Federal Register / Vol. 73, No.

18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices 4809

consider the impact of this procedure in B. Review Standards VI. Award Administration Information
selecting their application delivery 1. All applications for grants must be A. Award Notices
method. delivered to Rural Development at the
2. Electronically submitted Rural Development recognizes that
address and by the date specified in this each funded project is unique, and
applications. notice to be eligible for funding. Rural
a. Applications will not be accepted therefore may attach conditions to
Development will review each different projects’ award documents.
via facsimile machine transmission or application for conformance with the
electronic mail. The Agency generally notifies
provisions of this part. Rural applicants whose projects are selected
b. Electronic applications for grants Development may contact the applicant
will be accepted if submitted through for awards by faxing an award letter.
for additional information or Rural Development follows the award
the Federal government’s Grants.gov clarification.
initiative at http://www.grants.gov. letter with a grant agreement that
2. Incomplete applications as of the contains all the terms and conditions for
c. How to use Grants.gov: deadline for submission will not be
(i) Navigate your Web browser to the grant. An applicant must execute
considered. If an application is and return the grant agreement,
http://www.grants.gov. determined to be incomplete, the
(ii) Follow the instructions on that accompanied by any additional items
applicant will be notified in writing and required by the grant agreement.
Web site to find grant information. the application will be returned with no
(iii) Download a copy of the further action. B. Administrative and National Policy
application package. 3. Applications conforming with this Requirements
(iv) Complete the package off-line. part will be evaluated competitively by
(v) Upload and submit the application The items listed in the program
a panel of Rural Development regulation at 7 CFR 1740.9(j) implement
via the Grants.gov Web site. employees selected by the
d. Grants.gov contains full the appropriate administrative and
Administrator of RUS, and will be national policy requirements.
instructions on all required passwords, awarded points as described in the
credentialing and software. scoring criteria in 7 CFR 1740.8. C. Performance Reporting
e. Rural Development encourages Applications will be ranked and grants All recipients of Public Television
applicants who wish to apply through awarded in rank order until all grant Station Digital Transition Grant Program
Grants.gov to submit their applications funds are expended. financial assistance must provide
in advance of the deadline. Difficulties 4. Regardless of the score an annual performance activity reports to
encountered by applicants filing application receives, if Rural USDA Rural Development until the
through Grants.gov will not justify filing Development determines that the project is complete and the funds are
deadline extensions. Project is technically or financially expended. A final performance report is
f. If a system problem occurs or you infeasible, Rural Development will also required; the final report may serve
have technical difficulties with an notify the applicant, in writing, and the as the last annual report. The final
electronic application, please use the application will be returned with no report must include an evaluation of the
customer support resources available at further action. success of the project.
the Grants.gov Web site.
C. Scoring Guidelines VII. Agency Contacts
E. Deadlines
1. The applicant’s self scores in A. Web site: http://www.usda.gov/rus/.
1. Paper applications must be Rurality and Economic Need will be The Web site maintains up-to-date
postmarked and mailed, shipped, or checked and, if necessary, corrected by resources and contact information for
sent overnight no later than March 28, Rural Development. the Public Television Station Digital
2008 to be eligible for FY 2008 grant 2. The Critical Need score will be Transition Grant Program.
funding. Late applications are not determined by Rural Development B. Phone: 202–690–4493.
eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. based on information presented in the C. Fax: 202–720–1051.
2. Electronic grant applications must application. This score is intended to D. Main point of contact: Gary B.
be received by March 28, 2008 to be capture from the rural public’s Allan, Chief, Universal Services Branch,
eligible for FY 2008 funding. Late standpoint the necessity and usefulness Advanced Services Division,
applications are not eligible for FY 2008 of the proposed project. This scoring Telecommunications Program, USDA
grant funding. category will also recognize that some Rural Development.
V. Application Review Information transition purchases are more essential Dated: January 11, 2008.
than others, so that first time transmitter James M. Andrew,
A. Criteria transitions and power upgrades of Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
1. Grant applications are scored previously installed transmitters will [FR Doc. E8–1377 Filed 1–25–08; 8:45 am]
competitively and subject to the criteria receive scoring advantages. Master BILLING CODE 3410–15–P
listed below. control equipment is very important to
2. Grant application scoring criteria a station’s operation and first time
are detailed in 7 CFR 1740.8. There are master control equipment will also get DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
100 points available, broken down as a high priority. Local production
follows: equipment can be a high priority Rural Utilities Service
a. The Rurality of the Project (up to especially if it produces an area’s only
50 points); local news or if the station has been Household Water Well System Grant
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b. The Economic Need of the Project’s historically active in producing local Program Announcement of Application
Service Area (up to 25 points); and programming. Translators always Deadlines and Funding
c. The Critical Need for the project, deliver a great deal of rural benefit and AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
and of the applicant, including the a full digital conversion of a translators
ACTION: Notice of funding availability
benefits derived from the proposed will receive recognition in the project’s
and solicitation of applications.
service (up to 25 points). critical need score.

