(a) Allowable uses of grant and Matching Funds. The following types of activities and expenses are allowable:

(1) Costs associated with establishing or operating a Center, including legal services, accounting services, clerical assistance, technical services, office supplies, hiring employees, monitoring contracts, professional development for staff, attending conferences that would advance Cooperative Development and its practice, and Board travel;

(2) Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development as defined in § 4284.503;

(3) Costs for coordination of services and sharing of information among the Centers; and

(4) Providing loans and/or grants as Subawards per 2 CFR part 200 for Technical Assistance including Cooperative Development.

(b) Unallowable uses of grant and Matching Funds. No funds under this subpart shall be used to:

(1) Pay for the preparation of the grant application;

(2) Pay any costs of the Project incurred prior to the date of grant approval;

(3) Pay expenses not directly related to the funded Project;

(4) Pay for Board/advisory council member's time;

(5) Pay for the Operating Costs of any entity receiving assistance from the Recipient;

(6) Fund R&D;

(7) Duplicate activities paid for by another Federal grant program or activities charged to a previous RCDG Project;

(8) Pay for assistance to any private business enterprise which does not have at least 51 percent ownership by those who are either citizens of the United States or reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence;

(9) Pay for any goods or services from a person or entity who has a conflict of interest with the Recipient;

(10) Pay any judgment or debt owed to the United States;

(11) Purchase or make improvements to Real Property;

(12) Plan, develop, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct a building or facility;

(13) Purchase, lease purchase, or install Equipment;

(14) Purchase or pay for the repair of vehicles; or

(15) Fund activities considered unallowable by the applicable cost principles, mostly of which are included in 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, or successor regulation.