[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 117 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33490-33497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16155]
[[Page 33489]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part V
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Telecommunications Program (FY 1998): Proposals
Solicitation; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 117 / Thursday, June 18, 1998 /
Notices
[[Page 33490]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Notice of Fiscal Year 1998 Agricultural Telecommunications
Program; Solicitation of Proposals
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service,
USDA.
SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service is soliciting proposals under the Agricultural
Telecommunications Program. The Agricultural Telecommunications Program
is authorized in Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). It is
anticipated that grants will be awarded competitively under the program
in support of the following program areas: (1) Program Delivery and
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (2) Capacity Building.
DATE: Applications must be received on or before August 17, 1998.
Proposals received after August 17, 1998 will not be considered for
funding.
ADDRESSES: Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the
following address: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o
Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative
State, Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington,
D.C. 20250-2245. Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or
by hand must be sent to the following address: Agricultural
Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State, Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace
Center, 901 D Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024. Telephone: (202)
401-5048.
For programmatic issues contact: Cathy Bridwell; Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture; STOP 2216; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington,
D.C. 20250-2216; telephone (202) 720-6084; Internet:
cbridwell@reeusda.gov
For administrative issues contact: the Grants Management Branch,
Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2246; 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2246; telephone (202)
401-5050.
Table of Contents
Part I--Program Description
A. Purpose
B. Available Funding
C. Matching Funds Requirement
D. Eligibility
E. Definitions
Part II--Program Areas
A. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/
Production
B. Capacity Building
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of a Proposal
Part IV--Submission of a Proposal
A. What to Submit
B. Where and When to Submit
Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
A. Selection Process
B. Evaluation Criteria
Part VI--Supplementary Information
A. Access to Peer Review Information
B. Grant Awards
C. Use of Funds; Changes
D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
E. Other Conditions
Part I--Program Description
A. Purpose
Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive
grants for fiscal year (FY) 1998 under the Agricultural
Telecommunications Program (Program). Grants will be awarded to
eligible institutions to assist in the development and utilization of
an agricultural communications network to facilitate and to strengthen
agricultural extension, resident education and research, and domestic
and international marketing of United States commodities and products
through a partnership between eligible institutions and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA). The network will employ satellite and
other telecommunications technology to disseminate and to share
academic instruction, cooperative extension programming, agricultural
research, and marketing information. The authority for this Program is
contained in Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). This Program is
administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.
B. Available Funding
For FY 1998, $873,000 is available for the Program. Grants under
this Program may provide funds for no more than 50 percent (50%) of the
cost of a proposed project, unless otherwise determined by the
Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1673(g) of Pub. L.
101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). Project funds will be awarded for one
fiscal year. Applicants may recompete for additional funding, but
projects will not be renewed. Funds will be awarded for no more than
$50,000 for Capacity Building projects. Funds will be awarded for no
more than $100,000 for Program Delivery and Innovative Program
Development/Production projects.
C. Matching Funds Requirement
A grant awarded under this Program must be matched by the recipient
with equal funds from a non-Federal source unless otherwise determined
by the Secretary in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1673(g) of
Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). The matching requirement must be
satisfied through allowable costs incurred by the recipient or
subrecipient and through third party in-kind contributions.
D. Eligibility
Proposals are invited from accredited institutions of higher
education. Applicants must demonstrate that they participate in a
network that distributes programs consistent with the following
objectives: (1) make optimal use of available resources for
agricultural extension, resident education, and research by sharing
resources between participating institutions; (2) improve the
competitive position of United States agriculture in international
markets by disseminating information to producers, processors, and
researchers; (3) train students for careers in agriculture and food
industries; (4) facilitate interaction among leading agricultural
scientists; (5) enhance the ability of United States agriculture to
respond to environmental and food safety concerns, and; (6) identify
new uses for farm commodities and to increase the demand for United
States agricultural products in both domestic and foreign markets.
Pursuant to Sec. 1673(e) of Pub. L. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(e)),
preferential consideration will be given to applications that--(i) are
submitted by institutions affiliated with an established agricultural
telecommunications network that distributed programs to a wide
geographical area; or (ii) demonstrate the need for such assistance,
taking into consideration the relative needs of all applicants and the
financial ability of the applicants to otherwise secure or create the
telecommunications system.
These preferences will be factored into the evaluation of the
Partnerships and Collaboration and Project Need Criteria, respectively.
