[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30760-30766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-14197]
[[Page 30759]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VIII
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
_______________________________________________________________________
Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 111 / Friday, June 9, 1995 /
Notices
[[Page 30760]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
Agricultural Telecommunications Program
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service,
Department of Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: Agricultural Telecommunications Program; Fiscal Year 1995;
Request for Proposals; Application Guidelines.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Barbara A. White, 202-720-3029 for program information, or Margaret
Bell, Cooperative Funds Division, Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service, USDA, 202-401-4314, for fiscal or
budget information.
Program Description
(a) Purpose
Proposals are requested for the purpose of awarding competitive
grants for fiscal year 1995 under the Agricultural Telecommunications
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. 101-624. The program is administered by the Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of USDA.
(b) Available Funding
For fiscal year 1995, $1.221 million is available for the program.
Grants under this program may provide funds for no more than 50 percent
(50%) of the cost of a propose project, unless otherwise determined by
the Secretary. 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.
(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.
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 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; and
(5) Otherwise be qualified and eligible to receive Federal
assistance under the applicable laws and regulations.
(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 part 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,
cooperation extension programming, agricultural research, and marketing
information;
(4) ``Awarding official'' means the Administrator, CSREES, 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 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 [[Page 30761]] 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, CSREES, USDA;
(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.
Proposal Preparation
(a) Proposal Cover Page
(1) Title of Proposal
The title of the proposal must be brief (80-charactermaximum) yet
represent the major thrust of the project.
(2) Other Information
Include the following information on the proposal cover page:
(a) Name, address, telephone, fax number, and e-mail address of
applicant and project director.
(b) Signatures and date. The cover page must contain the original
signatures of the Project Director and the Authorized Organizational
Representative who possesses the necessary authority to commit the
applicant's time and other relevant resources.
(c) Project Summary. Each proposal must contain a 200-word abstract
containing a brief description of the project. The abstract should
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
(d) Application Category. Each proposal must state the category
under which funds are requested.
Application Categories
Applicants may submit proposals in any of the following program
areas as specified in the authorization: (a) Program Delivery, (b)
Innovative Program Development/Production, and (c) Capacity Building.
(a) Program Delivery
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.
Proposal Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal is limited to 20 pages in
length. No other material will be considered. The narrative should
contain the following sections:
(1) Project Need
Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need,
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
(2) Audience Description
Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and
expected impact on audience.
(3) 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.
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure
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. Provide an outline (management
plan) demonstrating integration.
(5) Project Sustainability
Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program.
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.
(6) Budget
A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following
line items: salary costs, fringe benefits costs, equipment, materials
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working on the
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they
will devote to the project.
In addition to the initial required information under Project
Description (Project Need; Audience Description: Partnerships and
Collaboration; Staffing Pattern and Procedure; Sustainability and
Budget), the proposal must define a structure for the technical design
and development of the delivery system, including:
(7) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies
Development and employment of alternative distance learning
technologies including, but not limited to, internet, multimedia,
audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies.
(8) Learner and Program Support
Each proposal should include 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. There should be a
plan for learner and program support.
(9) Innovation
Innovative application of distance delivery including, but not
limited to, approaches in reaching audience; methods of connectivity
and/or interaction; use of existing resources; and innovations in the
teaching-learning transaction.
(10) Infrastructure
Framework representing both the technological and human
infrastructure including, but not limited to, technical
troubleshooting, scheduling and operation.
(11) Marketing
Marketing plan including, but not limited to, rationale for
promotional effort; logistical considerations; convincing tie to needs
assessment. [[Page 30762]]
(12) Cost/Benefit
The proposal must 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) Innovative Program Development/Production
Applicants submitting an application in the Innovative Program
Development/Production Category must demonstrate a creative approach to
distance education programming. Examples might include: Pilot projects
demonstrating innovative combinations of satellite/video, computer
networking, audio conferencing, and/or wrap-around plans and materials;
inclusion of limited resource audiences; match of audience needs/
characteristics to delivery system; and design of evaluation protocol
for measuring teaching-learning transaction.
An integrated approach to instructional design should be evident
including subject-matter content, educational methodology and
compatible production and delivery techniques.
