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pdfCommunity Connect Grant
Program Application
Guide for Fiscal Year 2019
Rural Utilities Service
Telecommunications Program
February 2019
Table of Contents
Introduction and General Information ........................................................................................ 3
Changes for 2019: ....................................................................................................................... 6
Applying for a Grant ................................................................................................................... 7
Completing the Grant Application ............................................................................................ 11
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Introduction and General Information
Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Program
Community Connect Grant Program
The Community Connect Grant Program (Community Connect Program) is designed to provide
financial assistance to provide service at the Broadband Grant Speed in rural, economicallychallenged communities where broadband service does not currently exist. Grant funds may be
used to: (1) deploy service at the Broadband Grant Speed to essential community facilities, rural
residents, and rural businesses, (2) construct, acquire, or expand a community center, and (3)
equip a community center that provides free access to service at the Broadband Grant Speed to
community residents for at least two years. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for
entities to serve all premises in eligible rural areas at the Broadband Grant Speed to ensure rural
consumers enjoy the same quality and range of broadband services as are available in urban and
suburban communities.
!! BEFORE YOU GET STARTED!!
You must read:
7 CFR 1739, Subpart A
And
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) published on Grants.gov on
February 12, 2019.
The regulation MUST be used in conjunction with this Application Guide.
Should any differences result in the interpretation of this Application Guide
and the regulation, the regulation takes precedence over information contained
in this Application Guide.
For additional information concerning this grant program, please contact:
Loan Origination and Approval Division, Telecommunications Program
(202) 720-0800 or Email: community.connect@wdc.usda.gov.
Additional information and forms are available on our website at:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants
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When and Where to Submit Application:
GRANT applications must be submitted or postmarked by:
APRIL 15, 2019
Applications must be submitted in EITHER of the following two ways:
1)
Electronically via www.grants.gov
2)
Postmarked, shipped, or hand-delivered paper copy of a completed application, with
original signatures, accompanied by an electronic version in the form of a CD-ROM or
USB Flash Drive. The paper application and the CD-ROM/USB Flash Drive must be
submitted to:
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Loan Origination and Approval Division
Rural Utilities Service
STOP 1597, Room 2844
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-1597
Due to the possible disruptions in mail delivery service, applicants are strongly encouraged to
submit applications via express mail or hand delivery to our office.
Applicants that submit their applications after the deadline noted above will be notified
that their applications will not be considered for funding and their applications will be
returned.
Prior to official submission of applications, applicants may request technical assistance or other
application guidance from the Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to March 29,
2019. Technical assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of the quality of the
materials submitted, a substitute for agency review of completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility, if such determination requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will
not solicit or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after the application
deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact applications to seek clarification information
on materials contained in the submitted application.
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Applications Delivered by Mail:
Paper applications must show proof of mailing or shipping consisting of one of the following:
1. A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark;
2. A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the USPS; or
3. A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier showing the
commercial carrier received the package on or before the application submittal deadline.
Self-generated shipping labels where the actual pickup by the carrier occurs after the
application submittal deadline are not acceptable.
If an application is sent through the USPS, neither of the following will be accepted as proof of
mailing:
1. A private metered postmark; or
2. A mail receipt that is not dated by the USPS.
Applicants should note that the USPS does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before
relying on this method, an applicant should check with its local post office.
Applications Delivered by Hand:
Applications delivered by hand will be accepted daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern
Time), except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. Individuals delivering applications
must provide proper identification to enter the building.
Applications Submitted Electronically:
Electronic applications will only be accepted when submitted through the Grants.gov
website. Applications will not be accepted via facsimile machine transmission or electronic mail.
https://www.grants.gov
Before submitting an application on-line, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) strongly encourages
you to obtain all necessary sign-ups, credentials and authorizations well in advance of the
deadline.
All Community Connect grant applicants must register with the System for Award Management
(SAM), the primary vendor database for the US Federal government, before applying for federal
funding. This includes applicants submitting both electronic and paper applications. Applicants
may register with SAM at https://www.sam.gov/ or by calling 1-877-332-8277. Applicants
should keep in mind that it can take up to ten business days to register with SAM, so applicants
should plan accordingly and begin the process well in advance of the application deadline. In
order to register with SAM, your organization will need a Data Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number.
In addition, Grants.gov requires some one-time credentialing and online authentication
procedures. These procedures may take several business days to complete. Several requirements
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on Grants.gov call for an annual update; applicants should also ensure that their credentials and
authorizations are up-to-date.
The Grants.gov website, like all web facilities, has finite capacity. If several federal grant
programs have the same application deadline date, periods of site overloading can be
experienced. Please plan accordingly.
Please follow the instructions at Grants.gov. If you experience a technical problem retrieving or
submitting an electronic application, contact the Grants.gov customer support resources (click
the "Customer Support" tab on any page of Grants.gov to get started). RUS staffers do not
control the technical aspects of Grants.gov and won't be able to help you if you experience a
problem. However, we are available to answer questions about the Program and the contents of
an application.
Changes for 2019:
The previous requirement to provide service to Critical Community Facilities has changed to
Essential Community Facilities as defined in 7 C.F.R. 3570.53.
The FOA requires that grants funds be used to fund at least 2, but not more than 10 computer
access points. Previously, matching funds could be used for this purpose. Under the FY 2019
program, grant funds MUST be used to purchase these computers.
Multiple applications may be submitted, but in such a case, only the highest scoring of those
applications may be awarded. The application requirements are therefore updated to remove
pro-forma projections that account for the receipt of multiple awards and the ability to provide
matching funds to support multiple awards.
Major Definitions and Limits:
1. Grant Request Limits
a
b
The minimum grant request amount is: $100,000
The maximum grant request amount is: $3,000,000
2. Broadband Speeds
a
b
Broadband Service means any terrestrial technology having the capacity to
provide transmission facilities that enable subscribers of the service to
originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video at the
minimum data rate of ten (10) megabits per second downstream and one (1)
megabit per second upstream for both fixed and mobile service. Any proposed
service area that is currently served with broadband service is ineligible to
receive funding.
Broadband Grant Speed means the minimum data rate of twenty-five (25)
megabits per second downstream and three (3) megabits per second upstream
for both fixed and mobile service that an applicant must propose to deliver to
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every customer in the proposed funded service area in order for the Agency to
approve a broadband grant.
3. Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA) – Applications will serve one proposed funded
service area. Applicants define their PFSA by using the web based RUS Mapping Tool.
The PFSA must be a single contiguous geographic area that may consist of a single or
multiple community(ies), a single or multiple county(ies), and may be located in more
than one State. The entire PFSA must be rural with no Broadband Service available. It
is important to note that all premises (households & businesses) in the service area must
be offered service at the Broadband Grant Speed.
4. Matching Fund Contribution - The match the applicant is required to contribute towards
the project remains at 15 percent of the requested grant amount. The match must be in
cash and can be used to fund operations or facilities of the project. The match must be in
the form of cash that is available at closing. In-kind contributions are not eligible to be
used to satisfy the required match.
5. Operating Expenses – Operating expenses are not an eligible grant purpose, with the
exception of the following:
a
b
Bandwidth expenses to provide free broadband service at the Broadband Grant
Speed to all the Essential Community Facilities for two years; and,
Leasing of facilities which may include spectrum, land, towers or buildings
that will be used to deploy service at the Broadband Grant Speed.
6. Community Center – Grant funds for the community center will be limited to the lesser
of 10% of the requested grant amount or $150,000. If grant funds are used for the
construction of a community center, then the building must reside on property owned by
the applicant.
Applying for a Grant
Grant Processing
Completed applications must be postmarked, hand-delivered, or submitted through
https://www.grants.gov by April 15, 2019 in order to be considered for funding. Grant
applications will be reviewed and scored in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR 1739 and
the FOA.
For FY 2019, one proposal per applicant is eligible for approval. If an applicant submits
more than one proposal, then the Agency will only consider the application with the highest
score.
Applicant Eligibility
Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for funding:
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i. An incorporated organization;
ii. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304;
iii. A State;
iv. A unit of local government;
v. Any other legal entity, including a cooperative, private corporation, or limited
liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
NOTE: The applicant may not be an individual or partnership.
Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities
as proposed in the application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable
federal statutes and regulations. If the applicant is seeking to partner with another entity to
operate the system, an agreement or draft agreement to do so must be provided with the
application. This agreement must address the specific financial terms of this partnership and the
specific entity/entities must be identified, along with their qualifications to operate the system.
