13490 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices

capabilities, to coordinate and provide

to independent producers and

processors of value-added agricultural

commodities and products of

agricultural commodities information

on value-added research, business

operations, legal issues, financial issues,

and logistical assistance related to

value-added processing. The Center will

also develop a strategy to establish a

nationwide market information and

coordination system.

Public Burden in This NOFA

At this time, the Agency is requesting

OMB clearance of the following burden:

Standard Form 424 ‘‘Application for

Federal Assistance.’’

This form is used by applicants as a

required face sheet for applications for

Federal assistance.

Standard Form 424A ‘‘Budget

Information—Non-construction

Programs.’’

This form must be completed by

applicants to show the project’s budget

breakdown, both as to expense

categories and the division between

Federal and non-Federal sources.

Standard Form 424B ‘‘Assurances—

Non-Construction Programs.’’

This form must be completed by the

applicant to give the Federal

government certain assurances that the

applicant has the legal authority to

apply for Federal assistance and the

financial capacity to pay the nonFederal share of project costs. The

applicant also gives assurance it will

comply with various legal and

regulatory requirements as described in

the form.

The grant awardee will be required to

do the following.

1. Sign a Value-Added Agricultural

Product Market Development Grant

Agreement acceptable to RBS.

2. Use Standard Form 270, ‘‘Request

for Advance or Reimbursement’’ to

request advances and reimbursements.

3. Submit a Standard Form 269,

‘‘Financial Status Report’’ and list

expenditures according to agreed upon

budget categories on a quarterly basis

starting with the first full quarter after

the grant award.

4. Submit quarterly performance

reports which compares

accomplishments to the objectives. If

established objectives are not met,

discuss problems, delays, or other

problems that may affect completion of

the project; establish objectives for the

next reporting period; and discuss

compliance with any special conditions

on the use of awarded funds.

5. Maintain a financial management

system that is acceptable to the Agency.

6. Collect and maintain data provided

by the independent producers on race,

sex, and national origin.

7. Submit a final project performance

report.

Project Proposal

The applicant must submit a project

proposal containing the elements

described in this NOFA and in the

format prescribed. The elements of the

proposal are: (1) Table of Contents

providing page numbers for each

component of the proposal; (2) a project

Summary, not to exceed one page, that

includes a description of the project and

the names of individuals working on the

project; and (3) a project narrative that

discusses the goals of the Center, the

specific tasks to be performed, and the

seven criteria which are the basis for

selection for funding.

Project Reporting Requirements

The grant Awardee will be required to

submit written performance reports on a

quarterly basis. The performance report

shall include, but need not be limited

to: (1) A comparison of actual

accomplishments to the objectives; (2) if

objectives were not met, reasons why

they were not; (3) problems, delays, or

adverse conditions which will

materially affect attainment of planned

project objectives; (4) objectives

established for the next reporting

period; and (5) status of compliance

with any special conditions on the use

of awarded funds.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting

burden for this collection of information

is estimated to average 13 hours per

response.

Respondents: Non-profit corporations

and institutions of higher education.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

40.

Estimated Number of Responses per

Respondent: 1.2.

Estimated Number of Responses: 48.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on

Respondents: 628 hours.

Copies of this information collection

can be obtained from Cheryl Thompson,

Regulations and Paperwork

Management Branch, (202) 692–0043.

Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether

the proposed collection of information

is necessary for the proper performance

of the functions of the Agency,

including whether the information will

have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of

the Agency estimate of the burden of the

proposed collection of information,

including the validity of the

methodology and assumptions used; (c)

ways to enhance the quality, utility, and

clarity of the information to be

collected; and (d) ways to minimize the

burden of the collection of information

on those who are to respond, including

the use of appropriate automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other

technological collection techniques or

other forms of information technology.

All responses to this NOFA will be

summarized and included in the request

for OMB approval. All comments will

also become a matter of public record.

Comments on the paperwork burden

may be sent to Cheryl Thompson,

Regulations and Paperwork

Management Branch, Rural

Development, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Stop 0742, 1400

Independence Avenue SW.,

Washington, DC 20250–0742.

Dated: February 26, 2001.

William F. Hagy III,

Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service, United States

Department of Agriculture.

