The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is a government wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.
In addition to the hard copy Catalog data, program information is available on machine-readable magnetic tape, high density floppy diskettes, and CD-Rom. This information is also available on tape, diskettes, or CD-ROM and may be purchased from GSA.

Contact:
Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Staff (MVS),
General Services Administration,
300 7th Street, S.W., Suite 101,
Washington, DC 20407.
(202) 708-5126

This HTML copy was prepared by:
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DOC Aquaculture Mission: A mission of the Department of Commerce(DOC) is to create sustainable economic opportunities in aquaculture in amanner that is environmentally sound and consistent with applicable laws andAdministration policy. This mission complements and is an integral part of theDepartment's effort to restore and maintain sustainable wild stock fisheries inorder to maximize the benefits of U.S. coastal resources for its citizens.Aquaculture in the United States can make major contributions to the local,regional, and national economies by providing employment in a new and diverseindustry and by creating business opportunities both here and abroad. TheUnited States can lead the world in the development of aquaculture technologiesand advance international guidelines for the industry in order to maintain ahealthy environment.

Definition: Aquaculture is defined as the propagation and rearing ofaquatic organisms in controlled or selected aquatic environments for anycommercial, recreational, or public purpose.

DOC Aquaculture Objectives: The DOC and its agencies, working inpartnership with USDA, DOI, other Federal agencies, state, local, and tribalgovernments, environmental organizations, industry, academia, and otherstakeholders at the national and regional levels will create a business climateand technological base for industry to develop environmentally soundaquaculture. The specific objectives by the year 2025 are to:

1. Increase the value of domestic aquaculture production from the present $900million annually to $5 billion, which will help offset the $6-billion annualU.S. trade deficit in seafood.
2. Increase the number of jobs in aquaculture from the present estimate of180,000 to 600,000.
3. Develop aquaculture technologies and methods both to improve production andsafeguard the environment, emphasizing where possible those technologies thatemploy pollution prevention rather than pollution control techniques.
4. Develop a code of conduct for responsible aquaculture by the year 2002 andhave 100% compliance with the code in Federal waters.
5. Double the value of non-food products and services produced by aquaculturein order to increase industry diversification.
6. Enhance depleted wild fish stocks through aquaculture, thereby increasingthe value of both commercial and recreational landings and improving the healthof our aquatic resources.
7. Increase exports of U.S. aquaculture goods and services from the presentvalue of $500 million annually to $2.5 billion.

• Work with stakeholders to develop a set of aquaculture guidelines for DoCaquaculture activities by the end of the year 2000 and ensure that allsubsequent Departmental activities conform to these guidelines.
• Conduct research and help develop guidelines for an environmentally soundand sustainable aquaculture industry and promote domestic and internationalcompliance with the guidelines.
• Consistent with these guidelines, conduct basic and applied research todomesticate additional species, giving preference to high-value species and tothose that are least likely to create problems for the environment.
• Deliver U.S. government aquaculture services, assistance, and research tostate and local governments and industry in a comprehensive and coordinatedmanner.
• Hold national and regional meetings with aquaculture constituents toinventory present resources and issues and set priorities for the future.
• Develop an efficient and transparent permitting process for aquaculture.
• Accelerate the implementation of new aquaculture production methods bydeveloping both pilot scale and demonstration projects where necessary.
• Develop effective enhancement strategies, where appropriate, for aquaticspecies to help wild stock fisheries recover and to provide additionalrecreational opportunities.
• Integrate aquaculture development with wild fish stock management andenvironmental stewardship to maximize the value of our aquatic resources forthe benefit of the nation.
• Minimize the adverse impacts of aquaculture on protected species throughproper design and siting of facilities and the application of appropriatedeterrent technologies.
• Provide financial, marketing, and trade assistance to the aquacultureindustry.
• Provide extension, training, and education programs to ensure acompetitive, safe industry.
• Provide an information clearinghouse and information dissemination system to facilitate achieving aquaculture objectives.

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Pages 1--9 NOAA Aquaculture Policy

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NOAA'S AQUACULTURE POLICY Approved February 1998

I. Introduction

Worldwide fisheries production will be inadequate to meet the needs of the world's population, without supplementation through aquaculture. Constituent and Congressional support for aquaculture dictates that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) bring together its diverse programs to develop a comprehensive aquaculture policy and strategy to provide a context for agency activities for the next ten to twenty years. The impetus for the development of aquaculture extends beyond food production. NOAA involvement in aquaculture can help to foster sustainable economic development and environmentally friendly technologies, create new employment opportunities, reduce the trade deficit in fish products, reduce fishing pressure on living marine resources, and rebuild depleted stocks.

The 1980 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Departments of Agriculture (USDA), Commerce (DOC) and Interior (DOI), defined aquaculture as "the propagation and rearing of aquatic species in controlled or selected environments". Pursuant to this MOU, DOC, through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the National Sea Grant College Program, carried out aquaculture research and development on marine, estuarine, and anadromous species. Work on anadromous species has been coordinated with DOI and USDA (Forest Service). The National Sea Grant College Program has conducted research, education, training and advisory services in aquaculture; its advisory services programs have been carried out in collaboration with USDA's Extension Service. Subsequent to the establishment of this MOU, the Fisheries Finance Program, administered by NMFS, and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), administered by NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), were amended to include comprehensive planning, conservation and management of aquaculture facilities within the coastal zone.

Furthermore, the National Aquaculture Development Act of 1980, amended in 1985, established a coordinating group, the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA), chaired by USDA. The JSA has been responsible for developing the National Aquaculture Development Plan, which identifies the relative roles of USDA, DOI and DOC, and establishes a strategy for the development of an aquaculture industry in the United States.

NOAA, the Federal Oceans agency, has a strong statutory basis for the promotion and regulation of marine aquaculture. A listing of the legislative authorities is attached (Attachment 1). NOAA, having the greatest responsibility for the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources and the environment, is best suited to oversee aquaculture activities that affect marine ecosystems and occur in public waters. NOAA has a variety of established responsibilities for marine, estuarine, and anadromous species aquaculture; including research, development, and outreach, for stock enhancement and private sector development, as well as the adoption of appropriate environmental safeguards and technology.

If the current estimates for world per capita consumption of seafood are accurate, the projected demand for seafood will not be met without growth and technological advancement in aquaculture. (end 1)
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to supplement the harvest of wild stocks. Aquaculture is one method to meet the projected demand, and should be conducted in concert with a variety of fisheries management techniques, including better product utilization, improved processing technology, improved habitat conditions to support natural fisheries, and consumption of species currently not utilized.

The development of a robust aquaculture industry has the most potential to fill the seafood needs of the domestic market by reducing imports of fishery products and benefiting the nation's balance of trade. Aquaculture for the purposes of marine stock enhancement also has associated economic benefits, such as increased employment associated with the enhancement effort, and the continued health of the commercial fishing and recreational fisheries industries. In addition, aquaculture technologies and consulting services for private industry and enhancement efforts, as well as superior, disease-free strains of broodstock are valuable exports that contribute to the U. S. economy.

II. Current Status of Aquaculture in NOAA
NOAA's primary focus for aquaculture has historically been through NMFS programs, and the National Sea Grant College Program in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). Many aquaculture-based enterprises have benefited from NOAA research and extension activities. In 1996, Congress, in amending the CZMA, administered by NOS, encouraged States to work with NOAA in aquaculture, siting, management and planning activities. The types of activities undertaken to support aquaculture in each of the three line organizations are described below.

NMFS

NMFS plays a significant role in promoting aquaculture that is environmentally sound, through scientific research and technology development, financial assistance and its regulatory programs. NMFS has carried out aquaculture programs since its inception as the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 125 years ago; since then NMFS/ NOAA has been involved in aquaculture research and development for finfish and shellfish in commercial applications and for enhancement. Intensive U. S. marine aquaculture research and development on salmon in the late 1960's provided the basis for the development of industries in the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom and Chile. NMFS basic research on finfish and shellfish biology and reproduction, habitat utilization and restoration, environmental impact assessment, and fish pathology supports private and government aquaculture and marine enhancement activities. Much of the information developed by NMFS has been used both in the commercial sector where it has been instrumental in the development of the farmed salmon industry, as well as shellfish hatcheries and shrimp culture operations throughout the world. NMFS has also played an integral role in the rearing of threatened and protected species for stock recovery.

NMFS presently spends approximately $10 million per year for the operation of 25 major salmon hatcheries in the Columbia River Basin through the 1938 Mitchell Act which was established to mitigate loss of salmon runs because of construction of hydroelectric projects. The Mitchell Act hatchery program is the largest Federally-funded marine fisheries enhancement program in the United States. (end 2 )
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NMFS-administered state/Federal and industry grant programs have addressed aquaculture development in response to industry needs and state management priorities. In the last five years, the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program has provided funding for commercial aquaculture projects of between $500,000 and $1.7 million dollars annually. In Alaska, since ratification of the U. S./ Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985, NMFS has provided over $20.0 million for salmon enhancement projects. In FY1994 and FY1995, the Northeast Fishing Industry Grants program supplied $1.2 million and $2.19 million respectively for aquaculture -related projects. These projects were aimed at creating commercial development opportunities for displaced New England fishermen. Additionally, the NMFS Fisheries Finance Assistance Program has been specifically authorized to guarantee aquaculture loans, facilitating financing for qualified applicants.

On the regulatory front, the Fisheries Management Councils are becoming involved in the decision-making process for offshore permitting for aquaculture. Because permit-granting may involve the granting of exclusive use in a designated area to an aquaculture business, the traditional users of the resource must be incorporated into the regulatory process. This process has involved the granting of a lease to an experimental scallop culture project off the coast of Massachusetts, through an amendment to the New England Scallop Fishery Management Plan, and the consideration of an experimental permit for the culture of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS, through the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1996, has regulatory responsibilities that will affect aquaculture development in the EEZ.

OAR

Aquaculture has been a major component of the National Sea Grant College Program's research and outreach activities since the program's establishment in 1968. Sea Grant, administered through OAR, has supported technology development for the existing U. S. industry in many areas including offshore and recirculating marine systems, hormonal control of growth and reproduction, growout technology, feeds and nutrition, disease control, regulation, marketing, food processing, and environmental technologies to meet water quality standards.

Aquaculture related projects account for approximately $10 million direct and matching Sea Grant funds on an annual basis. This figure does not include approximately $1.5 million annually in outreach-related activities provided through the Sea Grant Extension Service, or nationwide programs such as the Oyster Disease Research Program. Sea Grant supports aquaculture activities in research, education, and technology transfer. Sea Grant research on systems development, genetics, physiology and endocrinology, nutrition, disease, policy, and economics has contributed to the creation of several new industries including the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic soft shell crab industry, the Pacific Northwest oyster and clam industry, the hybrid striped bass industry, and the Mid-Atlantic hard clam industry. Sea Grant research and outreach has helped to establish scores of new businesses throughout the U. S., and to provide improved technologies to these businesses. The combined impact of Sea Grant-developed technology amounts to at least $100 million annually and supports thousands of jobs in the U. S. economy.

Sea Grant has also collaborated extensively in the international arena, creating opportunities for aquaculture technology exchange between the U. S. and Japan, China, Israel, France, Russia and (end 3)

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Ireland. NOAA, through Sea Grant, and Japan have been working together for more than 20 years to enhance the development of freshwater and marine aquaculture through the Aquaculture Panel of the U. S. Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources. Technology exchange between the U. S. and China on scallop culture has been conducted by Sea Grant through a bilateral agreement. The U. S. Israel Science and Technology Foundation has provided funds for aquaculture research with Sea Grant members. Sea Grant's efforts have been important in promoting NOAA as an important global resource in the development of aquaculture.

The Sea Grant program is also a participant in the Sustainable Development Extension Network, which is a collaboration among Federal education and extension services and their public/ private partners. DOC has pledged to assist communities in developing eco-industrial parks, stabilize and redevelop brownfield industrial sites, integrate environmental technical assistance into the manufacturing extension network, expand and improve access to environmental information, support research, and restore the Nation's fisheries. The network provides NOAA with an opportunity to facilitate Federal coordination in aquaculture extension.

NOS

Congress, in passing the CZMA of 1972, encouraged states and territories to exercise their responsibilities of wise use of the land and water resources of the coastal zone through the development and implementation of management programs. The national coastal zone management program balances competing demands on the coast and coastal waters. The CZMA created a partnership between the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), state and territorial governments and Federal agencies. Under the CZMA, Federal actions that are reasonably likely to affect any coastal use or resource (including direct Federal agency activities, non-Federal activities requiring a Federal license or permit, and Federal funding to state or local governments) must be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the enforceable policies of state coastal management programs.

Aquaculture is an aspect of coastal management which has received increased attention in the past decade with the passage of amendments to the CZMA in 1990 and 1996. The 1990 amendments encouraged states and territories to support comprehensive planning, conservation and management for living marine resources including aquaculture facilities. The 1996 amendments provided new authorization for states to use CZMA funds for: (1) the adoption of procedures and policies to evaluate and facilitate the siting of public and private aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone; (2) to enable States to formulate, administer, and implement strategic plans for marine aquaculture; and (3) to develop a coordinated process among State agencies to regulate and issue permits for aquaculture facilities in the coastal zone.

Past and on-going projects have ranged from: development of aquaculture net-pen guidelines (Mississippi); impact of aquaculture on the eutrophication of coastal bays (Maine); revision of aquaculture lease rules (Maine); development of a marine aquaculture management plan and geographic information system (Rhode Island); and development and implementation of a marine aquaculture regulatory and leasing program (Virginia). (end 4)

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Additionally, OCRM's system of 14 marine protected areas, the National Marine Sanctuary Program, manages and protects significant natural and historic treasures. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System, currently totaling 21 sites, protects coastal resources and provides a network of laboratories for investigating estuarine processes and offers educational opportunities for coastal managers and the public. Although aquaculture has not been a major focus of the sanctuary and reserve programs, both have ample opportunities to address aquaculture issues.

III. NOAA Policy
For the purposes of this document aquaculture is defined as the propagation and rearing of aquatic organisms in controlled or selected aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational, or public purpose. Potential purposes of aquaculture include bait production, wild stock enhancement, fish culture for zoos and aquaria, rebuilding of populations of threatened and endangered species, and food production for human consumption.

A successful NOAA program to meet public needs for aquaculture development and environmental protection will focus on: 1) Research, Development, and Technology Transfer; 2) Financial Assistance to Businesses; 3) Environmental Safeguards including Regulatory and Permit Procedures; and, 4) Coordination. NMFS, OAR and NOS will incorporate these priorities into their aquaculture-related activities.

Research, Development, and Technology Transfer

Basic research and development through NMFS, NOS, and Sea Grant programs provide the scientific basis for further enhancement and commercial activities with species not currently being cultured as well as support for existing industries. NOAA considers the following topics to be important to the development of U. S. aquaculture:

Environmental impacts and standards -Research on ways to minimize any adverse impacts of aquaculture on the environment and wild stocks. Using scientific information develop criteria for marine aquaculture operations including determination of permissible discharges, optimal treatment of effluents, requirements for siting new operations, assessment of ecological impacts, both deleterious and beneficial, and necessary information for establishing siting protocols and standards to facilitate the permitting process. Deliver this information to Federal, state and local agencies for
state planning, regulatory and permitting processes.

Systems development -Development of cost-effective, environmentally sound aquaculture and hatchery technology for transfer to the private commercial sector and to governmental agencies operating stock enhancement and habitat restoration programs. Focus on two areas for research and development identified as having high potential for involvement by NOAA: open ocean aquaculture and closed system (or "urban") aquaculture. Conduct research on recirculating technologies for inland facilities, and on environmentally sound systems for offshore development.

Growth and production of marine species -Maintenance of marine aquaculture species in captivity throughout their life cycle; control and synchronization of reproductive and growth cycles; (end 5)

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improvement of technology for production and handling of larvae and all life stages in hatcheries; definition and improvement of nutritional requirements and nutritional value of live feeds; and definition of ecological and pheromonal factors affecting production and develop techniques for spawning and early-stage rearing.

Biotechnology -Development of DNA technology for manipulation, introduction, and expressing genes in aquaculture human food species and species with potential for use either in production of chemical products or in industrial processing to provide strains that grow faster, have higher feed efficiency, produce higher proportions of muscle or desirable compounds, synthesize metabolites at greater rates, or catabolize waste materials or toxic effluents more efficiently; production technology to produce sterile animals for commercial culture to reduce the possibility of genetic contamination from accidental escapements: development of gene probes, compound probes and molecular assays for assessment of endocrine activities and detection and measurement of pathogenic viruses and bacteria; development of vaccines and other measures for controlling disease and parasites.

Technology transfer -Technology transfer to the U. S. aquaculture industry and to Federal, state and local agencies relating to production system management, culture techniques, nutrition, disease diagnosis and control, business management, marketing and environmental technologies to meet water quality standards, will continue to be an important part of NOAA's aquaculture program. Using education and training develop logical and economically viable alternatives for displaced fishermen. Improve extension, outreach and education efforts to support aquaculture planning, regulatory and permitting efforts and to support existing industry and to train fishermen, students and other new industry entrants in aquaculture techniques.

Coastal Management -Coordination with management agencies to identify areas in Federal, state and local waters that are appropriate for aquaculture facilities. Develop more efficient Federal and state regulatory and permitting procedures and innovative management tools for resolving user conflicts. Plan for disaster mitigation and prevention related to aquaculture.

Financial Assistance to Businesses
The aquaculture industry has been slow to develop in the United States in part due to the difficulty in accessing capital for investment purposes. A statutory change to the Fisheries Finance Assistance Program (formerly known as the Fisheries Obligation Guarantee Program in 1992 provided authority to include aquaculture facilities. The Fisheries Finance Assistance Program, closed $6 million in aquaculture guarantees in FY '94 and estimates that the majority of its $25 million FY '95 loan authority will be expended on aquaculture projects. In addition the Capital Construction Fund (CCF)could be authorized to also include aquaculture projects. The Capital Construction Fund currently allows commercial fishermen to save pre-tax fishing income dollars (much like an individual's retirement IRA account) to acquire, construct, or reconstruct fishing vessels. The CCF at present allows withdrawals only for investment in fishing vessels. Taxes on deferred income are recouped by the Federal government as the vessel is used, since no depreciation deduction is allowed for CCF capital invested. Adding aquaculture to the CCF program would provide an alternative use for some of the $240 million in existing CCF accounts. (end 6)

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Environmental Safeguards
Permit Procedures: A primary objective of a Federal aquaculture policy is to develop, in coordination with responsible agencies, more efficient Federal and state permit processes to promote industry development. This will involve establishment of national criteria for environmentally safe aquaculture operations. Federal and state agencies will be encouraged to use the national criteria to make consistent and reasonable Federal and state aquaculture regulations and permitting decisions. One Federal agency should be responsible for coordinating the administrative process for Federal aquaculture permitting decisions: the receipt of permit applications, consultation with all permitting agencies, and the issuance of Federal permits. This will reduce the time required for permit approval or denial, reduce the cost to industry, foster better cooperation between Federal and state agencies, and assure that sound science is used as the basis for decisions. To further facilitate the permit approval process within the Exclusive Economic Zone and promote responsible development of the industry, NOAA will identify areas that reduce conflicts with vessel transit lanes, traditional fishing grounds, and protected species habitat, as well as minimize the potential for negative impacts on the environment. Permit requests for aquaculture activities in these areas would receive rapid responses because the areas would have already been designated as approved for aquaculture. NOAA will work closely with coastal states to ensure that the identification of such areas and permit approvals are consistent with applicable provisions of Federally approved state coastal management programs.

Environmental Research and Planning: Growth of aquaculture has brought attention to its potential environmental effects. Most questions focus on the potential adverse impacts of disease, loss of genetic diversity, introduction of non-indigenous species and potential habitat degradation. Federal and State governments must conduct strategic planning to cope with the expected economic development from aquaculture and to ensure that environmental quality is not compromised. These issues apply to most forms of aquaculture. If the U. S. aquaculture industry is to expand, a healthy aquatic environment must be sustained for all users, including the aquaculture industry. Given the high cost of applied research, every effort will be made to use commercial platforms to obtain environmental data, conduct basic biological research, and determine the environmental effects of aquaculture, particularly in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Other issues that merit consideration are the possible accumulation of marine toxins in cultured organisms; the effects of pollution on aquaculture operations; the effects of major discharges from aquaculture operations on fisheries and other biotic resources; the effects of nutrient enrichment, physical alteration (through dredging, filling or construction), and alteration of freshwater flows, to habitat upon which living resources depend.

Finally, it is important that the feedback derived from research is taken into account in the Federal and State regulatory and planning processes. The best scientific information available will be considered in guiding these processes, and where there is insufficient science a precautionary approach will be taken to adequately safeguard the environment and wild stocks. NOAA will accomplish this mainly through NMFS and the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by OCRM. NMFS has the ability to set environmental standards for regulation on the Federal level. OCRM can encourage and work with state coastal management programs to do the same on the State level.

