[Federal Register: December 17, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 241)]
[Notices]
[Page 71345-71354]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17de07-34]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year 2008 Announcement of
Program Funding; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:
10.912
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit
Corporation.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: NRCS requests applications for Conservation Innovation Grants
(CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative
conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted
from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands), and the Pacific Basin Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). NRCS anticipates that
the amount available for support of this program in FY 2008 will be
approximately $20 million. Funds will be awarded through a nationwide
competitive grants process. There are three CIG categories available in
FY 2008: Natural Resource Concerns Category, Technology Category, and
the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category. Applications are requested from
eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals for
competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between one and
three years in duration. This notice identifies the objectives for CIG
projects, the eligibility criteria for projects and associated
instructions needed to apply to CIG.
DATES: Applications must be received in the NRCS National Headquarters
by 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), on Wednesday, February 20,
2008.
ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using express mail or overnight courier service is: USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service; Conservation Innovation Grants
Program; Financial Assistance Programs Division, Room 5239-S; 1400
Independence Ave, SW.; Washington, DC 20250. Contact phone numbers for
hand-delivered applications are (202) 720-1845, (202) 720-2335, or
(202) 205-1165.
[[Page 71346]]
Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service;
Conservation Innovation Grants Program; Financial Assistance Programs
Division; Room 5239-S, Post Office Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890.
To submit your application electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov/apply
and follow the instructions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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Tessa Chadwick, CIG National Shani Harmon, CIG Program
Program Manager, USDA NRCS, PO Box Assistant, USDA NRCS, PO Box 2890,
2890, Room 5239-S, Washington, DC Room 5239-S, Washington, DC 20013-
20013-2890. 2890.
Phone: (202) 720-2335.............. Phone: (202) 205-1165.
Fax: (202) 720-4265................ Fax: (202) 720-4265.
e-mail: e-mail: shani.harmon@wdc.usda.gov.
tessa.chadwick@wdc.usda.gov..
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
PART I--Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
B. Overview
C. Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities
D. CIG Categories
1. Natural Resource Concerns
2. Chesapeake Bay Watershed
3. Technology
PART II--Funding Availability
A. National Component
B. State Component
PART III--Eligibility Information
A. Matching Funds
B. Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers, and
Indian Tribes
C. EQIP Payment Limitation and Duplicate Payments
D. Project Eligibility
PART IV--Application and Submission Information
A. How To Obtain Application Materials
B. Application Content and Format
C. How To Submit a Written Application
D. How To Submit an Application Electronically
E. Application Due Date
F. Acknowledgement of Submission
G. Funding Restrictions
H. Patents and Inventions
I. Withdrawal of Applications
PART V--Application Review
A. Application Review and Selection Process
B. Criteria for Application Evaluation
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
PART VI--Award Information and Administration
A. Award Notification
B. Grant Agreement
C. Reporting Requirements
PART VII--Agency Contacts
PART VIII--Other Information
A. FY 2008 Application Checklist
B. NRCS State Conservationists
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Legislative Authority
CIG was authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8] under Section 1240H of the Food
Security Act of 1985, as added by Section 2301 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171). The Secretary of
Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP and
CIG to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),
who is a Vice President of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). EQIP
is administered by NRCS under the authorities of the CCC.
B. Overview
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of
innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging
the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in
conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to
lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems,
and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS
technical manuals, guides, and references, or to the private sector.
CIG does not fund research projects. Instead, it is a vehicle to
stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or
technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a
likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology
transfer or institutionalization. CIG funds projects targeting
innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and
field demonstrations.
NRCS will accept applications for single or multi-year projects,
not to exceed three years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities,
including federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State and local
governments, and non-governmental organizations and individuals.
Applications are accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area
(Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Basin Area (Guam,
American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
Complete applications will be evaluated by a technical peer review
panel and scored based on the Criteria for Application Evaluation
identified in this document. There are eight review groups for FY 2008
applications: Water Quality-Livestock; Water Quality-Not Livestock;
Water Quantity; Soils; Atmospheric; Grazing Land and Forest Health;
Wildlife; and Energy. Applicants will indicate which of these review
groups should review the application. Scored applications will be
forwarded to a Grants Review Board. The Grants Review Board will make
recommendations for project approval to the Chief. Final award
selections will be made by the Chief of NRCS.
C. Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities
For the purposes of CIG, the proposed innovative project or
activity must encompass the development and field testing, evaluation,
and implementation of:
Conservation adoption incentive systems, including market-
based systems; or,
Promising conservation technologies, practices, systems,
procedures, or approaches.
To be given priority consideration, the innovative project or
activity:
Will have been studied sufficiently to indicate a good
probability for success;
Demonstrates, tests, evaluates, and verifies environmental
(soil, water, air, plants, and animal) effectiveness, utility,
affordability, and usability in the field;
Adapts conservation technologies, practices, systems,
procedures, approaches, and incentive systems to improve performance,
and encourage adoption;
Introduces conservation systems, approaches, and
procedures from another geographic area or agricultural sector; and
Adapts conservation technology, management, or incentive
systems to improve performance.
D. CIG Categories
For Fiscal Year 2008, three categories of CIG will be offered.
Applicants will need to identify which of the 3 categories applies to
their proposed project.
[[Page 71347]]
1. National Natural Resource Concerns Category
Applications must demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or
approaches, or both, to address a natural resource concern or concerns.
The five natural resource concerns for possible funding through
Conservation Innovation Grants for fiscal year 2008 are: Water
Resources; Soil Resources; Atmospheric Resources; Grazing Land and
Forest Health; and Wildlife Habitat. This Category also includes
applications that focus on Market Based Approaches to address any or
all of these five resource concern areas.
A. Water Resources
The objective of this natural resource concern is to implement new
technologies and/or approaches to maintain, restore, or enhance water
quality and/or quantity in watersheds with predominantly agricultural
land uses while sustaining productivity. Subtopics include:
Nutrient, pesticide, and/or pathogen transport to surface
water and groundwater;
Sediment transport to surface water;
Aquifer recharge/maintenance of groundwater supplies;
Increased water supplies/availability through alternative
treatment; enhanced automation, monitoring or scheduling; reduced
system losses; or reuse strategies; and
Technologies scalable to small farms to maintain, restore,
or enhance water quality and/or quantity.
