2017_ACER_RFA_Final_07-25-2017.pdf

OMB No. 0581-0240

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Acer Access and Development Program

Fiscal Year 2017 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-ACER-G-17-0006

Publication Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Friday, August 25, 2017

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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Acer Access and Development Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-ACER-G-17-0006

Announcement Type: Initial

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.174

Dates: Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time Friday, August 25, 2017, through www.Grants.gov . Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2017 Acer Access and Development Program (Acer). AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that support the efforts of States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with: promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production; promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry; market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products; encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer—to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. Eligible applicants include States, tribal governments, and research institutions.

Approximately $1 million is available in total to fund applications under this solicitation. The maximum award is $350,000.

This announcement provides information about the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an award.

Stakeholder Input: AMS seeks your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments when we develop the next RFA for the program. Submit written stakeholder comments by the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this Notice via e-mail to:

AMSGrants@ams.usda.gov. (This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are commenting on the Acer Access and Development Program RFA.

http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:AMSGrants@ams.usda.gov

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Application Checklist

The application checklist below provides the required and conditionally required documents for an application package. AMS expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application to ensure that they understand the program’s requirements.

Acer requires that all application packages include the following, which are available through Grants.gov:

� SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) � SF-424B – Assurances - Non-Construction Program (fillable PDF in Grants.gov)

Combine the following required application components into one PDF in the order listed below. Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

� Project Narrative � Fiscal Plan and Resources � A Letter of Commitment from Each Partner or Collaborator

When applicable, application packages may be required to include the following documents:

� AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (fillable PDF in Grants.gov)

� AD-3031, Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (fillable PDF in Grants.gov)

� Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15)

Timing to Obtain or Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov.

Friday, August 25, 2017 – 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Obtaining Your Organization’s DUNS Number (if you do not already have one) 1-2 business days Establishing an Active SAM.gov Account (if you do not already have one) 7-10 business days Obtaining an TIN/EIN (if you do not already have one) Up to 2 weeks Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your AOR authorization Up to 2 weeks

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Legislative Authority

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Project Types

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance

2.2 Type of Applications

2.3 Available Funding

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration

2.5 Award Size

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Partners and Collaborators

3.3 Cost-Sharing and Matching

4.0 Application and Submission Information

4.1 Electronic Application Package

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

4.3 Submitted Application Qualification

4.4 Submission Date and Time

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

4.6 Funding Restrictions

4.7 Grants.gov Application Submisssion and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.0 Application Review Information

5.1 Project Evaluation Criteria

5.2 Review and Selection Process

6.0 Award Administration Information

6.1 Award Notices

6.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

6.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.4 Reporting

7.0 Agency Contact

7.1 Team Lead

7.2 Grants Management Specialist

7.3 Address

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Equal Opportunity Statement

8.2 Freedom of Information Act Requests

8.3 Prohibition on Using Funds under Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements

8.4 Paperwork Burden Statement

OMB No. 0581-0240

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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) is authorized by section 12306 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113—79), (7 U.S.C. 1632c).

1.2 PURPOSE

To support the efforts of States, tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through the following activities:

(1) Promotion of research and education related to maple syrup production.

(2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.

(3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap products.

(4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer-

(A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land; or

(B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities.

1.2.1 DEFINITION OF MAPLE-SUGARING

The collection of sap from any species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling to produce food. Acer is a genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as maple.

1.3 PROJECT TYPES

Applicants must align their proposal to one of the two project types:

• Market Development and Promotion

• Producer and Landowner Education

Applicants may apply under only one project type. Each project type is described in greater detail below.

All applications must illustrate a regional or national impact on the domestic maple syrup or maple-sap products and have the potential to quantitatively increase maple-sugaring activities or maple syrup production.

1.3.1 MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION

Projects emphasize improving consumer knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the maple syrup industry and its products. Specifically, this funding area focuses on enhancing the market for domestic maple syrup and maple-sap products through consumer promotion, including education related to maple syrup production, research, and natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.

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Examples include:

• Information campaigns for consumers highlighting sustainable practices implemented by the maple syrup industry.

• Consumer education campaigns highlighting maple syrup and maple-sap products inputs and outputs, generating greater awareness of maple product development.

