2018_FMPP_RFA_Final_3-7-18.pdf

OMB No. 0581‐0240

Farmers Market Promotion Program

Fiscal Year 2018 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-18-0002

Publication Date: March 7, 2018

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 7, 2018

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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Farmers Market Promotion Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-18-0002

Announcement Type: Initial

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 10.168

Dates: Applications must be received before 11:59 pm Eastern Time May 7, 2018 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) 2018 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). FMPP’s purpose is to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs (CSA), agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Eligible applicants include agricultural businesses, agricultural cooperatives, CSA networks, CSA associations, economic development corporations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, producer networks, producer associations, public benefit corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities, and Tribal governments. AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of this grant program.

Approximately $13.4 million will be available to fund applications under this solicitation. In the FY 2017 application cycle, AMS received 457 applications and was able to fund 52 (11%) of the applications. To be competitive, applications must meet all program requirements and be of high quality.

The minimum FY 2018 FMPP award per grant is $50,000, and the maximum is $500,000. An applicant is limited to one FMPP award in a funding year. Funding will be available for use beginning September 30, 2018. Matching funds are not required.

This announcement provides information regarding eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, and the application forms and 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. 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 Farmers Market Promotion Program RFA.

https://www.cfda.gov/index?s=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=aff1879b7e7034833190074ee30aaa24 http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:AMSGrants@ams.usda.gov

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2018 Highlights and Changes

Below are highlights of changes to the program.

• Clarifying language has been added in sections 4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission and in 4.7 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements that explains how to submit an application through Grants.gov Workspace.

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Application Checklist

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

FMPP requires that all application packages include the following:

☐ Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (in Grants.gov) ☐ Form SF-424B – Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (in Grants.gov) ☐ Project Narrative (PDF Attachment) ☐ Signed Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations (PDF or MS Word -

Attachment) When applicable, application packages are required to include the following documents:

☐ AD-3030 – Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (in Grants.gov)

☐ AD-3031 – Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (in Grants.gov)

☐ Signed Letter(s) Stating Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure (PDF or MS Word – Attachment)

☐ Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF Attachment)

Timing to Obtain and Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials May 7, 2018 – 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 Authorized Organizational Representative (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

1.4 Priority Areas

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 Limit on Number of Applications

3.4 CostSharing 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 Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements . 27

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 requirements

7.0 Agency Contacts

7.1 Programmatic Questions

7.2 Grants.gov Questions

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 Reduction

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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) is authorized by the Farmer-to- Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976, as amended (7 U.S.C. § 3005). FMLFPP is administered in two components, the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). This RFA is for FMPP.

1.2 PURPOSE

To increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets, by:

• developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of:

o domestic farmers markets;

o roadside stands;

o CSA programs;

o agritourism activities; and o other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Direct producer‐to‐consumer market opportunities are instances in which producers sell locally or regionally produced agricultural products directly to the consumer with minimal involvement with a middle-man such as an intermediary, a wholesaler, a retailer, an agent, a broker, or a reseller.

1.2.1 LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY PRODUCED FOOD

Locally or Regionally Produced Food: A food product that is raised, produced, aggregated, stored, processed, and distributed in the locality or region where the final product is marketed to consumers, so that the total distance that the product travels between the farm or ranch where the product originates and the point of sale to the end consumer is at most 400 miles, or both the final market and the origin of the product are within the same State, territory, or tribal land.

FMLFPP recognizes that domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities and local and regional food businesses may source or market some of their food products outside of the defined locality or region.

These enterprises are eligible to apply for FMLFPP, but award recipients may use Federal award funds only to build a business’ capacity to develop, improve, and/or expand local or regional supply chain activities, and not to support supply chain activities for food items originating from or being sold to areas outside the defined locality/region.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3005%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3005)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

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1.3 PROJECT TYPES

FMPP offers both Capacity Building and Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance projects. An applicant may submit more than one application for competitive review; however, FMPP will make only one Federal award per applicant if more than one of their applications are recommended for funding.1

1.3.1 CAPACITY BUILDING

Capacity Building (CB) projects are intended to assist applicants in the development, improvement, and expansion of domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. CB projects should demonstrate a direct benefit to farm and ranch operations serving local markets (including new and beginning farmers) and maximize the involvement of farmers and ranchers and community organizations. Projects can include, but are not limited to:

• Local farmer, rancher, or market manager training and education.

• Farmers market, roadside stand, CSA, or agritourism activity startup and/or expansion.

• Market analysis and planning for a direct producer-to-consumer market opportunity.