Applications which rely on such a partnership but do not provide pertinent details will be
rejected, as RUS cannot determine the technical and financial feasibility of the project lacking
such information. RUS may consider an application based on such an agreement submitted with
the application, but if the application is ultimately awarded, RUS reserves the right to require
modifications to such agreements if they are found to contain terms which are unacceptable to
RUS.
Whether applying electronically or by paper, all applicants are required to supply a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register in the System for
Award Management (SAM).
Project Eligibility
To be eligible for a grant, the Project must:
▪
▪
▪
▪
Serve a Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA) where Broadband Service (10 Mbps/1
Mbps) does not currently exist, to be verified by RUS prior to the award of the grant.
The PFSA is defined as a contiguous geographic area within an eligible rural area. When
determining if a PFSA has no existing Broadband Service, we encourage applicants to
refer to the Federal Communication Commission as one of their sources
(https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov or https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps, though the
applicant is responsible for ensuring no service is available.
Offer service at the Broadband Grant Speed to ALL residential and business customers
within the PFSA.
Offer service at the Broadband Grant Speed, free of all charges for at least 2 years
starting from the time service becomes available to each Essential Community Facility,
as defined in 7 C.F.R. 3570.53, located within the PFSA.
Provide a Community Center located in the PFSA, with at least two (2) Computer
Access Points and wireless access at the Broadband Grant Speed (25 Mbps/3 Mbps), free
of all charges, to users for at least 2 years and open and accessible to the public before,
during and after normal working hours and on Saturdays or Sundays. Working hours are
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▪
generally understood to be 9 am- 5 pm and at least 40 hours a week, though the applicant
should address the specific needs of their community. Up to 10 Computer Access Points
may be funded with grant funds.
Not overlap with the service areas of current RUS borrowers and grantees.
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Eligible Grant Purposes
Grant funds may be used to finance:
1. The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, including spectrum, land, towers
or buildings, used to deploy service at the Broadband Grant Speed to all residential
and business customers located within the PFSA and all participating Essential
Community Facilities, including the funding for at least two (2) but no more than ten
(10) Computer Access Points to be used in the Community Center. Buildings
constructed with grant funds must reside on land owned by the applicant. Leasing
costs will only be covered for a three-year period during the advance of funds period
which will be listed in the award documents.
2. The improvement, expansion, construction, or acquisition of a Community Center
that is used for providing free access to service at the Broadband Grant Speed,
provided that the Community Center is open and accessible to area residents before,
during, and after normal working hours and on Saturday or Sunday. Grant funds
provided for the Community Center shall not exceed the lesser of 10% of the total
grant amount requested or $150,000. The costs of the computer access points, their
installation, or connection to the broadband system are not included in this limitation.
Note: If the total construction cost of the Community Center exceeds the maximum
limit mentioned above, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to finance the
additional costs.
3. The cost of providing the necessary bandwidth to provide service at the Broadband
Grant Speed free of charge to the Essential Community Facilities for 2 years.
NOTE: All equipment purchased for this Project must be new or non-depreciated.
Ineligible Grant Purposes
1. Grant Funds may not be used to finance the duplication of any existing Broadband
Service provided by other entities.
2. Operating expenses are ineligible with the exception of lease costs for facilities used
to deploy broadband service and bandwidth expenses. All other operating expenses
can be funded by the required matching contribution. The cost associated with the
leasing of building space for a Community Center is ineligible for grant funding.
However, the matching contribution can be used for this purpose.
NOTE: Costs incurred by the applicant, or others on behalf of the applicant, for facilities,
installed equipment, or other services rendered prior to submission of a completed application,
shall not be considered as eligible grant or match purposes.
Matching Funds Requirement
When the application is submitted, the awardee must provide or demonstrate available cash
reserves equal to at least 15% of the total amount of financial assistance being requested.
Matching contributions must be used solely for the Project. Those selected for a Community
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Connect Grant Program award must submit quarterly schedules to RUS that identify how the
match contribution was used to support the project until the total contribution is expended.
Matching funds shall be in the form of cash and can be used for any expenses related to the
project, including any operating expenses.
Ineligible sources of matching contributions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Manufacturer or service provider discounts.
In-kind contributions.
Income generated from the proposed project.
Any financial assistance from Federal sources unless there is a Federal statutory
exception authorizing the Federal financial assistance to be considered as a matching
contribution.
5. All non-cash items.
Special Matching Provisions for American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the
Northern Mariana Islands. Under Federal law, applications from these areas are exempt from
matching requirements up to $200,000.
Completing the Grant Application
This section addresses all of the information that must be submitted in order for an application to
be deemed complete and considered for funding. Please make sure that all the necessary
information is included in the appropriate section.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Standard Form 424, SAM
Registration and Other
Documentation
An Executive Summary of the
Project
Scoring Criteria Documentation
System Design
Service Area Map and
Demographics
Scope of Work
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
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Community-Oriented Connectivity
Plan
Financial Information and
Sustainability
A Statement of Experience
Additional Funding
Compliance with Other Federal
Statutes and Regulation
Application Checklist
Please download the checklist from our web site at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/CC_Application_Checklist_Final.xlsx Please fill out, sign and
date the check list and attach the signed checklist to your application. Schedules K-3, K-5, K-6,
K-7, and K-8 do not need to be printed and signed separately, the applicant acknowledges they
are certified to by signing the checklist. For K-5 and K-6 attach a narrative explaining the
answers to the questions contained in the form. The rest of the certifications must be signed and
included in the application (except K-9 if the applying entity is not a corporation). If you have
any questions about your application, please contact RUS prior to submitting the application and
certification.
A. Standard Form 424, SAM Registration and Other Documentation
The following Schedules must be included in this Section:
Schedule A-1
All applicants requesting funding under the Community Connect Grant Program must complete
the Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424). A copy of the form and
instructions has been attached to this document. Additional instructions for specific line items
also are included below. The form and any attachments referenced in this Guide can also be
found on our website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants.
Additional Instructions for SF-424 Form
Block 8: There are multiple entries in this block. We will use the contact information provided
in this box for all contact and correspondence. Please complete this in full and attach a sheet if
you want to provide additional contacts. It is crucial that we have accurate information,
including a reliable e-mail address for rapid correspondence. Otherwise, correspondence will be
sent by mail. You must provide full, accurate contact information for someone with the
authority to answer any questions that RUS staff may have about your application.
If you wish to supply a contact from outside your organization, attach a letter immediately
behind the SF-424 listing these items: person's name, organization, contact information (phone,
fax, e-mail, mailing address), relationship to your organization. Make sure the letter contains
language granting authority to the person to answer our questions or provide additional
information on your behalf, and any time limit you wish to apply to that person's authority. This
letter must be signed by the signatory on the SF-424.
As required by the Office of Management and Budget, all applicants for grants must supply a
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Call Dun and
Bradstreet (1-866-705-5711) to obtain a DUNS number. The following website will provide you
with more information:
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-dunsnumber.html
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Block 10: The Name of the Federal Agency is Rural Utilities Service.
Block 11: The Catalog of Federal Assistance Number is 10.863.
Block 12: Funding Opportunity Number is RDRUS-CC-2019. The Title is “Community
Connect Grant Program”.
Block 14: Please provide the name of the Community(ies), County(ies), and State(s) where the
grant funds will be used.
Block 15: Brief descriptive title of project.
Block 16: Please provide the Congressional District(s) for the service area you are proposing to
cover in your project.
Block 19: Please select “C” “Program is not covered by E.O. 12372”.
Block 20: You must supply an explanation of the delinquency if you check “yes”.
Block 21: Please be sure to check “I agree”. The application must be signed by an authorized
representative of the organization that will own and operate the project if the grant is awarded. If
the authorized representative is not a corporate officer, evidence must be included that
demonstrates that the authorized representative has authority to obligate the organization.
Schedule A-2
SAM Registration and Supporting Documentation
The applicant must provide a printout of the organization’s SAM.gov registration which clearly
identifies the CAGE code assigned by SAM.gov and confirms the registration was active before
the application was submitted. The SAM.gov registration must remain active with current
information while RUS is considering an application and while a Federal Grant Award or loan is
active. To maintain the registration in the SAM.gov database the applicant must review and
update annually. To complete this section of the application, provide the SAM Cage Code
assigned when you registered. For this schedule, please provide a printout of your
organization’s SAM registration, which clearly identifies the CAGE code assigned by
SAM.gov and confirms the registration was active before the application was submitted. In
addition, please address that yours is an eligible organization. Only entities legally organized as
one of the following are eligible for funding:
i. An incorporated organization;
ii. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304;
iii. A State;
iv. A unit of local government;
v. Any other legal entity, including a cooperative, private corporation, or limited
liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
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To support this, the applicant must provide acceptable evidence of legal existence.