B. Soil Resources
The objective of this conservation concern is to implement new
technologies and/or approaches to maintain, restore, or enhance soil
resources associated with agricultural and forest land uses while
sustaining productivity. Subtopics include:
Erosion reduction;
Accumulation of harmful levels of constituents in soils,
including nutrients, metals, or salts; and
Improvement to soil quality and productivity.
C. Atmospheric Resources
The objective of this conservation concern is to implement new
technologies and/or approaches to maintain, restore, or enhance air
quality and atmospheric resources through agricultural and forestry
practices while sustaining productivity. Subtopics include:
Agricultural emissions of particulates, odors, volatile
organic compounds, and greenhouse gases;
Carbon sequestration in soil and through other mechanisms;
Bio-based energy opportunities; and
Identification and quantification of management practices
for air quality and atmospheric change concerns at animal operations.
D. Grazing Land and Forest Health
The objective of this conservation concern is to implement new
technologies and/or approaches to maintain, restore, or enhance grazing
land and forest health while sustaining productivity. Subtopics
include:
Invasive species management on grazing and forest land;
Effects of pests, diseases, and fragmentation on forest
and grazing land quality/health;
Systems or practices to minimize overgrazing and restore
lands suffering effects of overgrazing;
Low-input approaches to increasing forage production;
Alternative grasses or forages for livestock; and
Systems or practices that integrate trees-forage-livestock
(i.e., silvopasture).
E. Wildlife Habitat
The objective of this conservation concern is to implement new
technologies and/or approaches for environmentally sound wildlife
habitat management while sustaining agricultural productivity. Possible
subtopics include:
Riparian area management and restoration;
Invasive species management;
Pollinator protection
Biodiversity; and,
Wetland function and health.
F. Market-Based Approaches
The objective of this approach is to develop, implement, and or
evaluate processes, technology tools, institutional arrangements, or
systems that are `market-based' in nature and address one of the above
priority resource concerns. Possible subtopics include:
Development and application of technology tools that
measure environmental services (i.e. benefits) in order to document
credits for trading;
Greenhouse gas accounting tools and registries;
Water quality improvement accounting tools;
Nutrient trading and/or accounting tools;
Demonstration of ecosystem-based services that facilitate
conservation implementation; and
Processes and institutional arrangements that develop,
demonstrate, evaluate, and clarify successful approaches to market-
based conservation involving private working lands.
2. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category
Applications for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category are being
accepted and reviewed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Information for submitting an application for this category of CIG
funding can be accessed at the following link http://www.nfwf.org.
3. National Technology Category
Applications must address one or more of the following specific
technology needs areas identified by NRCS:
A. Improved On-Farm Energy Efficiency--Possible Subtopics Include
Renewable energy sources such as wind or solar;
Methane recovery;
Other innovative farm management or production
technologies;
Automated self energy audit technology;
Energy audit worksheets; and
Compilation of on-farm energy audits and audit processes.
B. Water Management (Both Drainage Water and Irrigation Water) Drainage
Water Management--Possible Subtopics Include
Implementation of drainage water management systems in
small watersheds and application of tools to assess multiple effects
(e.g., economic, wildlife habitat, soil quality, air quality, wetlands
and water quality) at watershed scale;
Achieving downstream nutrient reduction benefits through
management of surface or sub-surface drainage systems;
Improving water/nutrient accounting/budgeting;
Improving design and management of drainage water
management systems to improve benefits to producers and to the
environment;
Improving the ability of buffers to reduce nutrient
loadings in tile drained landscapes; and
Improving wetland creation, restoration, and enhancement
to reduce nutrient loadings.
Irrigation Water Management--Possible Subtopics Include
New engineering software or modeling systems that would
automate, demonstrate, and facilitate technically sound conservation
decisions by the public pertaining to resource
[[Page 71348]]
assessment, conservation planning, and conservation system installation
and evaluation;
Irrigation management for water conservation;
Achieving multiple benefits (e.g., economic, enhanced crop
production, recreation, wildlife habitat, soil quality, wetlands and
water quality) through area-wide or regional irrigation water
management, scheduled application, and supply or application of new or
innovative technology; and
Achieving nutrient or pollutant reduction benefits in
downstream receiving waters through area-wide or regional irrigation
water management, scheduled application, and supply or application of
new or innovative technology.
II. Funding Availability
A. National Component
NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this
program in FY 2008 will be approximately $20 million. The anticipated
funding breakdown for each category is:
National Natural Resource Concerns Category: Up to $10
million;
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category: Up to $5 million;
National Technology Category: Up to $5 million.
Funds will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process.
Funds not used in one category may be shifted to another category by
the Chief. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $1
million. CIG will fund single- and multi-year projects, not to exceed
three years.
The available funding for the three national categories is
anticipated to fund approximately 50 to 60 awards based on previous
years' experience in administering CIG. The anticipated start date for
awarded projects is September 1, 2008.
B. State Component
The intent of the State Component is to provide flexibility to NRCS
State Conservationists to target CIG funds to individual producers and
smaller organizations that may possess promising innovations, but may
not compete well on the larger scale of the national grants
competition. For FY 2008, the State Component of CIG will be available
in select states at the discretion of the State Conservationist.
Project applications that request federal funds of $75,000 or less and
are not multi-state in scope will be forwarded to the appropriate state
program manager if that state is participating in the State Component.
All applications that are forwarded will be notified in writing, and
provided with a contact for State Component information. Funding
availability and application and submission information for state
competitions will be announced through public notices (and on State
NRCS Web sites) separately from this national notice. State
Conservationists will determine the funding level for state
competitions, with individual grants not to exceed $75,000.
III. Eligibility Information
CIG applicants must be a federally-recognized Indian Tribe; State
or local unit of government; non-governmental organization; private
business; or individual.
