This subpart implements the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program. Grants are made to Nonprofit Institutions who in turn provide Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development to start, expand or improve Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses in Rural Areas.

The information in this subpart is organized into six main topics:

(a) General information. Sections 4284.501 through 4284.519 discuss the purpose of the program, definitions, exception authority, conflict of interest, and compliance with other laws and regulations.

(b) Eligibility information. Sections 4284.520 through 4284.529 discuss the eligibility requirements for the program. The sections include information on Applicant eligibility, Project eligibility, and the use of funds. See § 4284.522 for information about the award amounts, Period of Performance, and Matching Funds requirements.

(c) Application requirements information. Sections 4284.530 through 4284.539 discuss the requirements for submitting an application. The sections include information on what forms and other information are required for a complete application as well as the format of the application, the application deadline, and how to submit the application.

(d) Application processing information. Sections 4284.540 through 4284.549 discuss how the Agency will process applications. The sections include information on how applications will be reviewed for eligibility, how applications will be evaluated for merit, and how an Applicant can withdraw an application from consideration.

(e) Award information. Sections 4284.550 through 4284.559 discuss how the Agency will make awards. The sections include information about how applications will be selected for funding, how Applicants will be notified if their applications are selected for funding, how Applicants can resolve disputes regarding funding selections, and the requirements for an Applicant to accept an award and be approved as a Recipient of an award.

(f) Post-award information. Sections 4284.560 through 4284.561 discuss the reporting requirements for Recipients after an award is approved as well as monitoring procedures that the Agency will use.

(g) Other. (1) Sections 4284.562 through 4284.599 are reserved.

(2) Section 4284.600 includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number for reporting and recordkeeping requirements under this subpart.

These are the definitions for terms used in this subpart. Additional terms used in this subpart are found in the applicable laws and regulations, in particular 2 CFR part 200 and 7 CFR part 11.

1994 Institution means a college identified as such for purposes of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note).

Adverse Decision has the meaning located at 7 CFR 11.1.

Adverse Decision Letter means a letter issued by the Agency to the Applicant or Recipient that explains the Adverse Decision.

Agency means the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department), or a successor agency.

Applicant means the Nonprofit Institution that is applying for funding through the RCDG program.

Board of Directors (Board) means the group of individuals that manage or direct the Center.

Business Plan means a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals, including pro forma financial statements appropriate to the term and scope of the Project and sufficient to evidence the viability of the Project. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.

Center means the Rural Cooperative Development Center to be established and/or operated by a Recipient of the RCDG program.

Cooperative means a business or organization owned, democratically governed, controlled and operated by those who use and benefit from it. Profits and losses generated by the organization are distributed in proportion to use as patronage to the user-owners, also known as members. Investment returns to non-members are limited.

Cooperative Development refers to a type of Technical Assistance that establishes and promotes Cooperative businesses through hands-on activities, often but not exclusively, assisting a group through a series of stages. These stages include but are not limited to the following: idea exploration by a group with shared needs, member-use analysis, identifying a steering committee and guiding them through the development process, modeling effective democratic processes and good governance practices, creation of legal and policy documents, conducting a membership drive, raising member equity, acquiring sufficient capital, supporting operations, ongoing education and training, ongoing Board development and relations with management, supporting decision-making regarding patronage, and fostering an environment that is supportive of Cooperatives.

Economic Development means the economic growth of an area as evidenced by an increase in total income, employment opportunities, decreased out-migration of population, value of production, increased diversification of industry, higher labor force participation rates, increased duration of employment, higher wage levels, or gains in other measurements of economic activity, such as land values.

Equipment has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Feasibility Study means a comprehensive analysis of the economic, market, technical, financial, and management capabilities of a Project or business in terms of the Project's expectation for success.

Federal Award has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Grant Agreement or Financial Assistance Agreement has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Institutions of Higher Education has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Key Personnel means employees, new hires, consultants, and/or contractors of the Center who provide Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development and oversee and/or complete the tasks in the work plan.

Letter of Conditions means the letter that the Agency issues to an entity whose application is selected for funding. The letter outlines all the conditions of the award that must be met before the award can be approved. Other agencies may call this letter an award letter or award notice.

Matching Funds means a cost-sharing contribution to the Project that is 25 percent of the eligible Project Cost. For 1994 Institutions, a cost-sharing contribution that is 5 percent of the eligible Project Cost.

Mutually Owned Business means a business not incorporated under a Cooperative statute but operating as a Cooperative. Cooperative operation of the business is reflected in the articles and by-laws.

Networking means the creation and sharing of knowledge, best practices and transferrable strategies, engaging in mentor/mentee relationships amongst Centers, and developing joint Technical Assistance Projects with other Centers and other organizations engaged in Economic Development with the intent of advancing Cooperative Development and its practice.

New Cooperative Approach refers to development of a Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Business approach in a new industry, utilizing a new Cooperative structure, or serving a new function. This industry, structure, or function must be new to the Center or new to the service area.

Nonprofit Institution means any organization or institution, including an accredited Institution of Higher Education, no part of the net earnings of which inures, or may lawfully inure, to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Operating Cost means the day-to-day expenses of running a business; for example: utilities, rent on the office space a business occupies, salaries, depreciation, marketing and advertising, and other basic overhead items.

Period of Performance has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Project means all of the eligible activities to be funded by the grant and Matching Funds under this subpart.

Project Cost has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Public Body means any State, county, city, township, incorporated town or village, borough, authority, district, Economic Development authority, or Indian tribe on Federal or State reservations or other federally recognized Indian tribe.

Real Property has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Recipient has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Research and Development (R&D) has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Rural and Rural Area means any area of a State not in a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, according to the latest decennial census of the United States, or in the urban area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, and any area that has been determined to be “rural in character” by the Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD), or as otherwise identified in this definition as follows:

(1) An area that is attached to the urban area of a city or town with more than 50,000 inhabitants by a contiguous area of urbanized census blocks that is not more than two (2) census blocks wide. Applicants from such an area should work with their RD State office to request a determination of whether their project is located in a Rural Area under this provision.

(2) For the purposes of this definition, cities and towns are incorporated population centers with definite boundaries, local self-government, and legal powers set forth in a charter granted by the State.

(3) For the purposes of this definition, populations of individuals incarcerated on a long-term or regional basis shall not be included in determining whether an area is “rural” or a “rural area”.

(4) For the purposes of this definition, the first 1,500 individuals who reside in housing located on a military base shall not be included in determining whether an area is “rural” or a “rural area”.

(5) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered Rural and eligible for Business Programs assistance, except for the San Juan Census Designated Place (CDP) and any other CDP with greater than 50,000 inhabitants. CDPs with greater than 50,000 inhabitants, other than the San Juan CDP, may be determined to be eligible if they are “not urban in character.”

(6) For the State of Hawaii, all areas within the State are considered Rural and eligible for Business Programs assistance, except for the Honolulu CDP within the County of Honolulu.

(7) For the purpose of defining a Rural Area in the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency shall determine what constitutes Rural and Rural Area based on available population data.

(8) The determination that an area is “rural in character” will be made by the Under Secretary of RD. The process to request a determination under this provision is outlined in paragraph (8)(ii) of this definition.

(i) The determination that an area is “rural in character” under this definition will apply to areas that are within:

(A) An urban area that has two points on its boundary that are at least 40 miles apart, which is not contiguous or adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 150,000 inhabitants or the urban area of such a city or town; or

(B) An urban area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town of greater than 50,000 inhabitants that is within one-quarter mile of a Rural Area.

(ii) Units of local government may petition the Under Secretary of RD for a “rural in character” designation by submitting a petition to both the appropriate RD State Director and the Administrator on behalf of the Under Secretary. The petition shall document how the area meets the requirements of paragraph (8)(i)(A) or (B) of this definition and discuss why the petitioner believes the area is “rural in character,” including, but not limited to, the area's population density, demographics, and topography and how the local economy is tied to a rural economic base. Upon receiving a petition, the Under Secretary will consult with the applicable Governor or leader in a similar position and request comments to be submitted within five (5) business days, unless such comments were submitted with the petition. The Under Secretary will release to the public a notice of a petition filed by a unit of local government not later than 30 days after receipt of the petition by way of publication in a local newspaper and posting on the Agency's website, and the Under Secretary will make a determination not less than 15 days, but no more than 60 days, after the release of the notice. Upon a negative determination, the Under Secretary will provide to the petitioner an opportunity to appeal a determination to the Under Secretary, and the petitioner will have 10 business days to appeal the determination and provide further information for consideration.

Rural Development (RD) refers to a mission area within the USDA which includes RBCS, the Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, and their successors.

State means any of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

State Office refers to USDA RD offices located in each State.

Subaward has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Technical Assistance means the process of providing targeted support for the startup, expansion, and operational improvement of Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses typically delivered via multiple contacts over a period of time. It includes the transfer of skills and knowledge through research and collection of information to provide guidance and advice; assessment and analysis through Feasibility Studies and Business Plans, customized training, written information, in person or virtual exchanges, web-based curricula, and webinars.

Underserved and Economically Distressed has the meaning located in the annual notification issued on the program website.

Value-Added means the incremental profit earned from each transaction or step in processing after deducting processing costs, depreciation, and other relevant expenses. Each stage of processing or ownership transfer typically adds value to a good, product, or service.

The Administrator of the Agency may, on a case-by-case basis, grant an exception to any non-statutory requirement or provision of this subpart provided that such exception is in the best financial interests of the Federal Government. Exercise of this authority cannot be in conflict with applicable laws.

No conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest will be allowed.

(a) Description. A conflict of interest occurs in a situation in which a person or entity has a competing, or the appearance of a competing, personal, professional, or financial interest that makes it difficult for the person or entity to act impartially. For purposes of this subpart, interactions among the following individuals constitute a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest:

(1) Applicant Board, employees, consultants, and contractors.

(2) Recipient Board, employees, consultants, and contractors.

(3) Center Board, employees, consultants, and contractors.

(4) Subrecipients and their employees, consultants, and contractors.

(5) Immediate family members of those listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section.

(b) Written disclosure. Recipients must comply with 2 CFR 400.2(b), which requires written disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest and maintaining written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the performance of its employees in the selection, award, and administration of Federal Awards.

(c) Assistance to employees, relatives, and associates. The Agency will process any requests for assistance under this subpart in accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart D.

(d) Member/delegate clause. No member of or delegate to Congress shall receive any share or part of this grant or any benefit that may arise therefrom; but this provision shall not be construed to bar, as a contractor under the grant, a publicly held corporation whose ownership might include a member of Congress.

The Agency, Applicants, and Recipients must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. An effort has been made to identify the most-commonly cited laws and regulations and to reference them as follows:

(a) Federal laws. Federal laws are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.). A selection of laws is identified as follows:

(1) Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.).

(2) Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).

(3) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

(4) The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).

(5) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (29 U.S.C. 794).

(b) Federal regulations. Federal regulations are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). In particular, 2 CFR parts 1 through 200 address items such as universal identifiers, reporting Subaward and executive compensation, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplaces, administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements. We particularly encourage Applicants and Recipients to become familiar with 2 CFR part 200 in its entirety.

(c) Departmental regulations. Departmental regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through the USDA. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of applicable regulations is identified as follows:.

(1) 2 CFR parts 400 through 499. These parts include USDA's adoption of Federal administrative requirements and cost principles. They also include regulations on debarment and suspension, lobbying, drug-free workplaces, and research awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 11. This part includes USDA's procedures for administrative appeals, as handled by its National Appeals Division.

(3) 7 CFR part 15. This part includes USDA's procedures for compliance with nondiscrimination laws and regulations.

(d) Agency regulations. Agency regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through the Agency and they may also be specific to a program. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of those regulations is as follows:

(1) 7 CFR part 1900. This part covers delegations of authority, Adverse Decisions and administrative appeals, applicability of Federal law, and processing and servicing grant awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. This subpart covers civil rights compliance requirements.

(3) 7 CFR part 1951. This part covers servicing grant awards, including unauthorized assistance.

(4) 7 CFR part 1970. This part covers environmental policies and considerations.

(e) Access to laws and regulations. (1) Laws may be accessed through the U.S.C. At the time this subpart was published, the U.S.C. may be accessed electronically at this website: https://uscode.house.gov/.

(2) Regulations may be accessed through the CFR. At the time this subpart was published, the CFR may be accessed electronically at this website: https://www.ecfr.gov/.

(a) Eligible Applicants. Applicants are eligible for assistance through this program if they meet the following requirements:

(1) Applicant type. A Nonprofit Institution.

(2) Applicant location. Applicant must be located in a State.

(3) Unique entity identifier (UEI). Applicants must have a UEI and active registration through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov unless exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.

(4) Multiple grant eligibility. An Applicant may submit only one application in response to a solicitation. All applications submitted, regardless of the Applicant entity name, that include the same Executive Director, employees, Board, advisory boards or committees of an existing Center or a majority thereof will be determined ineligible for funding.

(b) Ineligible Applicants. Applicants are ineligible for assistance through this program if one or more of the following occurs:

(1) The Applicant is an individual, for-profit entity, or Public Body.

(2) The Applicant is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from, or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension.” See 2 CFR part 417 for more information.

(3) The Applicant has an outstanding judgment obtained against the organization by the United States in a Federal Court (other than United States Tax Court).

(4) The Applicant is delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes.

(5) The Applicant is delinquent on Federal debt.

(6) The Applicant has been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months.

(7) The Applicant has unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

(8) The Applicant has an award through this program that is not scheduled to end until after September 30 (for awards that began the preceding October 1) of the current Federal fiscal year, or December 31 (for awards that began the preceding January 1) of the current calendar year.

(a) Eligible Projects. Eligible Projects must meet all of the following requirements. Failure to meet one or more of these requirements means that the application will not be considered for funding.

(1) Rurality. All Project activities must serve individuals, Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses, small businesses, or other similar entities in Rural Areas.

(2) Project focus. The Project must focus on establishing or operating a Center with the goals of creating jobs in Rural Areas through the development of new Rural Cooperatives, Value-Added processing, and Rural businesses.

(3) Amount requested. The amount requested must not exceed any maximum amounts specified in the annual notification issued on the program website.

(4) Matching Funds. Matching Funds may be provided in cash by the Applicant, or cash or in-kind by a third party and are required for 25 percent (or 5 percent if a 1994 Institution) of the Project Cost. For example, if an Applicant requests an award amount of $150,000, the Matching Funds contribution must be $50,000, and the overall Project Cost is $200,000.

(i) Matching Funds. (A) Must be spent on eligible expenses.

(B) Must be from non-Federal sources unless authorized to be used as Matching Funds by the legislation authorizing the Federal source of funding.

(C) Must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant funds being spent.

(ii) In-kind contributions. (A) Cannot include over-valued, in-kind contributions.

(B) You must be able to document and verify the number of hours worked and the value associated with any in-kind contribution being used to meet a Matching Funds requirement.

(C) In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or Cooperatives which are being assisted by the Center cannot be provided for the direct benefit of their own Projects as USDA RD considers this to be a conflict of interest.

(5) Use of funds. The Project must use grant and Matching Funds for allowable purposes. See § 4284.525.

(6) Period of Performance. The Period of Performance cannot exceed one (1) year. The grant period should begin no earlier than October 1 (the beginning of the Federal fiscal year) and no later than January 1 (the beginning of the calendar year).

(b) Ineligible Projects. Projects are ineligible for assistance through this program if the application:

(1) Requests more than the maximum grant amount;

(2) Focuses assistance on one Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Business;

(3) Includes a conflict of interest (see § 4284.506) where the expenses associated with the conflict of interest exceed 10 percent of the Project Cost. If the costs associated with the conflict of interest are 10 percent or less, the process in paragraph (b)(4) of this section will be followed;

(4) Includes unallowable costs (see § 4284.525) totaling more than 10 percent of Project Costs. If the application includes 10 percent or less of Project Costs in unallowable costs, and the application is otherwise eligible and selected for funding, those unallowable costs must be removed. If time permits, the Agency may allow those unallowable costs to be replaced with allowable costs. Otherwise, the amount of the Award will be reduced accordingly. If we cannot determine the percentage of unallowable costs, your application will not be considered for funding.

(a) Allowable uses of grant and Matching Funds. The following types of activities and expenses are allowable:

(1) Costs associated with establishing or operating a Center, including legal services, accounting services, clerical assistance, technical services, office supplies, hiring employees, monitoring contracts, professional development for staff, attending conferences that would advance Cooperative Development and its practice, and Board travel;

(2) Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development as defined in § 4284.503;

(3) Costs for coordination of services and sharing of information among the Centers; and

(4) Providing loans and/or grants as Subawards per 2 CFR part 200 for Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development.

(b) Unallowable uses of grant and Matching Funds. No funds under this subpart shall be used to:

(1) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;

(2) Pay any costs of the Project incurred prior to the date of grant approval;

(3) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded Project;

(4) Pay for Board/advisory council member's time;

(5) Pay for the Operating Costs of any entity receiving assistance from the Recipient;

(6) Fund R&D;

(7) Duplicate activities paid for by another Federal grant program or activities charged to a previous RCDG Project;

(8) Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence;

(9) Pay for any goods or services from a person or entity who has a conflict of interest with the Recipient;

(10) Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;

(11) Purchase or make improvements to Real Property;

(12) Plan, develop, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility;

(13) Purchase, lease purchase, or install Equipment;

(14) Purchase or pay for the repair of vehicles; or

(15) Fund activities considered unallowable by the applicable cost principles, mostly of which are included in 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, or successor regulation.

The Agency will issue any program notifications on the program website.

(a) Amount of funding available. The Agency will publish the amount of funding available for awards during each Fiscal Year within 30 calendar days of notification from OMB of the amount available.

(b) Underserved and Economically Distressed Areas. The Agency will publish the source for identifying Underserved and Economically Distressed areas no later than the date the application period opens.

(c) Additional merit evaluation criteria. The Agency may establish additional merit evaluation criteria to meet the Department's or Agency's key priorities, goals, and objectives. Any such criteria will be published no later than the date the application period opens.

(d) Other. The Agency will publish any other additional requirements or programmatic changes no later than the date the application period opens.

All applications must include the following:

(a) Application forms. The following forms must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the application. Any additional forms that may be required will be published in the applicable annual notification.

(1) SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance.”

(2) SF-424 A, “Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.”

(b) Proposal. Each proposal must contain the following items. Additional items may be requested and will be published in the applicable annual notification.

(1) Title page.

(2) Table of contents.

(3) A summary of the proposal should briefly describe the Center, the goals of the Project, and the amount requested.

(4) Applicants must discuss how the following are met:

(i) Eligibility requirements in § 4284.520; including how they identify as an Institution of Higher Education or Nonprofit Institution.

(ii) Project eligibility requirements in § 4284.522; and

(iii) Eligible use of grant and Matching Funds requirements in § 4284.525.

(5) The proposal narrative should address how the Center will improve the economic conditions of Rural Areas by providing Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development. In particular, the Applicant must:

(i) Substantiate that the Center will use RCDG funds to serve Rural Areas in the United States as defined in § 4284.503.

(ii) Provide a description of the contributions that this Project is likely to make that will improve the economic conditions of the Rural Areas served by the Center.

(iii) Discuss how the Center, in carrying out the activities, will seek, where appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational institutions, the Federal Government, Tribal Governments, and State and local governments.

(iv) Discuss how the Center intends to take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the private sector. Applicants should indicate what financial support has been received in the past three (3) years from private sources and share plans of how the Applicant intends to secure long term sustainability of the Center.

