Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program

REAP FY2016 NOSA

60349
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 193
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER unless the collection of information Electronic Mailing List Subscription is
contains documents other than rules or displays a currently valid OMB control available for completion on-line at the
proposed rules that are applicable to the number and the agency informs Web site of the Water Quality
public. Notices of hearings and investigations, potential persons who are to respond to Information Center. The authority for
committee meetings, agency decisions and
the collection of information that such the National Agricultural Library to
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
persons are not required to respond to collect the information can be found at
petitions and applications and agency
the collection of information unless it CFR, Title 7, Volume 1, Part 2 Subpart
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this displays a currently valid OMB control K, Section 2.65 (92).
section. number. Need and Use of the Information: The
information requested on the form
Agricultural Research Service
includes: Name, email address, job title,
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Title: Web Forms for Research Data, work affiliation, and topics of interest.
Models, Materials, and Publications as Data collected using the form will help
Agricultural Research Service well as Study and Event Registration. WQIC determine a person’s eligibility to
OMB Control Number: 0518–0032.
join the announcement list. In order to
Submission for OMB Review; Summary of Collection: OMB Circular
make sure people have a significant
Comment Request 130 Management of Federal Information
interest in the topic area, it is necessary
Resources, establishes that ‘‘agencies
September 30, 2015. to collect the information. WQIC will
will use electronic media and formats
The Department of Agriculture has use the collected information to approve
. . . in order to make government
submitted the following information subscription to the Enviro-News on-line
information more easily accessible and
collection requirement(s) to OMB for announcement list.
useful to the public’’ In order to provide
review and clearance under the Description of Respondents:
information and services related to its
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Individuals or households; Business or
program responsibilities defined at 7
Public Law 104–13. Comments other for-profit; Not-for-profit
CFR 2.65, the Agricultural Research
regarding (a) whether the collection of institutions; State, Local, or Tribal
Service (ARS) needs to obtain certain
information is necessary for the proper Government.
basic information from the public.
performance of the functions of the Number of Respondents: 30.
Online forms allow the public to request
agency, including whether the Frequency of Responses: Reporting:
from ARS research data, models,
information will have practical utility; On occasion.
materials, and publications as well as
(b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate Total Burden Hours: 1.
registration for scientific studies and
of burden including the validity of the
events. Ruth Brown,
methodology and assumptions used; (c)
Need and Use of the Information:
ways to enhance the quality, utility and Departmental Information Collection
ARS will use the information to respond Clearance Officer.
clarity of the information to be
to requests for specific services. The
collected; (d) ways to minimize the [FR Doc. 2015–25305 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]
information will be collected
burden of the collection of information BILLING CODE 3410–03–P
electronically. If this collection is not
on those who are to respond, including
conducted, ARS will be hindered from
through the use of appropriate
reducing the burden on its customers by DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
automated, electronic, mechanical, or
providing them the most timely and
other technological collection
efficient way to request services. Rural Business-Cooperative Service
techniques or other forms of information
Description of Respondents:
technology. Individuals or households. Notice of Solicitation of Applications
Comments regarding this information Number of Respondents: 5,000. for the Rural Energy for America
collection received by November 5, Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Program for Fiscal Year 2016
2015 will be considered. Written On occasion.
comments should be addressed to: Desk Total Burden Hours: 250. AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Service, USDA.
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Agricultural Research Service ACTION: Notice.
Office of Management and Budget Title: Electronic Mailing List
(OMB), New Executive Office Building, Subscription Form—Water Quality SUMMARY: The Rural Business-
725—17th Street NW., Washington, DC Information Center. Cooperative Service (the Agency)
20502. Commenters are encouraged to OMB Control Number: 0518–0045. announces the acceptance of
submit their comments to OMB via Summary of Collection: The National applications under the Rural Energy for
email to: OIRA_Submission@ Agricultural Library’s Water Quality America Program (REAP) which is
OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 Information Center (WQIC) currently designed to help agricultural producers
and to Departmental Clearance Office, maintains an on-line announcement list and rural small businesses reduce
USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, (Enviro-News). The current voluntary energy costs and consumption and help
Washington, DC 20250–7602. Copies of ‘‘Electronic Mailing List Subscription meet the Nation’s critical energy needs.
the submission(s) may be obtained by Form’’ gives individuals interested in REAP have two types of funding
calling (202) 720–8958. the subject area of water quality and assistance: (1) Renewable Energy
An agency may not conduct or agriculture an opportunity to receive Systems and Energy Efficiency
sponsor a collection of information and post messages to this list. The Improvements Assistance, and (2)
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60350 Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices
Energy Audit and Renewable Energy agricultural producers and rural small requirements specified in 7 CFR
Development Assistance Grants. businesses. 4280.112 through 4280.124 apply to
The Renewable Energy Systems and renewable energy system and energy
I. Program Description
Energy Efficiency Improvement efficiency improvement project grants.