A. Matching Funds
Selected applicants may receive grants of up to 50 percent of the
total project cost. Applicants must provide non-Federal funding
(matching funds) for at least 50 percent of the project cost. Up to
half of the applicant's matching funds (up to 25 percent of the total
project cost) may be from in-kind contributions.
B. Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers, and Indian
Tribes
Information regarding the definitions for Limited Resource or
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers can be found in the EQIP Final Rule,
Federal Register, Vol. 68, No.104, Section 1466.3, Definitions. For the
FY 2008 grant award process, up to 10 percent of the total funds
available for CIG may be set-aside for applications from Beginning and
Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers, Indian Tribes, or community-
based organizations comprised of or representing these entities. To
compete for these set-aside funds, the applicant must make a
declaration in the application as described in Part IV B.5. of this
notice. Applications that are unsuccessful in the set-aside competition
will be placed automatically in the general application pool for
consideration. Funds not used in the set-aside pool will revert back
into the general funding pool.
In addition, an exception regarding matching funds is made for
projects funded out of the set-aside. Up to three fourths of the
required matching funds for such projects (up to 37.5 percent of the
total project cost) may derive from in-kind contributions. This
exception is intended to help Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers or
Ranchers and Indian Tribes meet the statutory requirements for
receiving a Conservation Innovation Grant.
C. EQIP Payment Limitation and Duplicate Payments
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as amended by the
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002), 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7,
imposes a $450,000 limitation for all cost-share or incentive payments
disbursed to individuals or entities under an EQIP contract between
2002 and 2008. The limitation applies to CIG in the following manner:
a. CIG funds are awarded through grant agreements; these grant
agreements are not EQIP contracts. Thus, CIG awards in and of
themselves are not limited by the payment limitation.
b. Direct or indirect payments made to an individual or entity
using funds from a CIG award to carry out structural, vegetative, or
management practices count toward each individual's or entity's EQIP
payment limitation. Through project progress reports, CIG grantees are
responsible for certifying that producers involved in CIG projects do
not exceed the payment limitation. Further, all direct and indirect
payments made to producers using CIG funds must be reported to the NRCS
CIG program manager in the semi-annual report. Direct or indirect
payments can not be made for a practice for which the producer has
already received funds, or is contracted to receive funds, through any
of the USDA Programs (EQIP, AMA, CSP, WHIP, etc.) since this would be
considered a duplicate payment.
Payment Limitation Examples
Following are two examples of how the $450,000 EQIP payment
limitation applies to CIG projects:
a. A $500,000 CIG grant is awarded to a State environmental agency
to demonstrate an innovative, market-based, water quality trading
program. The money is used to finance the development of a market
infrastructure, and none of the funds are used to implement structural,
vegetative, or management practices. Producers in the trading market
demonstration area may indirectly benefit from their eventual
participation in the market, but there is no direct or indirect
transfer payment of CIG dollars. If, on the other hand, part of the CIG
award were used to make payments to producers who implement
conservation practices on their land as part of a trading program,
those payments would count toward each producer's $450,000 EQIP payment
limitation.
b. A $1,000,000 CIG grant is awarded to a Conservation District to
pilot a community-based animal waste
[[Page 71349]]
treatment technology innovation. EQIP-eligible producers in the area
transport their animal waste to a central treatment location. Because
producers are not directly or indirectly receiving CIG funds, the
payment limitation does not apply. If, however, the producers were paid
for their waste, or for transporting their waste to the central
treatment location using CIG funds, the payments would be subject to
each producer's EQIP payment limitation.
D. Project Eligibility
All agricultural producers receiving direct or indirect payments
through participation in a CIG project must meet the EQIP eligibility
requirements as set forth in 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1. Refer to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/
for more information on EQIP
eligibility requirements. Participating producers are not required to
have an EQIP contract.
A person or entity is not eligible if the three-year average
adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $2.5 million with less than 75
percent derived from farming, ranching, or forestry-related sources at
the time of application.
A person who is determined ineligible for USDA program benefits
under the Highly Erodible Land Compliance (HELC) and Wetland Compliance
(WC) provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 will not be eligible
to receive direct or indirect payments through CIG.
Technologies and approaches that are eligible for funding in a
project's geographic area through EQIP are ineligible for CIG funding
except where the use of those technologies and approaches demonstrates
clear innovation. The burden falls on the applicant to sufficiently
describe the innovative features of the proposed technology or approach
(applicants should reference the appropriate State's EQIP Eligible
Practices List by contacting the NRCS State office, or by visiting the
EQIP Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/EQIP_signup/2008_EQIP_Signup/index.html
.
The grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance
required to successfully implement and complete the project. NRCS will
designate a Program Contact, an Administrative Contact, and a Technical
Contact to provide oversight for each project receiving an award.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. How To Obtain Application Materials
All OMB standard forms necessary for CIG submission are posted on
the following Web site: http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp.
An application checklist is available on the CIG
Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.
B. Application Content and Format
Applications must contain the information set forth below in order
to receive consideration for a grant. Applicants should not assume
prior knowledge on the part of NRCS or others as to the relative merits
of the project described in the application. Submit applications in the
following format:
Applications should be typewritten or printed on 8\1/2\'' x 11''
white paper, double spaced. The text of the application should be in a
font no smaller than 12-point, with one-inch margins. If submitting
applications for more than one project, submit a separate, complete
application package for each project.
Applications must include all required forms and narrative sections
described below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
1. Cover Sheet: Applicants must use Standard Form 424 as the cover
sheet for each project application. Standard Form 424 can be downloaded
from http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp or
obtained from a NRCS State Office. (A list of NRCS State Offices is
provided at the end of this announcement.)
2. Project Summary Sheet: Applicants must submit a Project Summary
Sheet (no more than 2 pages in length) that includes the listed
information. A template for the Project Summary Sheet is available on
the NRCS CIG Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.
a. Project Title.
b. Project Director name and contact information (including e-
mail).
c. Names and affiliations of project collaborators.
d. Project Purpose.
e. Project Deliverables/Products.
f. Project Scope/Area.
g. Project Start and End Dates (Projects should plan to begin no
earlier than September 1, 2008 and no later than September 30, 2008).
h. CIG National Component Category (Natural Resource or
Technology).
i. Application Review Category (water quality-livestock, water
quality-non livestock, water quantity, soils, atmospheric, grazing land
and forest health, wildlife habitat, or energy).
j. Declaration of EQIP eligibility.
k. Brief summary of project.
