[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 121 (Friday, June 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32282-32289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15851]
[[Page 32281]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VIII
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996; Solicitation
of Proposals; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 121 / Friday, June 21, 1996 /
Notices
[[Page 32282]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996;
Solicitation of Proposals
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service,
USDA.
ACTION: Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1996;
Solicitation of Proposals.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service is soliciting proposals under the Agricultural
Telecommunications Program. The Agricultural Telecommunications Program
is authorized in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
1990. It is anticipated that grants will be awarded competitively under
the program in support of the following areas: (1) Program Delivery,
(2) Innovative Program Development/Production, and (3) Capacity
Building.
DATES: Proposals must be received by close of business August 23, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the
following address: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch,
Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State, Research, Education,
and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245,
Washington, DC 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: Proposal Services Unit,
Grants Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative
State, Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW., Washington,
DC 20024, Telephone (202) 401-5048.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cathy Bridwell, 202-720-6084 for programmatic issues, or Winston
Sherman, 202-401-5050 for administrative issues.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Program Description
(a) Purpose
(b) Available Funding
(c) Eligibility
(d) Definitions
(e) Application Categories
(f) Proposal Review
(g) Evaluation Criteria
How to Obtain Application Materials
Proposal Format
(a) Project Application (Form CFD-2101)
(b) Project Description
(c) Application Category
(d) Staffing Pattern and Procedure
(e) Personnel Support
(f) Budget
(g) Current and Pending Support
(h) Organizational and Management Information
Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Proposal Disposition
Proposal Submission
(a) What to Submit
(b) Where and When to Submit
Supplementary Information
(a) Federal Assistance Awards
(b) Obligation of the Federal Government
(c) Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
Program Description
(a) Purpose
Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive
grants for fiscal year (FY) 1996 under the Agricultural
Telecommunications Program (Program). Grants will be awarded to
eligible institutions to assist in 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. No. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926). The program is
administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.
(b) Available Funding
For fiscal year 1996, $1,106,760 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. No. 101-624 (7 U.S.C. 5926(g)). For the purpose of determining the
non-Federal share of such costs, consideration will be given to
contributions in cash and in-kind, fairly evaluated, including, but not
limited to premises, equipment and services. Project funds will be
awarded for one fiscal year. Applicants may recompete for additional
funding, but projects will not be renewed.
(c) 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. No. 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 distributes 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.
In addition to the above, an applicant must qualify as a
responsible applicant in order to be eligible for a grant under the
program. To qualify as responsible, an applicant must meet the
following standards:
(1) Adequate financial resources for performance, the necessary
experience, organizational and technical qualifications, and
facilities, or a firm commitment, arrangement, or ability to obtain the
same (including any to be obtained through sub-agreement(s)/
contract(s));
(2) Ability to comply with the proposed or required completion
schedule for the project;
(3) Adequate financial management system and audit procedures that
provide efficient and effective
[[Page 32283]]
accountability and control of all funds, property, and other assets;
(4) Satisfactory record of integrity, judgment, and performance,
including, in particular, any prior performance under grants and
contracts from the Federal Government;
(5) Otherwise be qualified and eligible to receive Federal
assistance under the applicable laws and regulations; and
(d) Definitions
For the purpose of awarding funding under this program, the
following definitions are applicable:
(1) Administrative costs means the total of direct and indirect
costs as defined in 7 CFR 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance
Regulations, related to the operation of a project under this program;
(2) Administrator means the Administrator of CSREES and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority to issue or
modify grant instruments has been 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) Awarding official means the Administrator or any other officer
or employee of the Department to whom the authority to issue or modify
Agricultural Telecommunications grant instruments on behalf of the
Department has been delegated.
(5) 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;
(6) Delivery means the transmission and reception of programs by
facilities that transmit, receive, or carry data between
telecommunications terminal equipment at each of a telecommunications
terminal equipment at each end of a telecommunications circuit or path;
(7) Facilities includes microwave antennae, fiberoptic cables and
repeaters, coaxial cables, communications satellite ground station
complexes, copper cable electronic equipment associated with
telecommunications transmission;
(8) Grant means the assistance award by the Administrator to a
grantee to develop agricultural telecommunications programs utilizing
an agricultural telecommunications network;
(9) Grantee means the entity designated in the grant award document
as the responsible legal entity to whom a grant is awarded;
(10) Peer Review Panel means a group of appropriate employees of
the Federal Government qualified to give advice on the merit of grant
applications submitted under this program;
(11) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the
program as identified herein that is supported by a grant under this
program;
(12) Project Director means the individual who is responsible for
technical direction of the project, as designated by the grantee in the
award proposal and approved by the Administrator,
(13) Project Period means the total time approved by the
Administrator for conducting the proposed project as outlined in the
approved Federal assistance proposal or the approved portions thereof.