Assistance provides grants and REAP is designed to help agricultural C. Renewable Energy System and
guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses Energy Efficiency Improvement Project
producers and rural small businesses to reduce energy costs and consumption Guaranteed Loans. In addition to the
purchase and install renewable energy and help meet the Nation’s critical other provisions of this Notice, the
systems and make energy efficiency energy needs. REAP has two types of requirements specified in 7 CFR
improvements to their operations. funding assistance: (1) Renewable 4280.125 through 4280.152 apply to
Eligible renewable energy systems for Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency guaranteed loans for renewable energy
REAP provide energy from: Wind, solar, Improvements Assistance and (2) system and energy efficiency
renewable biomass (including anaerobic Energy Audit and Renewable Energy improvement projects. For fiscal year
digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, Development Assistance Grants. 2016, the guarantee fee amount is one
geothermal, or hydrogen derived from A. General. Applications for REAP percent of the guaranteed portion of the
these renewable resources. can be submitted on an ongoing basis. loan, and the annual renewal fee is one-
The Energy Audit and Renewable This Notice announces the deadline quarter of 1 percent (0.250 percent) of
Energy Development Assistance Grant is times and dates to submit applications the guaranteed portion of the loan.
available to a unit of State, Tribal, or for the REAP funds provided by the D. Renewable Energy System and
local government; instrumentality of a Agricultural Act of 2014, on February 7, Energy Efficiency Improvement Project
State, Tribal, or local government; 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), for fiscal year Combined Grant and Guaranteed Loan
institution of higher education; rural 2016 for grants, guaranteed loans, and Requests. In addition to the other
electric cooperative; a public power combined grants and guaranteed loans provisions of this Notice, the
entity; or a council, as defined in 16 to purchase and install renewable requirements specified in 7 CFR
U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant energy systems, and make energy 4280.165 apply to a combined grant and
funds, grantee, will establish a program efficiency improvements; and for grants guaranteed loan for renewable energy
to assist agricultural producers and rural to conduct energy audits and renewable system and energy efficiency
small businesses with evaluating the energy development assistance. improvement projects.
energy efficiency and the potential to The Renewable Energy Systems and E. Energy Audit and Renewable
incorporate renewable energy Energy Efficiency Improvement Energy Development Assistance Grants.
technologies into their operations. Assistance provides grants and In addition to the other provisions of
DATES: Grant applications, guaranteed guaranteed loans to agricultural this Notice, the requirements specified
loan-only applications, and combined producers and rural small businesses to in 7 CFR 4280.186 through 4280.196
grant and guaranteed loan applications purchase and install renewable energy apply to energy audit and renewable
for financial assistance under this systems and make energy efficiency energy development assistance grants.
improvements to their operations.
subpart may be submitted at any time II. Federal Award Information
Eligible renewable energy systems for
on an ongoing basis. Section IV.E. of
REAP provide energy from wind, solar, A. Statutory Authority. This program
this Notice establishes the deadline
renewable biomass (including anaerobic is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 8107.
dates for the applications to be received
digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, B. Catalog of Federal Domestic
in order to be considered for funding
geothermal, or hydrogen derived from Assistance (CFDA) Number. 10.868.
provided by the Agricultural Act of
these renewable resources. C. Funds Available. This Notice is
2014 (Pub. L. 113–79), commonly
The Energy Audit and Renewable announcing deadline times and dates
referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill Act, for
Energy Development Assistance Grant is for applications to be submitted for the
fiscal year 2016.
available to a unit of State, Tribal, or REAP funds provided by the 2014 Farm
FORFURTHERINFORMATIONCONTACT: The
local government; instrumentality of a Bill for fiscal year 2016. This Notice is
applicable USDA Rural Development
State, Tribal, or local government; being published prior to the
Energy Coordinator for your respective
institution of higher education; rural congressional enactment of a full-year
State, as identified via the following
electric cooperative; a public power appropriation for fiscal year 2016. The
link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_
entity; or a council, as defined in 16 Agency will continue to process
StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant applications received under this
For information about this Notice,
funds, (grantee), will establish a announcement and should REAP
please contact Kelley Oehler, Branch
program to assist agricultural producers receive appropriated funds, these funds
Chief, USDA Rural Development,
and rural small businesses with will be announced on the following
Energy Division, 1400 Independence
evaluating the energy efficiency and the Web site: www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/
Avenue SW., Stop 3225, Room 6870,
potential to incorporate renewable notices-solicitation-applications-nosas
Washington, DC 20250. Telephone:
energy technologies into their and subject to the same provisions in
(202) 720–6819. Email: kelley.oehler@
operations. this Notice.
wdc.usda.gov.