• National consumer awareness campaigns about domestic maple syrup production.

• Fostering consumer awareness of maple product development by generally promoting agritourism of land devoted to maple-sugaring.

• Campaigns that emphasize awareness of U.S. maple products and foster the development of relationships between maple producers and international buyers and traders.

1.3.2 PRODUCER AND LANDOWNER EDUCATION

Projects emphasize improving producer knowledge, awareness, and understanding of research, educational resources, or natural resource sustainability practices affecting the maple syrup industry and its products. Specifically, this funding area focuses on increasing maple syrup and maple-sap product producer knowledge and awareness of current research, educational resources, and natural resource sustainability practices that increase maple product production through increased efficiency and reduced inputs. Projects in this funding area can also encourage landowners and operators of privately-held land containing maple trees to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the land or to voluntarily make the land available, including by lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-sugaring activities. These efforts must emphasize potential economic return for producers as well as landowners and operators of privately-held land containing maple trees.

Examples include:

• Education campaigns drawing attention to new processes or procedures that streamline or decrease the cost of maple syrup or maple-sap products.

• Producer awareness campaigns encouraging landowners and maple syrup producers to utilize new, safer, and more efficient technologies.

• Establishing or expanding maple producer land-sourcing networks and organizations on a state, regional, or national level.

• Informational campaigns for landowners and operators of privately held land about the economic benefits of initiating or expanding maple-sugaring activities or making their land available for maple-sugaring activities.

• Campaigns that highlight the sustainability of operating maple-sugaring activities on privately held land.

1.3.3 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities:

• Are related to construction or purchasing land for use by a non-Federal entity.

• Are related to State, territorial, tribal, regional, or other non-Federal entity specific marketing campaigns.

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• Benefit only one agricultural producer or individual.

• Depend upon the completion of another project or the receipt of another grant.

• Duplicate activities in a project that has received a Federal award from another Federal award program.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Acer will use a Grant Agreement to provide a Federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

New application. All new applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in section 305.0 Application Review Information.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

It is anticipated that approximately $1 million will be available to fund applications in fiscal year 2017.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

Acer projects are awarded for a period of 36 months (3 years), although it is acceptable to complete a project before the scheduled performance period ending date. All projects under this RFA will begin on September 30, 2017, and must end no later than September 29, 2020. Insert these start and end dates on Block 17 on the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance.”

2.5 AWARD SIZE

Maximum grant award is $350,000.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are State agencies, tribal governments, and research institutions from the 50 States, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Research institutions are organizations that typically conduct research with non-Federal and Federal funds, including colleges and universities, Federally funded research and development centers, national user facilities, industrial laboratories, or other research institutes.

3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators need not meet these eligibility requirements.

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• A partnership is a relationship involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities in the management of the project.

• A collaborator is a person or an organization unaffiliated with the applicant that cooperates with the applicant in the conduct of the project and is not immediately connected to the management of the project.

An example of a partner or collaborator could be a non-profit or producer organization that offers access to materials or services in support of the proposed project that would not otherwise be available.

Although not eligible to apply directly, producer associations, non-profit organizations and other agricultural and stakeholder organizations may participate in Acer as partners with an eligible applicant.

Acer will not award grant funds for projects that solely benefit one individual farm or agribusiness.

Projects must benefit multiple producers or agribusinesses, or have agricultural sector-wide impact.

3.3 COST-SHARING AND MATCHING

Acer does not have a Federal cost-sharing or matching requirement.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to Acer in response to this RFA. We urge applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the CFDA number “10.174,” or the Acer Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-ACER-G-17-0006.”

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the opportunity at Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or adequately explained in the instructions. However, you must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on form SF-424. This form is a fillable PDF form in Grants.gov.

Block Instructions:

#1 Type of Submission Application #2 Type of Application New #4 through #7 Not required #8c Organizational DUNS Applicant DUNS# for the Organization submitting the application. See D&B Request a DUNS Number http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

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#8d Address Enter the organization street address as it appears in SAM.gov. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-digit zip code.

#10 Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA #11 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

10.174

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-ACER-G-17-0006

#13 Competition Identification Number Not applicable #14 Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project.

#15 Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project

Provide a short description of the project.