Corporations or LLCs must provide evidence of good standing in accordance with the laws of
the state or other body under which they are organized. For entities that exist under law, rather
than through incorporation or other action, a copy of the state statute, regulation, or other
appropriate documentation must be provided to confirm the legal name of the entity. Evidence
of tax status from the Internal Revenue Service or a state department of taxation is not evidence
of legal existence.
The Entity Name, DUNS Number and SAM.gov registration must be for the applicant. It
cannot be for a parent, subsidiary or other affiliated entity.
It is important that the exact name of the legal entity applying for the grant be listed in block 8 of
the SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance, and that the entity be legally eligible to receive
the award and take legal ownership over items acquired under the grant.
Applications that do not demonstrate both the applicant’s legal existence as an entity that
is eligible to apply for a grant and its legal authority to contract with the United States
Government will be returned as ineligible.
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B. An Executive Summary of the Project
The Executive Summary of the project is one of the most important parts of the application. It
gives reviewers their first overall view of the area to be served, what problems the residents face,
and how the proposed project will help alleviate those problems, increase quality of life, and
provide enhanced opportunities for businesses and rural residents. This is your opportunity to
discuss the core aspects of the project. Be clear and provide convincing links between the
project and the benefits to the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA).
The Executive Summary must provide a general project overview covering the following
six categories:
1. A description of the PFSA and why the project is needed;
2. A description of the applicant which includes but is not limited to, the history of the
organization and any past or current projects and community related activities or
awards;
3. An explanation of the total Project costs;
4. A general overview of the broadband system to be constructed, including the types of
equipment, technologies, and facilities that will be used;
5. Documentation describing the procedures used to determine the unavailability of
existing Broadband Service in the PFSA. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the
Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Map, contact the
appropriate General Field Representative (GFR) (https://www.rd.usda.gov/contactus/telecom-gfr) and to contact the local phone and video providers serving the PFSA
in order to determine if Broadband Service is available. In order to provide this
documentation, applicants can complete a table like the one below:
Resource
Contact
Person
Results
FCC
N/A
Consulted FCC data and it does not appear that Broadband
Service is available within the PFSA.
Local Phone
Companies
VP
of The VP of Operations confirmed that the company does
Operations
not offer, nor do they intend to offer, Broadband Service
anywhere in the PFSA.
Local Video
Companies
President
The President confirmed that the company does not offer,
nor do they intend to offer, Broadband Service anywhere
in the PFSA.
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Resource
Contact
Person
Results
Local WISP Serving
Within the County
Owner
The owner confirmed that the company does not offer, nor
do they intend to offer, Broadband Service anywhere in
the PFSA.
A list of the participating Essential Community Facilities (such as schools, public medical
clinics, police and fire departments, public hospitals, etc.) and evidence that any remaining
Essential Community Facility located in the PFSA has rejected the offer for free service at the
Broadband Grant Speed. This can be in the form of a letter preferably on official letterhead from
the organization, if available. The Community Center must be addressed and to the extent it
depends on other entities, these commitments should be addressed (letters of intent, lease
agreements, etc.)
At the end of the Executive Summary, please provide a section noted “Publicly Releasable
Project Description” which contains the following information:
1. Title of Project
2. Proposed Funded Service Area Description
3. Brief Description of Project
Any information included in this section may be released to interested parties inquiring about
your application, so please provide an adequate description of the project, but do not include any
information you would object being released to the public. Please clearly denote the section
which you agree is publicly releasable, including where the releasable description begins AND
ends.
C. Scoring Criteria Documentation
The ranking of the benefits of the Project will be based on documentation in support of the need
for services, benefits derived from the proposed services, characteristics of the Proposed Funded
Service Area (PFSA), local community involvement in planning and implementation of the
Project, and the level of experience of the management team. In ranking applications the
Agency will consider the following criteria based on a scale of 100 possible points:
1. PFSA Needs (up to 50 points):
An analysis of the challenges found within the PFSA using the following criteria, and discussion
of how the Project proposes to address these issues:
a
The economic characteristics. Describe the economic conditions of the PFSA
including current quality of life, household income, unemployment data,
employment by sector (manufacturing, agriculture, retail, etc.), and any major
employers in the area. Scored out of 15 points with a preference to areas with low
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b
c
d
income compared to the state MHI, high unemployment, and overall economic trend
(stagnant or declining economic characteristics will score higher).
Educational challenges. Describe the challenges facing educational institutions
within the PFSA and provide an assessment of these institutions’ current use of
technology (e.g., distance learning programs, computer classes, use of online tools
for classroom presentations by instructors and students). In addition, describe in
detail how the proposed project will not only increase but improve the use of
technology at these institutions. Scored out of 15 points with preference given to
applications that have specific support of challenges identified with support for these
challenges.
Health care needs. Provide a complete list of public medical clinics and hospitals in
the PFSA and their current use of broadband services, if any, such as telemedicine.
Statements can be provided from medical professionals describing their need for
broadband services to provide advanced medical technology and describe how the
proposed project can support these advances. Scored out of 10 points with
preference given to applications that have specific support of health care needs
identified and a full proposal for how the project will improve health care conditions.
Public safety issues. Include a listing of police, fire and rescue services which cover
the PFSA. Address the current state of any public safety issues and how the
proposed project will lead to improvements of the technology being used. Scored
out of 10 points with preference given to applications that that have specific support
of issues provided and fully address how the project will improve these public safety
issues.
2. Stakeholder Involvement (up to 40 points):
Documentation that demonstrates the extent of participation and support by local residents and
Essential Community Facilities in the Project’s planning, development, and implementation.
The application should include evidence of local involvement in such activities as community
meetings, public forums, and surveys. Preference will be given to applications that provide
support from residential, business, and local, state or Federal interests shown to be within the
PFSA applied for. Support letters should address specific needs and where there is interest in
participating in the project (donation of space for the Community Center, for example) should
specifically document that intent.
3. Management Experience (10 points):
Qualifications and ability of the key personnel who will construct, manage, and operate the
broadband system. Include any past experiences and successes of operating a broadband system
which is similar to the proposed broadband system.
Note: Administrator Consideration
In making the final selection among and between applications with comparable rankings and
geographic distribution, the Administrator may take into consideration the characteristics of the
PFSA. Only information that is provided in the application will be considered; therefore, RUS
strongly encourages the applicant to specifically address each of the following criteria to
differentiate their application(s) from other applications:
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a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Persistent poverty counties that will be served within the PFSA;
Out-migration communities (continuous movement of population out of the
community) that will be served within the PFSA;
The rurality of the PFSA;
The speed of broadband service that is offered to all the subscribers in the
PFSA;
Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA) that will be served within the
PFSA. If the Administrator determines that a community in “trust land” (as
defined in section 3765 of title 38, United States Code) has a high need for the
benefits of the Community Connect Program, he may designate the community
as a “substantially underserved trust area” (as defined in section 306F of the
RE Act) ;
Community members with disabilities that will be served within the PFSA;
Any other additional factors that may be outlined in the NOFA.
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D. System Design
The system design contains all the technical information on the applicant’s existing (if
applicable) and the proposed system. The following information must be included in this
section:
1. A detailed description of the existing network, if applicable, which includes the
following:
a. The current service area(s).
b. The types of services (voice, video and/or data) offered and the number of
subscribers taking each type of service.
c. The total number of establishments served. For wireline networks, specify the
number of establishments passed with the network. For wireless networks,
specify the total number of establishments covered by the network.
d. The types of technologies used in the network.
e. A description of the current connection to the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
2. A detailed description of the proposed network which includes the following:
a. The PFSA as proposed in the application.
b. Any upgrades that will be made to the existing network, if applicable.
c. The types of services (voice, video and/or data) to be offered in the PFSA.
d. The types of technology to be deployed in the PFSA and how the technology
will facilitate the offering of service at the Broadband Grant Speed.
e. The estimated number of establishments to be served. Provide detailed
information showing that all households and businesses within the PFSA will
be offered broadband service at the Broadband Grant Speed when the system
is complete.
f. A description of the proposed connection to the ISP and any changes needed
to the existing system to accommodate additional capacity, if any.
3. A description of the design parameters used in engineering the system. Examples
include oversubscription ratio calculations, bandwidth consumption per user, link loss,
data rates per link, redundancy requirements, and technical specifications.
4. A description of any licenses and/or agreements required to construct and operate the
network and the status of securing those licenses/agreements.