3. Project Description: Each project must be completely and
accurately described in no more than 10 double-spaced pages. The
description must include the following information:
a. Project background: Describe the history of, and need for, the
proposed innovation. Provide evidence that the proposed innovation has
been studied sufficiently to indicate a good probability for success of
the project;
b. Project objectives: Be specific, using qualitative and
quantitative measures, if possible, to describe the project's purpose
and goals. Describe how, based on the description of innovative
conservation projects and activities provided in section I.C., the
project is innovative;
c. Project methods: Describe clearly the methodology of the project
and the tools or processes that will be used to implement the project;
d. Location and size of project or project area: Describe the
location of the project and the relative size and scope (e.g., acres,
farm types and demographics, etc.) of the project area. Provide a map,
if possible;
e. Producer participation: Estimate the number of producers
involved in the project, and describe the extent of their involvement
(all producers involved in the project must be eligible for EQIP);
f. Project action plan and timeline: Provide a table listing
project actions, timeframes, and associated milestones through project
completion;
g. Project management: Give a detailed description of how the
project will be organized and managed. Include a list of key project
personnel, their relevant education or experience, and their
anticipated contributions to the project. Explain the level of
participation required in the project by government and non-government
entities. Identify who will participate in monitoring and evaluating
the project;
h. Benefits or results expected and transferability: Identify the
results and benefits to be derived from the proposed project
activities, and explain how the results will be measured. Identify
project beneficiaries--for example, agricultural producers by type or
region or sector; rural communities; municipalities. Explain how these
entities will benefit. In addition, describe how results will be
communicated to others via outreach activities;
i. Project evaluation: Describe the methodology or procedures to be
followed to evaluate the project, determine technical feasibility, and
quantify the results of the project for the final report. (Grant
recipients will be required to provide a semi-annual report of
progress, quarterly financial reports, and a final project report to
NRCS.
[[Page 71350]]
Instructions for submitting quarterly reports will be detailed in the
grant agreement.); and
j. Environmental impacts: Describe the anticipated environmental
effects of the proposed project. This description will be used to
determine whether an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is needed for any given project, prior to the
awarding of grant funds. The applicant is responsible for the cost of
an EA or EIS, should one be required.
4. Budget Information: Must use Standard Form (SF) 424 A Budget
Information Non-Construction Programs to document budget needs. SF 424
A is available at http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp
or can be obtained from a NRCS State Office. In addition to
the SF424 A, all applicants must provide a detailed narrative in
support of the budget for the project, broken down by each project
year. Itemize the costs necessary for successful completion of the
proposed project. Indicate the total amount (both cash and in-kind) of
non-Federal matching support that will be provided to the proposed
project. Identify and provide documentation of the source(s), the
amount, and the nature (cash or in-kind) of the matching funds. If
claiming indirect costs, an applicant must provide justification for
the rate of indirect costs being claimed. Indirect costs can not exceed
15 percent. In-kind costs of equipment or project personnel cannot
exceed 50 percent of the applicant's match (except in the case of
projects carried out by either a Beginning or Limited Resource Farmer
or Rancher, or Indian Tribe, or a community-based organization
comprised of or representing these entities). The remainder of the
match must be provided in cash.
5. Declaration of Beginning Farmer or Rancher or Limited Resource
Farmer or Rancher, or Indian Tribe: If an applicant wishes to compete
in the 10 percent set-aside funding pool (see Part III B. that
describes the provision of a set-aside pool of funding for Beginning
and Limited Resource Farmers or Ranchers, and Indian Tribes) and avail
themselves of the in-kind contribution exception, applicants must make
a declaration in writing of their status as a Beginning Farmer or
Rancher or Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher, or Indian Tribe, or a
community-based organization comprised of or representing these
entities.
6. Declaration of EQIP Eligibility: Applicants must make a
declaration in writing that they, or parties involved in the project,
are eligible for EQIP.
7. State Conservationist Letter of Review: Applicants must send a
copy of cover letter showing that the application was sent to the
appropriate State Conservationist(s) for review. If a project is multi-
state in scope, all states in the project area must be sent the
application for review. The State Conservationist(s) will review the
application for potential duplication of efforts, ethics concerns,
consistency with overall EQIP objectives, and the expected benefits to
EQIP implementation in their state(s). Applicants must send their
application (at least the Project Description (Item 3) and the Budget
Information (Item 4)) to the appropriate State Conservationist(s)
postmarked, or dated if electronic, no later than February 15, 2008.
State Conservationist(s) must submit letters to NRCS National
Headquarters by March 7, 2008. A list of NRCS State Office addresses
and phone numbers is included at the end of this notice. Applicants are
encouraged to consult with the appropriate State Conservationist(s)
during application development to discuss the letter of review.
8. Certifications: All applications must include a signed Standard
Form (SF) 424 B--Assurances, Non-construction Programs. SF 424 B may be
found at: http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp or
contact a NRCS State Office. Applicants, by signing and submitting an
application, assure and certify that they are in compliance with the
following from 7 Code of Federal Register (CFR):
a. Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-
procurement) http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3o17_04.html
b. Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying http://
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3018_04.html; and
c. Part 3021, Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace
(Financial Assistance) http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/7cfr3021_04.html
.
9. DUNS Number: A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the
universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million
businesses worldwide. A Federal Register notice of final policy
issuance (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number in every application
(i.e., hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement
(except applications from individuals) submitted on or after October 1,
2003. For information about how to obtain a DUNS number go to http://www.grants.gov/RequestaDUNS
or call 1-866-705-5711. Please note that
the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.
