Notices. Notice of Availability of proposed changes in the Virginia NRCS State Technical Guide for review and comment
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/register/2008/02/08/08-522A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Proposed Change to Section IV of the Virginia State Technical Guide AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Notice of Availability of proposed changes in the Virginia NRCS State Technical Guide for review and comment. SUMMARY: It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia that changes must be made in the NRCS State Technical Guide specifically in practice standards: #578, Stream Crossing; #574, Spring Development; #561, Heavy Use Area protection; #575, Animal Trails and Walkways; and #560, Access Road.
These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land. DATES: Comments will be received for a 30-day period commencing with the date of this publication. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquire in writing to John A. Bricker, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 209, Richmond, Virginia 23229-5014; Telephone number
(804)287-1691; Fax number
(804)287-1737. Copies of the practice standards will be made available upon written request to the address shown above or on the Virginia NRCS Web site: *http://www.va.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/draftstandards.html.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 states that revisions made after enactment of the law to NRCS State technical guides used to carry out highly erodible land and wetland provisions of the law shall be made available for public review and comment. For the next 30 days, the NRCS in Virginia will receive comments relative to the proposed changes. Following that period, a determination will be made by the NRCS in Virginia regarding disposition of those comments and a final determination of change will be made to the subject standards. Dated: January 23, 2008. John A. Bricker, State Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Richmond, Virginia. [FR Doc. E8-2321 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-16-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Announcement of Rural Cooperative Development Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications. SUMMARY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of approximately $4.4 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year
(FY)2008 Rural Cooperative Development Grant
(RCDG)Program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications for FY 2008 and award grants on or before September 12, 2008. The maximum award per grant is $200,000 and matching funds are required. DATES: Applications for grants must be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. ADDRESSES: Application materials for a RCDG may be obtained at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm* or by contacting the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office at
(202)720-4323 and pressing “1”. Submit completed paper applications for a grant to Cooperative Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for courier delivery is
(202)720-7558. Submit electronic grant applications at *http://www.grants.gov* , following the instructions found on this Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm* for application assistance or contact your USDA Rural Development State Office at
(202)720-4323 and press “1”, or select the Contacts link at the above Web site. Applicants are encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview *Federal Agency:* Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). *Funding Opportunity Title:* Rural Cooperative Development Grant. *Announcement Type:* Initial announcement. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.771. DATES: *Application Deadline:* Completed applications for grants may be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. I. Funding Opportunity Description RCDGs are authorized by section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)). Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4284, subparts A and F. The primary objective of the RCDG program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. Grant funds are provided for the establishment and operation of Centers that have the expertise or who can contract out for the expertise to assist individuals or entities in the startup, expansion or operational improvement of cooperative businesses. The program is administered through USDA Rural Development State Offices. Definitions The definitions published at 7 CFR 4284.3 and 7 CFR 4284.504 are incorporated by reference. II. Award Information *Type of Award:* Grant. *Fiscal Year Funds:* FY 2008. *Approximate Total Funding:* $4,400,000. *Approximate Number of Awards:* 22 *Approximate Average Award:* $200,000. *Floor of Award Range:* None. *Ceiling of Award Range:* $200,000. *Anticipated Award Date:* September 12, 2008. *Budget Period Length:* 12 months. *Project Period Length:* 12 months. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Grants may be made to nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education. Grants may not be made to public bodies. B. Cost Sharing or Matching Matching funds are required. Applicants must verify in their applications that all matching funds are available for the time period of the grant. The matching fund requirement is 25 percent of the total project cost (5 percent in the case of 1994 Institutions). Unless provided by other authorizing legislation, other Federal grant funds cannot be used as matching funds. However, matching funds may include loan proceeds from Federal sources. Matching funds must be spent in advance or as a pro-rata portion of grant funds being expended. All of the matching funds must be provided by either the applicant or a third party in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. All of the matching funds must be spent on eligible expenses and must be from eligible sources. The Center must be able to document and verify the number of hours worked and the value associated with the in-kind contribution. Additionally, if the in-kind contributions are from board members for their time, travel, incidentals, etc., the Center must have established written policies explaining how these costs are normally reimbursed, including rates. Otherwise, the in-kind contributions will not be considered eligible expenses and may cause the application to be determined ineligible for funding. In-kind contributions provided by individuals, businesses, or cooperatives who are being assisted by the Center can not be provided for the benefit of their own projects as USDA Rural Development considers this to be a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. C. Other Eligibility Requirements *Grant Period Eligibility:* Applications should have a timeframe of no more than 365 days with the time period beginning no earlier than October 1, 2008 and no later than January 1, 2009. Projects must be completed within the 1-year timeframe. The Agency will not approve requests to extend the grant period. *Completeness Eligibility:* Applications without sufficient information to determine eligibility and scoring will be considered ineligible. Applications that are non-responsive to this notice will be considered ineligible. *Activity Eligibility:* Applications must propose the development or continuation of the cooperative development center concept or they will not be considered for funding. Additionally, applications that focus assistance to only one cooperative will not be considered for funding. Applications requesting more than the maximum grant amount will not be considered for funding. Applications that have ineligible costs that equal more than 10 percent of the total project costs will be determined ineligible, and not be considered for funding. If an application has ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project costs and is selected for funding, the applicant must remove all ineligible costs from the budget and replace them with eligible activities or the amount of the grant award will be reduced accordingly. IV. Application and Submission Information A. Address To Request Application Package The application package for applying on paper for this funding opportunity can be obtained at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm* . Alternatively, applicants may contact their USDA Rural Development State Office at
(202)720-4323 and press “1”. For electronic applications, applicants must visit *http://www.grants.gov* and follow the instructions. B. Content and Form of Submission Applications must be submitted on paper or electronically. An application guide may be viewed at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm* . It is recommended that applicants use the template provided on the Web site. The template can be filled out electronically and printed out for submission with the required forms for paper submission or it can be filled out electronically and submitted as an attachment through *http://www.grants.gov* . The submission must include all pages of the application. It is recommended that the application be in black and white, not color. Those evaluating the application will only receive black and white images. If the application is submitted electronically, the applicant must follow the instructions given at *http://www.grants.gov* . Applicants are advised to visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan to apply electronically to ensure they have obtained the proper authentication and have sufficient computer resources to complete the application. Applicants must complete and submit the following elements. The Agency will screen all applications for eligibility and to determine whether the application is complete and sufficiently responsive to the requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review. Information submitted as part of the application will be protected to the extent permitted by law. 1. Form SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance.” The form must be completed, signed and submitted as part of the application package. Please note that applicants are required to have a DUNS number to apply for a grant from USDA Rural Development. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. There is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access *http://www.dnb.com/us/* or call 866-705-5711. For more information, see the RCDG Web site at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm* or contact the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office at
(202)720-4323 and press “1”. 2. Form SF-424A, “Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.” This form must be completed and submitted as part of the application package. 3. Form SF-424B, “Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.” This form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the application package. 4. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants. The Agency is required to make this survey available to all nonprofit applicants. Submitting this form is voluntary. 5. Title Page. The Title Page, not to exceed one page, should include the title of the project as well as any other relevant identifying information. 6. Table of Contents. For ease of locating information, each proposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents
(TOC)immediately following the Title Page. The TOC should include page numbers for each component of the application. 7. Executive Summary. A summary of the proposal, not to exceed two pages, must briefly describe the Center, including project goals and tasks to be accomplished, the amount requested, how the work will be performed (e.g., Center staff, consultants, or contractors) and the percentage of work that will be performed among the parties. 8. Eligibility. The applicant must describe, not to exceed two pages, how it meets the applicant, matching, grant period and activity eligibility requirements. 9. Proposal Narrative. The proposal narrative is limited to a total of 40 pages. i. Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, not to exceed 75 characters, yet describe the essentials of the project. If a title page was included under number 5 above, it is not necessary to include an additional title page under this section. ii. Information Sheet. A separate one-page information sheet listing each of the evaluation criteria referenced in the RFP, followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the proposal that address or support the criteria. If the evaluation criteria are listed on the Table of Contents and specifically and individually addressed in narrative form, then it is not necessary to include an information sheet under this section. iii. Goals of the Project. The applicant must include the following statements in this section of the narrative to demonstrate that the Center is following these statutory requirements: 1. A statement that substantiates that the Center will effectively serve rural areas in the United States; 2. A statement that the primary objective of the Center will be to improve the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development; 3. A description of the contributions that the proposed activities are likely to make to the improvement of the economic conditions of the rural areas for which the Center will provide services; and 4. A statement that the Center, in carrying out its activities, will seek, where appropriate, the advice, participation, expertise, and assistance of representatives of business, industry, educational institutions, the Federal government, and State and local governments. iv. Work Plan. Please see section V. A. 8. for specific requirements on the work plan and budget. The work plan and budget should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 8. It is not necessary to include the work plan and budget under this section. v. Performance Evaluation Criteria. The Agency has established annual performance measures to evaluate the RCDG program. Applicants must provide estimates on the following performance measures. • Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted. • Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted. • Number of cooperatives assisted. • Number of businesses incorporated that are not cooperatives. • Number of cooperatives incorporated. • Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance. • Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance. • Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG funding. • Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG funding. It is permissible to have a zero in a performance