(end 7)

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Coordination
The responsibility and capability to assist in building an economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry in the U. S. rests with various Federal agencies. By providing a coordinated effort between regulatory agencies, agencies offering economic incentives, the financial sector, and the potential user, NOAA can promote the use of environmentally sound aquaculture technologies and practices, while creating job opportunities in localized areas. NOAA will pursue opportunities to accomplish its policies through joint activities and programs with Federal, State and local agencies, as well as industry, academia and foreign institutions.

Conclusion
A strong NOAA role in aquaculture will create jobs, revitalize communities suffering from the collapse of traditional fisheries stocks, utilize advanced technologies to resolve natural resource conflicts, reduce the fisheries trade deficit, and increase domestic production of finfish and shellfish and recreational opportunities, and ensure that aquaculture is done in an environmentally sound manner. Marine aquaculture can augment restoration efforts of depleted marine stocks and can provide safe, high-quality seafood for consumers. (End 8)

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AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION -Attachment I

• Agriculture and Food Act of 1980 Anadromous Fish Conservation Act
• Clean Water Act Coastal Zone Management Act, 1990 and 1996 Amendments
• Columbia River Basin Fishery Development Program Commercial Fisheries Research and Development Act
• Endangered Species Act Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
• Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
• National Sea Grant College Program Act
• National Aquaculture Improvement Act of 1985
• National Environmental Policies Act
• National Aquaculture Act of 1980
• Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990
• Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899
• Saltonstall-Kennedy Act
• Title XI, Merchant Marine Act of 1936 as amended.
• Water Resources Development Act

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The Advanced Technology Program  The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) bridges the gap between the research lab and the market place, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, ATP’s early stage investment is accelerating the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation. As part of the highly regarded National Institute of Standards and Technology, the ATP is changing the way industry approaches R&D, providing a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push out the envelope of what can be attempted.  Technology research in the private sector is driven by today’s global, economic realities. The pace of technological change is faster than ever before, and victory goes to the swift. These realities force companies to make narrower, shorter-term investments in R&D that maximize returns to the company quickly.  The ATP views R&D projects from a broader perspective – its bottom line is how the project can benefit the nation. In sharing the relatively high development risks of technologies that potentially make feasible a broad range of new commercial opportunities, the ATP fosters projects with a high payoff for the nation as a whole – in addition to a direct return to the innovators. The ATP has several critical features that set it apart from other government R&D programs:   ATP projects focus on the technology needs of American industry, not those of government. Research priorities for the ATP are set by industry, based on their understanding of the marketplace and research opportunities. For-profit companies conceive, propose, co-fund, and execute ATP projects and programs in partnerships with academia, independent research organizations and federal labs.  The ATP has strict cost-sharing rules. Joint Ventures (two or more companies working together) must pay at least half of the project costs. Large, Fortune-500 companies participating as a single firm must pay at least 60 percent of total project costs. Small and medium-sized companies working on single firm ATP projects must pay a minimum of all indirect costs associated with the project.  The ATP does not fund product development. Private industry bears the costs of product development, production, marketing, sales and distribution.  The ATP awards are made strictly on the basis of rigorous peer-reviewed competitions. Selection is based on the innovation, the technical risk, potential economic benefits to the nation and the strength of the commercialization plan of the project.  The ATP’s support does not become a perpetual subsidy or entitlement – each project has goals, specific funding allocations, and completion dates established at the outset. Projects are monitored and can be terminated for cause before completion. The ATP partners with companies of all sizes, universities and non-profits, encouraging them to take on greater technical challenges with potentially large benefits that extend well beyond the innovators – challenges they could not or would not do alone. For smaller, start-up firms, early support from the ATP can spell the difference between success and failure. To date, more than half of the ATP awards have gone to individual small businesses or to joint ventures led by a small business. Large firms can work with the ATP, especially in joint ventures, to develop critical, high-risk technologies that would be difficult for any one company to justify because, for example, the benefits spread across the industry as a whole. Universities and non-profit independent research organizations play a significant role as participants in ATP projects. Out of the more than 460 projects selected by the ATP since its inception, well over half of the projects include one or more universities as either subcontractors or joint-venture members. All told, there are more than 140 individual universities participating in ATP projects.  ATP awards are selected through open, peer-reviewed competitions. All industries and all fields of science and technology are eligible. Proposals are evaluated by one of several technology-specific boards that are staffed with experts in fields, such as biotechnology, photonics, chemistry, manufacturing, information technology, or materials. All proposals are assured an appropriate, technically competent review even if they involve a broad, multi-disciplinary mix of technologies. The ATP accepts proposals only in response to specific, published solicitations. Notices of ATP competitions are published in Commerce Business Daily. You may also request to be placed on a mailing list to receive notification of ATP competitions and other events by calling the ATP automated hotline (1-800-ATP-FUND) or by sending e-mail to atp@nist.gov. The ATP Proposal Preparation Kit may be requested at any time. In addition to the necessary application forms, the kit includes a thorough discussion of the ATP goals and procedures as well as useful guidelines in the preparation of a proposal. Further information can also be found on the program’s web site.   Hotline 1-800-ATP-FUND (1-800-287-3863)  Email atp@nist.gov Fax: (301) 926-9524  Homepage: www.atp.nist.gov Economic Assessment Office  Tel: (301) 975-3189  Email: atp-eao@nist.gov Electronics and Photonics Technology Office  Tel: (301) 975-4355  Email: atp-electronics@nist.gov Information Technology and Applications Office Tel: (301) 975-4643  Email: atp-infotech@nist.gov Chemistry and Life Sciences Office Tel: (301) 975-4714  Email: atp-chemistry@nist.gov Email: atp-biotech@nist.gov Return to Top of Page.

The "Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000" requires the Department of Commerce to establish a three-phase SBIR program by reserving a percentage of its extramural R&D budget to be awarded to small business concerns for innovation research.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will administer an SBIR Program within the agency.

NOAA has the unilateral right to select SBIR research topics and awardees in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and to award several or no awards under a given topic.

SBIR supports creative advanced research in scientific and engineering areas that encourages the conversion of Government-funded research into a commercial application. SBIR awards lead to new technology, major breakthroughs, innovative new products, and next-generation products or processes.

Objectives of this program include stimulating technological innovation in the private sector and strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development (R&D) needs. This program also seeks to foster and encourage participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.

Small businesses are invited to submit research proposals for Phase I. Firms with strong research capabilities in any of the areas listed in the NOAA solicitation are encouraged to participate. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
 
 
 

NOAA's Solicitation FY 2002 Amendment 1 All sections of the Table of Contents are hyperlinked to their respective sections in the text.  Requests for general information on the NOAA SBIR Program may be addressed to:  Dr. Joseph M. Bishop  DOC NOAA SBIR Program Manager  1335 East West Highway  Silver Spring, MD 20910-3284  Telephone (301) 713-3565  Fax (301) 713-4100  Email: joseph.bishop@noaa.gov Abstracts of Awards for previous years can be found at:  NOAA Abstracts of Awards

Please continue to review this page for any amendments.
 

The National SBIR Conference Center is where you will find the most recent news concerning SBIR Conferences and important hot links to information about the National SBIR Program.

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Top11.106  Remedies for Unfair Foreign Trade Practices   Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations

FEDERAL AGENCY:

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Tariff Act of 1930, as amended; Trade Agreements Act of 1979; Trade and Tariff Act of 1984; Trade Act of 1988; Uruguay Round Agreements Act, 19 U.S.C. 1339, 1516a, 1673-1673h, 1675-1677n.

To protect U.S. industry from injury by sales of foreign merchandise at less than fair value in the United States and by unfair subsidies bestowed by foreign governments.

Provision of Specialized Services;  Investigation of Complaints.

Antidumping Duty petitions filed by domestic industry are investigated. Special dumping duties are assessed against imported foreign merchandise entering in the U.S. at less than the foreign market price should the Secretary of Commerce determine that dumping has occurred, and the International Trade Commission find the dumping to cause, or threaten to cause, material injury to the competing U.S. industry. Countervailing Duty petitions filed by domestic industry are investigated. If the Secretary of Commerce determines a countervail able subsidy is being bestowed and the International Trade Commission determines that the subsidy causes, or threatens to cause material injury to U.S. industry, countervailing duties are assessed on imports of subsidized merchandise from the bestowing country. Duties are intended to offset the unfair competitive effects of dumping or subsidies.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any interested party who has information that merchandise is being, or is likely to be, imported into the United States under such circumstances as to bring it within the purview of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, may, on behalf of the industry in the United States which produces like merchandise, communicate such information to the Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Domestic producers or workers who support the petition must account for at least 25 percent of the domestic production of the like merchandise.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   The industry being adversely affected by imports of like products which are the subject of a dumping or subsidy finding.

Credentials/Documentation:   Communications must contain: The name and address of the petitioner with pertinent documentation; the names and addresses of all known foreign firms believed to be exporting the dumped or subsidized products to the U.S.; a description of the merchandise involved; information with respect to home market or third country sales prices and/or cost, prices and sales in the U.S.; information with respect to the alleged countervail able subsidy; and information indicating that an industry in the U.S. is being injured materially by the imports.

Preapplication Coordination:   Not required; a conference with Import Administration officials is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Representatives of U.S. industries should consult 19 CFR 351.202.

Award Procedure:   Generally within 20 days of receipt of a proper petition, a decision regarding the initiation of an investigation is made. If the investigation is initiated by the Department of Commerce, a notice is published in the Federal Register. Then, generally within 45 days of receipt of a proper petition, the International Trade Commission (ITC) must determine whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to the domestic industry. If sales are subsequently found to have been made at less than fair value (dumped) or a subsidy has been bestowed, the Secretary of Commerce issues a determination to that effect. The case is then sent back to the ITC for a final determination as to whether or not the dumped or subsidized imports are causing, or are likely to cause, material injury to the industry in the United States. If the ITC determination is affirmative, the Secretary of Commerce issues an anti-dumping or countervailing duty order and special dumping or countervailing duties are assessed against that merchandise which is being sold in the United States at less than fair value or being subsidized.

Deadlines:   A preliminary antidumping determination normally must be made by the Department of Commerce 140 to 190 days (depending on the complexity of the case) from the date of initiation of an investigation. A final determination will be due 75 or 135 days, as appropriate, after the preliminary determination. A preliminary countervailing determination normally must be published within 65 or 130 days of initiation of the investigation (depending on the complexity of the case) and final determination is generally within 75 days from the date of the preliminary determination.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   All antidumping or countervailing investigations must be concluded within statutory deadlines pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended.

Appeals:   See 19 U.S.C. 1516A.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   An antidumping or countervailing duty finding will be revoked after a review in the fifth year unless the Secretary of Commerce and the International Trade Commission determine that revocation would be likely to lead to a recurrence or continuation of dumping or a countervail able subsidy and injury.

Reports:   Not applicable.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document.

Records:   Not applicable.

Account Identification:   13-1250-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Operations and administration) FY 00 $23,513,978; FY 01 est $29,678,725; and FY 02 est $29,680,928.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

Antidumping and countervailing duty trade remedies have been successfully pursued by a variety of domestic industries, including producers of steel, industrial equipment, computer chips, agricultural products, textiles, chemicals, and consumer products. Both the Import Administration and the International Trade Commission have staff available to assist domestic industries in deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to file a petition for antidumping or countervailing duty investigations. The staff may also assist eligible small businesses with the filing process.

Commerce Regulations, Part 351 (19 CFR 351).

Regional or Local Office:   Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:   Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Inquiries or requests for assistance should be directed to the Office of Policy (202) 482-4412. Use the same numbers for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.esa.doc.gov.

None.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top11.300  Grants for Public Works and Economic Development

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 3141, Section 201, Public Law 105-393; 112 Stat. 3596.

To promote long-term economic development and assist in the construction of public works and development facilities needed to initiate and support the creation or retention of permanent jobs in the private sector in areas experiencing substantial economic distress.

Project Grants.

Grants for such public facilities as water and sewer systems, industrial access roads, industrial parks, port facilities, railroad sidings and spurs, tourism facilities, distance learning facilities, skill-training/vocational schools, business incubator facilities, and infrastructure improvements needed for business expansion. Grants may include projects for acquisition, rehabilitation, design and engineering, or improvement of public land or a development facility including machinery and equipment. They may include also infrastructure for broadband deployment and other types of telecommunications-enabling projects and other kinds of technology infrastructure. Qualified projects must fulfill a pressing need of the area and must: (1) tend to improve the opportunities for the successful establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial plants or facilities; (2) assist in the creation of additional long-term employment opportunities; or (3) benefit the long-term unemployed/underemployed and members of low-income families. In addition, proposed projects must be consistent with the currently approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the area, and for the Economic Development District, if any, in which it will be located, and must have adequate local share of funds. Projects must be capable of being started and completed in a timely manner.

Applicant Eligibility:   States, cities, counties, an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education, and other political subdivisions, Indian tribes, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Commonwealths and territories of the U.S. flag, Economic Development Districts, and private or public nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a Political Subdivision of a State or Indian Tribe. Individuals, companies, corporations, and associations organized for profit are not eligible.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Local economies, unemployed and underemployed persons, and/or members of low-income families are assisted through the creation of new jobs or retention of jobs.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applications must describe the type of facility proposed, estimated costs, purpose of proposed project, permanent private sector job impact (estimated payrolls, estimated private investment), estimated time for construction implementation and completion, and assurances that the project will satisfy statutory requirements. Most important, documentation must demonstrate how the project will satisfy a pressing need of the area and have a positive impact on the economic development of the community.

Preapplication Coordination:   The Economic Development Representative (EDR) or other appropriate EDA official will meet with the applicant and community leaders to explore the applicability of the proposed project for EDA funding. If deemed appropriate, a proposal will be requested. After reviewing the proposal, the EDR and/or the regional office will notify the applicant if EDA decides to invite an application. If the project appears viable, a Preapplication conference with regional office personnel may be arranged at EDA's discretion. If EDA invites a formal application, the OMB-approved application form furnished by EDA must be used. An environmental impact assessment is required for this program. The review of the environmental impact assessment may result in an environmental impact statement being required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the Single Point of Contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Applicants should contact the EDR servicing the State in which the project is located or other designated EDA Official. The economic development representative or other appropriate EDA Official assigned as coordinator for the project will provide necessary forms and assistance to interested applicants.

Award Procedure:   Grant applications are invited and approved by the Regional Director, and announced by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.

Deadlines:   Generally, the applicants are given 30 days after their applications have been invited to submit the formal application.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Normally within 60 days of acceptance of a fully completed application.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The basic grant rate may be up to 50 percent of the project cost. Severely depressed areas may receive supplementary grants to bring the Federal contribution up to 80 percent of the project cost; recognized Indian tribes may be eligible for up to 100 percent assistance. Additionally, eligible areas located within and actively participating in the operations of Economic Development Districts are, subject to the 80 percent maximum Federal grant limit, eligible for a 10 percent bonus on grants for public works projects. On average, EDA grants cover approximately 50 percent of project costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   EDA grant funds are generally disbursed for costs incurred after all contracts for construction have been awarded.

Reports: Standard financial and performance reports are required, and special reports for specific projects may be requested. Compliance: Applicable statutes include the Architectural Barriers Act, Civil Rights Act, Davis Bacon Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, other applicable Acts.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years from the date when the final expenditure report is submitted.

Account Identification:   13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $204,512,000; FY 01 est $286,069,260; and FY 02 est $250,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   No specific minimum or maximum project amount, average $904,920.

In fiscal year 2000, 226 Public works projects were approved.

Title 13 CFR Chapter III, Part 302, 305, 316, 314 and 317; Annual Report; Economic Development Administration Civil Rights Guidelines. Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4, as amended (40 FR 56702, as amended).

Regional or Local Office:   Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA Regional Office addresses.

Headquarters Office:   David L. McIlwain, Director, Public Works Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7326, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-5265. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

11.303, Economic Development_Technical Assistance;  11.307, Economic Adjustment Assistance;   15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development;   23.001, Appalachian Regional Development (See individual Appalachian Programs).

1) Infrastructure for industrial park development; 2) port development and expansion; 3) infrastructure necessary for economic development (e.g. water/sewer facilities); 4) renovation and recycling of old industrial buildings; 5) construction of vocational-technical facilities and skill centers; 6) construction of incubator facilities; 7) redevelopment of brownfields and 8) ECO-industrial development.

Project proposals must be located within an economically distressed, EDA eligible area and be in conformance with a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the eligible area. Projects must also contribute to long-term economic development of the area by creating or retaining permanent jobs and raising income levels. In FY-2001, EDA will give priority consideration to projects that assist the nation's most economically distressed areas, such as (1) areas with persistently high rates of poverty, (2) previously unserved distressed areas and applicants, (3) involve innovative partnerships and leveraging, (4) support sub-state regional networks and collaborations, and (5) areas undergoing significant economic downturns and dislocations. Conformance with the Federal Register announcement and other EDA and/or Federal program requirements such as NEPA, Civil Rights, and Historic Preservation is part of the selection criteria.

Top11.307  Economic Adjustment Assistance (Economic Adjustment)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, Public Law 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3149 et seq.; 112 Stat. 3596.

To assist State and local interests design and implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. Program focuses on areas that have experienced or are under threat of serious structural damage to the underlying economic base. Such economic change may occur suddenly or over time, and generally results from industrial or corporate restructuring, new Federal laws or requirements, reduction in defense expenditures, depletion of natural resources, or natural disaster.

Project Grants.

Strategy Grants help organize and carry out a planning process resulting in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) tailored to the community's specific economic problems and opportunities. Implementation Grants support one or more activities identified in an EDA-approved CEDS. Activities may include, but are not limited to, the creation/expansion of strategically targeted business development and financing programs such as: Revolving loan funds, infrastructure improvements, organizational development, and market or industry research and analysis.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants include economic development districts; States, cities or other political subdivisions of a State or a consortium of political subdivisions; Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian tribes; institutions of higher learning or a consortium of such institutions; or public or nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. Applicants using EDA defense appropriations are limited to defense-impacted areas. Applicants using EDA supplemental disaster assistance will generally be restricted to disaster-impacted areas.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Geographic areas, usually counties or groups of counties, which meet one of the following criteria: 1) An unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24 month period for which data are available, at least one percent greater than the national average unemployment rate; 2) per capita income that is, for the most recent period for which data are available, 80 percent or less of the national per capita average income; or 3) a special need, as determined by EDA, arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems resulting from severe short-term changes in economic conditions. Special need criteria are listed in the Agency's annual NOFA.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants for assistance to develop a CEDS must identify the actual or anticipated adjustment problem and indicate how the strategy will be developed. Implementation grant applications must be consistent with an approved CEDS.

Preapplication Coordination:   EDA's Economic Development Representative (EDR) or regional office representative will meet with the proponent to determine whether preparation of a project proposal is appropriate. If appropriate, the proponent will be requested to prepare a brief project proposal according to an outline provided by the EDR. Following a review by the EDR and Regional Office Staff, the Regional Director will determine whether to invite a formal application. An environmental impact assessment is necessary; an environmental impact statement may also be required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 15 CFR Part 24 must be used for this program.

Application Procedure:   If an application is invited by the regional office, an EDR or regional office representative will provide necessary forms and assist in filling them out. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24.

Award Procedure:   Final decision on grant applications from eligible applicants is made by the Regional Office Director of the Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce.

Deadlines:   Dates are published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Normally within 120 days of acceptance of a fully completed application.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   EDA my generally fund 50 percent of a project's cost, however certain conditions of high economic distress or an applicant's inability to provide all of the matching share may permit a higher grant rate. Grant rate requirements may be found in EDA's regulations at 13 CFR Chapter III.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   None.

Reports:   With the exception of strategy grants, quarterly financial reports are required until one year after final disbursement of funds. Reports on RLF grants are initially required semi-annually but may be graduated to annual reports with the consent of the agency. Grantees are also required to report on program performance and project outcomes at intervals prescribed by the agency in compliance with GPRA of 1993.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   As necessary for audit and as required by OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification:   13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $127,647,000 (includes funds appropriated for economic adjustment, defense adjustment, 1996 Floods, NE Fisheries, Hurricane Fran and Hortense, Tropical Storm Alberto, Libby, Montana, Hurricane Andrew and Alaska Fisheries); FY 01 est $154,655,626 (includes funds for economic adjustment, defense adjustment, 1997 Upper Midwest Floods, Northeast Fisheries, S. California Earthquake, Norton Sound, Hurricane Floyd and Alaska Fisheries); and FY 02 est $40,900,000 (includes funds for economic adjustment only).

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   No specific minimum or maximum.

In fiscal year 2000, 253 projects were funded.

13 CFR, Chapter 111, Part 308; Civil Rights Guidelines, RLF Plan Guidelines, CEDS Guidelines, RLF Audit Guidelines, RLF Administrative Manual and Standard Terms and Conditions; and program literature available from Regional Offices.