10. Required CCR Registration: The Central Contractor Registry
(CCR) is a database that serves as the primary Government repository
for contractor information required for the conduct of business with
the Government. This database will also be used as a central location
for maintaining organizational information for organizations seeking
and receiving grants from the Government. CIG applicants must register
with the CCR. To register, visit http://www.ccr.gov. Allow a minimum of
5 days to complete the CCR registration.
C. How To Submit a Written Application
Applicants must submit one signed original copy of each project
application. Hard copies must be accompanied by an electronic copy on a
3\1/2\-inch diskette or compact disc (CD). Electronic files must be
either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) files.
Applications submitted via facsimile or e-mail will not be
accepted.
The address for hand-delivered applications or applications
submitted using express mail or overnight courier service is: USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grants
Program, Financial Assistance Programs Division, Room 5239-S, 1400
Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20250.
Contact phone numbers for hand-delivered applications (needed to
enter the USDA South Building) are (202) 720-1845, (202) 720-2335, or
(202) 205-1165.
The address for applications sent regular mail is: USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grants Program,
Financial Assistance Programs Division, Room 5239-S, Post Office Box
2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890.
D. How To Submit an Application Electronically
Applicants may submit applications electronically through
Grants.gov, the Federal government's e-grants portal. Applications
submitted through Grants.gov must contain all of the elements of a
complete application outlined above. Instructions for electronically
submitting the required standard forms, abstract, narrative, and
declarations are posted on Grants.gov. The cover letter requesting the
State Conservationist letter of review may be scanned as an attachment
to the
[[Page 71351]]
application. Instructions for adding attachments are available on
Grants.gov. Applications submitted electronically are date and time
stamped by Grants.gov and must be received by the identified closing
date. Note that NRCS is not responsible for any technical malfunctions
or Web site problems related to Grants.gov submissions. Applicants
should begin the Grants.gov process well before the submission deadline
to avoid problems.
E. Application Due Date
Complete applications must be received in Room 5239-S at NRCS
National Headquarters by 5 p.m. EST on February 20, 2008. A postmark
date is NOT a factor in whether an application is received on time. The
applicant assumes the risk of any delays in application delivery.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications via
overnight mail or delivery service to insure timely receipt by NRCS.
F. Acknowledgement of Submission
Applications received by the due date will be acknowledged with an
official letter. If an applicant has not received an acknowledgement
within 30 days of the submission, they must contact the NRCS
programmatic contact (See Part VII). Failure to do so may result in the
application not being considered for funding by the peer review panel.
G. Funding Restrictions
Awardees may not use un-recovered indirect costs as part of their
matching funds.
CIG funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless
otherwise permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized
Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:
a. Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project;
b. Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant;
c. Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and
any amendments thereto;
d. Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship
to project objectives;
e. Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property
arising out of project activities;
f. Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during
official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment
of additional compensation to the employee; and,
g. Renovation or refurbishment of research or related spaces; the
purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces; and the
planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of
buildings or facilities.
This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of
particular items of cost should be directed to the administrative
contact person listed below.
H. Patents and Inventions
Allocation of rights to patents and inventions shall be in
accordance with USDA regulation 7 CFR 3019.36. This regulation provides
that small businesses normally may retain the principal worldwide
patent rights to any invention developed with USDA support. In
accordance with 7 CFR 3019.2, this provision will also apply to
commercial organizations for the purposes of CIG. USDA receives a
royalty-free license for Federal Government use, reserves the right to
require the patentee to license others in certain circumstances, and
requires that anyone exclusively licensed to sell the invention in the
United States must normally manufacture it domestically.
I. Withdrawal of Applications
Applications may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before
an award is made. Applications may be withdrawn in person by the
applicant, or by an authorized representative thereof, if the
representative's identity is made known and the representative signs a
receipt for the application.
V. Application Review
A. Application Review and Selection Process
Prior to technical review, each application will be screened for
completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice.
Incomplete applications and those that do not meet the provisions of
this notice will be eliminated from competition, and notification of
elimination will be mailed to the applicant.
Applications meeting the provisions of this notice will be scored
by a Peer Review Panel. The applications will be divided among the peer
review groups, based on the area selected by the applicant. The eight
review areas for FY 2008 applications are: Water Quality-Livestock;
Water Quality-Not Livestock; Water Quantity; Soils; Atmospheric;
Grazing Land and Forest Health; Wildlife Habitat; and Energy.
Applications will be scored based on the Criteria for Application
Evaluation below. Scored applications will be forwarded to a Grants
Review Board, which will certify the rankings from the peer review
panels, and ensure that the application evaluations are consistent with
program objectives. The CIG Grants Review Board consists of five
members of NRCS leadership, specifically the Deputy Chief for Soil
Survey and Resource Assessment, the Deputy Chief for Science and
Technology, the Deputy Chief for Programs, one Regional Assistant
Chief, and one State Conservationist. The Grants Review Board will make
recommendations to the Chief for final selection and funding decisions.
B. Criteria for Application Evaluation
Peer review panels will use the following criteria to evaluate
project applications. Each of the four criterions carries an equal
weight of 25 percent.
1. Purpose and goals:
a. The purpose and goals of the project are clearly stated;
b. The project adheres to the natural resource conservation
concerns for FY 2008 stated in this notice; and,
c. There is clear and significant potential for a positive and
measurable outcome.
2. Soundness of approach or design:
a. The project adheres to the description of innovative projects or
activities found in Part IC. of this notice;
b. Technical design and implementation strategy is based on sound
science;
c. There is a good likelihood of project success;
d. The project substantively involves EQIP eligible producers; and,
e. The project promotes environmental enhancement and protection in
conjunction with agricultural production.
3. Project management:
a. The application has clear milestones and timelines, designated
staff, and demonstrates collaboration;
b. The project staff has the technical expertise needed to do the
work; and
c. The budget is reasonable and adequately justified.
4. Transferability:
a. There is great potential to transfer the approach or technology
to others and/or to other geographical areas; and,
b. The project will result in the development of technical or
related materials (e.g., technical standards, technical notes, manuals,
handbooks, software) that will help foster adoption of the innovative
technology or approach by other producers, and in other geographic
areas.