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E. Definitions
For the purpose of awarding funding under this Program, the
following definitions are applicable:
(1) Accredited institutions of higher education means a college or
university which is an educational institution in any State which: (a)
admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the
recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (b) is legally authorized
within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary
education; (c) provides an educational program for which a
baccalaureate degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (d) is a
public or other nonprofit institution; and (e) is accredited by a
nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.
(2) Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved
may be delegated.
(3) Agricultural telecommunications means those activities
established to encourage development and utilization of an agricultural
communications network employing satellite and other telecommunications
technologies to disseminate and to share academic instruction,
cooperative extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing
information.
(4) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the individual acting within the
scope of delegated authority, who is responsible for awarding and
administering grants on behalf of the Secretary.
(5) Authorized organizational representatives means the president
or chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the
official, designated by the president or chief executive officer of the
applicant organization, who has the authority to commit the resources
of the organization.
(6) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months)
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting
purposes.
(7) Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including
the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third
parties.
(8) Communications network refers to television or cable television
origination or distribution equipment, signal conversion equipment
(including both modulators and demodulators), computer hardware and
software, programs or terminals, or related devices, used to process
and exchange data through a telecommunications system in which signals
are generated, modified or prepared for transmission, or received, via
telecommunications terminal equipment or via telecommunications
transmission.
(9) Delivery means the transmission and reception of programs by
facilities that transmit, receive, or carry data between
telecommunications terminal equipment at each end of a
telecommunications circuit or path.
(10) Department or USDA means the United States Department of
Agriculture.
(11) Equipment means tangible personal property including exempt
property charged directly to the award having a useful life of more
than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit.
(12) Facilities includes microwave antennae, fiberoptic cables and
repeaters, coaxial cables, communications satellite ground station
complexes, and copper cable electronic equipment associated with
telecommunications transmission and similar items subject to the
approval of the authorized departmental officer.
(13) Grant means the award by the authorized departmental officer
of funds to an accredited institution of higher education to assist in
meeting the costs of conducting, for the benefit of the public, as
identified project which is intended and designed to accomplish the
purpose of the program as identified in these guidelines.
(14) Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
(15) Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not
borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind
contributions.
(16) Peer Review Panel means a group of experts qualified by
training and experience in particular fields to give expert advice on
the merit of grant applications in such fields, who evaluate eligible
proposals submitted to this program in their personal area(s) of
expertise.
(17) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent
by an authorized departmental officer as defined in (4) above.
(18) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the
program supported by a grant award.
(19) Project director means the single individual designated by the
grantee in the grant application and approved by the authorized
departmental officer who is responsible for the direction and
management of the project.
(20) Project period means the period, as stated in the award
document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal
sponsorship begins and ends.
(21) Satellite ground station complex includes transmitters,
receivers, and communications antennae at the Earth station site
together with the interconnecting terrestrial transmission facilities
(including cables, line, or microwave facilities) and modulating and
demodulating equipment necessary for processing traffic received from
the terrestrial distribution system prior to transmission via satellite
and the traffic received from the satellite prior to transfer to
terrestrial distribution systems.
Part II--Program Areas
A. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/Production
1. Description
Applicants may submit a proposal in the Program Delivery and
Innovative Program Development/Production area requesting funding to:
(1) operate an agricultural communications network, employing satellite
and other telecommunications technology, to deliver Cooperative
Extension programming, academic instruction, agricultural research and
marketing information through partnership(s) between eligible
institutions and the Department; or, (2) develop distance education
programming. The project goal(s) and objective(s) must be clearly
stated in the proposal. Proposals in this area must clearly target a
systematic approach to building an infrastructure to deliver
programming at a distance or must demonstrate an innovation to
developing distance education programming.
Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles:
(1) Is there a real need for the project; (2) will the strategy
identified meet the need; and (3) is the project sustainable?
Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and/or needs
assessment.
The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The
approach described must meet the identified need.
Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the
institution or by other groups or
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institutions that may wish to continue the project.
2. Project Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed
20 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(a) Project Need. Describe the background and situation leading to
the need for the project. The project must be based on a need
articulated by an audience or on a needs assessment. Describe the
targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed including
pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact
on audience. If appropriate, describe the methodology and results of
the needs assessment. Demonstrate the need for assistance under this
Program, including financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue
the proposed program.