element. When calculating jobs created, estimates should be based upon actual jobs to be created by the Center as a result of the RCDG funding or actual jobs to be created by businesses or cooperatives as a result of assistance from the Center. When calculating jobs saved, estimates should be based only on actual jobs that would have been lost if the Center did not receive RCDG funding or actual jobs that would have been lost without assistance from the Center. If the application is selected for funding, the applicant will be required to report actual numbers for these performance elements on a semi-annual basis and in the final performance report. Additional information on post-award requirements can be found in section VI. Applicants may also suggest additional performance criteria in the event the proposal receives grant funding. The criteria are not binding on USDA, but should be specific, measurable performance criteria. The inclusion of additional performance criteria beyond the nine listed above is voluntary. vi. Undertakings. The applicant must include the following statements in this section of the narrative and expressly undertake to do them. 1. Take all practicable steps to develop continuing sources of financial support for the Center, particularly from sources in the private sectors; 2. Make arrangements for the Center's activities to be monitored and evaluated; and 3. Provide an accounting for the money received by the grantee in accordance with 7 CFR part 4284, subpart F. vii. Delivery of Cooperative Development Assistance. Please see section V. A. 7. for specific requirements on delivery of cooperative development assistance. Delivery should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 7. It is not necessary to include discussion on delivery of cooperative development assistance under this section. viii. Qualifications of Personnel. Please see section V. A. 9. for specific requirements on qualifications of personnel. Qualifications of personnel should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 9. It is not necessary to include discussion on qualifications of personnel under this section. ix. Support and commitments. Please see section V. A. 10. for specific requirements on support and commitments. Support and commitments should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 10. It is not necessary to include discussion on support and commitments under this section. x. Future Support. Please see section V. A. 11. for specific requirements on future support. Future support should be presented under proposal evaluation criterion number 11. It is not necessary to include discussion on future support under this section. xi. Proposal Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this funding announcement must be specifically and individually addressed in narrative form. Applications that do not address all of the proposal evaluation criteria will be considered ineligible. See Section V. A. for a description of the Proposal Evaluation Criteria. 10. Certification of Judgment Owed to the United States. Applicants must certify that the United States has not obtained a judgment against them. No grant funds shall be used to pay a judgment obtained by the United States. It is suggested that applicants use the following language for the certification. “[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that the United States has not obtained a judgment against it and will not use grant funds to pay any judgments obtained by the United States.” A separate signature is not required. 11. Certification of Matching Funds. Applicants must certify that matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the total project cost, not less than the required amount of matching funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request for reimbursement. Please note that this certification is a separate requirement from the Verification of Matching Funds requirement. Applicants should include a statement for this section that reads as follows: “[INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] certifies that matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent in advance of grant funding, such that for every dollar of the total project cost, at least 25 cents (5 cents for 1994 Institutions) of matching funds will have been expended prior to submitting the request for reimbursement.” A separate signature is not required. 12. Verification of Matching Funds. Applicants must provide documentation of all proposed matching funds, both cash and in-kind. Matching funds must be spent or donated for goods and services that are eligible expenditures for this grant program as well as be used for eligible purposes. The documentation must be included in Appendix A and will not count towards the 40-page limitation. If matching funds are to be provided in cash, the following requirements must be met. *Applicant:* The application must include a statement verifying
(1)the amount of the cash and
(2)the source of the cash. If the applicant is paying for goods and/or services as part of the matching funds contribution, the expenditure is considered a cash match, and should be verified as such. *Third-party:* The application must include a signed letter from the third party verifying
(1)how much cash will be donated and
(2)when it will be donated. Specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding to the proposed grant period or to the dates within the grant period when matching contributions will be made available, must be included in the letter. If matching funds are to be provided by an in-kind donation, the following requirements must be met. *Applicant:* The application must include a signed letter from the applicant or its authorized representative verifying
(1)the goods and/or services to be donated (i.e., provide the details about the goods and/or services to be provided),
(2)when the goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding to the proposed grant period or to the dates within the grant period when matching contributions will be made available) and
(3)the value of the goods and/or services. *Third-Party:* The application must include a signed letter from the third party verifying
(1)the goods and/or services to be donated (i.e., provide the details about the goods and/or services to be provided),
(2)when the goods and/or services will be donated (i.e., specific dates (month/date/year) corresponding to the proposed grant period or to the dates within the grant period when matching contributions will be made available) and
(3)the value of the goods and/or services. Applicants should note that only goods or services for which no expenditure is made can be considered in-kind. Verification for in-kind contributions that are over-valued will not be accepted. The valuation process for in-kind funds does not need to be included in the application. However, the applicant must be able to demonstrate how the valuation was derived at the time of notification of tentative selection for the grant award. If the applicant cannot satisfactorily demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the grant award may be withdrawn or the amount of the grant may be reduced. Verification for funds donated outside the proposed time period of the grant will not be accepted. Examples of unacceptable matching funds are in-kind contributions from individuals, businesses, or cooperatives being assisted by the Center to benefit their own project, donations of fixed equipment and buildings, and costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application package. Expected program income may not be used to fulfill the matching funds requirement at the time of application. However, if there are contracts in place at the time of application, they may be treated as cash match. If program income is earned during the time period of the grant, it is subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015, subpart F and 7 CFR part 3019.24 and any provisions in the Grant Agreement. C. Submission Dates and Times *Application Deadline Date:* April 8, 2008. *Explanation of Deadlines:* Paper applications must be postmarked by the deadline date (see section IV.F for the address). Electronic applications must be received by *http://www.grants.gov* by the deadline date. If the application does not meet the deadline above, it will not be considered for funding. The applicant will be notified if the application does not meet the submission requirements. The applicant will also be notified by mail or by e-mail if the application is received on time. D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental review of Federal programs, applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single Point of Contact
(SPOC)to facilitate this consultation. For a list of states that maintain an SPOC, please see the White House Web site: *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.* If an applicant's state has an SPOC, the applicant may submit a copy of the application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to USDA Rural Development for consideration as part of the application. If the applicant's state has not established an SPOC, or the applicant does not want to submit a copy of the application, USDA Rural Development will submit the application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies. Applicants are also encouraged to contact the USDA Rural Development State Office for assistance and questions on this process. The USDA Rural Development State Office can be reached at
(202)720-4323 and selecting option “1” or by viewing the following Web site: *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.* E. Funding Restrictions Funding restrictions apply to both grant funds and matching funds. Grant funds may be used to pay up to 75 percent (95 percent where the grantee is a 1994 Institution) of the total project cost. 1. Grant funds and matching funds may be used for, but are not limited to, providing the following to individuals, cooperatives, small businesses and other similar entities in rural areas served by the Center: i. Applied research, feasibility, environmental and other studies that may be useful for the purpose of cooperative development. ii. Collection, interpretation and dissemination of principles, facts, technical knowledge, or other information for the purpose of cooperative development. iii. Training and instruction for the purpose of cooperative development. iv. Loans and grants for the purpose of cooperative development in accordance with this notice and applicable regulations. v. Technical assistance, research services and advisory services for the purpose of cooperative development. 2. No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used for any of the following activities: i. To duplicate current services or replace or substitute support previously provided. If the current service is inadequate, however, grant funds may be used to expand the level of effort or services beyond that which is currently being provided; ii. To pay costs of preparing the application package for funding under this program; iii. To pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant approval; iv. To fund political activities; v. To pay for assistance to any private business enterprise that does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence; vi. To pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States; vii. To plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility, including a processing facility; viii. To purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including laboratory equipment or processing machinery; ix. To pay for the repair of privately owned vehicles; x. To fund research and development; xi. To pay costs of the project where a conflict of interest exists; or xii. To fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 or 3019. F. Other Submission Requirements A paper application for a grant must be submitted to Cooperative Programs, Attn: RCDG Program, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 3250, Room 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250. The phone number that should be used for courier delivery is
(202)720-7558. Electronically submitted applications must apply using the following internet address: *http://www.grants.gov.* Applications may not be submitted by electronic mail, facsimile, or by hand-delivery. Each application submission must contain all required documents in one envelope, if by mail or courier delivery service. V. Application Review Information A. Proposal Evaluation Criteria All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Evaluators will base scores only on the information provided or cross-referenced in each individual evaluation criterion. The maximum amount of points available is 65. 1. *Administrative capabilities.* (0-7 points) The application will be evaluated to determine whether the subject Center has a track record of administering a Nationally-coordinated, regional or state-wide operated project. Centers that have capable financial systems and audit controls, personnel and program administration performance measures and clear rules of governance will receive more points than those not evidencing this capacity. 2. *Technical assistance and other services.* (0-7 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated expertise in providing technical assistance in rural areas. 3. *Economic development.* (0-7 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated ability to assist in the retention of businesses, facilitate the establishment of cooperatives and new cooperative approaches and generate employment opportunities that will improve the economic conditions of rural areas. 4. *Linkages.* (0-7 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's demonstrated ability to create horizontal linkages among businesses within and among various sectors in rural areas of the United States and vertical linkages to domestic and international markets. 5. *Commitment.* (0-7 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's commitment to providing technical assistance and other services to underserved and economically distressed areas in rural areas of the United States. 6. *Matching Funds.* (0, 3 or 5 points) All applicants must demonstrate matching funds equal to at least 25 percent (5 percent for 1994 Institutions) of total project costs. Applications exceeding these minimum commitment levels will receive more points. If the applicant provides eligible matching funds of 25 percent, 0 points will be awarded; 26 to 50 percent, 3 points will be awarded; or greater than 50 percent, 5 points will be awarded. If the applicant is a 1994 Institution and provides eligible matching funds of 5 percent, 0 points will be awarded; 6 to 20 percent, 3 points will be awarded; or greater than 20 percent, 5 points will be awarded. 