C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
CIG Awards are anticipated to be announced by June 1, 2008. Funds
are not awarded, and work may not start,
[[Page 71352]]
until an agreement is signed by both NRCS and the grantee. All
agreements are expected to be awarded by August 15, 2008.
VI. Award Information and Administration
A. Award Notification
Applicants who have been selected will receive a letter of official
notification from NRCS National Headquarters. This notice will indicate
the need to work with the administrative contact to develop an
agreement prior to starting work on the project. Applicants who are not
selected will be notified by official letter.
B. Grant Agreement
The CCC, through NRCS, will use a grant agreement with selected
applicants to document participation in the CIG component of EQIP. The
grant agreement will include:
Project purpose;
Project objectives and deliverables;
The final project plan listing cooperators in the project,
and identifying the grant applicant and the project manager;
The project timelines and expected project completion
date;
The project progress and budget reporting requirements;
Award amount and budget information;
Information regarding requests for advance of funds or
reimbursement;
The role of NRCS technical oversight in the project;
Reporting requirements including attendance at CIG grantee
biannual meeting;
Changes in project plans; and
Other requirements and terms deemed necessary by the CCC
to protect the interests of the United States.
C. Reporting Requirements
Grantees receiving an advance of Federal funds of more than $25,000
are required to submit a SF-272 (Report of Federal Cash Transactions),
and when necessary, the continuation sheet, SF-272-A, no later than 15
days following the end of each quarter or 90 days after project
completion. These reports are used to monitor cash advanced to
recipients and to obtain disbursement and outlay information for each
award.
Grantees must submit a Financial Status Report (SF-269) no later
than 30 days after the end of each quarter and 90 days after completion
of project. The SF-272 and SF-269 are available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/InfoForGrantees.html
.
In addition, every six months the grantee must submit a written
performance progress report to the NRCS program contact and the NRCS
technical contact. This report is distinct from the quarterly financial
report described above. Each progress report shall cover work performed
during the previous 6-month period, including any funded or unfunded
time extensions, a comparison of actual accomplishments to project
goals, and a statement of work projected to be completed in the next 6-
month period.
The grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance
required to successfully implement and complete the project. NRCS will
designate a Program Contact, an Administrative Contact, and a Technical
Contact to provide oversight for each project receiving an award.
To satisfy the requirements of EQIP (7 CFR part 1466) compliance
measures, the grantee is required to submit as a component of the semi-
annual progress report:
1. A list of producers, identified by name and social security
number, of all EQIP-eligible producers or entities involved in the
project.
2. The dollar amount of direct and indirect payment made to each
individual producer or entity for any structural, vegetative, or
management practices. Both quarterly and cumulative payment amounts
must be submitted.
3. A self-certification indicating that each individual or entity
receiving a direct or indirect payment through this grant is in
compliance with the EQIP Payment Limitation, AGI, HEL, and Wetlands
Conservation Compliance Farm Bill provisions.
A progress report template will be provided to grantees by the NRCS
program contact. This template is also available on the NRCS CIG Web
site at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/InfoForGrantees.html.
NRCS will designate a Program Contact and a Technical Contact for
the project. These individuals will have technical oversight
responsibility for the project. The grantee must send copies of each
semi-annual progress report to these NRCS contacts, and comply with any
requests for information from these individuals. NRCS recommends that
the grantee work closely with these subject matter experts throughout
the course of the project.
Upon passage of the completion date of the project, a final report
must be submitted within 90 days detailing project activities, funding
received, funding expended, results, and potential for transferability
of results. The final report should address completion of the project
deliverables listed in the grant agreement.
NRCS will host an annual meeting for CIG grantees and NRCS
technical contacts. Grantees will be required to attend at least one of
these sessions at their own expense.
VII. Agency Contacts
CIG Program Contact: Tessa Chadwick, CIG National Program Manager,
1400 Independence Ave, SW., Room 5237-S, Washington, DC 20250. Phone:
(202) 720-2335, Fax: (202) 720-4265, e-mail:
tessa.chadwick@wdc.usda.gov.
CIG Administrative Contact: Karen Minor, Grants and Agreements Team
Leader, 1400 Independence Ave, SW., Room 5222-S, Washington, DC 20250.
Phone: (202) 720-2604 or (202) 720-4102, Fax: (202) 720-2262, e-mail:
karen.minor@wdc.usda.gov.
Additional information about CIG, including fact sheets and
frequently asked questions (FAQs), is available on the CIG Web page:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.
Signed in Washington, DC on December 10, 2007.
Arlen L. Lancaster,
Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation, Chief, Natural Resources
Conservation Service.
VIII. Other Information
APPLICATIONS MISSING ANY OF THESE REQUIRED ITEMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Fiscal Year 2008 Application Package Checklist
[ballot] 1. Application Cover Sheet: Complete Standard Form 424
(SF-424).
[ballot] 2. Project Summary Sheet: (2 page maximum; template
available))
a. Project Title;
b. Project Director name and contact information (including e-
mail);
c. Names and affiliations of project collaborators;
d. Project Purpose;
e. Project Deliverables/Products;
f. Project Scope/Area;
g. Project Start and End Dates (Projects should plan to begin no
earlier than September 1, 2008 and no later than September 30, 2008);
h. CIG National Component Category (Natural Resource or
Technology);
i. Application Review Category (water quality-livestock, water
quality-non livestock, water quantity, soils, atmospheric, grazing land
and forest health, wildlife, or energy);
j. EQIP Eligibility Declaration;
k. Brief summary of project.
[ballot] 3. Project Description: (10 pages maximum, double spaced,
12 point font)
[[Page 71353]]
a. Project background;
b. Project objectives;
c. Project methods;
d. Location and size of project area (include a map if possible);
e. Producer participation;
f. Project action plan and timeline;
g. Project management;
h. Benefits or results expected and transferability;
i. Project evaluation; and
j. Environmental impacts.
[ballot] 4. Budget Information: Submit a completed SF-424A, a
DETAILED budget narrative, and DOCUMENTATION showing matching funds
available.