[FR Doc. 01–5372 Filed 3–5–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA)

Inviting Applications for the ValueAdded Agricultural Product Market

Development Grant Program (VADG)

(Independent Producers)

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative

Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RBS) announces

the availability of approximately

$20,000,000 in competitive grant funds

to help independent producers enter

into value-added activities under 231(a)

of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of

2000. RBS hereby requests proposals

from eligible independent producers of

agricultural commodities interested in a

competitively awarded grant to develop

business plans to establish a viable

marketing opportunity for their valueadded product; or to acquire capital to

establish a value-added business

venture or alliance that will allow the

producers to better compete in domestic

and international markets. Up to

$10,000,000 will be allocated for the

first competition, with unused funds

being made available in a second

competition. The maximum award per

grant is $500,000.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of an

application for the first competition is 5

p.m. eastern time on April 23, 2001.

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices 13491

Applications for the second competition

are due 4 p.m. eastern time on June 27,

2001. The application deadlines are firm

as to date and hour. The agency will not

consider any application received after

the deadline. Comments regarding the

information collection requirements

under the Paperwork Reduction Act of

1995 must be received on or before May

7, 2001 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send proposals and other

required materials to Dr. Thomas H.

Stafford, Director, Cooperative

Marketing Division, Rural BusinessCooperative Service, USDA, Stop 3252,

Room 4204, 1400 Independence Avenue

SW., Washington, DC 20250–3252.

Telephone: (202) 690–0368, E–Mail:

thomas.stafford@usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.

Thomas H. Stafford, Director,

Cooperative Marketing Division, Rural

Business-Cooperative Service, USDA,

STOP 3252, 1400 Independence Ave.

SW., Washington, DC 20250–3252.

Telephone (202) 690–0368, Facsimile

(202) 690–2723, E-mail:

thomas.stafford@usda.gov. You may

also obtain information from the RBS

website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/

rbs/coops/vadg.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

This solicitation is issued pursuant to

section 231 of the Agriculture Risk

Protection Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106–224)

authorizing the establishment of the

Value-Added Agricultural Product

Market Development grants. The

Secretary of Agriculture has delegated

the program’s administration to USDA’s

Rural Business-Cooperative Service for

the fiscal year ending September 30,

2001.

The primary objective of this grant

program is to encourage producers of

agricultural commodities and products

of agricultural commodities to further

refine these products increasing their

value to end users. These grants will

facilitate greater participation in

markets for value-added agricultural

commodities and facilitate the opening

of new markets for value-added

products. These grants will be used to

fund ventures for a variety of

agricultural commodities. Grants will

only be awarded if projects or ventures

are determined to be economically

viable and sustainable.

Since there are numerous eligible uses

for a VADG grant, applicants must

carefully list each activity they will

undertake and the order each activity

will be completed. This is critical since

payments for subsequent activities will

be made based on the successful

completion of prerequisite activities.

The Agency reserves the right to

terminate the grant award if a

prerequisite activity was not successful

or if it showed the venture has a low

probability of success. For example,

business operations plan development

will not be funded until a feasibility

study has been completed and the

results of the study show the venture

has a strong chance of success.

Applicants must provide matching

non-Federal funds at least equal to the

grant. Grant funds will be disbursed

pursuant to 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.

Matching funds must be used to support

the overall purpose of the VADG

program.

All forms required to apply are

available from the Cooperative Services

Program web-site at http://

www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/

vadg.htm, by calling (202) 690–0368, or

facsimile (202) 690–2723. Forms may be

requested via the internet by sending a

message with your name, mailing

address (not e-mail), and phone number

to thomas.stafford@usda.gov. When

calling or e-mailing, please indicate you

are requesting forms for fiscal year (FY)

2001 Value-Added Product Market

Development Grant Program. Forms will

be mailed to you (not

e-mailed or faxed) as quickly as

possible. Forms are also available from

most local USDA Rural Development

offices.

Definitions

Agency—The Rural BusinessCooperative Service (RBS) or its

successor.

Agricultural Product—Plant and

animal products and their by-products

to include aquaculturally produced fish

and seafood products and forestry

products.

Business Plan—A defined program of

economic activities to determine the

viability of a potential value-added

venture including feasibility studies,

marketing plans, business operations

plans, and legal evaluations.