5. A network diagram (Schedule D-1) of the applicant’s existing network (if applicable)
and the proposed network. This diagram shall be a block diagram that clearly shows
how the traffic flows through the network from the interconnection points with the
backbone service providers to the end users. The following information must be shown
on the network diagram:
a. The location of the essential community facilities, the proposed community
center, and all major network elements.
b. The route miles between each network element.
c. The bandwidth capacity between the network elements.
d. The types of facilities (fiber, copper, microwave, etc.) that are or will be used
for establishing the connection between the network elements and the pointsof-connection with the backbone service providers.
e. The location of any leased facilities and the owner of these facilities.
19
6. Information on environmental compliance. Applicants must complete and submit an
Environmental Questionnaire (Schedule D-2) in accordance with 7 CFR 1970, for any
facilities that will be constructed with Community Connect Grant Program funds. A
copy of 7 CFR Part 1970 can be retrieved from: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?SID=4893726df467c812bc13ae8339b86220&mc=true&node=pt7.14.1970&rgn=div
5.
NOTE: When designing and constructing the network proposed in the application, the applicant
must adhere to all federal, state, and local requirements. Therefore, it is strongly recommended
that the System Design be prepared by a registered engineer licensed in the State in which the
facilities will be constructed or by qualified personnel on the applicant’s staff with experience in
designing the type of broadband system proposed in the application.
20
Schedule D-2
Community Connect Grant Program
Environmental Questionnaire
Legal Name of Applicant:
Overview
The USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is required to assess the impacts of proposed federal
actions, such as the provision of financial assistance through the Community Connect Grant
Program, to the human environment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Endangered Species
Act (ESA), and other federal, state, and local environmental laws. Community Connect Grant
Program applicants must complete an Environmental Questionnaire (EQ) and submit it with their
applications. The EQ provides information to RUS so that it can either complete the
environmental review process or determine the appropriate level of additional impact analyses
needed, in accordance with RUS Environmental Policies and Procedures, 7 CFR 1970
(http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?SID=4893726df467c812bc13ae8339b86220&mc=true&node=pt7.14.1970&rgn=div5).
RUS will notify applicants if additional information or analyses are necessary beyond what was
submitted in the EQ.
No construction activities may begin until final environmental approval from RUS is
granted. In accordance with 7 CFR § 1970.12, awardees are prohibited from taking actions that
may have an adverse environmental impact or limit the choice of practicable alternatives that
may be considered until RUS has concluded the environmental review process. If the proposed
project involves construction activities or property acquisition, the applicant is generally
prohibited from acquiring, rehabilitating, converting, leasing, repairing or constructing property
or facilities, or committing or expending Agency or non-Agency funds until after RUS has
concluded its environmental review requirements.
An applicant may submit to RUS a copy of any environmental review document that has been
prepared in connection with obtaining permits, approvals, or other financing for the proposed
project from state, local or other federal agencies. Such material, to the extent determined to be
relevant, may be used to fulfill RUS environmental review requirements.
Applicants shall not reference items provided in other parts of the application package in the EQ;
all materials relevant to the EQ must be integrated herein to facilitate timely review.
21
Requested Information
A.
Project Description and Location: Describe all project-related construction activities,
including, but not limited to, the construction or renovation of a community center, the
construction and installation of cable (buried and/or aerial), and/or the installation of
telecommunications transmission facilities including construction of new towers and/or
collocations. Complete descriptions, locations and mapping must be provided for each
site affected by project-related construction activities (recommend U.S. Geological
Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle maps at a map scale of 1:24,000; larger scale maps may be
provided for site-specific proposals). USGS maps may be obtained and purchased at the
following website: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/maps.html. All project elements, if
known at the time of the application, must be clearly depicted on any map provided. If
appropriate, photographs or aerial photographs of site-specific proposals may be
provided.
B.
Land Use: Describe the amount of property to be cleared, excavated, fenced, or
otherwise disturbed by the proposed project, and the current land use and zoning for each
project site affected by construction. Document whether the proposed project is located
on public land owned or managed by the federal government. For information related to
federal lands see the following website (https://navigator.blm.gov/home). This website
provides cadastral survey and land management information and data from the National
Integrated Land System specifically the distribution of the Public Land Survey System
(PLSS), other survey-based data, and federal land boundaries. Detailed guidance related
to evaluating impacts related to land use can be found in Subpart L of Rural
Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970l.pdf)
C.
Wetlands: Describe and indicate whether wetlands are present on or near the project
site(s) affected by proposed construction (maps of wetlands may be obtained from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetland Inventory website
(http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/, or from soil maps obtained from the USDA, Natural
Resource Conservation Service's website
(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/soils/home/), focusing on areas of hydric
soil(s)). If wetlands are identified within the project area, please document where the
project components will be located in relation to the identified wetland areas. Detailed
guidance related to evaluating impacts to wetlands can be found in Subpart G of Rural
Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970g.pdf)
D.
Threatened and Endangered Species: Describe and indicate whether any proposed
project site(s) will directly or indirectly affect any threatened, endangered or candidate
species, or is/are within or near critical habitats. Applicants must provide species lists
and appropriate specie accounts (i.e. requisite habitat) for each county affected by
construction obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website
(http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/). Information about potential critical habitat areas can also be
found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website noted above. The Environmental
Review Fact Sheet (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWP22
CommunityConnectFinalEnvironmentalReviews.pdf) gives further detail on the
information to provide. Detailed guidance related to evaluating impacts to threatened and
endangered species can be found in Subpart N of Rural Development’s Environmental
Policies and Procedures (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970n.pdf).
E.
Floodplains: Describe and indicate whether or not any facility(ies) or site(s) are located
within a 100-year or 500-year floodplain. If any project-related construction activities are
within floodplains, a copy of a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that depicts
construction activities must be included. Information related to floodplains and National
Flood Insurance Maps may be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA) website (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/). Detailed guidance related to
evaluating impacts to and from floodplains can be found in Subpart F of Rural
Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970f.pdf).
F.
Coastal Areas: Determine whether or not the project is within the boundaries of a coastal
zone management area (CZMA). For boundary related and contact information related to
CZMA, see National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management's website (https://coast.noaa.gov/). Detailed guidance
related to evaluating impacts to coastal areas can be found in Subpart O of Rural
Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970o.pdf).
G.
Brownfields: Determine whether the project is located within a brownfield site. Per 42
U.S.C. 9601, the term ''brownfield site'' means real property, the expansion,
redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential
presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Maps and locations of
sites, facilities and properties that have been contaminated by hazardous materials and are
being, or have been, cleaned up under EPA's Superfund, RCRA and/or brownfields
cleanup programs can be found at the EPA’s Cleanups in My Community website
(https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cleanups-my-communityDetailed guidance related to
evaluating impacts from locating projects at brownfield sites can be found in Subpart J of
Rural Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970j.pdf)
H.
Section 106 Review: Applicants are delegated the authority to initiate consultation with
State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) and engage with interested tribes related to
their projects. Prior to initiating any communications, please see the Environmental
Review Fact Sheet (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWPCommunityConnectFinalEnvironmentalReviews.pdf) to determine whether the proposed
project will require such communication. In some cases, statewide programmatic
agreements may apply, please contact RUS for more information. Detailed guidance and
template letters related to evaluating impacts to historic and cultural resources can be
found at Subpart H of Rural Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures
(https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970h.pdf).
23
Applications Subject to FCC Section 106 Reviews
Applicants who propose to use Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum
for their telecommunications towers and collocations should note that the FCC has
regulatory requirements for licensing radio spectrum to be carried by these facilities, and
an established review process for ensuring compliance with Section 106 of NHPA. If the
proposed tower or collocation will use FCC licensed spectrum, regardless of the height of
the telecommunications tower, applicants must complete FCC’s Section 106 review
process – see: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/competition-infrastructurepolicy-division/tower-and-antenna-siting. If an application proposes a tower or
collocation that will carry FCC spectrum, RUS has agreed that FCC will conduct Section
106 review for those facilities.
Applications Not Subject to FCC Section 106 Reviews or Statewide Programmatic
Agreements
RUS will conduct Section 106 review for any new tower or collocation which will not
carry FCC regulated spectrum and any other construction component of an application
not subject to FCC review. Please follow the guidance in the Environmental Review Fact
Sheet (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/UWPCommunityConnectFinalEnvironmentalReviews.pdf) and in Subpart H of Rural
Development’s Environmental Policies and Procedures to include all applicable
information in the EQ (https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/1970h.pdf).
Additional Assistance/Contact Information
In addition to the resource specific references provided above, general NEPA related information
and guidance can be found on the CEQ website (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/) or on the
environmental section of the RUS website at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/environmental-studies/environmental-guidance.
