FY27_TAT_NOFO.pdf

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Rural Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance and Training Program

Fiscal Year 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: TATFY27

Publication Date: October 1, 2026 Application Due Date: December 31, 2026

Karl Elmshaeuser, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Rural Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance and Training Grants Program

Funding Opportunity Number: TAT-FY27

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO or Notice)

Assistance Listing Number: 10.761

Dates: Completed electronic applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time (ET) on December 31, 2026. This program will start accepting applications on October 1, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Executive Summary:

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), an agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grants Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, subject to the availability of funding. The TAT Grants Program is designed to help qualified, private nonprofit organizations provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to rural water and waste problems, help communities prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans and grants, assist with improving the operation, maintenance and sustainability of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas, and address contamination of drinking and surface water supplies by, to include but not be limited to, lead or emerging contaminants, such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead remediation. The preceding includes project proposals that support the financial and operational sustainability of systems through cybersecurity and disaster recovery support, revenue enhancements, and other process improvements. Also, the preparation of applications should include the evaluation of capital project alternatives, including analyzing the possibility to regionalize, consolidate, or to implement decentralized solutions. Based on FY 2026 funding levels, funding is anticipated to be approximately $35,000,000 for FY 2027. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.

Tips For Applicants:

• Make sure to have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.

• When naming application files, keep the character count to 50 or fewer, and steer clear of special characters like $, %, &, *, or Spanish "ñ" to prevent upload issues. Also, when uploading attachments, please use the “Add Attachments” button within Grants.gov, rather than the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader. This step is key for proper file integration.

• Acceptable file types include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, and .pptx. If you’d like to submit another file type, please reach out to the program office first for approval.

Additionally, avoid password-protecting your documents and ensure all tracked changes have been accepted before submission.

• Remember to input the correct UEI number on the SF-424 cover page.

• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:

http://www.grants.gov/

3 | P a g e o http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html o https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Solicitation Information

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Program Description

1.1 Administrative points

1.2 Purpose Of The Program

1.3 Statutory And Regulatory Authority

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Application of awards

2.0 Federal Award Information

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible applicants

3.2 Cost sharing or matching

3.3 Other

4.0 Application and submission information

4.1 Address to request application package

4.2 Content and form of application submission

4.3 System for award management and unique eNtity identifier

4.4 Submission dates and times

4.5 Intergovernmental review

4.6 Funding restrictions

4.7 Other submission requirements

5.0 Application review information

5.1 Criteria

5.2 Review selection processes

6.0 federal award administration information

6.1 Federal award notices

6.2 Administrative and national policy requirements

6.3 Reporting

7.0 Federal award agency contacts

8.0 Other information

8.1 Paperwork reduction act

8.2 National environmental policy act

8.3 Federal funding accountability and transparency act

8.4 Civil rights act

8.5 Equal opportunity for Religious organizations

8.6 Nondiscrimination statement

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1.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1 ADMINISTRATIVE POINTS

The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will focus on key priorities identified in Section 5.1, Criteria, of this NOFO. To be considered for administrative points, the applicant’s work plan must include a separate section titled, “Administrative Points” that provides information detailing how the project proposal will support the key priorities.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

The TAT Grants Program is designed to help qualified, private nonprofit organizations provide technical assistance and training to:

(i) identify, and evaluate alternative solutions to problems relating to the obtaining, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas;

(ii) prepare applications to receive federal financial assistance for water and waste disposal loans and grants through RUS or other public or private sources, including analysis of project alternatives;

(iii) assist with improving the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas, including the evaluation of operational practices, revenue enhancements, partnerships, contract services, consolidation, or regionalization; and

(iv) address the contamination of drinking water and surface water supplies by, to include but not be limited to, lead and emerging contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Eligible costs include paying certain expenses associated with the delivery of the services above, in conformance with applicable statutory and regulatory authorities.

Project proposal should demonstrate that maximum assistance is provided to the actual technical assistance while minimizing administrative costs.