The administrative requirements (1) Renewable energy system and
SUPPLEMENTARYINFORMATION: Eligible applicable to each type of funding energy efficiency improvement grant-
Applicants: This solicitation is for available under REAP are described in only funds. For renewable energy
agricultural producers and rural small 7 CFR, part 4280, subpart B. The system and energy efficiency
businesses, as well as units of State, provisions specified in 7 CFR 4280.101 improvement projects only, there will
Tribal, or local government; through 4280.111 apply to each funding be an allocation of grant funds to each
instrumentalities of a State, Tribal, or type described in this Notice. Rural Development State Office. The
local government; institutions of higher B. Renewable Energy System and State allocations will include an
education; rural electric cooperatives; Energy Efficiency Improvement Project allocation for grants of $20,000 or less
public power entities; and councils, as Grants. In addition to the other funds and an allocation of grant funds
defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451, which serve provisions of this Notice, the that can be used to fund renewable
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Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices 60351
energy system and energy efficiency applicant must meet the requirements begin the application process through
improvement grants of either $20,000 or specified in 7 CFR 4280.109, 7 CFR Grants.gov.
less or grants of more than $20,000, as 4280.110, and 7 CFR 4280.112, or 7 CFR B. Application Submittal.
well as the grant portion of a 4280.186, as applicable. (1) Grant applications. All grant
combination grant and guaranteed loan. B. Eligible Lenders and Borrowers. To applications may be submitted either as
These funds are commonly referred to be eligible for the guaranteed portion of hard copy to the appropriate Rural
as unrestricted grant funds. The funds the program, lenders and borrowers Development Energy Coordinator or
for grants of $20,000 or less can only be must meet the eligibility requirements electronically using the Government-
used to fund grants requesting $20,000 in 7 CFR 4280.125 and 7 CFR 4280.127, wide Grants.gov Web site. When
or less. as applicable. submitting an application as hard copy,
(a) To ensure that small projects have C. Eligible Projects. To be eligible for applicants must submit one original.
a fair opportunity to compete for the this program, a project must meet the (a) All renewable energy system and
funding and are consistent with the eligibility requirements specified in 7 energy efficiency improvement
priorities set forth in the statute, the CFR 4280.113, 7 CFR 4280.128, and 7 applications are to be submitted to the
Agency will set-aside 20 percent of the CFR 4280.187, as applicable. USDA Rural Development Energy
fiscal year 2016 funds until June 30, D. Cost Sharing or Matching. The Coordinator in the State in which the
2016, to fund grants of $20,000 or less. 2014 Farm Bill mandates the maximum applicant’s proposed project is located.
(b) Grant funds available for percentages of funding that REAP can A list of USDA Rural Development
renewable energy system and energy provide. Energy Coordinators is available via the
efficiency improvement will consist of (1) Renewable energy system and following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/
fiscal year 2016 funds and any unused energy efficiency improvement funding files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
mandatory funding from fiscal year approved for guaranteed loan-only
(b) All energy audit and renewable
2015. requests and for combination
energy development assistance
(2) Renewable energy system and guaranteed loan and grant requests will
applications are to be submitted to the
energy efficiency improvement loan not exceed 75 percent of eligible project
USDA Rural Development Energy
guarantee funds. Rural Development’s costs, with any Federal grant portion not
Coordinator in the State in which the
National Office will maintain a reserve to exceed 25 percent of the total eligible
applicant is headquartered.
of guaranteed loan funds. The amount of project costs, whether the grant is part
(c) Grant-only applicants submitting
loan guarantee program level available of a combination request or is a grant-
their electronic applications to the
will consist of fiscal year 2016 funds. only.
Agency via the Grants.gov Web site may
(3) Renewable energy system and (2) Under the energy audit and
download a copy of the application
energy efficiency improvement renewable energy development
package to complete it off line and then
guaranteed loan and grant combination assistance grants, a grantee that
upload and submit the application via
funds. The amount of funds available conducts energy audits must require
the Grants.gov site, including all
for guaranteed loan and grant that, as a condition of providing the
information typically included in the
combination applications are outlined energy audit, the agricultural producer
application, and all necessary
in paragraphs C(b)(1) and C(2) of this or rural small business pay at least 25
assurances and certifications. After
section. percent of the cost of the energy audit.
electronically submitting an application
(4) Energy audit and renewable energy E. Other. The definitions applicable to
through the Web site, the applicant will
development assistance grant funds. this Notice are published at 7 CFR
receive an automated acknowledgement
The amount of funds available for 4280.103. Ineligible project costs can be
from Grants.gov that contains a
energy audits and renewable energy found in 7 CFR 4280.114(d), 7 CFR
Grants.gov tracking number.
development assistance in fiscal year 4280.129(f), and 7 CFR 4280.188(c), as
(2) Guaranteed loan applications.