Regional or Local Office:   Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office addresses.

Headquarters Office:   David F. Witschi, Director, Economic Adjustment Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7327, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2659.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

None.

Grants received under the Economic Adjustment Program: (1) develop strategy for recovery from plant closure and major permanent job loss; (2) rehabilitate vacant industrial facility for multi-tenant use or as an incubator; (3) establish revolving loan funds, and/or recapitalization of revolving loan funds.

All proposals and applications for funding submitted to EDA are evaluated competitively for: 1) Conformance to statutory and regulatory requirements; 2) relative severity of the economic problem of the area; 3) quality of the scope of work proposed to address the problem; 4) merits of the activity(ies) for which funding is requested; and 5) the ability of the prospective applicant to carry out the proposed activity(ies). Additional criteria in the project selection process will be reviewed, as applicable, for: Strategy Grants: 1) Proper authority, mandate, and capacity of the applicant to lead and manage the planning process and strategy implementation; 2) representation of the public and private sectors in the development of the strategy's objectives, which may include: public program and service providers, trade and business associations, educational and research institutions, community development corporations, minorities, labor, low-income, etc; and 3) the proposed scope of work for the strategy focuses on the structural economic problem(s) and includes provisions for undertaking appropriate research and analysis to support a realistic, market-based, adjustment strategy. Implementation Grants: 1) An understanding of the economic problems being addressed; 2) an analysis of the economic sectors that constitute the community's economic base, including particular strengths and weaknesses that contribute to or detract from a community's current and potential economic competitiveness; 3) strategic objectives that focus on stimulating investment in new and/or existing economic activities that offer good prospects for revitalization and growth; and 4) identified resources and plans for coordinating such resources to implement the overall strategy. The proposed project must also be identified as a necessary element of or consistent with the strategy. Revolving Loan Fund Grants: 1) The need for a new or expanded public financing tool to enhance other business assistance programs and services targeting economic sectors and/or locations described in the strategy; 2) the types of financing activities anticipated; and 3) the capacity of the RLF organization to manage lending, create networks between the business community and other financial providers, and contribute to the adjustment strategy.

Top11.415  Fisheries Finance Program

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

46 U.S.C. 1271 et seq., 50 CFR 253.

Provides direct loans for certain fisheries costs. Vessel financing available for the purchase of used vessels or the reconstruction of vessels (limited to reconstructions that do not add to fishing capacity). Refinancing available for existing debt obligations. FFP loans are not issued for purposes which could contribute to over capitalization of the fishing industry. Finance or refinance fisheries shore side facilities or Aqua cultural facilities. Provides Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) financing (at the request of a Fishery Management Council). IFQ financing available at this time to first time purchasers and small vessel operators in the Halibut Sablefish fisheries. Provides financing for Community Development Quota groups fisheries investments in the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Pollock fishery. Provides long term fishery buy back financing (at the request of a Fishery Management Council or Governor) to purchase and retire fishing permis and/or fishing vessels in overcapitalized fisheries.

Direct Loans.

Direct loans for up to 80 percent of actual cost, for reconstruction or reconditioning of fishing vessels and renovation, repair or construction of fisheries shore side facilities (including aquaculture facilities). Maximum maturity up to 25 years. Funds from this program are not used for purposes which contribute to over capitalization of the fishing industry.

Applicant Eligibility:   Applicant must possess the ability, experience, financial resources, and other qualifications necessary to operate successfully and repay the debt.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Commercial fishermen, processors or distributors of fishery products.

Credentials/Documentation:   Financial statements, records, business history, and tax returns.

Preapplication Coordination:   This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Not applicable.

Award Procedure:   Not applicable.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Maximum term is 25 years. Financing based on the economic useful life of the asset financed.

Reports: Annual Financial Statements and associated financial information as needed.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Agency has the right to inspect all relevant financial documents and records.

Account Identification: 13-4417-0-3-376.

Obligations:   No funds have been identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $10,000 to $100,000,000; $1,000,000.

There were 18 direct loans for $23,700,000 issued in fiscal year 2000. There were 39 loans for $5,000,000 issued in fiscal year 2000.

50 CFR 253.

Regional or Local Office:   Chief, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service as listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Chief, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, Department of Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Contact Shawn Barry. Telephone: (301) 713-2390. Fax: (301) 713-1306. E-mail: shawn.barry@Noaa.gov.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

None.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top11.417  Sea Grant Support

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Sea Grant College Program Improvement Act of 1976, Public Law 94-461, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq., as amended, Public Law 100-220; National Sea Grant College Program Act, Title III.

To support the establishment and operation of major university centers for marine resources research, education, and training and to support marine advisory services. Some individual efforts in these same areas also receive funding.

Project Grants.

Grants may be used for research and development, education and training, and advisory services. Coherent area, institutional and Sea Grant College support is provided to some institutions. Grant money cannot be used to purchase, or construct ships or facilities.

Applicant Eligibility:   Universities, colleges, junior colleges, technical schools, institutes, laboratories; any public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity; any State, political subdivision of a State or agency or officer thereof; any individual.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Organizations and individuals with professional interest in marine affairs.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proposals with statement of work and estimated budget. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-87 for State and local governments, A-21 for educational institutions, and A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms as furnished by the agency. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102.

Application Procedure:   Made in a proposal to Headquarters Office or local Sea Grant program fully documenting need for grant and proposed amount. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A- 102.

Award Procedure:   Awards are made competitively on the basis of proposal evaluation.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 180 days from time of proposal submission.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   By negotiation with Sea Grant Office.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   At least one-third of total cost must be obtained from nonfederal sources. Projects designed to meet specified national needs may be supported up to 100 percent.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   None.

Reports: Financial status reports and performance reports required quarterly. Final reports are required at the end of the support period.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Grantees expected to maintain complete records for each grant to insure funds are used for purpose for which grant was made.

Account Identification:   13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $61,364,000; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $5,000 to $3,600,000.

In fiscal year 2000, about 800 projects were funded.

45 CFR 600-635; Literature: Suggestions for Submission of Proposals and Administration of Grants, National Sea Grant Program (no charge). Federal Register Vol. 43, No. 70 dated April 1978 and Vol. 43, No. 153 dated August 8, 1978, Part III, Title 15, Chapter IX, Part 917.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Director, National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: FTS and commercial: (301) 713-2448.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

11.405, Anadromous Fish Conservation Act Program;  11.407, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986;   11.419, Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards;   11.420, Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves;   11.430, Undersea Research;   20.806, State Marine Schools;   20.807, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy;    47.050, Geosciences.

Cardiovascular, Anticancer, and Central Nervous System Drugs from Marine Organisms; Marine Fouling and Corrosion in seawater; Fisheries Oceanography; Population Dynamics; Fish Habitat relationship; Marine Finfish and shellfish aquaculture; Effect of pollutants on marine resources and Ecosystems; Seafood quality and safety; and coastal erosion.

Applications are judged on the degree to which they contribute to the purposes of the Act, along with their relevance to the oceans, Great Lakes, and the marine environment. They are also judged on expected results and benefits, soundness of scientific approach, cost effectiveness, and other factors.

Top11.427  Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Saltonstall-Kennedy Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(c).

To increase greatly the Nation's wealth and quality of life through sustainable fisheries that support fishing industry jobs, safe and wholesome seafood, and recreational opportunities.

Project Grants.

Proposals must respond to funding priorities in the annual solicitation. Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of the fisheries resources in the region over which the resource extends as well as the issues/problems involving such fisheries. Issues/problems addressed in the project should be supported by industry experience.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any U.S. citizen or national, or any citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia; or group including State and local governments, except that employees of Federal agencies, and Regional Fishery Management Councils and their employees, are not eligible.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any U.S. citizen or national, or any citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia; or group including State and local governments.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proposal with statement of work and budget estimate. See annual solicitation published in the Federal Register for details. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, and with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Preapplication Coordination:   This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should contact the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. A listing of State single points of contact under E.O. 12372 is available at www.hhs.gov/grantsnet/lawsregs/eo.htm.

Application Procedure:   Submit Standard Form 424, project proposal and budget following the format specified by the funding office in the annual solicitation. This program is subject to provisions of 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations, and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Award Procedure:   Proposals are reviewed after the submission deadline in competition with all other proposals submitted. To the extent that funds are available, those proposals judged to best meet priorities are funded. Either grants or cooperative agreements will be awarded.

Deadlines:   Solicitation published once each fiscal year for which there is an allocation by the Congress for the program. Notice is published in the Federal Register; deadline is 60 days after date of publication.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 3 to 4 months.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Projects of up to 18-month durations will be considered. Proposals for continuing work must be competed.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   By statute, the Federal share must be at least 50 percent of the total costs of the project. The requirement for cost-sharing varies from year to year as published in the solicitation. For example, for the FY 2000 solicitation, a 10 percent minimum cost share was required.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Grants are generally for 12 months but not to exceed 18 months. Financial status reports are completed and submitted. Funds are released through the Financial Assistance Disbursement System (FADS), in advance or by reimbursement, as agreed to in the Standard Terms and Conditions document required for each grant.

Reports: Semiannual progress and financial reports shall be due within 30 days after the end of the 6-month period. Final reports shall be submitted within 90 days after the end of the project.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 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 an agreement shall be retained for a period of 3 years.

Account Identification: 13-5139-0-2-376.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $1,723,000; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   est $3,400 to $179,565; $84,000.

Annual reports are available upon request. In addition, the fiscal year 2000 Annual Report and the updated Annotated Bibliography are available on the website. For the fiscal year 2000 solicitation, which was published in fiscal year 1999, 111 proposals were received, of which 20 were recommended for funding at a total of $1.68 million. The next solicitation notice, for fiscal 2001, is expected to be published around March 2001.

Detailed guidelines are published with solicitation in the Federal Register.

Regional or Local Office:   See listing in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Financial Services Division, F/SF2, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-2358. Fax: (301) 713-1939.

Web Site Address: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfweb/skhome.html.

11.407, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986;  11.417, Sea Grant Support.

Grants and Cooperative Agreements to support sustainable fisheries, to study by catch issues, to improve fisheries management, to develop aquaculture systems, and to improve product quality and safety.

Significance of the issue addressed in the proposal, methodology proposed, responsiveness to published priorities, cost proposed, etc.

Top11.303  Economic Development_Technical Assistance (National, University Center and Local Technical Assistance)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, Public Law 105-393, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3147.

To promote economic development and alleviate under- employment and unemployment in distressed areas, EDA operates a technical assistance program. The program provides funds to: (1) enlist the resources of designated university centers in promoting economic development; (2) support innovative economic development projects; (3) disseminate information and studies of economic development issues of national significance; and (4) finance feasibility studies and other projects leading to local economic development.

Project Grants.

Technical assistance is used to provide information, data, and know-how in evaluating, shaping and implementing specific projects and programs that promote economic development in economically depressed areas.

Applicant Eligibility:  Most technical assistance recipients are private or public nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; municipal, county or State governments and U.S. Territories or entities thereof. Grants may not be awarded to individuals and for profit organizations to start or expand a private enterprise.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Projects are intended to assist in solving economic development problems, respond to economic development opportunities, and expand organizational capacity for economic development.

Credentials/Documentation:   No rigid requirements are required. Articles of incorporation charters for nonprofit organizations and certificates of good standing, issued by the State in which the organization is incorporated, are required. Applicants must demonstrate capability to complete the proposed work program funded under the grant. Non-profit organizations must work in cooperation with a political subdivision of a state.

Preapplication Coordination:   Applicants should submit proposals following the format specified in 13 CFR 304, through an Economic Development Representative to the appropriate EDA regional office for projects with local or regional impact (including University Center proposals) and to EDA Headquarters for projects with national or multi- regional impacts or that serve a national demonstration purpose. This program, except for national technical assistance, in most cases is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Applicants whose proposals are selected for further consideration will be given formal instructions and all application materials. This program is subject to provisions of 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, and with OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Award Procedure:   Local technical assistance grants and university center continuation grants are approved by the appropriate EDA Regional Director. The Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Department of Commerce, will approve all national technical assistance grants and initial university center grants.

Deadlines:   See deadlines announced in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 1 month to 4 months.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Proposals for renewal will be reviewed on their own merit.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. Technical assistance grantees generally must contribute 50 percent or more of the total project cost in cash or in-kind services. Lower percentages are possible as outlined in 13 CFR 301.4(b), 307.3, 307.6 and 307.9.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Varies, but usually a period of 1-year. Funds are released as required.

Reports: Grantees must complete Standard Form 270 to receive disbursements. Progress reports are required prior to making subsequent disbursement and shall be submitted in accordance with 15 CFR Part 14, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, other Non-Profit and Commercial Organizations" and 15 CFR Part 24, "Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments," as applicable.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-Profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   Documents, paper, and financial reports pertaining to the award must remain available to the Federal government for a minimum of 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial status report. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial reports, whichever is later, and have them readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification:   13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $9,164,000; FY 01 est $9,079,980; and FY 02 est $9,100,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $6,500 to $240,000. The average grant for the University Center Program in fiscal year 2000 was $93,000; for National Technical Assistance projects, $74,000; and for Local Technical Assistance projects; $28,000.

In fiscal year 2000, 143 projects were funded (69 University Centers, 61 Local Technical Assistance projects, and 13 National Technical Assistance projects).

13 CFR Part 307.1-307.9.

Regional or Local Office:   Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA Regional Office addresses.

Headquarters Office:   Initial contact should be with Economic Development Representatives except for projects that are national in scope. For those projects the initial contact should be with Headquarters Office, John J. McNamee, Director, Research and National Technical Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7019, Herbert C. Hoover Building, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-4085.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

11.800, Minority Business Development Centers;   23.009, Appalachian Local Development District Assistance;   59.037, Small Business Development Center.

University Center projects provide management and technical assistance services to communities, counties, districts, nonprofit development groups, and technology transfer assistance to firms. Many local technical assistance projects help to determine the economic feasibility of various local development projects involving industrial, commercial, and other activities. National technical assistance projects fund reports on innovative economic development and the dissemination of economic development information.

Local technical assistance proposals: a) Strengthens the local capacity to undertake and promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and areas of distress; b) benefits distressed areas; c) helps to diversify distressed areas; d) demonstrates innovative approaches to stimulating economic development in distressed areas; and (e) is consistent with the CED strategy or other strategy accepted by EDA for the area in which the project is located. For University Center technical assistance proposals: a) Has the commitment of the highest management levels of the sponsoring institution; b) provides evidence of adequate nonfederal financial support, either from the sponsoring institution or other sources; c) outlines activities consistent with the expertise of the proposed staff, the academic programs, and other resources available with the sponsoring institution; d) documents past experience of the sponsoring institution in operating technical assistance programs; and e) for new University Centers, balances the geographic distribution of University Centers across the country. National technical assistance proposals: a) Do not depend upon further EDA or other Federal funding assistance to achieve results; b) strengthen the capacity of local, State or national organizations and institutions to undertake and promote effective economic development programs targeted to people and areas of distress; c) benefit severely distressed areas; d) help to diversify distressed economies; and e) demonstrate innovative approaches to stimulating economic development in distressed areas. Note: Generally, National TA funds will be awarded in response to project specific requests for proposals published in the Federal Register.

Top11.313  Trade Adjustment Assistance(None))

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Trade Act of 1974, Title II, Public Law 93-618, as amended, 88 Stat. 1978, 19 U.S.C. 2341-2343.

To provide trade adjustment assistance to firms and industries adversely affected by increased imports.

Project Grants.

Under Chapter 3 of Title II, a firm may petition the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce for certification as being impacted by import competition within the context of the Trade Act of 1974. Firms that believe they meet this requirement may contact EDA or one of the 12 EDA funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs). If the firm appears to meet Trade Act certification criteria, the appropriate TAAC will offer its help to the firm in completing and submitting a petition to the Planning and Development Assistance Division (PDAD). If the firm appears to have a reasonable chance of recovery, an adjustment proposal is developed which outlines the firm's recovery strategy and the assistance the firm needs to implement the strategy. When a firm's adjustment proposal is accepted by EDA, the firm is authorized to apply for technical assistance to implement the recovery strategy. In virtually all cases, the firm applies to the TAAC for implementation technical assistance. Organizations representing trade-injured industries may apply to EDA to receive industry-wide assistance. However, there have been no funds awarded for the industry wide assistance since FY 1996, except for the Alaskan Salmon industry which was funded under a special appropriation.

Applicant Eligibility:   The statute (19 U.S.C. ss 2343 (b)) provides that grants may be awarded to intermediary organizations (including Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers) to provide assistance to trade-injured firms. For an industry association or other organizations to be eligible for industry assistance, evidence must be submitted demonstrating that the industry faces import competition and includes a substantial number of Trade Act certified firms or worker groups.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Only Firms certified by EDA on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce are eligible for adjustment assistance. Industries that can demonstrate they have been injured by imports and have a substantial number of Trade Act certified firm or worker groups may also benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:   a) For firms - The TAAC to act as intermediaries for this program between EDA and the firm; and b) for industries - after discussions with PDAD staff resulting in and invitation to apply for assistance, an industry applicant must submit an acceptable application documenting its import injury and describing the need for the cost and the work elements of the assistance requested.

Preapplication Coordination:   This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   The 12 TAACs apply each year for funding for the coming fiscal year. Industry associations or other organizations seeking industry assistance must submit an application identified as Standard Form 424, if encouraged to do so as a result of the meeting with an EDA representative.

Award Procedure:   Awards to TAACs are made based upon applications and previous performance. Awards to industries are made based on conformance with program requirements and availability of funds.

Deadlines:   There are no deadlines, as long as the application allows enough time for processing to receive fiscal year funds.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   There is no appeal procedure.

Renewals:   TAAC grants are usually renewed; industry grants usually are not renewed.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Federal funds can be used by TAACs for up to 100 percent of administrative expenses in providing technical assistance to firms. The Federal share of implementation assistance to firms is usually 50 percent and normally does exceed $75,000. Generally, a minimum of 50 percent share is required for industry assistance cooperative agreements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Generally one year for TAAC grants and the amount of time needed to complete the project for industry grants.

Reports: Periodic reporting of operating results and progress, financial statements, and summary of funds spent.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Government, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award documents. States, local governments, and non-profit governments that expend $300,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records:   Records are required to be maintained for 3 years. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and have them readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification: 13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 00 $15,300,000; (funds included for Alaska Fisheries); FY 01 est $10,476,900 (Direct TAA appropriation only); and FY 02 est $10,500,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   TAAC grants FY 00 $660,000 - $1,168,000.

In fiscal year 2000, the TAACs provided assistance to firms as follows: 200 firms were certified eligible to receive trade adjustment assistance, 137 adjustment proposals were accepted.

Copies of pertinent regulations, guidelines, a TAA information package, and forms are available from the Planning and Development Assistance Division or the Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs).

Regional or Local Office:   Local Department of Commerce District Offices are listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   For Firm and Industry Assistance Information: Anthony J. Meyer, U. S. Department of Commerce, Room H7315 Economic Development Administration, Planning and Development Assistance Division, 14th & Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2127. FAX No. (202) 482-0466.

Web Site Address: http://www.doc.gov/eda/.

10.768, Business and Industry Loans;   59.012, Small Business Loans.

There are 12 funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs) covering the 50 States, and the District of Columbia which can help firms become certified and receive trade adjustment assistance. They are awarded Federal cooperative agreements to support the services they provide to businesses. Common types of technical assistance firms receive included market research, quality assurance completion (ISO-9000 designation, for example) and management information systems guidance. Industries have been aided in developing new manufacturing machines and procedures, technological innovations, expanding exporting opportunities, marketing studies, product diversification, etc.

TAACs priority is given to which have successfully carried out previous cooperative agreements. Industries must have a substantial number of TAA certified firms and have developed a proposal providing meaningful near-term benefit to their industry to receive assistance.

Top11.405  Anadromous Fish Conservation Act Program

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Anadromous Fish Conservation Act of 1965, Public Law 89-304, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 757a. through f., as amended; Reorganization Plan No. 4, 1970.

To cooperate with the States and other nonfederal interests in the conservation, development, and enhancement of the nation's Anadromous fish stocks and the fish in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain that ascend streams to spawn, and for the control of sea lamprey.

Project Grants.

Funds can be used for spawning area improvement, installment of fish ways, data collection, construction of fish protection devices and hatcheries, and research to improve management and increase Anadromous fish resources. Funds cannot be used for law enforcement, public relations, or construction of facilities and vessels, the primary purpose of which is to commercially harvest, handle, and process fishery products. In addition, funds cannot be used for projects in the Columbia River Basin, with the exception of the state of Idaho.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any interested person or organization may propose a cooperative undertaking. However, all proposals must be coordinated with and submitted through the State fishery agency having responsibility for the resource to be affected by the proposal.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   General public.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proposal with statement of work and budget estimate accompanied with SF-424. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. Applications must be coordinated with the State fishery agency having responsibility for the resource affected by the proposal. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Submission of Application on Standard Form 424 to the appropriate regional or area office of the National Marine Fisheries Service listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Award Procedure:   Applications are evaluated by the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional office and processed by the Grants Management Division, Office of Administration, NOAA.