Independent Producers—Agricultural

producers, including associations of

producers and producer-owned

corporations, who do not produce the

agricultural product under contract or

joint ownership with any other

organization.

Matching Funds—Cash or confirmed

funding commitments from non-Federal

sources. Matching funds must be at least

equal to the grant amount. In-kind

contributions as defined at 7 CFR

3019.23 can be used as matching funds.

Examples of in-kind contributions

include volunteer services furnished by

professional and technical personnel,

donated supplies and equipment, and

donated office space.

Value-Added—Changes in the raw or

partly processed agriculturally

produced commodity that results in a

product having a higher value to

potential buyers. Examples include

processing wheat into flour,

slaughtering livestock or poultry, and

collecting and converting methane from

animal waste to generate energy.

Recipient Eligibility Requirements

Potential recipients of the grant must

be Independent Producers as defined

above.

The project proposed must add value

as defined above to an agricultural

product or a product of an agricultural

product.

Proposal Preparation

A proposal should contain the

following:

(1) Form SF–424, ‘‘Application for

Federal Assistance.’’

(2) Form SF–424A, ‘‘Budget

Information—Non-Construction

Programs.’’

(3) Form SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—

Non-Construction Programs.’’

(4) Table of Contents. For ease of

locating information, each proposal

must contain a detailed Table of

Contents immediately following the

required forms. The Table of Contents

should include page numbers for each

component of the proposal. Pagination

should begin immediately following the

Table of Contents.

(5) Proposal Summary. A summary of

the Project Proposal, not to exceed onepage, should include the following: title

of the project; description of the project

including goals and tasks to be

accomplished; names of the individuals

responsible for conducting and

completing the tasks; and the expected

timeframe for completing all tasks.

(6) Proposal Narrative. The narrative

portion of the project proposal must

include at least the following:

(i) Project Title. The title of the

proposed project must be brief, yet

represent the major thrust of the project.

(ii) Information sheet. A separate onepage information sheet which lists each

of the seven evaluation criteria listed in

this NOFA under the ‘‘Evaluation

Criteria and Weights’’ section, followed

by the page numbers of all relevant

material and documentation contained

in the proposal which addresses or

supports that criteria.

(iii) Goals of the Project. A clear

statement of the ultimate goal of the

project must be presented. It must

describe the value-added venture to be

developed and all the organizational

13492 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices

tasks and their sequence that need to be

completed before operations can begin.

Examples of similar types of operations

should be presented and discussed in

detail.

(iv) Specific Tasks to Be Completed.

The narrative must list the specific tasks

that will be funded by the grant. For

example, a group of producers may

want to have a feasibility study

conducted and a business operations

plan drafted. The details of these two

tasks must be presented and discussed.

This includes the order in which they

will be completed and an estimate of the

time necessary to complete the tasks.

The Agency reserves the right to

terminate the grant if a prerequisite

activity was not successful or it showed

the venture had a low probability of

success.

(v) Evaluation Criteria. Each of the

seven evaluation criteria listed in the

Evaluation Criteria and Weights section

of this NOFA must be addressed

specifically and individually by

category. These criteria should be in

narrative form with any specific

supporting documentation.

(7) Verification of Matching Funds.

Present a copy of a bank statement if

matching funds are in cash or a copy of

the confirmed funding commitment

from the funding source. If in-kind

match is included, so state and provide

verification of all commitments and

how those commitments are priced.

(8) Budget. A detailed breakdown of

estimated costs and a project budget.

Grant Amounts

The amount of funds available for

VADG grants in FY 2001 is $20,000,000.

The actual number of grants funded will

depend on the quality of proposals

received and the amount of funding

requested. Maximum amount of Federal

funds awarded for any one proposal will

be $500,000. Up to $10,000,000 will be

awarded in the first round of

competition with any residual amount

awarded in the second round. Eligible

applicants not awarded in the first

round will automatically be included in

the second competition, unless an

applicant wishes to submit a modified

proposal.