7. *Delivery.* (0-5 points) The Agency will evaluate whether the Center has a track record of providing technical assistance in rural areas and accomplishing effective outcomes in cooperative development. The Center's potential for delivering effective cooperative development assistance, the expected effects of that assistance, the sustainability of cooperative organizations receiving the assistance, and the transferability of the Center's cooperative development strategy and focus to other States will also be assessed. 8. *Work Plan/Budget.* (0-5 points) The work plan will be reviewed for detailed actions and an accompanying timetable for implementing the proposal. Clear, logical, realistic and efficient plans will result in a higher score. Budgets will be reviewed for completeness and the quality of non-Federal funding commitments. Applicants must discuss the specific tasks (whether it be by type of service or specific project) to be completed using grant and matching funds. The work plan should show how customers will be identified, key personnel to be involved, and the evaluation methods to be used to determine the success of specific tasks and overall objectives of Center operations. The budget must present a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with cooperative development activities as well as the operation of the Center and allocate these costs to each of the tasks to be undertaken. Matching funds as well as grant funds must be accounted for in the budget. 9. *Qualifications of those Performing the Tasks.* (0-5 points) The application will be evaluated to determine if the personnel expected to perform key center tasks have a track record of positive solutions for complex cooperative development or marketing problems, or a successful record of conducting accurate feasibility studies, business plans, marketing analysis, or other activities relevant to Cooperative development center success. The applicant must also identify whether the personnel expected to perform tasks are full/part-time Center employees or contract personnel. 10. *Local support.* (0-5 points) Applications will be reviewed for previous and expected local support for the Center, plans for coordinating with other developmental organizations in the proposed service area, and coordination with State and local institutions. Support documentation should include recognition of rural values that balance employment opportunities with environmental stewardship and other positive rural amenities. Centers that demonstrate strong support from potential beneficiaries and formal evidence of the Center's intent to coordinate with other developmental organizations will receive more points than those not evidencing such support and formal intent. Support should be discussed directly within the response to this criterion. The applicant may submit a maximum of 10 letters of support or intent to coordinate with the application. These letters should be included in Appendix B of the application and will not count against the 40-page limit for the narrative. 11. *Future support.* (0-5 points) Applicants should describe their vision for Center operations in future years, including issues such as sources and uses of alternative funding; reliance on Federal, State, and local grants; and the use of in-house personnel for providing services versus contracting out for that expertise. To the extent possible, applicants should document future funding sources that will help achieve long-term sustainability of the Center. Applications that demonstrate their vision for funding center operations for future years, including diversification of funding sources and building in-house technical assistance capacity, will receive more points for this criterion. B. Review and Selection Process The Agency will screen all of the proposals to determine whether the application is eligible and sufficiently responsive to the requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review. The Agency will evaluate applications using a panel of qualified reviewers who will score the applications in accordance with the point allocation specified in this notice. Applications will be submitted to the Administrator in rank order, together with funding level recommendations. C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates *Award Date:* The announcement of award selections is expected to occur on or about September 12, 2008. VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative selection for funding from USDA Rural Development. Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award will be approved. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification by mail. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 7 CFR parts 3015, 3019, and 4284 are applicable to this program. To view these regulations, please see the following internet address: *http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html.* The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected for this program: • Grant Agreement. • Letter of Conditions. • Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds.” • Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.” • Form AD-1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary Covered Transactions.” • Form AD-1048, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transactions.” • Form AD-1049, “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants).” • Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.” • RD Instruction 1940-Q, Exhibit A-1, “Certification for Contracts, Grants and Loans.” Additional information on these requirements can be found at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/rcdg.htm.* *Reporting Requirements:* Grantees must provide USDA Rural Development with an original or electronic copy that includes all required signatures of the following reports. The reports should be submitted to the Agency contact listed on the Grant Agreement and Letter of Conditions. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time may result in suspension or termination of the grant. 1. Form SF-269 or SF-269A. A “Financial Status Report” listing expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a semi-annual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends. 2. Semi-annual performance reports that compare accomplishments to the objectives stated in the proposal. Identify all tasks completed to date and provide documentation supporting the reported results. If the original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion of the project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be listed. Compliance with any special conditions on the use of award funds should be discussed. The report should also include a summary at the end of the report with the following elements to assist in documenting the annual performance goals of the RCDG program for Congress. • Number of groups who are not legal entities assisted. • Number of businesses that are not cooperatives assisted. • Number of cooperatives assisted. • Number of businesses incorporated that are not cooperatives. • Number of cooperatives incorporated. • Total number of jobs created as a result of assistance. • Total number of jobs saved as a result of assistance. • Number of jobs created for the Center as a result of RCDG funding. • Number of jobs saved for the Center as a result of RCDG funding. Reports are due as provided in paragraph 1 of this section. Supporting documentation must also be submitted for completed tasks. The supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not limited to: Feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans, publication quality success stories, applied research reports, copies of surveys conducted, articles of incorporation and bylaws and an accounting of how outreach, training, and other funds were expended. 3. Final project performance reports. These reports shall include all of the requirements of the semi-annual performance reports and responses to the following: i. What have been the most challenging or unexpected aspects of this program? ii. What advice would the Grantee give to other organizations planning a similar program? These should include strengths and limitations of the program. If the Grantee had the opportunity, what would they have done differently? iii. If an innovative approach was used successfully, the Grantee should describe their program in detail so that other organizations might consider replication in their areas. The final performance report is due within 90 days of the completion of the project. VII. Agency Contacts For general questions about this announcement and for program technical assistance, applicants should contact their USDA Rural Development State Office at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/rcdg/Contacts.htm.* The State Office can be reached by calling
(202)720-4323 and pressing “1”. If an applicant is unable to contact their State Office, please contact a nearby State Office or the USDA Rural Development National Office at 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Mail Stop 3250, Rm. 4016-South, Washington, DC 20250-3250, telephone:
(202)720-7558, e-mail: *cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov.* The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA)prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at
(202)720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call
(866)632-9992 (voice) or
(202)401-0216 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Dated: January 31, 2008. Ben Anderson, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. E8-2328 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Announcement of Small, Minority Producer Grant Program Application Deadlines AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications. SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the availability of approximately $1.463 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year
(FY)2008 for cooperatives and associations of cooperatives to assist small, minority agricultural producers. USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs hereby requests proposals from eligible cooperatives and associations of cooperatives for a competitively awarded grant to fund technical assistance to small, minority agricultural producers in rural areas. The maximum award per grant is $175,000. DATES: Applications for grants must be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications will not be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. ADDRESSES: Application materials for the Small, Minority Producers Grant Program
(SMPG)may be obtained at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm* or by contacting the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office at
(202)720-4323 and pressing “1”. Submit electronic grant applications at *http://www.grants.gov* , following the instructions found on this Web site. Submit completed paper applications for a grant to the applicant's State Office as follows: A list of Rural Development State Offices follows: Alabama USDA Rural Development, Sterling Centre, Suite 601, 4121 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683,
(334)279-3623. Alaska USDA Rural Development, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645-6539,
(907)761-7722. Arizona USDA Rural Development, 230 North First Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1706,
(602)280-8717. Arkansas USDA Rural Development, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416, Little Rock, AR 72201-3225,
(501)301-3280. California USDA Rural Development, 430 G Street, AGCY 4169, Davis, CA 95616,
(530)792-5829. Colorado USDA Rural Development, 655 Parfet Street, Room E-100, Lakewood, CO 80215,
(720)544-2903. Delaware/Maryland USDA Rural Development, 1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE 19904,
(302)857-3580. Florida/Virgin Islands USDA Rural Development, 4440 NW. 25th Place, Gainesville, FL 32606,
(352)338-3482. Georgia USDA Rural Development, 111 East Spring St., Monroe, GA 30655,
(770)267-1413, Ext. 113. Hawaii USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 311, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720,
(808)933-8313. Idaho USDA Rural Development, 9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite A1, Boise, ID 83709,
(208)378-5623. Illinois USDA Rural Development, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 61821,
(217)403-6202. Indiana USDA Rural Development, 5975 Lakeside Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46278,
(317)290-3100. Iowa USDA Rural Development, 873 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309,
(515)284-4714. Kansas USDA Rural Development, 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66604-4040,
(785)271-2744. Kentucky USDA Rural Development, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503,
(859)224-7435. Louisiana USDA Rural Development, 3727 Government St., Alexandria, LA 71302,
(318)473-7960. Maine USDA Rural Development, 967 Illinois Avenue, Suite 4, P.O. Box 405, Bangor, ME 04402-0405,
(207)990-9168. Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002-2999,
(413)253-4319. Michigan USDA Rural Development, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823,
(517)324-5157. Minnesota USDA Rural Development, 375 Jackson St., Suite 410, St. Paul, MN 55101,
(651)602-7814. Mississippi USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269,
(601)965-5457. Missouri USDA Rural Development, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203,
(573)876-9320. Montana USDA Rural Development, 900 Technology Blvd., Suite B, P.O. Box 850, Bozeman, MT 59771,
(406)585-2540. Nebraska USDA Rural Development, 100 Centennial Mall North, Room 152 Federal Building, Lincoln, NE 68508,
(402)437-5554. Nevada USDA Rural Development, 1390 S. Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703,
(775)887-1222, Ext. 19. New Jersey USDA Rural Development, 8000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 500N, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054,
(856)787-7753. New Mexico USDA Rural Development, 6200 Jefferson Street, NE, Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87109,
(505)761-4952. New York USDA Rural Development, 441 S. Salina St., Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202,
(315)477-6400. North Carolina USDA Rural Development, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 260, Raleigh, NC 27609,
(919)873-2040. North Dakota USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East Rosser Avenue, P.O. Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502-1737,