#16a Congressional Districts for Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where your main office is located.

#16b Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented. Write “All” if the project will be implemented in more than one location.

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Start Date: September 30, 2017.

End date: September 29, 2020.

#18a Estimated Funding - Federal Total Acer award requested.

#19 Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

This initiative is subject to intergovernmental review.

Consult this website (https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc) to determine applicability in your State.

4.2.2 SF-424B ASSURANCES NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required: Form SF-424B is available as a fillable PDF form via the opportunity at www.Grants.gov .

4.2.3 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. The Project Narrative must be submitted as a PDF, attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15. Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted. The Project Narrative must be typed, single-sided, single-spaced, in an 11-point font, not to exceed fifteen (15) 8.5 x 11 pages.

Prior to submitting an application to Grants.gov, make sure that it is in final form (e.g., if you used the “track changes” function, accept all changes before submitting so that the mark-up is not visible upon final submission).

The supporting documents in sections 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.2.7, and 4.2.8 do not count against the 15-page limit for the Project Narrative.

(1) Alignment and Intent

(i) Clearly state the purpose of the project and Project Type identified in section 1.3 Project Types.

Describe the specific issue, problem, or need that the project will address in relation to the statutory http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc http://www.grants.gov/

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(ii) List the objectives of the project. The objectives must be related to addressing the issue(s), problem(s), or need(s) mentioned in section (1)(i).

(iii) Provide a description of the benefits that are intended to be achieved as a result of engaging in the activities associated with this project, including the number of affected producers or processors.

(2) Technical Merit

(i) Provide a Work Plan that describes the activities and timeline associated with each project objective.

Include the following information for each objective mentioned in the Alignment and Intent section above: a timeline for each activity and major output including the anticipated date of completion; how and where the activities will take place; required resources; milestone(s) for assessing progress and success; the person(s) responsible for completing the activity, including collaborative arrangements or subcontractors; if conducting training and technical assistance, how participants will be recruited; and how you will help guide program development and delivery.

(ii) Indicate if the project will be or has been submitted to or funded by another Federal or State grant program, including AMS grant programs. If it has been submitted or funded, provide the year, grant program name, and a description of the project. The description should describe the project, how this project is/was different from or supplements the proposed activities, and the results of this project (if applicable) including what was learned from the past project(s), what improvements can be made, and how those lessons and improvements are being incorporated into this application to make the ongoing project effective and successful at meeting program goals.

(3) Achievability

(i) Respond to each of the following outcome indicator that is relevant to the project with baseline and/or estimated target numbers. If an outcome indicator does not apply, state that it is not applicable.

Outcome 1: To Increase Consumption of and Access to Maple Syrup and Maple-Sap Products.

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

1.a. Total number of project beneficiaries/stakeholders reached ☐

1.b.

Of the total number that were reached, the number that reported buying, selling, aggregating, storing, producing, and/or distributing maple syrup or maple-sap products

1.c.

Of the total number that were reached, the number that gained knowledge on how to access or produce maple syrup or maple-sap products

Outcome 2: To Increase Sales of Maple Syrup or Maple-Sap Products.

For projects that do not already have a baseline of sales in dollars or an initial customer count, one of the objectives of the project must be to determine and document the value of sales increases or percent change in customer count by the end of the project.

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Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

2.a. Sales increased as a result of marketing and/or promotion activities during the project performance period.

Initial (Original) Sales Amount (in dollars) $ ☐ Estimated Final (Resulted) Sales Amount (in dollars) $ ☐ Percent Change (((n final – n initial)/n initial) * 100 = % change) % ☐

Outcome 3: Develop New Market Opportunities for Producers or Processors of Maple Syrup or Maple- Sap Products.

Please provide estimated target numbers.

