Final-ReConnect Supporting Statement

2023 SUPPORTING STATEMENT

0572-0152

The Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

On March 23, 2018, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations (Pub. L.115–141)) which established the broadband loan and grant Reconnect program, the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program. One of the essential goals of the ReConnect Program is to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 100 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. For this purpose, Congress provided the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) with $600 million and expanded its existing authority to make loans and grants. Loans and grants are limited to the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible communities. The Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations also authorized technical assistance to assist the agency in expanding needed service to the most rural communities. For fiscal year (FY) 2019, Congress funded an additional $550 million for the pilot. For FY 2022, the ReConnect program received $800 million. There was a second application round in FY 22 and the budget was further expanded to $1.15 billion.

In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture (PA). PA is a new concept adopted in rural America used to increase production, reduce labor time, and ensure the effective management of fertilizers and irrigation processes. PA is the science

of improving crop yields and assisting management decisions using high technology sensor and analysis tools. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to farms which will ultimately increase productivity.

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.

Pursuant to the Reconnect Program authorization in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141, § 779 (2018)), RUS is to conduct a Reconnect broadband program under the RE Act. On February 21, 2021, the ReConnect Regulation, 7 CFR 1740, was established. 7 CFR 1740.49 of the regulation states that applicants are required to submit an application for loans and loan guarantees containing the information that RUS shall require, and that the project meet the minimum level of broadband in the service area. 7 CFR 1740.80 sets out the reporting requirements.

In the broadband regulations implementing the RE Act broadband statute, 7 CFR 1740.60 contains the elements of the application intake that are required in the Reconnect program. Moreover, pursuant to 7 CFR 1740.44 adequate financial, investment, operational, reporting, and managerial controls are also required in the loan documents. Lastly, all the certifications asked for are required by 7 CFR 1740.46, most of which are already required by federal law.

The Agency is required to analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for Applicant projects or proposals seeking funding. Applicants are encouraged to refer to 7 CFR part 1970 for all Rural Development's environmental policies. All Applicants must follow the requirements in 7 CFR part 1970 and are required to complete an Environmental Questionnaire, to provide a description of program activities, and to submit all other required environmental documentation as requested in the application system or by the Agency after the application is submitted. It is the Applicant's responsibility to obtain all necessary federal, tribal, state, and local governmental permits and approvals necessary for the proposed work to be conducted.

Eligible applicants applying for ReConnect loans, loan/grant and grants must submit an application and the required supporting documentation via the online application system located on the Agency’s web page. The application includes an application form, various other forms, certifications, and supplemental information. RUS will use the information collected from applicants, borrowers, legal counsel, and consultants to determine applicant eligibility, project feasibility, and the applicant’s ability to meet the grant and regulatory requirements. The following entities eligible to apply for assistance are:

1. States, local governments, or any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof;

2. A territory or possession of the United States;

3. An Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 450b));

6. Non-profit entities;

7. For-profit corporations;

8. Limited liability companies; and

9. Cooperative or mutual organizations.

Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determinations of eligibility, improper use of funds, or hindrances in making awards authorized by the Agency.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS – FORMS APPROVED IN THIS DOCKET:

No forms.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS – NO FORMS:

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.

The Reporting & Compliance (R&C) system is a reporting system that streamlines the reporting process for entities receiving financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Users can access the R&C system at: https://reporting-and-compliance.rd.usda.gov/s/. Entities receiving financial assistance from RUS are required to report certain financial, operational, construction, and performance data on a quarterly and annual basis. Some reports in R&C are to be submitted at an Entity-level, whereas others are at the project-level. The reporting requirements vary depending on the type of financial assistance that was approved for the entity. These requirements are covered in the executed legal agreements between RUS and the entity.

As of January 1, 2022, all existing BIP or Rural Broadband awardees who were at one time required to or are currently required to use the Broadband Collection and Analysis System (BCAS) will be required to complete and submit all their reports in R&C system.

The ReConnect loans, loan/grant and grants applications will be collected 100% electronically through the RD Apply Online Application Intake System. Eligible applicants must electronically submit all complete applications with the required supporting documentation in the online system located on the Agency’s webpage at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply.