(701)530-2065. Ohio USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2418,
(614)255-2425. Oklahoma USDA Rural Development, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-2654,
(405)742-1036. Oregon USDA Rural Development, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 801, Portland, OR 97232-1274,
(503)414-3366. Pennsylvania USDA Rural Development, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996,
(717)237-2182. Puerto Rico USDA Rural Development, IBM Building, 654 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 601, Hato Rey, PR 00918-6106,
(787)766-5091, Ext. 251. South Carolina USDA Rural Development, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201,
(803)765-5881. South Dakota USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 4th Street, SW, Huron, SD 57350,
(605)352-1142. Tennessee USDA Rural Development, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203-1084,
(615)783-1341. Texas USDA Rural Development, 101 South Main Street, Suite 102, Temple, TX 76501,
(254)742-9780. Utah USDA Rural Development, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138,
(801)524-4328. Vermont/New Hampshire USDA Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602,
(802)828-6069. Virginia USDA Rural Development, 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 238, Richmond, VA 23229,
(804)287-1594. Washington USDA Rural Development, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW., Suite B, Olympia, WA 98512,
(360)704-7729. West Virginia USDA Rural Development, 75 High Street, Room 320, Morgantown, WV 26505-7500,
(304)252-8644, Ext. 146. Wisconsin USDA Rural Development, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481,
(715)345-7610. Wyoming USDA Rural Development, Dick Cheney Federal Building, 100 East B Street, Room 1005, P.O. Box 11005, Casper, WY 82602-5006,
(307)233-6700. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Visit the program Web site at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm* for application assistance or contact a USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their State Offices well in advance of the deadline to discuss their projects and ask any questions about the application process. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview *Federal Agency:* USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service. *Funding Opportunity Title:* Small, Minority Producer Grant. *Announcement Type:* Initial announcement. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:* 10.771. DATES: Application Deadline: Completed applications for grants may be submitted on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Complete electronic copies must be received by April 8, 2008, to be eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. I. Funding Opportunity Description This notice is issued pursuant to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008 that authorizes not to exceed $1.463 million for cooperatives or associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, minority producers and whose governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to USDA Rural Development Cooperative Programs. The primary objective of this grant program is to provide technical assistance to small, minority agricultural producers through eligible minority cooperatives and minority associations of cooperatives. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The maximum award amount per grant is $175,000. Definitions *Agency* —Rural Business-Cooperative Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA)Rural Development or a successor agency. *Agricultural Commodity* —An unprocessed product of farms, ranches, nurseries, and forests. Agricultural commodities include: livestock, poultry, and fish; fruits and vegetables; grains, such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice, corn, and sorghum; legumes, such as field beans and peas; animal feed and forage crops; seed crops; fiber crops, such as cotton; oil crops, such as safflower, sunflower, corn, and cottonseed; trees grown for lumber and wood products; nursery stock grown commercially; Christmas trees; ornamentals and cut flowers; and turf grown commercially for sod. Agricultural commodities do not include horses or animals raised as pets, such as cats, dogs, and ferrets. *Cooperative Programs* —The office within USDA Rural Development, and its successor organization, that administers programs authorized by the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451, *et seq.* ) and such other programs identified in USDA regulations. *Economic Development* —The economic growth of an area as evidenced by increase in total income, employment opportunities, decreased out-migration of population, value of production, increased diversification of industry, higher labor force participation rates, increased duration of employment, higher wage levels, or gains in other measurements of economic activity, such as land values. *Feasibility Study* —An analysis of the economic, market, technical, financial, and management feasibility of a proposed Project. *Minority* —Individuals who have been subjected to racial, ethnic, gender prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. Minority groups are Women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders. *Minority Association of Cooperatives* —An association of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, minority agricultural producers and where the governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority. *Minority Cooperative* —A farmer- or rancher-owned and -controlled business, organized and chartered as a cooperative, from which benefits are derived and distributed equitably on the basis of use by each of the farmer or rancher owners whose primary focus is to provide assistance to small, minority agricultural producers and where the governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 percent minority. *Operating Cost* —The day-to-day expenses of running a business; for example: utilities, rent, salaries, depreciation, product production costs, marketing and advertising, and other basic overhead items. *Project* —Includes all activities to be funded by the Small Minority Agricultural Producer Grant and any matching funds. *Small, Minority Agricultural Producer* —Minority persons or 100 percent minority-owned entities, including farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters, and fishermen, with gross annual sales of not more than $250,000 that engage in the production or harvesting of an agricultural commodity. *Rural and Rural Area* —Includes all of the territory of a State that is not within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population of 50,000 or more and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such city or town, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of the Census using the latest decennial census of the United States. *Rural Development* —A mission area within USDA consisting of the Office of Under Secretary for Rural Development, Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs, Rural Development Housing Programs, and Rural Development Utilities Programs and their successors. *State* —Includes each of the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, as may be determined by the Secretary to be feasible, appropriate and lawful, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. *Technical Assistance* —An advisory service performed for the benefit of a small, minority agricultural producer such as market research; product and/or service improvement; legal advice and assistance; feasibility study, business plan, and marketing plan development; and training. Technical assistance does not include the operating costs of a cooperative being assisted. II. Award Information *Type of Award:* Grant. *Fiscal Year Funds:* FY 2008. *Approximate Total Funding:* $1.463 million. *Approximate Number of Awards:* 8. *Approximate Average Award:* $175,000. *Floor of Award Range:* None. *Ceiling of Award Range:* $175,000. *Anticipated Award Date:* September 1, 2008. *Budget Period Length:* 12 months. *Project Period Length:* 12 months. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Applicants must be a minority cooperative or a minority association of cooperatives as defined in this Notice, and must be able to verify their legal structure as a cooperative in the State in which they are incorporated. Individuals are not eligible for this program. B. Cost Sharing or Matching No matching funds are required. C. Other Eligibility Requirements *Use of Funds:* Funds may only be used for technical assistance projects as defined in this notice. *Project Area Eligibility:* The Project proposed must take place in a rural area. *Grant Period Eligibility:* If awarded, funds must be expended in 1 year. Applications must have a time frame of no more than 365 days with the time period beginning no earlier than October 1, 2008 and ending no later than December 31, 2009. Projects must be completed within the 1-year time frame. The Agency will not approve requests to extend the grant period. Applications that request funds for a time period ending after December 31, 2009, will not be considered for funding. *Completeness Eligibility:* Applications lacking sufficient information to determine eligibility and scoring will be considered ineligible. Applications that are non-responsive to this notice will be considered ineligible. *Multiple Grant Eligibility:* An applicant may not submit more than one grant application in any one funding cycle. *Activity Eligibility:* Applications must propose technical assistance, as defined in this notice, to benefit their members or other small minority agricultural producers who are not members, in order to be considered for funding. Applications having ineligible costs equaling more than 10 percent of total project costs will be determined ineligible and will not be considered for funding. Applications having ineligible costs of 10 percent or less of total project costs and which are selected for funding, must remove all ineligible costs from the budget and replace them with eligible activities or the amount of the grant award will be reduced accordingly. Applicants may not submit applications that duplicate current activities or activities paid for by other federally funded grant programs. IV. Application and Submission Information A. Address to Request Application Package The application package for applying on paper for this funding opportunity can be obtained at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm.* Alternatively, applicants may contact their USDA Rural Development State Office using the above list. For electronic applications, applicants must visit *http://www.grants.gov* and follow the instructions. B. Content and Form of Submission Applications must be submitted on paper or electronically. An application guide may be viewed at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm.* It is recommended that applicants use the template provided on the Web site. The template can be filled out electronically and printed out for submission with the required forms for paper submission or it can be filled out electronically and submitted as an attachment through *http://www.grants.gov.* If the application is submitted electronically, the applicant must follow the instructions given at the Internet address: *http://www.grants.gov.* Applicants are advised to visit the site well in advance of the application deadline if they plan to apply electronically to ensure that they have obtained the proper authentication and have sufficient computer resources to complete the application. Applicants must complete and submit the following elements. The Agency will screen all applications for eligibility and to determine whether the application is complete and sufficiently responsive to the requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review. Information submitted as part of the application will be protected to the extent permitted by law. 1. *Form SF-424,* “Application for Federal Assistance.” The form must be completed, signed and submitted as part of the application package. Please note that applicants are required to have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System
(DUNS)number. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, which uniquely identifies business entities. There is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access *http://www.dnb.com/us/* or call 866-705-5711. For more information, see the SMPG Web site at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm* or by contacting the applicant's USDA Rural Development State Office. In addition to the DUNS number, an applicant must provide a legal Employment Identification Number. 2. *Form SF-424A,* “Budget Information-Non-Construction Programs.” This form must be completed and submitted as part of the application package. 3. *Form SF-424B,* “Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.” This form must be completed, signed, and submitted as part of the application package. 4. *Table of Contents.* For ease of locating information, each application must contain a detailed Table of Contents
(TOC)immediately following the SF-424B. The TOC must include page numbers for each component of the application. Pagination should begin immediately following the TOC. 5. *Executive Summary:* A summary of the proposal, not to exceed one page, must briefly describe the project, tasks to be completed and other relevant information that provides a general overview of the project. 6. *Eligibility Discussion:* A detailed discussion, not to exceed four pages, must describe how the applicant meets the following requirements.
(i)*Applicant Eligibility:* Applicants must be minority cooperatives or minority associations of cooperatives and must describe how they meet the definition of a “minority cooperative” or “minority association of cooperative” as defined in the Definitions section of this Notice. Applicant must also verify their incorporation as a cooperative or an association of cooperatives in the State they have applied by providing the State's Certificate of Good Standing, and their Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. The applicant must apply as only one type of applicant.
(ii)*Use of Funds:* The applicant must provide a detailed discussion on how the proposed project activities meet the definition of technical assistance.
(iii)*Project Area:* The applicant must provide specific information on where the projects are planned to be located and that the areas meet the definition of “rural area.”