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

Number of new and/or existing delivery systems/access points reached that expanded and/or improved maple syrup or maple-sap products 3.a Number of farmers markets ☐ 3.b. Number of roadside stands ☐ 3.c. Number of agritourism activities ☐ 3.d. Number of grocery stores ☐ 3.e. Number of wholesale markets ☐ 3.f. Number of other systems/access points, not noted ☐ Of the maple syrup or maple-sap product landowner or operators of privately held land containing maple trees reached, the:

3.g. Number that reported an increase in revenue expressed in dollars ☐ 3.h. Number that reported an increase in maple-sugaring activities ☐ 3.i. Number that reported an increase in maple syrup production Number of jobs, farmers that went into production 3.j. Number of jobs maintained/created ☐

3.k. Number of new beginning farmers that began producing maple syrup or maple-sap products ☐

3.l. Number of socially disadvantaged famers that began producing maple syrup or maple-sap products ☐

Outcome 4: Increase the Sustainable Practices of Maple Syrup Production Resulting in Increased Yield, Reduced Inputs, Increased Efficiency, Increased Economic Return, and/or Conservation of Resources.

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

Adoption of best practices and technologies as a result of promotional activities resulting in increased yields, reduced inputs, increased efficiency, increased economic return, and conservation of resources 4.a Number of producers indicating adoption of recommended practices ☐

4.b. Number of producers reporting reduction in pesticides, fertilizer, water used/acre ☐

4.c. Number of producers reporting increased dollar returns per acre or reduced costs per acre ☐

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(ii) For each completed outcome indicator, describe how you derived the numbers, how you intend to measure and achieve each relevant outcome and indicator, and any potential challenges to achieving the estimated targets and action steps for addressing them.

(iii) Describe how you will disseminate project’s results (positive and negative) to similar organizations, stakeholders, and others that may be interested in the project’s results or implementing a similar project.

(4) Expertise and Partners

(i) List key staff, including personnel and external project partners and collaborators that comprise the Project Team, their roles, and their relevant experience and past successes in developing and operating projects similar to this project. Ensure that you have included Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations to support the information.

(ii) Describe your management plan for coordinating, communicating, and sharing data and reports among members of the Project Team and stakeholder groups, both internally to personnel and externally to partners and collaborators.

(iii) Describe how the project, and its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained beyond the project’s period of performance (without grant funds).

4.2.4 FISCAL PLAN AND RESOURCES

Required: The Fiscal Plan and Resources includes a Budget Spreadsheet and Budget Narrative. The Budget Spreadsheet must show the relevant expenditure categories in the far left column. Proceeding across the page, there must be a column showing the dollar amount of Acer funds requested and separate columns showing the dollar amount for each of the non-Federal entities that will provide matching resources. Provide separate Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and cumulative budgets.

The Budget Narrative must explain how the dollar amounts for each category shown on the Budget Spreadsheet were derived and what they cover. See section 4.6.3 for a full listing of allowable and unallowable costs.

The Fiscal Plan and Resources do not count toward the 15-page Project Narrative maximum.

Personnel

List all employees whose time and effort can be specifically identified and easily and accurately traced to project activities. For each employee paid with grant funds, provide the following:

• Name and title

• Level of effort (number of hours and hourly rate or % FTE)

• Total funds requested for each employee

• A subtotal for all Acer-funded Personnel costs

If a third party will be hired after funds are awarded but has not yet been identified, indicate the type of wages to be paid (i.e., hourly, salaried, or graduate assistantship). Rates must be reasonable and consistent with locality pay for similar jobs. See 2 CFR § 200.430 and 2 CFR § 200.431.

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Fringe Benefits

Provide the fringe benefit rates for each of the project’s salaried employees described in the Personnel section who will be paid with funds. This section must include the following:

• Name and title

• Fringe benefit rate

• Corresponding funds requested for each person

• A subtotal for all Acer-funded Fringe benefit costs

Travel

Explain the purpose for each trip request by providing the following information for each trip:

• Trip destination

• Purpose of trip

• Type of expense (airfare, car rental, hotel, meals, mileage, etc.)

• Number of days traveling

• Estimated number of miles and mileage rate

• Estimated ground transportation costs

• Estimated lodging and meal costs

• Number of travelers claiming expense

• Total funds requested for each expense

• Additional justification of travel expenses, as needed

• Subtotal for all Acer-funded travel costs

See Travel and 2 CFR § 200.474 for further guidance.

Special Purpose Equipment

Describe any special purpose equipment to be purchased or rented under the grant by providing the following:

• Description of equipment item

• Justification for each item

• Indication if each item is rented or purchased

• Total funds requested for each item

• Subtotal for all Acer-funded equipment costs

Please see the Equipment cost description in section 4.6.3 for more information.