2016 will be 4 percent of fiscal year applicable.
Guaranteed loan-only applications (i.e.,
2016 mandatory funds. Obligations of
IV. Application and Submission those that are not part of a guaranteed
these funds will take place through
Information loan/grant combination request) must be
March 31, 2016. Any unobligated
balances will be moved to the renewable A. Address to Request Application. submitted as hard copy to the
energy subsidy account as of April 1, Application materials may be obtained appropriate Rural Development Energy
2016. These funds may be utilized in by contacting one of Rural Coordinator.
any of the renewable energy system and Development’s Energy Coordinators, as (3) Guaranteed loan and grant
energy efficiency improvement national identified via the following link: combination applications. Applications
competitions.
http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_ for guaranteed loans/grants
D. Approximate Number of Awards. StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. (combination applications) must be
The estimated number of awards is In addition, for grant applications, submitted as hard copy to the
1,000 based on the historical average applicants may obtain electronic grant appropriate Rural Development Energy
grant size and the anticipated applications for REAP from http:// Coordinator.
mandatory funding of $50 million for www.Grants.gov. When you enter the C. Content and Form of Application
fiscal year 2016, but will depend on the Grants.gov site, you will find Submission. Applicants seeking to
actual amount of funds made available information about submitting an participate in this program must submit
and on the number of eligible applicants application electronically through the applications in accordance with this
participating in this program. site. To use Grants.gov, all applicants Notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B.
E. Type of Instrument. Grant, must have a DUNS number, which can Applicants must submit complete
guaranteed loan, and grant/guaranteed be obtained at no cost via a toll-free applications containing all parts
loan combinations. request line at (866) 705–5711 or online necessary for the Agency to determine
at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. applicant and project eligibility, to score
III. Eligibility Information
USDA Rural Development strongly the application, and to conduct the
A. Eligible Applicants. To be eligible recommends that applicants do not wait technical evaluation, as applicable, in
for the grant portion of the program, an until the application deadline date to order to be considered.
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60352 Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices
(1) Competition. The application dates (5) Multiple facilities. Applicants may E. Submission Dates and Times. Grant
published in Section IV.E. of this Notice submit a single application that applications, guaranteed loan-only
identify the times and dates by which proposes to apply the same renewable applications, and combined grant and
complete applications must be received energy system (including the same guaranteed loan applications for
in order to compete for the funds hybrid project) or energy efficiency financial assistance under this subpart
available. improvement across multiple facilities. may be submitted at any time on an
(2) Grant applications. Information For example, a rural small business ongoing basis. When an application
required for an application to be owner owns five retail stores and wishes window closes, the next application
considered complete is found in 7 CFR to install solar panels on each store. The window opens on the following day.
part 4280, subpart B. rural small business owner may submit This Notice establishes the deadline
(a) Grant applications for renewable a single application for installing the dates for the applications to be received
energy systems and energy efficiency solar panels on the five stores. However, in order to be considered for funding
improvement projects with total project if this same owner wishes to install provided by the 2014 Farm Bill for fiscal
costs of $80,000 or less must provide solar panels on three of the five stores year 2016. An application received after
information required by 7 CFR and wind turbines for the other two these dates will be considered with
4280.119. stores, the owner can only submit an other applications received in the next
(b) Grant applications for renewable
application for either the solar panels or application window. In order to be
energy systems and energy efficiency
for the wind turbines in the same fiscal considered for funds under this Notice,
improvement projects with total project
year. complete applications must be received
costs of $200,000 or less, but more than
(6) Fiscal Year 2015 Renewable by the appropriate USDA Rural
$80,000, must provide information
Energy System and Energy Efficiency Development State Office or via
required by 7 CFR 4280.118.
Improvement Grant Applications for Grants.gov. The deadline for
(c) Grant applications for renewable
$20,000 or less. If an application for a applications to be received to be
energy systems and energy efficiency
project was submitted after April 30, considered for funding in fiscal year
improvement projects with total project
2015, for the first time for fiscal year 2016 are outlined in the following
costs of greater than $200,000 must
2015 funding and that initial paragraphs and also summarized in a
provide information required by 7 CFR
application was determined eligible but table at the end of this section:
4280.117.
(d) Guaranteed loan applications for was not funded in either the State or (1) Renewable energy system and
renewable energy systems and energy National unrestricted competitions, the energy efficiency improvement grant
efficiency improvement projects must Agency will consider that application applications and combination grant and
provide information required by 7 CFR for funding in the November 2, 2015, guaranteed loan applications.
