September 2022
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
(0572-0096)
7 CFR 1734 Subparts A, B, C, and D, Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Loan and Grant Program
A. Justification
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is authorized by Chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XXIII of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.) to provide financial assistance for the purpose of financing the construction of facilities and systems to provide telemedicine services and distance learning services in sparsely populated rural areas. Financial assistance provided under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant Program consists of grants, cost of money loans, or both. The purpose of the DLT Loan and Grant Program is to encourage and improve telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. Section 6102 of Title VI of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) amended 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq, by extending the term of the program to the year 2023. The Agency administers the DLT Loan and Grant Program through 7 CFR1734, subparts A, B, C, and D.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the Agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
To meet the Agency’s environmental regulations as set forth in 7 CFR 1790, applicants must provide details of the project’s impact on the human environment and historic properties. The application must contain a separate section environmental impact statement entitled “Environmental Impact of the Project.”
Respondents submit application packages to the Telecommunications Program in the Washington, DC office. The application packages are reviewed by the Program staff for eligibility of: (a) the applicant to apply for assistance;(b) the project, including the equipment proposed for that project; and (c) the application package, with respect to demonstration of the regulatory requirements of the application process.
Eligible applicants under this Program are public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit rural community facilities operators, schools, libraries, hospitals, and medical facilities.
The purpose of the information is to determine such factors as:
Eligibility of the applicant’s organization;
Eligibility of the application through a demonstration that it meets program requirements;
Specific purpose of the proposed project;
Compliance with other Federal regulations and policies concerning such areas as: environment, equal opportunity, architectural barriers, flood hazard areas, relocation assistance, drug-free work place, listing in the National Register of Historical Places, debarment and suspension, and lobbying restrictions;
Cost of the project and degree of participation in the financing from other sources;
Project feasibility;
Who will carry out the purposes of the loan and/or grant;
Time schedule for completion of the proposed project;
Need for improved educational or medical facilities;
Employment and economic effect on the rural community; and
That legal requirements are satisfied.
FORMS CLEARED UNDER OTHER COLLECTION PACKAGES:
Standard Form (SF) 424 – Application for Federal Assistance (cleared under 4040-0004)
This standard Government form, prescribed by OMB Circular A-102, is used to apply for assistance under this program. Applicants use this form to outline scope, costs and expenses for the project.
There are two attachments to the SF-424. One is a Site Worksheet (required) and the other is a Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants (optional).
The application must be signed by an authorized representative of the organization who has the authority to commit the organization’s resources to carry out the project for the term of the grant.
Request for Advance or Reimbursement – SF 270 (Cleared under 4040-0012)
This standard form is used by the recipient of financial assistance to requisition the approved funds, as prescribed by 2 CFR 200, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations. The SF 270 Form is cleared under another package but the Agency is responsible to account for the burden hours.
Audit Report – (Cleared under 0572-0095)
Audit reports will be required in accordance with 2 CFR 200 to determine that grant and/or loan funds have been utilized for approved purposes.
AD 3030 - Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (Cleared under 0505-0025)
Corporate applicants (including both for profit and non-profit entities) must assure that entities under their control have not been convicted of a felony under Federal or State law in the 24 months preceding the date of application and that the applicant does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability.
SF-3881 - ACH Vendor / Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form (OMB Control NO. 1510-0056)
A recipient uses this form for Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments with addendum record that contains payment-related information processed through the Vendor Express Program.
FORMS/INFORMATION CLEARED UNDER THIS PACKAGE:
System for Award Management (SAM) Registration, General Certifications and Representations.
At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in SAM before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR 25. This registration must remain current, accurate, and complete at all times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application under consideration.
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary gives reviewers their first overall view of the project area, the problems that residents face, and how the proposed project will address those problems. This is your opportunity to discuss the core aspects of the project. It should contain a concise description of the project including:
A description of why the project is needed;
An explanation of how the applicant will address the need cited, why the applicant requires the financial assistance, the types of education or medical services to be offered by the projects, and the benefits to rural resident;
A description of the applicant, documenting eligibility;
An explanation of the total project cost including a breakdown of the grant required and the source of matching contribution and other financial assistance for the remainder of the project;
A statement specifying whether the project is either a distance learning or telemedicine facility as defined in §1734.3. If the project provides both distance learning and telemedicine services, the applicant must identify the predominant use of the system;
A general overview of the telecommunications system to be developed, including the types of equipment, technologies, and facilities used;
A description of the participating hubs and end user sites and the number of rural residents that will be served by the project at each end user site;
Discussion of the relationship of the applicant with participating hubs and end-user sites and if the application is being filed as an informal consortium. If application is for an informal consortium with all entities requesting ownership of their sites' equipment, a single fiscal agent must be identified as the applicant and all entities must provide certifications and documentation under Sections J and K, respectively, including SAM registrations with Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations.