For information related to Section 106 of NHPA, see the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation website at https://www.achp.gov/digital-library-section-106-landing/citizens-guidesection-106-review.
24
Note: It is imperative an applicant start the consultation process with applicable agencies,
if required, before submitting the application. If consultation is required, but evidence that
process has begun is not provided, or if special or high sensitivity issues are not adequately
addressed, RUS may deem that application to be incomplete and reject the application on
that basis. Engage relevant agencies early, and be aware of any significant issues before
applying, consider designs that bypass sensitive areas, and work to fully address the
requested information.
25
E. Service Area Demographics
The PFSA must be electronically mapped using the RUS web-based Mapping Tool which can be
accessed at https://broadbandsearch.sc.egov.usda.gov. The PFSA will be assigned a Mapping
Tool Reference Number. The Mapping Tool Reference Number must be submitted in the
following format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. When multiple Community Connect
Applications will be submitted, each PFSA should be mapped separately (i.e. not in the same
“Application” in the Mapping Tool) in the Mapping Tool and have a unique Mapping Tool
Reference Number assigned; Mapping Tool Reference Numbers provided should have only one
associated PFSA. YOU MUST PROVIDE THE MAPPING TOOL REFERENCE
NUMBER IN YOUR APPLICATION, RUS CANNOT LOOK UP YOUR MAP
INDEPENDENTLY. FAILURE TO INCLUDE A MAPPING TOOL REFERENCE
NUMBER IN YOUR APPLICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO BE
DEEMED INCOMPLETE, AND THE APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED.
Demographic information, including the total population and the total number of households and
the businesses that are located in the PFSA, must also be provided. These statistics should be
obtained from the most recent data available by the U. S. Census Bureau at
http://www.census.gov/ and can be supplemented with more current information. If updated
information is used, please identify the source to allow RUS to validate your submission. Below
is a suggested format for providing your reference number and demographic information as part
of this section.
Service Area Demographics
Mapping Tool Reference Number:
Service Area Name
Population
Households
Businesses
F. Scope of Work
The scope of work must include the following:
1. A description of the specific activities and services to be performed under the project.
2. Who will carry out the activities and services?
3. A construction build-out schedule and project milestones, showing the time-frames
for accomplishing the Project objectives and activities on a quarterly basis (Schedule
F-1). This schedule should list all the major network build-out phases and milestones
to demonstrate that the network deployment will be completed and the grant purposes
will be fulfilled within the designated grant period. A sample format is available for
download at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/Schedule_F1-F2.xlsx,
26
4. A detailed budget (Schedule F-2) of all expenditures related to eligible Grant
purposes. The budget should include a descriptive name for each capitalized item or
group of items in each category. The expenditures will be divided into two
categories: costs related to the Broadband System and to the Community Center. The
budget will also note if the costs will be funded by grant funds and/or other sources of
funding. A sample budget is included in this section, and available for download as
an Excel file at https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/Schedule_F1-F2.xlsx. Applicants are
strongly encouraged to provide their budget in this same format, modifying or adding
lines as necessary to provide sufficient detail to evaluate your proposal. A brief
description of each budget category is provided on the sample budget to assist in
determining which items should fall under each category, though applicants should
modify this description to address the specific items included in the project budget.
The total grant funds shown on the budget must be the same as those listed on
the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424). The budget must include grant
funding for at least 2, and up to 10 computer access points to be deployed at the
Community Center.
NOTE: Any ineligible items included in the budget will not be considered for grant funding and
could affect the eligibility of the application. All capital expenditures necessary for carrying out
the project must be included in the budget, whether the costs will be funded with grant funds or
not, e.g. if the Community Center will be funded with the applicants own funds, these costs must
still be captured on the budget since otherwise it has not been demonstrated that a Community
Center will be implemented. Grant application budgets will also be reviewed to determine cost
allowability. Review factors affecting cost allowability will be determined by 2 CFR 200 which
is available at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
27
G. Community-Oriented Connectivity Plan
The provision of broadband service is vital to the economic development, education, health, and
safety of rural Americans. To further this objective, RUS will provide financial assistance to
eligible entities that propose to provide broadband service that fosters economic growth and
delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. The “broadband
connectivity” concept integrates the deployment of broadband infrastructure with the practical,
everyday uses and applications of the facilities.
Specifically, RUS will provide financial assistance to eligible entities that are proposing to
deploy service at the Broadband Grant Speed in an eligible rural service area where Broadband
Service does not currently exist; who will connect the Essential Community Facilities including
the local schools, libraries, hospitals, police, fire and rescue services; and who will operate a
Community Center that provides free and open access to residents. A Community Center will
not only provide improved access but will aid rural residents in developing on-line businesses
and will allow them to reap the benefits of Internet-based advanced placement courses, and
continuing adult education. Priority will be given to rural areas that have the greatest need for
broadband services. The applicant must provide a community-oriented connectivity plan
consisting of the following:
1. A list of all Essential Community Facilities located in the PFSA, including public
schools, public libraries, public medical clinics, public hospitals, community colleges,
public universities, law enforcement, and fire and ambulance stations. The applicant
must provide documentation of consultation with these groups, including
commitments to participate or not to participate in the proposed project. For
example, applicants can complete a table like the one below and provide supporting
documentation to show the type of consultations that have taken place and any
commitments that have been made.
Essential Community
Facility
Contact Person
Type of Commitment
Local Library
Contact Name
Will provide a room in the library
to use as the Community Center.
Local Elementary School
Contact Name
Will provide a staff member to
conduct training on basic computer
use once the Community Center is
operational.
2. A description of the services that will be available to local residents and businesses
located in the PFSA.
28
3. A description of the activities that will be made available through the Community Center
and the hours that the Community Center will be open to the public. Specifically
address business hours in the community, and how the hours of operation you
propose meet the requirement the center be open before, during, and after normal
working hours, and on Saturday and/or Sunday.
4. A description of the consultations with the appropriate telecommunications carriers
(including inter-exchange carriers, cable television operators, enhanced service
providers, providers of satellite services, and telecommunication equipment
manufacturers and distributors serving the PFSA) and the anticipated role of such
providers in the proposed telecommunications system.
H. Financial Information and Sustainability
The applicant must provide a narrative description demonstrating sustainability of the project
from the commencement of the construction to completion and beyond the grant period; the
sufficiency of resources; how the matching requirement is met; and the expertise necessary to
undertake and complete the project. The following financial information is required:
1. If the applicant is an existing company, it must provide complete copies of audited
financial statements, if available, for the two fiscal years preceding the application
submission. If audited statements are unavailable, the applicant must submit
unaudited financial statements for those fiscal years. This information must be
provided separately from the Pro-Forma workbook provided by RUS as Schedule H1. Applications from start-up entities must, at a minimum, provide an opening
balance sheet dated within 30 days of the application submission date.
2. Annual financial projections in the form of a balance sheet, income statement, and
statement of cash flows for a forecast period of five years, which prove the
sustainability of the project for that period and beyond. This Pro-Forma Financial
Forecast must be inclusive of the applicant’s existing operations and the proposed
project, and must be supported by a detailed narrative that fully explains the
methodology and assumptions used to develop the projections, including details on
the number of subscribers projected to take the applicant’s service. Applicants should
use the provided workbook Schedule H-1 to provide these annual financial
projections. A copy of the template is available at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ScheduleH-1-ProForma5YearFinancialForecastSingleApplication.xlsx
Schedule H-1 includes separate worksheets, consisting of a Pro-Forma Income Statement,
Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.
It is the applicants’ responsibility to ensure they have sufficiently demonstrated the
feasibility of their projects and existing operations, if applicable.
The financial forecast must cover at least five years and be inclusive of ALL operations of the
applicant (that is, both existing and proposed). It will be used by the RUS to determine whether
the proposed project is financially feasible and sustainable and whether this is a viable operation.
29
The projections must include detailed financial assumptions, included as Schedule H-2, taking
into account the applicant’s best estimates for start-up costs (if any), revenues, expenses, ability
to make a profit and all financial data related to any subsidiaries.
Tips for Successful Application
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure that the appropriate Schedule is prepared by a financial consultant,
accountant, or individual qualified to prepare financial forecasts.
Follow the guidance on developing financial projections in this section.
Ensure that the RUS can determine exactly how every line item was calculated
in each forecast year.
Ensure that the information you provide is consistent with the details of other
sections in your application. This includes historical financial statements,
subscriber projections and service tiers, and Scope of Work.
Pro-Forma financial statements must be for the applicants and co-applicants, not
for parent organizations.
