19_Resident-Instruction-RIIA.pdf

Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas

(RIIA)

Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Program for Insular Areas

(AGFEI)

2019 Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATION Due Dates:

April 19, 2019: (Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA)

April 24, 2019: Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Program for Insular Areas (AGFEI)

ELIGIBILITY: See Part III, A of RFA

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE

RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER

EDUCATION IN INSULAR AREAS (RIIA)

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 10.308, Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas.

DATES: Applications are due by the following dates:

• Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA): April 19, 2019, no later than (NLT) 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Program for Insular Areas (AGFEI): April 24, 2019, NLT 5 p.m. EST.

Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding (see Part IV, C of this RFA). Comments regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

STAKEHOLDER INPUT: We at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seek your comments about this RFA. We will consider your comments when we develop the next RFA for the program, if applicable, and we’ll use them to meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.

7613(c)(2)). Submit your written stakeholder comments by the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this notice via email to Policy@nifa.usda.gov. (This email address is only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not for requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are responding to the Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) for land-grant colleges and universities in the Insular Areas

RFA.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA requests applications for the Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) for land-grant colleges and universities in the Insular Areas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 to strengthen the capacity to carry out resident instruction, curriculum, and teaching programs in the food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences (FANH) as well as to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities, and equipment necessary to conduct tropical and subtropical agricultural research. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2019 is approximately $1,200,000. This RFA is released prior to the passage of an appropriations act for FY 2019. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

mailto:Policy@nifa.usda.gov

This notice identifies the objectives for RIIA and AGFEI projects, the eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an RIIA and AGFEI grant.

Table of Contents

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Types of Applications C. Project and Grant Types D. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Electronic Application Package B. Content and Form of Application Submission C. Submission Dates and Times D. Funding Restrictions E. Other Submission Requirements

PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. General B. Evaluation Criteria C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Award Notice C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT

PART VIII—OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds; Changes B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Definitions E. Materials Available on the Internet

Figure 1: Expected Outcomes

Table 1: Key Information

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

This program is administered under the provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Section 7501 of Public Law 107-171) as reauthorized in Section 7143 of Public Law 110-246, which amended the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) by continuing the Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) (7 U.S.C. 3363) conducting educational programs in food and agricultural sciences and related sciences. Furthermore, in accordance with the 7 U.S.C 3222b-2 authority, this request for applications also covers the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) Program to Support Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research in the Insular Areas. Under this authority, funds will be awarded to assist the land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in efforts to acquire, alter or repair facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and support tropical and subtropical agriculture research, including pest and disease research.

B. Purpose and Priorities

The RIIA and AGFEI Programs directly align with:

• 2018-2022 USDA Strategic Plan, Strategic Goal #4 -- Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development; Objective 4.1: Expand rural business opportunity and rural quality of life with access to capital; improved infrastructure, broadband access and connectivity; and support for workforce availability.

The purpose of these programs are to promote and strengthen the ability of eligible institutions in the Insular Areas (see definition in Part VIII,) to carry out education within the FANH sciences.

RIIA projects strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to education needs in the food and agricultural sciences. RIIA activities facilitate cooperative initiatives between two or more insular area eligible institutions, or between those institutions and units of state government or organizations in the private sector, to maximize the development and use of resources such as faculty, facilities and equipment to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs. Furthermore, RIIA activities support the creation, adaptation, of learning materials and teaching strategies to operationalize what we know about how students learn. Many of these concepts are identified in the National Research Council’s publication: “How People Learn.” RIIA-funded projects shall also focus on imparting both technical knowledge as well as ‘soft’ skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, as these are abilities expected by employers.

These concepts can be found in the publication: Comparative Analysis of Soft Skills: What is Important for New Graduates?