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 4810 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service, an Submit completed paper applications Service, an agency delivering the United
agency delivering the United States to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, States Department of Agriculture’s
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, (USDA) Rural Development Utilities
Rural Development Utilities Programs, Mail Stop #1570, Room 2233–S, 1400 Programs, to make grants to qualified
hereinafter referred to as Rural Independence Ave., SW., Washington, private non-profit organizations to
Development, announces its Household DC 20250–1570. Applications should be establish lending programs for
Water Well System (HWWS) Grant marked ‘‘Attention: Water and household water wells.
Program application window for Fiscal Environmental Programs.’’ As grant recipients, non-profit
Year (FY) 2008. In addition to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: organizations will receive HWWS grants
announcing the application window, Cheryl Francis, Loan Specialist, U.S. to establish lending programs that will
Rural Development announces the Department of Agriculture, Rural provide water well loans to individuals.
available funding and maximum Development Utilities Programs, Water The individuals, as loan recipients, may
amounts for HWWS competitive grants and Environmental Programs, use the loans to construct, refurbish,
for the fiscal year. telephone: (202) 720–1937, fax: (202) and service their household well
The HWWS Grant Program is 690–0649, e-mail: systems. A loan may not exceed $8,000
authorized under Section 6012 of the [email protected]. and will have a term of up to 20 years
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act at a one percent annual interest rate.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
of 2002 (the Act), Public Law 107–171.
The Act authorizes Rural Development B. Background
Overview
to make grants to qualified private non- Federal Agency: Rural Utilities Rural Development supports the
profit organizations to establish lending Service (RUS). sound development of rural
programs for household water wells. For Funding Opportunity Title: communities and the growth of our
FY 2008, the HWWS grant funding Household Water Well System Grant economy without endangering the
available is $993,000. Non-profit Program. environment. Rural Development
organizations will use the grants to Announcement Type: Grant—Initial. provides financial and technical
make loans to individual homeowners Catalog of Federal Domestic assistance to help communities bring
to construct or upgrade a household Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.862. safe drinking water and sanitary,
water well system for an existing home. Due Date for Applications: May 31, environmentally sound waste disposal
The organizations must contribute an 2008. facilities to rural Americans in greatest
amount equal to at least 10 percent of need.
the grant request to capitalize the loan Items in Supplementary Information Central water systems may not be the
fund. Applications may be submitted in I. Funding Opportunity: Description only or best solution to drinking water
paper or electronic format. The HWWS of the Household Water Well System problems. Distance or physical barriers
Grant Program regulations are contained Grant Program. make public central water systems
in 7 CFR part 1776. II. Award Information: Available expensive in remote areas. A significant
DATES: You may submit completed funds. number of geographically isolated
applications for grants on paper or III. Eligibility Information: Who is households without water service might
electronically according to the following eligible, what kinds of projects are require individual wells rather than
deadlines: eligible, what criteria determine basic connections to new or existing
• The deadline for completed eligibility. community systems. The goal of Rural
applications for a HWWS grant is May IV. Application and Submission Development is not only to make funds
31, 2008. Information: Where to get application available to those communities most in
• Paper copies must be postmarked materials, what constitutes a completed need of potable water but also to ensure
and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight application, how and where to submit that facilities used to deliver drinking
no later than May 31, 2008 to be eligible applications, deadlines, items that are water are safe and affordable. There is
for FY 2008 grant funding. Late or eligible. a role for private wells in reaching this
incomplete applications will not be V. Application Review Information: goal.
eligible for FY 2008 grant funding. Considerations and preferences, scoring
• Applications in electronic copies criteria, review standards, selection C. Purpose
must be postmarked or time-stamped information. The purpose of the HWWS Grant
electronically and must be received by VI. Award Administration Program is to provide funds to non-
May 31, 2008 to be eligible for FY 2008 Information: Award notice information, profit organizations to assist them in
grant funding. Late or incomplete award recipient reporting requirements. establishing loan programs from which
applications will not be eligible for FY VII. Agency Contacts: Web, phone, individuals may borrow money for
2008 grant funding. fax, e-mail, contact name. household water well systems.
ADDRESSES: You may obtain application I. Funding Opportunity Applicants must show that the project
guides and materials for the HWWS will provide technical and financial
program at the Water and A. Program Description assistance to eligible individuals to
Environmental Programs (WEP) Web The Household Water Well System remedy household well problems.
site: http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/ (HWWS) Grant Program has been Priority will be given to the non-profit
well.htm. You may also request established to help individuals with low organizations that:
application guides and materials by to moderate incomes finance the costs of 1. Demonstrate experience in
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contacting the Water and Environmental household water wells that they own or promoting safe, productive uses of
Staff at (202) 720–9589. will own. The HWWS Grant Program is household water wells and ground
Submit electronic grant applications authorized under Section 6012 of the water.
through http://www.grants.gov Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 2. Demonstrate significant
(Grants.gov), following the instructions of 2002 (The Act), Public Law 107–171. management experience in making and
on that Web site. The Act authorizes the Rural Utilities servicing loans to individuals.