(v) Merit evaluation criteria must be addressed in narrative form by the Applicant.

(A) Experience. Describe the Center's experience in Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development. Include the Center's role and accomplished outcomes for each organization assisted. Described experience must be within the last three (3) years. Centers that are not yet established should discuss the expertise and track record of Key Personnel expected to perform activities related to the Project. Provide the following for each organization assisted:

(1) Name of organization;

(2) Organization's complete address;

(3) Indicate whether the service location is Rural;

(4) Indicate whether the organization is Cooperatively or Mutually owned;

(5) Discussion on the Applicant's role(s) in providing Technical Assistance, including Cooperative Development;

(6) Date(s) of service;

(7) Indicate if a Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Business was established as a result of the Cooperative Development services provided;

(8) Date the Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Business was established;

(9) Indicate whether the Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Business is active or inactive;

(10) Discussion on any New Cooperative Approach used; and

(11) Discussion on the outcomes of the assistance, including but not limited to, the retention of Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Businesses, jobs created and/or saved, or other economic conditions (e.g., number of housing units, number of childcare spaces, etc.).

(B) Work plan and budget. All tasks in the work plan and budget must be for allowable uses of funds. For each task, the following must be provided:

(1) A detailed narrative description, for each of the Technical Assistance, Cooperative Development, and Networking tasks as well as any Subawards for loans and/or grants. Applicants must identify project partners for Networking tasks;

(2) A detailed breakdown of all estimated Project Costs including Operating Costs, with grant and Matching Funds identified separately;

(3) Key Personnel that will be responsible for overseeing and/or conducting each task;

(4) A specific timeframe corresponding to the actual time each task is estimated to be completed; and

(5) Zip code for each of the organizations being assisted who are located in Underserved and Economically Distressed areas.

(C) Qualifications of Key Personnel. Key Personnel are expected to be qualified, committed, and available during the Period of Performance. The following must be provided for each Key Personnel identified in the work plan and budget.

(1) Name of Key Personnel;

(2) A summary of formal training and/or skills and years of experience directly related to the task(s) to be performed as outlined in the work plan and budget; and

(3) For Key Personnel to be hired, list the necessary qualifications needed to complete Project task(s).

(D) Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide authentic documentation from the source(s) of Matching Funds to confirm the eligibility and availability of both cash and in-kind contributions that meet the Matching Funds requirements as defined in §§ 4284.503 and 4284.522. If selected for funding, Matching Funds will be reverified before a Financial Assistance Agreement is executed.

(vi) Applicants must certify that Matching Funds will be spent at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that expenditures of Matching Funds shall be pro-rated or spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the grant funds requested, at least 25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of Matching Funds will be expended.

(vii) To measure the success of the Project in a quantitative way, Applicants must have baseline and target performance metrics and will have a baseline metric of zero. Applicants must provide a target metric for each of the following performance metrics:

(A) Number of Rural groups assisted.

(B) Number of Cooperatives assisted.

(1) Number of jobs created/saved.

(2) Number of jobs created/saved in Underserved and Economically Distressed areas.

(C) Number of Mutually Owned Businesses (LLC/LLP) assisted.

(1) Number of jobs created/saved.

(2) Number of jobs created/saved in Underserved and Economically Distressed areas.

(D) Number of other businesses assisted.

(1) Number of jobs created/saved.

(2) Number of jobs created/saved in Underserved and Economically Distressed areas.

(E) Number of Business Plans developed.

(F) Number of Cooperatives incorporated.

(G) Number of Feasibility Studies completed.

(H) Number of workshops/seminars conducted.

(I) Number of conferences held.

(1) Number of conferences conducted with other Centers.

(2) Number of conferences conducted with other organizations.

(J) If working with housing, number of housing units created/saved.

(K) For consumer co-ops (grocery, retail) number of people with access to goods or services.

(L) Financial loss avoided as a result of `no-go' decision in the Cooperative Development process.

(M) Any additional performance measures as outlined in your Financial Assistance Agreement, or specified in the annual notification.

(1) It is permissible to have a zero in a performance metric. Jobs created targets must be calculated based upon actual jobs to be created by the Center because of RCDG funding or actual jobs to be created by Cooperatively or Mutually Owned Businesses as a result of the assistance from the Center. Jobs saved targets must be calculated only on actual jobs that would have been lost if the Center did not receive RCDG funding or actual jobs that would have been lost without assistance from the Center.

(2) Additional performance metrics can be suggested, for example; where jobs created or jobs saved may not be a relevant indicator (e.g., housing). These additional criteria must be specific and measurable performance metrics to be included in a Federal Financial Assistance Agreement.

Unless otherwise specified in an annual notification issued under § 4284.530, the following requirements apply to all applications.

(a) Submission period. The application period opens on March 1 and closes 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, on June 1. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the closing date to ensure timely receipt by the Agency.

(b) Submission process. The annual notification will be published on the OMB-designated governmentwide website and will provide instructions on how and where to submit completed applications for RCDG funding. All items required for the application must be submitted in a single application package. Revisions or additional information will not be accepted after the application period closes. Incomplete applications will be rejected and not considered for funding.

The following information describes the way the Agency will process applications, including the evaluation of eligibility, risk, and merit.

(a) Eligibility evaluation. The Agency will review all applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on the requirements in this subpart and other applicable Federal laws and regulations. In particular, the Agency will check the OMB designated repository of government information and, applicants that are excluded from Federal funding will be determined ineligible (see 2 CFR 200.206 for more information). An application must include all application requirements identified in § 4284.531, or the Agency will determine that it is ineligible for assistance.

(b) Risk evaluation. The Agency will review those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program.

(1) Typically, the Agency will not determine that an application is ineligible for funding based on the results of the risk evaluation, unless the Agency cannot find a way to reasonably mitigate the risk posed by making an award.

(2) If risk evaluation findings identify significant shortcomings in the Applicant's ability to manage Federal funds, the Agency may determine that the application is ineligible for funding.

(3) The Agency will determine if the Applicant has satisfactory performance for all Federal Awards received in the last five (5) years, based upon review of deficiencies reported in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, or its successor system, the Do Not Pay system, or its successor system, and the Agency's own internal financial and record-keeping systems and files. Satisfactory performance includes timely submission of required reports and documents, timely completion of tasks, and proper use of funds, including achieving the level of funds approved and committed for Underserved and Economically Distressed areas.

(c) Merit evaluation (Up to 100 total points). The Agency will conduct a merit evaluation for those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program. The merit evaluation will be conducted by a panel of USDA employees who will convene to reach a consensus on the merit of each eligible application. The merit evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

(1) Experience (Up to 30 points). The Agency will evaluate the Applicant's demonstrated experience in Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development; and effectiveness in accomplishing effective outcomes through the development of Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses. Points will be awarded based on the following:

(i) Up to 5 points for track record in providing Technical Assistance to promote and assist the development of Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses.

(ii) Up to 5 points for ability to facilitate Cooperative Development that results in the establishment of Cooperatively and Mutually Owned Businesses in Rural Areas.

(iii) Up to 5 points for ability to facilitate the establishment of New Cooperative Approaches in Rural Areas.

(iv) Up to 5 points for the ability to assist in the retention of businesses in Rural Areas.

(v) Up to 5 points for ability to create and/or save jobs that improve economic conditions of Rural Areas.

(vi) Up to 5 points for ability to improve other economic conditions in Rural Areas.

(2) Work plan and budget (Up to 45 points). The Agency will evaluate the Applicant's work plan and budget on its ability to provide a clear, logical, realistic and efficient use of grant and Matching Funds; level of commitment to Underserved and Economically Distressed areas; and Networking with States, Centers and other organizations engaged in Economic Development efforts in Rural Areas. Points will be awarded based on the following:

(i) Work plan and budget detail. Up to 30 points will be awarded as follows:

(A) 0 points will be awarded if the application does not address paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(B) through (E) of this section.

(B) Up to 10 points will be awarded if the application provides a detailed narrative description for each of the specific tasks to be completed.

(C) Up to 10 points will be awarded if the application provides a detailed breakdown of all estimated Project Costs, including Operating Costs, for each task with grant and Matching Funds identified separately.

(D) Up to 5 points will be awarded if the application identifies the Key Personnel associated with each task.

(E) Up to 5 points will be awarded if the application provides specific timeframes for each task.

(ii) Underserved and Economically Distressed. Up to 15 points will be awarded to Applicants whose work plans and budgets demonstrate their commitment to Underserved and Economically Distressed area(s) as defined in the annual notification.

(A) 0 points will be awarded if the application does not identify tasks and a budget commitment to Underserved and Economically Distressed area(s).

(B) Up to 5 points will be awarded if the Applicant identifies the Underserved and Economically Distressed area(s) within their service area.

(C) Up to 10 points will be awarded if the Applicant's budget commitment (grant and Matching Funds) to Underserved and Economically Distressed areas is:

(1) Less than 5 percent budget commitment = 2 points.

(2) 5 percent or greater but less than 10 percent budget commitment = 4 points.

(3) 10 percent or greater but less than 25 percent budget commitment = 6 points.

(4) 25 percent or greater but less than 50 percent budget commitment = 8 points.

(5) 50 percent or more budget commitment = 10 points.

(3) Networking. Up to 10 points will be awarded to Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to Networking and plan to develop multi-organizational and multi-State Cooperative Development approaches.

(i) Up to 5 points will be awarded if the Applicant describes how it intends to create and share best practices and transferrable strategies with other Centers or organizations engaged in Economic Development.

(ii) Up to 5 points will be awarded if the Applicant describes how it will develop joint Technical Assistance, including Cooperative Development, projects and mentor/mentee relationships with other Centers and other organizations engaged in Economic Development.

(4) Qualifications of Key Personnel (Up to 10 points). The Agency will evaluate if the Key Personnel listed in the work plan and budget are qualified for their related task(s). Points will be awarded as follows:

(i) 0 points will be awarded if the Applicant does not identify formal training, skills, and years of experience for any Key Personnel.

(ii) 1 to 5 points will be awarded if the Applicant details the formal training, skills, and years of experience of some, but not all of the Key Personnel.

(iii) 6 to 10 points will be awarded if the Applicant details the formal training, skills, and years of experience of all Key Personnel.

(5) Matching Funds commitment (5 points). Applicants must meet the Matching Funds requirement to be considered for points. Applicants who meet the 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions) Matching Funds requirement will receive 5 points.

During the period between the submission of the application and award approval, the Applicant must notify the Agency if the Project is no longer viable, or the Applicant is no longer requesting financial assistance for the Project. When the Applicant notifies the Agency, the application will be withdrawn from consideration for funding.

Applications will be selected for further processing and consideration of an award after the merit evaluation process is completed for all eligible applications. Applications will be ranked solely based on the points awarded, and they will be funded in rank order until available funds are expended. If there is a tie, the Administrator of the Agency will use discretion to break the tie to improve the geographic diversity of Recipients and/or prioritize Projects that advance the Department or Agency's key priorities, goals, and objectives. If an application cannot be fully funded, the Agency may offer partial funding to the extent funds are available. If an application is ranked and not funded, it will not be carried forward into the next funding competition.

(a) The Agency will notify the Applicants whose applications can be funded using available funds with a Letter of Conditions. The Letter of Conditions will provide the conditions under which an award can be approved as well as a copy of the term of the award.

(b) Applicants receiving a Letter of Conditions will have 60 calendar days to meet the conditions of the award. Some awards may be subject to additional conditions, depending on the nature of the Project and the Agency's determination of risk. The following additional forms must be completed by all successful Applicants:

(1) Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.”

(2) Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds.”

(3) Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.”

(4) SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” for entities that engage in lobbying activities.

(5) Form RD 4280-2, “Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement.”

Applicants whose applications are ineligible for financial assistance or did not score high enough to be funded will be notified as soon as is practicable. The notification will be in writing using an Adverse Decision Letter. This letter will outline the reason(s) for the Agency's decision and any dispute resolution alternatives available to the Applicant.

Applicants whose applications are eligible for financial assistance and that score high enough to be funded will have their awards approved by the Agency once the Applicant has met all of the conditions of the award. The approval will be conveyed through the execution of Form RD 4280-2, which is the Financial Assistance Agreement, and provides all terms of the award. Once the award has been approved, the Recipient may begin work on the Project and incur costs.

The Agency may provide a multi-year funding opportunity to previous Recipients. If the Agency provides a multi-year funding opportunity, the application requirements and award process will be included in the annual notification.

Recipients are required to submit financial reports and performance reports on a semi-annual basis. A final financial report and performance report must also be submitted within 120 days after the expiration or termination of the grant.

(a) Failure to submit either a financial report or a performance report within the specified timeframes may result in the Agency withholding grant funds.

(b) Recipients must complete the Project in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the approved work plan and budget, the Financial Assistance Agreement, and the Letter of Conditions.

(c) Recipients must expend funds only for eligible purposes and will be monitored by the Agency for compliance. Recipients must maintain a financial management system and maintain compliance with Federal Cost Principles in accordance with 2 CFR parts 200 through 299.

(1) Reporting format and timing. All performance reports must include a discussion on the performance metrics discussed in the application to determine whether the primary goals and objectives proposed in the approved work plan and budget were accomplished during the reporting period. Formatting of financial reports and performance reports, as well as timing for submission of these reports can be found in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

(2) Project outcome performance report. Once the Project is complete, the Recipient must provide the Agency with two annual outcome performance reports. Formatting and submission requirements for this report are included in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

Awards will be monitored by Agency personnel in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (see § 4284.508 for more information). The Agency will designate a contact person for each award. The Agency may terminate or suspend the award for lack of adequate or timely progress, reporting, documentation, or for failure to comply with Agency requirements.

The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this subpart have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control number 0570-0006 in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

This subpart implements the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development grant program (Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)) that provides grants to support Agricultural Producers' for-profit businesses that produce and market Value-Added Agricultural Products.

The information in this subpart is organized into six main topics:

(a) General information. Sections 4284.901 through 4284.919 discuss the purpose of the program, definitions, exception authority, conflict of interest, compliance with other laws and regulations, and reserved funds.

(b) Eligibility information. Sections 4284.920 through 4284.929 discuss the eligibility requirements for the program. The sections include information on Applicant eligibility, Project eligibility, reserved funds eligibility, priority points eligibility, and the use of funds.

(c) Application requirements information. Sections 4284.930 through 4284.939 discuss the requirements for submitting an application. The sections include information on what forms and other information are required for a complete application as well as the format of the application, the application deadline, and how to submit the application.

(d) Application processing information. Sections 4284.940 through 4284.949 discuss how the Agency will process applications. The sections include information on how applications will be reviewed for eligibility, how applications will be evaluated for merit, and how an Applicant can withdraw an application from consideration.

(e) Award information. Sections 4284.950 through 4284.959 discuss how the Agency will make awards. The sections include information about how applications will be selected for funding, how Applicants will be notified whether their applications have been selected for funding, how Applicants can resolve disputes regarding funding selections, and the requirements for an Applicant to accept an award and be approved as a recipient of an award.

(f) Post-award information. Sections 4284.960 through 4284.962 discuss the reporting requirements for recipients after an award is approved as well as monitoring procedures that the Agency will use.

(g) Other. (1) Sections 4284.963 through 4284.999 are reserved.

(2) Section 4284.1000 includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number for reporting and recordkeeping requirements under this subpart.

These are the definitions for terms used in this subpart. Additional defined terms used in this subpart may be found in the applicable laws and regulations cited in § 4284.908, in particular 2 CFR part 200. If a term is defined differently in an applicable regulation and in this subpart, such term shall have the meaning as found in this subpart.

Agency means the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department), or a successor agency.

Agricultural Commodity means an unprocessed product of Farms, Ranches, nurseries, and forests and natural and man-made bodies of water, that the Agricultural Producer has cultivated, raised, or harvested with legal access rights. Agricultural Commodities include plant and animal products and their by-products, such as crops, forestry products, hydroponics, nursery stock, aquaculture, meat, on-Farm generated manure, and fish and seafood products. Agricultural Commodities do not include animals raised or sold as pets, such as cats, dogs, and ferrets.

Agricultural Food Product refers to raw, cooked, or processed edible substances, beverages, or ingredients intended for human consumption.

Agricultural Producer, Independent Producer or Producer means a for-profit agricultural business, or entity that is 100 percent owned and controlled by an individual, entity or Family Farm that produces an Agricultural Commodity through participation in the day-to-day labor, management, and field operations; or that has the legal right to harvest an Agricultural Commodity that is the subject of the VAPG Project.

Agricultural Producer Group means a non-profit membership organization that represents Agricultural Producers and whose mission includes working on behalf of Agricultural Producers and more than 50 percent of whose membership and board of directors is comprised of Agricultural Producers.

Applicant means the legal entity and/or owner(s) of the legal entity (regardless of ownership percentage), submitting an application to participate in the competition for program funding.

Beginning Farmer or Rancher means an Agricultural Producer (other than a Harvester) that has operated a Farm or Ranch for no more than 10 years or an eligible Applicant entity that has an ownership or membership of more than 50 percent farmers or ranchers each of whom have operated a Farm or Ranch for no more than 10 years.

Business Plan means a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals, including Pro Forma Financial Statements appropriate to the term and scope of the Project and sufficient to evidence the viability of the Project. It may also contain background information about the organization or team attempting to reach those goals.

Change in Physical State means an irreversible processing activity that alters the Agricultural Commodity into a substantially different, marketable Value-Added Agricultural Product. This processing activity must be something other than a post-harvest process that primarily acts to preserve the commodity for later sale.

Emerging Market means a developing, geographic or demographic market that has been supplied by the Applicant or the Applicant's product for two (2) years or less.

Equipment has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Family Farm means a Farm or Ranch whose owner(s) are primarily responsible for daily physical labor, business and/or strategic management; whose hired help only supplements family labor; and whose owners are related by blood or marriage or are Immediate Family.

Farm or Ranch means any place from which $1,000 or more of Agricultural Commodities were raised and sold or would have been raised and sold during the previous year, but for an event beyond the control of the farmer or rancher.

Farm- or Ranch-Based Renewable Energy means renewable energy generated by use of an Agricultural Commodity on a Farm or Ranch, owned or leased by an Agricultural Producer, which provides the Agricultural Producer with an expanded customer base and increased revenues.

Farmer or Rancher Cooperative means a business owned and controlled by Agricultural Producers that is incorporated, or otherwise identified by the State in which it operates, as a cooperatively operated business. The Agricultural Producers, on whose behalf the value-added work will be done, must be identified by name or class.

Feasibility Study means a comprehensive analysis of the economic, market, technical, financial, and management capabilities of a Project or business in terms of the Project's expectation for success.

Fiscal Year means the Federal Government's fiscal year, October 1 of a given year through September 30 of the succeeding year.

Food Safety refers to conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses.

Harvester means an Agricultural Producer that can document legal rights to access and harvest the Agricultural Commodity that will be used for the Value-Added Agricultural Product. This does not include harvesting rights for cultivated commodities. Individuals and entities that merely glean, gather, or collect residual commodities that result from an initial harvesting or production of a primary Agricultural Commodity are not considered Harvesters and are not eligible for this program.

Independent Producer has the same meaning as Agricultural Producer in this section.

Immediate Family means individuals who are closely related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or live within the same household, such as a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparent, grandchild, niece, or nephew.

Key Personnel means the owners, employees, new hires, consultants, and/or contractors who will be overseeing and/or completing the tasks in the work plan.

Letter of Conditions means the letter that the Agency issues to an entity whose application is selected for funding. The letter outlines all of the conditions of the award that must be met before the award can be approved. Other agencies may call this letter an Award Letter or Award Notice.