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/LearningBiology/readings/How-people-learn.pdf http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/LearningBiology/readings/How-people-learn.pdf http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9853/how-people-learn-brain-mind-experience-and-school-expanded-edition http://www.colorado.edu/MCDB/LearningBiology/readings/How-people-learn.pdf http://www.aplu.org/members/commissions/food-environment-and-renewable-resources/CFERR_Library/comparative-analysis-of-soft-skills-what-is-important-for-new-graduates http://www.aplu.org/members/commissions/food-environment-and-renewable-resources/CFERR_Library/comparative-analysis-of-soft-skills-what-is-important-for-new-graduates

AGFEI projects support activities to acquire or renovate facilities and relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research to support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.

These programs are intended to broaden the undergraduate student experience by integrating opportunities to participate in research, education, and extension and to enhance collaborations with community colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions, and non-land grant college and universities of agriculture.

C. Program Area Description

Key Information Program Code: AA-Q for both AGFEI and RIIA Program Code Names:

- Resident Instruction Grants Program for Higher Education in the Insular Areas (RIIA)

- Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment Program (AGFEI) Code of Federal Domestic Assistance: 10.308 Requested Project Types:

- RIIA Education/Teaching Projects

- AGFEI Facilities and Equipment Requested Grant Types: Standard Grants, Planning Activity Application Deadlines:

- Resident Instruction Grants Program for Higher Education in the Insular Areas (RIIA):

Friday, April 19, 2019, 5 PM EST

- Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment Program (AGFEI): Friday, April

24, 2019, 5 PM EST

Table 1: Key Information

Grant Type Grant

Duration Number of

Applications Per Lead

Institution

Maximum # of Grants per Institution

Award Amount

Total Funding per Institution

Standard Grant

24-36 months

3 for RIIA and 2 for AGFEI

2 for RIIA and 2 for AGFEI No more than 3 awards made per applicant

Up to $150,000 for each Program

Not to Exceed $450,000

Planning Activity

Up to 24 months

2 1 total grant Up to $30,000

Not to Exceed $30,000

** A Letter of Intent is not required for this program.

Applications for the RIIA program shall do the following:

1. Improve formal, postsecondary agricultural sciences education/instruction to ensure a competent and qualified workforce to serve the FANH sciences and meet current and future national food and agricultural science needs.

2. Improve the economic health and viability of rural communities through the development of degree programs emphasizing new and emerging employment opportunities in FANH sciences.

3. Increase the number and diversity of students who will pursue and complete a 2- or 4-year post-secondary education in the FANH sciences, or Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Applications for the AGFEI program shall do the following:

Acquire or renovate facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research to support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.

Leadership Skills Development:

All RIIA projects are required to provide leadership skills opportunities. The development of leadership skills, knowledge and qualities are necessary for preparing students for agricultural related careers in private sector, government and academia. Projects must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to ensure that students are equipped with both technical and leadership abilities.

• Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills; ethics and professionalism; and working in teams;

• Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;

• Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

• Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.

Expected Products and Results:

The RIIA program requires all project directors to provide appropriate metrics and describe the expected products and results, outcomes, and their potential impact on strengthening food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences education, research and extension in the

United States. Metrics to assess products, outputs and outcomes are to be clearly delineated in the proposal.

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts:

The RIIA program supports social and behavioral science disciplines. RIIA projects that integrate social and biological sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research, and related community development programs are encouraged.

Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in heathy life styles and consuming heathy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The anticipated amount available for RIIA and AGFEI grants in FY 2019 is approximately $1,200,000. This RFA is released prior to the passage of an appropriations act for the FY 2019.

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. Funds will be awarded competitively through a peer panel review process.

USDA does not have a commitment to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Applications for Payment System (ASAP), operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA. For more information see https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm.

B. Types of Applications

In FY 2019, only ‘new’ or ‘resubmitted’ applications will be accepted:

New application: Is a project application not previously submitted to the RIIA or AGFEI programs. All new applications will be reviewed competitively, using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in Part V of this RFA, Application Review Requirements.