(e) Application Categories
Applicants may submit proposals in any of the following program
areas as specified in the authorization: (1) Program Delivery, (2)
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (3) Capacity Building.
(1) Program Delivery
(A) Description
Applicants may submit a proposal in the Program Delivery Category
requesting funding to 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 of Agriculture. The project
goal(s) and objective(s) must be clearly stated in the proposal.
Proposals in this category must clearly target a systematic approach to
building an infrastructure to deliver programming at a distance.
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 as described must meet the need.
Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the
institution or by other groups or institutions who may wish to continue
the project.
(B) Proposal Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed
14 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
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.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) 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.
(b) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies
Describe alternative distance learning technologies including, but
not limited to, internet, multimedia, audio/visual,
[[Page 32284]]
and other telecommunications technologies to be developed or employed
in this project.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Outreach Plan
Describe a plan for informing others about positive and negative
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and research
findings from the project.
(f) 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 needs, and/or potential for replication.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(2) Innovative Program Development/Production
(A) Description
Applicants submitting a proposal in the Innovative Program
Development/Production Category must demonstrate an innovation to
distance education programming. The innovation might be a new approach
or a new approach to a traditional model of distance education. The
project should contribute some aspect to the body of knowledge of
distance education. Examples might include innovative approaches to
entrepreneurship, evaluation, and the teaching/learning transaction.
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 must meet the identified need.
Evidence must be given that the project will be supported by the
institution or by other groups or institutions who may wish to continue
the project.
(B) Project Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed
15 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
(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) Innovation
Describe the innovative application of distance education/learning
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.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) Instructional Methodology/Strategies
Explain the instructional/educational method or strategy to be
implemented including appropriateness for audience and learning
environment. Explanation should demonstrate knowledge of how people
learn and/or interact in a mediated environment.
(b) 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 needs, and/or potential for replication.
(c) Outreach Plan
Describe a plan for informing others positive and negative
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, and research
findings from the project.
(d) 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 risktaking and shared benefits. Include
information about any current affiliations with established
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a
wide geographical area.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
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
[[Page 32285]]
program, or opportunities for sale of products; and/or use of ideas and
results of project by others.
(3) Capacity Building
(A) Description
Applicants submitting proposals in this category should target the
development of capacity in the area of distance education at the
university, state, regional, or 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) in 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 or institutions who may wish to continue
the project.
(B) Project Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must describe how the project
meets the three broad principles identified above. It must not exceed
15 pages in length and no additional material or appendix will be
considered. The narrative should contain the following sections:
(i) Principle One-Need
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 audiences(s) for which
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.
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.
(ii) Principle Two-Strategy
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) Outreach Plan
Describe a plan for informing others about positive and negative
outcomes, results, lessons learned, innovative ideas, research findings
from the project.
(iii) Principle Three-Sustainability
(a) 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.
(b) 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 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.
(c) 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.
(f) Proposal Review
All proposals received will be acknowledged. A preliminary review
will be made for responsiveness to this solicitation; proposals that do
not fall within the solicitation guidelines will be eliminated from
competition. All remaining proposals will be reviewed by a peer review
panel comprised of full-time Federal employees and will be evaluated
against criteria included in the announcement.
(g) 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 outnumbered dollars available,
proposals will be ranked and supported levels will be recommended by
the panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in FY
1996.
(1) Program Delivery
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--40 Points
Project Need
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) Principle Two-Strategy--40 Points
(i) 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
[[Page 32286]]
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 research 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
need, and/or potential for replication?
(C) Principle Three-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) Innovative Program Development/Production
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--30 Points
(i) Project Need
Does 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?
(ii) Innovation
Does the proposal describe how the application of distance
education/learning 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?
(B) Principle Two-Strategy--50 Points
Does the proposal make the case that the strategy outlined will
accomplish the goals and meet the need(s) identified in part one?