Deadlines:   Project applications should be submitted 90 days in advance of desired effective date.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   75 days or less.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The Federal share of a project cost shall usually not exceed 50 percent. However, projects supporting an interstate Fishery Management Plan, the Federal share may be up to 90 percent. Real and personal property owned or controlled by a cooperator may be used in lieu of matching funds. Such real and personal property must be directly related to the work involved and must be an appropriate cost item of the project. Property may be used as matching funds until the total appraised value is exhausted.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are normally for a 12-month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months, or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and is expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. Funds are released to the recipient upon request from NOAA Vendor Express, Financial Assistance Disbursement System, FADS.

Reports:   Reporting requirements are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Financial Assistance Award. Progress reports summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed. Financial reports indicate use of funds during the quarter.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All records of accounts and supporting documents will be retained by recipient and subcontractors for a period of 3 years from date of submission of final expenditure report.

Account Identification:   13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $1,929,000; FY 01 est $1,215,880; and FY 02 est $2,024,100.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $2,000 to $400,000; $40,000.

In fiscal year 2000, 15 projects were conducted; an estimated 15 projects will be conducted in fiscal year 2001.

50 CFR Part 401; available from Chief, Staff Office for Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910, or from regional offices without cost.

Regional or Local Office:   Potential applicants should make initial contact relative to this program at the Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that has jurisdiction over the geographic area that the project is proposed for. Northeast: Mr. Harold C. Mears, State, Federal and Constituent Programs Office; Northeast Region, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. Telephone: (978) 281-9243; Southeast: Mr. Jeffrey Brown, State/Federal Liaison Staff, Southeast Region Office, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Telephone: (727) 570-5324; Southwest: Mr. James Morgan, Grants Coordinator, Southwest Region Office, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213. Telephone: (310) 980-4001; Alaska: Alaska Regional Office, Barbara Fosburg, NMFS, P.O. Box 12668, Juneau, AK 99802- 1668. Telephone: (907) 586-7273. Use the same numbers for FTS.

Headquarters Office:   Richard Schaeffer, Staff Office for Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 427-2014.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

11.407, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986;  11.417, Sea Grant Support.

Research projects to determine population characteristics and monitor catch, escapement and production levels of Anadromous species, construction projects to build or modernize hatcheries, operation and maintenance of hatcheries, fish screens and fish ways, tagging studies, data collection, etc.

Applications are judged on the degree to which they contribute to the purpose of the Act, expected results and benefits, soundness of scientific approach, cost effectiveness, and other factors.

Top11.407  Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986, Public Law 99-659, Title III, 16 U.S.C. 4106, as amended.

To assist States in managing interjurisdictional fisheries resources.

Formula Grants.

Funds can be used for research and enforcement of interjurisdictional fishery resources, for the development of Fishery Management plans, and for restoration of resources damaged by a natural resource disaster.

Applicant Eligibility:   The agency of a State government authorized under its laws to regulate commercial fisheries, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   The agency of a State government authorized under its laws to regulate commercial fisheries.

Credentials/Documentation:   The Governor of each State shall notify the Secretary of Commerce which State agency is authorized to regulate commercial fisheries. An official of the State agency shall certify as the official(s) authorized in accordance with State law to commit the State to participation under the Act, to sign project documents, and to receive payments. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency must be used for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 15 CFR Part 24, Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, must be used for this program.

Application Procedure:   Submission of application on Standard Form 424 to the appropriate Regional Director, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR, Part 24 and OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   Applications reviewed by the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional Program Office and processed by the NOAA Grants Management Division (OA32).

Deadlines:   Project application should be submitted 90 days in advance of desired effective date.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 75 days or less.

Appeals:   No formal appeal procedure. If application is unacceptable the reasons are fully stated to the applicant. If the applicant desires to resubmit application, project must be revised in accordance with recommended changes.

Renewals:   No renewal. However, an approved on-going project can be extended by submission of an amendment request.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Apportionment to States is based on average value and volume of raw fish landed by domestic commercial fishermen. No State that qualified for funding may receive less than 1/2 of 1 percent or more than 6 percent of funds appropriated in any fiscal year based on conditions of the act. Federal funding is not to exceed 75 percent of approved project costs, except where a project supports an approved interstate or Federal Fishery Management Plan, up to 90 percent Federal funding may apply. The statistical factors used for fund allocation are: (1) Three year average of value of commercial fish landed, the source is the "Fishery Statistics of the U.S."; and (2) volume of fish landed, the source is the "Fishery Statistics of the U.S.". No matching requirements for commission grants.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are normally for a 12 month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months, or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and is expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. Funds are released to the recipient upon request from NOAA Vendor Express, Financial Assistance Disbursement System, FADS.

Reports:   Reporting requirements are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Financial Assistance Award. Progress reports summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed. Financial reports indicate use of funds during the 6-month period.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All records of accounts and supporting documents will be retained by recipient and subcontractors for a period of 3 years from date of submission of final expenditure report.

Account Identification:   13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $3,051,000; FY 01 est $3,074,494; and FY 02 est $3,242,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $12,000 to $231,000; $100,000.

In fiscal year 2000, 40 projects were conducted. In fiscal year 2001, approximately 40 projects will be conducted.

50 CFR 253 available from Chief, Staff Office for Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, 8484 Georgia Ave., Suite 425, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone (301) 427-2014. Use the same number for FTS.

Regional or Local Office:   Potential applicants should make initial contact relative to this program at the region or area offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service listed. Northeast: Mr. Harold C. Mears, State, Federal and Constituent Programs Office; Northeast Region, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. Telephone: (978) 281-9243; Southeast: Mr. Jeffrey Brown, State/Federal Liaison Staff, Southeast Region Office, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Telephone: (727) 570-5324; Southwest: Mr. James Morgan, Grants Coordinator, Southwest Region Office, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802-4213. Telephone: (310) 980-4001; Alaska: Alaska Regional Office, Barbara Fosburg, NMFS, P.O. Box 12668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. Telephone: (907) 586-7273. Use the same numbers for FTS.

Headquarters Office:   Richard Schaefer, Staff Office for Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Ave., Suite 425, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 427-2014.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

11.405, Anadromous Fish Conservation Act Program;  11.417, Sea Grant Support;   11.474, Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act.

Fisheries monitoring, assessment and evaluation, extension services, enforcement, construction, collection, compilation and evaluation of fisheries statistics, aquaculture experiments, etc.

Not applicable.

Top11.419  Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, Section 306, Section 308, and Section 309, Public Law 92-583, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1976, Section 306, Public Law 94-370; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1980, Public Law 96- 464; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1984, Public Law 98-620; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-272; Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, Public Law 101-508.

To assist States in implementing and enhancing Coastal Zone Management programs that have been approved by the Secretary of Commerce.

Formula Grants.

Cooperative Agreements may be used only to implement and enhance the States' approved Coastal Zone Management programs. This includes personnel salaries, travel and other related costs required to support the administration of the program. Ten to twenty percent of Section 306 funds are available annually to develop new program requirements under Section 309 in the areas of coastal wetlands management and protection; natural hazards management (including potential sea and Great Lakes level rise); public access improvements; reduction of marine debris; assessment of cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal growth and development; special area management planning; impacts of coastal growth and development; special area management planning; ocean resource planning; and citing of coastal energy and Government facilities. The Coastal Zone Management Fund established under Section 308, could be used for management issues that are regional in scope, including interstate projects; demonstration projects which have high potential for improving coastal zone management; emergency grants to State coastal zone management agencies to address unforeseen or disaster related circumstance; recognizing excellence in coastal zone management; program development grants as authorized by section 305 and for states to use to investigate and apply the public trust doctrine implementing state management programs approved under section 306. Section 310 can be used to provide grants for technical assistance to states to meet Section 309 objectives.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any coastal State, including those that border the Great Lakes, and including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific whose Coastal Zone Management program has been approved by the Secretary of Commerce. The Governor shall designate the State agency or entity that is to be the applicant.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any coastal State, including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific whose Coastal Zone Management program has been approved by the Secretary of Commerce.

Credentials/Documentation:   Letter from Governor designating the applicant. Proposal with statement of work and budget estimate. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms, as furnished by NOAA and required by 15 CFR Part 24, must be used when applying for Federal funding. These forms can be obtained from the NOAA Grants Management Division. Informal preapplication conferences are recommended. Consultation and assistance is available from NOAA in the preparation of an application. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   The Application for Federal Assistance (Non-construction Programs) SF-424 is to be submitted in original and two copies. This program is subject to provisions of 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Award Procedure:   Applications are approved by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.

Deadlines:   Applications should be submitted 180 days prior to the beginning date of the grant.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 150 days.

Appeals:   No formal procedure. If application is unacceptable the applicant is fully informed and applicant may revise application.

Renewals:   Continuation grants on an annual basis are available. Individual grants may be extended, however, all funds must be obligated within the fiscal year following the fiscal year of the original award.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   A percentage of the total project cost which varies by fiscal year, must be provided by the applicant. Federal funds from other sources cannot be used to match. Awards must be not less than one percent of the amount appropriated each fiscal year. Eighty to ninety percent of awards are allocated by formula. The statistical factors used for fund allocation are: (1) Population in counties within the state's legally defined coastal zone, and the source is the 1990 Decennial Census; and (2) miles of coastal shoreline and the source is "The Coastline of the United States," NOAA. The remaining funds are allotted by cooperative criteria established annually.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Grants are normally made for 18 months. Funds are released as required.

Reports:   Financial status reports and performance reports are required semi-annually. Final financial status reports are required within 90 days of the award ending date.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub-grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for three years from the date when the final expenditure report is submitted.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-302.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $60,582,000; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $500,000 to $2,000,000; $1,300,000 average per financial assistance award.

Thirty-two coastal States and U.S. island territories, covering 99 percent of U.S. coastline, participate in this voluntary partnership. The nature and structure of CZM programs vary widely from State to State. Some States have passed comprehensive coastal management legislation while others have used existing land use legislation.

15 CFR Part 923.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Chief, Coastal Programs Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, 1305 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-3155.

Web Site Address: http://www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/czm/.

11.417, Sea Grant Support;   11.420, Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves.

Coastal management programs have been actively involved in protecting wildlife and fisheries habitats, and regulating land use impacts on water quality. In addition, coastal programs have taken the leadership of nationwide beach clean-ups; marshes are protected in South Carolina and development along the State's 2,876 mile shoreline is now subject to pollution and storm water guidelines; CZM studies led to State bonds to rebuild coastal fishing piers and facilities; in California, the permit for a marina was conditioned to provide at least 80 percent of berthing for commercial fishing vessels, thus assuring them a permanent base. Coastal land valued acquired for public access in the ten States and territories cited; land obtained for recreation in California, Massachusetts, and Guam; access ways to the water have been designated in Rhode Island and California.

While 80 to 90 percent of the appropriated funds are allocated to States through a formula based on coastal population and shoreline mileage, the tasks in the State application are reviewed for relevance to program objectives and cost effectiveness. The remainder of the funds are allocated according to criteria published by the Coastal Program Division.

Top11.420  Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, Section 312, Public Law 92-583, 16 U.S.C. 1451 Seq.; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1987, Section 315 (1), Public Law 94-370; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1980, Public Law 96-464; Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments of 1984, Public Law 98-960; Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, Public Law 101-508.

To assist States in the acquisition, monitoring, research, development and operation of national estuarine research reserves for the purpose of creating natural field laboratories to gather data and make studies of, and educate people about the natural and human processes occurring within the estuaries of the coastal zone.

Project Grants.

Grants may be used to cover the costs of acquisition, development and operation of National Estuarine Research Reserves. Development and operation costs may include the administrative expenses necessary for monitoring the reserve. Grants are available to states for education projects at reserves. Competitive research and monitoring grants are also available.

Applicant Eligibility:   Acquisition, development and operation grants are available to any coastal State including those bordering the Great Lakes. For the purposes of the Coastal Zone Management Act, the coastal State also applies to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas. The Governor shall designate the State agency or entity to be the applicant. Competitive research grants are available to any coastal State or qualified public or private person. Competitive monitoring grants are available to reserve management or qualified public or private person or entity designated by the reserve. Education grants are available to any coastal State entity.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any coastal State including those bordering the Great Lakes, as well as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Marianas. Also qualified scientists, educators, and students for research grants.

Credentials/Documentation:   (1) For acquisition, development and operations grants: A letter from the Governor designating the lead agency for new reserve development; (2) for competitive monitoring and education grant proposals which do not come from the lead agency: A letter from the reserve manager indicating formal support of the application by the lead agency. For all grants, a statement of work and budget estimate. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms, as furnished by NOAA and required by 15 CFR Part 24, must be used when applying for Federal funding. These forms can be obtained from the NOAA Grants Management Division. Informal preapplication conferences are recommended. Consultation and assistance is available from NOAA in the preparation of an application. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." If a State or local government is the provider of matching funds, an applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   For development (construction) awards, the Application for Federal Assistance (For Construction Programs) SF-424, as furnished by NOAA is to be submitted in original plus two copies. For operation and management, education and research, acquisition and non-construction development awards, the application for Federal assistance (For Non-Construction Programs) SF-424 is to be used. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Award Procedure:   Applications are approved by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and Grants Management Division.

Deadlines:   Preapplications and applications should be submitted 150 and 120 days respectively prior to grant beginning date.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 120 workdays.

Appeals:   No formal procedure. If application is unacceptable the applicant is fully informed and may revise application.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Range from 0 to 50 percent of the total project cost provided by the applicant depending upon the type of project. The Federal share for each reserve shall not exceed $5,000,000 for acquisition of lands, waters or interests therein.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Generally, 1 year. Acquisition and construction may be longer. Funds are released as required.

Reports:   All financial status reports and performance reports are required semi-annually.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years from the date when the final expenditure report is submitted.

Account Identification:   13-1450-0-1-306; 13-1460-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $18,950,000; no funds identified in future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $16,500 to $6,000,000; $100,000.

By the end of fiscal year 2000, there will be 25 designated estuarine research reserves.

15 CFR Part 921 National Estuarine Research Reserve System Program Regulations.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Chief, Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, 1305 East-West Highway, 12th Floor Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-3155.

Web Site Address: http://www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/nerr.

11.417, Sea Grant Support;   11.419, Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards;   11.429, Marine Sanctuary Program.

Generic projects/activities funded under the national Estuarine Research Reserve program consist of: acquisition of lands to be included in the reserve; site selection procedures and management plan development; construction projects; operation of the reserve; and research and educational activities.

There are six types of awards to coastal States under the National Estuarine Research Reserve Program: (1) acquisition; (2) development; (3) operation; (4) monitoring; (5) education; and (6) research. Detailed criteria for the State's development of these awards and criteria for reviewing each award are provided in the regulations for the National Estuarine Research Reserves Program (15 CFR Part 921). Final regulations were published in the Federal Register, July 15, 1993.

Top11.426  Financial Assistance for National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA), NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE (NOS), DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, Title II, Section 201 and 202, Public Law 92-532; National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978, Section 6, Public Law 95-273.

To determine the long-term consequences of human activities which affect the coastal and marine environment; to assess the consequences of these activities in terms of ecological, economic, and social impacts upon human, physical and biotic environments, and to define and evaluate management alternatives which minimize adverse consequences of human use of the coastal and marine environments and resources.

Project Grants.

None.

Applicant Eligibility:   Universities, colleges, junior colleges, technical schools, institutes, laboratories, State and local government agencies, public or private, profit or nonprofit entities or individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Organizations and individuals with demonstrated professional expertise in determining, assessing and portraying the temporal and spatial distribution of chemical contaminants and their impact upon physical, biotic and human environments, particularly coastal ecosystems.

Credentials/Documentation:   None. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, and OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms, as furnished by NOAA and required by 15 CFR Part 24, must be used when applying for Federal funding. These forms can be obtained from the NOAA Grants Management Division. Informal preapplication conferences are recommended. Consultation and assistance is available from NOAA in the preparation of an application. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   A standard application form (SF-424) should be submitted with a statement of work and estimated budget to the National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (N/SCI,) 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Award Procedure:   Awards are made on the basis of proposal evaluation.

Deadlines:   No specific deadlines for proposal submission. Proposals will be reviewed several times a year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 120 days from the time of proposal receipt.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   By application to the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Support for projects may be provided for periods up to 5 years in annual increments. Funds are released as required.

Reports:   Semi-annual and final performance reports; quarterly and final financial reports, and other special reports as may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement (OMB Circular No. A110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations and with 15 CFS Part 24 for State and local governments). The grantee must retain records for three years from the date when the final expenditure report is submitted.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 00 $5,780,000; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $20,000 to $550,000; $250,000.

Accomplishments vary from year to year based on the specific mix of cooperative agreements actually funded.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (N/SCI), 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Web Site Address: http://www.nccos.noaa.gov.

11.417, Sea Grant Support.

Analyses of estuarine and marine contaminants, habitats, and natural resources, as they pertain to coastal ecosystems health and biodiversity. Development of a data set of characteristics of the Nation's coasts and oceans including erosion rates, coastal vulnerability indices and coastal hazards for incorporation into a geographic Information System and other microcomputer desktop information systems for further analysis.

Initial screening will be based principally on the degree to which proposed work relates directly to priority programmatic objectives, and will be based primarily on scientific quality of, and the demonstrable expertise with, the proposed methods and techniques to be used in accomplishing work. Final funding decisions will be constrained by the actual amount of agency funding available and changes in programmatic priorities.

Top11.432  Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Joint and Cooperative Institutes

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

15 U.S.C. 313; 15 U.S.C. 1904; 15 U.S.C. 2904; 15 U.S.C. 1540; 15 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 753a; 31 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 883d; 49 U.S.C. 1463; 49 U.S.C. 4720.

To increase the effectiveness of research and the quality of education in the environmental sciences by facilitating cooperation between government, university, and nonprofit research institutions.

Project Grants.

Cooperative agreements may be used for research and development, education and training, advisory services and operational systems as they relate to specific programs. Specific restrictions, other than those mandated for cooperative agreements, are evaluated on an individual program basis. The Joint Institutes operate under a Memorandum of Understanding/Memorandum of Agreement and are geographically located near an OAR Research Laboratory or a NOAA facility. Cooperative agreements currently exist with the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Michigan, University of Miami, University of Washington, the University of Hawaii, University of Alaska, University and Community College System of Nevada, Scripps Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Oregon State University, and Princeton University.

Applicant Eligibility:   Major State university or major nonprofit research institution located near a NOAA/Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Research Laboratory or other NOAA Program Facility.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Organizations and individuals with interests in oceanographic research, atmospheric research, limnology, solar environment research, near-space research, and Arctic research.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proposals with statements of work and estimated budgets. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-21 for agreements with educational institutions, A-87 for State and local governments, A-110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations, and A-122 for nonprofit institutions.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms as furnished by the agency and required by OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 and OMB Circular No. A-102.

Application Procedure:   Proposals are sent to the OAR Joint Institute Program Manager and are subject to the requirements of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110, as applicable.

Award Procedure:   Awards are made on the basis of proposal evaluations, technical reviews, administrative reviews, and external reviews, if applicable.

Deadlines:   December and/or March of each calendar year or annually as applicable for OSU and Princeton.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 180 days from time of proposal submission.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   By negotiation with OAR or other NOAA components when applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   None. Universities and other nonprofit institutions make contributions as partial indirect costs in accordance with the cooperative agreement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Generally, five years with funding approved on individual and group proposal basis throughout the five years in accordance with the DOC approvals.

Reports: Financial status reports are required quarterly. Program status reports are required annually.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Recipients are expected to maintain complete records for each cooperative agreement to insure funds are used for the purposes that the cooperative agreement was made.

Account Identification:   13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 00 $71,323,000; FY 01 est $73,500,000; and FY 02 est $24,000,000. (Note: Obligations are for NOAA/OAR funds only.)

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Individual proposals generally range from $3,000 to $60,000; $25,000. Group proposals tend to range from $60,000 to $150,000; $80,000.

In fiscal year 2000, awards were made through thirteen cooperative agreements. 5-five year cooperative agreements and subsequent amendments are expected to be made to 11 Joint Institutes in fiscal year 2001. Amendments to Oregon and Princeton cooperative agreements will be made in fiscal year 2001. Amendments for the 13 Joint and Cooperative Institutes are expected in fiscal year 2001.

Department Administrative Order 203-36, dated May 15, 1985 (Department of Commerce Grants Administration) and also the NOAA Grants and Cooperative Agreement Policy Manual.

