RFA_Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program 4-7-22.docx

OMB No. 0570‐0079

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)

Fiscal Year 2022 Request for Applications – Phase I (Revised April 6, 2022)

Funding Opportunity Number: RD‐RBS‐22‐01‐MPPEP

Publication Date: April XX, 2022 Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time May 11, 2022

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Funding Opportunity Number: RD‐RBS‐22‐01‐MPPEP Announcement Type: Revised This RFA replaces the version published February 24, 2022. The Agency has updated the RFA with necessary clarifications to assist in applying for the program based upon feedback and questions from stakeholders. No new requirements have been added.

Assistance Listing Number: 10.381 Submission Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 11, 2022, through www.Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for evaluation or funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), requests applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). MPPEP is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides funding for “loans and grants and other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Pursuant to this authority, USDA is making grant funding available to meat and poultry processors for start‐up and expansion. This will promote competition and give more and better options to producers by increasing meat and poultry processing capacity. Separately, USDA is using the same authority to increase available capital through loan guarantees and intermediary relending. The grants in MPPEP can finance no more than $25M or 20% of the project costs and requires the grantee to demonstrate committed project financing. USDA is also making available funding for technical assistance through providers who are experts in the fields of meat and poultry processing, and business planning. Information on technical assistance providers will be included, as available, on the MPPEP website.

Eligible applicants for the MPPEP grants include an individual, sole proprietor business or other business entities (regardless of legal structure) engaged or proposing to engage in meat and poultry processing, including Tribes and Tribal Entities, for‐profit entities, non‐profit entities, and State or local government entities. Applicants must engage or propose to engage in slaughter and/or further processing with plans to operate under USDA, tribal or state‐equivalent inspection. Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned. Additionally, applicants’ meat and poultry processing facilities must be physically located and operated in the United States (U.S.) or its territories.

Applicants that are nationally dominant in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing are ineligible; for the purpose of this RFA, nationally dominant is characterized as holding a market share greater than or equal to the entity that holds the fourth largest share of the market for any of the listed species.

Approximately $150 million will be available to fund projects under this solicitation.

The maximum award is $25 million or 20% of total project costs, whatever is less; there is no minimum award. There is no matching fund requirement; however, applicants will be required to provide information on other financing secured to complete the project described in the application.

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This announcement provides information about the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, the application forms, evaluation criteria and other documents and associated instructions needed to apply for an award.

This program is also aligned with efforts to:

1. Assist rural communities to recover economically from the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged communities.

2. Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities and support the policies of Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad).

3. Ensure equitable access to RD programs and benefits from RD funded projects and support the policies of Executive Order 13985 (Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce).

4. Contribute to the resilience of the food and agricultural supply chains and support the policies of Executive Order 14017 (Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains).

5. Promote competition in the meat and poultry processing sector and support the policies of Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy).

Additionally, during application, the Agency will consider geography, project size, operation size, species, ownership structure, and business model to maximize diversity among awards.

RBCS also encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, Tribes and tribal producers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For projects intending to support these entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.

Stakeholder Input: RD seeks your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments in the event that USDA develops an RFA for a future funding round for this program.

Submit written stakeholder comments by the deadline set forth in the Submission Date and Time portion of this RFA by going to https://www.rd.usda.gov/mppep and selecting the contacts tab. In your comments, please select “RFA Comment” in the topic drop down to submit your comment.

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7.6 Executive Order (EO) 13175 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments 30

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) is authorized by Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Pub. L. No. 117—2). This section provides funding for “loans and grants and other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.”

The MPPEP grants are administered by the Rural Development’s Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS). RBCS is also administering related loan guarantees and will be making available capital for intermediary relending to the sector. Technical assistance to applicants will be coordinated through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Further technical assistance is being provided by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

1.2 PURPOSE

The primary goal of the MPPEP is to provide more and better processing options to producers as soon as possible. The secondary goals relate to the strategies to fulfill the primary goal and make lasting impacts, and include:

· to increase shackle space available to producers;

· to support development of value‐added products available to consumers;

· to support proposals that provide fair prices, fair wages and new and safe job opportunities that keep profits circulating in the rural community; and

· to increase diversity in processing options in terms of business model approaches, geography, and availability to underserved communities.

