Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives
None available at this time.
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.
Program Accomplishments
This program was new in FY 2006. In previous years 3 to 5 applications were received and it is anticipated that the same number will be received and 1 award will be made in fiscal year 2008.
Uses and Use Restrictions
An REIC cooperative agreement is to be used to conduct research on the national economic impact of all types of cooperative organizations.
The research is to include development of methodology and collection and analysis of data as well as describing the economic impacts.
Indirect costs are restricted to no more than 10 percent of the direct cost.
Direct costs are not to include construction or fixed assets.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of Higher Education, including consortia of academic institutions, research foundations maintained by a college or university, or private nonprofit organizations funded by a group of colleges or universities, are eligible to apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Public or private colleges or universities.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must provide a budget supporting the work plan that details all sources and uses of funds during the project period. Applicants are required to verify matching funds, both cash and in-kind such that USDA can verify all representations.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
USDA will solicit applications on a competitive basis by publication of a notice in the Federal Register and through the www.grants.gov Federal Web site. Unless otherwise specified, applicants must file an original and two copies of the proposal and all required forms or as otherwise instructed in the annual announcement. An applicant must submit Form SF-424, Form SF-424A, Form SF-424B, and other information as directed. Each proposal must contain the following elements and any additional elements published in the announcement: (1) Title Page; (2) Table of Contents; (3) Executive Summary; (4) Eligibility Discussion; (5) Proposal Narrative including, but not limited to: (i) Project Title; (ii) Information Sheet; (iii) Goals of the Project; (iv) Work Plan; (v) Proposal Evaluation Criteria; (6) Certification of Judgment; and (7) Verification of Matching Funds.
Award Procedures
Qualified academic institutions must submit their application to the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office where it will be reviewed and scored on a competitive basis as described in the annual solicitation for proposals. If selected for an award, the applicant must complete the objectives as defined in the approved proposal.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarter office for application deadlines.
Authorization
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, Title III, Public Law 109-97, as amended, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006, Division B, Title III, Chapter 8, Section 3801, Public Law 109-148.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 60 days after the application is filed with the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs.
Appeals
Applicants may appeal any adverse decisions to USDA's National Appeals Division.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The cooperative agreement funds will be dispersed quarterly on a reimbursement basis over a period of up to two years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Progress reports must be submitted to the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
A final report must be submitted to the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office within 90 days after the project is completed.
Form SF-269 or SF-269A, "Financial Status Report" must be submitted Quarterly.
Form SF-270 "Request for Advance or Reimbursement" may be submitted when required, but no more often than monthly.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 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. Non-Federal 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 A-133.
Records
The recipient will maintain adequate records and accounts to assure that agreement funds are used for authorized purposes. Records will also be maintained by the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office and Rural Development Budget Office according to USDA and Agency record-keeping requirements.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1900-0-1-452.
Obigations
FY 07 $500,000; FY 08 est $491,535; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
One agreement in the amount of $491,535 is anticipated.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3019. Please see all details in the program notice of request for proposals in the Federal Register. Application guidelines are on the website listed below and through www.grants.gov.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
USDA-Rural Development's Cooperative Programs, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Stop 3252, Washington, DC 20250-3252 Telephone: (202) 690-0368, Fax: (202) 690-2723 E-mail: cpgrants@wdc.usda.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated by a review panel based on the criteria published in the Federal Register. The top ranked proposal will be funded.
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