Resubmitted application: Is an application that was previously submitted to the RIIA or AGFEI programs but not funded. Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review panel summary (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV of this RFA). Resubmitted applications must be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition with other pending applications in appropriate area to which they are assigned, and will be reviewed according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.

C. Project and Grant Types

1. Project Types

The RIIA program will only accept one project type: Education/Teaching.

For the purposes of this RFA, an education or teaching activity is defined as formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in the FANH sciences supporting faculty development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm

RIIA Education/Teaching projects should focus on one or more of the “need areas” listed below. Please note that at least one of the “need areas” must be indicated on the Project Summary (See Part IV, B.3.a).

The AGFEI program will only accept one project type: Facilities and Equipment.

The Facilities and Equipment Projects will focus on construction, acquisition, and remodeling of buildings, laboratories, and other capital facilities (including fixtures and equipment) necessary to conduct activities in tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.

Education or Teaching Projects need areas for FY 2019 are defined as Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources; Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching; Instruction Delivery Systems; Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching and Research; Student Experiential Learning; and Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Equity.

Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources

Promote the development of courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula, and instructional materials and technology. Promote the acquisition of library resources including books and journals relating to the food and agricultural sciences; and stimulate the use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects, new research on teaching and learning theory, and new applications of knowledge.

Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching

Advance faculty development in the areas of teaching competency and leadership, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment and advising skills. Examples include, obtaining experience with recent developments and new applications; expanding competence in innovative technologies and new methods of instruction delivery; developing new skills in a field of science or education including student advising skills; or pursuing graduate-level study in a field related to the food and agricultural sciences.

Each faculty recipient of support for developmental activities must be an “eligible participant” please refer to: 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions, for applicable definitions for this NIFA grant program.

Instruction Delivery Systems

To encourage the use of alternative methods of delivering instruction to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency of teaching programs. Examples include incorporating alternative instructional methodologies that respond to differences in student learning styles;

inter-institutional collaborations that deliver instruction in ways that maximize program quality and reduce unnecessary duplication; and consideration and implementation of http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 innovative instructional techniques, methodologies, and delivery systems in response to advances in knowledge and technology.

Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching and Research

To provide students and faculty in science-oriented courses with suitable, up-to-date equipment in order to involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress.

Examples include acquiring new state-of-the-art instructional, laboratory, classroom, and research scientific equipment; upgrading existing equipment, or replacing obsolete equipment.

Student Experiential Learning

To develop scientific and professional competencies that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Examples include preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology; enhancing quality of life; conserving resources; and addressing community and economic development issues. Activities include internships, practicum experiences, study abroad opportunities, and participation with faculty on applied research and related community development projects.

Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Equity

To enhance educational equity for under-represented students, and strengthen student recruitment and retention programs in the FANH sciences. Examples include: initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract increased numbers of students from under-represented groups to enroll in FANH degree programs; mentoring programs and other initiatives for student retention; and the provision of student financial support to attend college.

Additional Concerns

The use of students with only routine office, laboratory or fieldwork is not considered education for the purposes of this program. To consider a program as education related, students must be actively engaged in the scholarship of research activities.

2. Grant Types

Applicants may submit proposals for one of the following grant types:

a. Standard Grant

This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

Eligible institutions may submit a standard project application for project activities undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty, and managed primarily by its own personnel. Standard grant applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

Grants awards may differ from the amounts requested in the application, and NIFA require revised budgets and revised plans of work before making an award.

The project period may range from 24 to 36 months. The project start date is not to occur prior to September 2019. Note the actual performance may occur prior to the official award start date.

An eligible institution may submit no more than three applications to the RIIA or two applications to AGFEI. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as described in Part III of this RFA.