Supplies

List the materials, supplies, and fabricated parts costing less than $5,000 per unit and describe how they will support the purpose and goal of the proposal. This section must include the following:

• Description of each supply item

• Justification for each item http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1474

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• Per-unit cost of each supply

• Number of units/pieces purchased

• Total funds requested for each supply

• Subtotal for all Acer-funded supply costs

Contracts/Consultants

Contractual/consultant costs are the expenses associated with purchasing goods and procuring services performed by an individual or organization other than the applicant, including consultants, in the form of a procurement relationship. If there is more than one contractor or consultant, each must be described separately.

• If the contractor/consultant has already been selected, the applicant must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal sources.

• If a contractor/consultant has not yet been selected, the applicant must provide an acknowledgement that the procurement processes have not yet been conducted and assurance that the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal sources will be followed.

• Provide an itemized budget (personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, other, etc.) with appropriate justification. If indirect costs are/will be included in the contract, include the indirect cost rate used. Please note that statutory limitations on indirect costs also apply to contractors and consultants.

• Include a subtotal for all Acer-funded contractual/consultant costs.

Other

Include any expenses not covered in any of the previous budget categories. Expenses in this section include, but are not limited to, meetings and conferences, communications, rental expenses, advertisements, publication costs, and data collection. This section must include the following:

• A description of the item

• Justification for the expense

• Per-unit cost of each item

• Number of units

• Total funds requested for each item

• Subtotal for all Acer-funded other costs

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.56) represent the expenses of doing business that are not readily identified with a particular grant, contract, project function or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the conduct of activities it performs. For the indirect cost formula and additional information, refer to section 4.6.1.

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Program Income

Program income is gross income—earned by a recipient or subrecipient under an award—directly generated by the award-supported activity, or earned only because of the grant agreement during the period of performance. Program income includes, but is not limited to, income from fees for services performed; the sale of commodities or items fabricated under an award (this includes items sold at cost if the cost of producing the item was funded in whole or partially with award funds); registration fees for conferences, etc.

This section must include the source/nature of program income; a description of how you will reinvest the program income back into the project or program; and the estimated amount of program income.

4.2.5 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATIONS

Required: Applicants must provide letters of commitment (in MS Word or PDF) from all project partners and collaborators. More information can be found on partners and collaborators in 3.2 Partners and Collaborators. The letter must state the partner or collaborator agrees to the project management plan presented in the Project Narrative. Emails will not be accepted. The Letter of Commitment must include the following:

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• A short introduction describing the partnering organization’s mission and its interest in Acer development

• What the organization commits to participating in and supporting

• The time period of the partnership

• Roles of the participating individuals, as applicable, and any individual time commitment

• A statement that these individuals and the organization agree to abide by the management plan contained in the application

Submit Letters of Commitment on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director).

Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT. Letters must accompany the proposal at the time of application. Unsigned letters will not be accepted.

Letter(s) must be attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under Form SF-424 item #15.

PLEASE NOTE: Acer does not require Congressional letters of support nor do such letters carry any weight during the evaluation process.

4.2.6 FORM AD-3030 – REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION AND TAX

DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS

Required if the applicant is a corporation. A corporation includes, but is not limited to, any entity that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories.

Corporations can include both for-profit and non-profit entities. AD-3030 is a self-certification form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine if the AD-3030 needs to be completed and submitted. The

16 | P a g e applicant must submit the version of the form in grants.gov. This requirement does not apply to State departments of agriculture, but it may apply to State universities and State colleges. Most information blocks on the required form are self-explanatory; however, AMS is providing further clarification below.

Block Instructions

#1 Applicant’s Name Enter the name of the individual or authorized representative that is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant organization.

#2 Applicant’s Address Enter the address of the applicant organization.

#3 Tax ID No. Enter the last four digits of the applicant organization’s Tax Identification number.

#4A, 4B, 4C Questions

Address these questions by checking the Yes or No boxes.

For question 4B, see below for what is meant by “acting on behalf of.”

If the action of the official or agent resulted in a benefit to the corporation, then the official or agent was “acting on behalf” of the corporation. If the action of the official or agent resulted in a benefit to the official or agent, then the official or agent was not acting on behalf of the corporation.

