, emergency food providers, city hall, and other 
community service entities.
    <bullet> Developing a comprehensive community response to job and 
food needs by creating job opportunities in food-related activities 
that respond to the needs of local businesses, building technical 
expertise that leads to well-paid jobs. It will be necessary to bring 
together resources that facilitate the development of work skills, work 
ethics, education completion and that respond to community food and 
nutrition needs.
(7) Key Personnel
    Identify the key personnel to be involved in the project, including 
the project director, if known. (An organizational chart may be 
included if available.) What is their relevant experience? Include 
resumes or vitae that provide adequate information for proposal 
reviewers to make an informed judgment as to the capabilities and 
experience of the key personnel. For new positions in the project or 
for positions that are currently unfilled, a job description should be 
provided.
(8) Budget
    (a) Budget Form: Prepare the budget form in accordance with 
instructions provided with the form. 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. 
(For example, for a three-year project, the proposal would include four 
budget forms; one for each of the three years of the project and one 
cumulative budget for the full three years.) The budget form may be 
reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under any of 
the categories listed on the form, provided that the item or service 
for which support is requested is allowable under the authorizing 
legislation, the applicable Federal cost principles, and these program 
guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the successful 
conduct of the proposed project. Applicants must also include a budget 
explanation sheet to explain and justify their budgets.
    We judge the relative merits of each proposal without initially 
considering proposed budgets. Once proposals are ranked based on the 
evaluation criteria, we then examine budgets closely. Thus, applicants 
should attach an explanation for all budget items to the budget form. 
Such information is useful to the reviewers and CSREES staff in making 
final budget recommendations to the Administrator.
    (b) Matching Funds
    (1) Proposals should include written verification of commitments of 
matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from 
third parties. Written verification means:
    (i) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational 
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant 
organization, which must include: (a) the name, address, and telephone 
number of the donor; (b) the name of the applicant organization; (c) 
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (d) the dollar 
amount of the cash donation; and (e) a statement that the donor will 
pay the cash contribution during the grant period; and
    (ii) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized 
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the 
applicant organization, which must include: (a) the name, address, and 
telephone number of the donor; (b) the name of the applicant 
organization; (c) the title of the project for which the donation is 
made; (d) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the 
third party in-kind contribution; and (e) a statement that the donor 
will make the contribution during the grant period.
    (2) The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the 
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and 
placed in the proposal immediately following the budget form. All 
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following 
the summary of matching support.

[[Page 26381]]

    (3) Applicants should refer to OMB Circulars A-110, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-profit 
Organizations, and A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, 
for further guidance and other requirements relating to matching and 
allowable costs.
(9) Current and Pending Support
    All proposals must list any other current public or private support 
(including in-house support) to which key personnel identified in the 
proposal have committed portions of their time, whether or not salary 
support for person(s) involved is included in the budget. Analogous 
information must be provided for any pending proposals that are being 
considered by, or that will be submitted in the near future to, other 
possible sponsors, including other USDA programs or agencies. 
Concurrent submission of identical or similar proposals to other 
possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal review or evaluation by 
the Administrator for this purpose. However, a proposal that duplicates 
or overlaps substantially with a proposal already reviewed and funded 
(or that will be funded) by another organization or agency will not be 
funded under this program. The application material includes Form 
CSREES-663, Current and Pending Support, which is suitable for listing 
current and pending support. Note that the project being proposed 
should be included in the proposed section of the form.
(10) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
    As outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service regulations implementing NEPA), the 
environmental data for any proposed project is to be provided to CSREES 
so that CSREES may determine whether any further action is needed. In 
most cases, based on previously funded projects, the preparation of 
environmental data is not usually required. Certain categories of 
actions are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary; 
therefore, Form CSREES-1234, NEPA Exclusions Form, must be included in 
the proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion that 
the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons 
therefor. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project 
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion must be 
identified. Form CSREES-1234 and supporting documentation should be the 
last page of the proposal.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity. This will 
be the case if substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists 
or if other extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which 
may cause such activity to have a significant environmental effect. 
However, this rarely occurs.

Part IV--Submission of a Proposal

A. What to Submit

    An original and nine copies of the complete proposal must be 
submitted. Each copy of the proposal must be stapled in the upper left-
hand corner. DO NOT BIND. In addition, submit 20 copies of the 
proposal's Project Summary. All copies of the proposal and Project 
Summary must be submitted in one package.