MPPEP is part of the broader $4 billion USDA Build Back Better Initiative to transform the food supply chain. Given that the meat and poultry processing sector is particularly vulnerable to disruption, increasing capacity and promoting competition in this sector is a high priority for USDA. Grants to meat and poultry processors for start‐up and expansion will be delivered in two phases. Grants to meat and poultry processors for start‐up and expansion will be delivered in two phases. This RFA is for Phase I, which is referred to as MPPEP. A separate RFA will be issued for Phase II.

For MPPEP, USDA is particularly interested in supporting projects that are in the late stage of development, technically feasible, financially viable, and have already identified other sources of funding (e.g., Federal, State, tribal, local funding, or private funding).

1.3 ACTIVITIES ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

An applicant selected for this grant must use funds for the purpose of expanding processing capacity in the applicant’s market to accommodate additional species, increased volumes, or otherwise expand capacity.

The applicant is responsible for defining the MPPEP expansion project which is limited to activities and costs associated with increasing meat and poultry processing capacity. MPPEP grant funds may only support costs incurred during the period of performance of the award. The period of performance starts when the Financial Assistance Agreement is executed. The maximum period of performance is 48 months depending on complexity of your expansion project. When defining your expansion project, you should consider what expenses you will be incurring after September 30, 2022, the anticipated award date.

Within such an expansion project, eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

· Construction of a new facility or purchase of an inoperable facility, including the purchase of land;

· Modernizing or expanding an existing facility (including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and/or construction of new buildings at existing facilities, construction of holding pens, construction of wastewater management structures, etc.);

· Modernizing processing and manufacturing equipment (including cutting equipment, mixers, grinders, sausage stuffers, smokers, curing equipment, pipes, motors, pumps, and valves);

· Developing, customizing, and installing equipment, devices, and technology that automates processing functions to improve worker conditions and safety;

· Developing, customizing, and installing climate‐smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals;

· Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements under applicable law (including sealing, bagging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment);

· Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements under applicable law;

· Modernizing equipment or facilities to ensure food safety;

· Paying for voluntary grading services to offer value‐added processed products;

· Accounting for costs associated with becoming an inspected facility (including Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) consultation, employee training or technical assistance related to inspection, etc.); and

· Workforce recruitment, training, apprenticeships, and retention to ensure expansion projects will be adequately staffed and crewed and offer opportunities to workers.

1.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

All activities funded under this RFA must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related applicable agency regulations and instructions, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, other laws and regulations as outlined in, and any applicable state, local, or tribal laws. A review for NEPA compliance is required prior to the award of grant funds. RBCS may request additional information for the purposes of completing the environmental review.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

RBCS will use a Financial Assistance Agreement (Form RD 4280‐2) to provide a Federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Approximately $150 million is available to fund projects.

2.3 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND AWARD SIZE

The maximum period of performance for this grant is 48 months. The period of performance should be based upon the complexity of the project. When developing the workplan and budget whether it is for purchase of equipment or real estate improvements, please ensure that adequate time is provided to complete the project. This timeframe will be used as an indicator for the start and end dates and the availability of funding for projects.

The maximum award amount is $25 million or 20% of the total project costs, whichever is less. There is no minimum award amount.

2.4 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants, which include an individual sole proprietor business and other business entities, must engage or propose to engage in meat and poultry processing which will expand capacity in the sector.

Entities are eligible regardless of legal structure and may include, but are not limited to, Tribes, Tribal Entities, for‐profit entities, corporations, non‐profit entities, producer‐owned cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, and State or local government entities.

Private entities must be independently owned and operated. All entities must be domestically owned, and their meat and poultry processing facilities (existing or planned) must be physically located and operated within the U.S. or its territories.

