USDA Seeks Feedback on Equal-Opportunity Compliance Paperwork for Federal Funding Recipients
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture wants your feedback on a new form that helps check if groups getting federal money are following equal opportunity rules. If you’re part of a federal agency or get federal funds, this affects you! Comments are open until November 27, 2026, so jump in now to help shape the process and keep paperwork easy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Wood Products Infrastructure Grant Applications
Entities that operate or plan to establish, reopen, expand, or improve sawmills or wood processing facilities near Federal or Indian land identified for ecological restoration may apply for Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance under CFDA 10.725 (section 40804(b)(3) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 11/15/2021). Eligible applicants include for-profits, State/Local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, not-for-profits, institutions of higher education, and special purpose districts; the notice lists 197 respondents and 1,034 total estimated burden hours. Applications must be submitted by the date/time in the Notice of Funding Opportunity at Grants.gov and include narrative and budget information consistent with 2 CFR part 200 and Forest Service guidance.
Equal‑Opportunity Review Form Required
If your organization receives Federal financial assistance, Forest Service staff will use form FS-1700-6A to document nondiscrimination obligations and to collect information during pre-award interviews and post-award monitoring. The collection applies to Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions, and State/Local/Tribal governments, with 11,625 respondents, annual reporting/recordkeeping, and a total estimated burden of 52,313 hours; post-award interviews occur on a five (5) or ten (10) year basis as described in Forest Service Handbook 1709.11, Chapter 70.
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Key Dates
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