Regional or Local Office:   Marilyn I. Moll, Program Manager, NOAA/OAR c/o, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Endurance Hall, Room 111; 8602 La Jolla Shores Drive; La Jolla, CA 92093-0205. Telephone: (858) 822-4433.

Headquarters Office:   Director, OAR Office of Scientific Support, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-2465, ext. 119.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

11.405, Anadromous Fish Conservation Act Program;  11.417, Sea Grant Support;   11.420, Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves;   11.426, Financial Assistance for National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; 11.430, Undersea Research;   11.431, Climate and Atmospheric Research;   11.440, Research in Remote Sensing of the Earth and Environment;  11.455, Cooperative Science and Education Program;   11.459, Climate and Air Quality Research;   11.460, Special Oceanic and Atmospheric Projects.

CALJET (California Land-falling Jets experiment); BRAVO (Big Bend Regional Aerosol and Visibility Observational Study; NEOOS (NorthEast Ocean Observing Systems); AARGO (The Array for Real-Time Geostrophic Oceanography); GLOBEC (Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics); ECOHAB (Ecology of Harmful Algalblooms); WOCE (World Ocean Circulation Experiment); JGOFS (Joint Oceanographic Ocean Flux Studies); NARE (North Atlantic Regional Experiment); INDOEX (Indian Ocean Experiments); ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) events; EEGLE (Episodic Events Great Lakes Experiment); ARI (Arctic Research Initiative); AACIA (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment) project; STEPS (Severe Thunderstorm Electrification and Precipitation Study) program; IPEX (Intermountain Precipitation Experiment) program; WWA (Western Water Assessment) program; JASMINE (Joint Air-Sea Monsoon Interaction Experiment); EAR (Environmental Applications Research); STACS (Subtropical Atlantic Climate Studies); EPOCS (Equatorial Pacific Ocean Climate Studies); FOCI (Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations); IGOSS (Sea Level Pilot Project, Pacific Sea -Level Network); TOGA (Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere); CODAR (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar); VENTS (Ocean Floor Venting Systems); NOZE (National Ozone Expedition); RITS (Radioactively Important Trace Species); NAPAP (National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program); FIRE (First ISCCP Regional Experiment); U.S. GLOBEC (GLOBal Ecosystems Coupling); and El Nino effects, impacts, responses, etc.

Proposals are subject to professional specialty evaluations, technical reviews, administrative reviews, and external reviews, if applicable, taking into consideration primarily scientific merit and application to the goals of NOAA.

Top11.444  Aquaculture Program

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

16 U.S.C. 758e; Executive Order No. 13,089.

The development of commercially feasible technology for high-value marine finfish in the United States. The ultimate goal of the Hawaiian Fisheries Development project is to increase the availability of marine finfish for aquaculture and stock enhancement purposed in the U.S., with the secondary goal of promoting the development of a sustainable commercial aquaculture industry for high-value species.

Project Grants.

Establish a consistent source of supply to satisfy the growing market for marine finfish. Funds are appropriated by Congress for the Oceanic Institute.

Applicant Eligibility:   Private nonprofit institution operating for scientific purposes.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   The beneficiaries of the aquaculture program would be anyone/general public.

Credentials/Documentation:   Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-21 for institutions of higher education, A-87 for State and local governments, and A-122 for nonprofit organizations.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   A standard application package, including SF-424, SF-424a, SF-424b, statement of work, cost justification, drug-free workplace documentation, lobbying documentation, and certification regarding debarment.

Award Procedure:   Projects approved for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Office for review and approval.

Deadlines:   Completed application package must be received at the following address at least 90 days before the requested start date of the project: National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 92038-0271.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approval time for awards is expected to range from 90 to 150 days. That includes processing of the award through the NMFS, NOAA Grants and DOC.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   This program is expected to be renewed through fiscal year 2002.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. Projects are funded at up to 100 percent Federal share.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are normally awarded for a 12-month period. Financial status reports are completed and submitted. Funds are released by the Financial Assistance Disbursement System (FADS).

Reports: Semiannual progress and financial reports are due 30 days after each calendar half. An annual report is due 90 days after each award period.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 a year or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be retained in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for institutions of higher education or other nonprofit organizations, and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments from the date of the financial report.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $0; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $439,800 to $452,800; $446,300 per year.

Establishment of several broodstock groups of Yellow tang, and one pair of Potter's angelfish, the latter of which began spawning within two months of acquisition and adaptation to the broodstock tanks. Broodstock trevally and amberjack in excellent health and ready for expanded larval research efforts in upcoming spawning season. Recent project activities were highlighted by initiation of field studies on the reproductive biology of yellow tang in support of on-shore broodstock culture, continuous spawning of Potter's angelfish, and Bluefin trivally. Successfully developed cultivation methods for the harpacticoid copepod nauplii (Euterpina acutifrons), tested in feeding experiments using Bluefin trevally larvae. Started feeding trials to evaluate the use of bivalve trocophore larvae as an alternative live prey of these small marine finfish larvae.

Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions and 15 CFR Part 29b. For Grants Management principles see OMB Circular Nos. A-110 and A-122.

Regional or Local Office:   Dr. Richard Neal, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 90238-0271. Telephone: (858) 546-7000. FAX: (858) 546-7003; email: Richard.Neal@noaa.gov.

Headquarters Office:   Not applicable.

Web Site Address: http://swfsc.noaa.gov.

None.

Not applicable.

Original grant initiated by Hawaii's Sen. Daniel Inouye and Rep. Daniel Akaka to enhance the State's seafood production through aquaculture development. The 2001 Department of Commerce Appropriation Bill states that 500K is intended for Hawaii stock management. The intended work is actually a continuing grant, and directs NOAA to expedite the obligation of funds for this initiative. This is a continuing effort, and as is common in multiyear programs, the grantee has invested heavily in the facilities, equipment and specialized staff necessary to assure project success. Award to a competitor would be extremely inefficient and wasteful of Federal and applicant funds already committed to this research. Because of the highly specialized and localized nature of this research no other organization has either the expertise, facilities or historic experimental data needed to complete this project. Therefore, provision of funding to another applicant would certainly result in duplicative, wasteful research and would significantly delay application of research findings to increase the availability of marine finfish for aquaculture and stock enhancement purposes in a sustainable commercial aquaculture industry for high-value species.

Top11.452  Unallied Industry Projects

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC AGENCY, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 661-666c; Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999; Public Law 103-211; Saltonstall-Kennedy Act, 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).

To provide grants and cooperative agreements for biological, economic, sociological, public policy, and other research and administration projects to benefit U.S. fisheries industries and contribute to the economic and social welfare of the Nation; also, to award grants and cooperative agreements to develop innovative approaches and methods for ensuring the safety, quality and integrity of U.S. fishery products; also, to provide funds to the five States bordering the Gulf of Mexico, for projects or other measures designed to alleviate the long-term effects of disasters on the Gulf's fishery resources and associated habitat. To facilitate the administration, coordination and implementation of the research activities of the Cooperative Institute for Fisheries Molecular Biology (FISHTEC). The goal of FISHTEC is to develop, test, and apply new technology in molecular biology for use in management of commercial and recreational marine fisheries. Emphasis of the research program is placed on development of molecular genetics techniques to identify and evaluate the status of fish stocks/populations subject to fishing pressure and/or environmental impacts.

Project Grants.

Funds can be used by recipients to support a wide variety of research and management activities for high- priority marine and estuarine resources, especially for species and/or their habitat currently under, or proposed for future Federal or interjurisdictional management.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants for assistance include State and local governments, including their universities and colleges; U.S. territorial agencies; Federal and State-recognized Indian Tribal governments; private universities and colleges; private profit and nonprofit research and conservation organizations and/or individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   This program benefits Federal, State, and interstate marine resource conservation and management agencies; U.S. and foreign commercial and recreational fishing industries; conservation organizations, academic institutions; international and Indian Tribal treaties; private and public research groups; consumers; and the general public.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants are required to satisfy all DOC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions, for financial assistance programs application and conduct.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms as furnished by the agency. Depending on the Authorization, some elements of this program are covered by E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Submission of an application on Standard Form 424, including all required certifications, to the appropriate National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regional director, science and research director, or office director. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR Part 24 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments), and OMB Circular No. A-110 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations. NOAA reserves the right to withhold the awarding of a grant or cooperative agreement to any individual or organization delinquent on a debt to the Federal government until payment is made or satisfactory arrangements are made with the agency to whom the debt is owed.

Award Procedure:   Proposals are initially evaluated by the pertinent NMFS office/region/science center, or their component laboratories, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division for review and approval.

Deadlines:   Project applications must be received by the receiving NMFS office at least 90 days before the requested start date of the project.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approval time is expected to range for 90 to 120 days, which includes processing of the award through the NMFS, NOAA and DOC financial assistance procedures.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Grants and cooperative agreements are approved on an annual basis, but may be continued beyond the first segment, subject to approved time frame and scope of work, satisfactory progress, and availability of funds. Renewal of an award to increase funding, extend the period of an award to increase funding, or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of the Department.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. Projects are funded at up to 100 percent of the Federal share. Depending upon the Authorization, grantee matching contributions may be required.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are normally for a 12 month period. In some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months, or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and are expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. NMFS award funds are normally released to the recipient upon request, from NOAA Vendor Express, Financial Assistance Disbursement System, FADS.

Reports: Reports are due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. The Department's financial assistance standard terms and conditions generally require that financial and performance reports be submitted semi annually. Progress reports summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub grantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for three years from the date when the final financial status report is submitted.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   FY 00 $987,900; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $128,200 to $987,900; $0.

Restoration of the bay scallop in Florida: an integrated approach to stock enhancement and evaluation of benefit; Mississippi's shellfish restoration and enhancement project; Monitoring the impact of environmental perturbations on commercial fishermen; Commercial fishing obstruction removal program; Restoration and research of Alabama marine fisheries affected by natural disaster. Develop methods to restore Louisiana oyster habitat by recycling oyster shell and comparing alternative cultch materials for restoring oyster reefs.

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-21 for Institutions of Higher Education, A-87 for State and Local Governments, and with A-122 for Nonprofit Organizations. Grants management will be in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 for Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and Local Governments.

Regional or Local Office:   Northeast: Mr. Harold C. Mears, Director State, Federal, and Constituent Programs Office, Northeast Region, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. Telephone: (978) 281-9243; E-mail: Grants.Information@noaa.gov. Southeast: Mr. Jeff Brown, Cooperative Programs Division, Southeast Regional Office, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St., Petersburg, FL 33702. Telephone: (727) 570-5324, Fax: (727) 570-5364, Email: jeff.brown@noaa.gov. Southwest: Mr. James Morgan, Grants Coordinator, Southwest Region Office, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802-4213. Telephone: (310) 980-4036. Alaska: Alaska Regional Office, Peter Jones, NMFS, P.O. Box 12668, Juneau, AK 99802. Telephone: (907) 586-7280. In all cases use the same number for FTS.

Headquarters Office:   Office of Operations, Management and Information Services, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-2245.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

None.

Funded research to restore bay scallops in Florida through stock enhancement and funded projects to eradicate exotic plants from shorelines to reduce beach erosion. Provided funds to restore oyster beds in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama that were damaged as a result of hurricanes and flooding. Funded removal of underwater obstacles to navigation and fishing that were left after hurricanes.

Proposals may be selected from several sources, e.g., unsolicited proposals, Congressionally-mandated projects, applications received as a result of notices published in the Federal Register. Recipients and sub recipients are subject to all applicable Federal laws and Federal and Departmental policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.

Top11.469  Congressionally Identified Construction Projects

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The objectives of the overall program are to facilitate education, research and development in the fields of marine and atmospheric science, through the provision of assistance for the construction of suitable facilities for these activities.

Project Grants.

Funds can be used for construction of facilities and construction-related activities to support education, research and development associated with issues of atmospheric or marine sciences. Specific restrictions, other than those mandated for grants, are evaluated on an individual grant or program basis.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants include State and local governments, including their universities and colleges, quasi- governmental agencies, private universities and colleges, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and/or individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Through assistance for the construction of educational, research and development facilities, this program benefits Federal, State, local governments, public and private universities and colleges, profit and nonprofit organizations, and the general public.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants are required to satisfy all DOC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions, for financial assistance programs application and conduct.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms are furnished by the agency. Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program. An environmental analysis is required for each project funded under this program under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR 1500. As a result of this analysis, an Environmental Assessment and/or Environmental Impact Statement also may be required.

Application Procedure:   Submission of an application on Standard Form 424 as furnished by NOAA, including all required certifications, to the Program Officer, Congressionally Identified Construction Projects, Office of Finance and Administration, Acquisitions and Grants Office. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR 24, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, and OMB Circular No. A-110, Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations. NOAA reserves the right to withhold the awarding of a grant or cooperative agreement to any individual or organization delinquent on a debt to the Federal government until payment is made or satisfactory arrangements are made with the agency to whom the debt is owed.

Award Procedure:   Awards are made on the basis of proposal evaluations and technical and administrative reviews.

Deadlines:   Time frame to submit application according to Federal Register announcement (if applicable), or as indicated in specific application cover letter furnished to applicants.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approval time is expected to range from 90 to 180 days from the time of receipt of a complete application. This timeframe includes processing of the award through the NOAA and DOC financial assistance functions.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   By negotiations with the Office of Finance and Administration. Projects which are only partially funded in any one budget period are subject to the availability of funding for subsequent budget periods. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no matching requirements. Projects are accepted at up to 100 percent Federal share.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are usually for a 12-month period. In some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months. The funding is spent in the award's budget period unless otherwise negotiated between the recipient and NOAA and approved by the NOAA Grants Management Division.

Reports: Reports are due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. The Department's Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions generally require that financial and performance reports be submitted semi-annually or as otherwise required under special award conditions. Progress reports summarize work accomplished, relate the progress to the original approved proposal and timelines, explain situations where expected work has not been completed, and request modifications to the project plan as necessary.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained in accordance with the terms of the award. The recipient must retain records for 3 years from the date when the final financial status report is submitted.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $18,972,000; no funds identified for future fiscal years.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Historically awards have ranged from $140,000 to $14,205,000.

In fiscal year 2000, one grant award each was made to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory-U.S. Shrimp Farming Consortium ($6,000,000), the New York Botanical Garden ($500,000), the Long Island Aquarium ($1,000,000), and the City of St. George, AK ($700,000).

Congressional appropriations, Public Law (for FY 1998, Public Law 105-119, Nov. 13, 1997; for FY 1999, Public Law 105-277, Oct. 19, 1998). Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education, OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, and OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit organizations. Grants management will be in accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations or 15 CFR 24 for State and local governments.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Chief, Grants Management Division, OFA5X1, SSMC2, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-0926.

Web Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov.

None.

American Maritime Education and Research Center, Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Connecticut; Newport, Oregon, Marine Science Center, Oregon State University; Boston Biotechnology Innovation Center, Boston, MA; Indiana State University Multidisciplinary Research and Education Center; Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum; Multispecies Aquaculture Center, Rutgers University; Alaska Fisheries Center at Near Island, Kodiak, AK; Environmental Technology Facility, University of New Hampshire; Eastern Kentucky PRIDE Inc. Infrastructure systems & construction; Canaan Valley Institute, WV, facility for aquatic ecosystems; Gulf Coast Research Lab, University of Southern Mississippi; New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY; Long Island Aquarium, Bayshore, NY.

Not applicable.

Top11.474  Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act

FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 5107, as amended.

To provide assistance to eligible States and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in order to support and encourage the development, implementation, and enforcement of effective interstate conservation and management of Atlantic Coastal resources. Activities conducted under projects will be used to collect information necessary for the preparation, implementation and enforcement of coastal fisheries management plans and State activities required within such plans. Primary users of the information would be the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the Atlantic Coast States, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Project Grants.

Funds are restricted to "coastal fishery resources" which means any fishery, any species of fish, or any stock of fish that moves among, or is broadly distributed across, waters under the jurisdiction of two or more Atlantic Coastal States or waters under the jurisdiction of one or more Atlantic Coastal States and the exclusive economic zone. Funds can be provided to the Commission and to the specified States for the preparation, implementation and enforcement of coastal fishery management plans and State activities required within such plans. Funds can also be used for program activities to support and enhance State cooperation in collection, management and analysis of fishery data; law enforcement; habitat conservation; fishery research including biological and socioeconomic research; and fishery management planning.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants for assistance are the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the Atlantic Coast State governments which are Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and the District of Columbia.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   This program benefits State, and interstate marine resource conservation agencies, the marine fishing industries and the general public.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants are required to satisfy all DOC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions for financial assistance programs application and conduct.

Preapplication Coordination:   The standard application forms are furnished by NOAA. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, " Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Submission of an application on Standard Form 424 as furnished by NOAA, including all required certifications, to the appropriate National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Regional Director. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR 24 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments), and OMB Circular No. A-110 (Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Nonprofit Organizations). NOAA reserves the right to withhold the awarding of a grant or cooperative agreement to any individual or organization delinquent on a debt to the Federal government until payment is made or satisfactory arrangements are made with the agency to whom the debt is owed.

Award Procedure:   Proposals are initially evaluated by the pertinent NMFS Office/Region/Science Center, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division for review and approval.

Deadlines:   Applications must be received by the Program Office by April 1 of each fiscal year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The application processing time is 75 days as required by 15 U.S.C. 1539 (sole source selection).

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Grants and cooperative agreements are generally approved on an annual basis, but may be continued beyond the initial project period, subject to approved time frame and scope of work, satisfactory progress, and availability of funds. The Department of Commerce has the discretion to renew the award to increase funding, or extend the period of performance.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. Projects are funded at up to 100 percent of the total project cost. A formula may be used to determine allocation of funds among eligible applicants. This formula may be based upon factors such as (but not limited to) the value of raw fish landed by domestic fishermen and the number of recreational fishing trips taken by anglers in each State, and the number of coastal fishery management plans in which the States participate. Recipient matching contributions are not required, but are encouraged. Direct allocations will be given to the District of Columbia, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, Atlantic Coastal States, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, pursuant to NOAA'S discretion in accordance with the Statute.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Awards are normally for a 12-month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months, or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and is expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. Funds are released to the recipient upon request from NOAA Vendor Express, Financial Assistance Disbursement System, FADS.

Reports: Reporting requirements are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Financial Assistance Award. Progress reports summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed. Financial reports indicate use of funds during the 6-month period.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Non-profit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   All records must be maintained for a period of 3 years from the date of the final financial status report for each award.

Account Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $5,360,000; FY 01 est $5,971,849; and FY 02 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   The range and average is indeterminate and highly variable.

Activities include the development and monitoring of interstate fishery management plans; fishery research and stock assessment; habitat conservation; and law enforcement. In 2001, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) received $1,584,000 to manage, enhance, restore and maintain the shared fisheries of the Atlantic Coast, with the principal emphasis on the conservation and restoration of migratory marine and diadromous fishery resources and their habitat, as well as the maintenance, enhancement, and improvement of public uses and benefits from these resources. In 2000, ASMFC received $1,624,193 to conduct similar activities. Further activities of the same nature are expected to be carried out by ASMFC in 2002.

For cost principles, see OMB Circular No. A-87 (State and local governments) and OMB Circular No. A-122 for other recipients. For grants management principles, see 15 CFR 24 (States and local governments) and OMB Circular No. A-110 for other recipients.

Regional or Local Office:   Northeast: Mr. Harold Mears, NMFS, State, Federal and Constituent Programs Office, One Blackburn Dr., Gloucester MA 01930. Telephone: (978) 281-9243. Fax: (978) 281-9117, Email: Grants.Information@noaa.gov. Southeast: Ms. Cynthia Pierce, State/Federal Liaison Office, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Telephone: (727) 570-5324. E-mail: cynthia.pierce@noaa.gov.

Headquarters Office:   Chief, Staff Office for Intergovernmental and Recreational Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, Suite 425, 8484 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone (301) 427-2014.

Web Site Address: Southeast - http://caldera.sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/grants/programs/acfcma.htm.

11.405, Anadromous Fish Conservation Act Program;  11.407, Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986.

A Cooperative State-Federal Program for Conservation of Atlantic Coastal Fisheries; Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey; Interstate Fisheries Management Support Program; Implementation of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program; and Biomonitoring and Assessment Project for American Shad and River Herring.

Proposals are solicited from eligible coastal States and other eligible applicants by notification from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast and Southeast Regional Offices. Proposals must undergo rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.

Top11.800  Minority Business Development Centers (MBDC)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Executive Order 11625, October 13, 1971; Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Public Law 105-277.

To provide electronic and one-on-one business development services for a nominal fee to minority firms and individuals interested in entering, expanding or improving their efforts in the marketplace. Minority Business Development Center operators provide a wide range of services to clients, from initial consultations to the identification and resolution of specific business problems.