(iv)*Grant Period:* The applicant must provide a time frame for the proposed project and discuss how the project will be completed within that time frame. 7. *Budget/Work plan:* The applicant must describe, in detail not to exceed four pages, the purpose of the grant, what type of assistance will be provided, and the total amount of funds needed to assist for each project. The budget must also present a breakdown of estimated costs associated with each task/activity for each project. The amount of grant funds requested will be adjusted if the applicant does not have justification for all costs. 8. *Evaluation Criteria:* Each of the evaluation criteria referenced in this notice must be addressed, specifically and individually on separate pages, in narrative form, not to exceed a total of two pages for each evaluation criteria. Failure to address each evaluation criteria will result in the application being determined ineligible. C. Submission Dates and Times *Application Deadline Date:* April 8, 2008. Explanation of Deadlines: Paper applications must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight by the deadline date (see Section IV.F. for the address). Electronic applications must be received by *http://www.grants.gov* by the deadline date. Courier applications must be delivered by the deadline date. If the Applicant's application does not meet the deadline, it will not be considered for funding. Applicants will be notified if their application did not meet the submission deadline. D. Intergovernmental Review of Applications Executive Order
(EO)12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, applies to this program. This EO requires that Federal agencies provide opportunities for consultation on proposed assistance with State and local governments. Many states have established a Single Point of Contact
(SPOC)to facilitate this consultation. A list of States that maintain an SPOC may be obtained at * http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ spoc.html. * If your State has an SPOC, you may submit your application directly for review. Any comments obtained through the SPOC must be provided to Rural Development for consideration as part of your application. If your State has not established an SPOC or you do not want to submit your application, Rural Development will submit your application to the SPOC or other appropriate agency or agencies. You are also encouraged to contact Cooperative Programs at 202-720-7558 or *cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov* if you have questions about this process. E. Funding Restrictions Grant funds must be used for technical assistance. No funds made available under this solicitation shall be used to: 1. Plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility, including a processing facility; 2. Purchase, rent, or install fixed equipment, including processing equipment; 3. Purchase vehicles, including boats; 4. Pay for the preparation of the grant application; 5. Pay expenses not directly related to the funded project; 6. Fund political or lobbying activities; 7. Fund any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019; 8. Fund architectural or engineering design work for a specific physical facility; 9. Fund any direct expenses for the production of any commodity or product to which value will be added, including seed, rootstock, labor for harvesting the crop, and delivery of the commodity to a processing facility; 10. Fund research and development; 11. Purchase land; 12. Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support previously provided; 13. Pay costs of the project incurred prior to the date of grant approval; 14. Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise, which does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence; 15. Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States; 16. Pay the operating costs of cooperative and/or association of cooperatives; or 17. Pay expenses for applicant employee training. F. Other Submission Requirements Applicants may submit their paper application for a grant to their Rural Development State Office listed under the Addresses section. Applicants may submit their application electronically at *http://www.grants.gov.* Applications may not be submitted by electronic mail, facsimile, or hand-delivery. Each application submission must contain all required documents in one envelope, if sent by mail or express delivery service. V. Application Scoring Criteria Review Information A. Criteria All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated based upon the following criteria. Failure to address any one of the following criteria by the application deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible and the application will not be considered for funding. The total points possible for the criteria are 50. Any application receiving less than 30 total points will not be funded. 1. *Technical Assistance.* (0-15 points) The application will be evaluated to determine the applicant's ability to assess the needs of small minority producers, plan and conduct appropriate and effective assistance, and identify the expected outcomes of that assistance.
(i)0 points will be awarded if the applicant does not substantively address this criterion.
(ii)1-4 points will be awarded if the applicant demonstrates weakness in addressing this criterion.
(iii)5-10 points will be awarded if the applicant demonstrates they meet part but not all of the criterion.
(iv)15 points will be awarded if the applicant identifies specific needs of the minority producers to be assisted; clearly articulates a logical and detailed plan of assistance for addressing those needs; and discusses realistic outcomes of planned assistance. 2. *Experience.* (0-15 points) Points will be awarded based upon length of experience of identified staff or consultants in providing technical assistance, as defined in this notice. Applicants must describe the specific type of technical assistance experience for each identified staff member or consultant, as well as years of experience in providing that assistance. In addition, resumes for each individual staff member or consultant must be included as an attachment, listing their experience for the type of technical assistance proposed. The attachments will not count toward the maximum page total. The Agency will compare the described experience to the work plan to determine relevance of experience.
(i)0 points will be awarded if the staff or consultants demonstrate no relevant experience in providing technical assistance;
(ii)5 points will be awarded if at least one of the identified staff or consultants demonstrates more than two years of experience in providing relevant technical assistance;
(iii)10 points will be awarded if at least one of the identified staff or consultants demonstrates 5 or more years of experience in providing relevant technical assistance; or
(iv)15 points will be awarded if all of the identified staff or consultants demonstrate 5 or more years of experience in providing relevant technical assistance. 3. *Commitment.* (0-15 points) The Agency will evaluate the applicant's commitment to providing technical assistance to minority producers in rural areas. Points will be awarded based upon the number of agricultural, minority producers being assisted. Applicants must list the number and location of small, minority agricultural producers that will directly benefit from the assistance provided.
(i)0 points will be awarded if the applicant does not substantively address this criterion.
(ii)5 points will be awarded if the proposed project will benefit 1-10 producers;
(iii)10 points will be awarded if the proposed project will benefit 11-50 producers; or
(iv)15 points will be awarded if the proposed project will benefit more than 50 producers. 4. *Local support.* (0-5 points) Applications will be reviewed for local support for the technical assistance activities of the cooperative. Applicants that demonstrate strong support from potential beneficiaries and other developmental organizations will receive more points than those not evidencing such support.
(i)0 points will be awarded if the applicant does not substantively address this criterion.
(ii)1 point will be awarded if the applicant provides or references 2-3 support letters that demonstrate substantive support from potential beneficiaries and/or support from local organizations.
(iii)2 points will be awarded if the applicant provides or references 4-5 support letters that demonstrate substantive support from potential beneficiaries and/or support from local organizations.
(iv)3 points will be awarded if the applicant provides or references 6-7 support letters that demonstrate substantive support from potential beneficiaries and/or support from local organizations.
(v)4 points will be awarded if the applicant provides or references 8-9 support letters that demonstrate substantive support from potential beneficiaries and/or support from local organizations.
(vi)5 points will be awarded if the applicant provides or references 10 support letters that demonstrate substantive support from potential beneficiaries and/or support from local organizations. The applicant may submit a maximum of 10 letters of support. These letters should be included as an attachment to the application and will not count against the maximum page total. Additional letters from industry groups, commodity groups, local and state government, and similar organizations should be referenced, but not included in the application package. When referencing these letters, provide the name of the organization, date of the letter, the nature of the support, and the name and title of the person signing the letter. B. Review and Selection Process The Agency will screen all proposals to determine whether the application is eligible and sufficiently responsive to the requirements set forth in this notice to allow for an informed review. Applications will be screened for eligibility and scored by the State Offices, then submitted to the National Office for review and ranking. The National Office will review the scores based upon the point allocation specified in this notice. Applications will be funded in scoring rank order and will be submitted to the Administrator in rank order with funding level recommendations. The Administrator will break scoring ties based on Agency priorities. C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates *Award Date:* The announcement of award selections is expected to occur on or about September 1, 2008. VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices Successful applicants will receive a notification of tentative selection for funding from Rural Development. Applicants must comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, and this notice before the grant award will receive final approval. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification, including appeal rights, by mail. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 7 CFR parts 3015, 3019, and subparts A and F of part 7 CFR 4284 are applicable to grants made under this notice. These regulations may be obtained at *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.* The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected for this program: • Agency approved Grant Agreement. • Letter of Conditions. • Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds.” • Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.” • Form AD-1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters—Primary Covered Transactions.” • Form AD-1048, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tier Covered Transactions.” • Form AD-1049, “Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants).” • Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.” Additional information on these requirements can be found at *http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/smpg/smpg.htm.* Fund Disbursement: The Agency will determine, based on 7 CFR Parts 3015, 3016 and 3019, as applicable, whether disbursement of a grant will be by advance or reimbursement. As needed, but not more frequently than once every 30 days, an original of SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” may be submitted to Rural Development. Recipient's request for advance shall not be made in excess of reasonable outlays for the month covered. Reporting Requirements: Grantees must provide Rural Development with an original or an electronic copy that includes all required signatures of the following reports. The reports should be submitted to the Agency contact listed on the Grant Agreement and Letter of Conditions. Failure to submit satisfactory reports on time may result in suspension or termination of the grant. Grantees will submit: 1. *Form SF-269 or SF-269A.* A “Financial Status Report,” listing expenditures according to agreed upon budget categories, on a semi-annual basis. Reporting periods end each March 31 and September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the reporting period ends. 2. Semi-annual performance reports comparing accomplishments to the objectives stated in the proposal, identifying all tasks completed to date and providing documentation supporting the reported results. If the original schedule provided in the work plan is not being met, the report should discuss the problems or delays that may affect completion of the Project. Objectives for the next reporting period should be listed. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds must be discussed. Reports are due as provided in paragraph