(b) Strategy. (i) Partnerships and Collaboration. Describe
partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project including
expected impact and benefit to those involved such as learner,
institution, agency, state, and nation. Partners are defined as all
those who will collaborate on the project. Submit evidence that
partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a substantial
role and interest in the project. Examples of role and interest might
include joint risk-taking and shared benefits. Include information
about any current affiliations with established agricultural
telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a wide
geographical area.
(ii) Appropriate Distance Learning Technologies. Describe
appropriate distance learning technologies including, but not limited
to, internet, multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications
technologies to be developed or employed in this project.
(iii) Infrastructure. Describe a framework representing both the
technological and human infrastructure for this project including, but
not limited to, technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and operation
management, and learner and program support. Evidence of learner
support includes, but is not limited to, facilitation of access,
accommodation for diversity in special needs and learning styles, and
recognition of need for alternative modes of program design and
delivery.
(iv) Innovation. Describe the innovative application of distance
education/learning delivery identified in the project. Examples of
innovation may include, but are not limited to, approaches in reaching
audiences, methods of connectivity and/or interaction, use of existing
resources with innovations in the teaching/learning transaction, and
entrepreneurial approaches to distance education delivery.
(v) Outreach Plan. Describe a plan for informing others about
positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative
ideas, and research findings from the project.
(vi) Evaluation Plan. Describe both formative and summative design
for evaluating specific aspects of the project. These designs may
include methods for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Program
in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving,
immediate application, meeting learner needs, and/or potential for
replication.
(c) Sustainability. (i) Project Sustainability. Include strong
evidence of the project's ability to continue and grow after receiving
the funding. Examples may include replication by others; continued
funding other than from this Program, or opportunities for sale of
products; and/or use of ideas and results of project by others.
(ii) Cost/Benefit. Include a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed
project, including comparison to other delivery methods, relative
benefit to learner, and staffing costs versus benefits.
B. Capacity Building
1. Description
Applicants submitting proposals in the Capacity Building area
should target the development of capacity in the area of distance
education at the university, state, regional, national or international
level. Proposals must include a detailed plan for assessing capacity or
a plan for targeting need based on a completed needs assessment.
Each proposal will be evaluated based on three broad principles:
(1) Is there a real need for the project; (2) will the strategy
identified meet the need; and (3) is the project sustainable?
Each proposal must document the need for the project, based on
literature review, case studies, audience analysis and needs
assessment.
The project strategy should reflect an integrated approach to
instructional design including subject-matter content, educational
methodology and compatible production and delivery techniques. The
approach described must meet the identified need.
Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the
institution or by other groups of institutions that may wish to
continue the project.
2. Project Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed
20 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(a) Project Need. Describe the background and situation leading to
the need for the project. The project must be based on a need
articulated by an audience or on a needs assessment. Describe the
targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed including
pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact
on the targeted audience(s). If appropriate, describe the methodology
and results of the needs assessment. Applicants should describe how the
capacity built will improve program production or program delivery.
Demonstrate the need for assistance under this Program, including
financial ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed
program.
(b) Strategy. (i) Capacity Assessment. Include a detailed
assessment of capacity or a fully developed plan for assessing
capacity. Areas of consideration include, but are not limited to:
faculty/staff development; support resources; production/technical
capability; delivery capability; building learner capacity.
(ii) Evaluation Plan. Describe both formative and summative design
for evaluating specific aspects of the project. These designs may
include methods for evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in
terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving,
immediate application, meeting learner need, and/or potential for
replication.
(iii) Outreach Plan. Describe a plan for informing others about
positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative
ideas, research findings from the project.
(c) Sustainability. (i) Sustainability. Include strong evidence of
the project's ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.
Examples may include replication by others; continued funding other
than from this Program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or
use of ideas and results of project by others.
(ii) Institutional Commitment. Discuss institutional commitment to
the project. For example, substantiate that the institution(s)
attributes a priority to the project; discuss how the project will
contribute to the achievement of the
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institution's(s') long-term (five- to ten-year) goals; explain how the
project will help satisfy the institution's(s') high priority
objectives; or show how this project is linked to and supported by the
institution's(s') strategic plan.
(iii) Partnerships and Collaboration. Describe partnerships and
collaborations fostered through this project including expected impact
and benefit to those involved such as the learner, institution, agency,
state, and nation. Partners are defined as all those who will
collaborate on the project. Submit evidence that partnerships are in
place, and that those partners have a substantial role and interest in
the project. Examples of role and interest might include joint risk
taking and shared benefits. Include information about any current
affiliations with established agricultural telecommunications networks
that distribute programs to a wide geographical area.
