Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022
| Published date | 14 March 2022 |
| Citation | 87 FR 14238 |
| Record Number | 2022-05080 |
| Section | Notices |
| Court | Rural Housing Service |
Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14238-14242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05080]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
[Docket No. RHS-21-CF-0020]
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
Program for Fiscal Year 2022
AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).
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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (Agency), a Rural Development agency
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that
it is accepting applications under the Community Facilities Technical
Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant program for fiscal year (FY) 2022.
This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations
act for FY 2022 to allow potential applicants time to submit
applications for financial assistance under the program and to give the
Agency time to process applications. Once the FY 2022 funding amount is
determined, the Agency will publish it on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
DATES: Completed applications must be submitted using one of the
following methods:
Paper submissions: The Agency must receive applications in
paper, postmarked, and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by 4:00 p.m.
local time on May 26, 2022. Applicants intending to mail applications
must provide sufficient time to permit delivery on or before the
closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by the United States Postal
Service or private mailer does not constitute delivery. Facsimile
(FAX), electronic mail, and postage due applications will not be
accepted. The application dates and times are firm. The Agency will not
consider any application received after the deadline.
Electronic submissions: Electronic applications must be
submitted via https://www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight
Savings Time on May 23, 2022.
Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may
request application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests
are made prior to May 16, 2022. Technical assistance is not meant to be
an analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth
analysis.
The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring nor eligibility
information that is submitted after the application deadline. The
Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification
information on materials contained in the submitted application.
ADDRESSES: This notice and application materials may be accessed at
https://www.grants.gov. This Notice may also be viewed at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
Applicants can submit an electronic application by following the
instructions for the TAT funding announcement on https://www.grants.gov. Applications may be submitted by the following methods:
Applications are to be submitted to the USDA Rural Development
State Office for the State in which the applicant is located. The
address for the headquarters of each USDA Rural Development State
Office can be accessed at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. The Applicant should contact the USDA
Rural Development State Office to see if applications may be submitted
to Field Offices within the state.
For applicants located in the District of Columbia, applications
will be submitted to the National Office in care of Shirley Stevenson,
1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250.
Electronic applications will be submitted via https://www.grants.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Rural Development office for the
state in which the applicant is located. A list of Rural Development
State Office contacts is provided at the following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants located
in Washington, DC can contact Shirley Stevenson at (202) 205-9685 or
via email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority
This solicitation is authorized pursuant to Section 306(a)(26) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)),
7 CFR part 3570, subpart F, and 7 CFR 3570.267.
Rural Development: Key Priorities
The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will
advance the following key priorities:
Assisting Rural communities recover economically from the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged
communities;
Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to RD
programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and
Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to
the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural
communities.
Additional information regarding RD's funding priorities is
available at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points. Expenses incurred in developing grant application packages will
be at the applicant's sole risk.
[[Page 14239]]
Background
USDA's Rural Development Agencies, comprised of the Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RB-CS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Rural
Utilities Service (RUS), are leading the way in helping rural America
improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for
rural people. RHS offers a variety of programs to build or improve
housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. The Agency
also offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees for single- and multi-
family housing, child-care centers, fire and police stations,
hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, schools, first responder vehicles
and equipment, housing for farm laborers and much more. The Agency also
provides technical assistance loans and grants in partnership with non-
profit organizations, Indian tribes, state and Federal government
agencies, and local communities.
Program Description
The RHS provides TAT grants to eligible public bodies and private,
nonprofit organizations (such as states, counties, cities, townships,
incorporated towns, villages, boroughs, authorities, districts, and
Tribes located on Federal or state reservations) to provide technical
assistance and training in support of essential community facilities
programs. In turn, this technical assistance and training helps
grantees identify and plan for community facility needs in their area.
Once these needs are pinpointed, the grantee can find additional public
and private financial resources.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The paperwork burden has been approved by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0575-0198.
Overview
Federal Agency: Rural Housing Service (RHS).
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Facilities Technical
Assistance and Training Grant.
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA).
Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA): 10.766.
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-RD-CFTAT-202.