Eligible applicants may receive up to two awards for RIIA and two awards for AGFEI, but no more than three awards total. Total award amount per institution will not exceed $450,000. Institutions receiving a grant under these programs are eligible to receive RIIA and/or AGFEI grants in subsequent years. Receiving a grant under any other authority does not affect eligibility for these RIIA or AGFEI grants programs.

b. Planning Activity

Planning Activity Grants support scientific meetings that bring together educators to identify education/teaching needs, update information, or advance an area of education/teaching. Support for a limited number of meetings covering subject matter encompassed by this solicitation will be considered for partial or, if modest, total support. Individuals planning activity grants must not exceed $30,000 for up to two years and are not renewable. Indirect costs are not permitted on Planning Activity grant awards.

D. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients shall, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research for further information.

PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

Only eligible institutions, as described in this section, may submit applications. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application due date may result in the application being excluded from consideration. If an application is reviewed, but does not meet an eligibility criterion, NIFA may be precluded from making an award. Eligible institutions are as follows:

1. Individual Institutions

For the purposes of the RIIA program, an eligible institution is an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)); is located in an Insular Area; and has a demonstrable capacity to carry out teaching and extension programs in the FANH sciences. All public or non-profit 2-year and 4-year accredited institutions of higher education that offer certificate/degree programs in the FANH sciences are eligible. For the purposes of the AGFEI Program, only individual land-grant colleges and universities, and other institutions that have secured land-grant status through Federal legislation, and which are located in Insular Areas are eligible for awards under this RFA as individual applicants.

The eight Insular Areas are:

1. American Samoa,

2. the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,

3. the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,

4. the Federated States of Micronesia,

5. Guam,

6. the Republic of the Marshall Islands,

7. the Republic of Palau, and

8. the United States Virgin Islands.

2. Branch Institutions of a Territory University System For the purposes of the RIIA and AGFEI programs, the individual branches of a territory university system that are separately accredited as degree-granting institutions are treated as separate, individual institutions eligible to apply for and receive awards, provided they otherwise satisfy the definition of “eligible institution” as specified above.

3. Independent Branch Campuses Independent branch campuses of individual institutions may apply for and receive grant awards under this program, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of “eligible institution” as specified above.

4. Certification of Eligibility At the time of application, each primary applicant will be required to demonstrate or certify that it is an eligible institution as defined by this RFA. A non-Land Grant institution must submit a letter signed by the institution’s Authorized Representative (AR) certifying that it meets the requirements of an “eligible institution” as defined above. The AR must also certify the institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus:

a) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;

b) Is legally authorized by the Territory in which it is located to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;

c) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor’s degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree; and

d) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

Eligibility documentation must be submitted as part of the applicant’s Project Narrative. See Part IV, B.3, Field 8 of this RFA.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

NIFA does not require matching support for these programs, and matching resources will not be a factor in the review process as evaluation criteria.

PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Electronic Application Package

Only electronic applications will be considered for this RFA. Applicants may submit electronic applications to NIFA and in response to this RFA via Grants.gov.

Applicants are encouraged to submit early. Information about the pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle is available here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html.

New Users of Grants.gov

Prior to preparing an application, it is recommended that the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) first contact an Authorized Representative (AR, also referred to as Authorized Organizational Representative, or AOR) to determine if the organization is prepared to submit electronic applications through Grants.gov.

If an organization is not prepared to submit electronic applications (e.g., the institution/organization is new to the electronic grant application process through Grants.gov), a one-time registration process must be completed PRIOR to submitting an application. It can take as long as two weeks to complete the registration process so it is critical to begin as soon as possible.

If registration is required, the AR should go to “Register,” in the top right corner of the Grants.gov web page, or to this link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html for information on registering the institution/organization with Grants.gov. Part II(1) of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide (https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html) contains detailed information regarding the registration process.

Steps to Obtain Application Package Materials

To receive application materials applicants must:

1. Download and install a version of Adobe Reader compatible with Grants.gov to access, complete, and submit applications. For basic system requirements and download instructions, see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. Grants.gov has a test package that will help you determine whether your current version of Adobe Reader is compatible.