Eligible applicants must process or plan to process one or more species subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) or the Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) and possess or plan to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection, a grant of inspection under a Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a tribal or state meat and poultry inspection program with standards at least equal to Federal inspection at the time of application. Plants processing non‐amenable species under voluntary Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection are also eligible to apply for funding.

Eligible applicants, including affiliates of the eligible applicant, must not hold a market share greater than or equal to the entity that holds the fourth largest share of that market for any of the following species: beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing. All applicants must certify whether they hold a market share greater to or equal to the top four processors as applicable in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing. If processing or planning to process other eligible species which are not listed above, this certification is not required.

Applicants that engage or propose to engage in further processing may be eligible provided that the project increases demand for animals; increases opportunities for producers to access value‐added markets; or improves the viability of an existing processing operation. Additionally, for applicants that engage or plan to engage in further processing, inputs must be the products of primary processing.

A resolution of support is required for projects on tribal lands, from the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over that land, if the applicant is not the Tribe nor an entity owned or operated by that Tribe.

Eligible applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at time of application and must maintain annual SAM registration while an application is active and through the term of an award. Please refer to Section 3.7.1 for instructions on how to register your entity in the SAM.

Multiple applications from separate applicant entities with identical or greater than 75 percent common ownership, or from a parent, subsidiary or affiliated organization (with ‘‘affiliation’’ defined by Small Business Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or successor regulation) are not permitted. Multiple projects owned by the same applicant entity may be combined into one application.

2.5 FACILITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Ineligible meat and poultry processing entities (existing or planned) include but are not limited to facilities that:

· Are for exclusive non‐commercial use

· Are custom‐exempt or otherwise uninspected with no plans to operate under Federal inspection or tribal or state equivalent.

2.6 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

Matching funds are not required under this funding opportunity. However, the applicant must have other funding secured to complete the project as described in the application before an award can be made.

The applicant is responsible for defining the MPPEP expansion project and when defining total project costs, contributions including but not limited to property and equipment must support new or expanding processing capacity to be included as total project costs. Costs and activities that only support existing processing capacity are not eligible MPPEP project costs and activities.

Market value of contributions for the other funds contributed to the expansion project will be verified before award.

3.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

3.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. We urge applicants to submit applications early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process, see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and RD‐specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in this document.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number 10.381, or the Funding Opportunity Number “RD‐RBS‐22‐01‐MPPEP.”

3.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted in Grants.gov and include the following:

1. Forms.

a. Form SF‐424, “Application for Federal Assistance’’.

b. Form SF 424‐C, ‘‘Budget Information‐ Construction Programs”.

c. Form SF 424‐D, “Assurances‐Construction Programs”.

d. Form AD‐2106, “Form to Assist in Assessment of USDA Compliance with Civil Rights Laws”

e. Form SF‐LLL “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities”. Note that all applicants must complete and submit this form as a part of the application even if the applicant does not conduct lobbying activities. Applicants that have not participated in lobbying activities should fill out all form fields and specify “not-applicable-do not lobby” in the fields asking for the name of lobbyist. This should allow submission of the form in grants.gov.

2. Application template. All application template sections must be addressed.

a. Executive summary. Provide a summary detailing project goals and objectives in 500 words or less.

b. Applicant information. Please refer to Section 2.4 and address all information specified in the section to allow the Agency to determine the eligibility of the applicant.

c. Project information. Provide a work plan and budget to include all activities by task, associated dollars, and proposed timeframe for completion. Please ensure sufficient detail is provided to allow the Agency to determine project eligibility including all other funding that is needed to complete the project. Refer to Section 1.3 for a list of activities eligible for funding. Unallowable costs and activities are listed in Section 3.6.1.

d. Land ownership and access. Describe how you own and control or have access to the land where the project is located.

e. Performance Metrics. State what metrics you plan to achieve for increasing capacity. You will report on these metrics one year after project completion.

f. Proposal evaluation criteria. Please refer to Section 4.1 and address all the evaluation criteria. Discussion is required for each criterion to show how the project has merit and why it is likely to be successful. Include summarizations of any feasibility studies, business, and marketing plans.