The following information is collected in the RD Apply Online Application Intake system and accounted for under this collection package:

Loan, Loan/Grant Combination, and Grant Applicants

1. Funding Request. This request includes general information on the applicant and project, such as a description of the project that will be made public and the estimated dollar amount of the funding request. Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management and be able to supply a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code number and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

2. Executive Summary. This summary shall include, but not be limited to, a detailed description of existing operations, discussion on key management, description of company’s workforce, description of interactions between any parent, affiliated or subsidiary operation and a detailed description of the proposed project.

3. Legal Opinion. This document addresses the applicant’s ability to enter into the award documents, describes all material pending litigation matters, addresses the applicant’s ability to pledge security as required by the award documents, and addresses the applicant’s ability to provide broadband service under state law.

4. Organizational Charts. These charts show all parent organizations and/or holding companies (including parents of parents, etc.), and all subsidiaries and affiliates.

5. Resumes of Key Management Personnel.

6. Broadband Operations Experience. This narrative describes the organization’s readiness to manage a broadband services network.

7. Proposed Funded Service Area Description. Description must include the number of premises passed.

8. Proposed Funded Service Area Map. A map of the proposed funded service area(s) must be submitted via the RUS mapping tool located at https://reconnect.usda.gov. This map must identify the areas without sufficient access to broadband and any non- funded service areas of the applicant.

9. Subscriber Projections. Subscriber projections must include the number of subscribers for broadband, video and voice services and any other service that may be offered; a description of the proposed service offerings and the associated pricing plans; and an explanation of how the proposed service offerings are affordable.

10. Competitive Analysis. This analysis should identify the advertised prices of service offerings by competitors in the same area.

11. Network Design. The network design must include a description of the proposed technology used to deliver the broadband service, demonstrating that all premises in the PFSA can be offered broadband service; a network diagram, identifying cable routes, wireless access points, and any other equipment required to operate the network; a buildout timeline and milestones for implementation of the project; and a capital investment schedule showing that the system can be built within five years. All of these items must be certified by a professional engineer who is certified in at least one of the states where there is or will be project construction. The certification from the professional engineer must clearly state that the proposed network can deliver the broadband service to all premises in the PFSA at the minimum required service level. In addition, a list of all required licenses and regulatory approvals needed for the proposed project and how much the applicant will rely on contractors or vendors to deploy the network facilities must be submitted. Note that in preparing budget costs for equipment and materials, RUS’ Buy American requirements apply, as referenced in 7 CFR 1740.46.

12. Licenses, Agreements, and Regulatory Approvals. Applicants must also submit a list of all required licenses, agreements, and regulatory approvals needed for the proposed project and identify how much the applicant will rely on contractors or vendors to deploy the network facilities.

13. Summary and Itemized Budgets. Budget information should include the infrastructure costs of the proposed project, including if applicable, the ratio of loans to grants, and any other sources of outside funding.

14. Pro Forma Financial Analysis (Pro Forma). The Pro Forma should validate the sustainability of the project by including subscriber estimates related to all proposed service offerings; annual financial projections with balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements; supporting assumptions for a five-year forecast period, and a depreciation schedule for existing facilities and those funded with federal assistance, matching, and other funds.

15. Sources of Other Funding. This narrative provides a detailed description of the applicant’s working capital and the source of these funds.

16. Matching Requirement (applicable to 100 percent grant requests only). This document must identify the source and amount of the applicant’s matching contribution.

17. List of Outstanding and Contingent Obligations. This list includes copies of existing notes; loan and security agreements; guarantees; any existing management or service agreements; and any other agreements with parents, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, including but not limited to debt instruments that use the applicant’s assets, revenues, or stock as collateral.

18. Audited Financial Statements (CPA audits). These audited statements cover the previous two calendar years. For governmental entities, financial statements must be accompanied with certifications as to unrestricted cash that may be available on a yearly basis to the applicant. For startup operations formed from partnerships of existing utility providers, CPA audits are required for the two previous years from each of the partners. In addition, the partners must guarantee any loan component of the requested funding.

19. Evaluation Criteria. This self-assessment calculates the number of points the applicants have earned based on the evaluation criteria. Pre-subscription forms for farms and businesses may be submitted to justify their evaluation.

20. Historical Financial Statements. These statements cover the previous four years and consist of a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. If a company has not been operating for four years, then the applicant may submit historical statements for the years that the company has been in operation.