Local or Regional Supply Network means an interconnected group of individuals and/or entities through which agricultural based products move from production through consumption in a local or regional area of a State.

Locally-Produced Agricultural Food Product refers to raw, cooked, or processed edible substances, beverages, or ingredients intended for human consumption that are raised, produced, and distributed in:

(1) The locality or region in which the final product is marketed, so that the total distance that the product is transported is less than 400 miles from the origin of the product; or

(2) The State in which the product is produced.

Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture refers to a venture greater than 50 percent of the ownership and control of which is held by—

(1) One or more Producers (Agricultural Producers); or

(2) One or more entities, 100 percent of the ownership and control of which is held by one or more Producers (Agricultural Producers). The term `entity' means—

(i) A partnership;

(ii) A limited liability corporation;

(iii) A limited liability partnership; or

(iv) A corporation.

Market Expansion means a Project in which the Agricultural Producer Applicant seeks to expand the market either geographically or demographically for an existing Value-Added Agricultural Product produced and marketed by the Applicant for at least two (2) years at the time of the application through sales to demonstrably new markets or new customers in existing markets.

Marketing Plan means a plan for the Project that identifies a market window, potential buyers, a description of the distribution system and possible promotional campaigns.

Matching Funds means a cost-sharing contribution to the Project that is at least equal to the grant amount. Combined grant and Matching Funds equal 100 percent of the Project Costs.

Medium-Sized Farm or Ranch means a Farm or Ranch that is structured as a Family Farm that has averaged $500,001 to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales of Agricultural Commodities in the previous three (3) years.

Mid-Tier Value Chain refers to local and regional supply networks that link Agricultural Producers with businesses, cooperatives, or consumers that market Value-Added Agricultural Products in a manner that:

(1) Targets and strengthens the profitability and competitiveness of Small- and Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches that are structured as a Family Farm; and

(2) Obtains agreement from an eligible Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture that is engaged in the value chain on a marketing strategy.

Period of Performance has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Physical Segregation means separating an Agricultural Commodity or product on the same Farm from other varieties of the same commodity or product on the same Farm during production and harvesting, with assurance of continued separation from similar commodities during processing and marketing in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the separated commodity or product.

Planning Grant means a grant to facilitate the development of a defined program of economic planning activities to determine the viability of a potential value-added Project, and specifically for the purpose of paying for conducting and developing a Feasibility Study, Business Plan, and/or Marketing Plan associated with the processing and/or marketing of a Value-Added Agricultural Product.

Produced in a Manner that Enhances the Value of the Agricultural Commodity refers to the use of a recognizably coherent set of agricultural production practices in the growing or raising of the Agricultural Commodity, such that a differentiated market identity is created for the resulting product.

Producer has the same meaning as Agricultural Producer in this section.

Pro forma Financial Statement means a financial statement that projects the future financial position of a company. The statement is part of the Business Plan and includes an explanation of all assumptions, such as input prices, finished product prices, and other economic factors used to generate the financial statements. The statement must include projections for a minimum of three (3) years in the form of cash flow statements, income statements, and balance sheets.

Program Income has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Project means all of the eligible activities to be funded by the grant and Matching Funds.

Project Cost has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Qualified Consultant means a third-party, without a conflict of interest, possessing the knowledge, expertise, and experience to perform the specific task required in an efficient, effective, and authoritative manner.

Recipient has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Rural Development (RD) means a mission area within USDA, which includes the Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and RBCS.

Small-Sized Farm or Ranch means a Farm or Ranch that is structured as a Family Farm that has averaged $500,000 or less in annual gross sales of Agricultural Commodities in the previous three (3) years.

Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a Socially-Disadvantaged Group.

Socially-Disadvantaged Group means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

State means any of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Steering Committee means an unincorporated group comprised wholly of specifically identified Agricultural Producers in the process of organizing one of the program eligible Applicant types.

TTB Permit means a permit issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), U.S. Department of the Treasury, granting approval to operate a TTB-regulated alcohol business.

Value-Added Agricultural Product means any Agricultural Commodity produced in a State that:

(1) Meets one of the following methodologies:

(i) Has undergone a Change in Physical State;

(ii) Is Produced in a Manner that Enhances the Value of the Agricultural Commodity;

(iii) Is Physically Segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the Agricultural Commodity;

(iv) Is a source of Farm- or Ranch-Based Renewable Energy, including E-85 fuel; or

(v) Is aggregated and marketed as a Locally Produced Agricultural Food Product; and

(2) As a result of the Change in Physical State or the manner in which the Agricultural Commodity was produced, marketed, or segregated:

(i) The customer base for the Agricultural Commodity is expanded; and

(ii) A greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or Physical Segregation of the Agricultural Commodity is available to the Producer of the commodity.

Veteran Farmer or Rancher means a farmer or rancher who has served in the Armed Forces, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 2279, and who either has not operated a Farm or Ranch or has operated a Farm or Ranch for not more than 10 years; or is a Veteran who first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period.

Working Capital Grant means a grant to provide funds to operate a value-added Project, specifically to pay the eligible Project expenses related to the processing and/or marketing of the Value-Added Agricultural Product.

Except as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the Administrator of the Agency may, on a case-by-case basis, grant an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart provided that such an exception is in the best financial interests of the Federal Government. Exercise of this authority cannot be in conflict with applicable law.

(a) Applicant eligibility. No exception to Applicant eligibility can be made.

(b) Project eligibility. No exception to Project eligibility can be made.

No conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest will be allowed.

(a) Description. A conflict of interest occurs in a situation in which a person or entity has competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it difficult for the person or entity to act impartially. For the purposes of this subpart, relationships that can involve a conflict of interest include, but are not limited to:

(1) Recipient owners, employees, officers, agents, consultants, and contractors.

(2) Immediate family members of those listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Written disclosure. Recipients must comply with 2 CFR 400.2(b), which includes providing written disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest and maintaining written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the performance of its employees in the selection, award, and administration of Federal Awards.

(c) Assistance to employees, relatives, and associates. The Agency will process any requests for assistance under this subpart in accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart D.

(d) Member/delegate clause. No member of or delegate to Congress shall receive any share or part of this grant or any benefit that may arise therefrom. But, this provision shall not be construed to bar, as a contractor under the Federal award, a publicly held corporation whose ownership might include a member of Congress.

The Agency, Applicants, and recipients must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. An effort has been made to identify the most-commonly cited laws and regulations and reference them as follows:

(a) Federal laws. Federal laws are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.). A selection of applicable laws is identified as follows:

(1) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

(2) The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); and

(3) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (29 U.S.C. 794).

(b) Federal regulations. Federal regulations are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). A selection of applicable regulations is identified as follows:

(1) 2 CFR parts 1 through 200. These parts address items such as universal identifiers, reporting subaward and executive compensation, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplaces, administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements. We particularly encourage Applicants and Recipients to become familiar with 2 CFR part 200 in its entirety.

(2) 27 CFR part 1. This part is applicable to Applicants that will produce and market value-added products in the industries of wine, beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise.

(c) Departmental regulations. Departmental regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through USDA. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of applicable regulations is identified as follows:

(1) 2 CFR parts 400 through 499. These parts include USDA's adoption of Federal administrative requirements and cost principles. They also include regulations on debarment and suspension, lobbying, drug-free workplaces, and research awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 11. This part includes USDA's procedures for administrative appeals, as handled by its National Appeals Division.

(3) 7 CFR part 15d. This part includes USDA's procedures for compliance with nondiscrimination laws and regulations. The Agency will not discriminate against Applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or age (provided that the Applicant has the capacity to contract); because all or part of the Applicant's income derives from any public assistance program; or because the Applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

(d) Agency regulations. Agency regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through the Agency and they may also be specific to a program. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of applicable regulations is identified as follows:

(1) 7 CFR part 1900. This part covers delegations of authority, adverse decisions and administrative appeals, applicability of Federal law, and processing and servicing grant awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. This subpart covers civil rights compliance requirements.

(3) 7 CFR part 1951. This part covers servicing grant awards, including unauthorized assistance.

(4) 7 CFR part 1970. This part covers environmental policies and procedures.

(5) 7 CFR part 990. This part applies to Applicants who are proposing to produce, procure, supply or market any component of the hemp plant or hemp related by-products. Applicable Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory requirements must also be met.

(e) Access to laws and regulations. (1) Laws may be accessed through the U.S.C. At the time this subpart was published, the U.S.C. may be accessed electronically at this website: https://uscode.house.gov/.

(2) Regulations may be accessed through the CFR. At the time this subpart was published, the CFR may be accessed electronically at this website: https://www.ecfr.gov/.

(a) The following reserved funds will be made available each Fiscal Year:

(1) 10 percent of total program funding to fund Projects that benefit Beginning Farmers or Ranchers or Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers; and

(2) 10 percent of total program funding to fund Projects where a majority of the requested grant amount goes to improving Food Safety for the purpose of enhancing market access; and

(3) 10 percent of total program funding to fund Projects that propose development of Mid-Tier Value Chains.

(b) Reserved funds not obligated by September 30 of each Fiscal Year shall be available to the Secretary in the next Fiscal Year to make grants under this subpart to eligible Applicants in the general funds competition.

Applicants are eligible for assistance through this program if all of the following requirements are met:

(a) System for Award Management (SAM) registration, General Certifications and Representations and unique entity identifier (UEI). At the time of application, each Applicant must have an active registration in SAM before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. This registration must remain current, accurate and complete at all times during which the Applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration. The Applicant must also obtain a UEI through SAM.gov.

(b) Legal authority. Applicants must certify that they have the legal authority to carry out the purpose of the grant, and/or their business is in good standing in the State where it is incorporated and/or in the State that is the primary location of an applicant's business operations for the VAPG Project.

(c) Applicant type. The Applicant meets the definition for one of the following Applicant types—Agricultural Producer, Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture.

(1) Agricultural Producer. An Applicant applying as an Agricultural Producer must identify each owner member by name or class, provide the percentage of ownership of each owner member, and discuss how each owner member meets the definition of Agricultural Producer.

(i) A Steering Committee must apply as an Agricultural Producer and discuss how it intends to form a program-eligible legal entity prior to execution of the Financial Assistance Agreement by the Agency.

(ii) A Harvester must apply as an Agricultural Producer and document its legal right to access and harvest the Agricultural Commodity that will be used for the Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(2) Agricultural Producer Group. An Applicant applying as an Agricultural Producer Group must identify each Agricultural Producer member by name or class, provide the percentage of ownership of each member, discuss how each member meets the definition of Agricultural Producer, and discuss how the Applicant meets the definition of Agricultural Producer Group.

(3) Farmer or Rancher Cooperative. An Applicant applying as a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative must discuss how they meet the definition of Farmer or Rancher Cooperative.

(4) Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture. An Applicant applying as a Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture must discuss how it meets the definition of Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture.

(d) Ownership and control. (1) For the Project, the Applicant must produce and own more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity to which value will be added. Agricultural Producers must maintain ownership of the Agricultural Commodity or product from its raw state through the production and marketing of the Value-Added Agricultural Product. All Applicants applying for Working Capital Grant funds must document the quantity of each Agricultural Commodity that will be used for the Value-Added Agricultural Product, expressed in an appropriate unit of measure (pounds, tons, bushels, etc.) to demonstrate the scale of the Applicant's Project. This quantification must include an estimated total quantity of each Agricultural Commodity needed for the Project, the quantity that will be provided (produced and owned) by the Agricultural Producers of the Applicant organization, and the quantity that will be purchased or donated from third-party sources.

(2) Applicants who produce the Agricultural Commodity under contract for another entity, but do not own the Agricultural Commodity or Value-Added Agricultural Product produced, are not considered Agricultural Producers. Entities that contract out the production of an Agricultural Commodity are not considered Agricultural Producers. Agricultural Producer entities must confirm their owner members as eligible and must identify them by name or class.

(3) The Agency will determine the Agricultural Producer status of Tribes or Tribal entities without regard to ownership of the commodity to which value will be added so long as the Tribal member participant, Tribal entity and/or Tribe own and control more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity necessary for the Project.

(e) Emerging Market. An Applicant that is an Agricultural Producer Group, a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or a Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture must demonstrate that it is entering into an Emerging Market as a result of the Project. An Agricultural Producer Applicant type that has produced and marketed the Value-Added Agricultural Product for less than two (2) years must also demonstrate that it is entering an Emerging Market.

(f) Citizenship. An Applicant must certify that it is more than 50 percent owned by individuals who are either a citizen or national of a State or reside in the United States after legal admittance for permanent residence.

(g) Multiple grants. An Applicant must submit only one application in response to a solicitation and may have only one active VAPG award at any given time unless the Applicant is also applying as a member of a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative or an Agricultural Producer Group. In addition, the following restrictions apply:

(1) Applicants who have already received a Planning Grant for the Project cannot receive another Planning Grant for the same Project; and

(2) Applicants who have already received a Working Capital Grant for the Project cannot receive any additional grants for that Project.

(h) Current VAPG award. If an Applicant has a current VAPG award at the time of subsequent competition, the Applicant must exhaust all VAPG award funds and submit final financial and performance reports to the Agency by the application submission deadline for the subsequent VAPG competition. If VAPG award funds will not be spent by the subsequent VAPG application submission deadline, the Applicant must request a cancellation of the current VAPG award prior to the subsequent application submission deadline.

Applicants are ineligible for assistance through this program if one or more of the following has occurred:

(a) The Applicant is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from, or ineligible for participation in, Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension.”

(b) An outstanding judgement has been obtained against the Applicant by the United States in a Federal court (other than U.S. Tax Court).

(c) The Applicant is delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes or is delinquent on Federal debt.

(d) The Applicant has been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months.

(e) The Applicant has 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.

(f) The Applicant submits multiple applications from separate entities, owners, and/or owner(s) of the legal entity (regardless of ownership percentage), or from a parent, subsidiary or affiliated organization (with “affiliation” defined by the Small Business Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or successor regulation) during the same grant cycle. This is not applicable to Applicants who are also applying as a member of a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative or an Agricultural Producer Group.

Eligible Projects must meet all of the following requirements. Failure to meet one or more of these requirements means that the application will not be eligible for funding.

(a) Project focus. The Project must focus on allowable Planning or Working Capital Grant activities as described at § 4284.925, as applicable, with eligible tasks directly related to the processing and/or marketing of the subject Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(b) Project type. The Project must fit one of the following purposes:

(1) Emerging Market Project as defined in § 4284.903.

(2) Market Expansion Project as defined in § 4284.903.

(3) Food Safety Project as defined in § 4284.903.

(c) Product(s). Each product that is the subject of the Project must meet the definition of a Value-Added Agricultural Product. The Applicant must be currently producing the Agricultural Commodity for each Value-Added Agricultural Product that is the subject of the Project. All Applicants seeking Working Capital Grant funds must also be marketing the subject Value-Added Agricultural Product(s) or ready to implement the Working Capital Grant activities in accord with the budget and work plan timeline.

(d) Amount requested. The amount requested must not exceed any maximum amounts specified in the annual notification issued on the program website, per § 4284.930.

(e) Period of Performance. The Period of Performance cannot exceed three (3) years.

(f) Matching Funds. Matching Funds must come from eligible sources without a real or apparent conflict of interest and be used for eligible Project expenses during the Period of Performance. Matching Funds must be confirmed and provided in the form of:

(1) Applicant or third-party cash;

(2) Applicant loan, or line of credit;

(3) Non-Federal grant sources (unless otherwise provided by law); or

(4) Applicant, family member, or third-party in-kind contribution.

(i) In-kind contributions must be appropriately valued with an adequate explanation of the basis for the valuation (e.g., reference comparable market values, salary and wage data, expertise or experience of the contributor, per unit costs, industry norms).

(ii) Applicant in-kind contributions may include the value of the Agricultural Commodity inventory to be used in the Project and can be used to satisfy up to 100 percent of the Matching Funds requirement. Third-party in-kind contributions of the Agricultural Commodity inventory to be used in the Project can be used to satisfy up to 49 percent of the Matching Funds requirement.

(iii) Applicant in-kind contributions may also include Applicant or family time spent on eligible tasks; however, the valuation cannot exceed 50 percent of the Matching Funds required for the Project. Final valuation for Applicant or family member in-kind contributions is at the discretion of the Agency.

Applicants must meet the applicable requirements in this section to compete for reserved funds.

(a) Beginning Farmer or Rancher. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the definition of a Beginning Farmer or Rancher. The Applicant must self-certify that more than 50 percent of its owners are a Beginning Farmer or Rancher.

(b) Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher. Applicants must demonstrate that an individual or individuals that qualify as a Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher own more than 50 percent of the Applicant Farm or Ranch organization. Applicants must provide a self-certification from the individual owner(s) indicating they are a member of a Socially-Disadvantaged Group.

(c) Food Safety. If the Applicant is applying for Food Safety reserved funds, the Applicant must describe the need or requirement for training, certifications, and/or supplies and equipment. This reserve is for Applicants where more than 50 percent of the Project Cost is for post-harvest Food Safety purposes related to the processing and/or marketing of a Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(d) Mid-Tier Value Chain. The Applicant must:

(1) Provide documentation demonstrating that the Project meets the definition of Mid-Tier Value Chain;

(2) Demonstrate that the Project proposes development of a Local or Regional Supply Network of an interconnected group of entities (including nonprofit organizations, as appropriate) through which Agricultural Commodities and Value-Added Agricultural Products move from production through consumption in a local or regional area of a State, including a description of the network, its component members, either by name or by class, and its purpose. Applicant ownership of the Agricultural Commodity and Value-Added Agricultural Product from raw through value-added stages is not necessarily required;

(3) Describe at least two alliances, linkages, or partnerships within the value chain that link Agricultural Producers with businesses, cooperatives, or consumers that market value-added Agricultural Commodities or Value-Added Agricultural Products in a manner that benefits Small- or Medium-Sized Farms and Ranches that are structured as a Family Farm, including the names of the parties and the nature of their collaboration;

(4) Demonstrate how the Project, due to the manner in which the Value-Added Agricultural Product is marketed, will increase the profitability and competitiveness of at least two eligible, Small- or Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches that are structured as a Family Farm, including a description of the two Farms or Ranches confirming they meet the Family Farm definition;

(5) Document that the eligible Agricultural Producer Group/Farmer or Rancher Cooperative/Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture Applicant organization has obtained at least one agreement with another member of the supply network that is engaged in the value chain on a marketing strategy; or that the eligible Agricultural Producer Applicant has obtained at least one agreement from an eligible Agricultural Producer Group/Farmer or Rancher Cooperative/Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture engaged in the value-chain on a marketing strategy;

(i) For Planning Grants, agreements may include letters of commitment or intent to partner on marketing, distribution or processing; and should include the names of the parties with a description of the nature of their collaboration. For Working Capital Grants, demonstration of the actual existence of the executed agreements is required; and

(ii) Agricultural Producer Applicants must provide documentation to confirm that the non-Applicant Agricultural Producer Group/Farmer or Rancher Cooperative/majority-controlled partnering entity meets program eligibility definitions, except that, in this context, the partnering entity does not need to supply any of the Agricultural Commodity for the Project;

(6) Demonstrate that the members of the Applicant organization that are benefiting from the Project currently own and produce more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity that will be used for the Value-Added Agricultural Product that is the subject of the Project; and

(7) Demonstrate that the Project will result in an increase in customer base and an increase in revenue returns to the Applicant Producers supplying more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity for the Project.