1.3 STATUTORY AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, the “ConAct” authorizes the TAT Program (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)). The TAT Grants Program is implemented by 7 CFR part 1775, Technical Assistance Grants. This Notice is subject to the Federal statutes and regulations listed at 7 CFR 1775.8, Other Federal statutes, and other relevant regulations and Executive Orders. Additionally, this Notice is subject to 7 CFR 1900, Subpart B, Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals.

1.4 DEFINITIONS

The definitions applicable to this notice are published at 7 CFR § 1775.2, Definitions.

1.5 APPLICATION OF AWARDS

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/87-128%20-%20Agricultural%20Act%20Of%201961%20&%20Consolidated%20Farm%20And%20Rural%20Development%20Act.pdf https://go.usa.gov/xMvaY https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-A/section-1775.8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1900/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1900/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-A/section-1775.2

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The Agency will review, evaluate, and score applications received in response to this Notice based on 7 CFR § 1775.11, Priority, and this NOFO, and funding will be awarded in consideration of the established criteria. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the full burden in preparing and submitting an application in response to this Notice, regardless of whether the funding is appropriated or if the application is selected for funding through the TAT Grants Program in FY 2027.

2.0 FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Type of Awards: Grants

Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2027

Available Funds: Dependent upon FY 2027 appropriations. Funding is anticipated to be approximately $35,000,000.

Minimum Award Amount: None

Maximum Award Amount: None

Anticipated Award Date: September 2027

Performance Period: October 1, 2027 to September 30, 2028

Renewal or Supplemental Awards: With the submission of a new application, existing grantees are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. Grant applications must be submitted during the application window.

Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant Agreement

Approximate Number of Awards: 22

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 1775.35, Eligibility. Entities must be legally established and located within a state as defined in § 1775.2. Organizations must be incorporated by December 31 of the year the application period occurs to be eligible for funds. Tribally owned nonprofit organizations that meet the provisions of 7 CFR 1775.35 are eligible to apply.

The applicant and its principals must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in USDA programs, in accordance with 2 CFR parts 180 and 417. The applicant must not be delinquent on any federal debt, nor have any outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal court. Upon receipt of an application, prior to award, and prior to disbursement of federal funds, the agency will screen the applicant and its principals through the Do Not Pay System, as required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354, to verify eligibility with respect to debarment, suspension, and any unresolved federal debts. Applicants are responsible for resolving any issues identified in the Do Not Pay System; if such issues are not resolved by the deadlines specified in this Notice, the agency may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants. Applicants are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations, including 2 CFR Parts 180 and 417.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-C/section-1775.35 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1775.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1775.35 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-417 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2024-title31/USCODE-2024-title31-subtitleIII-chap33-subchapIV-sec3354 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCODE-2024-title31/USCODE-2024-title31-subtitleIII-chap33-subchapIV-sec3354 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-417

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3.2 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements associated with this grant, however, any voluntary cost sharing or matching will be considered in the application review.

3.3 OTHER

All submitted proposals must meet the intent outlined in 7 CFR § 1775.33, Objectives. To be determined an eligible project, grant requests must be made for the purposes listed within 7 CFR § 1775.36, Purpose.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

The FY 2027 TAT Grants Program Application Guide, copies of necessary forms and samples, and the TAT Program regulation are available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants. Application information is also available at https://www.grants.gov/.

NOTE: For any revisions to the application in grants.gov, the applicant must use the same workspace and select “Yes” when prompted for a changed/corrected application. Answering “Yes” will associate the new submission with the previous submission.

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

To be considered for funding, applicants must be an eligible entity and must submit a complete application by the deadline date. The total application package, including all addendums except financial audits, must be no more than 50 pages. All applications must include all items outlined in 7 CFR 1775.10 (c) and (d). This includes, but is not limited to, the following items that are often missing, or are submitted and incomplete:

1. Certified copies of current authorizing and organizational documents, including but not limited to: articles of incorporation with amendments, by-laws or rules of procedure with amendments, and federal tax-exempt status IRS letter. If any authorizing or organizational documents are missing, the application will NOT be considered for funding. If you previously received funding under the TAT grant program you may provide a certification that no changes have been made in authorizing or organizing documents since receipt of the last grant.

2. Certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State that is dated within 12 months prior to the date of application submission,

3. SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance,

4. SF 424A, Budget Information Non-Construction Programs,

5. Project Proposal addressing all items identified in the current TAT Application Guide. Proposal must meet the intent outlined in 7 CFR § 1775.33, Objectives. To be determined an eligible https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-C/section-1775.33 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-C/section-1775.36 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-C/section-1775.36 https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(d) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1775.33

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Proposals with any ineligible components will not be considered for funding. Proposals must be no more than 20 pages as further defined in the FY 2027 TAT Application Processing Guide, and clearly identify language that supports priority scoring elements.

The items at 7 CFR §1775.10(c)(3), (4), and (5) are no longer required to be separately submitted as part of the application as they are covered under the USDA Terms & Conditions and the System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier.

Applicants should consult the cost principles and general administrative requirements for grants pertaining to their organizational type to prepare the budget and complete other parts of the application.

Carefully review this Notice, 7 CFR part 1775, and the FY 2027 TAT Grants Program Application Guide, which collectively detail all required items for a complete application. The Agency will not solicit or consider new scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application deadline; however, the Agency reserves the right to contact applicants to seek clarification on materials contained in the submitted application during the eligibility review process. See the FY 2027 TAT Grants Program Application Guide for further discussion of each required item. For requirements of completed grant applications, refer to 7 CFR § 1775.10, Applications. The application and any materials sent with it become Federal records by law and cannot be returned to you. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

4.3 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT AND UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER

(a) Prior to application submission, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. To register in SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

(b) Each applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

(c) Each applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM.

(d) Each applicant must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110, Exceptions.

(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

4.4 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1775.36 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c)(4) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c)(5) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.10 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110

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Applications and supporting information must be submitted electronically and be received by http://www.grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on December 31, 2026, to be eligible for FY 2027 funding. If the submission deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered for funding.

Refer to above section 4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION for a description of a complete application.

4.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” does not apply to this program.

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Applications must be for eligible purposes as defined above and must comply with the limitations found within 7 CFR §1775.5, Limitations.

4.7 OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applications and supporting information will not be accepted via, fax, electronic mail, or any other medium other than through https://www.grants.gov/.

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

5.1 CRITERIA

All applications that are complete and eligible will be scored and ranked competitively. Only information presented within the project proposal and documents required in §§ 1775.10(c)(1) and (2) will be considered for scoring. The project proposal must clearly identify the language submitted to justify each scoring element using the Criteria Number in the table found within this section of the Notice. Criteria Numbers 7, 8, and 9 contain key factors that must be addressed independently, as applicable to the proposed scope of work. The categories for scoring criteria used are the following:

Criteria No. Criteria Points

1 Applicant Status: (5 points max)

Multi-State and National Organization 5 points

Single-State Organization 3 points

2 Applicant organizational experience and history at successfully developing and implementing water and waste disposal technical assistance and training programs: (10 points max earned or deducted)

More than ten years of experience 10 points http://www.grants.gov/ https://archives.federalregister.gov/issue_slice/1982/7/16/30959-30960.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-A/section-1775.5 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c)(1) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.10(c)(2)

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One to ten years of experience 5 points

Any previous TAT Grant Program awards within the past 3 years that received a no-cost time extension, were not fully expended within the period of performance, or declined when awarded.

-5 points (points deducted)

Any previous TAT Grant Program awards within the past 3 years that failed to meet the approved scope of work or had other performance-related issues.