In the event that the applicant is

awarded a grant that is less than the

amount requested, they will be required

to modify their application to conform

to the reduced amount before execution

of the grant agreement. The Agency

reserves the right to reduce or deobligate the award, if acceptable

modifications are not submitted by the

awardee within 15 working days from

the date the application is returned to

the applicant. Any modifications must

be within the scope of the original

application.

Eligible Grant and Matching Funds

Uses

Grant funds may be used to pay up to

50 percent of the costs for carrying out

relevant projects. Applicant’s

contribution in cash or in-kind must be

in accordance with 7 CFR parts 3015

and 3019. Grant and the recipient’s

matching funds may be used for, but are

not limited to, the following purposes:

1. Conduct a feasibility analysis of the

proposed value-added venture to help

determine the potential success of the

venture. Funds can be used to hire a

qualified consultant.

2. Develop a business operations plan

that provides comprehensive details on

the management, planning, and other

operational aspects of the proposed

venture. Funds can be used to hire a

qualified consultant.

3. Develop a business marketing plan

for the proposed value-added product or

products including the identification of

a market window, the identification of

potential buyers, a description of the

distribution system, and possible

promotional campaigns. Funds can be

used to hire a qualified consultant.

4. Establish a working capital account

to fund operations prior to obtaining

sufficient cash flow from operations.

Funds from this account can be used

for, but are not limited to:

(a) hiring an attorney to provide legal

advice and to draft articles of

incorporation, bylaws, and other legal

documents related to the proposed

venture;

(b) hiring a Certified Public

Accountant or other qualified

individual to design an accounting

system for the proposed venture; and

(c) pay salaries, utilities, and other

operating costs to finance inventories,

purchase office equipment, computers,

and supplies, and finance other related

activities necessary to establish

alliances or business ventures that allow

producers to better compete in domestic

or international markets for value-added

products.

Ineligible Grant Uses

Grant and matching funds cannot be

used to:

1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or

construct a building or facility

(including a processing facility);

2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed

equipment;

3. Repair or maintain privately owned

vehicles;

4. Pay for the preparation of the grant

application;

5. Fund political activities;

6. Pay costs incurred prior to

receiving this grant;

7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7

CFR parts 3015 and 3019; and

8. Fund architectural or engineering

design work for the physical facility that

are often part of the project feasibility

study.

Methods for Evaluating and Ranking

Applications

Applications will be evaluated by a

panel of agricultural economists and

other technical experts appointed by

RBS. Applications will be evaluated

competitively and points awarded as

specified in the ‘‘Evaluation Criteria and

Weights’’ section of this NOFA. After

assigning points upon those criteria,

applications will be listed in initial rank

order and presented, along with funding

level recommendations, to the

Administrator of RBS, who will award

the grants. The Administrator reserves

the right to add 10 points to any

proposal to ensure geographic

distribution. The Administrator further

reserves the right to add 10 points to

any proposal to ensure commodity type

distribution. Applications will then be

funded in final rank order until all

available funds have been expended.

Applicants must score 65 points or more

during the first round to be considered

for funding. Unused remaining funds

from the first competition will be

allocated to the second competition.

Unless the proposal is withdrawn,

eligible, but unfunded, proposals from

the first competition will be considered

in the second competition, with or

without a revision by the applicant.

Evaluation Criteria and Weights

RBS will initially determine whether

the submitting organization is eligible

and whether the application contains

the information required by this NOFA.

Prior to technical examination, each

proposal will be reviewed for

responsiveness to the funding

solicitation. Submissions that do not fall

within the guidelines as stated in this

NOFA will be eliminated from the

competition and will be returned to the

applicant. After this initial screening,

RBS will use the following criteria to

rate and rank proposals received in

response to this NOFA. Failure to

address any of the following criteria will

disqualify the proposal.

1. Technical feasibility of the valueadded activity (Maximum 20 points).

Describe in detail the operations of the

proposed venture. This must include

the value-added activity being

proposed, the technology to be used and

its availability, and examples of similar

ventures. Projects will be evaluated

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices 13493

under this criteria for their overall

ability to (1) operate efficiently, (2)

maximize returns to producers, (3) be

sustainable, and (4) improve the local

rural economy.

2. Level of producer commitment

(Maximum 20 points). Describe in detail

the number of independent producers

who will participate in the venture and

their total level of production, the

number and type of written

commitments received, and the amount

of funds raised from the independent

producers.