#5A Applicant’s Signature (By) The individual or authorized representative that is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant organization must sign the form.

#5B Title/Relationship of the Individual if Signing in a Representative Capacity

Enter the title of the individual or authorized representative that is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant organization.

#5C Date Signed Date the form.

4.2.7 FORM AD-3031, ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT

STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS

Required if the applicant is a corporation. A corporation includes, but is not limited to, any entity that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories.

Corporations can include both for-profit and non-profit entities.

The applicant must submit the fillable PDF version of the form in Grants.gov. AD-3031 is a self-certification form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine if the AD-3031 needs to be completed and submitted.

4.2.8 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

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Required if the applicant has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Refer to section

4.6.1 Indirect Costs for more information. The NICRA must be in PDF format and attached to the grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

4.3 SUBMITTED APPLICATION QUALIFICATION

Your application will not be accepted if it:

• Is received by Grants.gov after the submission deadline (see AMS’ Policy on Late Applications).

• Is submitted via any method other than through www.Grants.gov.

Your application will be rejected if it:

• Is non-responsive to the requirements of this RFA (see AMS’ Policy on non-Responsive Applications).

AMS will also not accept an application (after submission or prior to award) if it determines that:

• An applicant or recipient has committed fraud, including inclusion of materially misleading or incorrect information on the application (such as misrepresentation of DUNS registration or false identity statements).

• An applicant or recipient has mismanaged Federal funds.

• The proposal is funding the same activities as another Federal grant program.

• An applicant is found to be ineligible for a Federal award.

4.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

The deadline for submitting FY 2017 applications through grants.gov is 11:59 pm Eastern Time, Friday, August 25, 2017.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Ensure that all components of the application are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application process, as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. AMS encourages you to plan to submit your application at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Only applications submitted and validated by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Friday, August 25, 2017, to Grants.gov will be accepted. See AMS’ Policy on Late Applications.

4.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

Acer is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Refer to https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

4.6.1 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.56) are those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_156

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As stated in the regulations (2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 414), any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a recipient chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply to do at any time.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must use the MTDC as the base.

MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.68 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies see 2 CFR § 200.19.

4.6.2 SUBAWARD RESTRICTION

The applicant is expected to perform a major portion of the project. However, subawards or subcontracts with partners, collaborators, and/or other parties that provide additional knowledge, expertise, or resources for the purposes of the proposed project that are not otherwise available within the applicant organization are allowable. Using grant funds to competitively “re-grant” in mini-grant programs or to activities not central to the purpose of the project or for unknown costs is unallowable.

4.6.3 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

The following is information on allowable and unallowable costs in common proposal budget categories.

This section is not intended to be all-inclusive. Reference Subpart E-Cost Principles of 2 CFR § 200 for the complete explanation of the allowability of costs. Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this section should contact the Agency point of contact under section 7.0 Agency Contact.

Item Description

Advisory Councils Unallowable for costs incurred by advisory councils or committees.

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Item Description

Buildings and Land - Construction

Unallowable for the acquisition of buildings, facilities, or land or to make additions, improvements, modifications, replacements, rearrangements, reinstallations, renovations or alterations of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architecture fees). This also includes construction and construction-related materials, which may include, but are not limited to, the purchase of building materials such as wood, nails, concrete, asphalt, roofing, gravel, sand, paint, insulation, drywall, or plumbing.

Allowable for rental costs of land with prior approval. However, lease agreements to own (i.e., lease-to-own or rent-to-own) are not allowable. The lease or rental agreement must terminate at the end of the grant cycle.

A building is any permanent structure designed or intended for support, enclosure, shelter, or protection of people, animals, or property and having a permanent roof supported by columns or walls.

Conferences Unallowable if the project solely consists of conference/workshop costs as defined in 2 CFR § 200.432.

Allowable if the conference is a part of a larger project to fulfill the purpose of a grant program’s legislated purpose. Allowable conference costs paid by the non-Federal recipient as a sponsor or host of the conference may include rental of facilities, speakers’ fees, costs of meals (see Meals for restrictions), and refreshments, local transportation, and other items incidental to such conferences with the exception of entertainment costs that are unallowable. If registration fees are collected, the recipient must report fees as program income.

