Recipients of this program received funds to administer technical assistance in areas of solid waste management to small communities.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
In fiscal year 2006, 39 grants were made; FY 2007, 40 grants were made.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used to: Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements.
Grant funds may not be used to: Recruit preapplications/applications for any loan and/or grant program including RUS Water and Waste Disposal Loan and/or Grant Program; duplication of current services, replacement or substitution of support previously provided such as those performed by an association's consultant in developing a project; fund political activities; pay for capital assets, the purchase of real estate or vehicles, improve and renovate office space, or repair and maintain privately-owned property; pay for construction or operation and maintenance costs of water and waste facilities; and pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of grants made under this subpart.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Entities eligible for grants are nonprofit organizations, including: Private nonprofit organizations that have been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and public bodies including local governmental-based multijurisdictional organizations.
Applicants must have the proven ability, background, experience, legal authority, and actual capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training on a regional basis to eligible beneficiaries.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Municipalities, counties, districts, authorities, and other political subdivisions of a State, organizations operated on a not-for-profit basis, such as associations, cooperatives, and private nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations and other federally recognized Indian tribes.
Credentials/Documentation
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-87, and A-122.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
An environmental impact assessment is required for this program.
Application Procedures
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-87, A-102, A-110, and A-122. Preapplication Form SF 424.1, will be filed with the appropriate Rural Development (RD), formerly FMHA, State or Rural Utilities Service (RUS) National Office between October 1 and December 31 each fiscal year.
Award Procedures
Preapplications received by an RD State Office will be reviewed and forwarded with any written comments within seven working days to the RUS approval official.
Deadlines
Preapplications must be filed between October 1 and December 31 of each fiscal year in which funds are appropriated.
Authorization
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Section 310B, Public Law 101-624, 7 U.S.C. 1932.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Form AD-622, "Notice of Preapplication Review Action," will normally be issued within 45 days after December 31 of each year. SF-424.1, "Application for Federal Assistance (for Non-Construction)," will be submitted by the applicant upon notification of funding eligibility.
Appeals
If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are fully stated. The applicant may request a review of this decision with the National Appeals Division of USDA.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
A time limitation is not specified, however, priority will be given to applicants whose time frame for completion of the grant project is 12 months or less.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
All grantees will submit quarterly reports to the RUS approval official.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the grant must be retained for a period of at least three years after closing.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-0400-0-1-452.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $3,465,000; FY 08 est $3,465,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$18,000 to $205,000. Average: $86,625.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 1775, Technical Assistance and Training Grants.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult your local telephone directory for RD District Office number. If no listing, get in touch with the appropriate RD State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-2670.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Grant funds will be directed to those applicants who; (1) Have demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance on a regional basis to rural communities; (2) propose to assist small, low income communities; (3) propose to serve multi-State, regional or nationwide areas; (4) the extent to which the proposed project is cost effective; and (5) meet the objectives of RUS Water and Waste Disposal Program.
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.