B. Where and When to Submit

    Proposals must be received by June 19, 1998. Proposals that are 
hand-delivered, delivered by courier, or sent via overnight delivery 
services must be sent or delivered to: Community Food Projects 
Competitive Grants Program c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of 
Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES, Room 303, Aerospace Center 901 D 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.

    Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their 
completed proposals via overnight mail or delivery services to 
ensure timely receipt by the USDA.

    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program 
c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES, 
STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-2245, 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048

C. Acknowledgment of Proposals

    The receipt of all proposals will be acknowledged in writing and 
this acknowledgment will contain an identifying proposal number. Once 
your proposal has been assigned an identification number, please cite 
that number in future correspondence.

Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A. Selection Process

    Proposals must be received on or before June 19, 1998. Since the 
award process must be completed by September 30, 1998, applicants 
should submit fully developed proposals that meet all the requirements 
set forth in this RFP and have fully developed budgets as well. 
However, USDA does retain the right to conduct discussions with 
applicants to resolve technical and/or budget issues as it deems 
necessary.
    Each proposal will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, each 
proposal will be screened to ensure it meets the basic eligibility 
requirements as set forth in this RFP. Proposals not meeting the 
requirements as set forth in this RFP will be returned without review. 
Second, each proposal that meets the eligibility requirements will be 
evaluated and judged on its merits by expert reviewers.
    A number of individual experts will review and evaluate each 
proposal that is accepted for review basing their evaluation on the 
stated criteria. The reviewers will be selected from among those 
recognized as uniquely qualified by training and experience in their 
respective fields to render expert advice on the merit of proposals 
being reviewed. These reviewers will be drawn from a number of areas, 
among them government, universities, and other pertinent entities 
involved primarily in community food security organizations or 
activities. The views of the individual reviewers will be used by 
CSREES to determine which proposals will be recommended to the 
Administrator for funding.
    Proposals will be ranked relative to all those received, and 
ranking will be based on how well the applicant answered the eight 
questions in the Project Narrative, the potential for achieving project 
goals and objectives, the extent to which appropriate community 
organizations are involved, and whether, in the judgment of the 
reviewers, the project will become self-sustaining. Final approval for 
those proposals recommended for an award will be made by the agency 
Administrator (or designee).
    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or 
to make a specific number of awards. Care will be taken to avoid 
actual, potential, and/or the appearance of conflicts of interest among 
reviewers. Evaluations will be confidential to USDA staff members, 
expert reviewers, and the project

[[Page 26382]]

director(s), to the extent permitted by law.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation of proposals will be based on the following 
criteria, weighted relative to each other as noted in the parentheses 
following each criteria discussion.
    (1) The degree to which the proposed project addresses the three 
statutory objectives of the CFPCGP, namely i) meet the food needs of 
low-income people; ii) increase the self-reliance of communities in 
providing for their own food needs; and iii) promote comprehensive 
responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues (25);
    (2) The food security problem(s) being discussed, including an 
informative description of the community, its characteristics, assets, 
and needs (15);
    (3) The goals and purposes of the project and how these goals will 
be achieved. The Secretary, in accordance with the legislation 
authorizing this program, will give preference to proposed projects 
that include one or more of the following goals, which will be given 
equal weight: (i) developing linkages between two or more sectors of 
the food system; (ii) supporting the development of entrepreneurial 
activities as part of the proposed project; (iii) developing innovative 
linkages between the for-profit and nonprofit food sectors; and (iv) 
encouraging long-term planning activities and multi-system, interagency 
approaches (25);
    (4) A discussion of the organizations, including the applicant 
entity, to be involved in the proposed project, highlighting their 
relevant experience and extent of support. The extent to which an 
applicant private, nonprofit organization can demonstrate a history of 
commitment to and direct involvement in food security projects in low 
income communities or in communities with low income groups is an 
important evaluation element. In addition, the ability of applicants to 
meet the objectives of prior CFPCGP grants will be considered. (See 
PART III,B.,(5)(b), Project Narrative.) The qualifications of staff 
involved with the proposed project and/or organizational leadership 
should reflect the expertise necessary to carry out the proposed 
activities or similar types of activities. Experience in and 
connections with the community will be considered as important as 
academic or professional credentials in this regard (15);
    (5) The viability of plans for achieving self-sufficiency with a 
one-time infusion of federal funds (15);
    (6) The strength of the proposed project's evaluation component 
(3); and
    (7) The time line for accomplishing project goals and objectives 
(2).