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 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices 4811

3. Contribute more than 50 percent of B. What are the Basic Eligibility Development may be found in the
the grant amount in cash or other liquid Requirements for a Project? Federal Register, April 20, 2001 at 66
assets in order to capitalize the 1. Project Eligibility. To be eligible for FR 20318.
revolving loan fund. a grant, the project must: (2) Own and occupy the home being
4. Propose to serve rural areas a. Be a revolving loan fund created to improved with the proceeds of the
containing the smallest communities provide loans to eligible individuals to Household Water Well loan or be
with a high percentage of low-income construct, refurbish, and service purchasing the home to occupy under a
individuals eligible for loans. individually-owned household water legally enforceable land purchase
5. Target areas which lack running well systems (see 7 CFR 1776.11 and contract which is not in default by
water, flush toilets, and modern sewage 1776.12). Loans may not be provided for either the seller or the purchaser.
disposal systems. (3) Own the home in a rural area.
home sewer or septic system projects.
Due to the limited amount of funds (4) Not use the loan for a water well
b. Be established and maintained by
available under the HWWS Program, system associated with the construction
a private, non-profit organization.
one or two applications may be funded of a new dwelling.
c. Be located in a rural area. Rural (5) Not use the loan to substitute a
from FY 2008 funds. Previously funded area is defined as locations other than
grant recipients must apply for a well for water service available from
cities or towns of more than 50,000 collective water systems. (For example,
different target area to be considered for people and the adjacent urbanized area
funding under this announcement. a loan may not be used to restore an old
of such towns and cities. well that was abandoned when a
II. Award Information 2. Required Matching Contributions.
dwelling was connected to a water
Grant applicants must provide written
Funding Instrument Type: Grant. district’s water line.)
evidence of a matching contribution of (6) Not be suspended or debarred
Anticipated Total Priority Area at least 10 percent from sources other
Funding: $993,000. from participation in Federal programs.
than the proceeds of a HWWS grant. In-
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 or IV. Application and Submission
kind contributions will not be
2. Information
considered for the matching
Length of Project Periods: 12-month
requirement. Please see 7 CFR 1776.9 A. Where To Get Application
project.
for the requirement. Information
Assistance Instrument: Grant
3. Other—Requirements.
Agreement with successful applicants a. DUNS Number. An organization The application guide, copies of
before any grant funds are disbursed. must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data necessary forms and samples, and the
III. Eligibility Information Universal Numbering System (DUNS) HWWS Grant regulation are available
number. A DUNS number will be from these sources:
A. Who Is Eligible for Grants? required whether an applicant is 1. On-line for electronic copies:
1. An organization is eligible to submitting a paper application or an http://www.grants.gov or http://
receive a Household Water Well grant if electronic application through www.usda.gov/rus/water/well.htm, and
it: www.grants.gov. To verify that your 2. Rural Development for paper
a. Is a private, non-profit organization organization has a DUNS number or to copies.
that has tax-exempt status from the receive one at no cost, call the dedicated Rural Development Utilities
United States Internal Revenue Service toll-free request line at 1–866–705–5711 Programs, Water Programs Division,
(IRS). Faith-based organizations are or request one on-line at http:// Room 2234 South, Stop 1570, 1400
eligible and encouraged to apply for this www.dnb.com. Independence Avenue, SW.,
program. b. Eligibility for Loans. Individuals Washington, DC 20250–1570,
b. Is legally established and located are not eligible for grants but are eligible Telephone: (202) 720–9589; Fax (202)
within one of the following: for loans. To be eligible for a loan, an 690–0649.
(1) A state within the United States. individual must: B. Content and Form of Application
(2) The District of Columbia. (1) Be a member of a household of Submission
(3) The Commonwealth of Puerto which the combined household income
Rico. of all members does not exceed 100 1. Rules and Guidelines
(4) A United States territory. percent of the median non-metropolitan a. Detailed information on each item
c. Has the legal capacity and authority household income for the State or required can be found in the Household
to carry out the grant purpose; territory in which the individual Water Well System Grant Program
d. Has sufficient expertise and resides. Household income is the total regulation and the Household Water
experience in lending activities; income from all sources received by Well System Grant Application Guide.
e. Has sufficient expertise and each adult household member for the Applicants are strongly encouraged to
experience in promoting the safe and most recent 12-month period for which read and apply both the regulation and
productive use of individually-owned the information is available. It does not the application guide. This Notice does
household water well systems and include income earned or received by not change the requirements for a
ground water; dependent children under 18 years old completed application for any form of
f. Has no delinquent debt to the or other benefits that are excluded by HWWS financial assistance specified in
Federal Government or no outstanding Federal law. The non-metropolitan the regulation. The regulation and
judgments to repay a Federal debt; household income must be based on the application guide provide specific
g. Demonstrates that it possesses the most recent decennial census of the guidance on each of the items listed.
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financial, technical, and managerial United States. b. Applications should be prepared in