3. Environmental Review. Please review the environmental checklist available on grants.gov to ensure you are providing all relevant environmental documentation so that a NEPA environmental review can be completed. Please contact the Agency to assist in determining what documentation is required to be provided. Please refer to Section 1.4 and the MPPEP website at rd.usda.gov for additional information.

4. Financial viability. Provide the following to assist the Agency in determining financial viability of the project.

a. Business plan

b. Three years of historical balance sheet and income statements. Applicants with fewer than three years of data should submit what is available, which may include but is not limited to balance sheets, income statements, and other related documentation to demonstrate the financial viability of the venture.

c. Current balance sheet and income statements (within 90 days);

d. Two years of proforma and projected financial analysis including but not limited to balance sheet, income statement, cash flow analysis. Include financial projections with assumptions used in development of projections.

5. Technical feasibility. Provide a feasibility study completed by a qualified consultant.

6. Source documentation (including resumes) to support key personnel, construction labor, and operational workforce under scoring criterion 4 in Section 4.1.

7. Applicant certifications. Applicants must certify in writing to the following as part of a complete application.

a. The applicant must identify whether or not the applicant has a known relationship or association with an Agency employee. If there is a known relationship, the applicant must identify each Agency employee with whom the applicant has a known relationship.

b. Certification that the applicant is a legal entity in good standing and operating in accordance with the laws of the State(s) or Tribe(s) where the applicant has a place of business.

c. Certification that the applicant has not been found, or may be found to be unfit to obtain a grant of Federal or state or tribal equivalent inspection because of convictions, in a Federal or State court, of a felony, or multiple misdemeanors involving the acquisition, handling, or distribution of adulterated or misbranded meat or poultry products or fraud in connection with transactions in food, or other factors.

d. Certification that the applicant is not the subject of a pending administrative, civil, or criminal enforcement action.

e. Certification that the applicant is or plans to be operating under a current grant of federal or equivalent state or tribal inspection. In addition, if inspection services have been suspended in the past five years, disclose the reasons for the suspension and how the action was resolved.

f. Certification by the applicant that any equipment required for the project is available, can be procured and delivered within the proposed project development schedule, and will be installed in conformance with manufacturer’s specifications and design requirements. This would not be applicable when equipment is not part of the project.

g. Certification by the applicant that the project will be constructed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards.

h. Certification by the applicant that the applicant is not one of the top four processors of beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing.

i. Certification by applicant that other funding needed to complete the project as proposed in the application has been secured.

j. Applicant certifies and acknowledges that:

i. The Agency will check the Do Not Pay System to verify that the applicant entity: has an active entity registration in the System for Award Management; has not been debarred or suspended; is not listed on Credit Alert Verification Reporting System; is not listed on the Treasury Offset Program; and does not appear on the Social Security Death Records; and

ii. The applicant is responsible for resolving any issues that are reported in the Do Not Pay System. If issues are not resolved by the time the Agency makes program awards, the Agency may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants.

8. Existing facilities. Existing facilities must provide, as applicable, evidence that they have a Federal Grant of Inspection, a grant of inspection under a Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a tribal or state meat and poultry inspection program with standards at least equal to Federal inspection.

9. Design and construction documents. For projects involving construction, include any design and construction documents. If selected for funding, the Agency will follow the construction planning and performing development regulation at 7 CFR. 4280.125.

Applicants should note that while a letter from a community leader is not required for a complete application, it is required for the application to receive a score in the Community Support section (15 points). You may address letters of support to the contact listed in section 6.2 of this RFA, but they must be submitted in the grants.gov submission to be considered

3.3 SUBMITTED APPLICATION QUALIFICATION

Your application will not be considered for funding if it is:

· Received by Grants.gov after the submission deadline.

· Submitted via any method other than through Grants.gov.

· Submitted to the wrong grant program.

· Not responsive to the requirements of this RFA (eligibility, incomplete application, not providing all required documents, etc. as required in Sec. 3.2).