Project Narrative
The narrative portion of the proposal must not exceed 20 pages in
length. No additional material will be considered. The narrative should
contain the following sections:
(1) Project Need
Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need,
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
(2) Audience Description
Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and
expected impact on audience.
(3) 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.
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure
Describe the staff needs 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. Provide an outline (management
plan) demonstrating integration.
(5) Project Sustainability
Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program.
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.
(6) Budget
A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following
line items: salary costs, firing benefits costs, equipment, materials
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working on the
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they
will devote to the project.
(7) Specific Learning Objectives
Learning objectives should be stated in terms of behavioral changes
expected to occur in the audience(s) based on participation in the
program, not in terms of what the program will deliver.
(8) 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.
(9) Content/Curriculum
Each proposal should include detailed outline of curriculum to be
included in the program, including, but not limited to, overview of
content, learner activities, mechanism for evaluating learning outcome.
(10) Production Techniques
Provide detailed explanation of production techniques used in
producing and delivery of program. It should be clear from the
narrative how subject-matter content, instructional method/strategy,
and production will be integrated.
(11) On-site Activities
Innovative design for implementation of on-site or personal
learning environment (i.e., creative design and implementation plan for
support materials and enrichment activities for on-site and personal
learning environments).
(12) Interactivity
Describe the expected level of interactivity necessary based on
principles underlying teaching-learning transaction, sound
instructional design, and mode of delivery used.
(13) Program Evaluation
Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating success
in meeting learning objective(s) listed under Project Need. In
addition, describe strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of
program in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-
solving, immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for
replication.
(14) Marketing Plan
Describe the marketing plan including rationale for promotional
effort, logistical considerations, and evidence that plan will reach
intended audience.
(c) Capacity Building
Proposals in this category should target a specific need in the
area of distance education. The need may be at the university, regional
or national level. The proposal must include:
(1) detailed plan for assessing capability; and
(2) existing plan for targeting need based on completed assessment.
Project Narrative
Project narratives should be no more than 20 pages in length. No
additional materials will be considered. The narrative portion of the
proposal should contain the following sections:
(1) Project Need
Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need,
goal(s), and supporting objectives. [[Page 30763]]
(2) Audience Description
Describe targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
including pertinent history identified in need, demographics, and
expected impact on audience.
(3) 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.
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure
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. Provide an outline (management
plan) demonstrating integration.
(5) Project Sustainability
Projects should not depend on continued funding from this program.
Each proposal should include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding.
(6) Budget
A budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget is
required. Show all funding sources and itemize costs by the following
line items: Salary costs, fringe benefits costs, equipment, materials
and supplies, travel, publication/printing/duplication costs, computer
costs, and all other costs. While some funds are available for the
acquisition and installation of telecommunications transmission
facilities, applicants are cautioned that no more than 10 percent of
the funds available may be awarded for that purpose.
Funds may be requested under any of the line items listed above
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is
identified as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is
allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal
statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working in the
project may be requested, but must be in proportion to the effort they
will devote to the project.
(7) Capability Assessment
Include a detailed assessment of capability or fully developed plan
for assessing capability. Areas of consideration include, but are not
limited to, faculty development; support resources; production/
technical capability; delivery capability; building learner capacity.
(8) Project Objectives
Project objectives should be stated in terms of what the program
will deliver and should be measurable.
(9) Evaluation
Describe both formative and summative design for evaluating success
in meeting project objective(s). In addition, describe strategy for
evaluating overall effectiveness of program in terms of teaching and
learning, behavior change/problem-solving, immediate application,
meeting learner need, and potential for replication.
(10) Dissemination
Describe the plan for sharing results with institution,
organization or agency, and plan for integration in outreach mission of
institution, organization, or agency.
(11) Institutional Commitment
Discuss the institution's commitment to the project. For example,
substantiate that the institution attributes a high 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 high priority objectives;
or show how this project is linked to and supported by the
institution's strategic plan.
Proposal Review
All proposals received will be acknowledged. Prior to technical
examination, 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 accepted 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.
Evaluation Criteria
The maximum score a proposal can receive is 200 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 outnumber dollars available,
proposals will be ranked and support levels will be recommended by the
panel(s) within the limitation of total funding available in fiscal
year 1995.
(a) Program Delivery
Evaluation Criterion and Weight
(1) Project Need--10 points.