capability to comply with Federal and Rural Development publishes a list of conformance with the provisions in 7
State laws and requirements. income exclusions in 7 CFR 3550.54(b). CFR 1776, subpart B, and applicable
2. An individual is ineligible to Also, a list of federally Mandated USDA regulations including 7 CFR parts
receive a Household Water Well grant. Exclusions from Income, published by 3015 and 3019. Applicants should use
An individual may receive only a loan. the Department of Housing and Urban the Household Water Well System Grant

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 4812 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices

Application Guide which contains e. 7 CFR part 3021—Government wide b. Electronic applications for grants
instructions and other important Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace will be accepted if submitted through
information in preparing their (Financial Assistance). Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov.
application. Completed applications f. Executive Order 13166, ‘‘Improving c. Applicants who apply through
must include the items found in the Access to Services for Persons with Grants.gov should submit their
checklist in the next paragraph. Limited English Proficiency.’’ For applications before the deadline.
information on limited English d. Grants.gov contains full
2. Checklist of Items in Completed proficiency and agency-specific
Application Packages instructions on all required passwords,
guidance, go to http://www.LEP.gov. credentialing, and software. Follow the
The forms in items 1 through 6 must g. Federal Obligation Certification on
instructions at Grants.gov for registering
be completed and signed where Delinquent Debt.
and submitting an electronic
appropriate by an official of your C. How Many Copies of an Application application. Rural Development may
organization who has authority to Are Required? request original signatures on
obligate the organization legally. The electronically submitted documents
1. Applications Submitted on Paper.
forms may be found on-line at the Rural later.
Submit one signed original and two
Development Web site: http:// e. To use Grants.gov:
additional copies. The original and each
www.usda.gov/rus/water/wwforms.htm.
of the two copies must include all (1) Follow the instructions on the
See section V, ‘‘Application Review
required forms, certifications, Web site to find grant information.
Information,’’ for instructions and
assurances, and appendices, be signed (2) Download a copy of an application
guidelines on preparing Items 7 through
by an authorized representative, and package.
13.
have original signatures. Do not include (3) Complete the package off-line.
Application items organizational brochures or promotional
(4) Upload and submit the application
materials.
2. Applications Submitted via the Grants.gov Web site.
1. SF–424, ‘‘Application for Federal Assist-
ance’’. Electronically. The additional paper f. You must be registered with
2. SF–424A, ‘‘Budget Information—Non-Con- copies are unnecessary if the Grants.gov before you can submit a
struction Programs’’. application is submitted electronically grant application.
3. SF–424B, ‘‘Assurances—Non-Construction through www.grants.gov. (1) You will need a DUNS number to
Programs’’. access or register at any of the services.
4. SF–LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying Activity’’. D. How and Where To Submit an
In addition to the DUNS number
5. Form RD 400–1, ‘‘Equal Opportunity Application
Agreement’’.
required of all grant applicants, your
6. Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance Agreement 1. Submitting Paper Applications organization must be listed in the
(Under Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964). a. For paper applications mail or Central Contractor Registry (CCR). If you
7. Project Proposal. ensure delivery of an original paper have not used Grants.gov before, you
Project Summary. application (no stamped, photocopied, will need to register with the CCR and
Needs Assessment.
or initialed signatures) and two copies the Credential Provider.
Project Goals and Objectives. Setting up a CCR listing (a one-time
Project Narrative. by the deadline date to: Rural
8. Work Plan. Development Utilities Programs, Water procedure with annual updates) takes
9. Budget and Budget Justification. Programs Division, Room 2234 South, up to five business days. Rural
10. Evidence of Legal Authority and Exist- Stop 1570, 1400 Independence Avenue, Development recommends that you
ence. SW., Washington, DC 20250–1570. obtain your organization’s DUNS
11. Documentation of non-profit status and b. Applications must show proof of number and CCR listing well in advance
IRS Tax Exempt Status. mailing or shipping by one of the of the deadline specified in this notice.
12. List of Directors and Officers. following: (2) The CCR registers your
13. Financial information and sustainability (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service organization, housing your
(narrative). (USPS) postmark;
14. Assurances and Certifications of Compli- organizational information and allowing
(2) A legible mail receipt with the Grants.gov to use it to verify your
ance with Other Federal Statutes.
date of mailing stamped by the USPS; or identity. You may register for the CCR
(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or by calling the CCR Assistance Center at
3. Compliance with Other Federal receipt from a commercial carrier. 1–888–227–2423 or you may register
Statutes. The applicant must provide c. If a deadline date falls on a online at http://www.ccr.gov.
evidence of compliance with other weekend, it will be extended to the
Federal statutes and regulations, following Monday. If the date falls on a (3) The Credential Provider gives you
including, but not limited to the Federal holiday, it will be extended to or your representative a username and
following: the next business day. password, as part of the Federal
d. Due to screening procedures at the Government’s e-Authentication to
a. 7 CFR part 15, subpart A—
U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensure a secure transaction. You will
Nondiscrimination in Federally
packages arriving via the USPS are need the username and password when
Assisted Programs of the Department of
irradiated, which can damage the you register with Grants.gov or use
Agriculture—Effectuation of Title VI of
contents. Rural Development Grants.gov to submit your application.
the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
encourages applicants to consider the You must register with the Central
b. 7 CFR part 3015—Uniform Federal Provider through Grants.gov at https://
Assistance Regulations. impact of this procedure in selecting an
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application delivery method. apply.grants.gov/OrcRegister.