3.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Ensure that all components of the application are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application process, as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. RBCS encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Only applications submitted and validated by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2022, on Grants.gov will be accepted.

3.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials.

3.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

All RBCS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the Financial Assistance Agreement.

Grant funds may not be used for the following:

· Pay costs or allow for current market value of property and equipment as eligible total project costs that only support existing processing capacity for a facility.

· Pay costs that have been or will be reimbursed by a third party.

· Pay costs incurred prior to the date the Financial Assistance Agreement is executed. Reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred 90 days prior to award may be allowed with Agency approval.

· Pay for indirect project costs.

· Pay costs that support or oppose union organizing.

· Pay costs associated with conducting research and development.

· Support an application (project) that has a proposed period of performance longer than 48 months.

· Support an application (project) that has a grant request exceeding $25 million or exceeding 20% of total project costs, whichever is less.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this section should contact RD staff using the contact information listed under 6.0 Agency Contact.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, complete your registration allowing sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Instructions for organizations interested in applying for this grant funding opportunity can be found here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization‐registration.html

1) Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI. Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity‐ registration. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF‐ 424 form.

2) Register with SAM: In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). All organizations must register with SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov.

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov Applicants must know their organization's UEI number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E‐Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organization Role, as described in SAM.gov.

4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying him or her of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

5) Track Role Status: After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

6) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization to act as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

3.7.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO RBCS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants may use the Grants.gov Workspace, a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.

1) Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or RD forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe‐software‐compatibility.html to download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader Software.

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF‐424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF‐424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit a Workspace: Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24‐48 hours prior to the application deadline to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may prevent application submission.

SPECIAL NOTE: Grants.gov does not check for RBCS’s required attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in Section 4 3.2 are included.

4) Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, Grants.gov automatically assigns a Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) to the package, which will be listed on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides additional training resources, including video tutorials. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll‐free support number 1‐800‐518‐4726, or email support@grants.gov. Grants.gov will issue a ticket number to which you and Grants.gov can refer to if the issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the individuals mentioned in section 6.0 Agency Contacts.

3.7.3 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

All applications must be received by the due date established in section 3.4. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov using an electronic date/time stamp generated when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When RBCS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will electronically acknowledge receipt of the application to the applicant AOR’s email address. Applications will be deemed to have been received at the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

RBCS will not accept application packages by fax, email, or postal mail. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by RBCS.

Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections. Applicants using slow internet, such as dial‐ up connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting applications via Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via email to the applicant AOR.

3.7.4 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

· Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

· Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all instructions provided by RBCS.

· Make sure you 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.

· Limit Application File Size/ File Name Characters (50 or less).

· When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader).

· Do not password‐protect your documents and make sure all tracked‐changes are “accepted”.

· Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

· Input the correct UEI number on the SF‐424 cover page.

· Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant‐faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace‐overview.html.

4.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

4.1 PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each complete and eligible application will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria below. Applications will be scored first based on the four core categories and summed for total points. The maximum number of points for the four core categories is 100 points for construction projects and 90 points for other projects. Total points scored will be divided by the number of points available for the project type (100 for construction and 90 for others) to derive a percentage. The percentage will be multiplied by 100 to determine a total score for the four core categories. Any awarded discretionary points will be added to the total score to generate the final score.

The most competitive applications will describe project objectives that align with MPPEP goals as described under section 1.2 and expected outcomes and measures of success for the project. Failure to address all or part of a criterion, or to insufficiently communicate relevant project information, will result in a lower score.

As part of a complete application, applicants are required to provide a narrative describing their project.

The application narrative will be scored against the four categories of evaluation criteria described below:

· Financial Viability, Technical Feasibility, and Readiness.

· Market Impact and Opportunities.

· Community Impact and Support.

· Labor and Workforce Personnel.

More points will be awarded to applications that address how the project will support the goals of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program in their response to each category of criteria.

Technical Assistance is available to MPPEP grant applicants and grant-funded projects. Visit the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance webpage to learn more.