4280.137. and May 2, 2016, State competitions for Application deadlines for fiscal years
(e) Combined grant and guaranteed grants of $20,000 or less and the 2016 grant funds are:
loan applications for renewable energy National competition for grants of (a) For applicants requesting $20,000
systems and energy efficiency $20,000 or less in fiscal year 2016. If an or less that wish to have their
improvement projects must provide applicant submitted the initial application compete for the ‘‘Grants of
information required by 7 CFR application on or prior to April 30, $20,000 or less set aside,’’ complete
4280.165(c). 2015, the applicant must submit a new applications must be received no later
(f) Applications for energy audits or application, meeting the requirements of than:
renewable energy development this Notice in order to be considered for (i) 4:30 p.m. local time on November
assistance grants must provide fiscal year 2016 funds for that project, 2, 2015, or
information required by 7 CFR and a new submission date of record
(ii) 4:30 p.m. local time on May 2,
4280.190. will be established.
2016.
(3) Race, ethnicity, and gender. The D. System for Award Management
Agency is requesting that each applicant (SAM) and Dun and Bradstreet (b) For applicants requesting grant
provide race, ethnicity, and gender Universal Number System (DUNS) funds of over $20,000 (unrestricted) or
information about the applicant. The Number. Unless exempt under 2 CFR funding for a combination grant and
information will allow the Agency to 25.110, all applicants must: guaranteed loan, complete applications
evaluate its outreach efforts to under- (1) Be registered in SAM prior to must be received no later than 4:30 p.m.
served and under-represented submitting an application; local time on May 2, 2016.
populations. Applicants are encouraged (2) Maintain an active SAM (2) Renewable energy system and
to furnish this information with their registration with current information at energy efficiency improvement
applications, but are not required to do all times during which it has an active guaranteed loan-only applications.
so. An applicant’s eligibility or the Federal award or an application under Applications will be reviewed and
likelihood of receiving an award will consideration by the Agency; and processed when received with monthly
not be impacted by furnishing or not (3) Provide its DUNS number in each competitions on the first business day of
furnishing this information. application it submits to the Agency. each month for those applications
(4) Hybrid projects. If the application (4) At the time the Agency is ready to eligible and ready to be funded.
is for a hybrid project, as defined in 7 make an award, if the applicant has not (3) Energy audits and renewable
CFR 4280.103, technical reports, as complied with paragraphs A(1) through energy development assistance grant
required under 7 CFR 4280.110(h)(3), A(3) of this section, the Agency may applications. Complete applications
must be prepared for each technology determine the applicant is not eligible to must be received no later than 4:30 p.m.
that comprises the hybrid project. receive the award. local time on February 1, 2016.
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Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices 60353
Application Application
window window
Application
opening closing
dates dates
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants ($20,000 or July 1, 2015 ........................ November 2, 2015.
less competing for up to 50 percent of the set aside funds).
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants ($20,000 or November 3, 2015 ............. May 2, 2016.*
less competing for the remaining set aside funds).
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants (Unre- July 1, 2015 ........................ May 2, 2016.*
stricted grants, including combination grant and guaranteed loan).
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans Continuous application Continuous application
cycle. cycle.
Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants ...................... February 13, 2015 .............. February 1, 2016.*
*Applications received after this date will be considered for the next funding cycle in the subsequent fiscal year.
F. Intergovernmental Review. REAP is rural small business to pay at least 25 applicant provide original signatures on
not subject to Executive Order 12372, percent of the cost of the energy audit, forms submitted through Grants.gov at a
Intergovernmental Review of Federal which shall be retained by the eligible later date.
Programs. entity for the cost of the audit. (4) Transparency Act Reporting. All
G. Funding Limitations. The following (3) Maximum grant assistance to an recipients of Federal financial assistance
funding limitations apply to entity. For the purposes of this Notice, are required to report information about
applications submitted under this the maximum amount of grant first-tier sub-awards and executive
Notice. assistance to an entity will not exceed compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
(1) Renewable energy system and $750,000 for fiscal year 2016 based on part 170. So long as an entity applicant
energy efficiency improvement projects. the total amount of the renewable does not have an exception under 2 CFR
(a) Applicants may apply for only one energy system, energy efficiency 170.110(b), the applicant must have the
renewable energy system project and improvement, energy audit, and necessary processes and systems in
one energy efficiency improvement renewable energy development place to comply with the reporting
project in fiscal year 2016. assistance grants awarded to an entity requirements should the applicant
(b) For renewable energy system under REAP.
receive funding. See 2 CFR 170.200(b).
