PKG00249483-instructions.doc

Instructions for Applying through Grants.gov Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Applicants can apply to this funding opportunity through http://www.grants.gov. Read the instructions below carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Please note: The DUNS and SAM requirements described above are applicable to all applicants whether you choose to apply through Grants.gov or submit a paper application package.

Complete organization registration instructions can be found on Grants.gov here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS Number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS Number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html Applications must be received through Grants.gov or at the Rural Development State Office where the applicant’s headquarters is located by the deadline date indicated in the summary, overview and section D(4) of the Notice. A list of Rural Development State office contacts can be found via https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CF_State_Office_Contacts.pdf.

This document corresponds with section D(2) “Content and Form of Application Submission” found in the Notice. Please review this section in the Notice as it provides more detailed descriptions of the requirements.

A complete application for RCDI funds must include the following. These documents must be submitted through Grants.gov as an attachment to the SF-424. Beside each document is the type of file format that must be used.

1. Summary Page – Any electronic word document or PDF format

2. Table of Contents – Any electronic word document or PDF format

3. Project Overview (no longer than one page) – Any electronic word document or PDF format

4. Organizational Documents – These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format

5. Verification of Matching Funds – These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format

6. Information on Each Recipient – Any electronic word document or PDF format

7. Submit Evidence that Each Recipient Entity is Eligible:

a. Nonprofits – provide a current valid letter confirming non-profit status from the Secretary of the State of incorporation, a current good standing certification from the Secretary of the State of incorporation, or other valid documentation of current nonprofit status of each recipient. – These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format

b. Low-Income Rural Community – Provide evidence the entity is a public body, the 2010 census data to verify the population and 2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (2006-2010 data set) data as evidence that the median household income is at, or below, 80 percent of either the State or national median household income. – These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format.

c. Federally Recognized Tribe – Provide the page listing their name from the Federal Register list of tribal entities published most recently by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The 2018 list is available at 83 FR 34863 pages 34863-34868 and https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-07-23/pdf/2018-15679.pdf. For Tribes that received federal recognition after the most recent publication, statutory citations and additional documentation may suffice. These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format

8. Narrative of the “Evaluation Criteria” must be addressed specifically and individually by category. Narrative (not including attachments) must be limited to five pages per criterion. The “Population” and “Income” criterions for recipient locations can be provide in the form of a list; however, the source of the data must be included on the page(s) – Any electronic word document or PDF format.

9. Timeline – Identify specific activities and proposed dates for completion – Any electronic word document or PDF format.

10. Project Budget – Any electronic word document or PDF format.

11. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) -- These documents must be scanned and attached in the PDF format.

12. Form SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” – This is a mandatory form.

13. Form SF424-B, “Assurances – Non-Construction Programs” – This is a mandatory form.

14. Form AD-1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters – Primary Covered Transactions” – This is a mandatory form.

15. Form AD-1048, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions” – This is a mandatory form.

16. Form AD-1049, “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements” – This a mandatory form.

17. Certification of Non-Lobbying Activities – If grant exceeds $100,000.

18. Standard Form LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” - Only applicable if lobbying activities were disclosed.

19. Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement” – This is a mandatory form for the applicant and each recipient.

20. Identify and Report Any Association or Relationship with Rural Development Employees – (A statement acknowledging whether or not a relationship exists is required) – This is a mandatory statement/certification.

21. Form AD-3030, “Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants - This form is required if you are a corporation.

22. Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants – Optional form The required forms and certifications not included in the application package can be downloaded from the RCDI website at:

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-community-development-initiative-grants Last updated 3/22/2019