1. Financial Viability, Technical Feasibility and Readiness: Up to 40 points.

Applicants must describe their proposed project and how the plant will achieve financial viability, technical feasibility, and readiness. Applicants may include but are not limited to describing their project workplan, budget, financing, and other documentation that describes the feasibility study supporting the project, market analysis that describes relevant facility market concerns, description of value to be added to products from the facility, and cost and availability of inputs to be utilized at the facility. Higher points will be awarded to applicants that include related documentation. To achieve the highest possible points available under this category, applicants should thoroughly address and provide documentation in support of the following factors:

a. Income and expense projections for at least three years after project completion.

b. Anticipated debt service ratio as a percentage of gross anticipated income.

c. Data to demonstrate product demand and reliability of supply for financial feasibility (including consideration of competing facilities).

d. Data that will inform applicant’s ability to achieve operational sustainability.

e. Identification of major risks (e.g., product recall, labor risks, access to operating capital risk, and other legal risks) and appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

f. Whether the plant is located within a state jurisdiction or a tribal jurisdiction.

g. Strategies for managing water quality and offal and solid waste, including whether the applicant has the appropriate zoning permits and whether water supply and utility connections are in place or underway.

h. Relative maturity of the project type including milestones completed such as acquisition of real estate, applicable permits, and/or outreach to local, state, tribal, and Federal partners.

i. Financing, both confirmed and preliminary, committed to the project.

i. Whether the applicant has commitments for securing cash flow/operating capital to pay workers and ensure ongoing non‐employee related operating capital access.

ii. How the funding requested in this application would contribute to or complete the project capital stack.

j. Whether the applicant has existing relationships with food science and meat science professionals and/or has already contacted their respective inspection agency (FSIS or state MPI (Meat and Poultry Inspection program, as applicable).

k. A summary of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan or discussion of HACCP plan development status.

l. Other general economic conditions relative to the project.

m. Whether the applicant is planning an adjoining feedlot, if applicable.

n. Whether the applicant has plans for further expansion.

o. Any additional information the applicant wishes to provide that contributes to supporting the technical feasibility and financial viability of the project.

2. Market Impact & Opportunities: Up to 20 points.

Applicants must describe how they are planning to procure animals and provide more opportunities for producers relative to the existing processing opportunities in their area from which they are procuring animals and to relevant improvements in market access. Applicants must describe commitments from producers, end users, and potential buyers. Additionally, proposals will be scored based on the degree that they demonstrate their project will drive economic activity in the area of animal procurement and product sale and incorporate project design that utilizes ownership models that support worker, producer, or consumer needs. Higher points will be awarded to applications that document support for price transparency, producer profitability, and value‐added production as well as commitments from producers, or consumers, end users, and potential buyers. Applicants should address the following criteria:

a. Plan and mechanisms for animal or input procurement, including but not limited to the frequency of procurement.

i. For facilities purchasing livestock or poultry, the narrative will include estimated purchase types and volumes (cash, formula, forward contract, negotiated grid, etc.).

ii. For facilities that own livestock or poultry, the narrative will also include a general description of any production contract terms for the livestock or poultry.

iii. For facilities that provide fee‐for‐service processing to producers, the narrative will outline the services provided with estimated prices and anticipated volumes.

iv. For facilities that only provide Further Processing without slaughter, the narrative will include the plan for sourcing inputs from independently owned processors and the percentage of inputs that will be sourced from such processors.

b. Discuss the current or anticipated number of producers involved in the project, as appropriate.

c. Discuss potential for confirmed commitments relative to initial opening operational capacity (expressed as a percentage) and the projected timeline for reaching full maximum operating capacity (as applicable).

d. Discuss current or prospective end‐user commitments, including potential or identified markets (domestic or international), and the potential amount of output to be sold.

e. To the extent applicable, discuss current or prospective commitments for the sourcing of inputs for further processing from independent processors and if known, the volume of potential commitments relative to operational capacity (expressed as a percentage).

f. The anticipated geographic region from which the applicant will source input and market products and/or services.

g. Contingency plan for loss of inputs or markets.

h. Whether the operation is a cooperative business model or otherwise shares profits or ownership with consumers, producers, or workers, if applicable.

i. Description of any other market concerns to be addressed and/or opportunities achieved should the project be selected for funding.

j. Applicants must indicate whether or not they are among the top four processors in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey.