21. Environmental Information. This section includes a questionnaire, other requested documentation, and required environmental authorizations and permits which is expected to be none or minimal. Project maps or site plans need to identify cable routes, building locations, tower locations, equipment locations, and all structures and facilities that are part of the project.

22. State-funded Areas Certification. Applicants must provide a map of the proposed funded service area to the appropriate State office and the State office must certify that either funds have or have not been allotted for the area. Applicants must submit the map and the State certification as part of the application for funding. For applications that are proposing to provide service in multiple States, a map and certification will be required for each State.

23. Certification of Investor Compliance. This document certifies that the agreements with or obligations to investors do not breach the obligations to the government under the draft Award Documents, especially distribution requirements, and that any such agreements will be amended so that such obligations are made contingent to compliance with the Award Documents.

24. Acquisition Agreement (applicable to 100 percent loan requests only). This contract governs the terms and conditions that bind the parties in an acquisition. For applications that propose to acquire facilities, provide satisfactory evidence for RUS to determine that the acquisition is necessary to providing broadband service.

25. Certification of Tribal Support (if applicable). If service is being proposed on tribal land, a certification from the proper tribal official that they are in support of the project and will allow construction to take place on tribal land is required.

26. Substantially Underserved Trust Area Application (if applicable). Not all discretionary provisions may be requested due to certain prohibitions in the ReConnect Program (see, 7 CFR part 1700, subpart D for the application requirements).

27. 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.

28. Certificate Regarding Architectural Barriers. This information is required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended.

29. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters – Primary Covered Transactions. This certification is required by the

regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension (7 CFR 3017.510).

30. 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.

31. Civil Rights Compliance 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.

32. Federal Collection Policies for Commercial 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.

33. Lobbying Certification for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance. This certification is required if any 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 commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan.

hh. Certificate of Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 Certification. This certification assures that the recipient of financial assistance will comply with this act.

ii. Public Notices Responses. To ensure transparency for the ReConnect Program, the Agency’s mapping tool will include information for each application and approved applications which will be displayed for the public.

Note: This is not part of the application, however, it does contribute to the collection of burden for the public.

ReConnect Program Borrowers and Grantees (Funds Recipients)

After an applicant has been selected for funding, the Agency will prepare a Grant and Security Agreement, a Combination Loan/Grant and Security Agreement, a Loan Agreement with Mortgage and Combination Loan/Grant Agreement with Mortgage or, a

Loan and Security Agreement, outlining any agreement, certifications, legal opinions, and terms and conditions for the award. The Agency will require the following from the awardee:

1. Updated Information for the Preparation of Legal Documents. Awardees must provide RUS with any updates to their application if changes have occurred from the time of application submission to the receipt of the award notification letter.

2. Execution of Award Documents. Awardees must return signed copies of the legal documents and comply with all terms, conditions, affirmative covenants, and negative covenants contained in the Award Documents.

3. Evidence of Fidelity Bond Coverage. Fidelity bonds for an amount equal to 15 percent of the award amount are required. This is to ensure that if funds are somehow lost, stolen, or misappropriated that the actual loss to the recipient of financial assistance will be mitigated and that the awardee will continue implementing the project. The fidelity bond must be obtained as a condition of award closing.

4. Evidence of First Lien. Awardees must certify that prior lenders or lienholders on any Awardee assets have already agreed to sign the RUS’ standard intercreditor agreement or co-mortgage found at https://reconnect.usda.gov.

5. Semiannual Performance Reports. For three years after project completion, awardees must submit reports that describe new equipment and capacity enhancements that support high-speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and public safety service providers and the progress towards fulfilling the objectives for which the assistance was granted.

6. Annual Audited Financial Statements. In accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR part 1773, awardees must submit annual comparable audited financial statements.

7. Annual Service Area Maps and Progress Reports.

8. Final Service Area Map and Accomplishments.

9. Reporting and Compliance (R&C) Quarterly Reports.

INFORMATION COLLECTION APPROVED UNDER OTHER OMB DOCKETS

Forms Approved Under OMB Docket No. 4040-0013

1. 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 (Form SF- LLL), is also required (see, 7 CFR Part 3018).

Forms Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0505-0025

1. Representations Regarding Felony Conviction (AD 3030). This certification assures that the corporation recipient acknowledges that it does not have a Federal tax delinquency and that it has not been convicted of a felony criminal violation.

2. Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (AD 3031). This certification assures that the corporation recipient acknowledges that it does not have a Federal tax delinquency and that it has not been convicted of a felony criminal violation.

Forms Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0059

Construction Certification Program and Engineering and Architectural Services Postloan Engineering Service Contract - Approval of Postloan Engineering Service Contract include using the following forms:

RUS Form 217a - Project Design, Assistance and Coordination RUS Form 217b - Central Office Equipment Engineering Services RUS Form 217c - Transmission Facilities Engineering Services RUS Form 217d - Building Engineering Services

RUS Form 217e - Outside Plant Staking Services

RUS Form 217f - Outside Plant Contract Doc. Phase Engr. Servs. RUS Form 217g - Outside Plant Construction Phase Engr. Servs. RUS Form 216 - Construction Change Order

RUS Form 526 – Construction Contract Amendment

RUS Form 270 - Equal Opportunity Addendum

Miscellaneous Engineering Services Forms:

RUS Form 245- Engineering Service Contract - Special Services – Telephone. Engineering services for minor construction may be contracted using Form 245 (This contract form does not require RUS approval).

RUS Form 281 - Tabulation of Materials Furnished by Borrower. Closeout of major outside plans construction by contract.

RUS Form 282 - Subcontracts (Under Construction or Equipment). Approval of subcontracts (per 1753.8(b)).

RUS Form 284 - Certificate of Architect - Approval of final statement of cost- architectural services.

RUS Form 506 - Statement of Engineering Fees – Telecommunications. Estimates / Final

Major Outside Plant Construction:

RUS Form 515 - Telephone System Construction Contract (Labor and Materials). Approval of plans and specifications for major outside plant construction by contract. Approval of the outside plant contract. Owner-Furnished Materials -Info. Included under RUS Form 787 below. Approval of negotiated contracts.

Miscellaneous Outside Plant Construction Forms

RUS Form 724 - Final Inventory, Telephone Construction Contract (Labor and Materials). Closeout of major outside plant construction by contract

RUS Form 724a - Final Inventory, Telephone Construction Contract (Labor and Materials) Detailed. Tabulation of Assembly Units

RUS Form 724b - Final Inventory, Telephone Construction Contract (Labor and Materials) – Detailed. Removals

RUS Form 756 - Contract Closeout Certification

RUS Form 771a - Summary of Work Order. Inspection by licensed Engineer or Borrower's Staff Engineer

RUS Form 773 - Miscellaneous Construction Work and Maintenance Service Contract. Issued for minor construction by contract.

RUS Form 787 - Supplement A to Construction Contract RUS Form 515. Approval for the borrower to furnished materials for outside plant construction by contract.

RUS Form 835 - Preloan Engineering Service Contract, Telephone System Design

Forms Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0107

RUS Form 168b - Contractor's Bond

RUS Form 181 - Certificate of Completion - Contract Construction for Building Closeout of Contract Form 257 for Building Construction

RUS Form 213 - Certificate ("Buy American") RUS Form 224 -Waiver and Release of Lien RUS Form 231 - Certificate of Contractor

RUS Form 238 - Construction or Equipment Contract Amendment RUS Form 257 - Contract to Construct Building

RUS Form 307 - Bid Bond

RUS Form 743 – Certificate of Contractor and Indemnity Agreement

Form Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0149

RUS Form 395 - Equipment Contract

RUS Form 395a - Certificate of Completion, Equipment Contract (Including Installation)

RUS Form 395b - Certificate of Completion, Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation)

Form Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0023

RUS Form 481 - Financial Requirements Sheet. Awardees submit this form to request advances in funds.

Form Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0074

RUS Form 675 - Certification of Authority

Form Approved Under OMB Docket No. 0572-0118

RUS Form 220 - Architectural Services Contract

Recordkeeping Collection

Awardees must adopt a system of accounts for maintaining financial records acceptable to the Agency, as described in 7 CFR part 1770, subpart B. Records shall be retained and preserved in accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR part 1770, subpart A. In addition to complying with all reasonable Agency requests to support ongoing monitoring efforts, the awardee shall also provide RUS access to and the right to inspect: the Broadband System, any other property encumbered by the Award Documents, any and all books, records, accounts, invoices, contracts, leases, payrolls, timesheets, cancelled checks, statements, and other documents, electronic or paper of every kind belonging to or in the possession of the Awardee or in any way pertaining to its property or business, including its subsidiaries, if any, and to make copies or extracts therefore.