(i) Instructional Methodology/Strategies
Is the instructional/educational method or strategy to be
implemented explained, including its appropriateness for the audience
and learning environment? Does the explanation demonstrate knowledge of
how people learn and/or interact in a mediated environment?
(ii) 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
need, and/or potential for replication?
(iii) Outreach Plan
Does the outreach plan articulate an approach for informing others
about positive and negative outcomes, results, lessons learned,
innovative ideas, and research findings from the project?
(iv) 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 such as 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?
(C) Principle Three-Sustainability--20 Points
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?
(3) Capacity Building
Evaluation Criteria and Weight
(A) Principle One-Need--20 Points
Project Need
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 audience? If appropriate, are the
[[Page 32287]]
methodology and results of needs assessment described? Did the
applicant describe how the capability 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) Principle Two-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 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
need, 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 research findings from the project?
(C) Principle Three-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') 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 by any current affiliations with established
agricultural telecommunications networks that distribute programs to a
wide geographical area?
How to Obtain 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: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch, Office of
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245,
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 that states that you wish to receive a copy
of the application materials for the FY 1996 Agricultural
Telecommunications Program. The materials will then be mailed to you
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.
Proposal Format
Members of the review committees and the staff expect each project
description to be complete in itself and should address the described
criteria. Proposals should adhere to the following format:
(a) Project Application (Form CFD-2101). All full proposals
submitted by eligible applicants should contain a Project Application,
Form CFD-2101, which must be signed by the proposed project director
and endorsed by the cognizant Authorized Organizational Representative
who possesses the necessary authority to commit the applicant's time
and other relevant resources. The title of the proposal must be brief
(80-character maximum), yet represent the major emphasis of the
project. Because this title will be used to provide information to
those who may not be familiar with the proposed project, highly
technical words or phraseology should be avoided where possible.
(b) Project Description. Each proposal must contain a clear and
concise overview (abstract) of the project. The overview should
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project. The abstract
should not exceed 200 words.
(c) Application Category: Each proposal must state the category
under which funds are requested and contain the required information
described under section (e) of the Program Description Application
Categories.
(d) Staffing Pattern and Procedure. Each proposal must describe the
staff needed for project administration, instructional design/
curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion. 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.
(e) 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 expect to work on the
project, whether or not funds are sought for their support, the
following should be included:
(1) An estimate of the time commitments necessary;
(2) Curriculum vitae. The curriculum vitae should be limited to a
presentation of academic and research credentials, e.g., educational,
employment and professional history, and honors and awards. 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 each in length,
excluding the publication lists. The Department reserves the option of
not forwarding for further consideration a proposal in which each vitae
exceeds the two-page limit; and
(3) Publication List(s). A chronological list of the most
representative publications during the past five years, including those
in press, must be provided for each professional project member for
whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Authors should be
[[Page 32288]]
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.
(f) Budget. A detailed budget is required. A copy of the form which
must be used for this purpose, Form CFD-2102, along with instructions
for completion, is included in the Application Submission Package and
may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be requested under
any of the categories listed, provided that the item or service for
which support is requested may be identified as necessary for
successful conduct of the proposed project, is allowable under
applicable Federal cost principles, and is not prohibited under any
applicable Federal statute. While some funds are available for the
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent (10%)
of the funds available may be awarded for that purpose. As stated under
section (b) of the Program Description Available Funding, for each
grant the Federal funds provided may be for no more than 50 percent of
the cost of the proposed project unless otherwise determined by the
Secretary.
Applicants' budgets shall specify the total cost of the proposed
program, the amount of assistance requested for the proposed program,
and other sources of funding that will be used for the proposed
program. 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.
(g) Current and Pending Support. All proposals must list any other
current public or private research 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.
The application material includes Form CSREES-663 which is suitable for
listing current and pending support.
(h) Organizational Management Information. Specific management
information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one-time
basis prior to the award of a grant for this Program if such
information has not been provided previously under this or another
program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. The Department
will contact an applicant to request organizational management
information once a proposal has been recommended for funding.
Compliance With the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA)
As outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing
NEPA), 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 or documentation may not be required. Certain
categories of actions are excluded from the requirements of NEPA. The
applicant shall review the following categorical exclusions and
determine if the proposed project may fall within one or more of the
exclusions.
(1) Department of Agriculture Categorical Exclusions (7 CFR 1b.3).