(1)of this section. Supporting documentation must also be submitted for completed tasks. The supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they relate to the assistance provided. 3. Final project performance reports comparing accomplishments to the objectives stated in the proposal, identifying all tasks completed, and providing documentation supporting the reported results. If the original schedule provided in the work plan was not met, the report must discuss the problems or delays that affected completion of the project. Compliance with any special condition on the use of award funds must be discussed. Supporting documentation for completed tasks must also be submitted. The supporting documentation for completed tasks includes, but is not limited to, feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans, articles of incorporation, and bylaws as they relate to the assistance provided. The final performance report is due within 90 days of the completion of the project. The report must also include a summary at the end of the report with the number of small minority agricultural producers assisted to assist in documenting the annual performance goals of the SMPG program for Congress. VII. Agency Contacts For general questions about this announcement and for program technical assistance, please contact the appropriate State Office as indicated in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. VIII. Non-Discrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA)prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, martial status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at
(202)720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call
(800)795-3272 (voice) or
(202)720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Dated: January 31, 2008. Ben Anderson, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. E8-2327 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Additions AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Additions to the Procurement List. SUMMARY: This action adds to the Procurement List products and a service to be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. DATES: *Effective Date:* March 9, 2008. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3259. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly M. Zeich, Telephone:
(703)603-7740, Fax:
(703)603-0655, or e-mail *CMTEFedReg@jwod.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 7 and December 14, 2007, the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice (72 FR 69181; 71114) of proposed additions to the Procurement List. After consideration of the material presented to it concerning capability of qualified nonprofit agencies to provide the products and services and impact of the additions on the current or most recent contractors, the Committee has determined that the products and services listed below are suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 46-48c and 41 CFR 51-2.4. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. The action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the products and service to the Government. 2. The action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products and service to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the products and service proposed for addition to the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following products and service are added to the Procurement List: Products Brush, Dish, Ergo, Soap Squirting & Refill *NSN:* M.R. 871 *NSN:* M.R. 872 *NPA:* Cincinnati Association for the Blind, Cincinnati, OH *Coverage:* C-List for the requirements of the Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, VA *Contracting Activity:* Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Fort Lee, VA Liner, Low Density, Linear *NSN:* 8105-00-NIB-1292 *NPA:* Envision, Inc., Wichita, KS *Coverage:* C-List for the requirements of the Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, VA *Contracting Activity:* Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Fort Lee, VA Folder, Classification, Pressboard *NSN:* 7530-00-NIB-0824—Legal Size—1 Divider/4 Part—Earth Red. *NSN:* 7530-00-NIB-0825—Legal Size—1 Divider/4 Part—Light Green. *NPA:* Georgia Industries for the Blind, Bainbridge, GA. *Coverage:* A-List for the total Government requirements as specified by the General Services Administration. *Contracting Activity:* General Services Administration, Office Supplies & Paper Products Acquisition Ctr, New York, NY. Service *Service Type/Location:* Custodial Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Facility-Wide, Gaithersburg, MD. *NPA:* Didlake, Inc., Manassas, VA. *Contracting Activity:* National Institutes of Standards & Technology, Gaithersburg, VA. This action does not affect current contracts awarded prior to the effective date of this addition or options that may be exercised under those contracts. Kimberly M. Zeich, Director, Program Operations. [FR Doc. E8-2367 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Proposed additions and deletions ACTION: Proposed additions to and deletions from the Procurement List. SUMMARY: The Committee is proposing to add to the Procurement List services to be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and to delete products and a service previously furnished by such agencies. *Comments Must be Received On or Before:* March 9, 2008. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia, 22202-3259. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly M. Zeich, Telephone:
(703)603-7740, Fax:
(703)603-0655, or e-mail *CMTEFedReg@jwod.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 47(a)
(2)and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. Additions: If the Committee approves the proposed additions, the entities of the Federal Government identified in this notice for each service will be required to procure the services listed below from nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. If approved, the action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the services to the Government. 2. If approved, the action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the services to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the services proposed for addition to the Procurement List. Comments on this certification are invited. Commenters should identify the statement(s) underlying the certification on which they are providing additional information. End of Certification The following services are proposed for addition to Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed: Services: *Service Type/Location:* Custodial Services Air National Guard, 1401 Robert B. Miller Jr. Drive, Garden City, GA *NPA:* Trace, Inc., Boise, ID. *Contracting Activity:* Air National Guard, 165th Air Wing, Garden City, GA *Service Type/Location:* Janitorial/Custodial Services, U.S. Coast Guard, Integrated Support Command (ISC), San Pedro Terminal Station, San Pedro, CA *NPA:* Elwyn, Inc., Aston, PA. *Contracting Activity:* U.S. Coast Guard -Alameda, Alameda, CA *Service Type/Location:* Laundry Services, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), Fort Campbell, KY *NPA:* Lakeview Center, Inc., Pensacola, FL. *Contracting Activity:* Department of the Army, Southeast Regional Contracting Office (SERCO), Fort Gordon, GA *Service Type/Location:* Laundry Services, Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, KY *NPA:* Lakeview Center, Inc., Pensacola, FL. *Contracting Activity:* Department of the Army, Army Contracting Agency, Directorate of Contracting, Fort Campbell, KY *Service Type/Location:* Laundry Services, Air National Guard-Sioux City, 185th Air Refeuling Wing, 2920 Headquarters Avenue, Sioux City, IA *NPA:* Genesis Development, Jefferson, IA. *Contracting Activity:* Iowa Air National Guard, Sioux City, IA. Deletions: Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. If approved, the action should not result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities. 2. If approved, the action may result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products and service to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the products and services proposed for deletion from the Procurement List. Comments on this certification are invited. Commenters should identify the statement(s) underlying the certification on which they are providing additional information. End of Certification The following products and service are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Products: Clocks, Atomic Standard, Thermometer NSN: 6645-01-491-9837 NSN: 6645-01-491-9840 NSN: 6645-01-491-9841 NSN: 6645-01-491-9844 NSN: 6685-01-492-0910 *NPA:* The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Chicago, IL *Contracting Activity:* General Services Administration, Office Supplies & Paper Products Acquisition Ctr, New York, NY Wrapper, Sterilization NSN: 6530-00-197-9223 NSN: 6530-00-926-4902 NSN: 6530-00-926-4903 NSN: 6530-00-926-4904 NSN: 6530-00-926-4905 NSN: 6530-00-197-9283 *NPA:* Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, AL *NPA:* Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD *NPA:* Mississippi Industries for the Blind, Jackson, MS NSN: 6530-00-197-9228 *NPA:* Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, AL *NPA:* Arizona Industries for the Blind, Phoenix, AZ *NPA:* Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD *NPA:* Mississippi Industries for the Blind, Jackson, MS *Contracting Activity:* Veterans Affairs National Acquisition Center, Hines, IL NSN: 6530-01-036-0398 *NPA:* Unknown NSN: 6530-01-244-2776 NSN: 6530-01-244-9946 NSN: 6530-01-246-0156 NSN: 6530-01-246-1935 NSN: 6530-01-248-4813 *NPA:* Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, AL *NPA:* Arizona Industries for the Blind, Phoenix, AZ *NPA:* Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD *NPA:* Mississippi Industries for the Blind, Jackson, MS *Contracting Activity:* Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA NSN: 6530-00-299-9603 *NPA:* Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, AL *NPA:* Arizona Industries for the Blind, Phoenix, AZ *NPA:* Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD *NPA:* Mississippi Industries for the Blind, Jackson, MS *Contracting Activity:* Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA *Contracting Activity:* Veterans Affairs National Acquisition Center, Hines, IL Service: *Service Type/Location:* Commissary Shelf Stocking & Custodial, Fort Stewart, GA *NPA:* Unknown *Contracting Activity:* Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Fort Lee, VA Kimberly M. Zeich, Director, Program Operations. [FR Doc. E8-2366 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of the Census [Docket Number 070111009-7786-02] Census County Division and Equivalent Entities Program for the 2010 Census-Final Criteria AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of final criteria and program implementation. SUMMARY: This Notice announces the Bureau of the Census' (Census Bureau's) final criteria for defining census county divisions
(CCDs)and equivalent entities for the 2010 Census. Based on responses to the request for comments on proposed criteria published in the **Federal Register** of April 6, 2007 (72 FR 17324), the Census Bureau will retain CCDs as a statistical geographic entity for use in tabulating and presenting data from the decennial census, the American Community Survey (ACS), and, as appropriate, other censuses and surveys. CCDs and equivalent entities are statistical geographic entities established cooperatively by the Census Bureau and officials of state and local governments in 22 states 1 where minor civil divisions
(MCDs)either do not exist or have been unsatisfactory for reporting census data. The primary goal of the CCD program has been to establish and maintain a set of subcounty 2 units that have stable boundaries and recognizable names. 1 In Alaska, census subareas are equivalents of CCDs. For purposes of this notice, the term “CCD” will also refer to census subareas in Alaska. 2 For Census Bureau purposes, the term “county” includes parishes in Louisiana; boroughs, city and boroughs, municipalities, and census areas in Alaska; independent cities in Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia; districts and islands in American Samoa, and districts in the U.S. Virgin Islands; municipalities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; municipios in Puerto Rico; and the areas constituting the District of Columbia and Guam. This notice will refer to all of these entities collectively as “counties.” In addition to providing final criteria for CCDs, this notice also contains a summary of comments received in response to proposed criteria published in the April 6, 2007, **Federal Register** (72 FR 17324), as well as both the Census Bureau's response to those comments and a description of the changes made to the criteria. DATES: This notice's final criteria will be effective on February 8, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Geographic Standards and Criteria Branch, Geography Division, U.S. Census Bureau, via e-mail at *geo.psap.list@census.gov* or telephone at
(301)763-3056. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. History When CCDs were introduced prior to the 1950 Census, few alternatives were available for the provision of statistical data related to relatively stable, subcounty geographic units. Census tracts were defined in only a subset of metropolitan area counties. MCDs existed in all counties, but in some states, MCD boundaries changed frequently enough that they were not useful for comparing statistical data from one decade to another. For much of the period from the 1950 Census through the 1980 Census, county subdivisions (MCDs and CCDs) provided the only subcounty unit of geography at which data users could obtain statistical data for complete coverage of counties nationwide. The introduction of block numbering areas