A certification by the applicant that facilities to be constructed with the grant do not duplicate adequate established telemedicine or distance learning services.
A listing of the location of each end-user site (city, town, village, borough, or rural areas) plus the State.
Scoring Criteria Documentation
Scoring is primarily a requirement for 100% Grants. However, 100% Loans and Combos must demonstrate that they meet the same minimum Rurality score required for a 100% Grant.
The applicant must provide information on objective and subjective scoring criteria with the aid of worksheets and provide written documentation for these criteria. The agency uses this information, as part of the competitive scoring process, to decide which projects receive funding.
Objective Criteria
Rural Area (Rurality) |
This criterion measures rural benefit. The score threshold for the application to be considered in the competition at all is 20 points. This category based on Census data (up to 40 Points). |
Economic Need (SAIPE) |
This criterion measures the general economic need of the area through the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE). (up to 30 Points) |
|
|
Subjective Criteria
Need for Services and Project Benefits (Needs & Benefits) |
This criterion compares the specific need for the technology in the proposed service territory, and how the proposed project will address those needs and benefit the residents of the area affected. (up to 30 Points) |
Special Consideration |
RUS will offer special consideration to applications that have opioid or other substance use disorder treatment as their primary purpose or that serve tribal lands. (up to 20 Points) |
Matching Requirements
The grant applicant’s minimum matching contribution must equal 15% of the grant amount requested. Matching contributions generally must be in the form of cash. However, in-kind contributions solely for the purposes listed in §1734.21 may be substituted for cash and appropriately identified on the budget worksheet
Scope of Work
The applicant provides a narrative (with charts, if needed) explaining the Scope of Work. This makes a clear and convincing presentation of how to achieve the goals of the project. The scope of work completes the picture for the reviewer. It discusses how the organization proposes to proceed with the project. An application that does not include a scope of work cannot be evaluated and could be returned as ineligible.
The scope of work must include, at a minimum, the following:
The specific activities to be performed under the project;
Who will carry out the activities;
The timeframes for accomplishing the project objectives and activities; and
A budget for all capital expenditures reflecting the line item costs separated by sites for approved purposes for both the grant funds and the matching funds for the project. Separately, the budget must specify any line item costs that are nonapproved purposes for grants as contained in §1734.23.
Additional Guidance for the Budget: The budget is a required document for RUS to evaluate an application.
The Budget should show each cost as a line-item, separated by sites. The items listed and described in your Telecommunications System Plan should track line-by-line with the entries in the budget.
Items are not combined into lump sums that cannot be evaluated individually by the Agency. The individual parts have to be evaluated for cost comparison and program eligibility.
If,
in the project, it is required to have to pay a user fee or a
license fee to use grant or match purchased equipment, it must be
presented as such in the application.
Details such as the brand and model number, must be provided, i.e., “VideoKing TX-90, $5,600,” as opposed to “One Video System, $75,000 each site;” Installation,” $50,000; or “Wiring, $100,000.”
Financial Information and Sustainability
The applicant must provide a narrative description demonstrating the feasibility of the project, including having sufficient resources and expertise necessary to undertake and complete the project and, how the project will be sustained following completion of the project.
The application needs to show that funding is available for the three-year period that it takes to put together the project (required for eligibility), and to ensure the project’s continuance as a viable community resource.
Provide a narrative description that addresses your project’s feasibility. The narrative should include a description of the project’s leadership, its technical expertise, and how leadership and technical expertise is distributed throughout all of the sites or the service territory. Describe how the flow of funds and institutional financial support (local government, businesses, school system, university or foundation) will sustain the project and maintain a continuity of service.
Your narrative should include all assumptions and the following information:
A description of the project’s revenues and expenses in the project budget;
Evidence of cost sharing arrangements among hub and end-user sites, if applicable;
Identification of any other items that may affect feasibility or sustainability of the project.