Due Date for Applications: Applications must be submitted using one
of the following methods:
Paper submissions: The deadline for receipt of a paper application
is 4 p.m. local time, May 26, 2022.
Electronic submissions: Electronic applications will be accepted
via Grants.gov. The deadline for receipt of an electronic application
via https://Grants.gov is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time on
May 23, 2022. The application dates and times are firm. The Agency will
not consider any application received after the deadline. Applicants
intending to mail applications must provide sufficient time to permit
delivery on or before the closing deadline date and time. Acceptance by
the United States Postal Service or private mailer does not constitute
delivery. Facsimile (FAX), electronic mail, and postage due
applications will not be accepted. Prior to official submission of
applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made
prior to May 17, 2022. Technical assistance is not meant to be an
analysis or assessment of the quality of the materials submitted, a
substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth
analysis. The Agency will not solicit or consider scoring or
eligibility information that is submitted after the application
deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek
clarification information on materials contained in the submitted
application.
Items in Supplementary Information
I. Funding Opportunity Description
II. Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
IV. Application and Submission Information
V. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Awards Management
(SAM)
VI. Application Processing
VII. Scoring Criteria
VIII. Federal Award Administration Information
IX. Non-Discrimination Statement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
The Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
program is authorized by Section 306(a)(26) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(26)).
Program regulations can be found at 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F,
referenced in this Notice. The purpose of this Notice is to seek
applications from entities that will provide technical assistance and/
or training with respect to essential community facilities programs.
The purpose of this program is to assist entities in rural areas in
accessing funding under RHS's Community Facilities Programs in
accordance with 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F. Funding priority will be
made to private, nonprofit or public organizations that have experience
in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.
II. Award Information
Type of Awards: Grants will be made to eligible entities who will
then provide technical assistance and training to eligible ultimate
recipients.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2022 TAT Grant funds.
Available Funds: This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a
final appropriations act for FY 2022. Once the FY 22 funding amount is
determined, the Agency will publish it on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Up to
ten percent of the available funds may be awarded to the highest
scoring Ultimate Recipient(s) as long as they score a minimum score of
at least 70. The Agency reserves the right to reduce funding amounts
based on the Agency's determination of available funding or other
Agency funding priorities.
Funding Award Amounts: Grant awards for Technical Assistance
providers assisting Ultimate Recipients within one state may not exceed
$150,000. Grant awards made to Ultimate Recipients will not exceed
$50,000.
Award Dates: Awards will be funded on or before September 15, 2022.
III. Eligibility Information
Both the applicant and the use of funds must meet eligibility
requirements. The applicant eligibility requirements can be found at 7
CFR 3570.262. Eligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.263.
Ineligible project purposes can be found at 7 CFR 3570.264.
Restrictions substantially similar to Sections 744 and 745 outlined in
Division C, Title VII, ``General Provisions--Government-Wide'' of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260) will apply
unless noted on the Rural Development website (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-technical-assistance-and-training-grant). Any corporation that has been convicted of a felony
criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months, or
that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for
which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or
have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to
an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax
liability, is not eligible for financial assistance provided with full-
year appropriated funds, unless a Federal
[[Page 14240]]
agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and
has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to
protect the interests of the Government.
IV. Application and Submission Information
The requirements for submitting an application can be found at 7
CFR 3570.267. All applicants can access application materials at
https://www.grants.gov. Applications must be received by the Agency by
the due date listed in the DATES section of this Notice. Applications
received after that due date will not be considered for funding. Paper
copies of the applications will be submitted to the State Office in
which the applicant is headquartered. Electronic submissions should be
submitted at https://www.grants.gov. A listing of the Rural Development
State Offices may be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf. Applicants whose headquarters are in the
District of Columbia will submit their application to the National
Office in care of Shirley Stevenson, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, STOP
0787, Washington, DC 20250. Both paper and electronic applications must
be received by the Agency by the deadlines stated in the DATES section
of this Notice. The use of a courier and package tracking for paper
applications is strongly encouraged. An applicant can only submit one
application for funding. Application information for electronic
submissions may be found at https://www.grants.gov. Applications will
not be accepted via FAX or email.
V. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Awards Management
(SAM)
Grant applicants must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and
register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting
an application pursuant to 2 CFR 25.200(b). Instructions for obtaining
the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
In addition, an entity applicant must maintain registration in SAM
at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration by the Agency. The applicant
must ensure that the information in the database is current, accurate,
and complete. Applicants must ensure they complete the Financial
Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM.
Similarly, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are required
to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. So long as an entity
applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the
applicant must have the necessary processes and systems in place to
comply with the reporting requirements should the applicant receive
funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).
An applicant, unless excepted under 2 CFR 25.110(b), (c), or (d),
is required to:
(a) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;
(b) Provide a valid UEI in its application; and
(c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it has an active Federal award
or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding
agency.
The Federal awarding agency may not make a federal award to an
applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and
SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with these
requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a
Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another
applicant.
As required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), all grant
applications must provide a UEI number when applying for Federal
grants. Organizations can obtain a UEI at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
VI. Application Processing
(a) Applications will be processed in accordance with this NOSA and
7 CFR 3570.272:
(1) Applications that are not selected for funding due to low
rating will be notified by the Agency. Applications that cannot be
funded in the fiscal year that the application was received will not be
retained for consideration in the following fiscal year.
(2) Applicants selected for funding will need to accept the
conditions set forth in the Letter of Conditions, meet all such
conditions, and complete a grant agreement which outlines the terms and
conditions of the grant award before grant funds will be disbursed.
VII. Scoring Criteria
Applications will be scored in accordance with this NOSA and 7 CFR
3570.273. Those applications receiving the highest points using the
scoring factors will be selected for funding. Up to 10% of the
available funds may be awarded to the highest scoring Ultimate
Recipient(s) as long as they score a minimum score of at least 70. In
the case of a tie, the first tiebreaker will go to the applicant who
scores the highest on matching funds. If two or more applications are
still tied after using this tiebreaker, the next tiebreaker will go to
the applicant who scores the highest in the multi-jurisdictional
category. Once the successful applicants are announced, the State
Office will be responsible for obligating the grant funds, executing
all obligation documents, and the grant agreement, as provided by the
agency.
The Agency will score each application using the following scoring
factors:
(a) Experience: Applicant Experience at developing and implementing
successful technical assistance and/or training programs:
(1) More than 10 years--40 points.
(2) More than 5 years to 10 years--25 points.
(3) 3 to 5 years--10 points.
(b) No prior grants received:
(1) Applicant has never received a TAT Grant--5 points.
(c) Population: The average population of proposed area(s) to be
served:
(1) 2,500 or less--15 points.
(2) 2,501 to 5,000--10 points.
(3) 5,001 to 10,000--5 points.
(d) MHI: The average median household income (MHI) of the proposed
area to be served is below the higher of the poverty line or:
(1) 60 percent of the State's MHI--15 points.
(2) 70 percent of the State MHI--10 points.
(3) 90 percent of the State's MHI--5 points.
(e) Multi-jurisdictional: The proposed technical assistance or
training project is part of a Multi-jurisdictional project comprised
of:
(1) More than 10 jurisdictions--15 points.
(2) More than 5 to 10 jurisdictions--10 points.
(3) 3 to 5 jurisdictions--5 points.
(f) Soundness of approach: Up to 10 points.
(1) The problem/issue being addressed in the Needs Assessment is
clearly defined, supported by data, and addresses the needs;
(2) Goals & objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as
defined in the work plan, and are measurable;
(3) Work plan clearly articulates a well thought out approach to
accomplishing objectives and clearly identifies who will be served
by the project; and
(4) The proposed activities are needed in order for a complete
Community Facilities loan and/or grant application.
(g) Matching funds:
[[Page 14241]]
(1) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of
20% of the total project costs--10 points.
(2) There is evidence of the commitment of other cash funds of
10% of the total project costs--5 points.