c. 7 CFR part 3017—Government wide (4) If a system problem or technical
Debarment and Suspension (Non- 2. Submitting Electronic Applications difficulty occurs with an electronic
procurement). a. Applications will not be accepted application, please use the customer
d. 7 CFR part 3018—New Restrictions via facsimile machine transmission or support resources available at the
on Lobbying. electronic mail. Grants.gov Web site.

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E. Deadlines guidelines are provided on the operational costs and provide financial
The deadline for paper and electronic additional information required for assistance for projects.
submissions is May 31, 2008. Paper Rural Development to determine (3) Demonstrate that the organization
applications must be postmarked and eligibility and financial feasibility. has secured commitments of significant
mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no 1. Project Proposal. The project financial support from other funding
later than the closing date to be proposal should outline the project in sources, if appropriate.
sufficient detail to provide a reader with (4) List the fees and charges that
considered for FY 2008 grant funding.
a complete understanding of the loan borrowers will be assessed.
Electronic applications must have an
program. Explain what will be 2. Work Plan. The work plan or scope
electronic date and time stamp by
accomplished by lending funds to of work must describe the tasks and
midnight of May 31, 2008, to be
individual well owners. Demonstrate activities that will be accomplished
considered on time. Rural Development
the feasibility of the proposed loan with available resources during the
will not accept applications by fax or e-
program in meeting the objectives of grant period. It must include who will
mail.
Applications that do not meet the this grant program. The proposal should carry out the activities and services to
include the following elements: be performed and specific timeframes
criteria above are considered late
a. Project Summary. Present a brief for completion. Describe any unusual or
applications and will not be considered.
project overview. Explain the purpose of unique features of the project such as
Rural Development will notify each late the project, how it relates to Rural
applicant that its application will not be innovations, reductions in cost or time,
Development’s purposes, how the or extraordinary community
considered. project will be executed, what the involvement.
F. Funding Restrictions project will produce, and who will
3. Budget and Budget Justification.
direct it.
1. Eligible Grant Purposes Both Federal and non-Federal resources
b. Needs Assessment. To show why
a. Grant funds must be used to the project is necessary, clearly identify shall be detailed and justified in the
establish and maintain a revolving loan the economic, social, financial, or other budget and narrative justification.
fund to provide loans to eligible problems that require solutions. ‘‘Federal resources’’ refers only to the
individuals for household water well Demonstrate the well owners’ need for HWWS grant for which you are
systems. financial and technical assistance. applying. ‘‘Non Federal resources’’ are
b. Individuals may use the loans to Quantify the number of prospective all other Federal and non-Federal
construct, refurbish, rehabilitate, or borrowers or provide statistical or resources.
replace household water well systems narrative evidence that a sufficient a. Provide a budget with line item
up to the point of entry of a home. Point number of borrowers will exist to justify detail and detailed calculations for each
of entry for the well system is the the grant award. Describe the service budget object class identified in section