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. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

RUS is committed to meeting the requirements of the E-Government Act, which requires Government agencies to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. The ReConnect loans, loan/grant and grants applications will be collected 100% electronically through the RD Apply Online Application Intake System. Eligible applicants must electronically submit all completed applications and required supporting documentation in the online application system located on the Agency’s webpage at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply. The Agency requires the use of the RD Apply Online Application Intake System for submitting requests for financial assistance to provide increased opportunities and expediency for citizens to access federal government program information and services. Examples of documentation submitted electronically for this program include the Applicant’s Funding Request, Executive Summary, Network Design, Sources of Other Funding and Audited Financial Statements (CPA audits). Forms used to collect information associated with this Reconnect program are accounted for under other burden packages and vary in their electronic capability.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

RUS has reviewed all financial assistance programs it administers to determine which programs may be similar in intent and purpose. If applicants or borrowers are applying to or participating in more than one RUS program simultaneously, the Agency would make every effort to accommodate the requests within the same set of applications and processing forms. If applicants are applying for or receiving a loan or other financial assistance from another Federal agency, RUS would use the forms and documents furnished by the other agency as much as possible.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

Information to be collected is in a format designed to minimize the paperwork burden on small businesses and other small entities. The information collected is the minimum needed by the Agency to approve loans and monitor borrower performance.

Approximately 290 of the 480 respondents are considered small businesses according to the

U. S. Small Business Administration Table of Small Business Size Standards under the categories of Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517311), Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517312), Telecommunications Resellers (517911) and All Other Telecommunications (517919).

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Much of the information collected under these programs is the minimum necessary to conform to the requirements of the program regulations established by law. For the collections required by statute or regulations, the information is collected when needed and cannot be collected less frequently to meet the requirements of the programs. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determinations of eligibility or improper use of funds. For the remaining information collected as indicated, USDA has exercised discretion that the information is needed to appropriately award grants or loans for the program.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would require an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

1. Requiring written responses in less than 30 days. If additional information is requested, the applicant will have up to 30 calendar days to submit the information so that the agency may make timely funding decisions. RUS cannot provide the borrower program benefits until it receives documentation to support the borrower’s request. If such information is not timely submitted, RUS may reject the application. Once all funds for this category have been expended for the ReConnect program, all remaining applications will be returned.

2. Requiring more than an original and two copies. There are no specific requirements.

3. Requiring respondents to retain records for more than 3 years. There are no such requirements.

4. Not utilizing statistical sampling. There are no such requirements.

5. Requiring use of statistical sampling which has not been reviewed and approved by OMB. There are no such requirements.

6. Requiring a pledge of confidentiality. There are no such requirements.

7. Requiring submission of proprietary trade secrets. There are no such requirements.

8. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the Agency to obtain their views on availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

The second round of the ReConnect Program opened on January 31, 2020 and closed on March 16, 2020. The third round of the ReConnect Program opened on November 24, 2021 and closed on March 9^t, 2022. During this period, there were two application deadlines depending. See the table below for the number of applicants for each funding type:

Funding Type	Application Year	Applications
100% Grant	2020	92
50/50 Loan/Grant Combination	2020	34
100% Loan	2020	7
Funding Type	Application Year	Applications
100% Grant	2021	31
50/50 Loan/Grant Combination	2021	8
100% Loan	2021	0

Funding Type	Application Year	Applications
100% Grant	2022	242
50/50 Loan/Grant Combination	2022	41
100% Loan	2022	25

The Agency contacted and received direct feedback from three applicants. The quantitative burden that was reported to the Agency is analyzed in the response to Question 13.

Respondents:

Respondent Organization	Organization Type	Respondent Location
Hamilton County Telephone Co-op	For-profit corporation	IL
Pine Telephone Company, Inc	For-profit Corporation	OK
E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative	Cooperative or mutual organizations	NM
Yates County	Municipality	NY

Respondent views on availability of data:

Regarding application requirements and system capability, two respondents reported that finding and entering the data on competitive service offerings to be not challenging and did not identify any mapping issues however one respondent reported that application portal crashed for them when they were submitting the application which resulted in rebuilding the whole application again.