Statement of Experience
If applicable, the applicant must provide a written narrative describing its capability and experience operating an educational, health care, or any project similar to the proposed project.
Funding Commitments from Other Sources (Grants Only)
In addition to the funds requested from RUS, the applicant must provide evidence that all funds are committed and will be used for the proposed project. For example, a letter
from the organization (signed by an authorized official) providing the matching funds is sufficient to meet this requirement.
Telecommunications System Plan (TSP)
A telecommunications system plan consisting of the following:
The capabilities of the telecommunication’s terminal equipment, including a description of the specific equipment which will be used to deliver the proposed service. The applicant must document discussions with various technical sources which could include consultants, engineers, product vendors, or internal technical experts, provide detailed cost estimates for operating and maintaining the end user equipment and provide evidence that alternative equipment and technologies were evaluated.
A listing of the proposed telecommunications terminal equipment, telecommunications transmission facilities, data terminal equipment, interactive video equipment, computer hardware and software systems, and components that process data for transmission via telecommunications, computer network components, communication satellite ground station equipment, or any other elements of the telecommunications system designed to further the purposes of this subpart, that the applicant intends to build or fund using RUS financial assistance.
A description of the consultations with the appropriate telecommunications carriers (including other interexchange carriers, cable television operators, enhanced service providers, providers of satellite services and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and distributors) and the anticipated role of such providers in the proposed telecommunications system.
A successful DLT grant application includes a well-planned TSP, starting with a diagram or map of the proposed system overlaid with a geographic map of the service area. Also included in the TSP are other diagrams (if necessary), technical descriptions, and a narrative accounting of each item in the budget.
The TSP shows the sites (hubs, hub/end-users, or end/users) that will participate in the project and where the equipment will be located. It shows how the equipment is interconnected and how the distance learning or telemedicine benefits flow from the hub sites to the rural end user sites.
Telecommunications System Plan Map/Diagram
Attach a map or a drawing which is a spatial representation of the service area encompassing the project, displaying an overlay of your proposed distance learning or telemedicine system, including hub sites and end users. This map can be displayed as a series of maps containing an overview, followed by close-up maps of individual sites.
Each site, hub and end user, must be represented on the map. This representation need not be to scale, but it must be representational of your project, not generic. These generic network diagrams, usually depicting some kind of campus architecture are by themselves insufficient. However, applicants can provide a network diagrams (without geographic references) if they can also provide geographic maps that reference the diagram. Nevertheless, an application that does not contain a map that shows each site could be difficult to evaluate thereby losing competitive value when compared to applications that present visual clarity of their project.
Telecommunications System Plan Narrative
Provide a narrative describing the overall DLT network and the proposed equipment’s use in the network. Detail each item in the Scope of Work budget by line number - what it is, how it will be used in the network and how does it qualify as a DLT use. Provide justification of the equipment based on discussions with technical experts. Discuss any possible duplication of other DLT efforts and how this project avoids such duplication. Discuss the applicant’s involvement in any previous USDA DLT grants or current USDA DLT grant application.
Some items requested for DLT funding will have more general uses than other equipment, which may have 100% distance learning or tele-medical purposes. For each item, specify the percentage of use that can be attributed to purposes that meet the DLT grant definition of distance learning and/or telemedicine, explain how you’ve determined those percentages and addressing the capabilities of the proposed equipment/software. The percentage of use is only to be used for analysis as part of line item explanations. Do not breakout items in the actual budget by percentage of use.
Document your discussions with various technical sources, such as consultants, engineers, product vendors or internal technical experts.
Address whether or not any part of the project will duplicate any adequate, established telemedicine or distance learning services already in operation. In particular, discuss how match and grant funding for this project, if approved, would complement previous efforts. Describe the status of previous projects and, in particular, the extent to which the funds have been drawn for eligible grant purposes. Please note that you will need to complete a Non-duplication of Services Certificate, which is part of the certification section. The form is located in the Toolkit.
Identify any previous grants that the applicant has received from our Agency in the previous three grant cycles (2019, 2020 & 2021) and how they would affect the project proposed in the current application.
This applies not only to prior grants received by the current applicant, but to grant funding that may have gone to any of the end-users in the current proposal via a grant received by another entity.
Discuss how match and grant funding for this project, if approved, would complement previous efforts. Specify the progress/status of any previous awards and the extent of grant and match funds expended toward completing those projects.