Project Grants.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) competitively solicits and will fund in Fiscal Year 2001 approximately 35 MBDCs to provide electronic and one-on-one management and technical assistance to minority clients located in designated Metropolitan Areas (MA) throughout the country. Recipients of MBDA's MBDC financial assistance awards provide clients with advice and counseling in such areas as preparing financial packages, business planning and counseling, business information and management assistance, accounting, marketing, business/industrial site analysis, production, engineering, construction assistance, procurement, and identification of potential business opportunities, all in an electronic format. The Agency does not have the authority to nor does it make loans to minority businesses. The MBDC Program makes optimum use of online and internet-based business development software in order to enhance its ability to deliver these services. Program funds in this category are restricted to providing management and technical assistance.

Applicant Eligibility:   There are no eligibility restrictions for this program. Applicants eligible to operate the Centers may include individuals, nonprofit organizations, for-profit firms, local and State governments, American Indian Tribes, and educational institutions.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Recipient operators are to provide electronic and one-on-one business assistance to minority-owned businesses or minority individuals interested in starting, expanding or maintaining a business. Eligible beneficiaries of this program have been designated as African American, Native American, Aleut, Asian Indian, Asian Pacific American, Eskimo, Hasidic Jew, Puerto Rican, and Spanish-Speaking Americans.

Credentials/Documentation:   Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for awards to State, local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions; OMB Circular No. A-122 for other recipients; and 15 CFR, Part 24 contains administrative requirements for States, local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments. All other recipients are subject to the administrative requirements contained in OMB Circular No. A-110.

Preapplication Coordination:   Pre-award and post award conferences will be scheduled for most MBDA projects. These conferences will be announced in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 15 CFR Part 24 must be used for this program. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR Part 14.

Award Procedure:   The application package will advise the applicant where to submit the application. Each application will be reviewed and evaluated by MBDA. Name checks, verification of academic credentials and post-award audits may be required from applicants.

Deadlines:   Deadlines for formal competitive awards are outlined in the Federal Register and/or the Commerce Business Daily.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 4 to 6 months. Unsuccessful applicants shall be notified in writing at the same time that notification is sent to the successful applicant.

Appeals:   All decisions are final. There is no administrative appeal process.

Renewals:   MBDC awards are made for a period of three years with funding provided on an annual basis at the discretion of MBDA and the Department of Commerce. Performance evaluations will be conducted, and funding levels will be established for each of the three budget periods. The MBDC will receive continued funding after the initial competitive year at the discretion of MBDA based upon the availability of funds, the MBDC's performance, and agency priorities.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. In most program areas, MBDA has established minimum requirements for matching or cost sharing by the recipient. New awards are generally required to provide a minimum 15 percent cost sharing through in-kind contributions and cash, including client service fees. MBDA reserves the right to decide on a case-by-case basis whether a nonfederal contribution is required in other program areas so as to successfully implement the program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   For 1 to 3 years.

Reports: Financial (quarterly and annually); narrative (semi annually and annually); statistical reports on each client are required.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (June 30, l997), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of l996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Documents, papers, and financial records relating to the MBDC are required to remain available to the Federal Government for 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial status report. All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or subgrantees are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for 3 years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report, whichever is later, and be readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification: 13-0201-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements) FY 00 $8,498,715; FY 01 est $6,390,620; and FY 02 est $7,129,370.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $155,000 to $400,375.

In fiscal year 2000, MBDA funded business development centers in approximately 50 locations that provided management and technical assistance to minority business enterprise clients. Six thousand four hundred and sixty two clients were actual operating business enterprise clients who received assistance in fiscal year 2000. Clients were assisted to obtain $1,152 billion in financial packages and in procurement contracts from financial institutions and procurement sources, combined.

There are no applicable regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Regional or Local Office:   Contact the nearest Minority Business Development Agency Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Stephen J. Boykin, Business Development Specialist, Field Coordination Division, Room 5079, Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-6022. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.mbda.gov.

11.303, Economic Development_Technical Assistance;  15.850, Indian Arts and Crafts Development;   39.001, Business Services;   59.005, Business Development Assistance to Small Business;   59.006, 8(a) Business Development;   59.007, Management and Technical Assistance;   59.009, Procurement Assistance to Small Businesses.

In FY 2000, a local community based organization won the competition to operate the MBDC in Philadelphia and is leveraging public/private resources to provide management and technical assistance to eligible minority clients to foster the development and operation of businesses.

Competitive awards for the MBDC program are made based on a panel evaluation of the applicant's demonstrated ability to provide business assistance as described in the application. This evaluation includes other factors such as capability and experience of staff assigned to the project, techniques, methodology, resources and costs.

Top11.802  Minority Business Development

FEDERAL AGENCY:

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Executive Order 11625, October 13, 1971; Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Public Law 105-277.

The resource development activity provides for the indirect business assistance programs conducted by MBDA. These programs encourage minority business development by utilizing entities that identify and develop private markets and capital sources; expand business information and business services through trade associations; promote and support the mobilization of resources of Federal agencies and State and local governments at the local level; and assist minorities in entering new and growing markets.

Project Grants.

Funds will be used in support of the MBDA policy statement on funding business development programs. MBDA is charged under Executive Order 11625 with fostering new minority business enterprises and maintaining and strengthening existing firms to increase their opportunities to participate and receive the benefits of our economic system. MBDA uses a portion of its program funds to award contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements to public and private sector entities which have the greatest potential for developing access to capital, market, and other opportunities on behalf of minority business. The performance of each funded recipient is evaluated on a scheduled basis. Renewals are based on Agency priorities and performance of recipients.

Applicant Eligibility:   Applicants eligible to provide services under this program are established businesses, professional organizations, individuals, trade associations and chambers of commerce.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Beneficiaries of this program are minority business persons/firms.

Credentials/Documentation:   Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for awards to State, local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; OMB Circular No. A-122 for other recipients.

Preapplication Coordination:   A preapplication conference may be scheduled for resource development projects. Conferences will be announced in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   The standard application forms as furnished by the Department of Commerce must be used for this program. Recipients are subject to the administrative requirements contained in 15 CFR Part 14.

Award Procedure:   The application package will advise the applicant where to submit the application. Each application will be reviewed and evaluated by MBDA. Name checks, verification of academic credentials and pre-award audits may be required from applicants.

Deadlines:   Deadlines for formal competitive awards are outlined in the Federal Register and/or the Commerce Business Daily.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 4 to 6 months. Successful and unsuccessful applicants shall be notified in writing at the same time.

Appeals:   All decisions are final. There are no administrative appeals.

Renewals:   Business development awards may be renewed after the successful completion of the initial competitive project award, at the discretion of the agency for two additional years without undergoing formal competition for participating in this program, subject to the availability of funds and the satisfactory performance of the recipient.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Projects may be required to provide the minimum 15 percent of cost-sharing in the form of in-kind contributions and cash.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   For 1 to 3 years depending on the requirements of the projects.

Reports: Financial (quarterly and annually), narrative (quarterly and annually); statistical reports are required.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Documents, papers and financial records of grantees or subrecipients relating to the award are required to remain available to the Federal Government for 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial status report.

Account Identification: 13-0201-0-1-376.

Obligations:   (Cooperative Agreements/Contracts) FY 00 $735,000; FY 01 est $75,000; and FY 02 est $75,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $25,000 to $356,000.

In fiscal year 2000, MBDA began implementing a program that will allow the agency to deliver program services through line telecommunications. This vehicle will enable the agency to provide management and technical assistance to business owners who lack access to an MBDC. MBDA has a home page on the World Wide Web through which it will disseminate business information.

There are no applicable regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Regional or Local Office:   Contact the nearest Minority Business Development Agency Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Stephen J. Boykin, Business Development Specialist, Field Coordination Division, Room 5079, Minority Business Development Agency, Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-6022. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.mbda.gov.

11.303, Economic Development_Technical Assistance;  15.850, Indian Arts and Crafts Development;   39.001, Business Services;   59.005, Business Development Assistance to Small Business;   59.006, 8(a) Business Development;   59.007, Management and Technical Assistance;   59.009, Procurement Assistance to Small Businesses.

In FY 1999, MBDA uses a variety of delivery mechanisms to deliver services, including the Minority Business Opportunity Committees (MBOCs). MBOC is a program strategy, that is designed to partner MBDA resources with Federal, State, local and quasi governmental entities to create and stimulate business economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. As an example of this approach, the Los Angeles MBOC's strategic outreach efforts can account for $1.1 billion in minority contracting, over 21,000 new jobs and will pave the way for future competitive efforts to stimulate growth in a challenged economy.

Competitive awards for resource development program are made based on a panel evaluation of the applications. This evaluation includes such factors as capability and experience of staff assigned to the project; techniques and methodology resources and costs.

Top10.001  Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research (Extramural Research)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

7 U.S.C. 427, 427i and 1624; 7 U.S.C. 3318.

To make agricultural research discoveries, evaluate alternative ways of attaining research goals, and provide scientific technical information.

Project Grants.

Research is conducted that is in cooperation with and is correlated with the Agricultural Research Service's in-house research programs and projects. Limited discretionary research funds are periodically made available.

Applicant Eligibility:   Usually nonprofit institutions of higher education or other nonprofit research organizations, whose primary purpose is conducting scientific research.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Usually nonprofit institutions of higher education or other nonprofit research organizations, whose primary purpose is conducting scientific research.

Credentials/Documentation:   None.

Preapplication Coordination:   Standard application forms are not used. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Interested parties are urged to submit proposals.

Application Procedure:   Letters should be submitted to the Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture. Give name of applicants, location of facilities, and State of incorporation, if any.

Award Procedure:   A peer review panel considers each proposal, evaluates the qualifications of applicants in line with research to be undertaken and determines priority for final negotiations of the grant.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

Reports: Progress reports, final technical reports, financial statements, and invention and subaward reports.

Audits:   As performed by cognizant audit agency.

Records:   Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, as authorized by the Federal awarding agency.

Account Identification: 12-1400-0-1-352.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $13,435,132; FY 01 est $13,435,132; and FY 02 est $13,435,132.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $1,000 to $25,000; $3,000.

Not available at this time.

7 CFR 3015 and 7 CFR 3019.

Regional or Local Office:   See the Agricultural Research Service Regional Offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Administrator for Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-3656. Contact: Extramural Agreements Division. Telephone: (301) 504-1147. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address: http://www.ars.usda.gov.

10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research;   10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research;   10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research;   10.500, Cooperative Extension Service;   10.652, Forestry Research;   10.700, National Agricultural Library;

Not presently available.

Peer review.

Top10.025  Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Organic Act of 1944, as amended, Section 102; Act of April 6, 1937, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 147a, 148, 148a-148f; Animal Industry Act of May 29, 1884, as amended; Act of February 2, 1903, as amended; Act of March 3, 1905, as amended, 21 U.S.C. 111-114a, 114a-1, 115-130; Act of February 28, 1947, as amended, 21 U.S.C. 114b-114c, 114d-1; Golden Nematode Act of 1948, 7 U.S.C. 150-150g; Federal Noxious Weeds Act of 1974, Public Law 93-629, 7 U.S.C. 2801-2813; Halogeton Glomeratus Act of 1952, 7 U.S.C. 1651-1656; Swine Health Protection Act of 1980, Section 101(b), Public Law 96-468, 7 U.S.C. 3801-3812; Improvement of Poultry, Poultry Products, and Hatcheries Act, 7 U.S.C. 429; Animal Welfare Act, as amended, Public Law 89-544, 7 U.S.C. 2131- 2147, 2149, 2151-2156; Federal Plant Pest Act, 7 U.S.C. 150aa-150jj; Mexican Border Act, 7 U.S.C. 149; Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, Section 15(c) July 12, 1976, Public Law 94-353; Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, as amended, Section 2509; Budget Reconciliation Act of 1991, Section 1203.

To protect U.S. agriculture from economically injurious plant and animal diseases and pests, ensure the safety and potency of veterinary biologic, and ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Project Grants;  Provision of Specialized Services;  Advisory Services and Counseling;  Dissemination of Technical Information;  Training.

Conduct surveys, demonstration projects, inspections to detect and appraise infestations, eradication and control activities, and carry out regulatory actions to prevent interstate spread of infestations and diseases.

Applicant Eligibility:   Foreign, State, local, and U.S. Territorial government agencies, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and nonprofit associations or organizations requiring Federal support to eradicate, control, or assess the status of injurious plant and animal diseases and pests that are a threat to regional or national agriculture and conduct related demonstration projects.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Farmers, ranchers, agriculture producers, State, local, U.S. Territorial government agencies, public and private institutions and organizations benefit from Federal assistance to eradicate or control injurious plant and animal diseases and pests that are a threat to regional or national agriculture.

Credentials/Documentation:   Curriculum vitae for principal investigator, except for State, local, and Territorial government cooperators.

Preapplication Coordination:   A letter from applicants seeking support or cooperation with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Applicants must indicate the nature and severity of the problem to be considered and explain how they will address the problem. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Comply with E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and submit a completed Standard Form 424.1, "U.S. Department of Agriculture, Application for Federal Assistance (Non-construction)" and project proposal (work plan), financial plan, curriculum vitae, and other required certifications to the appropriate APHIS area, regional, or Headquarters Office. See Regional and Local Office Address Listing.

Award Procedure:   Applications are approved by the Administrator or Authorized Departmental Officers (ADOs) upon determination that the project will contribute toward accomplishment of the Agency's overall mission and meet any established project evaluation/selection criteria.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 60 to 120 days.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Based on program needs and availability of annual funding.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Recipients share some project or program costs. The cost-sharing arrangements are developed between USDA and the recipients in advance of the program unless otherwise stated by Congress.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Up to 1 year from the date of award. Funds are made available as required to cover expenditures.

Reports: Requirements are specifically indicated in the award documents and may vary for given programs.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Instruction provided in the Notice of Award.

Account Identification:   12-1600-0-1-352; 12-9971-0-7-352. Wildlife Services (WS) include Aquaculture WS Methods.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $86,000,000; FY 01 est $73,860,000; and FY 02 est $73,860,000. (Excludes wildlife services, reported separately under 10.028.)

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

Selected examples of progress: Brucellosis class free status States, fiscal year 2000, 47; fiscal year 2001 est 48; and fiscal year 2002 est 53; Tuberculosis-accredited free States, fiscal year 2000, 46; fiscal year 2001 est 49; and fiscal year 2002 est 49.

Bulletins, both technical and popular, are available to the public through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs.

Regional or Local Office:   Consult Appendix IV of the Catalog for addresses of regional offices of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Headquarters Office:   Agreement Services Center, (RWBS), Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Center, Riverdale, MD 20737. Contact Anita S. Ridley. Telephone: (301) 734-8792.

Web Site Address: http://www.aphis.usda.gov.

10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.028, Wildlife Services;   10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research;   12.100, Aquatic Plant Control;   10.500, Cooperative Extension Service;   10.652, Forestry Research.

The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) is designed to provide local, State, and national information on animal disease problems throughout the United States. The National Plant Pest Survey and Detection Program (NAPPSD) coordinates and standardizes a nationwide survey and detection system for exotic and endemic plant pests of agricultural importance.

Relevance to agency program mission and qualification of principal investigator and institution.

Top10.028  Wildlife Services

FEDERAL AGENCY:

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal Damage Control Act of 1931, 7 U.S.C. 426, 426b, 426c, as amended.

To reduce damage caused by mammals and birds and those mammal and bird species that are reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, (except for urban rodent control through control and research activities). Wherever feasible, humane methods will be emphasized.

Project Grants;  Provision of Specialized Services;  Advisory Services and Counseling;  Dissemination of Technical Information;  Training.

Works closely with State departments of fish and game, agriculture, health, and counties in joint efforts to alleviate wild animal damage. Conduct surveys, campaigns to reduce wild animal damage including bird problems at airports, develop methods to control wild animal damage, and provide technical advice and assistance. For direct technical assistance, State fish and game departments should be contacted.

Applicant Eligibility:   State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public/private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and individuals.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   States, local jurisdictions, U.S. Territorial government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public and private institutions and organizations, farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, and land/property owners benefit from Federal assistance in the control of nuisance mammals and birds and those mammal and bird species that are reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, except for urban rodent control.

Credentials/Documentation:   Curriculum vitae for principal investigator, except for State, local, and Territorial government cooperators.

Preapplication Coordination:   A letter from applicants seeking support or cooperation with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Applicants must indicate the nature and severity of the problem to be considered, and explain how they will address the problem. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Comply with E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," and submit a completed Standard Form 424.1, "U.S. Department of Agriculture, Application for Federal Assistance (Non-construction)" and project proposal (work plan), financial plan, curriculum vitae, and other required certifications to the appropriate APHIS area, regional, or headquarters office. See Regional and Local Office Address Listing.

Award Procedure:   Applications are approved by the Administrator or authorized departmental officers (ADO's) upon determination that the project will contribute toward accomplishment of the Agency's overall mission and meet any established project evaluation/selection criteria.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 60 to 120 days.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   Based on program needs and availability of annual funding.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The cost-sharing arrangements are negotiated unless otherwise stated by Congress.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Up to one year from the date of award.

Reports: Requirements are specifically indicated in the award documents and may vary for given agreement.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Instruction provided in the Notice of Award.

Account Identification: 12-1600-0-1-352.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $362,593; FY 01 est $365,000; and FY 02 est $365,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

Selected examples of recent progress: Number of direct control/technical assistance projects, fiscal year 2000, 88,000, fiscal year 2001 estimated 88,000, and fiscal year 2002 estimated 88,000.

Bulletins, both technical and popular, are available to the public through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs.

Regional or Local Office:  See Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Budget and Accounting Division, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Center, Riverdale, MD 20737. Contact Anita S. Ridley. Telephone: (301) 734-8014.

Web Site Address: http://www.aphis.usda.gov.

10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care; 10.652, Forestry Research.

In the western States, Wildlife Services (WS) conducts traditional predator control programs including Control of coyote, mountain lion, and bear. An aerial blackbird hazing operation is conducted to protect the sunflower crop. In the eastern and southern States, WS conducts operations to control beaver, deer, and cormorant damage to aquaculture. An operational program is under way in the Delta States to reduce wildlife/agriculture conflicts.

Relevance to agency program mission and qualification of principle investigator and institution.

Top10.054  Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Credit Act of 1978, Title IV, Public Law 95-334, 16 U.S.C. 2201-2205, as amended.

To enable farmers to perform emergency conservation measures to control wind erosion on farmlands, to rehabilitate farmlands damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters and to carry out emergency water conservation or water enhancing measures during periods of severe drought.

Direct Payments for Specified Use.

Following a natural disaster, the county FSA committee determines, with concurrence from the State FSA committee, to make the program available in the county. Emergency cost- sharing is limited to new conservation problems created by natural disasters which, if not treated will impair or endanger the land, materially affect the productive capacity of the land, represent damage that is unusual in character and, except for wind erosion, is not the type that would recur frequently in the same area and will be so costly to rehabilitate that Federal assistance is or will be required to return the land to productive agricultural use. Eligible drought situations for water enhancing measures must be determined by the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, FSA.

Applicant Eligibility:   Any agricultural producer who as owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm or ranch, including associated groups, and bears a part of the cost of an approved conservation practice in a disaster area, is eligible to apply for cost-share conservation assistance. This program is also available in Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any agricultural producer who as owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper on a farm or ranch, including associated groups, and bears a part of the cost of an approved conservation practice in a disaster area, is eligible to apply for cost-share conservation assistance. This program is also available in Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Credentials/Documentation:   Identification as an eligible person and proof of contribution to the cost of performing the conservation practice. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O.12372.

Application Procedure:   Eligible persons may submit an application on Form AD-245, for cost-sharing, at the county FSA office for the county in which the affected land is located. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110.

Award Procedure:   The county FSA committee reviews, prioritizes, and may approve applications in whole or in part. Approvals cannot exceed the county allocation of Federal funds for that purpose.

Deadlines:   Applications for payment must be filed with the county FSA committee by a prescribed date. The conservation practice for which cost-shares have been approved must be completed during the program year, within the time specified by the county FSA committee, and such performance reported to the county office within a specified time.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 2 to 3 weeks.

Appeals:   Participants may appeal to county FSA committee, State FSA committee, or National Appeals Division (NAD) on any determination. Matters that are generally applicable to all producers are not appealable.

Renewals:   Certain approvals may be extended by the FSA county committee, when necessary, with proper justification.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Practice cost-share approvals are given on a fiscal year basis. The approvals specify the time that the practice must be carried out. Payment is by check or electronic funds transfer following completion of the measure.

Reports:   Not applicable.

Audits:   Recipients are subject to audit by the Office of Inspector General, USDA.

Records:   Maintained in the county FSA office and Federal record centers for a specified number of years.

Account Identification:   12-3316-0-1-453.

Obligations:   (Direct payments) FY 00 $65,681,313; FY 01 est $147,093,033; and FY 02 est $82,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $50 to $64,000; $2,681.