(h) State Director discretionary points. The State Director may
award up to 10 discretionary points for the highest priority project in
each state, up to 7 points for the second highest priority project in
each state, and up to 5 points for the third highest priority project
that address the following key priorities:
(1) COVID-19 Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the
project is located in or serving one of the top 10% of counties or
county equivalents based upon county risk score in the United
States. Information on whether your project qualifies for priority
points can be found at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
(2) Equity. Priority points may be awarded if the project is
located in or serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the
CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on whether your project
qualifies for priority points can be found at the following website:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
(3) Climate Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the
project is located in or serving coal, oil and gas, and power plant
communities whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed
tier of the Distressed Communities Index. Information on whether
your project qualifies for priority points can be found at the
following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
The State Director will place written documentation in the project
file each time the State Director assigns these points.
(i) Administrator discretionary points. The Administrator may award
up to 20 discretionary points for projects to address geographic
distribution of funds, emergency conditions caused by economic
problems, natural disasters and other initiatives identified by the
Secretary such as applicants proposing to advance any or all of the
Agency's three key funding priorities, provided that all other
requirements set forth in this notice are otherwise met. The key
priorities are:
(1) COVID-19 Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the
project is located in or serving one of the top 10% of counties or
county equivalents based upon county risk score in the United
States. Information on whether your project qualifies for priority
points can be found at the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
(2) Equity. Priority points may be awarded if the project is
located in or serving a community with score 0.75 or above on the
CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Information on whether your project
qualifies for priority points can be found at the following website:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
(3) Climate Impacts. Priority points may be awarded if the
project is located in or serving coal, oil and gas, and power plant
communities whose economic well-being ranks in the most distressed
tier of the Distressed Communities Index. Information on whether
your project qualifies for priority points can be found at the
following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points.
VIII. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notice. Within the limit of funds available for
such purpose, the awarding official of the Agency shall make grants in
ranked order to eligible applicants under the procedures set forth in
this Notice and the grant regulation 7 CFR part 3570, subpart F.
Successful applicants will receive a letter in the mail containing
instructions on requirements necessary to proceed with execution and
performance of the award. This letter is not an authorization to begin
performance. In addition, selected applicants will be requested to
verify that components of the application have not changed at the time
of selection and on the award date, if requested by the Agency.
The award is not approved until all information has been verified,
and the awarding official of the Agency has signed Form RD 1940-1,
``Request for Obligation of Funds'' and the grant agreement.
Unsuccessful and ineligible applicants will receive written
notification of their review and appeal rights.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Grantees will
be required to do the following:
(a) Execute a Grant Agreement.
(b) Execute Form RD 1940-1.
(c) Use Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement'' to
request reimbursement. Provide receipts for expenditures,
timesheets, and any other documentation to support the request for
reimbursement.
(d) Provide financial status and project performance reports as
set forth at 7 CFR 3570.276.
(e) Maintain a financial management system that is acceptable to
the Agency.
(f) Ensure that records are maintained to document all
activities and expenditures utilizing CF TAT grant funds and any
matching funds, if applicable. Receipts for expenditures will be
included in this documentation.
(g) Provide audits or financial information as set forth in 7
CFR 3570.277.
(h) Collect and maintain data provided by ultimate recipients on
race, sex, and national origin and ensure Ultimate Recipients
collect and maintain this data. Race and ethnicity data will be
collected in accordance with OMB Federal Register notice,
``Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data
on Race and Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782), October 30, 1997. Sex data
will be collected in accordance with Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972. These items should not be submitted with the
application but should be available upon request by the Agency.
(i) Provide a final performance report as set forth at 7 CFR
3570.276(a)(7).
(j) Identify and report any association or relationship with
Rural Development employees.
(k) The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of
1975, Executive Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English
Proficiency (LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. The grantee must
comply with policies, guidance, and requirements as described in the
following applicable Code of Federal Regulations and any successor
regulations:
(1) 2 CFR parts 200 and 400 (Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal
Awards).
(2) 2 CFR parts 417 and 180 (Government-wide Debarment and
Suspension (Nonprocurement)).
3. Reporting
Reporting requirements for this grant as set forth at 7 CFR
3570.276.
IX. Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or
retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Program information may be made available in languages other than
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office, the USDA TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY), or the Federal Relay Service
at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint
[[Page 14242]]
Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, or from any USDA office by calling (866) 632-9992, or
by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the
complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written
description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail
to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the
nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-
3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-9410; or
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Joaquin Altoro,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05080 Filed 3-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P