-10 points (points deducted)

3 Applicant resources – use of grant funds for grantee’s staff or affiliated staff versus contract personnel to carry out the proposed project: (10 points max)

At least 75% staff 10 points

50% to 74.99% staff 5 points

Less than 50% staff* Ineligible

4 Population of targeted area(s) to be served (based on 2020 Decennial Census data): (10 points max)

Less than 2,500 Up to 10 points

Between 2,501 and 5,499 Up to 5 points

5,500 or more 0 points

5 Median Household Income (MHI) of targeted area(s) to be served (based on American Community Survey data from 2017- 2021 5-year period): (10 points max)

Less than 80% of the State Non-metropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI)

Up to 10 points

80% to 100% of the SNMHI Up to 5 points

More than 100% of the SNMHI 0 points

6 Project Duration: (5 points max)

Projects providing technical assistance and training that accomplish the objective within a 12 month or less time frame

5 points

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Over 12 months 0 points

7 Needs Assessment - The problem/issue(s) being addressed is clearly defined, supported by data, and addresses the need.

Points may be awarded for adequately addressing the following:

(1) up to 10 points to support the remediation of lead emerging contaminants, such as PFAS; (2) up to 10 points for capital financing application development support, including project alternative analysis; (3) up to 5 points for improvements to system operations, maintenance and sustainability; and (4) up to 5 points to identify, and evaluate alternative solutions to problems relating to the obtaining, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. (20 points max)

Up to 20 points

8 Goals and objectives are clearly defined, tied to the need as defined in the work plan, and are measurable. Points may be awarded for adequately addressing the following: (1) up to 10 points to support the remediation of lead emerging contaminants, such as PFAS; (2) up to 10 points for capital financing application development support, including project alternative analysis; (3) up to 5 points for improvements to system operations, maintenance and sustainability; and (4) up to 5 points to identify, and evaluate alternative solutions to problems relating to the obtaining, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. (20 points max)

Up to 20 points

9 Work plan – Clearly articulates a well thought out approach to accomplishing objectives; clearly identifies who will be served by project. Points may be awarded for adequately addressing the following: (1) up to 20 points to support the remediation of lead emerging contaminants, such as PFAS; (2) up to 20 points for capital financing application development support, including project alternative analysis; (3) up to 10 points for improvements to system operations, maintenance and sustainability; and (4) up to 10 points to identify, and evaluate alternative solutions to problems relating to the obtaining, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. (40 points max)

Up to 40 points

10 Descriptive explanation of the actual assistance provided: (30 points max):

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Applicant is providing “hands on” or on-site technical assistance and training to water and waste systems managers and operators to improve operation, maintenance, and sustainability. This includes support applications for capital financing.

Up to 15 points

Applicant is providing technical assistance to address the contamination of drinking water and surface water supplies by, including but not be limited to, lead and emerging contaminants, including per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Up to 10 points

Applicant is providing technical assistance through the distribution of educational materials and other outreach methods.

Up to 5 points

11 Evaluation methods are specific to the activity, clearly defined, measurable, with expected project outcomes that align to the project’s proposed goals and objectives. (20 points max)

Up to 20 points

12 Matching Funds and In-Kind Support: (15 points max)

Demonstrated commitment of non-federal resources of 25% or more of total budget.

15 points

Demonstrated commitment of non-federal resources between 10% and 24.99% of total budget.

10 points

Between 1% and 9.99% of non-federal resources. 5 points

No matching funds or in-kind support 0 points

Applicants awarded previous TAT Grant Program funding that did not outlay funding as committed.

-15 points

13 Sustainability: Applicant demonstrates ability to sustain project without future Federal awards using a thorough financial analysis to include: cash on hand, projected revenues, outside source contributions, and shows a steady increase to sustainability within 5 years. (10 points max)

Up to 10 points

14 Administrator Discretion: RUS Administrator may provide additional points based on the factors below. (15 points max)**

Up to 15 points

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* 7 CFR 1775.35, Eligibility - Pursuant to 7 CFR 1775.35(e)(3), Applicants may contract with a nonaffiliated organization for not more than 49 percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance.

RUS’s definition of an affiliated organization is as follows:

In corporate law and taxes, an affiliate is a company that is related to another company, usually by being in the position of a member or a subordinate role (must be verified by organizational documentation).

Two companies may be affiliated if one company has control over the other or if both are controlled by a third company. One corporation can be affiliated with another corporation by shareholdings, by holding a minority interest, or one corporation might be a subsidiary of another.