grants, the minimum grant is $2,500 and H. Other submission requirements
the maximum is $500,000. For energy and information. V. Application Review Information
efficiency improvement grants, the (1) Environmental information. For
A. Evaluation Criteria. All complete
minimum grant is $1,500 and the the Agency to consider an application,
applications will be scored in
maximum grant is $250,000. the application must include all
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120,
(c) For renewable energy system and environmental review documents with
4280.135, and 4280.192 and as
energy efficiency improvement loan supporting documentation in
supplemented below.
guarantees, the minimum REAP accordance with 7 CFR part 1940,
(1) For fiscal year 2016, if the State
guaranteed loan amount is $5,000 and subpart G. Applications for financial
Director and Administrator consider
the maximum amount of a guaranteed assistance for planning or management
awarding priority points under 7 CFR
loan to be provided to a borrower is $25 purposes are typically categorically
4280.120(g), the State Director and the
million. excluded from the environmental
Administrator will take into
(d) Renewable energy system and review process by 7 CFR 1940.310(e)(1).
consideration paragraphs V.A(1)(a) and
energy efficiency improvement Any required environmental review
(b) below.
guaranteed loan and grant combination must be completed prior to obligation of
(a) With regard to 7 CFR
applications. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of funds or the approval of the application.
4280.120(g)(3), which addresses
this section contain the applicable Applicants are advised to contact the
applicants who are members of
maximum amounts and minimum Agency to determine environmental
unserved and under-served populations,
amounts for grants and guaranteed requirements as soon as practicable to
a project that is:
loans. ensure adequate review time.
(2) Energy audit and renewable energy (2) Felony conviction and tax (i) Owned by a veteran, including but
development assistance grants. delinquent status. Corporate applicants not limited to individuals as sole
(a) Applicants may submit only one submitting applications under this proprietors, members, partners,
energy audit grant application and one Notice must include Form AD 3030, stockholders, etc., of not less than 20
renewable energy development ‘‘Representations Regarding Felony percent. In order to receive points,
assistance grant application for fiscal Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status applicants must provide a statement in
year 2016 funds. for Corporate Applicants.’’ Corporate their applications to indicate that
(b) The maximum aggregate amount of applicants who receive an award under owners of the project have veteran
energy audit and renewable energy this Notice will be required to sign Form status; and
development assistance grants awarded AD 3031, ‘‘Assurance Regarding Felony (ii) Owned by a member of a socially-
to any one recipient under this Notice Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for disadvantaged group, which are groups
cannot exceed $100,000 for fiscal year Corporate Applicants.’’ Both forms can whose members have been subjected to
2016. be found online at http:// racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice
(c) The 2014 Farm Bill mandates that www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030; because of their identity as members of
the recipient of a grant that conducts an and http://www.ocio.usda.gov/ a group without regard to their
energy audit for an agricultural document/ad3031. individual qualities. In order to receive
producer or a rural small business must (3) Original signatures. USDA Rural points, the application must include a
require the agricultural producer or Development may request that the statement to indicate that the owners of
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60354 Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices
the project are members of a socially- unfunded eligible applications for combined grant and guaranteed loan
disadvantaged group. grants of $20,000 or less received by applications from the National Office
(b) With regard to 7 CFR May 2, 2016, will be competed against guaranteed loan reserve, and no further
4280.120(g)(4), which addresses other applications for grants of $20,000 competition will be required.
applications that further a Presidential or less from other States at a final (4) Energy audit and renewable energy
initiative or a Secretary of Agriculture national competition. Obligations of development assistance grants. Energy
priority, projects: these funds will take place prior to June audit and renewable energy
(i) Located in rural areas with the 30, 2016. development assistance grant funds will
lowest incomes where, according to the (c) Renewable energy system and be maintained in a reserve at the
most recent 5-year American energy efficiency improvement National Office. The two highest scoring
Community Survey data by census, unrestricted grant State funds. applications from each State, based on
tracts show that at least 20 percent of Renewable energy system and energy the scoring criteria established under
the population is living in poverty. This efficiency improvement grant funds that §4280.192, will compete for funding at
will support Secretary of Agriculture’s can be awarded to any renewable energy a national competition. If funds remain
priority of providing 20 percent of its system or energy efficiency after the energy audit and renewable
funding by 2016 to these areas of need improvement application, regardless of energy development assistance national
and the amount of the funding request, will competition, the Agency may elect to
(ii) Located in designated Strike Force be allocated to the States. All unused transfer budget authority to fund
or Promise Zone areas, which is a funds for grant funds will be pooled to additional renewable energy system and
Secretary of Agriculture’s priority. the National Office. energy efficiency improvement grants
(2) Combined grant and guaranteed (d) Renewable energy system and
from the National Office reserve after
loan applications will be scored in energy efficiency improvement national
pooling.