junction where water enters into a home area. Provide information on the B of the Budget Information form (SF–
water delivery system after being household income of the area and other 424A). Detailed calculations must
pumped from a well. demographical information. Address include estimation methods, quantities,
c. Grant funds may be used to pay community needs. unit costs, and other similar quantitative
administrative expenses associated with c. Project Goals and Objectives. detail sufficient for the calculation to be
providing Household Water Well loans. Clearly state the project goals. The duplicated. Also include a breakout by
objectives should clearly describe the the funding sources identified in Block
2. Ineligible Grant Purposes 15 of the SF–424.
goals and be concrete and specific
a. Administrative expenses incurred enough to be quantitative or observable. b. Provide a narrative budget
in any calendar year that exceed 10 They should also be feasible and relate justification that describes how the
percent of the HWWS loans made to the purpose of the grant and loan categorical costs are derived for all
during the same period do not qualify program. capital and administrative expenditures,
for reimbursement. d. Project Narrative. The narrative the matching contribution, and other
b. Administrative expenses incurred should cover in more detail the items sources of funds necessary to complete
before Rural Development executes a briefly described in the Project the project. Discuss the necessity,
grant agreement with the recipient do Summary. Demonstrate the grant reasonableness, and allocability of the
not qualify for reimbursement. applicant’s experience and expertise in proposed costs. Consult OMB Circular
c. Delinquent debt owed to the promoting the safe and productive use A–122: ‘‘Cost Principles for Non-Profit
Federal Government. of individually-owned household water Organizations’’ for information about
d. Grant funds may not be used to well systems. The narrative should appropriate costs for each budget
provide loans for household sewer or address the following points: category.
septic systems. (1) Document the grant applicant’s c. If the grant applicant will use a
e. Household Water Well loans may ability to manage and service a servicing contractor, the fees may be
not be used to pay the costs of water revolving fund. The narrative may reimbursed as an administrative
well systems for the construction of a describe the systems that are in place for expense as provided in 7 CFR 1776.13.
new house. the full life cycle of a loan from loan These fees must be discussed in the
f. Household Water Well loans may origination through servicing. If a budget narrative. If the grant applicant
not be used to pay the costs of a home servicing contractor will service the will hire a servicing contractor, it must
plumbing system. loan portfolio, the arrangement and demonstrate that all procurement
V. Application Review Information services provided must be discussed. transactions will be conducted in a
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(2) Show evidence that the manner to provide, to the maximum

A. Criteria organization can commit financial extent practical, open and free
This section contains instructions and resources the organization controls. This competition. Recipients must justify any
guidelines on preparing the project documentation should describe the anticipated procurement action that is
proposal, work plan, and budget sources of funds other than the HWWS expected to be awarded without
sections of the application. Also, grant that will be used to pay your competition and exceed the simplified

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 4814 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices

acquisition threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. Circular A–122 for information about directors and officers with their
403(11) (currently set at $100,000). indirect costs. respective terms.
d. The indirect cost category should 4. Evidence of Legal Authority and 6. IRS Tax Exempt Status. The
Existence. The applicant must provide applicant must submit evidence of tax
be used only when the grant applicant
satisfactory documentation that it is exempt status from the Internal Revenue
currently has an indirect cost rate
legally recognized under state and Service.
approved by the U.S. Department of
Federal law as a non-profit organization.
Agriculture or another cognizant The documentation also must show that 7. Financial Information and
Federal agency. A grant applicant that it has the authority to enter into a grant Sustainability. The applicant must
will charge indirect costs to the grant agreement with Rural Development and submit pro forma balance sheets,
must enclose a copy of the current rate to perform the activities proposed under income statements, and cash flow
agreement. If the grant applicant is in the grant application. Satisfactory statements for the last three years and
the process of initially developing or documentation includes, but is not projections for three years. Additionally,
renegotiating a rate, the grant applicant limited to, certificates from the the most recent audit of the applicant’s
shall submit its indirect cost proposal to Secretary of State, or copies of state organization must be submitted.
the cognizant agency immediately after statutes or laws establishing your B. Evaluation Criteria
the applicant is advised that an award organization. Letters from the IRS
will be made. In no event, shall the awarding tax-exempt status are not Grant applications that are complete
indirect cost proposal be submitted later considered adequate evidence. and eligible will be scored
than three months after the effective 5. List of Directors and Officers. The competitively based on the following
date of the award. Consult OMB applicant must submit a certified list of scoring criteria:

Scoring criteria Points

Degree of expertise and experience in promoting the safe and productive use of individually- Up to 30 points.
owned household water well systems and ground water.
Degree of expertise and successful experience in making and servicing loans to individuals ...... Up to 20 points.
Percentage of applicant contributions. Points allowed under this paragraph will be based on
written evidence of the availability of funds from sources other than the proceeds of a
HWWS grant to pay part of the cost of a loan recipient’s project. In-kind contributions will not
be considered. Funds from other sources as a percentage of the HWWS grant and points
corresponding to such percentages are as follows:
0 to 9 percent ........................................................................................................................... Ineligible.
10 to 25 percent ....................................................................................................................... 5 points.
26 to 30 percent ....................................................................................................................... 10 points.
31 to 50 percent ....................................................................................................................... 15 points.
51 percent or more ................................................................................................................... 20 points.
Extent to which the work plan demonstrates a well thought out, comprehensive approach to ac- Up to 20 points.
complishing the objectives of this part, clearly defines who will be served by the project, and
appears likely to be sustainable.
Lowest ratio of projected administrative expenses to loans advanced .......................................... Up to 10 points.
Administrator’s discretion, taking into consideration such factors as: ............................................ Up to 10 points.
Creative outreach ideas for marketing HWWS loans to rural residents;
Amount of funds requested in relation to the amount of needs demonstrated in the pro-
posal;
Excellent utilization of a previous revolving loan fund; and Optimizing the use of agency re-
sources.
Description of the service area, particularly the range of the area:
State ......................................................................................................................................... 10 points.
Regional ................................................................................................................................... 15 points.
National .................................................................................................................................... 20 points.
Extent to which the problem or issue being addressed in the Needs Assessment is defined Up to 15 points.
clearly and supported by data.
Extent to which the goals and objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as defined in the Up to 15 points.
Needs Assessment, and are measurable.
Extent to which the evaluation methods are specific to the program, clearly defined, measur- Up to 20 points.
able, with expected program outcomes.

C. Review Standards 3. Complete, eligible applications will based on the averages of the reviewers’
be evaluated competitively by a review scores and discretionary points awarded
1. Incomplete applications as of the team, composed of at least two Rural by the Rural Utilities Service
deadline for submission will not be Development employees selected from Administrator.
considered. If an application is the Water Programs Division. They will 4. Applications will be ranked and
determined to be incomplete, the make overall recommendations based grants awarded in rank order until all
applicant will be notified in writing and on the program elements found in 7 CFR grant funds are expended.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES

the application will be returned with no part 1776 and the review criteria
further action. 5. Regardless of the score an
presented in this notice. They will application receives, if Rural
2. Ineligible applications will be award points as described in the scoring Development determines that the
returned to the applicant with an criteria in 7 CFR 1776.9 and this notice. project is technically infeasible, Rural
explanation. Each application will receive a score Development will notify the applicant,

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 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 18 / Monday, January 28, 2008 / Notices 4815