2. To obtain the application package from Grants.gov, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.htmland enter the funding opportunity number where appropriate

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-RIGP-006693

Click “Search.” On the displayed page, click the corresponding link to continue. A Grant Application Package is tied to a particular funding opportunity. You may move forms amongst https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html different Grant Application Packages but you may ONLY submit an application to the particular funding opportunity to which the Grant Application Package is associated.

Contained within the application package is the “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.” This guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov instructions, information about how to use a Grant Application Package in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to complete the application forms.

If you require assistance to access the application package (e.g., downloading or navigating Adobe forms) or submitting the application, refer to resources available on the Grants.gov website (https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html). Grants.gov assistance is also available at:

Grants.gov customer support 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035

Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed on federal holidays.

Email: support@grants.gov

Grants.gov iPortal (see https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants):

Top 10 requested help topics (FAQs), Searchable knowledge base, self-service ticketing and ticket status, and live web chat (available 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET).

Have the following information available when contacting Grants.gov:

• Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

• Name of agency you are applying to

• Specific area of concern

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Electronic applications are to be prepared following Parts V and VI of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section A of this Part). The following is additional information you need to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If there is discrepancy between the two documents, the information contained in this RFA is overriding.

Note the attachment requirements (e.g., PDF) in Part III, Section 3 of the application guide.

Proposals that are Non-Compliant with the Requirements (e.g., Content Format, Pdf File Format, File Name Restrictions, and No Password Protected Files) will be at Risk of being excluded from NIFA’s Review. Grants.gov does not check for NIFA required attachments or whether attachments are in PDF format. See Part III, Section 6.1 of the application guide for how to check the manifest of submitted files. Partial applications will be excluded from NIFA review. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions of an application until close of business on the closing date in the RFA (see Part V, 2.1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further information).

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants

Review the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide and the applicable RFA for any questions related to the preparation of an application. If assistance is needed when preparing application forms content, contact:

• Email: electronic@nifa.usda.gov

• Phone: 202-401-5048

• Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays.

1. SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 2 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. See Part V, Section 2.18 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances (e.g., Prohibition Against Entities Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements).

2. SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)

Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 3 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

3. R&R Other Project Information Form

Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 4 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

a. Field 7 - Project Summary/Abstract The summary shall not exceed 250 words and must include the relevance of the project to the goals of the RIIA or AGFEI Program. See Part V. 4.7 of NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.

b. Field 8 - Project Narrative Required Attachment Format – PDF. Application will not be accepted for review if the project narrative is not included or not in PDF format.

NOTE: The project narrative shall not exceed 18 pages of written text and up to five additional pages for figures and tables. Formatting shall be one inch margins, no smaller than 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar), and double-spaced. There is a maximum of 23 pages to ensure fair and equitable competition. Project narratives that exceed this page limit requirement will not be accepted for review.

The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

1. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem

a. Identification of Educational Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state the following: (1) the specific instructional problem/challenge (or opportunity) to be addressed; (2) the anticipated project audience; and (3) the project’s target objectives (what change in education is proposed?) and its anticipated, overall impact on improving mailto:electronic@nifa.usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ the quality of FANH sciences education.

b. Project Justification: Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Discuss how the project’s Educational Need Area (Part II, C.1) will be of value at the State, regional, national, or international level(s), and where applicable, how it will improve the FANH science capabilities of students. Describe any previously funded projects, ongoing or recently completed, that are related to the proposed project.

c. Institutional Long-range Goals: Explain how the project will help satisfy the institution/organization's high-priority objectives, or how the project is linked to and supported by the institution/organization's strategic plan.

d. Innovation: Describe the proposal’s creative approach to improving the quality of FANH sciences education, solving an educational problem, or promoting programs that advance equal opportunity for all students. Using either actual experiences or literature background information, show why this approach was chosen.

e. Multidisciplinary and/or Problem-based Focus: Indicate how the project is relevant to multiple disciplines in FANH sciences education and how the project will enhance students’ understanding of complex agricultural systems. Also, discuss whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a model for other institutions.