3. Level of commitment from endusers of the product to be produced

(Maximum 15 points). Describe in detail

who will purchase the output of the

venture; estimate the amount to be

purchased; provide any completed

marketing studies; and provide any

letters of intent or similar commitment

from the potential end-users.

4. Qualifications of personnel

performing the proposed tasks and a

demonstrated track-record of performing

activities similar to those being

proposed (Maximum 15 points).

Describe in detail qualifications of the

individuals who will actually do the

proposed tasks and provide resumes

and information about their

organizations. If a consultant or others

are to be hired, include a statement as

to their commitment, as well as their

qualifications.

5. Plan of work incorporating the

appropriate tasks to accomplish the

stated objectives (Maximum 15 points).

The work plan must include the specific

tasks that will be completed using the

grant and matching fund money.

Describe in detail the various tasks to be

performed. For example, if the task is a

feasibility study, the work plan must

include the various aspects of the

venture that will be analyzed. The work

plan must present the order the tasks

will be undertaken and the estimated

time for completing each task. If the

grant and match will be used for

working capital, a detailed description

of how the capital will be used must be

included. Sufficient detail must be

provided to determine whether or not

funds are being used for qualified

purposes.

6. Project cost per producer

(Maximum 10 points). Calculated by

dividing the estimated total number of

producers benefiting from the venture

by the project funding (grant amount

plus the applicant’s match). Scores will

be assigned based on all applications in

the competition.

7. Level of support from different

development groups and agencies

(Maximum 5 points). Describe in detail

the involvement of other groups, state

agencies, and local agencies in the

venture and the kind of support they are

providing. This can be financial and inkind support.

What and Where To Submit

An original and two copies of the

proposal, with all required forms and

documentation, must be submitted in

one package to: Dr. Thomas H. Stafford,

Director, Cooperative Marketing

Division, Rural Business-Cooperative

Service, USDA, Stop 3252, Room 4204,

1400 Independence Avenue SW.,

Washington, DC 20250–3252.

Applications sent electronically or by

facsimile will not be accepted.

When To Submit

The deadline for receipt of first round

applications is 4 p.m. eastern time on

April 23, 2001. The deadline for receipt

of second round applications is 4 p.m.

eastern time on June 27, 2001. The

application deadline is firm as to date

and hour and applies to submission of

the original application and two copies

to the National Office in Washington,

DC. The Agency will not consider any

application received after the deadline.

Grantee Requirements

Grantees will be required to do the

following:

1. Sign a Value-Added Agricultural

Product Market Development Grant

Agreement similar to the one published

at the end of this NOFA.

2. Sign required Federal grant-making

forms.

3. Submit a feasibility study showing

the viability of the venture, if any

Federal grant and matching funds are to

be used as working capital.

4. Use Standard Form 270, ‘‘Request

for Advance or Reimbursement’’ to

request advances and reimbursements.

Requests to be submitted on a quarterly

or less frequent basis.

5. Submit a Standard Form 269,

‘‘Financial Status Report’’ and list

expenditures according to agreed upon

budget categories on a semi-annual

basis. Reports are due by April 30 and

October 30 after the grant is awarded.

6. Submit semi-annual performance

reports which compare

accomplishments to the objectives; if

established objectives are not met,

discuss problems, delays, or other

problems that may affect completion of

the project; establish objectives for the

next reporting period; and discuss

compliance with any special conditions

on the use of awarded funds.

7. Upon completion of each task

outlined in the proposal, grant

recipients will deliver the results of the

study or activity to RBS, accompanied

by all applicable supporting data. These

include, but are not limited to,

feasibility studies, marketing plans,

business operation plans, articles of

incorporation and bylaws, or an

accounting of how working capital

funds were spent. All items delivered to

RBS will be held in confidence to the

extent permitted by law.

8. Maintain a financial management

system that is acceptable to the Agency.

9. Collect and maintain data on race,

sex, and national origin provided by the

membership of the Independent

Producers as defined above.

10. Submit a final project performance

report.