in writing, and the application will be The audit will be submitted within 9 Needs and Uses: The information to
returned with no further action. months after the grantee’s fiscal year. be collected in the Local Update of
Additional audits may be required if the Census Addresses (LUCA) Program is
VI. Award Administration Information
project period covers more than one essential to the mission of the Census
A. Award Notices fiscal year. Bureau and will directly contribute to
b. Grantees expending less than the successful outcome of Census 2010.
Rural Development will notify a
$500,000 will provide annual financial The Census Bureau requested and
successful applicant by an award letter
statements covering the grant period, received emergency clearance from
accompanied by a grant agreement. The
consisting of the organization’s OMB so that the LUCA Program start-up
grant agreement will contain the terms
statement of income and expense and was not delayed. That emergency
and conditions for the grant. The
balance sheet signed by an appropriate clearance expires February, 2008.
applicant must execute and return the
official of the organization. Financial The LUCA Program was developed by
grant agreement, accompanied by any
statements will be submitted within 90 the U.S. Census Bureau to meet the
additional items required by the award
days after the grantee’s fiscal year. requirements of the Census Address List
letter or grant agreement.
VII. Agency Contacts Improvement Act of 1994, Public Law
B. Administrative and National Policy 103–430. Under the voluntary LUCA
Requirements A. Web Site Program, participating governments may
1. This notice, the 7 CFR 1776, and http://www.usda.gov/rus/water. The review the Census Bureau’s confidential
Household Water Well System Grant Rural Development’s Web site maintains list of individual living quarters
Program Application Guide implement up-to-date resources and contact addresses and provide address
the appropriate administrative and information for the Household Water additions, corrections, deletions, and/or
national policy requirements. Grant Well program. the identification of corrected address
recipients are subject to the counts for census blocks; street and
B. Phone street attribute updates; and legal
requirements in 7 CFR part 1776.
2. Direct Federal grants, sub-award 202–720–9589. boundary updates. Governments
funds, or contracts under the HWWS electing to participate in the LUCA
C. Fax
Program shall not be used to fund program also provide program contact
inherently religious activities, such as 202–690–0649. information; certification of their
worship, religious instruction, or D. E-mail agreement to maintain the
proselytization. Therefore, organizations confidentiality of the Census Bureau
[email protected]. address information; responses
that receive direct USDA assistance
should take steps to separate, in time or E. Main Point of Contact regarding their physical and information
location, their inherently religious technology security capabilities;
Cheryl Francis, Loan Specialist, Water
activities from the services funded program option and product media
and Environmental Programs, Water
under the HWWS Program. USDA preference information; shipment
Programs Division, Rural Development
regulations pertaining to the Equal inventory information; certification of
Utilities Programs, U.S. Department of
Treatment for Faith-based their return/destruction of materials
Agriculture.
Organizations, which includes the containing confidential data; and, for
Dated: January 11, 2008. participants not submitting address list
prohibition against Federal funding of
inherently religious activities, can be James M. Andrew, changes, their reasons for not doing so.
found either at the USDA Web site at Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. The program will be available to tribal,
http://www.usda.gov/fbci/finalrule.pdf [FR Doc. E8–1379 Filed 1–25–08; 8:45 am] state, and local governments, and the
or 7 CFR part 16. BILLING CODE 3410–15–P District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (or
their designated representatives) in
C. Reporting areas for which the Census Bureau
1. Performance Reporting. All DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE performs a precensus address
recipients of HWWS Grant Program canvassing operation (excluded are
financial assistance must provide Submission for OMB Review; sparsely settled areas in the states of
quarterly performance activity reports to Comment Request Alaska and Maine). The LUCA program
Rural Development until the project is includes federally-recognized American
The Department of Commerce will Indian tribes with reservations and/or
complete and the funds are expended. A
submit to the Office of Management and off-reservation trust lands, states, and
final performance report is also
Budget (OMB) for clearance the general-purpose local governments,
required. The final report may serve as
following proposal for collection of such as cities and townships, for which
the last annual report. The final report
information under the provisions of the the Census Bureau reports data. This
must include an evaluation of the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. information collection will occur
success of the project.
chapter 35). between August 2007 and May 2008.
2. Financial Reporting. All recipients Agency: U.S. Census Bureau.
of Household Water Well System Grant Title: Local Update of Census The Census Bureau will use the LUCA
Program financial assistance must Addresses (LUCA) Program. program to help develop the housing
provide an annual audit, beginning with Form Number(s): D–1663 through D– unit and group quarters (e.g., college
the first year a portion of the financial 1706. dormitory, nursing home, correctional
assistance is expended. The grantee will OMB Control Number: 0607–0795. facility, etc.) address information that it
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES

provide an audit report or financial Type of Request: Extension of a will need to conduct the 2010 Decennial
statements as follows: currently approved collection. Census. Because tribal, state, and local
a. Grantees expending $500,000 or Burden Hours: 3,909,829. governments have current knowledge of
more Federal funds per fiscal year will Number of Respondents: 19,780. and data about where housing growth
submit an audit conducted in Average Hours Per Response: 197 and change are occurring in their
accordance with OMB Circular A–133. hours and 40 minutes. jurisdictions, their input into the overall

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