Regarding the steps necessary to get started in the ReConnect Program Portal, two respondents reported no challenges. One respondent reported that they faced hiccups with security settings when they were creating accounts for their employees.

Respondent views on frequency of collection: Consensus is that the frequency of collection is standard and reasonable.

Respondent views on the clarity of instructions:

All respondents reported that the instructions were reasonably clear.

Three respondents reported no issues on the financial section. One respondent reported that the financial section was challenging for a municipality because they are required by the system to answer all questions even though some may not be applicable to them. One respondent reported the environmental section as long and complex but necessary.

Regarding help desk support, all respondent expressed no dissatisfaction.

Respondent views on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported: One respondent said that the data being collected seem appropriate and not overly burdensome. Another respondent said that reporting and gathering some of the financial data required is complex. Third respondent reported that understanding environmental review process is a challenge however it has gotten significantly better from ReConnect Round 1.

Other feedback:

Respondents also provided overall feedback about their experiences applying for the ReConnect Program. Respondents reported that the overall process has been significantly improved and not many issues were observed. It was also reported that some of the steps that are required by the Agency related to the environmental reviews are complex and time consuming but necessary to avoid possible future litigations. One respondent said that building broadband infrastructure for the last 1% will be very expensive and not motivating even with 100% grant program as the operating cost is high. One respondent reported that the effort is worth it if an award is received but if an application is rejected then it is not worth it as it takes hundreds of hours to gather the data and complete an application.

As the program develops, the Agency will continue to rely on input from the State Offices that have experience, outcomes data, and direct feedback from borrowers and grant recipients on similar grant programs that are currently in place. Additionally, RUS maintains close contact with borrowers through general field representatives and a headquarters staff. The Agency also conducts seminars for its borrowers and associated organizations.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than renumeration of contractors of grantees.

RUS has not made any such decisions or payments.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents, and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Rural Development (RD) supports the maintenance of confidentiality when appropriate. The Agency published a Privacy Act of 1974, System of Records (SORN) 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 questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.

The information collected does not contain any questions of a sensitive nature such as sexual behavior, religious beliefs, or other matters commonly considered private.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.

The second funding opportunity announcement (FOA) was published in the Federal Register, August 4, 2022, at 87 FR 47690. A Final rule to amend 7 CFR 1740 published in the Federal Register, at 88 FR 5724 on January 30, 2023. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the 60-day notice for public comment on this information collection was embedded in the FOA.

The Agency has revised the estimate of respondents from 500 in the previous approved package to 480 respondents for the renewal. For a detailed breakdown of the new burden estimates for the forms and activities, please see the attached spreadsheet.

The collection of information is summarized as follows:

Total Annual Respondents	Total Annual Responses	Hours per Response	Total Annual Burden	Recordkeeping Burden	Total Burden Hours
480	24,737	6.12	151,360	4992	156,352

Respondent Type	Estimated Hours Per Response	Total Hours (Respondents x Hours)	Cost per Hour Professional Time	Benefits https:www.bls.gov/n ews. Release/pdf/ecec.pdf	Total Cost
480 applicants	315.33	151,360	$47.10	29.6%	$9,239,256.58
480 public notice filings *	1.5	720	$47.10	29.6%	$43,949.95
208 award recipients	70	14,560	$47.10	29.6%	$888,765.70
Record- keeping	Estimated Hours Per Response	Total Hours	Cost per Hour Professional Time	Benefits https:www.bls.gov/n ews. Release/pdf/ecec.pdf	Total Cost
208 recipients	24	4,992	$47.10	29.6%	$304,719.67

Cost Per Respondent Type

Cost per applicant	$19,248.45
Cost per public notice filing	$91.56
Cost per award recipient	$4,272.91
Total Cost per recipient respondent	$22,448.56

Summary of Total Costs

Total costs for respondents	$10,171,972.23
Total recordkeeping for respondents	304,719.67

* A public filing will be posted for each of the approximate 480 applicants/respondents. The Agency estimates that on average each posting will have 3 responses for a total of 1440 responses.

RUS estimates that a total of 480 applications will be submitted in future funding opportunity announcements (FOA) and solicitations of applications. Of these applications (i.e., respondents), approximately 208 awards composed of the available funding types are estimated to be approved. The Agency estimates the total annual hours required to comply with this collection of information as 315.33 hours for each applicant. Depending on the characteristics of the applicant or application (e.g., grant-only request, trust area serving, etc.), all application items may not be required for every applicant. Therefore, the numbers of hours presented are conservative estimates.