For 2000, $60 million in supplemental funding was provided for the Emergency Conservation Program, to remain available until expended. Of this amount, $10 million was designated for rehabilitating farmland damaged by fires resulted from prescribed burning conducted by the Federal government in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Under the program, $64,985,108 in cost- sharing and technical assistance was provided in 44 States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to treat farmland damaged by droughts, floods, hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. The 2000 program rehabilitated approximately 7,624,332 acres of farmland damaged by these natural disasters. In fiscal year 2001, it is estimated that $147 million in cost-share and technical assistance will be available for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. It is also estimated that $82 million in cost-share and technical assistance will be available for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters during 2002.

Program regulations published in the Federal Register at 7 CFR, part 701. Program is announced through the news media in the county area designated as a disaster area.

Regional or Local Office:   Farmers are advised to contact their local county FSA office after a natural disaster has occurred to determine whether the program is available in the county and to determine eligibility for emergency cost-share assistance. Consult the local telephone directory for location of the county FSA office. If no listing, get in touch with the appropriate State FSA office listed in the Farm Service Agency section of Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   USDA/FSA/CEPD, Stop 0513, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-0513. Telephone: (202) 720-6221.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

10.404, Emergency Loans.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.056  Farm Storage Facility Loans

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

15 U.S.C. 714, et seq.

To encourage the construction of on farm grain storage capacity and to help farmers adapt to identity preserved storage and handling requirements for genetically enhanced production.

Direct Loans.

Loans are used to finance the purchase and construction of new storage structures, handling equipment and drying equipment, and to finance the remodeling of existing storage structures. The loan amount is limited to $100,000 times the number of borrowers liable for each loan.

Applicant Eligibility:   An eligible borrower is any person who, as landowner, landlord, operator, producer, tenant, leaseholder, or sharecropper: (1) Has a satisfactory credit history and demonstrates an ability to repay the debt arising under this program using a financial statement acceptable to CCC prepared within 90 days of the date of application; (2) has no delinquent Federal debt defined by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 at the time of loan disbursement; (3) is a producer of a facility loan commodity as defined by CCC; (4) demonstrates a need for increased storage capacity as defined by CCC if the applicant is applying for a loan for a storage structure; (5) provides proof of crop insurance offered under the Federal Crop Insurance Program for crops of economic significance on all farms operated by the borrower in the county where the storage facility is located; (6) is in compliance with USDA provisions for highly erodible land and wetlands provisions according to 7 CFR Part 12; (7) demonstrates compliance with any applicable local zoning, land use, and building codes for the applicable farm storage facility structures; (8) provides proof of flood insurance if CCC determines such insurance is necessary to protect the interests of CCC, and proof of all peril structural insurance, to CCC annually; (9) demonstrates compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act regulations at 40 CFR, Parts 1500- 1508; and (10) has not been convicted under Federal or State law of a controlled substance violation under 7 CFR Part 718.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries when they meet all eligibility criteria. Landowners, landlords, operators, producers, tenants, leaseholders, or sharecroppers are the beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants must establish that they have a need for additional storage capacity. The applicant must establish that he has the ability to repay the loan. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Application Form CCC-185 provided by the Farm Service Agency must be presented, with supporting information, to the FSA county office serving the applicant's county. FSA personnel assist applicants in completing their application forms. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   FSA State and County Committees are authorized to approve these loans after applicants are determined eligible.

Deadlines:   Applications must be filed at least 15 calendar days in advance of the day when the FSA County Committee meets. Loan approvals by the FSA County Committee expire 4 months after the approval date unless extended for up to another 4 months.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The approval process may take from 2 to 6 weeks.

Appeals:   Applicants for loans may appeal adverse actions taken against them. The applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the decision to the National Appeals Division.

Renewals:   The loan term is 7 years. The term of the loan may not be extended. The loan is repaid in equal annual installments of principal and interest amortized over the loan term.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   The amount of the loan is determined after construction takes place. A 15 percent down payment is required. The loan is disbursed by check as soon as the cost is determined, all loan documents have been prepared and all security documents have been filed.

Reports:   Borrowers are required to maintain the collateral in good condition and to keep property taxes and insurance current.

Audits:   Collateral is inspected by CCC annually.

Records:   Borrowers are required to annually submit proof of crop insurance, flood insurance (if applicable), hazard insurance, and property taxes.

Account Identification:   12-4158-0-3-351; 12-3301-0-1-351.

Obligations:   (Direct Loans) FY 00 $79,694,207; FY 01 est $175,000,000; and FY 02 est $125,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $1000 to $100,000.

In fiscal year 2000, there were 1500 loans obligated out of 2200 applications.

(1) A fact sheet, press release, forms, and directives are available. Regulations at 7 CFR Part 1436 were first published in the Federal Register under an interim rule on May 11, 2000. After comments were evaluated, regulations at 7CFR Part 1436 were revised with the publication of a final rule on January 18, 2001.

Regional or Local Office:   Consult the appropriate FSA State office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Farm Service Agency, Director, Price Support Division, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-7935.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/psd/FSFL.html.

None.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.207  Animal Health and Disease Research

FEDERAL AGENCY:

COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, Section 1433, Public Law 95-113, as amended; Section 1429, Public Law 97-98; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 101-624; Public Law 104-127; Public Law 105-185.

To support animal health and disease research at eligible Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, and State Agricultural Experiment Stations whose purpose is to improve the health and productivity of food animals and horses through effective prevention, control or treatment of disease, reduction of losses from transportation and other hazards, and protect human health through control of animal diseases transmissible to people.

Formula Grants.

Research on animal health and disease of food animals and horses conducted in eligible institutions under the following categories: 1) Infectious diseases; 2) internal and external parasites; 3) noninfectious diseases, toxins, poisons, transportation losses, predators and other hazards; 4) diseases and parasites of wildlife transmissible to food animals and horses; and 5) diseases and parasites of animals transmissible to people.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligibility is restricted to the following public nonprofit institutions having demonstrable capacity in animal disease research: 1) Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and 2) State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to States and eligible State institutions according to the statutory formula stated in the Act.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Eligibility is restricted to the following public nonprofit institutions having demonstrable capacity in animal disease research: 1) Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and 2) State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to States and eligible State institutions according to the statutory formula stated in the Act.

Credentials/Documentation:   The current capacity in food animal health and disease research must be documented annually by eligible institutions. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   All eligible institutions must file a current, certified list of animal health and disease research capacity prior to the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   No application is necessary, but payment of funds is contingent on the approval of an annual plan for programs to be conducted. Funds can be expended only on projects approved by CSREES. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019.

Award Procedure:   The release of funds to eligible institutions is contingent upon the filing of an approved Program of Research and the certification that required nonfederal funds are available to meet matching requirements. Funds can be expended only by the recipient institution and only on research having had prior approval by The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES).

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The Act provides that the Secretary in consultation with the Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board shall distribute 48 percent of the funds to the States on the basis of livestock value and income as determined by the U.S.D.A. data. Forty-eight percent of the funds shall be distributed on the basis of animal health and disease research capacity of eligible institutions. Distribution of a State's allocation among its eligible institutions is made on the basis of the animal health research capacity of these institutions. Animal health research capacity is measured by the annual expenditures (excluding Section 1433 funds) and scientist year equivalents in animal health and disease research in eligible institutions. The Act limits the annual Federal payment a State may receive in excess of $100,000 to that amount made available and budgeted from nonfederal sources for expenditures on animal health and disease research.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Funds must be expended or obligated in the year for which the appropriation was made. Unliquidated obligations must be paid in the fiscal year following the year of appropriation. Funds are released quarterly as needed to finance current operations.

Reports:   Fiscal year annual plan of work due August 15 of each year for the fiscal year starting in October. Annual program financial report due December 1; Annual progress report due February 15; Certification of Offset and Entitlement due prior to October 1; Past year Obligations by Project due December 15.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Maintained by project. Retain payment documents 3 years.

Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $4,765,894; FY 01 est $4,767,454; and FY 02 est $4,767,454.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $1,586 to 408,854; $65,515.

Example of accomplishments include: Researchers developed the J-5 vaccine to prevent coliform mastitis infections in dairy cattle. This preventive strategy also reduces use of antibiotics protecting consumers from possible drug residues.

Administrative Manual for the Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Program, August 1982; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistant Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; and 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Deputy Administrator, Plant and Animal Science, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 401-4329.

Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov.

10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research;  10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care;  10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants;  10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research;   10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research;   10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research;   10.500, Cooperative Extension Service;   10.652, Forestry Research.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.212  Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR Program)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, Public Law 97-219, as amended, Public Law 99-443; Public Law 102-564.

To stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation, by women-owned and socially disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation.

Project Grants.

The selected areas for research are forests and related resources; plant production and protection; animal production and protection; air, water, and soils; food science and nutrition; rural and community development; aquaculture; industrial applications; and marketing and trade. The Small Business Innovation Research Program is carried out in three separate phases: Phase I projects are supported to determine the scientific or technical feasibility of ideas submitted by proposes on the selected research areas; Phase II awards are made to firms with approaches that appear sufficiently promising as a result of Phase I studies. Only those small businesses previously receiving Phase I awards in either of the two preceding fiscal years are eligible to submit Phase II proposals. Phase II projects are limited to $250,000 with the average award being about $200,000, for a period normally not to exceed 24 months; Phase III is to be conducted by the small business concern (including joint ventures and limited partnerships), and will be non-SBIR funded through the exercising of a follow-on funding commitment. The purpose of Phase III is to stimulate technological innovation and the national return on investment from research through the pursuit of commercialization objectives resulting from the USDA-supported work carried out in Phases I and II.

Applicant Eligibility:   Small businesses which: (a) Are organized for profit, independently owned or operated, are not dominant in the proposed research field, have their principal places of business located in the United States, have a number of employees not exceeding 500 in all affiliated firms owned or controlled by a single parent concern, and meet the other regulatory requirements outlined in 13 CFR Part 121, as amended; (b) are at least 51 percent owned, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its voting stock is owned, by U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens; (c) are the primary source of employment for the principal investigator of the proposed effort at the time of award and during the actual conduct of proposed research; (d) are the primary performer of the proposed research effort. Because this program is intended to increase the use of small business firms in Federal research or research and development, the term "primary performer" means that a minimum of two-thirds of the research or analytical work, as determined by budget expenditures, must be performed by the proposing organization under Phase I grants. For Phase II awards, a minimum of one-half of the research or analytical effort must be conducted by the proposing firm.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Small businesses.

Credentials/Documentation:   Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational information and assurances specified in the SBIR program solicitation. The principles to be used in determining allowable costs of activities under this program are contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR Part 31. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   Publication by the Small Business Administration listing all agencies participating in the program, their Small Business Innovation Research coordinators, proposed dates for their solicitations, and proposed topic areas. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Formal proposal to SBIR Program, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the SBIR program solicitation. Application procedures are contained in the SBIR program solicitation. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   The SBIR Program staff reviews and evaluates all proposals with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal.

Deadlines:   Deadlines are announced in the Federal Register and SBIR Program Solicitation for each fiscal year. The deadline for submission of fiscal year 2001 proposals was August 31, 2000. The FY 2002 program solicitation is expected to open June 1, 2001, with a deadline date of approximately September 1, 2001.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Six months from application receipt to notification of approval/disapproval.

Appeals:   Phase I applications may be revised and resubmitted during a later funding cycle, provided the subject matter of the proposal is not changed, and the topic area under which the proposal was originally submitted is still listed in the solicitation. Phase I grantees may apply for a Phase II grant only once for each Phase I project funded.

Renewals:   None.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   There are no matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Phase I grants are normally limited to 6 months. Phase II grants are normally limited to 2 years.

Reports: Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase I grants must be submitted 30 and 90 days, respectively, after the expiration date of the grant. Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase II grants must be submitted 90 days after the expiration date of the grant.

Audits:   Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Federal audits will be made in accordance with the policies of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR Part 42, to ensure that funds have been applied efficiently, economically, and effectively.

Records:   Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and for at least 3 years after the date of submission of the final financial status report.

Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 00 $13,093,721; FY 01 est $13,807,445; and FY 02 est $11,101,822.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $46,000 to $250,000; $94,990.

This program was designed to strengthen the role of small, innovative firms in Federally-funded research and development. The nine categories of research supported under this program are: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection; Animal Production and Protection; Air, Water, and Soils; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; and Marketing and Trade.

7 CFR Part 3403, Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program, Administrative Provisions, 62 FR26168, May 12, 1997; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug- Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying.

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   SBIR Director, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2243, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-2243. Telephone: (202) 401-4002.

Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov.

None.

Bolted Wood Framing System; Development of Floating Permeable Covers to Control Emissions from Livestock Waste Lagoons; Production of Organic Acids by Simultaneous Fermentation and Adsorption; Software for Evaluating the Impact of Forest Management Plans on Wildlife; Bioprocessing Wheat Midds and Screenings to Improve Protein.

(a) The scientific and technical quality of the proposed research plan and its relevance to the stated objectives, with special emphasis on innovativeness and originality; (b) importance of the problem or opportunity and anticipated commercial potential of the proposed research, if successful; (c) adequacy of the objectives to show incremental progress toward proving the feasibility of approach; (d) qualifications of the principal investigator, other key staff and consultants, and the probable adequacy of available or obtainable instrumentation and facilities to carry out the proposed work; (e) the technical, economic, and/or social importance of the problem or opportunity and anticipated commercial potential if research is successful; and (f) reasonableness of the budget requested for the work proposed.

Top10.404  Emergency Loans

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Subtitle C, Sections 321-330, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1961- 1984; Public Law 96-438; Public Law 97-35; Public Law 98-258; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 100-233; Public Law 100-387; Public Law 101-624.

To assist established (owner or tenant) family farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators with loans to cover losses resulting from major and/or natural disasters, which can be used for annual farm operating expenses, and for other essential needs necessary to return disaster victims' farming operations to a financially sound basis in order that they will be able to return to private sources of credit as soon as possible.

Direct Loans.

Loan funds may be used to repair, restore, or replace damaged or destroyed farm property (real and chattel) and supplies which were lost or damaged as a direct result of a natural disaster; under certain conditions, refinance secured and unsecured debts made necessary by the disasters; finance adjustments in the farming, ranching or aquaculture operation(s) determined necessary to restore or maintain applicants' operations on a sound financial basis equivalent to their predisaster potential. The total of all actual loss loans is based on actual dollar value of production and physical losses. Loans are made at 3.75 percent interest, with a maximum limit of 80 percent of the actual production loss and 100 percent of the actual physical loss, or $500,000 total indebtedness. Loans are made in counties: (1) Named by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as being eligible for Federal assistance under a major disaster or emergency declaration by the President; (2) designated as natural disaster areas by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (3) designated by the FSA Administrator for severe physical losses, only, as a result of a natural disaster.

Applicant Eligibility:   Requires that an applicant: (a) Not have caused a loss to the Agency after April 4, 1996, or received debt forgiveness on no more than 1 occasion prior to April 4, 1996. (b) be an established family farmer, rancher, or aquaculture operator (either tenant-operator or owner-operator), who was conducting a farming operation at the time of occurrence of the disaster either as an individual proprietorship, a partnership, a cooperative, a corporation, or a joint operation; (c) have suffered qualifying crop loss and/or physical property damage caused by a designated natural disaster; (d) be a citizen of the United States or legal resident alien, or be operated by citizens and/or resident aliens owning over a 50 percent interest of the farming entity; (e) be unable to obtain suitable credit from any other source(s) to qualify for subsidized loss loans; (f) have sufficient training or farming experience in managing and operating a farm or ranch (1 year's complete production and marketing cycle within the last 5 years immediately preceding the application); (g) be able to realistically project a feasible and sound plan of operation; (h) be a capable manager of the farming, ranching, or aquaculture operations (in the case of a cooperative, corporation, partnership or joint operation, if members, stockholders, partners or joint operators own a majority interest and are related by blood or marriage, at least one member, stockholder, partner or joint operator must operate the family farm; if not related, the majority interest holder(s) must operate the family farm); (I) have legal capacity to contract for the loan; (j) obtain eligibility certification; (k) provide adequate collateral to secure the loan request; (l) have crop insurance if available for affected crops comply with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of Public Law 99-198 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.), (Title 12 and 13) the Food Security Act of 1985 and the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. Applicants who cannot meet all of these requirements are not eligible. Assistance is available in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, to the extent the Secretary determines it to be feasible and appropriate, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, when those areas (by county) are designated.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries when they meet all eligibility criteria. Families, individuals and entities who are farmers, ranchers or aquaculture operators are the beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants must establish that substantial physical property damage and/or severe production losses, caused by the designated natural disaster, has occurred. To qualify for loss loans, the applicant must be unable to get credit elsewhere and demonstrate repayment ability on the loan. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Application Form FSA 410-1 provided by the Farm Service Agency must be presented, with supporting information, to the FSA county office serving the applicant's county. FSA personnel assist applicants in completing their application forms. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   FSA Farm Loan Manager, State Executive Directors, and the Administrator or his designee are authorized to approve these loans, subject to certain administrative requirements, after applicants are determined eligible.

Deadlines:   Deadline for filing applications for actual loss loans is 8 months from the date of declaration/designation for both physical and production losses. Applicants should consult the FSA county office serving their area for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Applications must be approved or disapproved within 60 calendar days after the receipt of a completed application by the County Office.

Appeals:   Applicants for loans may appeal adverse actions taken. The applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the decision to the National Appeals Division.

Renewals:   Rescheduling, reamortization, consolidation and deferment: Up to 15 years rescheduling for short and intermediate term loans made for production-type losses. Long term loans may be reamortized. However, the maximum statutory repayment period of 40 years for real-estate purposes cannot be exceeded. Loans made for similar purposes can be consolidated and rescheduled or reamortized. Generally, real estate will be needed as security when a term of more than 7 years is authorized.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   This varies in accordance with individual case needs, type of disaster losses, type of security available, and borrower's repayment ability. Applicants should consult the FSA county office serving their area for specific information.

Reports: Borrowers are required to account for all security property.

Audits:   This varies in individual cases.

Records:   Applicants must furnish 5 year history of farm production, if available, when production losses are claimed. Otherwise, FSA records of acres grown and proven yields, county or State production averages, or combinations of the above records when approved, are used. Borrowers must keep adequate records as a condition for receiving FSA financing. Specific financial information is required to be maintained for 3 years for some borrowers as a condition of receiving loan assistance.

Account Identification: 12-4140-0-3-351.

Obligations:   (Direct Loans) FY 00 $150,852,000; FY 01 est $298,518,000; and FY 02 est $40,571,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $500 to $500,000; $58,000.

In fiscal year 2000, there were 2,451 loans obligated.

(1) Farm Service Agency Fact Sheets, Program Aids 1610 'Farm Service Agency Producer's Guide to Loan Programs", and 1632, "Natural Disaster Assistance." Administrative regulations are published in the Federal Register at 7 CFR Chapter XVIII, Part 1945, Subparts A, and D.

Regional or Local Office:   Consult the appropriate FSA State office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Director, Loan Making Division, Ag Box 0522, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1632.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

10.054, Emergency Conservation Program; 10.450, Crop Insurance; 59.008, Physical Disaster Loans.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.406  Farm Operating Loans

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Subtitle B, Sections 311-317, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1942; Agriculture Act of 1961, Title III, Public Law 87-128.

To enable operators of not larger than family farms through the extension of credit and supervisory assistance, to make efficient use of their land, labor, and other resources, and to establish and maintain financially viable farming and ranching operations.

Direct Loans;  Guaranteed/Insured Loans.

Loan funds may be used to: (1) Purchase livestock, poultry, fur bearing and other farm animals, fish, and bees; (2) purchase farm equipment; (3) provide operating expenses for farm enterprise; (4) meet family subsistence needs and purchase essential home equipment; (5) refinance secured and unsecured debts subject to certain restrictions; (6) pay property taxes; (7) pay insurance premiums on real estate and personal property; and (8) finance youth projects. Use restrictions are shown under Applicant Eligibility.