2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

a. Plan of Operation and Methodology. Describe procedures for accomplishing the objectives of the project. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

b. Timetable. Identify all important project milestones (performance targets that indicate when project goals will be met) and dates as they relate to project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and closeout.

c. Products, Results and Measurable Outputs. Outline the expected products, results, measurable outputs, and their outcome (impact) on strengthening FANH sciences education. This is optional for Planning Activity grant applications.

Note: Make sure to differentiate among the three terms: (1) “Products” may be actual items or services acquired with funds, e.g., “…developed three, new Web-based courses”; (2) “Results” are accomplishments related to the products, e.g., “...additional course materials now available online to reinforce student learning during non-classroom hours”; and (3) “Impacts” are the benefits to your audience. Impacts are the consequences of your project and the most critical elements in your Evaluation Plan. They are a measure of the results by comparison to what might have happened in the absence of the funded project, e.g., “…an observed, overall increase in student learning based upon 8% higher average test scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, Web-based course materials”.

d. Evaluation Plan. All RIIA projects must have an Evaluation Plan that includes both a strategy for monitoring the project as it evolves (to provide feedback to guide these efforts), as well as a strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of the project. Grantees are encouraged to obtain an independent evaluator to secure appropriate documentation of the projects outcomes and impacts. As a guide, up to 10% of the grant funds may be used to support this purpose.

e. Dissemination Plans. The application must document how project accomplishments (products, results and impacts…etc.) will be published or otherwise disseminated to the broadest extent throughout the academic community. This may include educational journals or other professional discipline publications, and presentations at regional or international conferences and workshops, including the RIIA Project Directors’ Meeting.

Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization. Identify target audiences and explain methods of communication. This is optional for Planning Activity grant applications.

f. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts. Explain how the project will maximize partnership and collaborative efforts to strengthen FANH sciences education (e.g., involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, or cooperative activities with business or industry). Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved in the partnership or collaborative arrangement.

3. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

a. Institutional/Organizational Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to this project and has the capability to ensure its completion.

b. Institutional/Organizational Resources. Document the necessary institutional/organizational resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials), and other appropriate resources, that will be made available to the project.

Demonstrate how these resources, when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project.

c. Academic Enhancement. Document how this project will improve and strengthen teaching at the institution (including any partner institutions/organizations). Include how any project performance target(s) identified above (2.b., Timetable) will be incorporated into academic instruction at the institution. Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend the applicant institution/organization or the grant period.

d. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the period of USDA support. Describe how the institution’s/organization's long-range budget or academic plan provides for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the grant period ends. Explain the plans for eventual self-support built into the project, and the plans to institutionalize the program if it is successful. Describe any indications of other continuing non-Federal support. Provide details of the expected outcomes, and the targeted audience that would benefit from the continuation of this project. This is optional for Planning Activity grant applications.

4. Key Personnel

Discuss the adequacy and specific attributes and project responsibilities of each key person associated with the project. Also include the background and qualifications of those personnel who will be responsible for assessing project results and administering the project evaluation and reporting process.

5. Budget and Cost-effectiveness

a. Budget. In addition to the separate, required budget forms and budget justification, discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. Explain how such budget items as professional or technical staff time and salary, travel, equipment, etc., are necessary and reasonable to achieve project objectives. Justify that all funds requested from USDA are allocated adequately between the applicant and any collaborating institution/organization(s), and will be appropriate to carry out the activities of the project. If the application addresses more than one Educational Need Area (see Part II, C.1.), you must include estimates of the proportion of the funds requested from USDA that will support each respective area.

b. Cost-effectiveness. Justify the project's cost-effectiveness. Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, or leverages additional funds. For example, discuss how the project has the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and activity focused on a need area.

c. Field 12. Add Other Attachments. See Part V. Section 4.12 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide (Field 12 on the form) for instructions for this field.