A breakdown of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements is provided on the attached spreadsheet. Cost estimates are based on public interest, experience and discussion with program staff that operate the program. Primary individuals for a loan, combination loan/grant, and grant respondent would normally be a manager, earning $47.10 per hour. Public notice respondents would also normally be managers, earning $47.10 per hour.

Wage Estimates Data Source: May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United States; Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm/. Find Occupation Code 11-1021, General and Operations Managers. Refer to Median hourly wage.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information.

There are no capital and start-up costs involved with this collection. There are no requirements for respondents to report information other than what is project specific and

associated with specific funding applications. Once a request for financial assistance has been approved, no or minimal information is required of the applicant. Additional information is information the applicant would have available and would not be expected to recreate and, only requested under limited situations where formal mitigations measures have been required.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal Government.

The cost to the Federal Government in the following tables are estimated to be

$6,439,720.15 based on the agency receiving 480 respondents (i.e., number of applications) instead of the previous 500 respondents. See tables below.

Application Processing

Processing Step	Hours	Number of Applications	Wage	Benefits	Total
Initial engineering review	40	480	$46.64	36.25%	$1,220,102.40
Initial financial review	40	480	$46.64	36.25%	$1,220,102.40
Initial recommendation	1.5	480	$63.43	36.25%	$62,224.83
Engineering analysis	120	208	$46.64	36.25%	$1,586,133.12
Environmental analysis	240	304	$46.64	36.25%	$4,636,389.12
Financial analysis	120	208	$46.64	36.25%	$1,586,133.12
Spatial analysis	20	208	$46.64	36.25%	$264,355.52
Management Analysis Profile	32	208	$46.64	36.25%	$422,968.83
Loan closing (analyst)	2	208	$46.64	36.25%	$26,435.55
Loan closing (attorney)	1	208	$63.43	36.25%	$17,976.06
Clerical assistance	2	480	$25.45	36.25%	$33,288.60
Total					$11,076,109.55

The salary of $46.64 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – engineer or loan specialist (GS 12 - 2) in FY 2023.

The salary of $63.43 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – branch chief or attorney (GS 14 - 1) in FY 2023.

The salary of $25.45 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – administrative assistant (GS 7 - 1) in FY 2023.

Post-Award Servicing

Processing Step	Hours	Times Per Year	Wage	Benefits	Total
Advance of funds	2	624	$31.94	36.25%	$54,310.78
Engineering Documents Servicing	40	208	$31.94	36.25%	$362,071.84
Semiannual review	2	208	$55.46	36.25%	$31,434.73
Audit review (accountant)	6	208	$60.83	36.25%	$103,435.33
Audit review (analyst)	6	208	$55.46	36.25%	$94,304.18
Clerical assistance	8	208	$25.45	36.25%	$57,700.24
Total					$703,257.10

The salary of $31.94 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – loan and grant technician (GS 8 - 5) in FY 2023.

The salary of $55.46 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – engineer or business specialist (GS 13 - 2) in FY 2023.

The salary of $60.83 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – accountant (GS 13 - 5) in FY 2023.

The salary of $25.45 per hour is based on the base rate of a D.C. area – administrative assistant (GS 7 - 1) in FY 2023.

15. Explain the reasons for any program change or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.

The annual burden hours in the previous collection package of 152,130 has been revised to 151,360 which is a decrease of 770 burden hours for this collection package. The decrease of annual burden hours from the previous package can be attributed to the Agency’s revised estimate of respondents of 500 respondents in the previous package to 480 respondents in the current collection package.

Since the first FOA, the Agency has gained experience and obtained input from applicants which has been considered in the new burden numbers. The Agency has employed additional outreach to stakeholders such as application training modules (i.e. financial, environmental and technical), webinars, workshops and reviewing ways to streamline the application process.

16. For collection of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.

RUS has no plans to publish the information collected under the provisions of this program.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collected, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

RUS does not control the printing of the forms cleared in the other information collection packages, so therefore, no such approval is requested.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in item 19 on

OMB 83-I.

There are no exceptions requested.

19. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

This collection does not employ statistical methods.

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