General Pro-Forma Financial Forecast Guidance
Every Pro-Forma Financial Forecast consists of an Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and
Statement of Cash Flows. Columns should be clearly labeled with the appropriate year. Start-up
organizations can leave the historical columns blank, except for the opening Balance Sheet,
which should be included in the historical column immediately prior to the forecast years.
Historical and forecast years can be based on either calendar years or fiscal years, but if the
applicant reports by fiscal years, the applicant should note the fiscal year period in the
Assumptions which must accompany the Pro-Forma Financial Forecast.
The statements should also contain all of the applicant’s regulated and non-regulated operations.
Revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and related cash flow transactions of non-regulated
operations should be included in detail in the financial forecast.
Pro-Forma Income Statement Guidance
Schedules H-1is pre-populated with preferred revenue and expense categories. Applicants are
encouraged to use these exact categories in order to facilitate processing applications. If an
applicant chooses to not employ this template, or otherwise modify Schedule H-1 template
categories, the applicant must provide a sufficient level of detail to enable a reasonable level of
understanding of the financial position of the existing operations combined with operations
derived from the proposed project.
The following is a brief description of the pre-populated revenue and expense categories
contained on the Income Statement worksheet in this template.
REVENUES
30
i.
Network Services Revenues
a. Local Voice Service revenues are derived from the provision of local voice
services to customers. Local voice service revenues should relate to the
number of local voice service subscribers and price per subscriber
information contained in the Pro-Forma Financial Assumptions. This
should include revenue from residential, single-line businesses, multi-line
businesses, and optional features.
b. Broadband Data Service revenues are derived from the provision of
broadband data services to customers. Broadband data service revenues
should relate to the number of subscribers and price per subscriber
information contained in the Pro-Forma Financial Assumptions.
c. Video Service revenues are derived from the provision of video services to
customers. Video service revenues should relate to the number of video
service subscribers and price per subscriber information contained in the
Pro-Forma Financial Assumptions. This should include set-top box
revenue, basic, expanded basic, digital, premium channel packs and video
on demand subscribers.
ii.
Middle Mile Revenues are derived from the provision of services related to a
Middle Mile network, including transport and interconnection services. Middle
Mile revenues should relate to the number of Middle Mile subscribers and price
per subscriber information contained in the Pro-Forma Financial Assumptions.
iii.
Network Access Service Revenues are derived from the provision of exchange
service to an interexchange carrier or to an end user of telecommunications
services beyond the exchange carrier's network.
iv.
Universal Service Fund revenues are funds received by the applicant from the
various universal service fund programs, both federal and state.
v.
Toll Service/Long Distance Voice revenues are derived from the provision of
services beyond the basic service area, whether message or flat-rate and
including public network switching as well as private.
vi.
Installation Revenues are derived from the installation of network equipment,
typically at the customer’s establishment that allows the provision of services.
Installation revenue should relate to gross subscriber additions and proposed
installation fees.
vii.
Amortized Grant Revenues are recognized from Community Connect or other
grants.
viii.
Other Operating Revenues are all other revenues derived from sources other
than those described above.
ix.
Uncollectible Revenues are the estimated amounts of revenue that you will not
be able to collect.
EXPENSES
31
i.
Backhaul expenses are associated with transporting voice and broadband data
network traffic from the customer premises equipment (CPE) or handset to the
point of interconnection to the Internet.
ii.
IP/Interconnection expenses are associated with interconnecting with and
transferring traffic across the Internet.
iii.
Video Content expenses are related to the provision of video services revenue
and consist of video programming costs and fees.
iv.
Spectrum expenses are related to leasing spectrum from others in a wireless
services network. Amortized spectrum acquisition expenses related to
purchased spectrum should be included in the Amortization Expense category
described below.
v.
Network Maintenance/Monitoring expenses are the personnel and related
costs of maintaining/monitoring the network and customer premises
equipment.
vi.
Utilities expense is the cost of utilities related to network operations.
vii.
Sales/Marketing expenses are all costs associated with marketing to and
obtaining customers and subscribers, including salesperson compensation,
advertising and marketing promotions, and subsidies on customer premises
equipment or handsets.
viii.
Customer Care expenses are the personnel and related costs of providing
customer care operations to customers.
ix.
Corporate G&A expenses include personnel, occupancy, insurance, billing
and collections, and other general and administrative expenses.
x.
Property Tax expenses are the costs incurred for state and local property taxes.
xi.
Other Operating Expenses are all other operating expenses not included
above.
Interest Income is interest income earned from marketable securities and/or cash.
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) is the net income (expense) derived from
sources other than the applicant’s primary telecommunications operations. Amounts
included in this category must be fully supported by the financial assumptions.
EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Depreciation Community Connect Project Assets is the depreciation expense related to
all plant in service associated with the proposed Community Connect Grant project.
32
Depreciation Other Assets is the depreciation expense related to the plant in service not
associated with the proposed Community Connect Grant project.
Amortization Expense is the amortization expense associated with intangible assets.
Interest Expense – Existing Debt is the interest cost associated with all existing
outstanding debt, if any.
Interest Expense - New Debt is the interest cost associated with the applicant’s new
interest-bearing debt, if any.
Income Taxes are the provision or benefit for Federal and state income taxes related to a
for-profit applicant.
Net Income (Loss) represents the net income (loss) for the historical or forecast year.
Pro-Forma Balance Sheet Guidance
The Pro-Forma Balance Sheets must comply with basic GAAP requirements that state Total
Assets must equal Total Liabilities and Total Equity, and loans are reflected with current and
long-term positions for each Pro-Forma year. The following is a brief description of the prepopulated balance sheet categories contained on the Balance Sheet worksheet in this template.
ASSETS
Current Assets
i.
Cash includes all restricted and non-restricted cash balances.
ii.
Marketable Securities consists of all short-term investments of excess cash not
required for on-going operations.
iii.
Accounts Receivable consists of amounts owed by customers and subscribers
from the provision of services or the sale of equipment.
iv.
Other Current Assets consists of all other current assets not included above,
including, but not limited to, Inventory, Notes Receivable and Prepayments.
Non-Current Assets
i.
Amortizable Assets - Net consists of intangible assets less related accumulated
amortization.
ii.
Plant in Service – Community Connect Project Assets contains the property
and equipment at cost associated with the proposed Community Connect
Grant project. Annual changes to this category should relate to the Capital
Expenditures – Project Assets category included on the Statement of Cash
Flows.
iii.
Accumulated Depreciation – Community Connect Project Assets consists of
the accumulated depreciation of the proposed Community Connect Grant
33
project. Annual changes to this category should relate to the Depreciation
Expense – Project Assets category included on the Income Statement.
iv.
Plant in Service – Other Assets contains the property and equipment at cost of
assets other than the accumulated depreciation associated with the proposed
Community Connect Grant project. Annual changes to this category should
relate to the Capital Expenditures – Other Assets category included on the
Statement of Cash Flows.
v.
Accumulated Depreciation – Other Assets consists of the accumulated
depreciation of assets included in the “Plant in Service –Other Assets”
category. Annual changes to this category should relate to the Depreciation
Expense – Other Assets category included on the Income Statement.
vi.
Other Non-Current Assets consists of all other non-current assets not included
above.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
i.
Accounts Payable consists of the amounts owed to trade vendors.
ii.
Current Portion – Existing Debt consists of the total principal balance related
to existing debt that will be repaid in the following year and should relate to
the “Proceeds from Existing Debt” and “Repayments of Existing Debt”
categories included on the Statement of Cash Flows.
iii.
Current Portion – New Debt consists of the total principal balance related to
all other of the applicant’s new debt, if any that will be repaid in the following
year and should relate to the “Proceeds from New Debt” and “Repayments of
New Debt” categories included on the Statement of Cash Flows.
iv.
Current Portion – Deferred Grant Revenue consists of the total amount of
deferred grant revenue that will be recognized as revenue in the following
year and should relate to Amortized Grant Revenue category included on the
Income Statement. However, those applicants that are rate-regulated Telecom
or Electric companies must continue to utilize the accounting required by the
respective uniform system of accounts for those industries, which require that
the plant accounts be reduced by the grant funds received as the grant funds
are received.
v.
Other Current Liabilities consists of all other current liabilities not included
above.
Non Current Liabilities
vi.
Existing Debt consists of the total outstanding principal balance related to the all
existing sources of debt, if any, less the Current Portion – Existing Debt
category.
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vii.
New Debt consists of the total outstanding principal balance of all new debt, if
any, less the Current Portion - New Debt category.
viii.