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
Copies of this solicitation and the Application Submission Package,
which contains required forms, certifications, and instructions for
preparing and submitting project applications, may be obtained by
contacting: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal
Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Stop 2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC
20250-2245. Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Application materials may also be requested via internet by sending
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone
number to psb@reeusda.gov stating that you wish to receive a copy of
the application materials for the FY 1998 Agricultural
Telecommunications Program. The materials will then be mailed to you
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.
B. Content of a Proposal
1. Cover Page. Complete the ``Project Application'' form, Form CFR-
2101, in its entirety. a. One copy of the ``Project Application'' form
must contain the pen-and-ink signatures of the project director and
authorized organizational representative for the applicant
organization.
b. Note that by signing the ``Project Application'' form the
applicant is providing the required certifications set forth in 7 CFR
Part 3017, as amended by 61 FR 250, January 4, 1996, regarding
Debarment and Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018,
regarding Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the
application package for informational purposes only. It is not
necessary to submit the forms to USDA.
2. Table of Contents. For ease in locating information, each
proposal must contain a detailed table of contents just after the
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should include page numbers
for each component of the proposal. Pagination should begin immediately
following the Table of Contents.
3. Project Summary. The proposal must contain a project summary of
200 words or less on a separate page. This page must include the title
of the project and the names of the project director and the applicant
organization, followed by the summary. The summary should be self-
contained, and should describe the situation, targeted audience,
purpose of the project, program goal, methodology, and expected
outcomes of the project.
4. Program Areas. Each proposal must identify the area under which
funds are requested and contain the required information for that area.
Note that the project narrative should be limited to 20 pages in
length.
5. Staffing Pattern and Procedure. Each proposal must describe the
staff needed for project administration, instructional design/
curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. The narrative should demonstrate that the staffing and
implementation procedure will result in an integrated approach
involving content specialists, instructional designers, and quality
production resources, and that the individual staff members proposed
are qualified to perform these roles. The emphasis of the narrative
should be placed on the relationship of the staff expertise to the
proposed effort.
6. Personnel Support. To assist peer reviewers in assessing the
competence and experience of the proposed project staff, key personnel
who will be involved in the proposed project must be identified
clearly. For each project director involved, and for all senior
associates and other professional personnel who are expected to work on
the project, whether or not funds are sought for their support, the
following should be included:
(a) An estimate of the time commitments necessary;
(b) A curriculum vitae limited to the presentation of academic,
research and extension credentials, e.g., educational, employment and
professional history, and honors and awards, with emphasis on their
relationship to the effort being proposed. Unless pertinent to the
project, to personal status, or the status of the organization--
meetings attended, seminars given, or personal data such as birth date,
marital status, or community activities should not be included. The
vitae shall be no more than two pages in length, excluding the
publication list(s); and
(c) Publication List(s). A chronological list of the most
representative publications during the past five years as it relates to
the proposed effort, including those in press, must be provided for
each professional project member for whom a curriculum vitae is
provided. Authors should be listed in the same order as they appear on
each paper cited, along with the title and complete reference as these
items usually appear in journals.
7. A. Budget. A detailed budget is required for each year of
funding requested. In addition, a summary budget is required detailing
requested support for the overall project period. The budget form may
be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under any
of the categories listed on the form, provided that the item or service
for which support is requested is allowable under the authorizing
legislation, the applicable Federal cost principles, and this
solicitation, and can be justified as necessary for the successful
conduct of the proposed project.
The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal
budget(s):
(a) Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges
and may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project
in proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If
salary funds are requested, the number of Professionals and Other
Personnel and the number of full-time equivalents (FTE) must be shown
in the spaces provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the
total salary or rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse
them for time in addition to a regular full-time salary covering the
same general period of employment. Salary funds requested must be
consistent with the normal policies of the institution and with OMB
Circular No. A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.
Administrative and Clerical salaries are normally classified as
indirect costs. However, if requested under A., they must be fully
justified.
(b) Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit
costs if the usual accounting practices of the
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institution provide that institutional contributions to employee
benefits (social security, retirement, etc.) be treated as direct
costs. Fringe benefit costs may be included only for those personnel
whose salaries are charged as a direct cost to the project. See OMB
Circular No. A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, for
further guidance in this area.
(c) Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. As such, items of
necessary instrumentation or other nonexpendable equipment should be
listed individually by description and estimated cost. This applies to
revised budgets, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may change.