Discuss whether or not any of the sites in the current project are included as participants in another application for a Fiscal Year 2022 DLT Grant.
In
the absence of any explanation, overlaps in projects are assumed to
be duplication and, as a consequence, the application could be
deemed ineligible.
Compliance with other Federal Statutes
Appendix A contains certification forms to demonstrate compliance with other Federal statutes and regulations.
There are five required certifications numbered from J-1 through J-5. The applicant attests to these certifications by executing and including the FY2022 DLT Checklist
under this section. Certifications J-2 and J-3 require additional selection or discussion as stated in the certification.
A number of certifications which used to be required as separate forms are now addressed by the financial assistance certifications and representations in SAM.gov. Applicants are required to have made these certifications and representations as part of their SAM.gov registration in order to be eligible for a grant.
Important Note: If you are applying as a consortium which does not have the legal authority to apply (See Eligibility Requirements in Section K of the Application Guide with respect to Legal Eligibility), each entity that comprises the consortium must provide a set of these certifications. However, if the consortium has a designated host entity
which will be legally responsible for execution of the grant documents, only the host entity is required to submit certifications.
Certificate regarding Flood Hazard Area Precautions
Certification regarding Federal Collection Policies for Commercial Debt
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
Certificate Regarding Architectural Barriers
Non-Duplication of Services Certificate
Certificate Regarding Flood Hazard Area Precautions
If the project is in an area subject to flooding, flood insurance must be provided to the extent available and required under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended.
Federal Debt Certification
The applicant must provide certification that it is not delinquent on any Federal debt and understands the actions the government may take if it fails to make scheduled payments.
Certification Regarding Uniform Relocation Assistance
This certification assures that the recipient of financial assistance will comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 Certification.
Certificate Regarding Architectural Barriers
This information is required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended.
Non Duplication of Services Certificate
Applicants must certify that the facilities financed with the funding received will not duplicate adequate telemedicine and/or distance learning services.
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Certification
This information is required by U.S. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity, as amended.
Form AD-1049 -Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Alternative I – For Grantees Other than Individuals (This form is approved under OMB 0505-0027 but the burden hours are accounted for in this collection package.)
This certification is required by the regulations implementing section 5151-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
RUS now accepts an active Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in System for Award Management (SAM) in lieu of Form AD-1409.
Form AD-1047 - Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters – Primary Covered Transactions (This form is approved under OMB 0505-0027 but the burden hours are accounted for in this collection package.)
This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension.
RUS now accepts an active Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in System for Award Management (SAM) in lieu of Form AD-1407.
Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements
This certification is required by U.S.C. Title 31, Section 1352 for financial assistance in excess of $100,000. If the applicant is engaged in lobbying activities, a completed disclosure form, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, is also required.
RUS now accepts an active Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in System for Award Management (SAM) in lieu of Form AD-1407.
Environmental Impact and Historic Preservation
The applicant must provide details of the project’s impact on the environment and historic preservation. The application must contain a separate section entitled “Environmental Impact of the Project.” Applicants may use Attachments in the Application Guides to help in complying with this requirement.
Evidence of Legal Authority to Contract with the Government
The applicant must provide evidence demonstrating its legal authority to enter into a grant agreement with RUS and perform the activities proposed by the project. Satisfactory documentation includes, but is not limited to, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Board Resolutions, excerpts from State Statutes, or an attorney’s opinion of counsel.
Evidence of Legal Existence
The applicant must provide evidence demonstrating that it is legally recognized under State and Federal law. Satisfactory documentation includes, but is not limited to, certificates from the Secretary of State, State statutes or laws establishing your organization.
Consultation with USDA State Director – Rural Development (Grants Only)
The applicant must provide evidence that it has consulted with the USDA State Director – Rural Development concerning the availability of other sources of funding available at the State or local level. Include this evidence as part of the application.
State Strategic Plan Conformity (Grants Only)
The applicant must provide evidence from the USDA State Director – Rural Development that the application conforms with the State strategic plan as prepared under section 381D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.). (The applicant should indicate if such a plan does not exist.)
AWARDED GRANTS AND LOANS ONLY
Updated Information for Preparing Legal Documents and Execution of Legal Documents
After an applicant has been selected for a grant and/or loan, the Agency will prepare a Grant Agreement, a Combination Loan/Grant and Security Agreement, or a Loan and Security Agreement, outlining any agreement, certifications, legal opinions and terms and conditions for the grant and/or loan. Execution of these documents is necessary to protect the integrity of the program and the interest of the parties.