Data Management Plan. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required and is to clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B.). See PART III Section 3.1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for NIFA attachment specifications.

The requirements for preparation and inclusion of a DMP in your application is included on the following web page, https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects. Also included on the web page are FAQs and information about accessing examples of DMPs.

• Response to Previous Review – PDF Attachment. 1 Page Limit. Title the attachment as ‘Response to Previous Review’ in the document header and save file as ‘ResponsetoPreviousReview’. This requirement only applies to “Resubmitted Applications” as described under Part II, B., “Types of Applications”. PDs must respond https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects to the previous review panel summary on no more than one page, titled, “RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW”. If desired, additional comments may be included in the text of the Project Narrative, subject to the page limitations of that section.

• Expected Outcomes – PDF Attachment

Title the attachment “Expected Outcomes” in the document header and save file as “ExpectedOutcomes.” Please use a format, similar to what is provided below, to submit expected outcomes and attach it as the last page of the application. This data will be requested when a grant is recommended for an award. A fillable version of this document can be also found at -https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/recommended-format-submitting-expected-impacts https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/recommended-format-submitting-expected-impacts

Figure 1: Expected Outcomes

4. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 5 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. This section of the guide includes instructions about senior/key person profile requirements, and details about the biographical sketch and the current and pending support, including a link to a suggested template for the current and pending support.

5. R&R Personal Data As noted in Part V, 6 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, the submission of this information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. Part V.6 also notes the importance and use of the information.

6. R&R Budget Detailed budgets for each year of the project and a cumulative budget are required along with a budget justification for each budget line item for the cumulative budget. Budgets for each year do NOT have to be the same from year to year.

Single award budgets should not exceed $150,000. Actual amounts may differ from the amounts requested in the application and that revised budgets and revised plans of work may be required by NIFA before an award is made.

NIFA does not require matching support for this program, and matching resources will not be a factor in the review process as evaluation criteria.

For further information and instructions regarding indirect costs, refer to Part V, section 7.9 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. For indirect cost funding restrictions, refer to Part IV, D. of this RFA.

7. Supplemental Information Form Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part VI, 1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

a. Field 2. Program to which you are applying. Enter the program code name (i.e., “Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas), and the program code (i.e., “AA-Q”). The AGFEI program will share the RIIA program code for this fiscal year. Note that accurate entry of the program code is very important for proper and timely processing of an application.

b. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. See Part VI, 1.8 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.

8. Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants

This is a required form for corporate applicants. See VI, 2 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for a description of the term, “corporation,” and detailed information related to the questions on this form.

C. Submission Dates and Times

We recommend that you conduct an administrative review of the application before submission of it via Grants.gov to ensure that it complies with all preparation instructions. An application checklist is included in Part VII of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide to assist with this review.

The application should be checked for the following required items that might be overlooked (this is not an exclusive list):

• Logic Model (optional)

• Data Management Plan

• CVs, Current and Pending, Conflict of Interest Forms of all PDs and Co-PDs

• Certification of eligibility letter

• Tax and Felony Form

• Expected Outcomes Table

Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV, Section 1.9 of the NIFA

Applications must be received by Grants.gov no later than -o 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 19, 2019, Resident Instruction Grants Program for

Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) Friday, April 24, 2019, Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and

Equipment Program for Insular Areas (AGFEI)

Applications received after this deadline are normally not considered for funding. Exceptions are only made for delays due to natural disasters or technical problems experienced by Grants.gov that impact the entire applicant community. Documentation to this problem will be required.

If you experience technical problems when submitting an application to Grants.gov, FIRST contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any problems. Keep a record of any such correspondence. See Part IV A of this RFA for Grants.gov contact information. Keep a record of the following:

1. Grants.gov Tracking Numbers

2. Case numbers provided…