Applicant Eligibility:   Except for youth loans, individual applicants must: 1) Not have caused a loss to the Agency after April 4, 1996, or received debt forgiveness on more than 3 occasions prior to April 4, 1996 to receive a guaranteed loan; 2) have the necessary education and/or farm experience or training (1 year's complete production and marketing cycle within the last 5 years); 3) do not exceed the limitation on the number of years that assistance may be received; 4) possess the legal capacity to incur the obligations of the loan; 5) be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at reasonable rates, and terms; 6) project the ability to repay the loan; 7) be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; 8) after the loan is closed, be an owner/tenant operator of a family farm; and 9) comply with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of Public Law 99-198 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA); Certain corporations, cooperatives, partnerships and joint operations ("entities") operating family-sized farms are also eligible for farm operating loans. In brief, entity applicants must meet some of the same eligibility requirements as individual applicants. In addition, if members, stockholders or shareholders of the entity are related by blood or marriage, at least one stockholder, shareholder partner or joint operator must operate the family-sized farm. In the case when members are not related by blood or marriage, the majority interest holders in the entity must actually operate the family-sized farm to be eligible. The entity must be authorized to operate a farm in the State in which it is located. Limited resource applicants must meet the above requirements. In addition, they must have a low income and show a need for increased farm income. In the case of limited resource entities, all the partners, joint operators, members, or stockholders must be citizens and the entity must be the owner-operator of the family farm with at least one partner, joint operator, member or stockholder operating the farm. Assistance is authorized for eligible applicants in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and to the extent the Secretary determines it to be feasible and appropriate, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. To be eligible to obtain a direct loan, a borrower must agree to abide by any "borrower training" requirements. Applicants/borrowers requesting guaranteed loan assistance must meet all lender requirements.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries and must meet the applicant eligibility requirements. Families, individuals, and entities who are farmers, ranchers or aquaculture operators are the beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants must prove that credit is not available elsewhere for the requested purposes. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   None required. However, an informal conference with the local county office staff is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Applicants file Form FSA 410-1, Application for Direct Loan Assistance, with supporting information, at the local county office of the Farm Service Agency for direct loans or Form FSA 1980-25 with the prospective lender for loan guarantees. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   Certification as to eligibility is made by the local county committee (unless that responsibility has been delegated to the Agency credit officials) and an approval determination is made by a FSA official as to loan feasibility and soundness, and whether there is adequate collateral to secure any loan.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The loan approval official approves or disapproves a completed application within 60 days on a direct loan application and 30 days on a guaranteed loan application.

Appeals:   Applicants for direct and guaranteed loans, may appeal adverse action taken. The applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the decision to the National Appeals Division. The applicant may, in the final step of the appeals process, request a review by the Director, National Appeals Division, Washington, DC. For guaranteed loans, both the lender and the applicant must request the appeal.

Renewals:   Applicants may reapply at any time. Applicants denied assistance through the appeal process must establish that substantial change has occurred, since the denial decision.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The selected criteria identify essential elements considered necessary to compare the needs of the various States, and to make the best use of available program funds. This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Loans are scheduled for repayment over periods up to 7 years, but when justified, loans may be consolidated or rescheduled for up to 15 additional years. The interest rate for guaranteed loans is negotiated between the lender and borrower. If eligible, FSA may provide interest rate assistance on guaranteed loans at the rate of 4 percent. The interest rate for direct loans is determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Reports: Various States have USDA certified Agricultural Loan mediation programs, which are designed to assist farm borrowers and their creditors in resolving financial disputes through the process of mediation. Where a State has such a farm credit mediation program, the lender shall participate in accordance with the rules of that system. FSA is not bound by any agreements developed in mediation or findings of the mediation unless FSA agrees to them in writing.

Audits:   Not applicable.

Records:   Records on production, income, expenses during the period of the loan.

Account Identification:   12-4140-0-3-351; 12-1140-0-1-351.

Obligations:   (Direct Loans) FY 00 $664,207,000; FY 01 est $699,944,000; and FY 02 est $513,305,000. (Unsubsidized Guaranteed Loans) FY 00 $998,533,000; FY 01 est $1,387,026,000; and FY 02 est $440,497,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Direct loans up to $200,000; guaranteed loans up to $731,000 (amount adjusted annually for inflation); direct average loan size approximately $47,365 and guaranteed average loan size approximately $157,339 for fiscal year 2000.

There were 14,023 direct and 11,444 guaranteed loans made in fiscal year 2000. Farm operating loans provide credit to: (1) Establish beginning farmers; (2) assist farmers suffering from the price/cost squeeze, which will enable them to remain on the farm and refinance secured and unsecured debts; and (3) expand farming operations.

7 CFR, Part 1941, Subpart A and Part 762. Farm Service Agency Fact Sheets; FSA Handbook 2 FLP; Program Aids 1610 "Farm Service Agency Producer's Guide to Loan Programs"; 1620 "Lender's Guide to FSA Loan Programs"; and 1630 "Rural Youth Loans".

Regional or Local Office:   Contact the appropriate FSA State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Director, Loan Making Division, Ag Box 0522, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1632.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

10.407, Farm Ownership Loans;   15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.407  Farm Ownership Loans

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Subtitle A, Sections 302, 310D, Public Laws 100-233, 87-128, 91-620, 95-334, 97-98, 7 U.S.C. 1922; Section 303, Public Laws 87-708, 90-488, 95-113, 96-438, 7 U.S.C. 1923; Section 305, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1925; Section 307, Public Law 97-35, 7 U.S.C. 1927; Section 308, Public Laws, 87-798, 89-240, 92-133, 7 U.S.C. 1928; 7 U.S.C. 1934.

To assist eligible farmers, ranchers, and aquaculture operators, including farming cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, and joint operations, through the extension of credit and supervisory assistance to: Become owner-operators of not larger than family farms; make efficient use of the land, labor, and other resources; carry on sound and successful farming operations; and enable farm families to have a reasonable standard of living.

Direct Loans;  Guaranteed/Insured Loans.

Loan funds may be used to: (1) Enlarge, improve, and buy family farms; (2) provide necessary water and water facilities; (3) provide basic soil treatment and land conservation measures; (4) construct, repair, and improve essential buildings needed in the operation of a family farm; (5) construct or repair farm dwellings; (6) provide facilities to produce fish under controlled conditions.

Applicant Eligibility:   An applicant must: (1) Not have caused a loss to the Agency after April 4, 1996, or received debt forgiveness on more than 3 occasions prior to April 4, 1996 to receive a guaranteed loan; (2) be unable to obtain suitable credit from other sources at reasonable rates and terms; (3) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and possess the legal capacity to incur the obligations of the loan; (4) have the necessary education and/or experience, training, and managerial ability to operate a family farm; (5) realistically project the ability to repay the loan; (6) be the owner-operator of a not larger than family farm after the loan is closed; and (7) if an individual, the applicant must not have a combined farm ownership, soil and water, and recreation loan indebtedness to FSA of more than $200,000, for direct loans; and $717,000 (amount adjusted annually for inflation) for a guaranteed loan(s), or a combination of direct and guaranteed indebtedness; or a total indebtedness against the property securing the loan(s) of more than the market value of the security, whichever is the lesser amount. If a cooperative, corporation, joint operation or partnership, the entity must be controlled by farmers or ranchers engaged primarily and directly in farming in the U.S., after the loan is made, and must consist of members, stockholders, partners, or joint operators (8) have a minimum of 3 years farming experience. Assistance is authorized for eligible applicants in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and, to the extent the Secretary determines it to be feasible and appropriate, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. Applicants must also comply with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of Public Law 99-198 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA). To be eligible to obtain a direct loan, a borrower must abide by the Agency's borrower training requirements. Applicants/borrowers requesting guaranteed loan assistance must meet all lender requirements.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries and must meet the applicant eligibility requirements. Families, individuals, and entities who are farmers, ranchers or aquaculture operators are the beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants must prove that credit is not available elsewhere for the requested purpose; and that they possess sufficient training or farm experience. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Applicants file Form FSA 410-1, Application for FSA Services, with supporting information, at the local county office of the Farm Service Agency for direct loans or Form FSA 1980-25 with the prospective lender for loan guarantees. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   Certification as to eligibility is made the Agency credit officials and an approval determination is made by an FSA official based on loan feasibility and soundness, and adequate security.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The loan approval official must approve or disapproves a completed application within 30 days on a guaranteed loan application and 60 days on a direct loan application.

Appeals:   Applicants for direct and guaranteed loans, may appeal adverse actions taken. The applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the decision to the National Appeals Staff. For guaranteed loans, both the lender and the applicant must request the appeal.

Renewals:   Applicants may reapply at any time. Applicants denied assistance through the appeal process must establish that substantial change has occurred, since the denial decision.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The selected criteria identify essential elements considered necessary to compare the needs of the various States, and to make the best use of available program funds. This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Loans justified may be scheduled over a period up to 40 years. The interest rate for guaranteed loans is negotiated between the lender and borrower.

Reports:   Not applicable.

Audits:   Not applicable.

Records:   Not applicable.

Account Identification: 12-4140-0-3-351; 12-1140-0-1-351.

Obligations:   (Direct Loans) FY 00 $233,024,000; FY 01 est $130,518,000; and FY 02 est $291,139,000. (Guaranteed Loans) FY 00 $873,468,000; FY 01 est $1,009,695,000; and FY 02 est $1,052,558,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Maximum direct $200,000, maximum guaranteed $731,000 (amount adjusted annually for inflation). Average direct $111,762, guaranteed $250,421.

Loans are used to purchase, enlarge, and improve family farms. In fiscal year 2000, 2,085 direct, and 3,488 guaranteed loans were made.

7 CFR, Part 1943, Subpart A and Part 762. Farm Service Agency Fact Sheets; FSA Handbook 2 FLP; Program Aids 1610, "Farm Service Agency Producer's Guide to Loan Programs"; and 1620, "Lender's Guide to FSA Loan Programs."

Regional or Local Office:   Contact the appropriate FSA State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Director, Loan Making Division, Ag Box 0522, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1632.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

10.406, Farm Operating Loans;   15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development.

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.

Top10.450  Crop Insurance

FEDERAL AGENCY:

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1501-1520; Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, Title V, 52 Stat. 31; Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980, as amended, Public Law 101-624; Federal Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-354; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996; Public Law 104-127; Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, Public Law 105-185; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999, Public Law 105-277; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2000, Public Law 106-78; Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000, Public Law 106-224.

To promote the national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a sound system of crop insurance and providing the means for the research and experience helpful in devising and establishing such insurance.

Insurance.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is a wholly-owned government corporation created February 16, 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1501.) The program was amended by Public Law 96-365, dated September 26, 1980, to provide for nationwide expansion of a comprehensive crop insurance plan. FCIC is administered by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), and promotes the national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a secure system of crop insurance. In recent years, RMA has seen dramatic changes in the network of Federal programs designed to give producers a meaningful "safety net" against adversity. The 1996 Farm Bill eliminated production adjustment payments and prescribed risk management as a means for the Department of Agriculture to provide protection against future crop losses due to circumstance beyond the producer's control; ad hoc disaster payments were eliminated as a result of the Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994. The President enacted emergency supplemental appropriations during fiscal years 1999 and 2000 due to the precipitous drop in farm income and the plunge of commodity prices in 1998. These appropriations included funding for a reduction of approximately 30 percent in the farmer's share of premium costs. Catastrophic crop insurance protection (CAT) is fully subsidized except for an administrative fee to be paid by the producer. This coverage compensates the producer for yield losses exceeding 50 percent of yield and at a price equal to 55 percent of maximum price (or equivalent amounts for dollar-based programs). Additional protection is offered at higher levels of coverage and variable levels of premium subsidy. The Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP), which is administered by the Farm Service Agency, is available to provide coverage equivalent to the catastrophic crop insurance protection in areas where catastrophic crop insurance protection is not available and if such crop is produced for food or fiber. Group Risk Income Protection (GRIP) is a county- based form of revenue insurance that pays a producer when the county revenue per acre, rather than the producer's revenue per acre, for the insured crop falls below the trigger revenue selected by the producer. GRIP is a niche product and most effective when a producer's yields are consistent with respective county yields. The plan provides low cost revenue insurance with a minimal amount of paperwork. For the 2001 crop year, the price discovery period was changed. This will make the GRIP price election available to producers well in advance of the sales closing date. The FCIC currently has 28 pilot programs underway that implement legislation or test new and innovative crop insurance concepts. Crop insurance pilot programs available for the 2000 crop year (2001 crop year for citrus dollar) included programs for adjusted gross revenue, avocado actual production history, avocado revenue, avocado/mango trees, blueberries, cabbage, cherries, citrus (dollar), corn rootworm integrated pest management, coverage enhancement option, crambe, cultivated clams, cultivated wild rice, dairy options, Florida fruit trees, fresh market beans, the Income Protection (IP) plan of insurance, millet, mint, mustard, onion pilot stage removal option, pecan revenue, processing chile peppers, processing cucumbers, rangeland (GRP), strawberries, sweet potatoes, and winter squash (including pumpkins). Insurance is offered on the following crops and/or commodities for the 2001 crop year, with some available only in limited areas and as pilot programs: almonds, apples, apricots (fresh market and processing), aquaculture (cultivated clams), avocados, avocado trees, barley (feed and malting), dry beans, beans (processing and fresh market), blueberries, cabbage, canola, carambola trees, cherry, citrus, citrus trees, corn (grain, silage, and hybrid seed corn), cotton (upland and ELS), crambe, cranberries, cucumbers, figs, flax, forage, forage seeding, grain sorghum (and hybrid seed grain sorghum), grapes, table grapes, grapefruit, grapefruit trees, hay production, lemon, lemon trees, lime, lime trees, macadamia nuts, macadamia trees, mandarins, mango trees, millet, mint, murcott honey oranges, mustard, nectarines (fresh market), nursery stock, oats, onions, orange, orange trees, peaches (fresh market and processing), peanuts, pears, peas (dry and green), pecans, peppers (fresh market and processing chili), plums, popcorn, potatoes, prunes, raisins, rangeland, rapeseed, rice (and cultivated wild rice), rye, safflower, soybeans, strawberries, sugar beets, sugarcane, sunflowers, sweet corn (fresh market and processing), sweet potatoes, tangelos, tangerines, tobacco (guaranteed production and quota), tomatoes (fresh market and processing), walnuts, wheat, and winter squash, including pumpkins. For the 2000 crop year, the Revenue Assurance (RA) program was expanded for corn and soybeans into Indiana and for spring wheat into Idaho, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Feed barley and canola/rapeseed were approved as new crops in Idaho and North Dakota, and sunflowers in North Dakota. The maximum coverage level for enterprise and whole-farm units was increased to 85 percent. For the 2001 crop year, the RA program was revised to: add winter wheat coverage in counties with MPCI winter wheat in Idaho, Minnesota and South Dakota; expand wheat coverage into Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee; expand corn and soybean coverage into Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee. For the 2001 crop year, the Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC) program was changed to discontinue durum wheat coverage in Arizona and California, and the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) coverage was expanded to selected counties in Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington. On June 20, 2000, the President signed into law provisions which invest $8.2 billion in five years to further improve Federal crop insurance. The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA) amended the Federal Crop Insurance Act to strengthen the safety net for agricultural producers by providing greater access to more affordable risk management tools and improved protection from production and income loss, and to improve the efficiency and integrity of the Federal crop insurance program. Due to the new legislation, RMA will improve the basic products by implementing higher premium subsidies to make buy-up coverage more affordable for producers; make adjustments in actual production history guarantees; and revise the administrative fees for CAT coverage. Other major provisions of ARPA include: expanded authority of general pilot programs; expansion of the Dairy Options Pilot Program and Risk Management Education; tightening of program compliance and integrity; establishment of expert review panels and procedures for reviewing policies, plans of insurance, and related material or modifications; mandating availability and acceptance of electronic information; and strengthening of "good farming practices" by including scientifically sound sustainable and organic farming practices. RMA will also offer a cost-share program to producers in eleven historically underserved states in the Northeast to purchase AGR insurance. Under this program, RMA will pay 50 percent of the producer-paid premium and the entire administrative fee. The RMA anticipates more crops and/or commodities will become insurable through pilot programs approved by the FCIC Board of Directors effective with the 2001 crop year.

Applicant Eligibility:   Unless otherwise restricted by the insurance policy, owners or operators of farmland, who have an insurable interest in a crop in a county where insurance is offered on that crop are eligible for insurance. Producers will be covered under the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) which is available to provide coverage similar to the catastrophic risk protection in areas where catastrophic risk protection is not available, if such crop is produced for food or fiber and the area is authorized.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any insured producer who has a financial loss caused from a covered peril for the particular crop insured or covered by the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP).

Credentials/Documentation:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Application for multiple peril crop insurance offered by a company reinsured by FCIC must be filed with a crop insurance sales agent. Both catastrophic and additional coverage are available only from private companies. In general, crops and acreage must be reported to establish insurance coverage for crop insurance and, if not eligible for crop insurance, such must be filed to establish eligibility for NAP. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   The insurance contract becomes effective upon issuance of a Notice of Acceptance by the insurance company. Notices of Acceptance for insurance coverage are issued upon a determination that the applicant is eligible.

Deadlines:   Applications must be filed by the appropriate sales closing date for the crop involved.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 15 to 20 days.

Appeals:   Appeals should be addressed within 30 days to the National Appeals Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

Renewals:   Continuous insurance contract.

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula nor matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

Reports: Private Industry Crop Insurance Acreage Report; Actual Production History Yield Report; and in the event of a loss, Notice of Damage, Production Worksheet, and proof of loss.

Audits:   Recipients are subject to audit by the RMA internal compliance function, private insurance company auditors, Office of the Inspector General, USDA, and the General Accounting Office.

Records:   Insured must keep for 3 years, after the end of the crop year, records of harvesting, shipments, sale or other disposition of all insured crops produced on each unit covered by the contract and separate records for any uninsured acreage of the insured crops.

Account Identification: 12-4085-0-3-351.

Obligations:   (Total indemnities) FY 00 $2,464,427,000; FY 01 est $3,133,911,000; and FY 02 est $3,402,836,000. (Premium subsidy to farmers through reinsured companies FY 00 $554,123,000; FY 01 est $1,720,676,000; and FY 02 est $1,918,339,000).

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Level of assistance varies according to policy, crop and indemnities paid.

For crop year 2000, the estimates are approximately 205.1 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $34.2 billion, and for crop year 2001, the estimates are 216.1 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $37.3 billion. For crop year 2002, the estimates are approximately 214.6 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $36.8 billion.

7 CFR Part 400 and a brochure "Introduction to Risk Management"- available at no charge.

Regional or Local Office:   Interested producers should contact their Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, or a private industry crop insurance agent.

Headquarters Office:   Department of Agriculture, Administrator, Risk Management Agency, Ag Box 0801, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-2803.

Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

10.404, Emergency Loans;   83.100, Flood Insurance.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Top10.451  Noninsured Assistance(NAP)

FEDERAL AGENCY:

FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 714b and 714c; 7 U.S.C. 7333.

To provide crop loss assistance comparable to the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance to producers of commercial crops or other agricultural commodities for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available.

Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use.

None.

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible crops include each commercial crop or other agricultural commodities (except livestock and their by-products; tobacco; and trees grown for wood, paper, or pulp products) that is produced for food or fiber and specifically includes: Floricultural, ornamental nursery, and Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops, aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops. An eligible producer is an owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper: (1) Who shares in the risk of producing the crop; (2) who is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing or would have shared had the crop been produced; and (3) whose qualifying gross revenue is less than $2 million for the preceding tax year for which an application for coverage is filed.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Applicant Eligibility: Eligible crops include each commercial crop or other agricultural commodities (except livestock and their by-products; tobacco; and trees grown for wood, paper, or pulp products) that is produced for food or fiber and specifically includes: floricultural, ornamental nursery, and Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops, aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops. An eligible producer is an owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper: (1) who shares in the risk of producing the crop; (2) who is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing or would have shared had the crop been produced; and (3) whose qualifying gross revenue is less than $2 million for the preceding tax year for which an application for coverage is filed.

Credentials/Documentation:   Applicants must provide to the local administrative FSA office, annual certifications of acreage, yield, and production. Randomly selected producers and producers requesting program payments must also provide acceptable records of production. Applicants must provide evidence as necessary for a proper determination of their eligibility.

Preapplication Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Applicants must file an application for coverage in the local administrative FSA office. An applicable service fee must accompany the application. Coverage is effective the later of: (1) 30 days after the application for coverage is filed; (2) date the crop is planted for yield-based crops or the beginning of the crop year for all other eligible crops. Other documentation required to fulfill the application requirements include: (1) A report of acreage, facility, etc.; (2) a notice of loss when the eligible crop is prevented from being planted as a result of eligible natural disaster or the eligible planted crop or commodity suffers loss of yield due to eligible natural disaster; (3) if the crop is harvested, a certification of production, and in the crop year for which an application for payment is filed, acceptable evidence of production, (4) if the crop will not be harvested, a request to the local county FSA office for appraisal; and (5) a certification of gross revenue.

Award Procedure:   None.

Deadlines:   Applications for coverage to include both prevented planting and low-yield coverage must be filed at least 30 calendar days prior to the final planting date for yield based crops or in the case of multiple planted crops, 30 calendar days prior to the beginning of the respective planting period. Applications for coverage to include only low-yield coverage may be filed until the final planting date for yield based crops or in the case of multiple planted crops, the beginning of the respective planting period. Applications for all other eligible crops must be filed no later than the beginning of the crop year. Other reporting requirements and deadlines will become applicable upon acceptance of the application for coverage.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   The county committee will normally make a decision regarding the application for payment within 60 calendar days after all required information and documentation is received.

Appeals:   Applicants may request reconsideration of a decision by the decision authority or appeal such decisions to a higher authority including the county and State FSA committees and the National Appeals Division.

Renewals:   None.