Each applicant also must attach to its budget an analysis of the costs
and benefits of purchasing (or leasing) different types of facilities,
equipment, components, hardware and software, and other items.
In addition, pursuant to Section 716(b) of Pub. L. 105-86 (the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998), in the case of any
equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased with funds
provided under this program, entities receiving such funds are
encouraged to use such funds to purchase only American-made equipment
or products.
Note: Sec. 1673(g)(2) of Pub. L. 101-624 identifies that not
more than 10% of the funds appropriated for this program may be
applied to the acquisition and installation of nonexpendable
equipment.
(d) Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be
indicated in general terms with estimated costs.
(e) Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to
project objectives should be described briefly and justified.
(f) Publication Costs/Page Charges. Anticipated costs of preparing
and publishing results of the project being proposed (including page
charges, necessary illustrations, and the cost of a reasonable number
of coverless reprints) may be estimated and charged against the grant.
(g) Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using
specialized facilities (such as a university or department-controlled
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such
services are required for completion of the work.
(h) All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated
costs and justified on a separate sheet of paper attached to the
budget. This applies to revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar
amount(s) may change. Examples may include space rental at remote
locations, subcontractual costs, and charges for consulting services.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for Completing
the Agricultural Telecommunications Program Budget,'' for detailed
guidance relating to this budget category.
(i) Indirect Costs. If requested, the current rate negotiated with
the cognizant Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs
may not exceed the negotiated rate. If no rate has been negotiated, a
reasonable dollar amount in lieu of indirect costs may be requested,
which will be subject to approval by USDA.
B. Matching funds. (1) Proposals must include written verification
of commitments of matching support (including both cash and in-kind
contributions) from third parties. Written verification means:
(a) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant
organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone
number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3)
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (4) the dollar
amount of the cash donation; and (5) a statement that the donor will
pay the cash contribution during the project period; and
(b) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the
applicant organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and
telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant
organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is
made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the
in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor will make the
contribution during the grant period.
(2) The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and
placed in the proposal immediately following the budget form and any
attachment thereto. All pledge agreements must be placed in the
proposal immediately following the summary of matching support.
(3) Applicants should refer to OMB Circulars A-110, ``Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions
of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations,''
and A-122, ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations,'' for
further guidance and other requirements relating to matching and
allowable costs.
8. Current and Pending Support. All proposals must list any other
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which
key personnel identified in the proposal have committed portions of
their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) involved is
included in the budget. Analogous information must be provided for any
pending proposals that are being considered by, or that will be
submitted in the near future to, other possible sponsors, including
other USDA programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of identical or
similar proposals to the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal
review or evaluation by the Administrator for this purpose. However, a
proposal that duplicates or overlaps substantially with a proposal
already reviewed and funded (or that will be funded) by another
organization or agency will not be funded under this program.
9. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As
outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing NEPA),
the environmental data or documentation for any proposed project is to
be provided to CSREES in order to assist CSREES in carrying out its
responsibilities under NEPA. In some cases, however, the preparation of
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is
needed with respect to NEPA (e.g., preparation of an environmental
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), pertinent
information regarding the possible environmental impacts of a proposed
project is necessary; therefore, the National Environmental Policy Act
Exclusions Form (Form CSREES-1234) provided must be included in the
proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion that the
project falls within one or more of the categorical exclusions. Form
CSREES-
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1234 should be included at the end of the proposal. Even though a
project may fall within the categorical exclusions, CSREES may
determine that an EA or an EIS is necessary for an activity, if
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause
such activity to have a significant environmental effects.
Part IV--Submission of a Proposal
A. What To Submit
An original and eight copies of the proposal must be submitted.
Each copy of each proposal must be stapled securely in the upper left
hand corner (Do Not Bind). All copies of the proposal must be submitted
in one package.
B. Where and When To Submit
Proposals must be received on or before (60 days from date of
publication).
Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the following
address: Agricultural Telecommunications Program, c/o Proposal Services
Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP
2245, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-2245,
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Proposals that are delivered by Express mail, courier service, or
by hand must be submitted to the following address (Note that the zip
code differs from that shown above): Agricultural Telecommunications
Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, Office of extramural Programs,
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Part V--Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
A. Selection Process
1. All proposals will be acknowledged.
2. Each proposal will be evaluated in a two-part process. First,
each proposal will be screened to ensure it meets the requirements as
set forth in this solicitation. Proposals that meet these requirements
will be technically evaluated by a peer review panel using the criteria
identified in the annual solicitation, as appropriate. Each proposal
will be judged on its own merits.