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120. grant funds. All unfunded eligible
(5) Insufficient funds. If a State
(3) For hybrid applications, each applications for grants, which include
allocation is not sufficient to fund the
technical report will be evaluated based grants of $20,000 or less, that are
total amount of a grant or combination
on its own merit. received by May 2, 2016, and that are
application, the applicant must be
B. Review and Selection Process. not funded by State allocations can be
notified that they may accept the
Grant-only applications, guaranteed submitted to the National Office to
remaining funds or submit the total
loan-only applications, and combined compete against grant applications from
request for National Office reserve funds
grant and guaranteed loan applications other States at a final national
available after pooling. If the applicant
for financial assistance may be competition.
agrees to lower its grant request, the
submitted at any time. In order to be (2) Renewable energy system and
applicant must certify that the purposes
considered for funds, complete energy efficiency improvement
of the project will be met and provide
applications must be received by the guaranteed loan funds. The National
the remaining total funds needed to
appropriate USDA Rural Development Office will maintain a reserve for
complete the project.
State Office or via Grants.gov, as renewable energy system and energy
(a) If two or more grant or
identified in Section IV.E., of this efficiency improvement guaranteed loan
combination applications have the same
Notice. funds. Applications will be reviewed
(1) Renewable energy system and and processed when received. Those score and remaining funds in the State
energy efficiency improvement grants. applications that meet the Agency’s allocation are insufficient to fully award
Due to the competitive nature of this underwriting requirements, are credit them, the remaining funds must be
program, applications are competed worthy, and score a minimum of 50 divided proportionally between the
based on submittal date. The submittal points will compete in national applications. The Agency will notify the
date is the date the Agency receives a competitions for guaranteed loan funds applicants that they may either accept
complete application. The complete on the first business day of each month. the proportional amount of funds or
application date is the date the Agency All unfunded eligible guaranteed loan- submit their total request for National
receives the last piece of information only applications received that do not Office reserve. If the applicant agrees to
that allows the Agency to determine score at least 50 points will be competed lower its grant request, the applicant
eligibility and to score, rank, and against other guaranteed loan-only must certify that the purposes of the
compete the application for funding. applications from other States at a final project will be met and provide the
(a) Renewable energy system and national competition, if the guaranteed remaining total funds needed to
energy efficiency improvement grants of loan reserves have not been completely complete the project.
$20,000 or less State funds. Funds will depleted, on September 1, 2016. If funds (b) At its discretion, the Agency may
be allocated to the States. Applications remain after the final guaranteed loan- instead allow the remaining funds to be
must be submitted by November 2, only national competition, the Agency carried over to the next fiscal year rather
2015, or May 2, 2016, in order to be may elect to utilize budget authority to than selecting a lower scoring
considered for these set-aside funds. fund additional grant-only applications. application(s) or distributing funds on a
The State will award 50 percent of these (3) Combined grant and guaranteed pro-rata basis.
funds for those complete applications loan applications. Renewable energy C. Award Considerations. All awards
the Agency receives by November 2, system and energy efficiency will be on a discretionary basis. In
2015, and 50 percent of the funds for improvement combined grant and determining the amount of a renewable
those complete applications the Agency guaranteed loan applications will energy system or energy efficiency
receives by May 2, 2016. All State compete with grant-only applications improvement grant or loan guarantee,
allocated unused funds for grants of for grant funds allocated to their State the Agency will consider the six criteria
$20,000 or less will be pooled to the referenced in paragraph B(1)(c) of this specified in 7 CFR 4280.114(e) or 7 CFR
National Office. section. If the application is ranked high 4280.129(g), as applicable.
(b) Renewable energy system and enough to receive State allocated grant D. Anticipated Announcement and
energy efficiency improvement grants of funds, the State will request funding for Federal Award Dates. All awards should
$20,000 or less national funds. All the guaranteed loan portion of any be completed by September 30, 2016.
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Federal Register/Vol. 80, No. 193/Tuesday, October 6, 2015/Notices 60355
VI. Federal Award Administration CFR 4280.123(j), 7 CFR 4280.143, and 7 (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845–6136 (in
Information CFR 4280.196, as applicable. Any Spanish).
question on reporting can be directed to Persons with disabilities, who wish to
A. Federal Award Notices. The
the appropriate Rural Development file a program complaint, please see
Agency will award and administer
renewable energy system and energy Energy Coordinator as identified in the information above on how to contact us
efficiency improvement grants, ‘‘For Further Information Contact’’ directly by mail or by email. If you
guaranteed loans in accordance with 7 section of this notice. require alternative means of
communication for program information
CFR 4280.122, and 7 CFR 4280.139, as VII. Other Information
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
applicable. The Agency will award and
administer the energy audit and A. Paperwork Reduction Act please contact USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
renewable energy development In accordance with the Paperwork
assistance grants in accordance with 7 Reduction Act of 1995, the information Dated: September 29, 2015.