3. Community Impact & Support: Up to 15 points.

Applicants must describe the community impact and support of their proposed project as well as any strategies to generate community support. Discussion should include direct or indirect commitments of support from producers (and other processors serving as suppliers for projects that involve further processing), end users, potential buyers, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Applicants should also include information about commitments (financial or otherwise) provided by other Federal, tribal, state, or local governments, either directly or indirectly. Commitments or contributions from other third parties should also be discussed. In order to receive any points for this section, applicants must also provide a letter of support from state, local, or tribal leadership where the proposed startup or expansion activities will take place. A resolution of support is required for projects on tribal lands, from the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over that land, if the applicant is not the Tribe nor an entity owned or operated by that Tribe. Higher points will be awarded to applications that describe the sustained community impact of their project and describe any strategies, planned or in process, to attain and maintain community support, and provide letters of support.

a. The applicant must submit at least one letter of support from state, local, or tribal leadership, or zero points will be awarded under this criterion. Qualifying leaders may include but are not limited to state government officials, local government officials, and tribal government officials. Additional letters of support from relevant local and regional stakeholders may include but are not limited to economic development organizations, associations of agricultural producers, labor unions, institutions of higher education, and state, local, and tribal governments. Applications will not be scored under this section without at least one letter of support from community leadership where the proposed startup or expansion activities will take place. All letters should include the following:

i. Identify the stakeholder producing the letter and their connection to the project activities,

ii. Describe the sustained community impact that will be supported by the proposed startup or expansion activities to be carried out under the grant, and

iii. Provide further information relative to the project’s impact on the long‐term needs and goals of the community.

b. The applicant should address the community impact and support of their proposed project and describe any strategies to generate community support.

4. Labor/Workforce/Personnel The Biden‐Harris administration is committed to principles that support worker empowerment and commitments to well‐paying jobs, the free and fair choice to join a union, greater job security, safe and healthy workplaces, essential benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and protections from workplace harassment and other forms of discrimination for workers across the country. Applicants must describe key personnel involved with the facility, construction personnel engaged with the facility, and operations personnel to be hired or currently employed by the project applicant:

a. Key Personnel – Up to 5 points Applications will be scored on the basis of how key personnel will contribute to the likelihood of project success, including but not limited to their leadership’s qualifications, training, and experience. Experience of key personnel will be assessed in relation to the scale of the plant and the type of the operation. Higher points will be awarded to applicants that thoroughly describe in narrative and provide resumes and other documentation to support the following criteria:

i. Roles and relevant qualifications of owners, staff, contractors, consultants, or new hires performing tasks included in the workplan

ii. Project leaders, individuals identified by name who will be responsible for managing and completing the proposed tasks in the work plan.; and

iii. Commitment, qualifications, role, and the availability of any consultants or other professionals who will be hired for the project.

b. Construction Labor (if applicable) – Up to 10 points Applicants will be scored based on the construction labor standards upheld by contractors and subcontractors. Higher points will be awarded to applicants that thoroughly describe in narrative and provide documentation to support the criteria below, if available. (Projects not involving construction will not be penalized for not addressing this section.)

i. Whether and, if so, how the construction project will incorporate labor standards referenced herein, including whether workers (including employees of contractors and subcontractors) will be paid wages at or above the prevailing rate.

ii. Whether the project construction firm will be under a project labor agreement, either with the construction company or with the applicant.

iii. What safety training, professional certifications, in‐house training and/or licensure will be provided and required of construction workers (including contractors and subcontractors).

iv. Whether a locally‐based construction workforce will be used.

v. For projects that propose to build on tribal lands,…