RCD Non-Competing Continuation

Current as of:

Annually, at the start of the calendar year, OCS will send the organization a letter to submit a non-competing continuation application for Federal Fiscal Year appropriations. Complete the request using the guidance in letter. This page provides Rural Community Development (RCD) recipients with the process and procedures for submitting a non-competing continuation. Additional, specific guidance will be sent via letter to the organization annually.

What is a Non-Competing Continuation (NCC)?

An award made through a non-competing process in which funds approved within a previous project period are provided/issued for use in the upcoming budget period.
What is an NCC application?

Rural Community Development (RCD) recipients must submit an application to the Office of Community Services (OCS) annually for continued project funding for each year of project implementation.

NCC funding is contingent on:

  • Availability of Federal appropriations,
  • Submission of all progress and financial reports,
  • Satisfactory project performance, and
  • Receipt of the NCC Application by the application due date.
When is the NCC Application Submitted?

NCC Continuation Application materials are sent to eligible recipients each year. The timeframe depends on the overall funding cycle and is usually in the start of the calendar year. If the recipient does not receive the NCC packet by the end of March, please contact the RCD program specialist immediately.

Completed NCC applications must be submitted by the date specified in the non-competing continuation grant application materials.
What is the Application Process?

OCS will email the NCC application notification letter to the organization’s Authorized Official notifying the recipient that the NCC Application Kit has been opened. OCS will also upload a notification via GrantSolutions Grant Notes.

Once the NCC Application Kit has opened, RCD recipients must complete all necessary documents and submit them electronically via GrantSolutions as a Grant Note. ACF will not accept applications submitted via email or via facsimile. The deadline for electronic revision application submission is 11:59 p.m., ET on the due date.

For assistance with the electronic submission process, please see: Processing a Non-Competing Application in GrantSolutions Grantee Manual .
What is Included in the NCC Application?

Complete and sign the continuation application documents listed below. All the required forms and assurances will be provided within GrantSolutions. All forms that require a signature should be signed by the Authorizing Official for this grant.

  • Standard Form (SF) 424 — Application for Federal Assistance
  • SF-424A — Budget Information — Non-construction Programs
  • SF-424B — Assurances — Non-construction Programs
  • Certification Regarding Lobbying
  • Detailed Itemized Budget and Narrative Justification
    • Describe in detail how each budget line-item amount was derived. In the narrative, the costs should be linked to the plans and activities for the upcoming year.
  • Project/Performance Site Location Standard Form
  • Project Narrative
    • Provide a clear and concise description of the status of the project as well as any intended modification/changes to the originally approved project activities or schedule. The status should provide a very brief overview of accomplishments and challenges encountered to date and reflect on the progress made towards the achievement of results and benefits. The narrative should describe activities focused on the creation of the social enterprise and the implementation of a business incubator that provides services and technical assistance to participants and addresses community barriers. Intended modifications/changes to the original work plan, project narrative or budget must be identified and explained.

To help complete the process, the Office of Grants Management has posted a Non-Competing Continuation Application toolkit on GrantSolutions.