Deferred Grant Revenue: Grantees should account for revenue recognized from
grants. This consists of the remaining unamortized grant revenue less the
Current Portion – Deferred Grant Revenue category. Rate-regulated Telecom or
Electric companies may leave this item blank.
ix.
Other Non-Current Liabilities consists of all other non-current liabilities not
included above.
Equity
x.
Capital Stock consists of the par value of capital stock.
xi.
Additional Paid in Capital consists of all other capital stock transactions, less the
amounts in Capital Stock.
xii.
Patronage Capital Credits represents earnings that have been designated for
distribution to cooperative owners.
xiii.
Retained Earnings represent after-tax profits in the company. The changes from
year to year must reconcile with the Net Income category included on the
Income Statement.
Pro-Forma Statement of Cash Flows Guidance
The Pro-Forma statement of cash flows must reflect the proposed Community Connect Grant
project funding and investments as well as any additional funding for working capital and other
capital expenditures for the applicant exclusive of the Grant project. The following is a brief
description of the pre-populated cash flow categories contained on the Cash Flow worksheet in
this template.
Beginning Cash represents cash balances at the beginning of the period.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
i.
Net Income (Loss) is obtained from the Net Income (Loss) category on the
Pro-Forma Income Statement.
ii.
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided from
Operating Activities:
a. Depreciation – Community Connect Project Assets is obtained from
the Depreciation – Project Assets category on the Income Statement.
b. Depreciation – Other Assets is obtained from the Depreciation – Other
Assets category on the Income Statement.
c. Amortization is obtained from the Amortization category on the
Income Statement.
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d. Less: Amortized Grant Revenues is obtained from the Amortized
Grant Revenues category on the Income Statement.
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
i.
Accounts Receivable is the net change in the Accounts Receivable category
on the Balance Sheet.
ii.
Other Current Assets is the net change in the Other Current Assets category
on the Balance Sheet.
iii.
Other Non-Current Assets is the net change in the Other Non-Current Assets
category on the Balance Sheet.
iv.
Accounts Payable is the net change in the Accounts Payable category on the
Balance Sheet.
v.
Other Current Liabilities is the net change in the Other Current Liabilities
category on the Balance Sheet.
vi.
Other Non-Current Liabilities is the net change in the Other Non-Current
Liabilities category on the Balance Sheet.
vii.
Other Cash Flows from Operations are any other operating cash flows not
captured in the above categories. These cash flows must be fully explained in
the financial assumptions.
viii.
Net Cash From Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
i.
Capital Expenditures Community Connect Project Operations are the cash
payments related to acquiring Plant in Service – Project Assets.
ii.
Capital Expenditures – Other Operations are the cash payments related to
acquiring Plant in Service – Other Assets.
iii.
Additions to Amortizable Assets are the cash payments made to acquire
amortizable assets.
iv.
Change in Marketable Securities - Net represents the net change in the
Marketable Securities category of the Balance Sheet.
v.
Other Cash Flows from Investing are any other investing cash flows not
captured in the above categories. These cash flows must be fully explained in
the financial assumptions.
vi.
Net Cash From Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
i.
Proceeds from Sale of Equity are the cash proceeds from the sale of Capital
Stock.
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ii.
Proceeds from Community Connect Grant are the cash grant proceeds
received under a Community Connect grant.
iii.
Proceeds from Existing Debt are the cash loan proceeds received under
existing loans, if any.
iv.
Proceeds from New Debt are the cash proceeds received from new sources of
debt.
v.
Repayments of Existing Debt are the cash repayments of principal related to
the all existing debt, if any.
vi.
Repayments of New Debt are the cash repayments of principal related to all
new debt, if any.
vii.
Payments of Patronage Capital Credits are the cash payments made to the
owners of cooperative associations.
viii.
Payments of Dividends are the cash payments of dividends to the owners of
capital stock.
ix.
Other Cash Flows from Financing are any other financing cash flows not
captured in the above categories. These cash flows must be fully explained in
the financial assumptions.
x.
Net Cash from Financing Activities
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
Ending Cash represents cash balances at the end of the period and should agree with the
Cash category of the Balance Sheet.
Guidance Related to the Pro-Forma Financial Assumptions
Overview: Applicants are required to submit a detailed written narrative that documents the
various Pro-Forma financial assumptions used to prepare the Pro-Forma Financial Forecast, as
Schedule H-2.
Every category in the Pro-Forma financial statements must be explained with clear details
so that the RUS may review and understand the basis for the financial projections. The
assumptions must allow an RUS financial analyst to re-create the Pro-Forma financial
statements. If the financial forecast is not fully supported by a detailed narrative for every
category, it may affect the final decision on the application.
While applicants are not required to utilize all of the categories in the worksheets, applicants
must provide a sufficient level of detail to provide a reasonable understanding of existing and
proposed operations, including the proposed Community Connect Grant project. Any
modifications to the Pro-Forma financial statements submitted must adequately document,
support, and justify the information in any modified categories.
Historical Financial Reconciliation
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If there are any gaps or discrepancies between the submitted historical financial statements and
the historical data provided in the Pro-Forma Financial Forecast, applicants should include
detailed explanations in the assumptions.
Income Statement Assumptions
Applicants must provide assumptions for ALL the categories on the Income Statement. The
detailed network plan should link to the Pro-Forma financial statements. Applicants should
describe existing capacity and give its annual cost for backhaul, IP/interconnection, and/or
spectrum and video. Include proposed capacity that will be necessary to serve subscribers as
well as projected annual cost. Ensure that the annual cost totals for each category reconcile with
the corresponding expense items.
Backhaul should include all transport costs for taking the applicant's network traffic to its
providers. IP/Interconnection should include all IP traffic costs for providing service to users.
Spectrum should include all spectrum costs for providing service to users (if applicable). Video
content should include all costs associated with the provision of TV content to users (if
applicable). Growth in these costs should generally correspond to projected subscriber growth
for each of the various services, as applicable.
Balance Sheet Assumptions
Applicants must provide assumptions for ALL the categories on the Balance Sheet.
Statement of Cash Flows Assumptions - The Cash Flow statement should tie to the net change
in the various categories from the Balance Sheet. Net Income in each year should come directly
from the Income Statement. Guidance concerning what should be included in the assumptions is
outlined below.
Accounting for Grant Funds - When reporting RUS grant amounts on Pro-Forma financials or
other documents submitted with your application, the grant amounts must be treated as revenue
on a separate line item. Because this revenue is used to purchase capital assets, it must be
amortized over the average useful life of the assets. Failure to use this accounting method can
produce unfavorable outcomes in the financial review process. However, those applicants that
are rate regulated Telecom or Electric companies must continue to utilize the accounting
required by the respective uniform system of accounts for those industries, which require that the
plant accounts be reduced by the grant funds received in the year of receipt.
Example: The example below demonstrates how to perform proper Grant Accounting for
a project with a $1,000,000 Community Connect grant.
Step 1 - Determine the average/composite useful life of all the assets purchased for the
project. This can be a weighted average useful life of all the asset categories from the
Capital Project Budget. An example of how you might calculate this is below. These
numbers are just an example, so your useful life might be different:
38
Step 2 - Account for the grant the year it is received.
Dr. Cash $1,000,000
Cr. Deferred Grant Revenue $900,000
Cr. Current Portion Deferred Grant Revenue $100,000
Add the grant amount to your cash flow statement the year the funds are received under:
Proceeds from Grant $1,000,000
Step 3 - Determine the annual Amortized Grant Revenue amount that will be added to
revenue on the income statement:
Grant Amount divided by Composite Useful Life ($1,000,000/10)
$100,000 is the annual Amortized Grant Revenue
Step 4 - Account for Grant Revenue every year of the forecast period and throughout the
depreciable life of the assets:
Dr. Deferred Grant Revenue $100,000
Cr. Amortized Grant Revenue $100,000
On the Statement of Cash Flows, it is important to subtract this Amortized Grant
Revenue amount every year in the Operating Activities section. Similar to the way
Depreciation is added back in to the cash flow, Amortized Grant Revenue is subtracted.
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Proforma 5-Year Financial Forecast Workbook
Applicants must complete all three worksheets consisting of the Income Statement, Balance
Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows for any existing operations and the proposed project.
The workbook and instructions are available at:
rd.usda.gov/files/ScheduleH-1-ProForma5-YearFinancialForecastSingleApplication.xlsx
Applicants should complete the entire workbook and include all of the worksheets in their
application as Schedule H-1.
40
I.