3. Final decisions will be made by USDA based upon the individual
views of the panel members and consideration of other factors,
including the budget limitation.
B. Evaluation Criteria
The maximum score a proposal can receive is 100 points. The peer
review panel will be selected and organized to provide maximum
expertise and objective judgment in the evaluation of proposals. In the
event the number of proposals accepted exceed dollars available,
proposals will be ranked and support levels will be recommended by the
panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in FY 1998.
The projects will be judged based on the following criteria.
1. Program Delivery and Innovative Program Development/Production
(a) Project Need--40 points.
Did the proposal describe the background and situation leading to
the need for the project? Is the project based on a need articulated by
an audience, or on a needs assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for
whom the project will be designed described, including pertinent
history identified in need, demographics, and expected impact on
audience? If appropriate, are methodology and results of needs
assessment described? Did the proposal demonstrate the need for
assistance under this Program, including a statement of financial
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the
impact of participation in this Program on this ability?
(b) Strategy--40 points. (1) Partnerships and Collaboration. Are
partnerships and collaborations fostered through this project
described, including expected impact and benefit to those involved such
as learner, institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence
that partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a
substantial role and interest in the project and are examples of role
and interest given, including joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is
evidence provided of any current affiliations with established
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a
wide geographical area?
(ii) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies. Does the proposal
include a plan for the development and employment of alternative
distance learning technologies including, but not limited to, internet,
multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies?
(iii) Infrastructure. Does the proposal include a framework
representing both the technological and human infrastructure including,
but not limited to, technical trouble-shooting, scheduling and
operation management, and learner and program support? Is there
evidence of learner support including, but not limited to, facilitation
of access, accommodation for diversity in special needs and learning
styles, and recognition of need for alternative modes of program design
and delivery?
(iv) Innovation. Does the proposal describe how the application of
distance education/learning delivery identified in the project is
innovative? Are examples provided that may include, but are not limited
to, approaches in reaching audiences; methods of connectivity and/or
interaction; use of existing resources with innovations in the
teaching/learning transaction; entrepreneurial approaches to distance
education delivery.
(v) Outreach Plan. Is there an outreach plan articulating an
approach for informing others about positive and negative outcomes,
results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and findings from the
project?
(vi) Evaluation Plan. Are both formative and summative design for
evaluating specific aspects of the project described? Do they include
evaluating the overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching
and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application,
meeting learner needs, and/or potential for replication?
(c) Sustainability--20 points. (i) Project Sustainability. Does the
proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability to continue
and grow after receiving the funding? Does this evidence include
replication by others; continued funding other than from this program,
or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and results
of project by others?
(ii) Cost/Benefit. Does the proposal include a cost-benefit
analysis of the proposed project, including comparison to other
delivery methods, relative benefit to learner, and staffing costs
versus benefits?
2. Capacity Building
(a) Project Need--20 points. Did the proposal describe the
background and situation leading to the need for the project? Is the
project based on a need articulated by an audience, or on a needs
assessment? Are the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be
designed described, including pertinent history identified in terms of
need, demographics, and expected impact on an audience? If appropriate,
are the
[[Page 33496]]
methodology and results of needs assessment described? Did the
applicant describe how the capacity built will improve program
production or program delivery? Did the proposal demonstrate the need
for assistance under this Program, including a statement of financial
ability or inability to otherwise pursue the proposed program and the
impact of participation in this Program on this ability?
(b) Strategy--30 points. (i) Capacity Assessment. Is a detailed
assessment of capacity or a fully developed plan for assessing capacity
included? Does the assessment include faculty/staff development;
support resources; production/technical capability; delivery
capability; building learner capacity?
(ii) Evaluation Plan. Are both formative and cummative design for
evaluating specific aspects of the project described? Do they include
evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Program in terms of
teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate
application, meeting learner needs, and/or potential for replication?
(iii) Outreach. Does the outreach plan articulate an approach for
informing others about positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons
learned, innovative ideas, and findings from the project?
(c) Sustainability--50 points. (i) Sustainability. Does the
proposal present strong evidence of the project's ability to continue
and grow after receiving the funding? Does this evidence include
replication by others; continued funding other than from this Program,
or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and results
of project by others?