(i) Policy development, planning and implementation which are
related to routine activities such as personnel, organizational
changes, or similar administrative functions;
(ii) Activities which deal solely with the funding of programs,
such as program budget proposals, disbursements, and transfer or
reprogramming of funds;
(iii) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as
resource inventories and routine data collection when such actions are
clearly limited in context and intensity;
(iv) Educational and informational programs and activities;
(v) Civil and criminal law enforcement and investigative
activities;
(vi) Activities which are advisory and consultative to other
agencies and public private entities; and
(vii) Activities related to trade representation and market
development activities abroad.
(2) CSREES Categorical Exclusions
(7 CFR 3407.6).
Based on previous experience, the following categories of CSREES
actions are excluded because they have been found to have limited scope
and intensity and to have no significant individual or cumulative
impacts on the quality of human environment:
(i) The following categories of research programs or projects
limited in size and magnitude with only short-term effects on the
environment:
(A) Research conducted within any laboratory, greenhouse, or other
contained facility where research practices and safeguards prevent
environmental impacts;
(B) Surveys, inventories, and similar studies that have limited
context and minimal intensity in terms of changes in the environment;
and
(C) Testing outside of the laboratory, such as in small isolated
field plots, which involves the routine use of familiar chemicals or
biological materials.
(ii) Routine renovation, rehabilitation, or revitalization of
physical facilities, including the acquisition and installation of
equipment, where such activity is limited in scope and intensity.
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 with the application
materials 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 listed above.
Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions,
CSREES may determine that an EA or an EIS is necessary for a proposed
project should substantial controversy on environmental grounds exist
or if other extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present that
may cause a project to have a significant environmental effect.
Proposal Disposition
When the peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the
USDA program coordinator, based on the recommendations of the peer
review panel, will recommend to the awarding official that the project
be (a) approved for support from currently available funds or (b)
declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.
USDA reserves the right to negotiate with the Project Director and/
or the submitting entity regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions
in scope of work), funding level, or period of
[[Page 32289]]
support prior to recommending any project for funding.
A proposal may be withdrawn at any time before a final funding
decision is made. One copy of each proposal that is not selected for
funding (including those that are withdrawn) will be retained by USDA
for one year and remaining copies will be destroyed.
Proposal Submission
(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 by close of business August 23, 1996.
Proposals sent by First Class mail must be sent to the following
address: Proposal Services Unit, Grants Management Branch, Office of
Extramural Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2245,
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 (not that the zip
code differs from that shown above): Proposal Services Unit. Grants
Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs, Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 303, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street SW, Washington,
DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
Supplementary Information
(a) Federal Assistance Awards
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official shall make awards to those responsible, eligible applicants
whose proposals are judged most meritorious under the evaluation
criteria and procedures set forth in these application guidelines.
The date specified by the awarding official as the beginning of the
project period shall be not later than September 30, 1996.
All funds awarded under the Program shall be expended solely for
the purpose for which the funds are awarded in accordance with the
approved application and budget, the terms and conditions of any
resulting award, the applicable Federal cost principles, and the USDA
Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (7 CFR Parts 3015 and 3019).
(b) Obligation of the Federal Government
Neither the approval of any application nor the award of any
Federal assistance commits or obligates the United States in any way to
provide further support of a project or any portion thereof.
(c) Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations That Apply
Federal statutes and regulations that apply to Federal assistance
proposals considered for review or grants awarded under the Program
include, but are not limited to, the following:
7 CFR part 1.1--USDA Implementation of the Freedom of Information
Act;
7 CFR part 1b--USDA Implementation of the National Environmental
Policy Act;
7 CFR part 3--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;
7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., Circular Nos. A-110, A-21, and A-
122) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly, the
Federal Grant the Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. 95-224),
as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of
Departmental financial assistance;
7 CFR part 3016--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments;
7 CFR part 3017, as amended--USDA Implementation of Governmentwide
Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide
Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants);
7 CFR part 3018--USDA Implementation of New 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--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for
Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals,
and Other Non-Profit Organizations implementing OMB Circular A-110;
7 CFR part 3051--Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and
Other Nonprofit Institutions, implementing OMB Circular A-133,
regarding audits of institutions of higher education and other
nonprofit institutions.
29 U.S.C. 794, Section 504--Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR
part 15B (USDA implementation of the statute), prohibiting
discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally
assisted programs; and
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).
Done at Washington, D.C., on this 17 day of June 1996.
B.H. Robinson,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-15851 Filed 6-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-09-M