[ballot] 5. Declaration of Beginning Farmer or Rancher, Limited
Resource Farmer or Rancher, or Indian Tribe (Special Provisions): If
applicable, include a statement declaring your status as a Beginning
Farmer or Rancher, Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher, Indian Tribe, or
Community-based Organization representing these entities.
[ballot] 6. Declaration of EQIP Eligibility: Include a statement
indicating that all producers receiving direct or indirect payments
will be eligible for EQIP participation.
[ballot] 7. Documentation that application was sent to all
appropriate State Conservationist(s) requesting a letter of review.
[ballot] 8. Certifications: Complete Standard Form 424b (SF-424b).
[ballot] 9. DUNS Number: For information about how to obtain a DUNS
number go to http://www.grants.gov/RequestaDUNS or call 1-866-705-5711.
Please note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to
complete.
[ballot] 10. Required CCR Registration: Visit http://www.ccr.gov to
register.
Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationists and State
Offices
Alabama: Gary Kobylski, 3381 Skyway Drive, Post Office Box 311, Auburn,
AL 36830; phone: (334) 887-4500; fax: (334) 887-4552;
gary.kobylski@al.usda.gov
Alaska: Robert Jones, Atrium Building, Suite 100, 800 West Evergreen,
Palmer, AK 99645-6539; phone: (907) 761-7760; fax: (907) 761-7790;
robert.jones@ak.usda.gov
Arizona: David McKay, Suite 800, 3003 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ
85012-2945; phone: (602) 280-8808; fax: (602) 280-8809 or 8805;
david.mckay@az.usda.gov
Arkansas: Kalven L. Trice, Federal Building, Room 3416, 700 West
Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201-3228; phone: (501) 301-3100; fax:
(501) 301-3194; kalven.trice@ar.usda.gov
California: Ed Burton, Suite 4164, 430 G Street, Davis, CA 95616-4164;
phone: (530) 792-5600; fax: (530) 792-5790; ed.burton@ca.usda.gov
Caribbean Area: Juan A. Martinez, Director, IBM Building, Suite 604,
654 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00918-4123; phone: (787) 766-
5206; fax: (787) 766-6563; juan.martinez@pr.usda.gov
Colorado: James Allen Green, Room E200C, 655 Parfet Street, Lakewood,
CO 80215-5521; phone: (720) 544-2810; fax: (720) 544-2965;
allen.green@co.usda.gov
Connecticut: Margo L. Wallace, 344 Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084;
phone: (860) 871-4011; fax: (860) 871-4054; margo.wallace@ct.usda.gov
Delaware: Russell Morgan, Suite 101, 1203 College Park Drive, Dover, DE
19904-8713; phone: (302) 678-4160; fax: (302) 678-0843;
russell.morgan@de.usda.gov
Florida: T. Niles Glasgow, 2614 N.W. 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL
32606-6611, or Post Office Box 141510, Gainesville, FL 32614; phone:
(352) 338-9500; fax: (352) 338-9574; niles.glasgow@fl.usda.gov
Georgia: James Tillman, Federal Building, Stop 200, 355 East Hancock
Avenue, Athens, GA 30601-2769; phone: (706) 546-2272; fax: (706) 546-
2120; james.tillman@ga.usda.gov
Hawaii: Lawrence T. Yamamoto, Room 4-118, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard,
Honolulu, HI 96850-0002; phone: (808) 541-2600, ext. 100; fax: (808)
541-1335; larry.yamamoto@hi.usda.gov
Idaho: Richard W. Sims, Suite C, 9173 West Barnes Drive, Boise, ID
83709; phone: (208) 378-5700; fax: (208) 378-5735;
richard.sims@id.usda.gov
Illinois: William J. Gradle, 2118 W. Park Court, Champaign, IL 61821;
phone: (217) 353-6600; fax: (217) 353-6676; bill.gradle@il.usda.gov
Indiana: Jane E. Hardisty, 6013 Lakeside Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN
46278-2933; phone: (317) 290-3200; fax: (317) 290-3225;
jane.hardisty@in.usda.gov
Iowa: Richard Van Klaveren, 693 Federal Building, Suite 693, 210 Walnut
Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-2180; phone: (515) 284-6655; fax: (515)
284-4394; rick.vanklaveren@ia.usda.gov
Kansas: Harold Klaege, 760 South Broadway, Salina, KS 67401-4642;
phone: (785) 823-4565; fax: (785) 823-4540; harold.klaege@ks.usda.gov
Kentucky: Michael Hubbs, Suite 110, 771 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY
40503-5479; phone: (859) 224-7350; fax: (859) 224-7399;
mike.hubbs@ky.usda.gov
Louisiana: Kevin Norton, 3737 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302;
phone: (318) 473-7751; fax: (318) 473-7626; kevin.norton@la.usda.gov
Maine: Joyce Swartzendruber, Suite 3, 967 Illinois Avenue, Bangor, ME
04401; phone: (207) 990-9100, ext. 3; fax: (207) 990-9599;
joyce.swartzendruber@me.usda.gov
Maryland: Jon Hall, John Hanson Business Center, Suite 301, 339 Busch's
Frontage Road, Annapolis, MD 21401-5534; phone: (410) 757-0861 ext.
315; fax: (410) 757-0687; jon.hall@md.usda.gov
Massachusetts: Christine Clarke, 451 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002-
2995; phone: (413) 253-4351; fax: (413) 253-4375;
christine.clarke@ma.usda.gov.
Michigan: Garry Lee, Suite 250, 3001 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, MI
48823-6350; phone: (517) 324-5270; fax: (517) 324-5171;
garry.lee@mi.usda.gov.
Minnesota: William Hunt, Suite 600, 375 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN
55101-1854; phone: (651) 602-7900; fax: (651) 602-7913 or 7914;
william.hunt@mn.usda.gov.
Mississippi: Homer L. Wilkes, Suite 1321, Federal Building, 100 West
Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269-1399; phone: (601) 965-5205; fax:
(601) 965-4940; homer.wilkes@ms.nrcs.usda.gov.
Missouri: Roger A. Hansen, Parkade Center, Suite 250, 601 Business Loop
70, West Columbia, MO 65203-2546; phone: (573) 876-0901; fax: (573)
876-0913; roger.hansen@mo.usda.gov.