(ii) Institutional Commitment. Does the proposal discuss the
institutional commitment to the project? Does the proposal substantiate
that the institution(s) attributes a priority to the project; discuss
how the project will contribute to the achievement of the
institution's(s') long-term (five- to ten-year) goals; explain how the
project will help satisfy the institution's(s') high priority
objectives; or show how this project is linked to and supported by the
institution's(s') strategic plan?
(iii) Partnerships and Collaboration. Are partnerships and
collaborations fostered through this project described, including
expected impact and benefit to those involved such as learner,
institution, agency, state, and nation? Is there evidence that
partnerships are in place, and that those partners have a substantial
role and interest in the project? Are examples of role and interest
given including joint risk taking and shared benefits? Is evidence
provided of any current affiliations with established agricultural
telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a wide
geographical area?
Part VI--Supplementary Information
A. Access to Peer Review Information
Information regarding the peer review process will be made
available to the extent permitted under the Freedom of Information Act
(5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a), and implementing
Departmental and other Federal regulations. Implementing Departmental
regulations are found at 7 CFR Part 1.
B. Grant Awards
1. General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious in the announced
program area and under the procedures set forth in this solicitation.
The date specified by the Administrator as the effective date of the
grant shall be no later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in
which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated
for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted
that the project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but
as soon thereafter as practicable so that project goals may be attained
within the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under
this solicitation shall be expended solely for the purpose for which
the funds are granted in accordance with the approved application and
budget, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal
cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations (Parts
3015, 3016, and 3019 of 7 CFR).
2. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this part
if such information has not been provided previously under this or
another program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies
of forms recommended for use in fulfilling the requirements contained
in this section will be provided by the sponsoring agency as part of
the preaward process.
3. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
(a) The grant award document shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
(1) Legal name and address of performing organization.
(2) Title of project.
(3) Name(s) and address(es) of Project Director(s).
(4) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department.
(5) Project period, which specifies how long the Department intends
to support the effort.
(6) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved
during the project period.
(7) Legal authority under which the grant is awarded.
(8) Approved budget plan for categorizing project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award.
(9) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by the
Department to carry out its granting activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular grant.
(b) The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will
provide pertinent instructions and information to the grantee which are
not included in the grant award document described above.
C. Use of Funds; Changes
1. Delegation of fiscal responsibility. The grantee may not in
whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution,
or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of grant
funds.
2. Change in project plans. (a) The permissible changes by the
grantee, project director(s), or other key project personnel in the
approved project grant shall be limited to changes in methodology,
techniques, or other aspects of the project to expedite achievement of
the project's approved goals. If the grantee and/or the project
director(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
(b) Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
(c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.
(d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic
work in
[[Page 33497]]
whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether or not
Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee and
approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers.
3. Changes in project period. The project period may be extended by
CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of
a grant.
4. Changes in approved budget. Changes in an approved budget must
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to
instituting such changes if the revision will result in a need or claim
for the award of additional funds or involve transfers or expenditures
of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the applicable
Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or in the grant
award.
D. Other Federal Statutes and Regulations that Apply
Several other Federal statutes and/or regulations apply to grant
proposals considered for review and to project grants awarded under
this part. These include but are not limited to:
7 CFR Part 1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information
Act.
7 CFR Part 3, as amended by 62 FR 40924 and 60451--USDA
implementation of OMB Circular A-129, regarding debt collection.
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR Part 3015, as amended by 62 FR 45947--USDA Uniform Federal
Assistance Regulations, implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular
Nos. A-21, and A-22) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-
6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977,
Pub. L. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to
recipients of Departmental financial assistance.
7 CFR Part 3017, as amended by 61 FR 250, January 4, 1996--USDA
implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension
(Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free
Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR Part 3019, as amended by 62 FR 45934--USDA implementation of
OMB Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Other Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and
Other Nonprofit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Institutions.
7 CFR 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR
Part 15B (USDA implementation of statute), prohibiting discrimination
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR
part 401).
E. Other Conditions
The Department may, with respect to any grant, impose additional
conditions prior to or at the time of any award when, in the
Department's judgment, such conditions are necessary to assure or
protect advancement of the approved project, the interests of the
public, or the conservation of grant funds.
Done at Washington, D.C., on this 11th day of June, 1998.
Colien Hefferan,
Acting Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 98-16155 Filed 6-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-M
