FR 2021-00290

The document is an official announcement from the Rural Housing Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), notifying the public about the availability of funding through the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program for fiscal year 2021. This initiative aims to support rural communities by providing them with training and technical assistance to access funding for essential community services.

Applications for this program must be submitted by specific deadlines, with electronic submissions due by March 22, 2021, and paper applications due by March 29, 2021. Notably, the document emphasizes the federal government’s commitment to tackling challenges such as opioid misuse, enhancing rural economic prosperity, and improving the quality of life in rural areas.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One potential issue with this document is the lack of specificity regarding the total funding available for the TAT Grant Program in fiscal year 2021. This absence of information may hinder applicants' ability to plan and apply appropriately. Additionally, the requirement allowing only one application per entity could limit organizations with multiple community needs from presenting comprehensive solutions.

The differing deadlines for paper and electronic submissions might lead to confusion among applicants, possibly resulting in missed opportunities for funding. Consistent deadlines for both submission formats could simplify the process and reduce misunderstandings.

Another concern arises in the document's references to external links for additional information, such as contact lists and data resources. This approach places the onus on applicants to navigate multiple platforms, which could be burdensome, especially for those with limited internet access or technological proficiency.

The criteria for assessing an organization's experience and capability in providing technical assistance are also not clearly defined, potentially leading to subjective judgments during the evaluation process. This lack of clarity may discourage potential applicants who are unsure of their eligibility.

Additionally, restrictions against organizations with felony convictions or unresolved tax liabilities are noted, yet the methods for verifying these conditions are not specified, possibly complicating the application process for some entities.

The document mandates compliance with various civil rights laws and data collection requirements. However, smaller organizations or those with limited administrative resources might find these rules challenging to comply with, potentially barring them from participating in the program.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document may have significant implications for rural communities across the United States. By providing necessary resources, the grant program can facilitate crucial advancements in community infrastructure, contribute to economic growth, and help address pressing social issues such as substance use disorders.

For specific stakeholders, such as nonprofits and public entities in rural areas, the program presents an opportunity to enhance their capacity to serve their communities effectively. However, stakeholders must navigate the application complexities and logistical challenges outlined in the document.

Positively, those who successfully engage with the program can expect to see improved community facilities and strengthened local economies. This may result in long-term benefits, including job creation and elevated living standards for residents in rural areas.

Negatively, the administrative and procedural burdens outlined may deter smaller entities from applying, potentially skewing benefits toward larger or more established organizations with the resources to manage the application requirements adequately.

Overall, while the document outlines an ambitious and potentially transformative program, the concerns highlighted necessitate careful attention from both the USDA and prospective applicants to ensure equitable access and an effective allocation of resources.

The document under review is an announcement from the Rural Housing Service, a part of the USDA, about the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant program for Fiscal Year 2021. This program is intended to support entities in rural areas by providing funding for technical assistance and training related to essential community facilities.

Summary of Financial Allocations

There are two main financial references in the document:

1. Grant awards for Technical Assistance Providers may not exceed $150,000 for those assisting ultimate recipients within one state.

2. Grant awards made to Ultimate Recipients themselves will not exceed $50,000.

These allocations suggest a tiered approach to funding, where larger amounts are available for providers who facilitate assistance and training across broader scopes, while smaller amounts directly support the ultimate recipients engaged in specific projects.

Analysis of Financial References and Related Issues

One significant issue is that the document does not specify the total amount of funding available for the grant program for FY 2021. While the maximum amounts for individual grants are noted, without clarity on the overall funding pool, potential applicants may find it challenging to strategize their applications or understand the competitiveness of the process. This lack of information could impact an applicant's ability to fully gauge the likelihood of receiving funds or shape their requests to align with the agency's priorities.

The document allows only a single application per applicant. This restriction could limit the opportunity for comprehensive projects addressing multiple community facilities needs within a single entity, potentially influencing how applicants decide to allocate and request financial resources.

Moreover, the difference in deadlines between paper and electronic applications—March 29, 2021, for paper submissions and March 22, 2021, for electronic submissions—may cause confusion. This discrepancy also has financial implications, as applicants will need to allocate resources and plan submissions meticulously to meet the specific deadlines, affecting their ability to apply for funds efficiently.

The detailed eligibility requirements for funding and the restrictions on corporations with certain felonies or tax liabilities highlight the need for applicants to have robust administrative processes for verification. This can be burdensome for organizations with limited resources, potentially hindering their capacity to secure funding even if they serve essential roles in their communities.

While the document mentions available funding awards, it is silent on several aspects of its financial administration, including what constitutes an "acceptable" financial system for managing grant funds. This could result in ambiguity for applicants, potentially leading to challenges in fulfilling these requirements and thereby impacting their ability to be awarded funds.

Overall, while the document outlines specific funding limits for individual grants, clarity on total fiscal allocations and administrative expectations is crucial for potential applicants to navigate the grant application process effectively.