Montana: Jeff Burwell, acting, Federal Building, Room 443, 10 East
Babcock Street, Bozeman, MT 59715-4704; phone: (406) 587-6811; fax:
(406) 587-6761, jeff.burwell@co.usda.gov.
Nebraska: Stephen K. Chick, Federal Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial
Mall, North Lincoln, NE 68508-3866; phone: (402) 437-5300; fax: (402)
437-5327; steve.chick@ne.usda.gov.
Nevada: Richard Vigil, 1365 Corporate Blvd. Building F, Suite 201, 5301
Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89511-180589502; phone: (775) 784-5863857-8500;
fax: (775) 784-5939857-8524; richard.vigil@nv.usda.gov.
New Hampshire: George W. Cleek, Federal Building, 2 Madbury Road,
Durham, NH 03824-2043; phone: (603) 868-7581, ext. 125; fax: (603) 868-
5301; george.cleek@nh.usda.gov.
New Jersey: Thomas Drewes, 220 Davidson Avenue, 4th Floor, Somerset, NJ
08873-3157; phone:
[[Page 71354]]
(732) 537-6040; fax: (732) 537-6095; thomas.drewes@nj.usda.gov.
New Mexico: Dennis Alexander, Suite 305, 6200 Jefferson Street, NE.,
Albuquerque, NM 87109-3734; phone: (505) 761-4400; fax: (505) 761-4481;
dennis.alexander@nm.usda.gov.
New York: Ron Alvarado, Suite 354, 441 South Salina Street, Syracuse,
NY 13202-2450; phone: (315) 477-6504; fax: (315) 477-6550;
ron.alvarado@ny.usda.gov.
North Carolina: Mary K. Combs, Suite 205, 4405 Bland Road, Raleigh, NC
27609-6293; phone: (919) 873-2102; fax: (919) 873-2156;
mary.combs@nc.usda.gov.
North Dakota: J.R. Flores, Jr., Room 278, 220 E. Rosser Avenue, Post
Office Box 1458, Bismarck, ND 58502-1458; phone: (701) 530-2000; fax:
(701) 530-2110; jr.flores@nd.usda.gov.
Ohio: Terry Cosby, Room 522, 200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215-
2478; phone: (614) 255-2500; fax: (614) 255-2548;
terry.cosby@oh.usda.gov.
Oklahoma: Ronald L. Hilliard, USDA Agri-Center Building, Suite 206, 100
USDA, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074-2655; phone: (405) 742-1204; fax:
(405) 742-1126; ron.hilliard@ok.usda.gov.
Oregon: Robert Graham, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 900, Portland, OR
97232; phone: (503) 414-3200; fax: (503) 414-3103;
bob.graham@or.usda.gov.
Pacific Basin: Larry Yamamoto, Director, FHB Building, Suite 301, 400
Route 8, Mongmong, GU 96910; phone: (671) 472-7490; fax: (671) 472-
7288; larry.yamamoto@pb.usda.gov.
Pennsylvania: Craig Derickson, Suite 340, 1 Credit Union Place,
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2993; phone: (717) 237-2200; fax: (717) 237-2238;
craig.derickson@pa.usda.gov.
Rhode Island: Roylene Rides at the Door, Suite 46, 60 Quaker Lane,
Warwick, RI 02886-0111; phone: (401) 828-1300; fax: (401) 828-0433;
roylene.rides-at-the-door@ri.usda.gov.
South Carolina: Walter W. Douglas, Strom Thurmond Federal Building,
Room 950, 1835 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201-2489; phone: (803)
253-3935; fax: (803) 253-3670; walt.douglas@sc.usda.gov.
South Dakota: Janet L. Oertly, Federal Building, Room 203, 200 Fourth
Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350-2475; phone: (605) 352-1200; fax: (605)
352-1288; janet.oertly@sd.usda.gov.
Tennessee: J. Kevin Brown, 675 U.S. Courthouse, 801 Broadway,
Nashville, TN 37203-3878; phone: (615) 277-2531; fax: (615) 277-2578;
kevin.brown@tn.usda.gov.
Texas: Donald W. Gohmert, W.R. Poage Federal Building, 101 South Main
Street, Temple, TX 76501-7602; phone: (254) 742-9800; fax: (254) 742-
9819; don.gohmert@tx.usda.gov.
Utah: Sylvia Gillen, W.F. Bennett Federal Building, Room 4402, 125
South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 or Post Office Box 11350,
Salt Lake City, UT 84147-0350, phone: (801) 524-4550, fax: (801) 524-
4403; sylvia.gillen@ut.usda.gov.
Vermont: Judith Doerner, Suite 105, 356 Mountain View Drive,
Colchester, VT 05446; phone: (802) 951-6795; fax: (802) 951-6327;
judy.doerner@vt.usda.gov.
Virginia: Jack Bricker, Culpeper Building, Suite 209, 1606 Santa Rosa
Road, Richmond, VA 23229-5014; phone: (804) 287-1691; fax: (804) 287-
1737; jack.bricker@va.usda.gov.
Washington: Raymond L. ``Gus'' Hughbanks, Rock Pointe Tower II, Suite
450, W. 316 Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201-2348; phone: (509) 323-
2900; fax: (509) 323-2909; raymond.hughbanks@wa.usda.gov.
West Virginia: Kevin Wickey, Room 301, 75 High Street, Morgantown, WV
26505; phone: (304) 284-7540; fax: (304) 284-4839;
kevin.wickey@wv.usda.gov.
Wisconsin: Patricia S. Leavenworth, 8030 Excelsior Drive, Suite 200,
Madison, WI 53717; phone: (608) 662-4422; fax: (608) 662-4430;
pat.leavenworth@wi.usda.gov.
Wyoming: Xavier Montoya, Federal Building, Room 3124, 100 East B
Street, Casper, WY 82601-1911; phone: (307) 261-6453; fax: (307) 261-
6490; xavier.montoya@wy.usda.gov.
[FR Doc. E7-24411 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P