In implementing this subpart, the Agency will issue public notifications addressing funding and programmatic changes, as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, respectively. The methods that the Agency will use in making these notifications is specified in paragraph (c) of this section, and the timing of these notifications is specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
(a) Funding and simplified applications. The Agency will issue notifications concerning:
(1) The funding level, the minimum and maximum grant amounts, and any additional funding information as determined by the Agency; and
(2) The contents of simplified applications, as provided for in § 4284.932.
(b) Programmatic changes. The Agency will issue notifications of any programmatic changes specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section.
(1) Priority categories to be used for awarding Administrator or State Director points, which may include any of the following:
(i) Unserved or underserved areas.
(ii) Geographic diversity.
(iii) Emergency conditions.
(iv) Priority mission area plans, goals, and objectives.
(2) Additional reports that are generally applicable across projects within a program associated with the monitoring of and reporting on project performance.
(3) Any application filing instructions specified in § 4284.933.
(c) Notification methods. The Agency will issue the information specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section in one or more Federal Register notices. If a funding level is not known at the time of notification, it will be posted to the program Web site once an appropriation is enacted. In addition, all information will be available at any Rural Development office.
(d) Timing. The Agency will issue notices under this section as follows:
(1) The Agency will make the information specified in paragraph (a) of this section available each Fiscal Year.
(2) The Agency will make the information specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section available at least 60 days prior to the application deadline, as applicable.
(3) The Agency will make the information specified in paragraphs (b)(2) through (4) of this section available on an as needed basis.