Other Federal Statutes and Regulations

That Apply

Several other Federal statutes and

regulations apply to proposals

considered for review and to grants

awarded. These include but are not

limited to:

7 CFR part 15, subpart A—

Nondiscrimination in FederallyAssisted Programs of the Department of

Agriculture-Effectuation of title VI of the

Civil Rights Act of 1964;

7 CFR part 3015—Uniform Federal

Assistance Regulations;

7 CFR part 3017—Governmentwide

Debarment and Suspension

(Nonprocurement) and

Governmentwide Requirements for

Drug-Free Workplace (Grants);

7 CFR part 3018—New Restrictions on

Lobbying;

7 CFR part 3019—Uniform

Administrative Requirements for Grants

and Agreements with Institutions of

Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other

Non-Profit Organizations; and

7 CFR part 3052—Audits of States,

Local Governments, and Non-Profit

Organizations.

Paperwork Reduction Act

The reporting requirements contained

in this notice have received temporary

emergency clearance by the Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) under

Control Number 0570–0039. However,

in accordance with the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995, RBS will seek

standard OMB approval of the reporting

requirements contained in this Notice

and hereby opens a 60-day public

comment period.

Abstract: RBS, an Agency within the

USDA Rural Development mission area,

will administer the VADG grant

program. The intent of the VADG grant

program is to develop a business plan

for viable marketing opportunities for a

value-added agricultural commodity or

product of an agricultural product; or to

acquire capital to establish a valueVerDate 11<MAY>2000 19:02 Mar 05, 2001 Jkt 194001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06MRN1.SGM pfrm08 PsN: 06MRN1
13494 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices

added business venture or alliance that

will allow the producers to better

compete in domestic and international

markets.

Public Burden in This Notice

At this time, the Agency is requesting

OMB clearance of the following burden:

Form SF–424 ‘‘Application for

Federal Assistance.’’ This form is used

by applicants as a required face sheet for

applications for Federal assistance.

Form SF–424A ‘‘Budget InformationNon construction Programs.’’ This form

must be completed by applicants to

show the project’s budget breakdown,

both as to expense categories and the

division between Federal and nonFederal sources.

Form SF–424B ‘‘Assurances-Non

Construction Programs.’’ This form must

be completed by the applicant to give

the Federal government certain

assurances that the applicant has the

legal authority to apply for Federal

assistance and the financial capacity to

pay the non-Federal share of project

costs. The applicant also gives

assurance it will comply with various

legal and regulatory requirements as

described in the form.

Grantees will be required to do the

following:

1. Grant Agreement. Sign a ValueAdded Agricultural Product Market

Development Grant Agreement similar

to the one published at the end of this

NOFA.

2. Feasibility Study. Submit a

feasibility study showing the viability of

the venture if any Federal grant and

matching funds are to be used as

working capital.

3. Payment requests. Use Standard

Form 270, ‘‘Request for Advance or

Reimbursement’’ to request advances

and reimbursements. Requests to be

submitted on a quarterly or less frequent

basis.

4. Report Financial Status. Submit a

Standard Form 269, ‘‘Financial Status

Report’’ and list expenditures according

to agreed upon budget categories on a

semi-annual basis. Reports are due by

April 30 and October 30, after the grant

is awarded.

5. Performance Reports. Submit semiannual performance reports which

compares accomplishments to the

objectives; if established objectives are

not met, discuss problems, delays, or

other problems that may affect

completion of the project; establish

objectives for the next reporting period;

and discuss compliance with any

special conditions on the use of

awarded funds.

6. Study Results. Upon completion of

each task outlined in the proposal, grant

recipients will deliver the results of the

study or activity to RBS, accompanied

by all applicable supporting data. These

include, but are not limited to,

feasibility studies, marketing plans,

business operation plans, articles of

incorporation and bylaws, or an

accounting of how working capital

funds were spent. All items delivered to

RBS will be held in confidence to the

extent provided for by law.

7. Financial Management System.

Maintain a financial management

system that is acceptable to the Agency.

8. Civil Rights Data. Collect and

maintain data on sex, race, and national

origin of the Independent Producers

membership.

9. Final Performance Report. Submit a

final project performance report.