Applicants that demonstrate eligibility may apply for priority points if their applications: propose Projects that contribute to increasing opportunities for Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, Veteran Farmers or Ranchers, or operators of Small- or Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches that are structured as a Family Farm or propose Mid-Tier Value Chain Projects; or are a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative. A Harvester is eligible for priority points only if the Harvester is proposing a Mid-Tier Value Chain Project.

(a) Applicants seeking priority points as Beginning Farmers or Ranchers or as Socially Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers must provide certifications specified in § 4284.923(a) or (b), as applicable.

(b) Applicants seeking priority points as Veteran Farmers or Ranchers must provide a self-certification that they meet the definition of a Veteran Farmer or Rancher.

(c) Applicants seeking priority points as operators of Small- or Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches that are structured as a Family Farm must provide a self- certification that they meet the definition of a Small- or Medium-Sized Farm or Ranch that is structured as a Family Farm; that the owners meet the definition of Immediate Family and are primarily responsible for the daily physical labor and management of the Farm or Ranch with hired help merely supplementing the family labor.

(d) Applicants seeking priority points for Mid-Tier Value Chain Projects must be one of the four eligible Applicant types and provide the documentation specified in § 4284.923(d)(1) through (7), demonstrating that the Project meets the Mid-Tier Value Chain definition.

(e) Applicants seeking priority points for a Farmer or Rancher Cooperative must:

(1) Demonstrate that it is a business owned and controlled by Agricultural Producers that is legally incorporated as a cooperative; or that it is a business owned and controlled by Agricultural Producers that is not legally incorporated as a cooperative, but is identified by the State in which it operates as a cooperatively operated business;

(2) Identify by name or class, and confirm that the Agricultural Producers on whose behalf the value-added work will be done meet the definition requirements for an Agricultural Producer, including that each member is an individual Agricultural Producer, or an entity that is solely owned and controlled by Agricultural Producers, that substantially participates in the production of more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity to which value will be added; and

(3) Provide a self-certification statement that the entity is owned and controlled by Agricultural Producers that are incorporated, or otherwise identified by the State in which they operate, as a cooperatively owned business(es); that the owner(s)/member(s) substantially participate in the production of more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity to which value will be added; is in “good standing” as a cooperatively operated business in the State of incorporation or operations, as applicable.

(f) Applicants applying as Agricultural Producer Groups, Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures (group Applicants) may request additional priority points for Projects that “best contribute to creating or increasing marketing opportunities” for operators of Small- and Medium-Sized Farms and Ranches that are structured as Family Farms, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers. See § 4284.940(c)(6) for instructions and documentation requirements for group Applicants to apply for these additional priority points.

(a) Planning grants. Funds may only be used to pay a Qualified Consultant to conduct and develop a Feasibility Study, Business Plan, and/or Marketing Plan associated with the post-harvest processing and/or marketing of a Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(b) Working capital grants. Funds may be used to pay the Project's eligible post-harvest operational costs directly related to the processing and/or marketing of the Value-Added Agricultural Product. Examples of eligible working capital expenses include purchasing a financial accounting system for the Project; paying salaries of employees (excluding owners and Immediate Family) to process and/or market and deliver the Value-Added Agricultural Product to consumers; paying for additional Agricultural Commodity inventory (less than 50 percent of the amount required for the Project) from an unaffiliated third party, necessary to produce the Value-Added Agricultural Product; paying for a marketing campaign for the Value-Added Agricultural Product; paying costs incurred in obtaining post-harvest Food Safety certification; and using up to $6,500 of the amount of a grant to purchase or upgrade post-harvest Equipment to improve Food Safety.

(a) Unallowable uses of grant and Matching Funds awarded under this subpart include, but are not limited to:

(1) Support costs for services or goods going to or coming from a person or entity with a real or apparent conflict of interest, such as paying the salary of an Immediate Family member of a Recipient owner, employee, officer, or Agency, except as specifically noted for in-kind Matching Funds in § 4284.922;

(2) Pay costs for scenarios with noncompetitive trade practices;

(3) Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility (including a processing facility);

(4) Purchase, lease purchase, or install fixed Equipment, including processing Equipment, except as specifically noted in § 4284.925(b);

(5) Purchase or repair vehicles, including boats;

(6) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;

(7) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded Project for the processing and marketing of the Value-Added Agricultural Product;

(8) Fund research and development;

(9) Fund any activities prohibited by 2 CFR parts 200 through 400, and 48 CFR part 31, subpart 31.2;

(10) Fund architectural or engineering design work;

(11) Fund expenses related to the production of any Agricultural Commodity or product, including, but not limited to production planning, purchase of seed or rootstock or other production inputs, labor for cultivation or harvesting crops, labor for repotting and/or maintenance of live plants, and delivery of Agricultural Commodity to a processing facility;

(12) Conduct activities on behalf of anyone other than a specifically identified Agricultural Producer or group of Agricultural Producers, as identified by name or class. The Agency considers conducting industry-level Feasibility Studies or Business Plans, that are also known as Feasibility Study templates or guides or Business Plan templates or guides, to be ineligible because the assistance is not provided to a specific group of Agricultural Producers;

(13) Duplicate activities charged to another Federal award or previous VAPG Planning or Working Capital Grant Project by an Applicant;

(14) Pay any costs of the Project incurred prior to the date of grant approval, including legal or other expenses needed to incorporate or organize a business;

(15) Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;

(16) Purchase or improve real property;

(17) Pay for costs associated with illegal activities;

(18) Purchase the Agricultural Commodity to which value will be added from the Applicant entity; Applicant-owned or related entity, or members of the Applicant entity;

(19) Use Planning Grant funds to evaluate the agricultural production of the commodity itself, or compensate Applicants or family members for participation in Feasibility Studies; or

(20) Indirect Costs.

(b) Applications that propose unallowable costs in excess of 10 percent of Project Costs will be deemed ineligible to compete for funds. Applicants who submit applications containing ineligible expenses totaling less than 10 percent of Project Costs must remove those expenses from the Project budget or replace with eligible expenses, if selected for an award.

(a) Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent of the Project Costs, subject to the limitations established for the maximum total grant amount.

(b) The maximum grant amount provided to a Recipient in any one (1) year shall not exceed the amount announced in an annual notification issued on the program website pursuant to § 4284.930, but in no event may the total amount of grant funds provided to a grant Recipient exceed $500,000.

(c) The aggregate amount of awards to Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures may not exceed 10 percent of the total funds obligated under this subpart during any Fiscal Year.

(d) Not more than 2.5 percent of funds appropriated each year may be used to fund the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, to support electronic capabilities to provide information regarding research, business, legal, financial, or logistical assistance to Agricultural Producers and processors.

The Agency will issue any public notifications on the program website.

(a) Amount of funding available. The Agency will publish the amount of funding available for awards during each Fiscal Year within 30 calendar days of notification from OMB of the amount available.

(b) Administrator/State Director points. The Agency will publish the priority categories to be used for awarding Administrator or State Director points no later than the date the application period opens. Priority categories may include any of the following:

(1) Unserved or underserved areas;

(2) Geographic diversity;

(3) Emergency conditions; or

(4) Priority Department and mission area priorities, goals, and objectives.

(c) Other. The Agency will publish any other additional requirements or programmatic changes no later than the date the application period opens.

All applications must include the following items:

(a) Application forms. The application must include the following forms (or their successor) and any additional forms listed in the annual notification for the program.

(1) SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance.” This form must be filled out completely and signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant organization.

(2) SF-424A, “Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.” This form must be filled out completely.

(b) Executive summary. Applications must include a one-page executive summary containing the legal name of the Applicant entity, application type (Planning or Working Capital Grant), Applicant type, amount of grant request, a Project summary, whether a simplified application is being submitted, and must explicitly state whether reserved funds are being requested.

(c) Eligibility discussion. The Applicant must discuss how:

(1) Applicant eligibility requirements in § 4284.920 are met;

(2) Project eligibility requirements in § 4284.922 are met; and

(3) Allowable use of grant and Matching Funds requirements in § 4284.925 are met.

(d) Proposal evaluation criteria. Applicants for both Planning and Working Capital Grants must address each proposal evaluation criterion identified in § 4284.940 in narrative form.

(e) Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that:

(1) Matching Funds will be spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of grant funds disbursed, not less than an equal amount of Matching Funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request for reimbursement; and

(2) If Matching Funds are proposed in an amount exceeding the grant amount, those Matching Funds must be spent at a proportional rate equal to the match-to-grant ratio identified in the budget.

(f) Reserved funds/priority points documentation. Applicants must identify their priority category, as applicable, and provide the required supporting documentation indicated in §§ 4284.923 and 4284.924 for that category to demonstrate eligibility.

(g) Business Plan. For Working Capital Grant applications, Applicants must provide a copy of the Business Plan that was completed for the value-added Project, except as provided for in § 4284.932. The Agency must concur in the acceptability or adequacy of the Business Plan.

(h) Feasibility Study. Applicants for Working Capital Grants must provide a copy of a Feasibility Study prepared by a Qualified Consultant that was completed for the value-added Project, except as provided for at § 4284.932. The name and credentials of the Qualified Consultant must be provided along with the date the Feasibility Study was completed. The Feasibility Study must demonstrate a viable Project with a likelihood of success and be a thorough assessment of the practicality of the Project. The thorough assessment must include an analysis of the proposed Project that discusses its strengths and weaknesses, potential opportunities and threats, and resources required to carry it out. The Agency must concur in the acceptability or adequacy of the Feasibility Study and whether the Qualified Consultant who prepared the Feasibility Study possesses the necessary knowledge, expertise, and experience.

(i) Customer Base and Revenue Increase Metrics. Applicants must include a discussion on how their Project will result in an expanded market to new customers and increased revenue to the Agricultural Producer Applicant. Working Capital Grant Applicants must also provide estimates for increases in customer base and revenue returns and must include a description of the direct or indirect producer or food business benefits intended by the eligible entity to result from the proposed Project within a reasonable period of time after the receipt of a grant.

Applicants that will submit an application where paragraphs (a), (b), and/or (c) of this section apply may submit a simplified application, which means submission of a Feasibility Study or Business Plan for the Project is not required. The waiver of the requirement to submit a Feasibility Study and Business Plan does not change the proposal evaluation or scoring criteria that pertain to issues that might be supported by a Feasibility Study or Business Plan, so Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly document applications with their Project plans and expectations for success. All other eligibility requirements remain the same.

(a) Working Capital Grant request of less than $50,000. Applicants requesting less than $50,000 may submit a Market Expansion or Emerging Market simplified application. These types of applications must provide adequate documentation to demonstrate the expected increases in customer base and revenues resulting from the Project that will benefit the Applicant(s) supplying more than 50 percent of the Agricultural Commodity for the Project.

(b) Market Expansion request of $50,000 or more. Agricultural Producers who can demonstrate that their Project meets the definition of Market Expansion, may submit a simplified application. Applicants must submit a Marketing Plan with their simplified application. However, a Business Plan may be submitted in lieu of a Marketing Plan. Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, and Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture applicant types are not eligible for Market Expansion Projects.

(c) Food Safety. Applicants that will submit an application where more than 50 percent of the Project Costs will be used for post-harvest Food Safety purposes related to the processing and/or marketing of a Value-Added Agricultural Product may submit a simplified application.

Unless otherwise specified in a notification issued under § 4284.930, the following requirements apply to all applications.

(a) Submission period. (1) The application period opens November 1. Applications received prior to the opening date in a given Fiscal Year will automatically be considered ineligible and will not be evaluated further.

(2) The application period closes on February 15. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered for funding. Thus, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the closing date to ensure timely receipt by the Agency. Revisions or additional information will not be accepted after the application period closes on February 15.

(b) Submission process. All items required for the application must be submitted in a single application. No attachments other than the required items will be considered. Incomplete applications will automatically be considered ineligible and will not be evaluated further. The annual notification for the program will be published on the OMB-designated governmentwide website and will provide instructions on how and where to submit completed applications for VAPG funding.

(a) Eligibility evaluation. The Agency will review all applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on the requirements in this subpart and other applicable Federal laws and regulations. An application must include all application requirements identified in § 4284.931, or the Agency will determine that it is not eligible for assistance.

(b) Risk evaluation. (1) The Agency will review those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program for risk based on the following information. Typically, the Agency will not determine that an application is ineligible for funding based on the results of the risk evaluation, unless the Agency cannot find a way to reasonably mitigate the risk posed by making an award. However, if risk evaluation findings identify significant shortcomings in the Applicant's ability to manage Federal funds, the Agency may determine that the application is not eligible for funding.

(2) The Agency will determine if the Applicant has satisfactory performance for all Federal awards received in the last five (5) years, based upon review of deficiencies reported in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, or its successor system, the Do Not Pay system, or its successor system, and the Agency's own internal financial and record-keeping systems and files. Satisfactory performance includes timely submission of required reports and documents, timely completion of tasks, and proper use of funds.

(c) Merit evaluation. The Agency will conduct a merit evaluation for those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program. The maximum number of points that will be awarded to an application is 100 points. The Agency's annual notification will provide additional instructions to assist Applicants when responding to the criteria in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section. The merit evaluation will be based on the following criteria, but may be amended at the Agency's discretion:

(1) Nature of the proposed venture (0 to 30 points). Applicants must describe the technological feasibility, operational efficiency, and profitability and economic sustainability of the Project. Applications that demonstrate a high likelihood of success in these areas will receive higher points. In response to this criterion, Working Capital Grant Applicants must provide accurate and factual information for the Project that demonstrates a viable Project ready to be implemented upon award. Planning Grant Applicants only need to discuss anticipated needs and expected outcomes for the Project.

(i) Technological feasibility should include discussion of the value-added process; the Applicant's expectations for sufficient Agricultural Commodity as well as the value to be added to the Agricultural Commodity through the value-added process; potential markets and distribution channels; Applicant's experience in marketing the proposed or similar product; and any other relevant information that supports the feasibility of the Project.

(ii) Operational efficiency should include discussion of the cost of inputs; cost of processing commodity; sufficient labor and expertise; use of own facility, shared space, or contracted processing; adequate processing equipment; and logistics for storage, distribution, transportation, and/or shipping of the Value-Added Agricultural Product. Applicants should also address any anticipated challenges or risks associated with the Project.

(iii) Profitability and economic sustainability should include discussion of the market expansion strategy and break-even point analysis completed for the Project. Include a summary of historical financial and pro forma financial projections, as applicable, to support the viability of the Project. Other relevant sources such as a Business Plan or Feasibility Study may be cross-referenced.

(2) Qualifications of Key Personnel (0 to 20 points). Applicants must provide the qualifications and expertise of all identified Key Personnel. If staff or consultants have not been hired at the time of application, Applicants must provide specific descriptions of the qualifications required for the positions to be filled. Applications that demonstrate Key Personnel with strong credentials will receive higher points.

(3) Work plan and budget (0 to 20 points). Applicants must submit a comprehensive work plan and budget. Applications that provide a clear, comprehensive work plan detailing all Project goals, tasks, timelines, costs, and Key Personnel in a logical and realistic manner demonstrating a high likelihood of success will receive higher points. The Project work plan and budget must demonstrate eligible sources and allowable uses of funds and must:

(i) Present a detailed narrative description of the eligible activities and tasks related to the processing and/or marketing of the Value-Added Agricultural Product along with a detailed breakdown of all estimated costs allocated to those activities and tasks;

(ii) Identify the Key Personnel that will be responsible for overseeing and/or completing the activities or tasks and provide reasonable and specific timeframes for completion of the activities and tasks;

(iii) Identify the sources and uses of grant and Matching Funds for all activities and tasks specified in the budget; and indicate that Matching Funds will be spent at a rate equal to or in advance of grant funds; and

(iv) Identify the basis of the valuation of the grant and Matching Funds for all activities and tasks specified in the budget.

(4) Matching Funds commitment (up to 5 points). Applications that demonstrate financial commitment in the form of cash matching contributions will receive more points. Applications with a higher percentage of cash match will receive more points.

(5) Prior VAPG assistance (up to 5 points). The Applicant must disclose the number of prior VAPG awards they have received. Applicants that have not received a VAPG award will receive more points.

(6) Priority points (0 to 10 points). Priority points may be awarded in both the general funds and the reserved funds competitions. Points will be awarded as follows:

(i) 5 priority points will be awarded if the Applicant meets the requirements for one of the following categories and provides the documentation described in §§ 4284.923 and 4284.924, as applicable: Beginning Farmer or Rancher, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher, Veteran Farmer or Rancher, or operator of a Small- or Medium-Sized Farm or Ranch that is structured as a Family Farm, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or are proposing a Mid-Tier Value Chain Project. Applicants will not be awarded more than five (5) points even if they qualify for more than one of the priority categories.

(ii) 5 additional priority points will be awarded if the Applicant is an Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture whose Project “best contributes to creating or increasing marketing opportunities” for operators of Small- and Medium-Sized Farms or Ranches that are structured as Family Farms, Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, or Veteran Farmers or Ranchers.

(7) Administrator/State Director priority categories (0 to 10 points). Unless otherwise specified in a notification issued under § 4284.930, the Administrator of the Agency or State Director has discretion to award up to 10 points to an application to improve the geographic diversity of recipients in a Fiscal Year, fund unserved or underserved areas, assist areas experiencing emergency conditions, or prioritize Projects that advance the Department or Agency's key priorities, goals, and objectives. In the event of a national competition, the Administrator will award points and for a State-allocated competition, the State Director will award points.

During the period between the submission of the application and award approval, the Applicant must notify the Agency if the Project is no longer viable or the Applicant is no longer requesting financial assistance for the Project. When the Applicant notifies the Agency, the application will be withdrawn from consideration for funding.

(a) Applications will be selected for further processing and consideration of an award after the merit evaluation process is completed for all eligible applications. Each eligible application will be scored on criteria 1 through 6 as detailed in the annual notification. The scores will be ranked highest to lowest and this will comprise the initial application ranking. Applications will be ranked solely on the points awarded by the reviewers, unless there is a tie. In that case, the Administrator of the Agency (or State Director) will break the tie at his or her discretion based on evaluation criterion 7.

(b) Applications for reserved funds will be funded in rank order until funds are depleted. Unfunded reserve applications will then compete for general funds where applications will be funded in rank order until available funds are expended or the minimum score for funding of 50 points is reached. Funding for Majority Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures is limited to 10 percent of total grant funds expected to be obligated each funding cycle. These applications will be funded in rank order until the funding limitation has been reached.

(c) If an application cannot be fully funded, the Agency will offer partial funding to the extent funds are available. If the Applicant offered partial funding does not accept, the Agency will offer the funding to the next highest-ranked Applicant until an Applicant is found that accepts the funding or no additional eligible Applicants exist. If an application is ranked and not funded, it will not be carried forward into the next Fiscal Year competition.

(a) The Agency will notify the Applicants whose applications can be funded with a Letter of Conditions. The Letter of Conditions will provide the conditions under which an award can be approved as well as a copy of the term of the award. Applicants receiving a Letter of Conditions will have up to 90 calendar days to meet the conditions of the award. If the Applicant agrees with the conditions, the Applicant must complete an applicable Form RD 1942-46, Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions. If the Applicant believes that certain conditions cannot be met, the Applicant may propose alternate conditions to the Agency. The Agency must concur with any proposed changes to the Letter of Conditions by the Applicant before the application will be processed further. If the Agency agrees to any proposed changes, the Agency will issue a revised or amended Letter of Conditions that defines the final conditions under which the grant will be made. However, if an Applicant does not meet the conditions, the Agency will discontinue processing the application.