Statement of Experience
Applicants must provide a written narrative describing their demonstrated capability and
experience, if any, in operating a telecommunications system, or any project similar to the
proposed project. The applicant must include the owner and principal employees’ relevant work
experience that would ensure the success of the project.
If the applicant is seeking to partner with another entity to operate the system, an agreement or
draft agreement to do so must be provided with the application. This agreement must address the
specific financial terms of this partnership and the specific entity/entities must be identified,
along with their qualifications to assist in operating the system. Applications which rely on such
a partnership, but do not provide pertinent details will be rejected, as RUS cannot determine the
technical and financial feasibility of the project lacking such information. RUS will consider
such an application on the basis of the submitted agreement, but may require modifications if an
award is ultimately made if any terms of the agreement are found to be unacceptable to RUS.
J. Additional Funding
Applicants must contribute a Matching Contribution which is at least fifteen percent (15%) of the
grant amount requested. The match must be in cash and available at time of closing to be used
solely for the Project. All applicants must be able to demonstrate they have sufficient resources
to construct, manage and sustain the project through and beyond completion.
A grant applicant must fulfill either items 1 or 2 below:
1) Applicant has sufficient cash on hand to fund the Matching Contribution for the
application. An applicant must demonstrate its financial wherewithal to do so by
submitting a recent bank statement titled in the applicant’s name. In addition, if
the applicant has a significant part of its cash reserves which are from a third
party loan or grant unrelated to the Community Connect project, the applicant
must provide the amounts of such cash which is included in the bank statement
and indicate whether such funds are available for the Community Connect project,
and if not, how much of the cash on hand is not restricted for use on the
Community Connect project. If RUS is aware that a significant amount of the
cash shown on the bank statement may be unavailable for the project, but this
amount is not specifically identified or the removal of a known quantity of
unavailable cash would leave less than the 15% cash match requirement, RUS
may reject the application on this basis.
2) Applicant has obtained sufficient funding commitments from another entity,
outside the RUS grant, needed to complete the submitted application.
Satisfactory evidence to this effect must:
a. Be in the form of an agreement between the entity contributing funds and
the applicant, or a letter from the entity to the applicant.
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b. Clearly state the name of the entity that is making the commitment to the
applicant.
c. Include the amount of the commitment.
d. State the purpose of the commitment.
e. Demonstrate the financial wherewithal of the entity making the
commitment to the applicant, through a recent bank statement titled in the
contributing entity’s name.
If the appropriate funding commitments are not included in the application, the
application will be deemed ineligible for consideration.
42
K. Compliance with Other Federal Statutes and Regulations
The applicant is required to submit evidence that it is in compliance with other Federal statutes
and regulations as follows:
Federal Statute/Regulation
Evidence of Compliance
7 CFR Part 15, Subpart A
Assurance Agreement
https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/USDACRAssuranceAgreementFormRD400-4.pdf
2 CFR 417 - Nonprocurement
Debarment and Suspension
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered
Transactions
Attachment
K-1
K-2
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-1047
2 CFR part 418—New
Restrictions on Lobbying
Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts,
Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreements
Language is included on the following page,
applicant agrees the language is certified to by
including the signed Application Checklist.
2 CFR 421 Requirements for
Drug-Free Workplace
(Financial Assistance)
Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements Alternative I- For Grantees other
than Individuals
K-3**
K-4
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-1049
Certification regarding Flood Hazard Area
Precautions
Language is included on the following page,
applicant agrees the language is certified to by
including the signed Application Checklist.
Applicant must indicate whether or not any
buildings which are part of the project fall within a
100 year flood plain.
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K-5
Federal Statute/Regulation
Evidence of Compliance
Attachment
Applicant Certification Federal Collection Policies
for Commercial Debt
Language is included on the following page,
applicant agrees the language is certified to by
including the signed Application Checklist.
Applicant must indicate whether or not they are
delinquent on any federal debt, as per the
referenced language.
2 CFR part 200, as adopted by
USDA through 2 CFR part
400.
K-6
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 Certification
Language is included on the following page,
applicant agrees the language is certified to by
including the signed Application Checklist.
K-7
Certification regarding Architectural Barriers
Language is included on the following page,
applicant agrees the language is certified to by
including the signed Application Checklist.
K-8
Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030
K-9
and
https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030-Y
(Fill out both forms)
**If the applicant is engaged in lobbying activities, the applicant must submit a completed
disclosure Standard Form LLL - “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” available at:
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL-V1.1.pdf
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Schedule K-3
Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants,
Loans and Cooperative Agreements
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned,
to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a
Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of
Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal
grant or loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation,
renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative
agreement.
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for
influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall
complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance
with its instructions. (Copies of this form may be obtained from the Rural Utilities Service.)
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award
documents for all sub-awards at all tiers (including subcontracts, sub-grants, and contracts under
grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all sub-recipients shall certify and disclose
accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this
transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or
entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file
the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than
$100,000 for each such failure.
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Schedule K-5
Certificate Regarding Flood Hazard Area Precautions
If the project is located in an area subject to flooding, flood insurance must be provided to the extent
available and required under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended by the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4001 through 4128). If applicable, the insurance must
cover, in addition to the buildings, any machinery, equipment, fixtures, and furnishings contained in the
buildings. Rural Utilities Service will comply with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management (3
CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 117), and 7 CFR 1970, of this chapter in considering the application for the project.
Please provide an explanation below to the following questions:
Is The project is not located in a 100-year flood plain; therefore, no Flood Insurance is required?
Or
Is the project is located in a 100 year flood plain? If yes, who is or will be providing the required
insurance.
Fill in your explanation:
The Applicant hereby certifies, that, as a prospective recipient under the Community Connectivity Grant
Program, it is in compliance, or will be in compliance during construction and/or installation of
equipment and upon completion of the project, with the above referenced law.
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Schedule K-6
Federal Obligations Certification on Delinquent Debt
IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT?
Note: Example of debts include, but are not limited to, delinquent taxes, guaranteed or direct
government loans (more than 31 days past due) and other administrative debts.
If Yes, provide explanatory information.
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
FEDERAL COLLECTION POLICIES FOR COMMERCIAL DEBT
The Federal Government is authorized by law to take any or all of the following actions in the event
that a borrower’s loan payments become delinquent or the borrower defaults on its loan: (1) Report
the borrower’s delinquent account to a credit bureau; (2) Assess additional interest and penalty
charges for the period of time that payment is not made; (3) Assess charges to cover additional
administrative costs incurred by the Government to service the borrower’s account; (4) Offset
amounts owed to the borrower under other Federal programs; (5) Refer the borrower’s debt to the
Internal Revenue Service for offset against any amount owed to the borrower as an income tax refund;
(6) Refer the borrower’s account to a private collection agency to collect the amount due; and (7)
Refer the borrower’s account to the Department of Justice for litigation in the courts.
All of these actions can and will be used to recover any debts owed when it is determined to be in the
interest of the Government to do so.
47
Schedule K-7
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 Certification
The Applicant assures that it will comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (Uniform Act), 42 U.S.C. 4601-4655, and
with implementing Federal regulations in 49 CFR Part 24 and 7 CFR Part 21.
Specifically, the Applicant assures that:
Whenever Federal financial assistance is used to pay for any part of the cost of a program or
project which will result in the displacement of any person:
(a) Fair and reasonable relocation payments and assistance shall be provided to or for
displaced persons in accordance with sections 202, 203, and 204 of the Uniform Act;
(b) Relocation assistance programs offering the services described in section 205 of the
Uniform Act shall be provided to displaced persons; and
(c) Within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement, comparable replacement
dwellings will be available to displaced persons in accordance with section 205(c)
(3) of the Uniform Act.
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Schedule K-8
Certificate Regarding Architectural Barriers
All facilities financed with Rural Utilities Service grants that are open to the public, or in which
physically handicapped persons may be employed or reside, must be designed, constructed,
and/or altered to be readily accessible to, and usable by handicapped persons. Standards for
these facilities must comply with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
4151 et seq.) and with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), (Appendix A to 41
CFR subpart 101-19.6).
As a prospective primary participant recipient of financial assistance from the Rural Utilities
Service, this organization commits to carry out Rural Utilities Service established policy to
comply with the requirements of the above referenced law to the effect that all facilities must be
readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
The Applicant hereby certifies, that, as a prospective recipient under the Community Connect
Grant Program, it is in compliance, or will be in compliance upon completion of the project, with
the above referenced law.
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| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Community Connect Application Guide |
| Subject | Community Connect Grant Program |
| Author | Priestly, Karen - RD, Washington, DC;Scott Steiner |
| File Modified | 2019-02-13 |
| File Created | 2019-02-13 |