**Administrator Discretion Points – To be considered for Administrator Points, the applicant’s work plan must include a separate section titled: “Administrator Points.” To be considered, each individual Administrative Discretion Points item must include clear references to the type of technical assistance and training to be provided, content focus, measurable deliverables and outcomes, such as timeframes and the number of systems to receive support, and demonstrated subject-matter expertise. Any organization submitting multiple applications under this program must ensure that each application independently meets the criteria for administrative points. Administrator Points may be considered only for applications that address one or more of the following:

• The project proposal identifies or addresses contamination of drinking and surface water supplies by, to include but not be limited to, lead or emerging contaminants, such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lead remediation.

• The proposed project assists with improving the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas, including cybersecurity and disaster recovery support, revenue enhancements, and other operational improvements. This may be achieved through the delivery of Workshop in a Box: Sustainable Management of Rural and Small Systems Workshops.

o The Sustainable Management of Rural and Small System workshops must utilize the two key tools: The Rural and Small Systems Guidebook to Sustainable Utility Management and Workshop in a Box: Sustainable Management of Rural and Small Systems Workshops. Tools and resources can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/services/sustainable-management-tools.

o To receive administrative points, projects must meet these requirements. If grant funds are awarded, work completed under the project must meet the Workshop In A Box requirement. If an entity submits multiple applications, each application must independently meet the required benchmark to receive points.

• National: 2 workshops per state (50 total) during the grant period.

• Multistate: 2 workshops per state for the grant period.

• Single State: 2 workshops for the grant period.

*Note: Multi-state workshops count as only one workshop.*

• The proposed project helps rural communities prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans and grants. This incorporates the evaluation of capital project alternatives, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-C/section-1775.35 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775#p-1775.35(e)(3) http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/services/sustainable-management-tools http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/services/sustainable-management-tools

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The Administrator Points will be awarded solely on the aforementioned factors, with up to 5 points for each category and a cumulative total of 15 points.

5.2 REVIEW SELECTION PROCESSES

An acknowledgment receipt of the application will be emailed to the applicant by grants.gov once the Agency has downloaded and acknowledged the application. The following actions will be taken:

(a) Incomplete or ineligible applications as of the deadline for submission will not be considered. If an application is determined to be incomplete or ineligible, the applicant will be notified in writing.

(b) Complete, eligible applications will be evaluated competitively by a review team, composed of at least two RUS employees selected from Water and Environmental Programs. They will make overall recommendations based on the program elements found in 7 CFR part 1775 and the criteria presented in this NOFO. They will award points as described in the scoring criteria in 7 CFR § 1775.11, Priority, and this Notice. Each application will receive a score based on the averages of the reviewers’ scores and discretionary points awarded by the RUS Administrator. RUS reserves the right to request additional information after an application is determined to be complete to minimize the risk of duplication of other federal efforts. If the dollar amount of applications submitted would not fully utilize the available funding, there may be no need to score and rank applications.

(c) Applications will be ranked, and grants awarded based upon the scoring results and funding availability. Any determination made due to the lack of available funding is a non-appealable action. At RUS’s discretion, projects scoring too low may not be awarded funding even if funding remains available.

(d) Regardless of the score an application receives, if RUS determines that the project is technically infeasible, RUS will notify the applicant, in writing, and no further action will be taken.

6.0 FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.1 FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

(a) Application Outcomes. There are four possible outcomes following the submission of an application under the TAT Grants Program. RUS reserves the right to make no grant awards if all applications are ineligible, incomplete or do not meet the established program objectives and priorities.

RUS may determine that the application is: (1) Eligible and selected for funding, (2) Eligible but offered fewer funds than requested, (3) Eligible but not selected for funding, or (4) Ineligible for the grant.

(b) Award Notices. Applicants selected for funding will be sent an award letter, accompanied by a grant agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of the award and other applicable documents. Pursuant to the Grant Agreement, grant funds may be released over the course of the period of performance in reimbursement for eligible expenses and approved activities which do not duplicate similar federal efforts or tasks. The Grant Agreement may also include reporting and pre-https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1775 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.11

15 | P a g e approval requirements consistent with 7 CFR part 1775 and programmatic guidance which, if not met, may result in a delay in reimbursement, disallowance of expense, or a suspension of the grant.