(b) All successful Applicants must complete the following additional forms and provide the following additional documentation:

(1) Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.” Completion of this form confirms the Applicant's commitment to meeting the conditions of the award.

(2 Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.” Completion of this form confirms the Applicant's commitment to complying with Federal laws and policies regarding prohibition of discrimination.

(3) Form SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.” Completion of this form is only required for those entities that engage in lobbying activities.

(4) Form RD 4280-2, “Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement.” This form must be filled out completely and signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant organization and an authorized representative from the Agency for the grant award to be considered a valid agreement between the parties.

(5) Performance evaluation criteria. The overall goal of this program and the Projects it supports is to create and serve new markets, with a resulting increase in jobs, customer base and revenues returning to the Producer. Specific information must be provided about plans to track and evaluate progress toward these outcomes as a way for the Agency to determine whether or not the primary program goals and Project goals included in the work plan are likely to be accomplished during the Period of Performance as specified in § 4284.960.

(6) Verification of Matching Funds. Provide authentic documentation from the source to confirm the eligibility and availability of both cash and in-kind contributions that meet the requirements for Matching Funds in § 4284.922.

(7) Valid permit/license. If the Project will produce and market a Value-Added Agricultural Product in the industries of wine, beer, distilled spirits or other alcoholic merchandise, a valid TTB Permit must be provided. If the Project will market a Value-Added Agricultural Product made from hemp, a copy of a valid producer license issued by a State, Tribe, or USDA must be provided, as applicable in accordance with 7 CFR part 990. If the Applicant applied as a Harvester, the Applicant must provide executed copies of contracts, licensing or equivalent documentation establishing “legal rights” to access and harvest the subject Agricultural Commodity.

(8) Organizational documents. Provide a copy of Applicant's organizational documents that demonstrate legal authority and good standing such as by-laws, articles of incorporation or organization, and Letter or Certificate of Good Standing from your Secretary of State or equivalent agency. Sole Proprietors must submit a copy of their IRS tax forms showing farm income.

Applicants whose applications are not eligible for financial assistance or did not score high enough to be funded will be notified. The notification will be in writing using an adverse decision letter. This letter will outline the reason(s) for the Agency's decision and provide dispute resolution alternatives.

Recipients are required to submit financial reports and performance reports on a semiannual basis. Semiannual periods end on March 31st and September 30th. Reports are due 30 calendar days after the end of the semiannual period. A final financial report and performance report must also be submitted within 120 days after the expiration or termination of the grant. Failure to submit a performance report within the specified timeframes may result in the Agency withholding grant funds.

(a) Financial reports. Form SF-425, “Federal Financial Report,” must be used for financial reporting. Financial reports must also include evidence of receipt of Matching Funds. Recipients must complete the Project per the terms and conditions specified in the approved work plan and budget, the Financial Assistance Agreement, and Letter of Conditions. Recipients will expend funds only for eligible purposes and will be monitored by the Agency for compliance. Recipients must maintain a financial management system and property and procurement standards in accordance with 2 CFR parts 400 through 499.

(b) Performance reports. All performance reports must include a discussion on the performance benchmarks suggested in the application to determine whether the primary goals and objectives proposed in the approved work plan and budget were accomplished during the reporting period. In the section of the report that compares actual accomplishments to the objectives for that reporting period, objectives should be reported by specific task breakdown as described in the approved work plan and budget.

(1) For Working Capital Grant Projects, final performance reports must include the following metrics:

(i) Expansion of customer base as a result of the Project;

(ii) Increased revenue returned to the Producer as a result of the Project; and

(iii) Jobs created or saved as a result of the Project.

(2) For all Projects, we may request additional information, including but not limited to, the following:

(i) Information that will enable evaluation of the economic impact of program awards, such as:

(A) Business starts and clients served; and

(B) Data associated with Producer market expansion, new market penetration, and changes in customer base or revenues.

(ii) Information that would promote greater understanding of the key determinants of the success of individual Projects or inform program administration and evaluation, such as:

(A) The Producer's experience related to financial management, budgeting, and running a business enterprise;

(B) The nature of, and advantages or disadvantages of, supply chain arrangements or equitable distribution of rewards and responsibilities for Mid-Tier Value Chain Projects; and

(C) Recommendations from Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers or Ranchers, and/or Veteran Farmers or Ranchers.

(iii) Information that would inform or enable the aggregation of data for program administration or evaluation purposes.

(3) If any special conditions have been placed on the use of award funds, compliance with those conditions must be discussed in each performance report.

Awards will be monitored by Agency personnel in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (see § 4284.908 for more information). The Agency may terminate or suspend the award for lack of adequate or timely progress, reporting, documentation, or for failure to comply with Agency requirements.

At the discretion of the Agency and on a case-by-case basis, an obligation of funds established for an Applicant may be transferred to a different (substituted) Applicant provided:

(a) The substituted Applicant:

(1) Is eligible;

(2) Has a close and genuine relationship with the original Applicant; and

(3) Has the authority to receive the assistance approved for the original Applicant.

(b) The Project continues to meet all product, purpose, and reserved funds eligibility requirements so that the need, purpose(s), and scope of the Project for which the Agency funds will be used remain substantially unchanged.

The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this subpart have been approved by the OMB and have been assigned OMB control number 0570-0064 in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

This subpart implements the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration (AIC) program. Through the AIC program, the Agency makes grants to Centers that provide Producer Services to Agricultural Producers seeking to develop and market Value-Added Agricultural Products.

The information in this subpart is organized into seven main topics:

(a) General information. Sections 4284.1001 through 4284.1019 discuss the purpose of the program, definitions, exception authority, conflict of interest, and compliance with other laws and regulations.

(b) Eligibility information. Sections 4284.1020 through 4284.1029 discuss the eligibility requirements for the program. These sections include information on applicant eligibility, project eligibility, and the use of funds. See § 4284.1022 for information about the award amounts, Period of Performance, and Matching Funds requirements.

(c) Application requirements information. Sections 4284.1030 through 4284.1039 discuss the requirements for submitting an application. These sections include information on what forms and other information are required for a complete application as well as the format of the application, the application deadline, and how to submit the application.

(d) Application processing information. Sections 4284.1040 through 4284.1049 discuss how the Agency will process applications. These sections include information on how applications will be reviewed for eligibility, how applications will be evaluated for merit, and how an applicant can withdraw an application from consideration.

(e) Award information. Sections 4284.1050 through 4284.1059 discuss how the Agency will make awards. These sections include information about how applications will be selected for funding, how applicants will be notified whether their applications have been selected for funding, how applicants can resolve disputes regarding funding selections, and the requirements for an applicant to accept an award and be approved as a Recipient of an award.

(f) Post-award information. Sections 4284.1060 through 4284.1061 discuss the reporting requirements for Recipients after an award is approved as well as monitoring procedures that the Agency will use.

(g) Other. (1) Sections 4284.1062 through 4284.1099 are reserved.

(2) Section 4284.1100 includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number for reporting and recordkeeping requirements under this subpart.

These are the definitions for terms used in this subpart. Additional terms used in this subpart are found in the applicable laws and regulations, in particular 2 CFR part 200 and 7 CFR part 11.

Adverse Decision has the meaning located at 7 CFR 11.1.

Adverse Decision Letter means a letter issued by the Agency to the Applicant or Recipient that explains the Adverse Decision.

Agency means the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS or the Agency), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or a successor agency.

Agricultural Commodity has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Agricultural Commodity Organization means an organization that exclusively represents a single Agricultural Commodity or group of similar commodities either on behalf of the commodity itself or on behalf of the Agricultural Producers who grow or raise it. The representation can be at a local, State, regional, or national level. Examples are Agricultural Commodity Marketing Boards established by States, a national association representing corn growers, and a regional association representing fruit and vegetable growers.

Agricultural Food Product has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Agricultural Producer has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Applicant means the entity that is applying for funding through the AIC program.

Board of Directors means the group of individuals who govern the Center.

Business Plan has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Center means the Agriculture Innovation Center to be established and operated by a Recipient of the AIC program. It must be governed by a Qualified Board of Directors.

Change in Physical State has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Commercial Organization means any business that sells goods or services for the purpose of making a profit.

Equipment has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Family Farm has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Farm or Ranch has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Farm- or Ranch-Based Renewable Energy has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Feasibility Study has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Federal Award has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Financial Assistance Agreement means Form RD 4280-2 and any attachments, as executed by RBCS and the Recipient.

General Agricultural Organization means an organization that represents agriculture in general, without restriction to any specific group, commodity, or sector. The sole purpose of the organization must be representing agriculture through policymaking, education, and/or marketing. The organization must represent Agricultural Producers, although it may represent processors and other stakeholders as well. The representation can occur at the State, regional, or national level. Examples include organizations that represent farmers and ranchers and organizations that represent organic or sustainable farming. Note that credit organizations are not included in this definition.

Harvester has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Indian Tribe has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Indirect Costs has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Institutions of Higher Education has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Key Personnel means the employees and/or contractors of the Center who provide Producer Services. It also includes the Project Director.

Letter of Conditions means the letter that the Agency issues to an entity whose application is selected for funding. The letter outlines all the conditions of the award that must be met before the award can be approved. Other agencies may call this letter an award letter or award notice.

Local Government has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Local Agricultural Producer means an Agricultural Producer located within 400 miles of the Center or in the same State.

Locally-Produced Agricultural Food Product has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Matching Funds has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Nonprofit Organization has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Period of Performance has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Physical Segregation has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Produced in a Manner That Enhances the Value of the Agricultural Commodity has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

Producer Services means services provided by the Centers to Agricultural Producers seeking to develop and market Value-Added Agricultural Products. The services provided must directly assist the Agricultural Producer with the process of developing and/or marketing a Value-Added Agricultural Product. The services include the following:

(1) Business development services, such as Feasibility Studies, Business Plans, and other types of technical assistance that supports business development.

(2) Market development services, such as marketing plans, branding, and customer identification.

(3) Organizational assistance, such as legal and technical advisory services related to the development, expansion, or operation of a business.

(4) Financial advisory services related to the development, expansion, or operation of a business, such as assistance with obtaining credit for operating costs, training on using financial management software, and guidance on use of cash flow.

(5) Process development services, such as the following:

(i) Engineering services, including scale-up of production systems (not to include cost of renovating or constructing a facility or system);

(ii) Scale production assessments, which are studies that analyze processing facilities to determine the size that optimizes construction and other cost efficiencies associated with manufacturing or processing a Value-Added Agricultural Product;

(iii) Systems development; and

(iv) Other technical assistance and applied research related to development, implementation, improvement and operations of processes and systems to develop and market a Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(6) Product development, such as idea generation, concept testing, feasibility and cost analysis, product taste-testing, demographic and other types of consumer analysis, production analysis, recipe development, evaluation of packaging and labeling options, and brand development for a Value-Added Agricultural Product.

(7) Value chain coordination, or directly working with an Agricultural Producer to connect that producer to a distribution system, processing facility, or commercial kitchen.

(8) Grants to Agricultural Producers for the services in paragraphs (1) through (7) of this definition, where the individual award does not exceed $5,000 and the aggregate amount of grants made by the Center does not exceed $50,000. Note that these grants are considered pass-through awards. Therefore, Centers and subrecipients must comply with all Federal and programmatic requirements for pass-through entities and awards, as described in 2 CFR part 200. Additionally, subrecipients of these grants must be eligible to receive a Federal Award, use grant and Matching Funds for allowable costs, provide at least one-third of the Project Cost in Matching Funds, and meet all other Federal and program requirements for the AIC program.

Program Income has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Project Cost has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Qualified Board of Directors means a Board of Directors that includes, but is not limited to, representatives from each of the groups identified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this definition. It should be noted that no representative may represent more than one group or organization and Board of Director representatives must not have any conflicts of interest. See § 4284.1006 for additional information on conflicts of interest.

(1) Two General Agricultural Organizations with the greatest number of members in the State in which the Center is located;

(2) The department of agriculture, or similar State department or agency, or a State legislator, of the State in which the Center is located; and

(3) Four Agricultural Commodity Organizations representing different Agricultural Commodities produced in the State in which the Center is located.

Real Property has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Recipient has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

State has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

State Office means the USDA Rural Development (RD) offices located in each State.

Third-Party In-Kind Contributions has the meaning located at 2 CFR 200.1.

Underserved and Economically Distressed Area means an area so designated on the program website.

Value-Added Agricultural Product has the meaning located at § 4284.903.

The Administrator of the Agency may, on a case-by-case basis, approve an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart provided that such an exception is in the best financial interests of the Federal Government. Exercise of this authority cannot conflict with applicable laws.

No conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest will be allowed.

(a) Description. A conflict of interest occurs in a situation in which a person or entity has competing personal, professional, or financial interests that make it difficult for the person or entity to act impartially. For the purposes of this subpart, relationships that can include conflict of interest include, but are not limited to:

(1) Parent, Applicant, or Recipient Board of Directors, employees, consultants, and contractors.

(2) Center Board of Directors, employees, consultants, and contractors.

(3) Subrecipients and their employees, consultants, and contractors.

(4) Immediate family members of those listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section.

(b) State Departments of Agriculture. A conflict of interest does not include the situation when the State's Secretary of Agriculture or an employee of the State's Department of Agriculture, or similar agency, acts as a member of the Center's board of directors because this representation is a requirement for the program.

(c) Written disclosure. Recipients must comply with 2 CFR 400.2(b), which includes providing written disclosure to the Agency of any potential conflicts of interest and maintaining written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the performance of its employees in the selection, award, and administration of Federal Awards.

(d) Assistance to employees, relatives, and associates. The Agency will process any requests for assistance under this subpart in accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart D.

(e) Member/delegate clause. No member of or delegate to Congress shall receive any share or part of this grant or any benefit that may arise therefrom; provided, however, that this provision shall not be construed to bar, as a contractor under the Federal Award, a publicly held corporation whose ownership might include a member of Congress.

The Agency, Applicants, and Recipients must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. An effort has been made to identify the most-commonly cited laws and regulations and reference them as follows:

(a) Federal laws. Federal laws are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.). A selection of laws applicable to this program is identified as follows:

(1) Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.).

(2) Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).

(3) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

(4) The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).

(5) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 (29 U.S.C. 794).

(b) Federal regulations. Federal regulations are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). In particular, 2 CFR parts 1 through 200 are applicable to all Federal grant programs. These parts address items such as universal entity identifiers, reporting subaward and executive compensation, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplaces, administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements. We particularly advise Applicants and Recipients to become familiar with 2 CFR part 200 in its entirety.

(c) Departmental regulations. Departmental regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through USDA. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of applicable regulations is identified as follows:

(1) 2 CFR parts 400 through 499. These parts include USDA's adoption of Federal administrative requirements and cost principles. They also include regulations on debarment and suspension, lobbying, drug-free workplaces, and research awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 11. This part includes USDA's procedures for administrative appeals, as handled by its National Appeals Division.

(3) 7 CFR part 15. This part includes USDA's procedures for compliance with nondiscrimination laws and regulations.

(d) Agency regulations. Agency regulations are those regulations that are specific to awards made through the Agency and they may also be specific to a program. They are codified in the CFR. A selection of those regulations is as follows:

(1) 7 CFR part 1900. This part covers delegations of authority, Adverse Decisions and administrative appeals, applicability of Federal law, and processing and servicing grant awards.

(2) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E. This subpart covers civil rights compliance requirements.

(3) 7 CFR part 1951. This part covers servicing grant awards, including unauthorized assistance.

(4) 7 CFR part 1970. This part covers environmental policies and considerations.

(e) Access to laws and regulations. (1) Laws may be accessed through the U.S.C. At the time this subpart was published, the U.S.C. may be accessed electronically at this website: https://uscode.house.gov/.

(2) Regulations may be accessed through the CFR. At the time this subpart was published, the CFR may be accessed electronically at this website: https://www.ecfr.gov/.

Applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for funding through this program. Those requirements are described as follows:

(a) Eligible entities. Entities are eligible for assistance through this program if all the following requirements are met:

(1) System for Award Management (SAM) registration and unique entity identifier (UEI). Entities must have an active registration in SAM. This registration must remain current, accurate, and complete at the time of application, while the application is under consideration for funding, and while a Recipient has an active Federal Award. This registration includes obtaining a UEI, or its successor, through SAM.gov.

(2) Entity type. The entity is organized or incorporated in a State, and it is one of the following types of organizations: Commercial Organization, Indian Tribe, Institution of Higher Education, Local Government, Nonprofit Organization, or State government. A consortium is also eligible to apply, but it must select a single organization to represent the consortium as the Applicant. Only the Applicant organization must meet the eligibility requirements.

(3) Board of Directors. The entity proposes to create or to continue to operate a Center that is governed by a Qualified Board of Directors.

(4) Experience/capability to provide services. The entity demonstrates that it has provided at least three (3) years of Producer Services prior to application or that it has the capability to provide Producer Services by hiring at least two Key Personnel who have at least three (3) years of experience providing Producer Services.

(5) Financial capability. The entity has the financial capability for the proposed project. In particular, the following must be true:

(i) The most recent independent audit confirms that the entity has a current ratio of at least 1:1 at the end of the fiscal year; and

(ii) The most recent independent audit confirms that the entity has sufficient cash on hand at the end of the fiscal year to cover at least three months of expenses for the proposed project.

(b) Ineligible entities. Entities are ineligible for assistance from this program if any of the following occurs:

(1) An outstanding judgment has been obtained against the entity by the United States in a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court). The entity is ineligible for assistance until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied. Funds from this program may not be used to satisfy the judgment.

(2) The entity is delinquent on the payment of Federal income taxes.

(3) The entity is delinquent on Federal debt.

(4) The entity is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension.” (See 2 CFR part 417 for more information.)

(5) The entity has been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the past 24 months.

(6) The entity 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, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or debarment of the organization and has made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(7) The entity is an individual.

(8) The entity has an award through this program that is not scheduled to end until after September 30 of the year in which the application is submitted.

Centers must provide Producer Services only to Agricultural Producers. The Agricultural Producers may purchase or intend to purchase up to 49 percent of the primary Agricultural Commodity needed for the Value-Added Agricultural Product that is being developed and/or marketed. Note that the primary Agricultural Commodity is considered the commodity for which the greatest volume is required to produce the Value-Added Agricultural Product. The Agricultural Producers must maintain ownership of the primary Agricultural Commodity from production through the sale of the Value-Added Agricultural Product. See § 4284.1003 for the definitions of Agricultural Commodity, Agricultural Producer, and Value-Added Agricultural Product.

Projects must meet certain requirements to be eligible for funding through this program. Those requirements are as follows:

(a) Eligible projects. Eligible projects must meet all of the following requirements. Failure to meet one or more of these requirements will render the application ineligible for funding.

(1) Project purpose. The sole purpose of the project must be to increase and improve the ability of Agricultural Producers to market Value-Added Agricultural Products, with at least one goal related to increasing and improving the ability of Local Agricultural Producers to market Value-Added Agricultural Products

(2) Amount requested. The minimum amount requested for an award must be $600,000 and the maximum amount that can be requested is $1,000,000.

(3) Matching Funds. Matching Funds are required for at least one-third of the Project Cost. For example, if the Project Cost is $1,500,000, Matching Funds must be at least $500,000. Matching Funds must be from non-Federal sources (unless otherwise provided by statute) and may be provided in cash by the applicant or by a third party or in-kind by a third party. They must be available for use during the Period of Performance, and they must be used for allowable expenses. Applicants may not use unrecovered Indirect Costs as Matching Funds.