(BNAs)in counties without census tracts for the 1990 Census offered an alternate subcounty entity for which data could be tabulated. For Census 2000, the Census Bureau introduced census tracts nationwide (in many counties, BNAs were simply relabeled as “census tracts”) and the greater dissemination of, and ability to analyze, data at the census tract level made CCDs less necessary as statistical reporting units. II. Summary of Comments Received in Response to the Proposed Criteria The April 6, 2007, **Federal Register** (72 FR 17324) notice requested comment on proposed criteria for CCDs. In addition, the Census Bureau sought comment regarding the continued identification and use of CCDs as statistical geographic areas for the tabulation, presentation, and analysis of statistical data. In raising the question of continued identification of CCDs, the Census Bureau sought to ascertain the extent to which data users still found CCDs to be useful geographic areas given that census tracts are defined nationwide, and that census tract-level statistical data are widely available and more easily manipulated using prevailing spreadsheet, database, and geographic information system software. The Census Bureau noted that it would consider eliminating CCDs as a census geographic area if commenters no longer found them to be useful for data presentation and analysis. If comments indicated continued relevance, the Census Bureau would retain CCDs. The Census Bureau received 172 comments in response to the proposed criteria, all specifically in response to the issue of whether to retain or eliminate CCDs. Commenters represented a broad range of data users, including individual data users; local, state, and federal government agencies; nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations; and private sector organizations and companies. The Census Bureau received 164 comments in favor of retaining CCDs, noting their continued relevance as geographic areas for data presentation and analysis. Of these, 154 comments related specifically to retaining the San Fernando Valley CCD in Los Angeles County, California. Of the other comments in favor of retaining CCDs, six were received from state departments of health, noting that data for CCDs are used for analysis and program implementation, particularly in less populated counties in which CCDs subdivide census tracts and, therefore, provide data for smaller geographic areas and populations. Of the remaining eight comments, four were in response to a survey conducted in the San Fernando Valley, with three in favor of eliminating CCDs and one undecided. Two commenters (a national trade association and a nongovernmental policy research organization) favored elimination of CCDs, stating that as a result of nationwide availability of data for census tracts, they no longer analyzed data by CCD. The Tennessee Office of Information Resources requested replacement of CCDs in Tennessee with county commissioner districts, commenting that the latter were more relevant to the ongoing planning and policy analysis needs of local and state government agencies. County commissioner districts in Tennessee are legal entities defined for the purpose of electing county commissioners, and are a type of legal, administrative MCD. They are redefined after each decennial census, and their boundaries generally remain stable and unchanged through the decade. When considering this request, the Census Bureau sought additional comment from data users in Tennessee, working through the Tennessee State Data Center
(SDC)and its network of affiliates. Responses to the Tennessee SDC's request for comment generally favored adoption of county commissioner districts as the county subdivision type for use in tabulating and presenting Census Bureau data, and concurred with the Office of Information Resources request to replace CCDs with county commissioner districts. In accepting Tennessee's request to switch from CCDs to county commissioner districts (a type of MCD), the Census Bureau also offers other CCD states the opportunity to replace CCDs with MCDs, provided the following conditions are met: 1. There is demonstrated support from a wide range of data users within the state for the switch from current CCDs to a legally existing county subdivision; 2. The type of MCD selected for adoption exists in all counties throughout the state and is well known or easily identifiable by data users; and 3. The type of MCD selected has relatively stable boundaries, with changes generally limited to updates or redistricting once following each census, but stable through the remainder of the decade. The Census Bureau will consider requests from the other 21 CCD states to replace CCDs with a type of MCD, based on the conditions stated above. If the MCDs are to be used for the tabulation of data from the 2010 Census, requests must be received in writing by April 15, 2008, to provide the Census Bureau sufficient time to consult with data users in the state through the State Data Center and its network of affiliates, prepare geographic update materials, and process boundary submissions. Changes to the Criteria From the Proposed Rule The changes made to the final criteria (from the proposed criteria) in “Section III, General principles and criteria for CCDs for the 2010 Census” are as follows: 1. Paragraph 1 in this section appeared in Section C, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” in the previous **Federal Register** notice (April 6, 2007; 72 FR 17324). We have moved it to the beginning of Section III in the final criteria because the wording applies to both the general principles and delineation criteria. We removed the reference to American Indian reservations and off-reservation trust lands because these areas are, by definition, within the United States. 2. Section A, “General principles,” paragraph 3, reworded several sentences to provide greater clarity regarding the relationship between CCDs and census tracts. 3. Section A, “General principles,” paragraph 4, added three sentences to clarify North Dakota's and Tennessee's requests to use MCDs rather than CCDs for tabulating data. We made this change to note Tennessee's recent request in response to the April 6, 2007, **Federal Register** (72 FR 17234). The reference to North Dakota's request for the 1970 Census was added to provide an example of a state that had shifted from CCDs to MCDs. 4. Section B, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” added the first paragraph, summarizing the criteria that follow in more detail. 5. Section B, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” criteria relating to community orientation, added the words “together form a cohesive community area” to provide greater clarity. 6. Section B, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” criteria relating to visible and/or stable boundaries, changed wording in the last sentence from “permits” to “requires” that CCDs follow state, county, and census tract boundaries. This change in wording is consistent with wording elsewhere in the criteria, with the stated intent of the CCD program, and with past practice. Additional wording changes were made to improve clarity. 7. Section B, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” criteria relating to census tract boundaries, removed the reference to the Puerto Rico Community Survey because CCDs are not defined in Puerto Rico. We also deleted the requirement that new CCDs must have a minimum population of 1,200 (the minimum threshold for a census tract) because population thresholds and requirements are not consistent with the general concept of a CCD. 8. Section B, “CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census,” criteria relating to name identification, we added a requirement that the name of an existing CCD may not be changed unless a compelling reason is provided. This addition is intended to promote consistency and continuity from one census to another and avoid needless changes that may result in confusion among data users. III. General Principles and Criteria for CCDs for the 2010 Census The criteria outlined herein apply to the United States, 3 Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. 4 In accordance with the final criteria, the Census Bureau may modify and, if necessary, reject any proposals for CCDs that do not meet the established criteria. In addition, the Census Bureau reserves the right to modify the boundaries and attributes of CCDs as required to maintain established geographic relationships before the final tabulation geography is set for the 2010 Census. 3 For Census Bureau purposes, the United States includes the 50 states and the District of Columbia. 4 For Census Bureau purposes, the Island Areas include American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. The U.S. Minor Outlying Islands are an aggregation of nine U.S. territories: Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, the Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Island. A. General Principles 1. The primary goal of the CCD program is to establish and maintain a set of subcounty units that have stable boundaries and recognizable names. The boundaries of CCDs usually coincide with visible features or stable, significant legal boundaries, such as the boundary of an American Indian reservation, federally managed land, or conjoint incorporated places. CCDs have no legal status as statistical geographic entities and are defined only for the tabulation and presentation of statistical data. 2. A CCD usually represents a single contiguous area consisting of one or more communities, trading centers, or, in some instances, major land uses that are relatively compact in shape. 3. A CCD shall have a relationship to existing census tracts, either encompassing one or more census tracts or having two or more CCDs nest within a single census tract. The boundaries of a CCD, or combination of nested CCDs, align with census tract boundaries. Note that a county with a population less than the optimum population for a census tract (less than 4,000 people) may contain more CCDs than census tracts. For example, McCone County, Montana, which has a 2006 estimated population of 1,760, contains only one census tract, but is divided into two CCDs. 4. Since the 1950s, the Census Bureau has worked with state and local officials to replace MCDs with CCDs for the collection, presentation, and analysis of Census Bureau data, particularly in states in which MCDs do not provide governmental services and functions, and in which MCD boundaries tend to change between decennial censuses. As of Census 2000, CCDs were defined in 22 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. North Dakota adopted CCDs for use in tabulating and presenting data from the 1970 Census. Following the 1970 Census, North Dakota requested that the Census Bureau again use MCDs to tabulate and present statistical data. For the 2010 Census, Tennessee has requested that the Census Bureau replace its CCDs with county commissioner districts, a type of legal, administrative MCD. B. CCD Criteria for the 2010 Census CCDs must
(1)have community orientation,
(2)have visible and/or stable boundaries,
(3)conform to census tract boundaries, and
(4)have recognizable names. 1. Community Orientation Each CCD should center on one or more places and encompass additional surrounding territory that together form a cohesive community area. The definition of community should take into account factors such as production, marketing, consumption, and the integrating factor of local institutions. The locality on which a CCD is centered usually is an incorporated place or an unincorporated community, which might be identified as a census designated place. In some cases, the CCD may center on a major area of significantly different topography, land use, or ownership, such as a large military installation or American Indian reservation. A CCD should always comprise a reasonably compact, continuous land area, generally with road access to all areas within the CCD. 2. Visible and/or Stable Boundaries To make the location of CCD boundaries less ambiguous, the boundaries should follow, wherever possible, visible and identifiable features. The use of visible features makes it easier to locate and identify CCD boundaries over time, as the locations of most visible features in the landscape change infrequently, making data collection easier and more reliable, while reducing the possibility for data allocation errors. The Census Bureau requires that CCDs follow state and county boundaries, conform to census tract boundaries, and allows CCDs to follow the boundaries of federally recognized American Indian reservations, and federal-, state-, or locally-managed land. The following features are acceptable: a. County boundaries (always a CCD boundary); b. Census tract boundaries, which usually follow visible, perennial, natural, and cultural features, such as roads, rivers, canals, railroads, or above-ground, high-tension power lines; c. Legally defined, federally recognized American Indian reservation boundaries; d. The boundaries of federal-, state-, or locally-managed land, such as National Parks, National Monuments, National Forests, other types of large parks or forests, airports, marine ports, prisons, military installations, or other facilities; and e. Conjoint city limits (in certain situations, such as city limits that change infrequently). f. When the above types of features are not available for use as CCD boundaries, the Census Bureau may, at its discretion, approve other nonstandard, visible features, such as ridge lines, above-ground pipelines, streams, or fence lines. The Census Bureau may also accept, on a case-by-case basis, the boundaries of selected nonstandard and potentially nonvisible features, such as the boundaries of cemeteries, golf courses, glaciers, or the straight-line extensions of visible features and other lines-of-sight. 3. Census Tract Boundaries; Population Size Whenever possible, a CCD should encompass one or more contiguous census tracts, or multiple CCDs should constitute a single census tract. Therefore, CCD boundaries should be consistent with census tract boundaries. Population size is not as important a consideration with CCDs as it is with census tracts. Historically, CCDs have ranged from a few hundred people (in selected situations) to more than one million. However, data quality and availability may be factors that local governments and planners should consider in defining statistical geographic areas. As a general rule, period estimates of demographic characteristics of small population areas from the ACS will be subject to higher variances than comparable period estimates for areas with larger populations. In addition, the Census Bureau's disclosure rules may have the effect of restricting the availability and amount of data for areas with small populations. 