Part VI--Supplementary Information

A. Access to Review Information

    Copies of summary reviews will be sent to all applicant project 
directors automatically, as soon as possible after the review process 
has been completed. The identity of the individual expert reviewers 
will not be provided.

B. Grant Awards

(1) General
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious under the 
procedures set forth in this request for proposals. The date specified 
by the Administrator as the effective date of the grant shall be no 
later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project 
is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, 
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project 
need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this 
request for proposals shall be expended solely for the purpose for 
which the funds are granted in accordance with the approved application 
and budget, the regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the 
applicable Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance 
regulations (parts 3015, 3016, and 3019 of 7 CFR).
(2) Organizational Management Information
    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this part 
if such information has not been provided previously under this or 
another program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies 
of forms recommended for use in fulfilling the requirements contained 
in this section will be provided by the sponsoring agency as part of 
the preaward process.
(3) Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
    The grant award document shall include at a minimum the following:
    (a) Legal name and address of performing organization or 
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the 
terms of this request for proposals;
    (b) Title of project;
    (c) Name(s) and address(es) of project director(s) chosen to direct 
and control approved activities;
    (d) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
    (e) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    (f) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    (g) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
    (h) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    (i) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
    The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will be 
prepared and will provide pertinent instructions or information to the 
grantee that is not included in the grant award document.
    CSREES will award standard grants to carry out this program. A 
standard grant is a funding mechanism whereby CSREES agrees to support 
a specified level of effort for a predetermined time period without 
additional support at a future date.

C. Use of Funds; Changes

(1) Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
    The grantee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to 
another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use 
or expenditure of grant funds.
(2) Reporting Requirements
    The grantee must prepare an annual report that details all 
significant activities towards achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project. The narrative should be succinct and be no longer than 
five pages, using 12-point, single-spaced type. A budget summary should 
be attached to this report, which will provide an overview of all 
monies spent during the reporting period.
(3) Changes in Project Plans
    (a) The permissible changes by the grantee, project director(s), or 
other key project personnel in the approved project grant shall be 
limited to changes in methodology, techniques, or other aspects of the 
project to expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the 
grantee and/or the project

[[Page 26383]]

director(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies with this 
provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES Authorized 
Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
    (b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by 
the grantee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO prior to 
effecting such changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be 
approved which are outside the scope of the original approved project.
    (c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or 
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the 
grantee and approved in writing by the awarding official of CSREES 
prior to effecting such changes.
    (d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether 
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee 
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project. Nevertheless, the total duration 
of any grant, including any period(s) of extension, may not exceed 3 
years. Any extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by 
the grantee and approval in writing by the ADO, unless prescribed 
otherwise in the terms and conditions of a grant.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or 
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the 
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or in the 
grant award.

D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply

    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
proposals considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this program. These include but are not limited to:
    7 CFR Part 1, as amended--USDA implementation of the Freedom of 
Information Act.
    7 CFR Part 3, as amended--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. 
A-129 regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR Part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR Part 3015, as amended--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations, implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular Nos. A-21 and 
A-122) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly 
the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-
224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients 
of Departmental financial assistance.
    7 CFR Part 3016, as amended--Uniform Administrative Requirements 
for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
    7 CFR Part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment 
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for 
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR Part 3019, as amended--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-
110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other 
Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other 
Nonprofit Organizations.
    7 CFR Part 3052 (62 Federal Register 45947)--USDA implementation of 
OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-
profit Organizations.
    7 CFR Part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR 
Part 15B (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
    35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of 
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and 
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally 
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR 
Part 401).

E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    When a proposal results in a grant, it becomes a part of the record 
of the Agency's transactions, available to the public upon specific 
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a 
privileged nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by 
law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to have 
considered as privileged should be clearly marked as such and sent in a 
separate statement, two copies of which should accompany the proposal. 
The original copy of a proposal that does not result in a grant will be 
retained by the Agency for a period of one year. Other copies will be 
destroyed. Such a proposal will be released only with the consent of 
the applicant or to the extent required by law. A proposal may be 
withdrawn at any time prior to the final action thereon.

F. Evaluation of Program

    Section 25(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, requires 
USDA to provide for an evaluation of the success of community food 
projects supported under this authority. All grantees shall be expected 
to assist USDA by providing relevant information on their respective 
projects. Applicants need to plan for their own internal self-
assessments and evaluations to measure the effectiveness of each 
project.

    Done at Washington, D. C., this 6th day of May 1998.
Colien Hefferan,
Acting Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 98-12460 Filed 5-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P


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