(4) Allowable use of funds. The project must use award and Matching Funds for allowable purposes. See § 4284.1025 for additional information.

(5) Agricultural support. The project has the support of at least three organizations whose primary mission is to support agriculture in the State in which the Center is located.

(6) Period of Performance. The Period of Performance must be three (3) years. The Period of Performance must start within 90 days of award approval, unless otherwise authorized by the Agency.

(7) Contracts with other Centers. Contracts and/or subawards with other Centers funded through this program must be limited to 10 percent or less of total Project Costs.

(b) Ineligible projects. Projects are ineligible for assistance through this program if the application:

(1) Includes a conflict of interest (see § 4284.1006 for more information), where the expenses associated with the conflict of interest exceed 10 percent of the Project Cost. If the costs associated with the conflict of interest are 10 percent or less, the process in paragraph (b)(5) of this section will be followed.

(2) Requests less than the minimum or more than the maximum grant amount.

(3) Focuses assistance on only one Agricultural Producer or business.

(4) Earns revenue from processing or selling a product as part of the project. Centers may charge fees for services provided, but they cannot earn revenue from processing a product or from sales associated with a product they helped develop.

(5) Includes unallowable costs totaling more than 10 percent of Project Costs. If the application includes 10 percent or less of Project Costs in unallowable costs, and the application is otherwise eligible and selected for funding, those unallowable costs must be removed. If time permits, the Agency may allow those unallowable costs to be replaced with allowable costs. Otherwise, the amount of the Award will be reduced accordingly. If we cannot determine the percentage of unallowable costs, your application will not be considered for funding.

Allowable and unallowable uses of funds are described as follows:

(a) Allowable uses of funds. The following types of activities and expenses are allowable:

(1) Producer Services as defined in § 4284.1003.

(2) Costs associated with establishing and operating a Center, including legal services, accounting services, clerical assistance, technical services, office supplies, hiring employees, monitoring contracts, professional development for staff, attending conferences related to value-added agriculture and marketing food products, and Board of Directors travel.

(3) Additional information on allowability of costs can be found at 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, for all organization types.

(b) Unallowable uses of funds. The following types of activities and expenses are unallowable:

(1) Provide services to entities other than Agricultural Producers.

(2) Fund manufacturing or processing expenses, including test, trial, or initial production runs.

(3) Pay for interns or internships.

(4) Provide tuition remission or other financial support to students at any level of education.

(5) Provide participant support costs outside of the grants to Agricultural Producers.

(6) Fund any direct expenses for the production of any Agricultural Commodity or product to which value will be added, including seed, rootstock, labor for harvesting the crop, and delivery of the commodity to a processing facility; to include the purchase of an Agricultural Commodity.

(7) Plan, fund architectural work, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility, including a processing facility.

(8) Purchase Real Property.

(9) Purchase, rent, or install Equipment.

(10) Purchase or repair vehicles, including boats.

(11) Pay for the preparation of the grant application.

(12) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project.

(13) Pay for any goods or services from a person or entity who has a conflict of interest with the Recipient (see § 4284.1006).

(14) Duplicate activities paid for by another Federal grant program.

(15) Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of award approval, unless authorized by the Agency at the time of award approval.

(16) Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise that does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence.

(17) Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States.

(18) Fund any activities considered unallowable by the applicable cost principles, most of which are included in 2 CFR part 200, subpart E.

The Agency will issue any program notifications identified in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section on the program website. An annual notification will also be published on the OMB-designated governmentwide website.

(a) Amount of funding available. The Agency will publish the amount of funding available for awards during each fiscal year within 30 calendar days of receiving notification from OMB of the amount of funding available.

(b) Priority points. The Agency will publish the priorities applicable to the program no later than the application period opening date each year. Points will be awarded in accordance with § 4284.1040(d).

(c) Other. The Agency will publish any other additional requirements or programmatic changes no later than the date the application period opens.

All applications must include the following items:

(a) Form SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance.” This form must be filled out completely and signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant organization.

(b) Form RD 4284-1, “Application for the Agriculture Innovation Center Program.” This form must be filled out completely. Failure to complete any section on the form will result in the application being determined ineligible for funding.

The following information identifies when applications can be submitted, where applications must be submitted, and the format of applications.

(a) Submission period. (1) The application period opens on November 1. Applications received prior to the opening date in a given fiscal year will not be considered.

(2) The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (ET) on January 31 of the following year. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. This means that if the application is emailed prior to 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date, but the Agency's system does not receive it until after the deadline, the application will not be considered for funding. Thus, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the closing date to ensure timely receipt by the Agency.

(b) Submission address. Applications must be submitted electronically to the email address listed on the program website.

(c) Submission format. All items required for the application must be submitted in a single application. No attachments other than the required items will be considered. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

The following information describes the way the Agency will process applications, including evaluating eligibility, risk, and merit.

(a) Eligibility evaluation. The Agency will review all complete applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on the requirements in this subpart and other applicable Federal laws and regulations. In particular, the Agency will check the OMB-designated repository of government information, and Applicants that are excluded from Federal funding will be determined ineligible (see 2 CFR 200.206 for more information). An application must include all application requirements identified in § 4284.1031, or the Agency will determine that it is ineligible for assistance.

(b) Risk evaluation. The Agency will review those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program for risk based on financial risk and satisfactory past performance as described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. Typically, the Agency will not determine that an application is ineligible for funding based on the results of the risk evaluation, unless the Agency cannot find a way to reasonably mitigate the risk posed by making an award. For example, if an Applicant lacks appropriate internal controls, but has not experienced significant audit findings as a result, the Agency may choose to mitigate the lack of internal controls by requiring funds to be disbursed on a reimbursement basis until adequate internal controls are in place. However, if audit findings identify significant shortcomings in the Applicant's ability to manage Federal funds, the Agency may determine that the application is not eligible for funding.

(1) Financial risk. The Agency will review the organization's most recent independent audit and financial statements, provided that the most recent audit and financial statements have been created during the previous year.

(2) Satisfactory past performance. The entity has satisfactory performance for all Federal Awards received within the last five (5) years, based on a review of deficiencies reported by the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, or its successor system, the Do Not Pay system, or its successor system, and the Agency's own internal financial and record-keeping systems and files. Satisfactory performance includes timely submission of required reports and documents, timely completion of tasks, and proper use of funds.

(c) Merit evaluation. The Agency will conduct a merit evaluation for those applications that are determined to be eligible for the program. The merit evaluation will be conducted by a panel of USDA employees, who will convene to reach a consensus on the merit of each eligible application. The total points available are 90. The merit evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

(1) Federal Award management (0 to 10 points). Applicants who have managed Federal Awards with the primary purpose of providing technical assistance with Periods of Performance that have start and end dates within the last five (5) years of the date of application will receive points as described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section. Note that an award for which a performance deficiency is identified will not be scored. The Agency will use USASpending.gov, or its successor system, to verify the award information provided in the application. The Agency will also use SAM.gov, or its successor system, in addition to USDA internal systems to check for performance deficiencies. Examples of performance deficiencies are performance and/or financial reports that are more than 90 calendar days overdue and failure to accomplish the approved scope of work.

(i) Amount (0 to 3 points). Zero points will be awarded if no Federal Awards are identified. Applications that identify multiple Federal Awards for amounts greater than $600,000 will receive more points.

(ii) Time period (0 to 3 points). Zero points will be awarded if no Federal Awards are identified. Applications that identify multiple Federal Awards for time periods of at least three (3) years will receive more points.

(iii) Provision of technical assistance (0 to 4 points). Zero points will be awarded if no Federal Awards are identified. Applications that identify multiple Federal Awards in which the Applicant provided technical assistance will receive more points.

(2) Qualifications of Key Personnel (0 to 20 points). Projects that have qualified Key Personnel will receive points as described in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (v) of this section. Only Key Personnel that are currently employed or on contract with the Center will be considered. Key Personnel are considered qualified if they have at least five (5) years of experience in providing at least one Producer Service that the Center proposes to offer in its application. The Agency will consider years of experience, the number of times a service has been provided, the number of services provided, the complexity of the role the person played in providing the service, and the outcomes of the services when awarding points for qualifications.

(i) Zero Key Personnel (0 points). No qualified Key Personnel are identified.

(ii) One Key Personnel (0 to 5 points). One qualified person is identified. Zero points will be awarded if the person identified is not qualified. One point will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person meets the qualifications. Two to three points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person exceeds the qualifications. Four to five points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person has exceptional qualifications.

(iii) Second Key Personnel (0 to 5 points). A second qualified person is identified. Zero points will be awarded if the person identified is not qualified. One point will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person meets the qualifications. Two to three points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person exceeds the qualifications. Four to five points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person has exceptional qualifications.

(iv) Third Key Personnel (0 to 5 points). A third qualified person is identified. Zero points will be awarded if the person identified is not qualified. One point will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person meets the qualifications. Two to three points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person exceeds the qualifications. Four to five points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person has exceptional qualifications.

(v) Fourth Key Personnel (0 to 5 points). A fourth qualified person is identified. Zero points will be awarded if the person identified is not qualified. One point will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person meets the qualifications. Two to three points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person exceeds the qualifications. Four to five points will be awarded to applications that demonstrate the person has exceptional qualifications.

(3) Outreach plan (0 to 20 points). Applications that have a well-designed outreach plan will receive points as described in paragraphs (c)(3)(i) through (iii) of this section.

(i) Goals (0 to 6 points). The goals are clear and include a way to measure the success of the project in a quantitative way, including the baseline of the metric, and a target for the metric. Zero points will be awarded if the application does not include at least one goal, performance measurement, baseline of the metric, and target for the metric. One or two points will be awarded if the application has at least one goal, one metric, the baseline of the metric, and a target for the metric. Three or four points will be awarded to applications that exceed this threshold. Five or six points will be awarded to applications that exceed the threshold and have exceptional goals, metrics, baselines, and targets.

(ii) Identified need (0 to 8 points). The application identifies a clear need in the proposed service area that connects to the goals of the project. Zero points will be awarded if the application does not identify a clear need in the proposed service area that connects to the goals of the project. One to five points will be awarded to applications that identify clear needs in the proposed service area that connect to the goals of the project. One or two additional points will be awarded to applications that describe how the need was identified. One additional point will be awarded to applications that describe an identified need in an Underserved and Economically Distressed Area.

(iii) Customer identification (0 to 6 points). The application describes how the Center will identify customers for the Producer Services it proposes to provide. Zero points will be awarded if the application does not identify how the Center will identify its customers. One to five points will be awarded to applications that describe a basic plan for identifying customers. One additional point will be awarded to applications that describe a plan for identifying customers in an Underserved and Economically Distressed Area.

(4) Coordination, collaboration, and partnerships (0 to 20 points). Coordination, collaboration, or a partnership exists if there is a formal arrangement between the Center and another organization to either provide one or more Producer Services or for the other organization to provide a different type of service that supports one or more project goals. (Note that a formal arrangement means a written agreement that is signed by both parties and includes a purpose statement.) One example is a Center that provides product development but does not have a commercial kitchen. The Center could coordinate with a commercial kitchen to work with producers on recipe development or consumer taste testing. Another example is providing a contribution to the project in the form of Matching Funds, where the contribution from a third party is Key Personnel or expert consulting services to provide Producer Services. Applicant organizations who demonstrate that they will coordinate, collaborate, or partner with other organizations for the proposed project will receive more points, based on the description as follows:

(i) Coordination, collaboration, or partnership with one other organization (0 to 4 points). The Agency will evaluate the complexity of the relationship, the significance of the gap in the Center's services that the relationship fills, the quality of the services that the partner will provide, and the quantity of the services that the partner will provide.

(ii) Coordination, collaboration, or partnership with a second organization (0 to 4 points). The Agency will evaluate the complexity of the relationship, the significance of the gap in the Center's services that the relationship fills, the quality of the services that the partner will provide, and the quantity of the services that the partner will provide.

(iii) Coordination, collaboration, or partnership with a third organization (0 to 4 points). The Agency will evaluate the complexity of the relationship, the significance of the gap in the Center's services that the relationship fills, the quality of the services that the partner will provide, and the quantity of the services that the partner will provide.

(iv) Coordination, collaboration, or partnership with a fourth organization (0 to 4 points). The Agency will evaluate the complexity of the relationship, the significance of the gap in the Center's services that the relationship fills, the quality of the services that the partner will provide, and the quantity of the services that the partner will provide.

(v) Underserved and Economically Distressed Area (0 to 4 points). The Agency will award one point for each coordination, collaboration, or partnership that connects the project to an Underserved and Economically Distressed Area.

(5) Scope of the project (0 to 20 points). The scope of the project will be evaluated based on the service area, the types of services offered, the uniqueness of the services offered, and the number of commodities assisted.

(i) Service area (0 to 4 points). Projects that propose to provide Producer Services to a larger service area will receive more points, based on the following structure:

(A) Few counties (0 points). Projects that propose to provide services to up to 10 percent of the counties in the State will receive 0 points.

(B) Some counties (1 point). Projects that propose to provide services to more than 10 percent and up to 25 percent of the counties in the State will receive 1 point.

(C) Many counties (2 points). Projects that propose to provide services to more than 25 percent and up to 50 percent of the counties in the State will receive 2 points.

(D) Majority of State (3 points). Projects that propose to provide services to more than 50 percent and less than 100 percent of the counties in the State will receive 3 points.

(E) State-wide (4 points). Projects that propose to provide services to all counties in a State will receive 4 points.

(ii) Types of services (0 to 8 points). Projects that offer a greater variety of Producer Services will receive more points. See § 4284.1003 for the definition of Producer Services. Each category of Producer Service offered will receive one point. If no proposed services fit into one of the categories, zero points will be awarded. The categories are as follows:

(A) Financial advisory services.

(B) Organizational assistance.

(C) Value chain coordination.

(D) Process development.

(E) Product development.

(F) Business development services.

(G) Marketing assistance.

(H) Grants to Agricultural Producers.

(iii) Number of commodities (0 to 3 points). Projects that have the capacity to provide services to support Value-Added Agricultural Products from multiple Agricultural Commodities in addition to the four represented on the Board of Directors of the Center will receive more points.

(iv) Unique services (0 to 3 points). Projects that will contribute unique services in the proposed service area will receive more points. Unique means that the services are not already provided in the service area.

(v) Physical location (0 to 2 points). Projects that will provide services at more than one physical location will receive more points.

(d) Priority Points (0 to 10 points). Each year, RBCS will select up to two priorities from the current published priorities for the RD mission area that are applicable to the program. These priorities will be published on the program website and in the annual notice no later than the date that the application period is open. Projects will be awarded five points for each priority that they meet, based on the information provided in the application, for a maximum of ten points.

During the period between the submission of the application and award approval, the Applicant must notify the Agency in writing if the project is no longer viable or if the Applicant is no longer requesting financial assistance for the project. When the Applicant notifies the Agency, the application will be withdrawn from consideration for funding.

(a) The Agency will review applications to determine if they are eligible for assistance based on requirements in this subpart, and other applicable Federal laws and regulations. If the Agency determines that your application meets the requirements, it will be scored by a panel of USDA employees in accordance with the merit evaluation criteria and point allocation specified in § 4284.1040(c). The review panel will convene to reach a consensus on the scores for each of the eligible applications. Applications will be ranked solely based on the points awarded, and they will be funded in rank order until available funds are expended or a minimum score of 40 points is reached. If an application cannot be fully funded, the Agency may offer partial funding to the extent funds are available.

(b) If an application is ranked and not funded, it will not be carried forward into the next funding competition.

(a) The Agency will notify the Applicants whose applications can be funded using available funds with a Letter of Conditions. The Letter of Conditions will provide the conditions under which an award can be approved as well as a copy of the terms of the award.

(b) An Applicant receiving a Letter of Conditions will have 60 calendar days to meet the conditions of the award. If the applicant does not meet the conditions, the Agency will discontinue processing the application and offer funding to another Applicant based on the ranking from the merit review panel if sufficient time exists for the application to be fully processed and an award approved by September 30 of the current fiscal year. If sufficient time does not exist, the funds will not be awarded.

(c) To view the standard conditions for all awards, please visit the program website.

Applicants whose applications are not eligible for financial assistance or did not score high enough to be funded will be notified as soon as it is practicable. The notification will be in writing using an Adverse Decision Letter. This letter will outline the reason(s) for the Agency's decision and what dispute resolution alternatives the Applicant has. (See also 7 CFR part 11.)

The Agency will approve an award once the Applicant has met all the conditions of the award. The approval will be conveyed through the execution of Form RD 4280-2, which is the Financial Assistance Agreement, and provides all terms of the award. Once the award has been approved, the Recipient may begin work on the project and incur costs.

Recipients are required to submit financial reports and performance reports based on the following requirements.

(a) Financial reports. Financial reports are required on a semi-annual basis and after the Period of Performance has ended.

(1) Semi-annual report. Reporting periods are October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30. Reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting period ends. The report must include the submission of the SF-425, “Federal Financial Report,” and any additional information specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

(2) Final report. The final financial report is due 120 calendar days after the reporting period ends. The report must include the submission of the SF-425, “Federal Financial Report,” and any additional information specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

(b) Performance reports. Performance reports are required on a semi-annual basis and after the Period of Performance has ended.

(1) Semi-annual reports. Reporting periods are October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30. Reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting period ends. The report must use the format specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

(2) Final report. The final report is due 120 calendar days after the end of the Period of Performance. The report must use the format specified in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

Awards will be monitored by Agency personnel in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (see § 4284.1008 for more information). The Agency will designate a contact person for each award. The Agency may terminate or suspend the award for lack of adequate or timely progress, reporting, documentation, or for failure to comply with Agency requirements.

The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this subpart have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control number 0570-0045 in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

This subpart contains the procedures and requirements for providing the following financial assistance under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program:

(a) Grants for the purpose of constructing, purchasing, or equipping a building to serve as an innovation center in order to establish job accelerators.

(b) Grants for the purpose of establishing and supporting job accelerators and related programs.

This subpart is organized into distinct sections as described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(a) Sections 4284.1103 through 4284.1111 discuss definitions; exception authority; review or appeal rights; conflict of interest; USDA departmental regulations; other applicable laws; ineligible applicants; general applicant, application, and funding provisions; and notifications, which are applicable to funding the program under this subpart.

(b) Sections 4284.1112 and 4284.1113 discuss, respectively, applicant and project eligibility. Section 4284.1114 addresses funding provisions for these grants. Sections 4284.1115 through 4284.1120 address grant application content and required documentation, scoring, selection, awarding and administering grant applications, and servicing of grant awards.

The following definitions are applicable to the terms used in this subpart.

Administrator means the Administrator of Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) within the Rural Development mission area of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Agency means RBCS or its successor agency assigned by the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the RISE grant program. References to the National Office, Finance Office, State Office, or other Agency offices or officials should be read as prefaced by “Agency” or “Rural Development” as applicable.

Applicant means the lead applicant acting on behalf of a rural jobs accelerator partnership as stated in 4282.1112, that is seeking a RISE grant. The lead applicant will enter into a financial assistance agreement with the Agency, receive the RISE grant funding and take ownership of any assets purchased with grant funds.

Broadband service. Defined within the meaning of Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), broadband service means any technology identified by the Administrator as having the capacity to provide transmission facilities and capacity that enable the subscriber to receive a minimum level of broadband service. The minimum level of broadband service for the purpose of reviewing the application will be defined by the minimum transmission capacity that was required by Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) at the time the application was received by the Agency.

Complete application means an application that contains all parts necessary for the Agency to determine applicant and project eligibility, the financial feasibility and technical merit of the project, and contains sufficient information to determine a priority score for the application.