Does the proposal contain a clear and concise statement identifying
the background and situation leading to the project need, goal(s), and
supporting objectives?
(2) Audience Description--10 points.
Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need,
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
(3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedures--10 points.
Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative 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 individuals are qualified to
perform these roles. Is there an outline (management plan)
demonstrating integration?
(5) Project Sustainability--30 points.
Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
(6) Budget--10 points.
Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs. Is
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
Are all items or services for which support is requested identified
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is allowable under
the authorizing legislation and the [[Page 30764]] applicable Federal
cost principles, and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal
statute? Are salaries of project personnel who will be working on the
project in proportion to the effort they will devote to the project?
(7) Alternative Distance Learning Technologies--20 points.
Is there a plan for development and employment of alternative
distance learning technologies including, but not limited to, internet,
multimedia, audio/visual, and other telecommunications technologies?
(8) Learner and Program Support--20 points.
Is there provision of learner and program support?
(9) Innovation--20 points.
Is there a plan for innovation application of distance delivery
including, but not limited to, approaches in reaching audience; methods
of connectivity and/or interaction; use of existing resources; and
innovations in the teaching-learning transaction?
(10) Infrastructure-- 20 points.
Is a framework present representing both the technological and
human infrastructure including, but not limited to, technical trouble-
shooting, scheduling and operation?
(11) Marketing--20 points.
Is there a marketing plan which includes a rationale for
promotional effort, logistical considerations, and convincing tie to
needs assessment?
(12) Cost-Benefit--20 points.
Is there a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including
comparison to other delivery methods, relative benefit to learner, and
staffing costs versus benefits?
(b) Innovative Program Development/Production
Evaluation Criterion and Weight
(1) Project Need--10 points.
Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need,
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
(2) Audience Description--10 points.
Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need,
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
(3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure--10 points.
Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative 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 individuals are qualified to
perform these roles. Is there an outline (management plan)
demonstrating integration?
(5) Project Sustainability--20 points.
Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
(6) Budget--10 points.
Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs. Is
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
Are all items or services for which support is requested identified
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, is allowable under
the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal cost principles,
and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal statute? Are
salaries of project personnel who will be working on the project in
proportion to the effort they will devote to the project?
(7) Specific Learning Objectives--20 points.
Are learning objectives stated in terms of behavioral changes
expected to occur in the audience(s) based on participation in the
program?
(8) Instructional Methodology/Strategies--30 Points.
Is the instructional/educational method or strategy to be
implemented fully explained, including appropriateness for audience and
learning environment. Does the explanation demonstrate knowledge of how
people learn and/or interact in a mediated environment?
(9) Content/Curriculum--10 points.
Is a detailed outline of subject-matter content/curriculum included
in the proposal?
(10) Production Techniques--10 points.
Is a detailed explanation of how the production techniques used in
producing and delivery of program included. Is it clear how subject-
matter content, instructional method/strategy, and production will be
integrated?
(11) On-Site Activities--20 points.
Is there an innovative design for implementation of on-site or
personal learning environment, including creative design and
implementation plan for support materials and enrichment activities for
on-site and personal learning environment?
(12) Interactivity--10 points.
Is there a full description of the expected level of interactivity
necessary based on principles underlying teaching-learning transaction,
sound instructional design, and mode of delivery used?
(13) Program Evaluation--20 points.
Are both formative and summative design for evaluating success in
meeting learning objective(s) listed? Is there convincing evidence that
the described strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of program
measure teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-solving,
immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for
replication?
(14) Marketing Plan--10 points.
Does the marketing plan include a rationale for promotional effort,
logistical considerations, and convincing tie to needs assessment?
(c) Capacity Building
Evaluation Criterion and Weight
(1) Project Need--10 points.
Each proposal must contain a clear and concise statement
identifying the background and situation leading to the project need,
goal(s), and supporting objectives.
(2) Audience Description--10 points.
Is the targeted audience(s) for whom the project will be designed
adequately described, including pertinent history identified in need,
demographics, and expected impact on audience?
(3) Partnerships and Collaboration--10 points.
Are the partnerships and collaborations fostered through this
project including expected impact and benefit to those involved such as
learner, institution, agency, state, and nation adequately described?
(4) Staffing Pattern and Procedure--10 points.