Evidence of Fidelity Bond Coverage
Fidelity bonds are required for an amount equal to 15 percent of the greatest amount of funds on hand by a recipient of financial assistance. This is to ensure that if funds are somehow lost, stolen, misappropriated, etc., that the actual loss to the recipient of financial assistance will be mitigated and that purposes of the grant and/or loan will continue.
For financial assistance of $100,000 or greater, prior to the disbursement of a grant and a loan, the recipient, if it is not a unit of government, will provide evidence of fidelity bond coverage as required by 2 CFR part 200, which is adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400.
Project Performance Report
This information will allow RUS to ensure that the interests of the government are being protected and the goals and objectives of the program are being met. The report will be prepared by the recipient of financial assistance on an annual basis while the grant and/or loan funds are being expended to report on the progress in implementing the project; this will include information on the comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period, reasons why established objectives may have not been met, descriptions of any problems, delays or adverse conditions, and timetables established for the next reporting period.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Recipients of financial assistance must maintain financial management systems and retain financial records in accordance with terms and conditions of the grant or loan. Grantee and borrower records must include an accurate accounting and must document how these funds are used.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection.
The Agency accepts electronic applications through Grants.gov. Applications were first accepted electronically in Fiscal Year 2005. The table below shows the electronic submission statistics for the last four years.
FY / |
Total Apps / |
Grants.gov apps / |
percentage |
2021 |
243 |
243 |
100% |
2020 |
744 |
737 |
.99% |
2019 |
181 |
157 |
86.74% |
2018 |
224 |
1844 |
82.14% |
cumulative |
1392 |
1321 |
94.9% |
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
The documentation required by this collection deals with a specific project that the applicant will be completing, no general data collection is involved. There are no similar programs conducted across the Federal Government in which a duplication of information would already exist.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (item 5 of OMB Form 83-1), describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The Agency has tried to design the format of the information required in order to minimize the burden on small entities. In addition, the Agency has compiled user friendly Application Guides to enable entities to create a successful application package. The Telecom Program believes that the information collected is the minimum needed by the Agency to approve grants/loans and monitor the grantee/borrower performance.
6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
If the collection of information were conducted less frequently, it could have an effect on the Agency’s ability to administer the grant and loan program. The Agency must determine that the grant/loan funds are to be used by the eligible applicants for authorized purposes.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
a. Requiring respondents to report information more than quarterly.
There is no requirement to respond more than quarterly, unless information is needed from the applicant, in which case the applicant has 15 working days to provide the information.
b. Requiring written responses in less than 30 days.
There is no requirement for a response in less than 30 days, except for those applicants that appeal the scoring process, in which case they have 10 days to file an appeal of the scoring results.
c.
Note that no copies are required to be provided when an applicant utilizes grants.gov to submit their application.
d. Requiring respondents to retain records for more than 3 years.
Records must be kept until a USDA External Compliance Division field audit has been conducted.
e. That is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study.
This collection does not involve a survey.
f. Requiring use of statistical sampling which has not been reviewed and approved by OMB.
This collection does not involve statistical sampling.
g. Requiring a pledge of confidentiality.
There is no requirement for a pledge of confidentiality.
h. Requiring submission of proprietary trade secrets.
There is no requirement for submission of proprietary trade secrets.
8. If applicable, identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice soliciting comments on the information collection. Summarize public comments received and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the Agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, reporting format (if any), and on data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
As required by 5 CFR 1320, 8(d), a Notice to request public comments was published on July 27, 2022, at 87 FR 45081.
RUS routinely requests comments and feedback from their applicants and awardees as part of the continuous process of product improvement. RUS has also contacted the following three program recipients specifically seeking comments on their experiences regarding this information collection:
Three awardees were contacted for feedback and the application process for the DLT program was discussed. Besides general comments, there were comments comparing the application process, time needed to complete the application and this collection of information specifically favorably with the applications for other Federal grant programs.
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, NE 68510
Bismarck
State College
Bismarck
ND 58506-5587
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than renumeration of contractors or grantees.
Payments or gifts are not provided to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or Agency policy.