Departmental regulations mean the regulations of the Agency's Office of Chief Financial Officer (or successor office) as codified in 2 CFR chapter IV.

District organization means an organization as defined in Section 300.3 of Title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).

Eligible project costs means the portion of total project costs approved by the Agency for projects that are eligible to be paid with RISE funds.

Federal fiscal year (FY) means the 12-month period beginning October 1 of any given year and ending on September 30 of the following year; it is designated by the calendar year in which it ends.

Financial assistance agreement means Form RD 4280-2, “Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement, or successor form and is an agreement between the Agency and the grantee setting forth the provisions under which the grant will be administered.

High-wage job means a job that provides a wage that is greater than the median wage for the applicable region, as determined by the Department of Labor.

Indian tribe means the term as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304(e).

Industry cluster means a broadly defined network of interconnected firms and supporting institutions in related industries that accelerate innovation, business formation, and job creation by taking advantage of assets and strengths of a region in the business environment.

Innovation center means a cross-functional place for the planning and creation of new ideas and opportunities for individual and group collaboration that leads to supporting deployment of innovative processes, technologies, services and products for economic development. Innovation centers may be utilized for a wide array of purposes including short-term housing for business owners or workers; co-working space, which may include space for remote work; space for business utilization with a focus on entrepreneurs and small and disadvantaged businesses but may include collaboration with companies of all sizes; job training programs; and efforts to utilize the innovation center as part of the development of a community, among other uses deemed appropriate by the Agency.

Institution of higher education means the term as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1002(a).

Instrumentality means an organization recognized, established, and controlled by a State, Tribal, or local government for a public purpose or to carry out special purposes.

Jobs accelerator means a center or program located in or serving a rural low-income community that may provide co-working space, in-demand skills training, entrepreneurship and business support, and other initiatives as described in Part 4284.1113(b).

Lead applicant means an entity as defined in Part 4284.1112(b) and is responsible for the rural jobs accelerator partnership plus administration of the grant proceeds and activities.

Letter of conditions means a document prepared by the Agency establishing conditions that must be agreed to by the applicant before any obligation of grant funds can occur.

Low income community means a community as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and any amendments thereto.

Matching funds means non-federal funds provided to meet the total eligible project costs that are not covered by the RISE grant proceeds.

Person means an individual or an entity organized under the laws of a state or a Tribe.

Region means an area identified by the applicant that meets the criteria of § 4284.1112(d) with a population of 50,000 or fewer inhabitants, or for a region with a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, is comprised of rural areas and urbanized areas, if any, are the subject of a positive determination by the Under Secretary for Rural Development with respect to a rural-in-character petition, including such a petition submitted concurrently with the application of the partnership for a grant under this section.

Rural and rural area means any area of a state not in a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants according to the latest decennial census of the United States and not in the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants. A rural and rural area shall be determined as defined in 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13).

Rural in character means:

(1) A determination that an area is “rural in character” will be made by the Under Secretary of Rural Development in compliance with 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(D). The process to request a determination under this provision is outlined in this definition. Units of local government may petition the Under Secretary of Rural Development for a “rural in character” designation by submitting a petition to the Administrator on behalf of the Under Secretary. The petition shall document why the petitioner believes the area is “rural in character” including, but not limited to, the area's population density, demographics, and topography and how the local economy is tied to a rural economic base. Upon receiving a petition, the Administrator will review its merits and consult with the applicable governor or leader in a similar position and request comments to be submitted within 5 business days, unless such comments were submitted with the petition. The petition will be forwarded to the Under Secretary who will release to the public a notice of a petition filed by a unit of local government not later than 30 days after receipt of the petition by way of publication in a local newspaper and posting on the Agency's website. The Under Secretary will make a determination not less than 15 days, but no more than 60 days, after the release of the notice. Upon a negative determination, the Under Secretary will provide to the petitioner an opportunity to appeal a determination to the Under Secretary, and the petitioner will have 10 business days to appeal the determination and provide further information for consideration. The Under Secretary will make a determination of the appeal in not less than 15 days, but no more than 30 days.

(2) Rural Development State Directors may also initiate a request to the Under Secretary to determine if an area is “rural in character.” A written recommendation should be sent to the Administrator, on behalf of the Under Secretary, that documents how the area meets the statutory requirements and discusses why the State Director believes the area is “rural in character” including, but not limited to, the area's population density, demographics, topography, and how the local economy is tied to a rural economic base. Upon receipt of such a request, the Administrator will review the request for compliance with the “rural in character” provisions and make a recommendation to the Under Secretary. Provided a favorable determination is made, the Under Secretary will consult with the applicable governor or leader in a similar position and request comments within 10 business days, unless gubernatorial comments were submitted with the request. A public notice will be published by the State Office in a local newspaper and the request will be posted on the Agency's website. There is no appeal process for requests made on the initiative of the State Director.

Rural jobs accelerator partnership means a partnership formed on or after December 20, 2018, which meets eligibility criteria found in § 4284.1112.

Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and, to the extent of delegated authorities, the Under Secretary for Rural Development.

Small and disadvantaged business means a small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined in Section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).

Small business means:

(1) An entity that meets Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards in accordance with 13 CFR part 121 and criteria of 13 CFR 121.301 as applicable to financial assistance programs, including paragraph (i) or (ii) of this definition. The size of the concern alone and the size of the concern combined with other entity(ies) it controls or entity(ies) it is controlled by, must not exceed the size standard thresholds designated for the industry in which the concern alone or the concern and its controlling entity(ies), whichever is higher, is primarily engaged.

(2) To be considered a small business, either of the following conditions must be met:

(i) The concern's tangible net worth is not in excess of $15 million and average net income (excluding carry-over losses) for the preceding two completed fiscal years is not in excess of $5.0 million; or

(ii) The size of the concern does not exceed the SBA size standard thresholds designated for the industry in which it is primarily engaged, as measured by number of employees or annual receipts. Industry size standard designations to be utilized are listed in the SBA's table of size standards found in 13 CFR 121.201. Number of employees and annuals receipts are calculated as follows:

(A) Number of employees is calculated as the average number of all individuals employed by a concern on a full-time, part-time, or other basis, based upon numbers of employees for each of the pay periods for the preceding completed 12 calendar months. If a concern has not been in business for 12 months, the average number of employees is used for each of the pay periods during which it has been in business.

(B) Annual receipts are calculated as average total income plus cost of goods sold for the five most recent years. If a concern has been in operation for less than 60 months, average annual receipts for as long as the concern has been in operation are used.

State means any of the 50 States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Total project costs mean the sum of all costs associated with a completed project.

The Administrator may, on a case-by-case basis, grant an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart provided that such an exception is in the best financial interests of the Federal government. Exercise of this authority cannot conflict with applicable law.

Agency decisions that are adverse to the individual participant are appealable, while matters of general applicability are not subject to appeal; however, such decisions are reviewable for appealability by the National Appeals Division (NAD). All appeals will be conducted by NAD and will be handled in accordance with 7 CFR part 11.

(a) General. A situation in which a person has competing personal, professional, or financial interests that prevents the person from acting impartially.

(b) Assistance to employees, relatives, and associates. The Agency will process any requests for assistance under this subpart in accordance with 7 CFR part 1900, subpart D.

(c) Member/Delegate clause. No member of or delegate to Congress shall receive any share or part of this grant or any benefit that may arise therefrom; but this provision shall not be construed to bar, as a contractor under the grant, a publicly held corporation whose ownership might include a member of Congress.

All references to statutes and regulations are to include any and all successor statutes and regulations.

(a) Departmental regulations. All projects funded under this subpart are subject to the provisions of the departmental regulations, as applicable, which are incorporated by reference herein.

(b) Equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. The Agency will ensure that equal opportunity and nondiscrimination requirements are met in accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination in Programs or Activities Conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Agency will not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to contract); because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

(c) Civil rights compliance. Recipients of grants must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq., and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794. This includes collection and maintenance of data on the race, sex, and national origin of the recipient's membership/ownership and employees. These data must be available to conduct compliance reviews in accordance with 7 CFR 1901.204.

(1) Initial compliance reviews will be conducted by the Agency prior to funds being obligated.

(2) Grants will require one subsequent compliance review following project completion. This will occur after the last disbursement of grant funds has been made.

(d) Environmental analysis. 7 CFR part 1970 outlines environmental procedures and requirements for this subpart. Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Agency to determine environmental requirements as soon as practicable after they decide to pursue any form of financial assistance directly or indirectly available through the Agency. The applicant will be notified of all specific compliance requirements, including:

(1) Any required environmental review must be completed by the Agency prior to the Agency obligating any funds or the applicant taking any action;

(2) A site visit by the Agency may be scheduled, if necessary, to determine the scope of the review. An environmental review may include the publication of public notices, and consultation with State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(e) Discrimination complaints—(1) Who may file. Persons or a specific class of persons believing they have been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this section may file a complaint personally, or by an authorized representative with USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250.

(2) Time for filing. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination, unless a request for a waiver of the 180-day timeline is requested and the time for filing is extended by the designated officials of USDA or the Agency.

(3) Filing a complaint. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(i) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410;

(ii) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(iii) Email: OAC@usda.gov.

Applicants will be ineligible to receive funds under this subpart as discussed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(a) If the applicant has an outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), is delinquent in the payment of Federal income taxes, or is delinquent on a Federal debt, the applicant is not eligible to receive a grant until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied or the delinquency is resolved. The Agency will check the Do Not Pay System to verify this information.

(b) If the applicant is debarred or suspended from receiving Federal assistance, the applicant is not eligible to receive a grant under this subpart. The Agency will check the System for Award Management (SAM) to determine if the applicant has been debarred or suspended.

(a) Satisfactory progress. A lead applicant that has received one or more grants under this program must make satisfactory progress toward completion of any previously funded projects before the lead applicant will be considered for subsequent funding. Satisfactory progress is defined as 50% or greater of the previous RISE award being expended at the time the Agency makes its eligibility determination for a subsequent application.

(b) Application submittal. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of this subpart unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice. Grant applications for financial assistance under this subpart may be submitted at any time with awards made annually based on the application's score and subject to available funding.

(c) Limit on number of applications. An applicant can apply for and compete only one RISE project under this subpart per Federal fiscal year, unless otherwise noted in a Federal Register notice.

(d) Application modification. Once submitted and prior to Agency award, if an applicant significantly modifies its application or scope of work, the application will be treated as a new application. The submission date of record for such modified applications will be the date the Agency receives the modified application, and the application will be processed by the Agency as a new application under this subpart. Applications that are modified due only to partial funding being available for the selected award are not subject to this provision.

(e) Incomplete applications. Applicants must submit a complete application in compliance with § 4284.1115 in order to be considered for funding. If an application is incomplete, the Agency will identify those parts of the application that are incomplete and return the documents, with a written explanation, to the applicant for possible future resubmission. Upon receipt of a complete application by the appropriate Agency office, the Agency will complete its evaluation and will compete the application in accordance with the procedures specified in § 4284.1118, as applicable.

(f) Application withdrawal. During the period between the submission of an application and the execution of grant award documents for an application selected for funding, the applicant must notify the Agency, in writing, if the project is no longer viable or the applicant is no longer requesting financial assistance for the project. When an applicant withdrawal request is received by the Agency, the selection will be rescinded and/or the application withdrawn from further processing and funding consideration.

(g) Time limit on use of grant funds. Except as provided in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, grant funds not expended within the initial grant term of 4 years from the date the financial assistance agreement was signed by the Agency will be returned to the Agency.

(1) Time extensions. The Agency may extend the 4-year grant time limit if the Agency determines, at its sole discretion, that the grantee is unable to complete the project for reasons beyond the grantee's control and that the grantee has established an active jobs accelerator and related programming. Grantees must submit a request for the no-cost extension no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the Financial Assistance Agreement. This request must describe the extenuating circumstances that were beyond its control to complete the project for which the grant was awarded, elements of completion that are required and their timeframe, and why an approval is in the government's best interest. The Agency may extend the grant term up to an additional two-year period. Additional extensions will not be granted.

(2) Return of funds to the Agency. Funds that exceed the amount the grantee is entitled to receive under the financial assistance agreement or that are remaining after grant closeout will be returned to the Agency.

(a) Eligibility. If an applicant or its project is determined by the Agency to be ineligible at any time, the Agency will inform the applicant, as applicable, in writing of the decision, reasons therefore, and any applicable appeal rights. No further processing of the application or disbursement of grant proceeds, if funds have been previously awarded, will occur.

(b) Funding determinations. Each applicant, as applicable, will be notified of the Agency's funding decision on its application. If the Agency's decision is to not fund an application, the Agency will notify the applicant in writing including the reasons for the determination and any applicable appeal or review rights.

A rural jobs accelerator partnership (Partnership) organizes key community and regional stakeholders into a working group that focuses on the shared goals and needs of the targeted industry cluster(s). To be eligible for a RISE grant under this subpart, the Partnership must be formed on or after December 20, 2018, and meet each of the criteria specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section. The Agency will determine a Partnership's eligibility based on the criteria herein.

(a) The Partnership must include one or more representatives of the following:

(1) A State, Tribal or local government;

(2) A State, Tribal, or local government entity;

(3) A land-grant college or university or other institution of higher education, as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001);

(4) A rural non-profit cooperative; or

(5) A private entity, which may include a business in an industry cluster, economic development or community development organization, financial institution including a community development financial institution, philanthropic organization or labor organization.

(b) The Partnership must have a lead applicant represented by one of the following:

(1) A district organization;

(2) An Indian Tribe or a political subdivision of a Tribe, including a special purpose unit of a tribal government engaged in economic development activities, or a consortium of Indian Tribes;

(3) A State or a political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;

(4) An institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or

(5) A public or private nonprofit organization.

(c) The Partnership and its project must serve a rural region, as defined.

(d) The Partnership must clearly define the region that the partnership represents and ensure that the Region encompasses each of the following:

(1) Is large enough to contain critical elements of the industry cluster prioritized by the partnership;

(2) Is small enough to enable close collaboration among members of the partnership;

(3) Includes a majority of communities that are located in the following:

(i) A nonmetropolitan area that qualifies as a low-income community; and

(ii) An area that has access to or has a plan to achieve broadband service, as defined; and

(4) Has a population of 50,000 or fewer inhabitants or, for a region with a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, is comprised of rural areas and urbanized areas, if any, are the subject of a positive determination by the Under Secretary for Rural Development with respect to a rural-in-character petition, including such a petition submitted concurrently with the application of the partnership for a grant under this section.

(e) One or more members of the Partnership must be located in the targeted region. The Partnership may consist of industry entities and other partners outside of the targeted region.

For a project to be eligible to receive a RISE grant under this subpart, the proposed project must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section. The applicant project outcome must accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, improve the ability of rural businesses and distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, and strengthen rural regional economies by engaging in one or more of the following eligible uses:

(a) The construction or purchase of a building to serve as an innovation center located in a rural low-income community which establishes and/or supports a jobs accelerator and any equipment needs of the innovation center to support the jobs accelerator;

(b) Be for the support of programs to be carried out at or in direct partnership with the jobs accelerator or in support of jobs accelerator initiatives including one or more of the following:

(1) Linking rural communities and entrepreneurs to markets, networks, industry clusters, and other regional opportunities to support high-wage job creation, new business formation, business expansion, and economic growth of rural communities;

(2) Integrating rural small businesses into a supply chain;

(3) Creating or expanding commercialization activities for new business formation in rural areas;

(4) Identifying and building assets in rural communities that are crucial to supporting regional economies;

(5) Facilitating the repatriations of high-wage jobs to the United States;

(6) Supporting the deployment of innovative processes, technologies, and products;

(7) Enhancing the capacity of rural small businesses in regional industry clusters, including small and disadvantaged businesses;

(8) Increasing United States exports and business interaction with international buyers and suppliers;

(9) Developing the skills and expertise of local workforces, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners in the region to meet the needs of employers and prepare workers for high-wage jobs in the identified industry clusters, including the upskilling of incumbent workers;

(10) Ensuring rural communities have the capacity and ability to carry out projects relating to housing, community facilities, infrastructure, or community and economic development to support regional industry cluster growth;

(11) Any activities that the Agency may determine to be appropriate, as specified in a Federal Register notice.

(c) Not more than 10 percent of a RISE grant awarded under this section shall be used for indirect costs of the applicant associated with administering the RISE grant. The Agency may increase this percentage as a documented exception on a case by case basis.

(d) The innovation center may be physically located in a rural area as defined in § 4284.1103 or in a non-rural area; as long as assistance being provided is to residents located in a rural area. The innovation center must be located in a rural low-income community if grant funds are used for the construction or purchase of an innovation center.

(e) The applicant is cautioned against taking any actions or incurring any obligations prior to the Agency completing the environmental review that would either limit the range of alternatives to be considered or that would have an adverse effect on the environment, such as the initiation of construction. If the applicant takes any such actions or incurs any such obligations, it could result in project ineligibility. Projects involving the construction of an innovation center as an eligible purpose are subject to the environmental requirements of 7 CFR part 1970.

(a) Grant amounts. The amount of grant funds that will be made available to a Partnership under this subpart will not exceed 80 percent of eligible project costs. The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a grant under this section shall not be greater than 80 percent.

(1) Minimum request. Unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice, the minimum request for a RISE grant application is $500,000.

(2) Maximum request. Unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice, the maximum request for a RISE grant application is $2,000,000.

(b) Matching funds. The applicant is responsible for securing the matching funds for total eligible project costs that are not covered by grant funds. The non-Federal share of the total eligible project costs of any activity carried out using a grant under this section may be in the form of third-party equity contributions including donations and in-kind contributions of fairly-valued goods or services.

(c) Eligible project costs. Eligible project costs are only those costs incurred after a complete application has been received by the Agency and are associated with the items identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this section. The applicant is responsible for any expenses incurred in developing its application. Each item identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this section is only an eligible project cost if it is directly related to, and its use and purpose is limited to the RISE grant project. Any building or equipment purchased with grant proceeds must be owned and controlled by the lead applicant. The following is a list of eligible project costs:

(1) Costs directly related to the purchase or construction of an innovation center;

(2) Costs directly related to operations of an innovation center including purchase of equipment, office supplies, and administrative costs including salaries directly related to the project;

(3) Costs directly associated with support programs to be carried out at or in direct partnership with job accelerators;

(4) Reasonable and customary travel expenses directly related to job accelerators and at rates in compliance with 2 CFR 200.474;

(5) Utility costs, operating expenses of the innovation center and job accelerator programs and associated programs;

(6) Administrative costs of the grantee will not exceed 10% of the grant amount for the duration of the project.

(d) Ineligible project costs. Ineligible project costs and uses of funds for RISE projects include, but are not limited to:

(1) Costs associated with preparation of an application package under this notice;

(2) Costs incurred prior to Agency receipt of a complete application for the grant request made under a funding notice;

(3) Funding of any political or lobbying activities;

(4) Payment for assistance to any private business enterprise which does not create and/or support jobs in a rural area of the United States;

(5) Payment of any judgment or debt owed to the United States;

(6) Duplicate current services or substitute support previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however, grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or services beyond what is currently being provided;

(7) To fund a part of a project that is dependent on other funding unless there is a firm commitment of the other funding to ensure completion of the project;

(8) Pass through grants; and

(9) costs associated with hemp production, unless a hemp producer has a valid license issued from an approved State, Tribal or Federal plan as per Section 10113 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law 115-334 (verification of valid hemp licenses will occur at the time of award).