4. Name Identification • The names of existing CCDs shall not be changed unless a compelling reason is provided, such as when the name from which the CCD was derived has changed, as in the case of Bainbridge Island, Washington, when the name of the city (Winslow) changed. • A new CCD usually is named after the largest population center or historically central place within it (e.g., Taos, Chimayo, or Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico). • Where a CCD contains multiple centers with relatively equal importance, a CCD name may represent the two or three centers (e.g., Mount Pleasant-Moroni, Utah). • A CCD may be named after the American Indian Reservation (e.g., Hualapai, Arizona or Nez Perce, Idaho) or a prominent land use area (e.g., Federal Reservation, Washington or Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming) in which it is partially or wholly located. • A CCD may be named after a prominent physical feature (e.g., Mount Rainier, Washington) or a distinctive region within the county (e.g., Death Valley, California; Everglades and Lower Keys, Florida). • If there is no clear cultural focus or topographic name that can be applied, a CCD name shall consist of the county name and a compass direction to indicate the portion of the county in the CCD or a place name and a compass direction to give the CCD location relative to the place. The directional indicator precedes a county name (e.g., Northeast Cobb, Georgia). If a place name is used, the directional indicator follows it (e.g., Del Rio Northwest, Texas). In all cases, the objective is to clearly identify the extent of the CCD by means of an area name since CCD names always should be meaningful to data users. Any name used as a CCD name must also be recognized by the Board on Geographic Names for federal use and appear in the Geographic Names Information System maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. This includes any individual names combined to make a hyphenated CCD name. IV. Definitions of Key Terms *American Indian reservation* —A federally recognized American Indian land area with boundaries established by final treaty, statute, executive order, and/or court order, and over which a federally recognized American Indian tribal government has governmental authority. Along with reservations, designations such as colonies, communities, pueblos, rancherias, and reserves apply to American Indian reservations. *Block group* —A statistical subdivision of a census tract consisting of all census blocks whose numbers begin with the same digit in a census tract. A block group is the smallest geographic entity for which the Census Bureau normally tabulates sample data. *Census block* —A geographic area bounded by visible and/or nonvisible features in the Census Bureau's Master Address File/Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing database. A block is the smallest geographic entity for which the Census Bureau tabulates decennial census data. *Census designated place* —A statistical geographic entity with a concentration of population, housing, and commercial structures that is identifiable by name, but is not within an incorporated place. *Census tract* —A small, relatively permanent statistical geographic division of a county defined for the tabulation and publication of Census Bureau data. The primary goal of the census tract program is to provide a set of nationally consistent small, statistical geographic units, with stable boundaries that facilitate analysis of data across time. *Conjoint* —A description of a boundary shared by two adjacent geographic areas. *Contiguous* —A description of a geographic entity having an uninterrupted outer boundary, such that it forms a single, connected piece of territory. Noncontiguous areas form separate, disconnected pieces. *Federally managed land* —Territory that is federally owned and/or administered by an agency of the U.S. federal government, such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or Department of Defense. *Incorporated place* —A type of governmental unit, incorporated under state law as a city, town (except in New England, New York, and Wisconsin), borough (except in Alaska and New York), or village, generally to provide specific governmental services for a concentration of people within legally prescribed boundaries. *Minor civil division* —The primary governmental or administrative division of a county in 28 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas having legal boundaries, names, and descriptions. MCDs represent many different types of legal entities with a wide variety of characteristics, powers, and functions depending on the state and type of MCD. In some states, some or all of the incorporated places also constitute MCDs. *Nonvisible feature* —A map feature that is not visible on the ground, such as a city or county boundary through space, a property line running through space, a short line-of-sight extension of a road to another visible feature, or a point-to-point line of sight. *Visible feature* —A map feature that can be seen on the ground, such as a road, railroad track, major above-ground transmission line or pipeline, river or stream, shoreline, fence, sharply defined mountain ridge, or cliff. A nonstandard visible feature is a feature that may not be clearly defined on the ground (such as a ridge), may be seasonal (such as an intermittent stream), or may be relatively impermanent (such as a fence). The Census Bureau generally requests verification that nonstandard features pose no problem in their location during fieldwork by Census Bureau staff. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant under Executive Order 12866. Paperwork Reduction Act This program notice does not represent a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C., Chapter 35. Dated: February 5, 2008. Steve H. Murdock, Director, Bureau of the Census. [FR Doc. E8-2348 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Correction AGENCY: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Department of Commerce. This notice corrects the notice published on February 1, 2008, Volume 73, Number 22, page 6114. The following items are corrected and replaced— *Title:* Biomedical Research and Development Price Index (BRDPI) Survey. *OMB Control Number:* 0608-0069. All other information stated in the February 1, 2008 notice remains effective. Dated: February 5, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8-2373 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-06-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Action Affecting Export Privileges: AR-AM Medical Services LLC; In the Matter of AR-AM Medical Services LLC; Case No. 06-08 Order The Office of Antiboycott Compliance, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce (“BIS”), having determined to initiate an administrative proceeding pursuant to Section 11(c) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (50 U.S.C. 2401-2420 (2000)) (the “Act”) 1 and the Export Administration Regulations (currently codified at 15 CFR Parts 730-774
(2007)(the “Regulations”), against AR-AM Medical Services LLC (“AR-AM”), a domestic concern, based on allegations set forth in the Proposed Charging Letter, dated April 17, 2006, that alleged that AR-AM committed three violations of the Regulations; 1 From August 21, 1994 through November 12, 2000, the Act was in lapse. During that period, the President, through Executive Order 12924, which had been extended by successive Presidential Notices, the last of which was August 3, 2000 (3 CFR 2000 Comp. 397 (2001)), continued the Regulations in effect under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706 (2000)) (“IEEPA”). On November 13, 2000, the Act was reauthorized by Pub. L. 106-508 (114 Stat. 2360 (2000)) and remained in effect through August 20, 2001. Since August 21, 2001, the Act has been in lapse. Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001 (3 CFR 2001 Comp 783 (2002)), which has been extended by successive Presidential Notices, the most recent of which was August 15, 2007 (72 FR 46137 (August 16, 2007)), continues the Regulations in effect under IEEPA. Specifically, the charges are: 1. *Three Violations of 15 CFR 760.2(d)—Furnishing Information about Business Relationships With Boycotted Countries or Blacklisted Persons:* During the years 2001 and 2002, AR-AM engaged in transaction(s) involving the sale and/or transfer of goods or services (including information) from the United States to Syria. In connection with these activities, on three occasions, AR-AM, with intent to comply with, further or support an unsanctioned foreign boycott, furnished information concerning its or another person's business relationships with or in a boycotted country, an activity prohibited by Section 760.2(d) of the Regulations, and not excepted. BIS and AR-AM having entered into a Settlement Agreement pursuant to Section 766.18(a) of the Regulations whereby the parties have agreed to settle this matter in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein and the terms of the Settlement Agreement having been approved by me; *It is therefore ordered that:* First, a civil penalty of $7,200 is assessed against AR-AM. Payment shall be suspended for a period of two years from the date of entry of this Order and thereafter shall be waived, provided that, during the period of suspension, AR-AM has committed no violation of the Act and Regulations or any order issued thereunder. Second, for a period of two years from the date of entry of this Order, AR-AM Medical Services LLC (Great Neck, New York) (“Denied Person”) may not participate, directly or indirectly, in any way in any transaction involving any commodity, software or technology (collectively, “item”) exported or to be exported from the United States to Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates or the Republic of Yemen (collectively, the “Territory”) that is subject to the Regulations, or in any other activity relating to the Territory that is subject to the Regulations, including, but not limited to: A. Applying for, obtaining, or using any license, License Exception, or export control document, relating to the Territory; B. Carrying on negotiations concerning, or ordering, buying, receiving, using, selling, delivering, storing, disposing of, forwarding, transporting, financing, or otherwise servicing in any way, any transaction involving any item exported or to be exported fro the United States to the Territory that is subject to the Regulations, or in any other activity relating to the Territory subject to the Regulations; or C. Benefitting in any way from any transaction involving any item exported or to be exported from the United States to the Territory that is subject to the Regulations, or in any other activity relating to the Territory subject to the Regulations. Third, no person may, directly or indirectly, do any of the following: A. Export or reexport to or on behalf of the Denied Person any item subject to the Regulations from the United States to the Territory; B. Take any action that facilitates the acquisition or attempted acquisition by the Denied Person of the ownership, possession or control of any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States to the Territory, including financing or other support activities related to a transaction whereby the Denied Person acquires or attempts to acquire such ownership, possession or control; C. Take any action to acquire from or to facilitate the acquisition or attempted acquisition from the Denied Person of any item subject to the Regulations that has been exported from the United States to the Territory; D. Obtain from the Denied Person in the United States any item subject to the Regulations with knowledge or reason to know that the item will be, or is intended to be, exported from the United States to the Territory; or E. Engage in any transaction to service any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States to the Territory, and which is owned, possessed or controlled by the Denied Person or service any item, of whatever origin, that is owned, possessed or controlled by the Denied Person if such service involves the use of any item subject to the Regulations that has been or will be exported from the United States to the Territory. For the purposes of this paragraph, service means installation, maintenance, repair, modification or testing. Fourth, after notice and opportunity for comment as provided in Section 766.23 of the Regulations, any person, firm, corporation or business organization related to the Denied Person by affiliation, ownership, control or position of responsibility in the conduct or trade or related services may also be made subject to the provisions of this Order. Fifth, this Order does not prohibit any export, reexport, or other transaction subject to the Regulations where the only items involved that are subject to the Regulations are the foreign-produced direct product of the U.S.-origin technology. Sixth, the Proposed Charging Letter, the Settlement Agreement and this Order shall be made available to the public, and a copy of this Order shall be served on the Denied Person and on BIS, and shall be published in the **Federal Register** . This Order, which constitutes the final agency action in this matter, is effective immediately. Entered this 14th day of January, 2008. Darryl W. Jackson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement. [FR Doc. 08-522 Filed 2-7-08; 8:45 am]
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14 references not yet in our index
- 7 CFR 4284
- 7 CFR 4284.3
- 7 CFR 4284.504
- 7 CFR 3015
- 7 CFR 3019.24
- 41 USC 46-48c
- 41 CFR 51
- 41 USC 47(a)
- 50 USC 2401-2420
- 3 CFR 2000
- 50 USC 1701-1706
- Pub. L. 106-508
- 114 Stat. 2360
- 3 CFR 2001
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Notice of Availability of proposed changes in the Virginia NRCS State Technical Guide for review and comment
Cite7 CFR 4284
Cite7 CFR 4284.3
Cite7 CFR 4284.504
Cite7 CFR 3015
Cite7 CFR 3019.24
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