The Agency does support maintenance of confidentiality, when appropriate. The Agency published a Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records in the Federal Register on May 14, 2019 (84 FR 21315). A copy of that document can be found at >https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-05-14/pdf/2019-09874.pdf<.
11. Provide additional justification for any question of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the burden hours for this collection of information.
This renewal submission is for the following:
Regulation |
Number of Respondents (applicants) |
Total Annual Responses (all parts) |
Total Annual Reporting Burden Hours |
Total Annual Recordkeeping Burden Hours |
Total Annual Burden Hours |
7 CFR Part 1734 Subparts A,B,C, and D |
300 |
6,840 |
17,164 |
650 |
17,814 |
Based on program experience of the past three years, it is estimated that an average of 300 grant applications will be submitted annually, from which 210 grants will be awarded. At present no funds are appropriated for loans or loan/grant combos. We estimate the total burden required to comply with the reporting requirements of this collection of information to be approximately 62 hours per respondent, and a total of 650 hours for previous and current grant awardees to meet the recordkeeping requirements.
A breakdown of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements is provided on the attached RUS Form 36, “Summary of Information Collection.” Cost estimates are based on experience, discussion with the program staff that operates the program, and comments from grant recipients.
The ‘Cost to the public’ wage figures used are from the "May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates" at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm\. National 4-digit NAICS Industry-Specific estimates are used. Benefit costs were added to DOL wages as 29.6% of total hourly compensation for private trade, transportation, and utilities industry workers per https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf. For ‘Professional’ time a ‘Managers, All Other (11-9199)’ hourly wage of $59.93 plus $17.86 benefits for a total of $77.79 is used. For ‘Clerical’ time, an ‘Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other (43-9199)’ hourly wage of $18.22 plus $5.39 benefits for a total of $23.61 is used.
The following is a breakdown of the costs to the public:
COST TO THE PUBLIC
Occupation % of Total time X Total hours X Hourly cost = Occupation Cost
1. Reporting
Professional
80% X 17,214 hours X $77.79 = $1,071,261.65
Clerical
20% X 17,214 hours X $23.61 = $81,284.51
Total Reporting Cost = $1,152,546.16
2. Post Award Recordkeeping
Professional
35% X 650 hours X $77.79 = $17,697.22
Clerical
65% X 650 hours X $23.61 = $9,975.22
Total Recordkeeping Cost = $27,672.44
TOTAL COLLECTION COST TO THE PUBLIC = $1,180,218.60
Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information.
Total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and
There are no capital and/or start-up costs components associated with this collection.
(b) Total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.
There are no operation and maintenance and/or purchase of services component associated with this collection.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.
The cost of this collection to the Federal government is estimated to be $269,312.40. Costs are based on experience and calculated at a rate of $58.20/hr (GS – 13/5) plus 36.25percent for benefits for professional time and 33.75/hr (GS-9/5) plus 36.25 percent benefits for clerical time. OMB Memoranda “M-08-13” specifies that the Federal civilian position fringe benefit cost factor is 36.25%.
RUS anticipates receiving an annual average of 190 applications and making awards to 76 recipients. RUS has included Administrative and Travel costs which are used to promote the program across the U.S. These costs were calculated using the OPM pay scale from 2019, when this package was completed.
COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Annual program travel & administrative costs = $12,000
Professional Review of Applications
300 Applications X 7 hrs. per application X $79.30 = $166,530.00
Clerical Processing of Applications
300 Applications X 4 hrs. per application X $45.98 = $55,176.00
Post Award Professional Time
76 awards X 5 hrs. per award X $79.30 = $30,134.00
Post Award Clerical Time
76 awards X 5 hrs. per award X $45.98 = $17,472.40
TOTAL COLLECTION COST TO THE GOVERNMENT = $269,312.40
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-1.
This is a revision of a currently approved information collection package.
The projected average number of respondents are increased and the number of responses are also increased as there were two rounds of offerings in the year 2022. The forms/information cleared by this package reflects the updated DLT regulation published in November 2017. The projected costs to both the public and RUS, as well as the method of calculation, have been updated to reflect the latest published wages and salaries and benefit costs.
16. For collection of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.
There are no plans for publication.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
No such approval is requested.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in item 19 on OMB 83-1.
There are no exceptions.
Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.
This information collection does not employ statistical methods.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Title | OMB 0572-0096 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program |
| Author | Marypat.daskal |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2023-08-27 |