Is the staff needed for project administration, instructional
design/curriculum development, production, evaluation, and marketing/
promotion adequately described? Does the narrative demonstrate that the
staffing and implementation procedure will result in an integrated
approach [[Page 30765]] involving content specialists, instructional
designers, and quality production resources, and that the individuals
are qualified to perform these roles. Is there an outline (management
plan) demonstrating integration?
(5) Project Sustainability--20 points.
Does the proposal include convincing evidence of the project's
ability to continue and grow after receiving the funding?
(6) Budget--10 points.
Is there a budget and a detailed narrative in support of the budget
included in the proposal? Are the following funding sources and
itemized costs shown by the following line items: Salary costs, fringe
benefits costs, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication/
printing/duplication costs, computer costs, and all other costs? Is
less than 10 percent of the funds requested for equipment?
Are all items or services for which support is requested identified
as necessary for successful conduct of the project, allowable under the
authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal cost principles, and
not prohibited under any applicable Federal statute? Are salaries of
project personnel who will be working on the project in proportion to
the effort they will devote to the project?
(7) Capability Assessment--40 points.
Is there a detailed assessment of capability or a fully developed
plan for assessing capability? Does it include the following areas of
consideration: Faculty development, support resources, production/
technical capability, delivery capability, and building learner
capacity?
(8) Project Objectives--20 points.
Are program objectives stated in terms of what the program will
deliver? Are the outcomes measurable and tied to the evaluation
strategy?
(9) Evaluation--20 points.
Does the evaluation include both formative and summative design for
evaluating success in meeting project objective(s)? Is there a
description of the strategy for evaluating overall effectiveness of
program in terms of teaching and learning, behavior change/problem-
solving, immediate application, meeting learner need, and potential for
replication? Are the individuals skilled in evaluation strategies and
procedures?
(10) Dissemination--20 points.
Is there a detailed plan for sharing results with the institution,
organization or agency?
(11) Institutional Commitment--30 points.
Is there evidence to substantiate that the institution attributes
high-priority to the project; that the project is linked to the
achievement of the institution's long-term goals; that is will help
satisfy the institution's high-priority objectives; or that the project
is supported by the institution's strategic plans? Is there a plan for
integration into the outreach mission of the institution, organization,
or agency.
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 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
(1) What to Submit
An original and two 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.
(2) Where and When to Submit
Proposals submitted through regular mail must be received by close
of business July 28, 1995, and sent to:
By Surface Mail (U.S. Postal Service)
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA,
Cooperative Funds Division, Ag Box 0995, Washington, DC 20250-0995
By Overnight Mail or Courier
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA,
Cooperative Funds Division, 2nd Floor Mezzanine, Cotton Annex, 300-12th
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0995, (202) 401-4314
Hard copy proposals must be received by close of business July 28,
1995.
Include the following information on the proposal cover page:
(a) Name, address, telephone, fax number, and e-mail address of
applicant and project director.
(b) Signatures and date. The cover page must contain the original
signatures of the Project Director and the Authorized Organizational
Representative who possesses the necessary authority to commit the
applicant's time and other relevant resources.
(c) Project Summary. Each proposal must contain a 200 word abstract
containing a brief description of the project. The abstract should
describe the situation, targeted audience, purpose of project, program
goal, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
Proposals may also be submitted electronically via the Internet in
addition to the required hard copy version to the address listed. To
obtain a copy of the electronic application submission information,
send an electronic mail message to: [email protected] In the body of
the message, type the following one-line-only message: Send atf-
guidelines. To submit a copy of your proposal electronically, send an
ascii text version to: Atf-proposal@esusda.gov. Additionally, when
submitting electronically, applicants are still required to submit
three hard copies of the Proposal Cover Page which contains original
signatures and date (i.e., three cover pages with original signatures
and date must be submitted even though electronic submission is used).
Electronically submitted proposals and the hard copy Proposal Cover
Pages must be received by close of business July 28, 1995.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(a) Federal Assistance Awards
Within the limits of funds available for such purposes, 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 not be later than September 30, 1994.
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 part
3015). [[Page 30766]]
(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 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 3016--USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments;
7 CFR part 3017--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 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).
Leodrey Williams,
Acting Associate Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 95-14197 Filed 6-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-09-M