(c) Payments/Reimbursements. Grantees will be reimbursed as delineated at 7 CFR § 1775.18, Fund disbursement, and the Grant Agreement.

(d) Scope of Services. Any change in the scope of the project, budget adjustments of more than 10 percent, or other modifications must get written prior approval in accordance with 7 CFR § 1775.19, Grant cancellation or major changes, and the Grant Agreement.

(e) Prevailing Wages. All laborers, apprentices and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through the Federal Government pursuant to the ConAct shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code. Further details on eligible applicants and projects may be found in the relevant regulations listed in Section C.

6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

(a) General. There are no known unusual Administrative and National Policy Requirements associated with the TAT Grants Program. Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected can be found in the Grants and Agreements regulations of the Department of Agriculture codified in 2 CFR parts 180, 200, 400, 415, 417, 418, 421; 2 CFR parts 25 and 170, and in Executive Orders and other programmatic guidance. All recipients who receive grants must comply with applicable USDA General Terms and Conditions.

(b) Geospatial Data. Awardee, and any and all contracts entered into by the awardee with respect to the award, shall ensure that geospatial data required to be collected and provided to the agency, conforms with the requirements of USDA Department Regulation DR-3465-001 and the Geospatial Metadata Standards set forth in DM 3465-001, which can be obtained online at usda.gov/directives/dr-3465-001andusda.gov/directives/dm-3465-00.

6.3 REPORTING

Performance reporting, including applicable forms, narratives, and other documentation, are to be completed and submitted in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR 1775.20, Reporting, and the Grant Agreement. Narratives must be concise and directly report on the status of the goals and objectives defined within the approved scope of work. Further, all grantees must submit an audit or financial information covering the defined period of performance as outlined in 7 CFR § 1775.21, Audit or financial statements, and the Grant Agreement.

7.0 FEDERAL AWARD AGENCY CONTACTS

For general questions about this announcement, please contact Christina Cerio at Water-RD@usda.gov.

The TAT Grants Program website also provides up to date contact information at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.19 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.19 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title40/pdf/USCODE-2024-title40.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-415 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-417 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-418 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-421 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-170 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dm-3465-001 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.20 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.21 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1775/subpart-B/section-1775.21 mailto:Water-RD@usda.gov https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants

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8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the information collection requirements associated with the programs, as covered in this notice, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0572-0112.

8.2 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

All recipients under this notice are subject to the requirements of 7 CFR 1b. RUS will review each grant application to determine its compliance with 7 CFR 1b. The applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to assist RUS with this determination.

8.3 FEDERAL FUNDING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT

All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must be registered in SAM and have a UEI number as stated in Section 4.3 of this notice. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170, Reporting subaward and executive compensation information.

8.4 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT

All federal financial assistance awards made under this NOFO must comply with applicable civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1973, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.

8.5 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

(a) Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at, and subject to the protections and requirements of, this part and any applicable constitutional and statutory requirements, including 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. USDA will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, motives, or affiliation, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.

(b) A faith-based organization that participates in this program will retain its independence from the Government and may continue to carry out its mission consistent with religious freedom and conscience protections in Federal law. Religious accommodations may also be sought under many of these religious freedom and conscience protection laws.

(c) A faith-based organization may not use direct Federal financial assistance from USDA to support or engage in any explicitly religious activities except when consistent with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and any other applicable requirements. An organization receiving Federal financial assistance also may not, in providing services funded by USDA, or in their outreach activities related to such services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title44/pdf/USCODE-2024-title44-chap35.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1b https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1b https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-170 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title42/pdf/USCODE-2024-title42-chap21B-sec2000bb.pdf

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8.6 NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(a) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(b) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(c) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-usda-discrimination-complaint/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-usda-discrimination-complaint/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint mailto:program.intake@usda.gov