CFR 4280.195. Notification collection requirements associated with Samuel H. Rikkers,
requirements of 7 CFR 4280.111, apply renewable energy system and energy Acting Administrator, Rural Business-
to this Notice. efficiency improvement grants and Cooperative Service.
B. Administrative and National Policy guaranteed loans, as covered in this [FR Doc. 2015–25321 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am]
Requirements. Notice, have been approved by the BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
(1) Equal Opportunity and
Office of Management and Budget
Nondiscrimination. The Agency will
(OMB) under OMB Control Number
ensure that equal opportunity and
0570–0050. The information collection COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
nondiscrimination requirements are met
requirements associated with energy
in accordance with the Equal Credit audit and renewable energy Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting
Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. development assistance grants have also of the Montana Advisory Committee
and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination
in Programs and Activities Conducted been approved by OMB under OMB AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights.
Control Number 0570–0059.
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Announcement of meeting.
The Agency will not discriminate B. Nondiscrimination Statement
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
against applicants on the basis of race,
The U.S. Department of Agriculture pursuant to the provisions of the rules
color, religion, national origin, sex,
(USDA) prohibits discrimination against and regulations of the U.S. Commission
marital status, or age (provided that the
its customers, employees, and on Civil Rights (Commission), and the
applicant has the capacity to contract);
applicants for employment on the basis Federal Advisory Committee Act
because all or part of the applicant’s
of race, color, national origin, age, (FACA), that a planning meeting of the
income derives from any public
disability, sex, gender identity, religion, Montana Advisory Committee to the
assistance program; or because the
reprisal and where applicable, political Commission will convene at 1:00 p.m.
applicant has in good faith exercised
beliefs, marital status, familial or (MDT) on Thursday, October 22, 2015,
any right under the Consumer Credit
parental status, religion, sexual via teleconference. The purpose of the
Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
orientation, or all or part of an planning meeting is for the Advisory
(2) Civil Rights Compliance.
individual’s income is derived from any Committee to continue their discussion
Recipients of grants must comply with
public assistance program, or protected and plans to conduct a community
the Americans with Disabilities Act of
genetic information in employment or forum on Border Town Discrimination
1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Title VI
in any program or activity conducted or Against Native Americans.
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.
funded by the Department. (Not all Members of the public may listen to
2000d et seq., and Section 504 of the
prohibited bases will apply to all the discussion by dialing the following
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
programs and/or employment Conference Call Toll-Free Number: 1–
794. This may include collection and
activities.) 888–397–5352; Conference ID: 261115.
maintenance of data on the race, sex,
If you wish to file a Civil Rights Please be advised that before being
and national origin of the recipient’s
program complaint of discrimination, placed into the conference call, the
membership/ownership and employees.
complete the USDA Program operator will ask callers to provide their
These data must be available to conduct
Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), names, their organizational affiliations
compliance reviews in accordance with
found online at http:// (if any), and an email address (if
7 CFR 1901.204.
(3) Environmental Analysis. 7 CFR www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ available) prior to placing callers into
part 1940, subpart G, or successor cust.html, or complete the form at any the conference room. Callers can expect
regulation outlines environmental USDA office, or call (866) 632–9992 to to incur charges for calls they initiate
procedures and requirements for this request the form. You may also write a over wireless lines, and the Commission
subpart. Prospective applicants are letter containing all of the information will not refund any incurred charges.
advised to contact the Agency to requested in the form. Send your Callers will incur no charge for calls
determine environmental requirements completed complaint form or letter to us they initiate over land-line connections
as soon as practicable after they decide by mail at U.S. Department of to the toll-free phone number.
to pursue any form of financial Agriculture, Director, Office of Persons with hearing impairments
assistance directly or indirectly Adjudication, 1400 Independence may also follow the discussion by first
available through the Agency. Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– calling the Federal Relay Service (FRS)
(4) Appeals. A person may seek a 9410, by fax (202) 690–7442 or email at at 1–800–977–8339 and provide the FRS
review of an Agency decision or appeal program.intake@usda.gov. operator with the Conference Call Toll-
to the National Appeals Division in Individuals who are deaf, hard of Free Number: 1–888–397–5352,
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.105. hearing or have speech disabilities and Conference ID: 261115. Members of the
C. Reporting. wish to file either an EEO or program public are invited to submit written
Reporting requirements will be in complaint, please contact USDA comments; the comments must be
accordance with the Grant Agreement, 7 through the Federal Relay Service at received in the regional office by
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