(a) A potential applicant for RISE may submit a concept proposal not less than 60 days in advance of the application submittal deadline as published in the Federal Register for review by the Agency. This concept proposal will be evaluated, and an encouragement or discouragement letter will be issued to the potential applicant. If a discouragement letter is issued, it will detail any weaknesses evaluated in the Agency's review, though a complete application may still be submitted prior to the application deadline. The concept proposal may be up to 10 pages in length using a minimum of 11-point font. The concept proposal should be in a narrative format and must include the following:

(1) Partnership information including the members and structure of the Partnership, the date formalized, and the governance or leadership board. The information will identify the lead applicant and each partner's ties to the region, their roles in the delivery of the RISE program and any history of previous collaboration between partners. The amount and source of anticipated matching funds will also be provided.

(2) Describe the geographic region to be served including the total population, economic characteristics of the region such as unemployment rates and income levels. Industry sectors, their status, size and economic contribution to the region and all communities including metropolitan statistical areas and nonmetro low income communities within the region should be identified. The availability and planned enhancements of broadband service and other assets of the region should also be identified. If the region to be served has a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, the applicant must document why they believe the area is “rural in character” including, but not limited to, the area's population density, demographics, and topography and how the local economy is tied to a rural economic base.

(3) Identify the industry cluster(s) that will be prioritized by the Partnership with information on the firms and support industries in those clusters. Describe the status of the industry (as emerging, existing, or declining) any existing interconnection and networks within the industry cluster and describe participation and scale of small and disadvantaged businesses within the industry cluster. Describe the opportunities or potential of industry growth in the region and competitive advantages of the region and industry cluster should be highlighted along with opportunities within the industry for the creation of or upgrading to high-wage jobs.

(4) An executive summary, project plan and scope of work must be provided with the applicant's strategy, activities, budget, goals and objectives for the use of RISE funds. The applicant should also provide information on the sustainability of the partnership and jobs accelerator at the conclusion of the RISE grant period.

(b) Unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice, applicants may only submit one RISE grant application each Federal fiscal year.

(1) The lead applicant must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and is responsible for submitting a complete application as specified in (b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(xiv) of this section.

(2) There are no specific limitations on the number of pages or other formatting requirements of an application. Applicants, who submitted a concept proposal to the Agency, will not need to resubmit the information found in (b)(2)(ix) below. The Agency will review and retain this information for application submittal. A complete application will consist of the following components unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice:

(i) Form SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance;”

(ii) Form SF-424A, “Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs,” if applicable;

(iii) Form SF-424C, “Budget Information—Construction Programs,” if applicable;

(iv) Form SF-424D, “Assurances—Construction Programs,” if applicable;

(v) RD Form 400-1, “Equal Opportunity Agreement,” for construction projects only;

(vi) Identify the ethnicity, race, and gender characteristics of the lead applicant's leadership. This information is optional and is not a required component for a complete application;

(vii) Certification that the lead applicant is a legal entity in good standing (as applicable) and operating in accordance with the laws of the State(s) or Tribe where the applicant exists;

(viii) The lead applicant must identify whether or not the lead applicant has a known relationship or association with an Agency employee and, if there is a known relationship, the lead applicant must identify each Agency employee with whom the lead applicant has a known relationship;

(ix) All items required in paragraph (a) of this section must be provided with the application (applicants must provide updates, as appropriate, to any items previously submitted as a concept proposal under paragraph (a));

(x) Readiness demonstration, which shall be comprised of the following items:

(A) Description of readiness of all partners of the Partnership to contribute to the project including their ability to coordinate activities, finances and outcomes of the project.

(B) Evidence of a formal agreement among partners of the Partnership for delivery of the RISE program.

(C) Evidence of demonstrated readiness in administering the RISE grant, if awarded, including demonstration of potential success in establishment of a jobs accelerator project, which targets an industry cluster and the initiatives of the RISE grant. The application should indicate when activities related to the expected outcomes will commence.

(D) Description of how the project will be marketed in the region and how the Partnership will capture any program impacts and success stories; and

(E) Timeline describing the proposed tasks to be accomplished and the schedule for implementation of each task.

(xi) Provide documentation on how the RISE project will impact the initiatives below, as applicable, including a brief description of how and when the initiative will be delivered:

(A) Linking rural communities and entrepreneurs to markets, networks, industry clusters, and other regional opportunities to support high-wage job creation, new business formation, business expansion, and economic growth;

(B) Integrating small businesses into a supply chain;

(C) Creating or expanding commercialization activities for new business formation;

(D) Identifying and building assets in rural communities that are crucial to supporting regional economies;

(E) Facilitating the repatriation of high-wage jobs to the United States;

(F) Supporting the deployment of innovative processes, technologies, and products;

(G) Enhancing the capacity of small businesses in regional industry clusters, including small and disadvantaged businesses;

(H) Increasing United States exports and business interaction with international buyers and suppliers;

(I) Developing the skills and expertise of local workforces, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners to meet the needs of employers and prepare workers for high-wage jobs in the identified industry clusters, including the upskilling of incumbent workers;

(J) Ensuring rural communities have the capacity and ability to carry out projects related to housing, community facilities, infrastructure, or community and economic development to support regional industry cluster growth;

(xii) Potential to produce high-wage jobs and benefit rural small and disadvantaged businesses, including a description of the following:

(A) Describe how the project will develop the skills and expertise of the local workforce, entrepreneurs and institutional partners to meet the needs of employers and prepare high-wage jobs in the targeted industry cluster(s), which may also include the upskilling of incumbent worker;

(B) Demonstrate how the project will benefit the skills and expertise of small and disadvantaged businesses, as applicable;

(C) Demonstrate any participation of higher education, applied research institutions, workforce development entities and community-based organizations, that are willing to partner with the project to provide workers with skills relevant to the industry cluster needs of the region, with an emphasis on the use of on-the-job training, classroom occupational training or incumbent worker training, as applicable; and

(D) Demonstrate any participation of investment organizations, venture development organizations, venture capital firms, revolving loan funders, angel investment groups, community lenders, community development financial institutions, rural business investment companies, small business companies (as defined in Section 103 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662)), philanthropic organizations, and other institutions focused on expanding access to capital, are committed partners in the job accelerator partnership and willing to potentially invest in projects emerging from the jobs accelerator.

(xiii) Describe the targeted region, including the following information:

(A) Provide the latest Census Bureau information on the targeted region's median household income.

(B) Provide the latest Census Bureau information on the targeted region's educational attainment, specifically the percentage of the population who hold a bachelor's degree.

(C) Discuss how any direct career training will be provided to existing residents of the region (existing residents being those persons who live in the region at the time of application submission).

(D) Discuss any local support for the RISE project.

(E) Discuss the entrepreneurial commitment to the RISE project.

(F) Discuss any innovative processes and technologies to be utilized in the targeted industry cluster(s) of the RISE project.

(G) Discuss the initial and continuing capital investment in the RISE project.

(H) Discuss any demand for regional and global markets of the product and/or service provided by the targeted industry cluster.

(I) Discuss if the region contains any areas or communities that qualify for federal initiatives.

(J) Elaborate on the current broadband service within the region and any plans to leverage the current broadband service or enhance broadband service in the region through the RISE project.

(xiv) Financial information, including the following:

(A) Identification of matching funds and other sources of funds for the project. Provide written commitments for matching funds and other sources of funds at the time the application is submitted.

(B) Current financial statements and a narrative description demonstrating financial feasibility and sustainability of the project, all of which demonstrate sufficient resources and expertise to undertake and complete the project and how the project will be sustained following completion.

(c) Upon receipt of a complete application, the Agency will determine if the applicant and project are eligible and whether the intended outcomes described meet the requirements of the RISE program. If the application is ineligible or not feasible, the Agency will inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the Agency's determination and no further evaluation of the application will occur.

The Agency will score each complete and eligible RISE application using the criteria specified in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section, unless otherwise specified in a Federal Register notice, with a maximum score of 100 points possible. Points will be allowed only for factors indicated by well documented, reasonable plans which, in the opinion of the Agency, provide assurance that the items have a high probability of being accomplished. Points shall be awarded at the discretion of the Agency to scoring criteria with a minimum and maximum number of points available. Applicants that demonstrate the experience or ability to deliver the stated criteria will be awarded higher points in that criteria.

(a) Demonstrated readiness. The Partnership demonstrated readiness in administering the RISE grant successfully and shows strong documentation indicating the potential for success in establishing a jobs accelerator project which targets an industry cluster and the initiative(s) of the RISE grant program. Points are awarded on a scale of 0 to 10 with a maximum of 10 points being awarded.

(b) Targeted initiatives. A maximum of 15 points will be awarded for this criterion based on meeting the targeted initiatives as stated in § 4284.1115(b)(2)(xi) with action narratives outlined in the application on how and when the initiatives will be delivered. More points will be awarded for reasonable initiatives that can be delivered within 12 months of the grant award and for those projects leveraging improvements in high-speed broadband service to the region.

(c) Project support. Points will be awarded for the strength of local support of the RISE project and entrepreneurial commitment. A maximum of 15 points can be awarded for application materials that indicate the strength of support for the RISE project. Points will be awarded from the partnership's demonstration of its sources of funding, personnel and technical resources committed to the project, and a focus on the inclusion of institutional partners expanding access to capital and willingness to potentially invest in projects emerging from the jobs accelerator. Points shall also be awarded for demonstrated resources that will sustain the project beyond the term of the RISE grant period.

(d) Targeted region. A maximum of 20 points will be awarded for this criterion based on the region's demographics according to the latest census information. The applicant must provide adequate documentation to the latest census information to receive points.

(1) If the targeted region has a median household income of:

(i) 50% or less of state median household income; 5 points will be awarded;

(ii) Over 50% and up to 80% of state median household income; 3 points will be awarded.

(2) If the targeted region residents have the educational attainment of a bachelor's degree by:

(i) 10% or less of the population; 5 points will be awarded;

(ii) Over 10% and up to 30% of the population; 3 points will be awarded.

(3) Existing residents of the targeted region will receive direct career training for new employment or upscaling to a high-wage job; 5 points will be awarded.

(4) If the identified region has fewer than 50,000 residents according to the most recent decennial census; 5 points will be awarded.

(e) RISE grant funds requested. A maximum of 10 points will be awarded for this criterion if:

(1) The RISE grant request is for $500,000 to $750,000; 10 points will be awarded.

(2) The RISE grant request is for over $750,000 and up to $1,000,000; 5 points will be awarded.

(f) Regional impact. Points are awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 points for each category, with a total maximum of 20 points being awarded for this criterion. To receive points, the applicant must provide documentation to warrant strength on the following criteria, with points awarded for each:

(1) Targeted industry(ies) in the region is classified as an emerging industry;

(2) Applicant demonstrates that the targeted industry(ies) in the region hold a competitive advantage or will enhance their competitive advantage through the RISE project;

(3) Applicant demonstrates that industry provides significant support of regional assets, including broadband, and provides community and economic development support within the region;

(4) The RISE project's forecasted outcomes align with RISE objectives; and

(5) The RISE project will target support to existing industry(ies), whose significance in the region may be stagnant or on the decline but can be enhanced through the benefits of the RISE project.

(g) Administrator points. A maximum of 10 points will be awarded, with justification, at the discretion of the Agency Administrator, as announced in a Federal Register notice.

Unless otherwise provided for in a Federal Register notice, RISE grant applications will be evaluated, assigned priority points as described in § 4284.1117 and ranked from highest to lowest score for funding consideration, subject to the availability of funding.

The Agency will award and administer RISE grants in accordance with departmental regulations and with the procedures and requirements specified in this part.

(a) Bonding and insurance. The applicant must provide satisfactory evidence to the Agency that all officers of the applicant organization are authorized to receive and/or disburse Federal funds and are covered by such bonding and/or insurance requirements as are normally required by the applicant.

(b) Letter of conditions. A letter of conditions will be prepared by the Agency, establishing conditions that must be agreed to by the applicant before any obligation of funds can occur. Upon reviewing the conditions and requirements in the letter of conditions, the applicant must complete, sign, and return the Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions,” and Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds,” to the Agency if it accepts the conditions of the grant; or if certain conditions cannot be met, the applicant may propose alternate conditions in writing to the Agency. The Agency must resolve or concur with any changes proposed by the applicant to the letter of conditions before the application will be further processed.

(c) Evidence of matching funds. The applicant is responsible for providing documentation that the required matching funds for the project have been received or remain committed at the date a financial assistance agreement is executed with the Agency.

(d) SAM requirements. Each applicant applying for grant funds (unless an exception, as outlined in 2 CFR 25.110(a) through (d), is approved by the Agency) is required to:

(1) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

(2) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(3) 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.

(e) Financial assistance agreement. Once the requirements specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section have been met, the financial assistance agreement can be executed by the lead applicant and the Agency. The applicant must abide by all requirements contained in the financial assistance agreement, this subpart, and any other applicable Federal statutes or regulations. Failure to follow these requirements might result in termination of the grant and adoption of other available remedies.

(f) Grant approval. The lead applicant will be sent an executed copy of the executed Form RD 1940-1, “Obligation of Funds,” and the financial assistance agreement.

The Agency will service RISE grants in accordance with the requirements specified in departmental regulations, the financial assistance agreement, 7 CFR part 1951, subparts E and O, other than 7 CFR 1951.709(d)(1)(i)(B)(iv), and the requirements in § 4284.1120, except as specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.

(a) Inspections. Grantees must permit periodic inspection of the project records and operations by a representative of the Agency.

(b) Programmatic changes. Grantees may make changes to an approved project's costs, scope, contractor, or vendor subject to the provisions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section. If the changes result in lowering the project's score to below what would have qualified the application for an award, the Agency will not approve the changes.

(1) Prior Agency approval. The grantee must obtain prior Agency approval for any change to the scope, contractor, or vendor of the approved project. Changes in project cost will require Agency approval as outlined in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section.

(i) Grantees must submit requests for programmatic changes in writing to the Agency for Agency approval.

(ii) Failure to obtain prior Agency approval of any such change could result in such remedies as suspension, termination, and recovery of grant funds.

(iii) Prior Agency approval is required for all increases in project costs. Prior Agency approval is required for a decrease in project cost only if the decrease would have a negative effect on the long-term viability of the project. A decrease in project cost that does not have a negative impact on long-term viability requires Agency notification prior to disbursement of funds. If project costs decrease, the Agency will reduce the grant amount, if necessary, to maintain a maximum grant amount of no greater than 80 percent of total project activities as required in § 4284.1114(a).

(2) Changes in project cost or scope. If there is a significant change in project cost or any change in project scope, then the grantee's funding needs, eligibility, and scoring, as applicable, will be reassessed. Any decreases in Agency funds will be based on revised project costs and other factors, including Agency regulations used at the time of grant approval.

(3) Change of contractor or vendor. When seeking a change, the grantee must submit a written request to the Agency for approval. The proposed new contractor or vendor must have qualifications and experience acceptable to the Agency. The written request must contain sufficient information to demonstrate to the Agency's satisfaction that such change maintains project integrity. If the Agency determines that project integrity continues to be demonstrated, the grantee will be allowed to make the change. If the Agency determines that project integrity is no longer demonstrated, the change will not be approved and the grantee has the following options:

(i) Continue with the original contractor or vendor;

(ii) Find another contractor or vendor that has qualifications and experience acceptable to the Agency to complete the project; or

(iii) Terminate the grant by providing a written request to the Agency. No additional funding will be available from the Agency if costs for the project have increased. Any Agency decision will be provided in writing to the lead applicant.

(c) Transfer of Applicant or Ownership. Any change to the jobs accelerator partnership prior to the obligation of funds must be approved by the Agency and will only be considered if the partnership entities are eligible in accordance with § 4284.1112. After the project is obligated and operational, the applicant grantee may request, in writing, a transfer of the financial assistance agreement to another entity. Subject to Agency approval provided in writing, the financial assistance agreement may be transferred to another entity provided:

(1) The entity is determined by the Agency to be an eligible lead applicant entity under this subpart; and

(2) The scope of the project for which the Agency funds will be used remain unchanged.

(d) Disposition of acquired property. Grantees must abide by the disposition of acquired asset requirements as outlined in 2 CFR part 200 and departmental regulations.

(e) Financial management system and records. The grantee must provide for financial management systems and maintain records as specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section.

(1) Financial management system. The grantee will provide for a financial system that will include:

(i) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each grant;

(ii) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for grant-supporting activities, together with documentation to support the records. Those records must contain information pertaining to grant awards and authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and income; and

(iii) Effective control over and accountability for all funds. The grantee must adequately safeguard all such assets and must ensure that funds are used solely for authorized purposes.

(2) Records. The grantee will retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the grant for a period of at least three (3) years after completion of the grant period, except that the records must be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have not been resolved or if directed by the United States. The Agency and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, must have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the grantee that are pertinent to the specific grant for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, and transcripts.

(f) Audit requirements. If applicable, grantees must provide an annual audit in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart F. The Agency may exercise its right to do a program audit after the end of the project to ensure that all funding supported eligible project costs.

(g) Grant disbursement. The Agency will determine, based on the applicable departmental regulations, whether disbursement of a grant will be by advance or reimbursement. Any funds disbursed in advance of the expense shall be used within three months and the financial need substantiated in writing by the grantee. Form SF-270 or Form SF-271 must be completed by the grantee and submitted to the Agency no more often than monthly to request either an advance or reimbursement of funds.

(h) Reporting Requirements. Financial and project performance reports must be provided by grantees and contain the information specified in paragraphs (h) (1) and (2) of this section.

(1) Federal Financial Reports. Between grant approval and completion of project (i.e., construction), SF-425, “Federal Financial Report” will be required of all grantees as applicable on a semiannual basis. The grantee will complete the project within the total sums available to it, including the grant, in accordance with the scope of work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by grantee and approved by the Agency.

(2) Performance reports. Grantees shall submit a performance report semi-annually for the first two years, and then annually thereafter, with the first report submitted no later than six months after receiving a grant under this section. This report will include, but not be limited to, the following:

(i) All activities funded with the grant funds;

(ii) Evaluation of progress towards strategic initiatives identified in the application for the grant, including a discussion of any issues which may have occurred;

(iii) Measurement of progress using performance measures during the project period, which may include the following:

(A) High-wage jobs created;

(B) High-wage jobs retained;

(C) Private investment leveraged;

(D) Businesses improved;

(E) Businesses retained;

(F) New business formations;

(G) New products, prototypes and/or services commercialized;

(H) Improvement of the value of existing products or services under development;

(I) Regional collaboration as measured by the number of organizations actively engaged in the industry cluster and/or the number of symposia held by the industry cluster, including organizations that are not located in the immediate region defined by the partnership and/or the number of further cooperative agreements;

(J) Number of educations and training activities relating to the innovation;

(K) Number of innovative products, services and/or prototypes launched;

(L) Number of jobs relocated from outside of the United States to the region;

(M) Amount and number of new equity investments in industry cluster firms;

(N) Amount and number of new loans to industry cluster firms;

(O) Dollar increase in exports resulting from the project activities;

(P) Percentage of employees for which training was provided;

(Q) Improvement in sales of participating businesses;

(R) Improvement in wages paid at participating businesses;

(S) Improvement in income of participating workers;

(T) Any measure determined appropriate by the Agency; and

(U) Broadband development in the targeted region.

(iv) Initiatives and timetable established for the next reporting period; and

(v) Any additional information as found in the annual Federal Register notice.

The information collection requirements in this subpart are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 0570-0075.