Allowable to rent a building or room for training; however, where appropriate, AMS encourages the use of technologies such as webinars, teleconferencing, or videoconferencing as an alternative to renting a building or a room. The recipient should use the most cost-effective facilities, such as State government conference rooms, if renting a building or a room is necessary.

Contingency Provisions

Unallowable for miscellaneous and similar rainy-day funds for events the occurrence of which cannot be foretold with certainty as to the time or intensity, or with an assurance of their happening. Unallowable for working capital for activities/items not already in place.

Contractual/Consulta nt Costs (Professional Services)

Allowable subject to limitations below. Contractual/consultant costs are expenses associated with purchasing goods and/or procuring services performed by an individual or organization other than the recipient in the form of a procurement relationship.

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Allowable for contractor/consultant employee rates that do not exceed the salary of a GS-15 step 10 Federal employee in your area (for more information, visit the OPM website). This does not include fringe benefits, travel, indirect costs, or other expenses. Please note that any statutory limitations on indirect costs also apply to contractors and consultants. If rates exceed this amount, the recipient is required to justify the allowability of the cost aligning with 2 CFR §

200.317 through.326.

Contributions or Donations

Unallowable for contributions or donations, including cash, property, and services, made by the recipient, regardless of the recipient (also referred to as “re-granting of funds”).

Entertainment Costs Unallowable for entertainment costs include amusement, diversion, and social activities and any costs directly associated with such costs (such as bands, orchestras, dance groups, tickets to shows, meals, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities). Entertainment costs are defined in 2 CFR § 200.438.

Equipment Unallowable for acquisition costs of general purpose equipment or lease agreements to own (i.e., lease-to-own or rent-to-own). The lease or rental agreement must terminate at the end of the grant cycle.

Allowable for rental costs of general purpose equipment. Vehicles may be leased, but not purchased. The lease or rental agreement must terminate at the end of the grant cycle.

For vehicle and equipment leases or rentals with an acquisition cost that equals or exceeds $5,000, rates should be in light of such factors as: rental costs of comparable vehicles and equipment, if any; market conditions in the area;

alternatives available; and the type, life expectancy, condition, and value of the vehicle or equipment leased.

Allowable for acquisition costs and rental costs of special purpose equipment provided the following criteria are met:

1) Necessary for the research, scientific, or other technical activities of the grant award;

2) Not otherwise reasonably available and accessible;

3) The type of equipment is normally charged as a direct cost by the organization;

4) Acquired in accordance with organizational practices;

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5) Must be used to solely meet the legislative purpose of the grant program and objectives of the grant award;

6) More than one single commercial organization, commercial product, or individual must benefit from the use of the equipment;

7) Must not use special purpose equipment acquired with grant funds to provide services for a fee to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent services; and

8) Equipment is subject to the full range of acquisition, use, management, and disposition requirements under 2 CFR § 200.313 as applicable.

Definitions

Equipment is defined as tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000.

Acquisition cost means the cost of the asset including the cost to prepare the asset for its intended use. Acquisition cost for equipment includes the net invoice price of the equipment, including any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for its acquired purpose.

General Purpose Equipment means equipment that is not limited to technical activities. Examples include office equipment and furnishings, modular offices, telephone networks, information technology equipment and systems, air conditioning equipment, reproduction and printing equipment, and motor vehicles.

Special Purpose Equipment is equipment used only for research, scientific, or technical activities.

Equipment – Information Technology Systems

Unallowable for information technology systems having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by the recipient for financial statement purposes or $5,000. Acquisition costs for software include those development costs capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

Information technology systems include computing devices, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. Computing devices means machines used to acquire, store, analyze, process, and publish data and other information http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=27767ced17852a0f709e351009375919&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1313

22 | P a g e electronically, including accessories (or “peripherals”) for printing, transmitting and receiving, or storing electronic information. Examples of unallowable information technology systems include service contracts, operating systems, printers, and computers that have an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more.

Allowable for website development, mobile apps, etc., which are not considered to be information technology systems, but rather social media applications.

Fines, Penalties, Damages and Other Settlements

Unallowable for costs resulting from violations of, alleged violations of, or failure to comply with, Federal, State, tribal, local or…