Project Proposal

The applicant must submit a project

proposal containing the elements

described in this notice and in the

format prescribed. The elements of the

proposal are: (1) Table of contents

providing page numbers for each

component of the proposal; (2) a project

summary, not to exceed one page, that

includes the title of the project, a

description of the project, and the

names of individuals working on the

project; and (3) a project narrative that

discusses the goals of the project, the

specific tasks to be completed, and the

seven criteria which is the basis for

selection for funding.

Project Reporting Requirements

Awardees will be required to submit

written project performance reports on a

semi-annual basis. The project

performance report shall include, but

need not be limited to: (1) A comparison

of actual accomplishments to the

objectives; (2) problems in meeting

established objectives; (3) problems,

delays, or adverse conditions which will

materially affect completion of the

project; (4) objectives established for the

next reporting period; (5) status of

compliance with any special conditions

on the use of awarded funds.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting

burden for this collection of information

is estimated to average 8.2 hours per

response.

Respondents: Associations of

independent producers and entities

representing steering committees of

independent producers.

Estimated Number of Respondents:

120.

Estimated Number of Responses per

Respondent: 2.5.

Estimated Number of Responses: 300.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on

Respondents: 2,460 hours.

Copies of this information collection

can be obtained from Cheryl Thompson,

Regulations and Paperwork

Management Branch, (202) 692–0043.

Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether

the proposed collection of information

is necessary for the proper performance

of the functions of the Agency,

including whether the information will

have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of

the Agency estimate of the burden of the

proposed collection of information

including the validity of the

methodology and assumptions used; (c)

ways to enhance the quality, utility, and

clarity of the information to be

collected; and (d) ways to minimize the

burden of the collection of information

on those who are to respond, including

the use of appropriate automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other

technological collection techniques or

other forms of information technology.

All responses to this notice will be

summarized and included in the request

for OMB approval. All comments will

also become a matter of public record.

Comments on the paperwork burden

may be sent to Cheryl Thompson,

Regulations and Paperwork

Management Branch, Rural

Development, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Stop 0742, 1400

Independence Avenue SW, Washington,

DC 20250–0742.

Dated: February 26, 2001.

William F. Hagy III,

Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service, United States

Department of Agriculture.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Value-Added Agricultural Product

Market Development Grant Agreement

(VADG)

This Grant Agreement (Agreement)

dated lll, between llll

(Grantee), and the United States of

America, acting through the Rural

Business-Cooperative Service of the

Department of Agriculture (Grantor), for

$ll in grant funds under the VADG

program, delineates the agreement of the

parties.

Now, Therefore, in consideration of

the grant;

The parties agree that:

1. All the terms and provisions of the

application submitted by the Grantee for

this VADG grant, including any

attachments or amendments, are

incorporated and included as part of

this Agreement. Any changes to these

documents or this agreement must be

approved in writing by the Grantor.

Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 6, 2001 / Notices 13495

2. As a condition of the Agreement,

the Grantee certifies that it is in

compliance with and will comply in the

course of the Agreement with all

applicable laws, regulations, Executive

Orders, and other generally applicable

requirements, including those contained

in 7 CFR 3015.205(b), which are

incorporated into this agreement by

reference, and such other statutory

provisions as are specifically contained

herein. The Grantee will comply with

title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,

section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973, and Executive Order 12250;

3. The provisions of 7 CFR part 3015,

‘‘Uniform Federal Assistance

Regulations,’’ part 3016, ‘‘Uniform

Administrative Requirements for Grants

and Cooperative Agreements to State

and Local Governments,’’ or part 3019,

‘‘Uniform Administrative Requirements

for Grants and Agreements with

Institutions of Higher Education,

Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit

Organizations,’’ as applicable are

incorporated herein and made a part

hereof by reference;

Further, the Grantee agrees that it

will:

1. Not use grant funds to plan, repair,

rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a

building or facility (including a

processing facility); or to purchase, rent,

or install fixed equipment.

2. Use Grant Funds only for the

purposes and activities specified in the

proposal approved by the Agency

including the approved budget. Any

uses not provided for in the approved

budget must be approved in writing by

the Agency in advance of obligation by

the grantor.

3. Submit a feasibility study, business

operations plans, and other studies and

plans required by the Grantor if any part

of the grant will be used to establish a

working capital account.

4. Deliver the results of a study or

activity to the Grantor upon completion

of each task outlined in the proposal.

