The requirements specified in this section shall apply to grants made under this subpart.
(a) Grantees must complete the project per the terms and conditions specified in the approved work plan and budget, and in the grant agreement and letter of conditions. Grantees are responsible to expend funds only for eligible purposes and will be monitored by Agency staff for compliance. Grantees must maintain a financial management system, and property and procurement standards in accordance with Departmental Regulations.
(b) Grantees must submit prescribed narrative and financial performance reports that include a comparison of accomplishments with the objectives stated in the application. The Agency will prescribe both the narrative and financial report formats in the grant agreement.
(1) Semi-annual performance reports shall be submitted within 45 days following March 31 and September 30 each fiscal year. A final performance report shall be submitted to the Agency within 90 days of project completion. Failure to submit a performance report within the specified timeframes may result in the Agency withholding grant funds.
(2) Additional reports shall be submitted as specified in the grant agreement or Letter of Conditions, or as otherwise provided in a notification issued under Sec. 4284.915.
(3) Copies of supporting documentation and/or project deliverables for completed tasks must be provided to the Agency in a timely manner in accord with the development or completion of materials and in conjunction with the budget and project timeline. Examples include, but are not limited to, a feasibility study, marketing plan, business plan, success story, distribution network study, or best practice.
(4) The Agency may request any additional project and/or performance data for the project for which grant funds have been received, including but not limited to,
(i) Information about jobs created and/or saved as a result of the project;
(ii) Increases in producer customer base and revenues as a result of the project;
(iii) Data regarding renewable energy capacity or emissions reductions resulting from the project;
(iv) The nature of and advantages or disadvantages of supply chain arrangements or equitable distribution of rewards and responsibilities for mid-tier value chain projects; and
(v) Recommendations from Beginning Farmers or Socially Disadvantaged Farmers.
(5) The Agency may terminate or suspend the grant for lack of adequate or timely progress, reporting, or documentation, or for failure to comply with Agency requirements.