These include, but are not limited to,

feasibility studies, marketing plans,

business operations plans, articles of

incorporation and bylaws, and

accounting of how working capital

funds were spent. All items delivered to

the Grantor will be held in confidence

to the extent provided by law.

5. Request any cash advances in the

minimum amount needed and timed to

the actual, immediate cash requirements

for carrying out the grant purpose.

Standard Form 270, ‘‘Request for

Advance or Reimbursement,’’ will be

used for this purpose.

6. Submit a Standard Form 269,

‘‘Financial Status Report’’ and list

expenditures according to agreed upon

budget categories on a semi-annual

basis. Reports are due by April 30 and

October 30 after the grant is awarded.

7. Provide periodic reports as required

by the Grantor. A financial status report

and a project performance report will be

required on a semi-annual basis (due

April 30 and October 30). The financial

status report must show how grant

funds and matching funds have been

used to date and project the funds

needed and their purposes for the next

quarter. A final report may serve as the

last quarterly report. Grantees shall

constantly monitor performance to

ensure that time schedules are being

met and projected goals by time periods

are being accomplished. The project

performance reports shall include the

following:

a. A comparison of actual

accomplishments to the objectives for

that period.

b. Reasons why established objectives

were not met, if applicable.

c. Reasons for any problems, delays,

or adverse conditions which will affect

attainment of overall program

objectives, prevent meeting time

schedules or objectives, or preclude the

attainment of particular objectives

during established time periods. This

disclosure shall be accomplished by a

statement of the action taken or planned

to resolve the situation.

d. Objectives and timetables

established for the next reporting

period.

e. The final report will also address

the following:

(i) What have been the most

challenging or unexpected aspects of

this program?

(ii) What advice you would give to

other organizations planning a similar

program. These should include

strengths and limitations of the

program. If you had the opportunity,

what would you have done differently?

(iii) If an innovative approach was

used successfully, the grantee should

describe their program in detail so that

other organizations might consider

replication in their areas.

8. Collect and maintain data on

producer-members by race, sex, and

national origin. The grantee must ensure

that their recipients also collect and

maintain data on beneficiaries by race,

sex, and national origin as required by

title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

and must be provided to the Agency for

compliance review purposes.

9. Provide Financial Management

Systems which will include:

a. Records that identify adequately the

source and application of funds for

grant-supported activities. Those

records shall contain information

pertaining to grant awards and

authorizations, obligations, unobligated

balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and

income;

b. Effective control over and

accountability for all funds, property,

and other assets. Grantees shall

adequately safeguard all such assets and

shall ensure that they are used solely for

authorized purposes;

c. Accounting records supported by

source documentation; and

d. Grantee tracking of fund usage and

records that show matching funds and

grant funds are used in equal

proportions. The grantee will provide

verifiable documentation regarding

matching fund usage, i.e., bank

statements or copies of funding

obligations from the matching source.

10. Retain financial records,

supporting documents, statistical

records, and all other records pertinent

to the grant for a period of at least 3

years after grant closing, except that the

records shall be retained beyond the 3-

year period if audit findings have not

been resolved. Microfilm or photocopies

or similar methods may be substituted

in lieu of original records. The Grantor

and the Comptroller General of the

United States, or any of their duly

authorized representatives, shall have

access to any books, documents, papers,

and records of the Grantee’s which are

pertinent to the specific grant program

for the purpose of making audits,

examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.

11. Not encumber, transfer or dispose

of the equipment or any part thereof,

acquired wholly or in part with Grantor

funds without the written consent of the

Grantor.

12. Not duplicate other program

purposes for which monies have been

received, are committed, or are applied

to from other sources (public or private).

Grantor agrees to make available to

Grantee for the purpose of this

Agreement funds in an amount not to

exceed the Grant Funds. The funds will

be reimbursed or advanced based on

submission of Standard Form 270.

In Witness Whereof, Grantee has this

day authorized and caused this

Agreement to be executed by

Attest

By lllllllllllllllllll

(Grantee)

(Title) lllllllllllllllll

United States of America

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

By lllllllllllllllllll

(Grantor) (Name) (Title)

[FR Doc. 01–5373 Filed 3–5–01; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410–XY–U