• Recruitment and outreach to new and beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as to consumers in support of direct producer-to-consumer markets.

1.3.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance (CTA) projects are intended to support applicants’ efforts to provide outreach, training, and technical assistance to farm and ranch operations serving local markets and other interested parties for developing, improving, and expanding domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. CTA projects should engage a diverse set of local and regional foods stakeholders, including farmers and ranchers, to illustrate a substantive effect on the local and regional food system and stakeholders. Projects can include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting statewide or regional farmer, rancher, or manager (i.e., farmers market manager) training and education in developing or maintaining their own direct producer-to-consumer enterprise.

• Assisting farmers and ranchers in advertising and promoting their locally and regionally produced agricultural products through training and technical assistance.

• Establishing or expanding producer-to-consumer networks and organizations on a state, regional, and national level, which includes efforts to develop sourcing channels using direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities with corporate, non-profit, and public institutions.

1 See section 3.3 Limit on Number of Applications for more information.

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• Providing technical support for small- and mid-sized producers to become compliant with local, state, Federal, and/or industry specifications and standards in order to increase their direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

1.3.3 PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities:

• Are not related to producer-to-consumer direct marketing.

• Are for production- related expenses, including the purchase of farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies and other related costs.

• Depend on the purchase or lease-to-own of a vehicle—vehicles can be leased, but not leased-to-own or purchased (see section 4.6.3).

• Benefit only one farm vendor or individual.

• Depend upon a critical component (such as land and structures) not in place or useable at the time of application (see section 4.2.7).

• 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, including the activities of another current FMLFPP project.

1.4 PRIORITY AREAS

Priority consideration will be given to projects that: (1) benefit communities located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to supermarkets as defined in section 1.4.1 Low Income/Low Food Access and (2) Are implemented in and support agri-businesses located in rural areas or towns that have populations of 50,000 or less. AMS will award at least 10 percent of its total funding to these projects.

AMS does not require that submitted projects be implemented in designated priority areas. All applications, whether requesting consideration under the priority areas or not, will be given equal consideration in the peer review evaluation process.

1.4.1 LOW INCOME/LOW FOOD ACCESS

To be considered a limited access priority area, the project’s implementation address must be in a low income/low food access (LI/LA) census tract as defined by the USDA. “Implementation address” refers to the street address or census tract location within the targeted community (LI/LA census tract) at which the applicant plans to conduct or deliver approved project activities.

The applicant is required to provide its census tract(s) for at least one LI/LA address (priority area). If your organization or business is located in and/or primarily serves at least one LI/LA community (as defined by one of the four major map layers on the ERS Food Access Research Atlas map), your application will be considered under this priority area.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas.aspx

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2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS 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 5.0 Application Review Information.

Continuation application. These applications are submitted by applicants who have received prior FMLFPP funding, such as an LFPP planning grant or a previous FMPP grant. Such applications must contain the same information that is required for new applications, as well as a description – via the FMLFPP Project Narrative form – of how the newly proposed project builds on previous activities.

Continuation applications will be evaluated according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications, in addition to consideration of the applicant’s performance during the previous FMFLPP grants and its apparent ability to improve upon that work.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

It is anticipated that approximately $13.4 million will be available to fund applications in fiscal year 2018.

The final amount available is subject to Congressional action.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required timeframe. It is acceptable to complete a project before the scheduled performance period end date, however AMS encourages applicants to take the full allowable grant period to allow ample time to complete projects. The applicant must indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”.

The official performance period must begin on September 30, 2018. Both CB and CTA projects are awarded for up to 36 months (3 years) and are expected to be completed by September 29, 2021.

2.5 AWARD SIZE

2.5.1 CAPACITY BUILDING

Minimum grant award is $50,000. Maximum award is $250,000.

2.5.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Minimum grant award is $250,000. Maximum award $500,000.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2017FMLFPPProjectNarrative.docx

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3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Tribal Governments, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Eligible applicants include:

Entity Type Description

Agricultural Businesses Business entities that provide, hold, deliver, transport, offer, or sell agricultural products or services.

Agricultural Cooperatives Group-owned or member-owned entities or businesses that provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or services for the mutual benefit of their members.

Producer Networks Producer group- or member-owned organizations or businesses that provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or services through a common distribution system for the mutual member benefit.

Producer Associations Organizations or other businesses that assist, represent, or serve producers or producer networks.

CSA Networks Formal groups of farms that work collectively to offer consumers regular (usually weekly) deliveries of locally-grown farm products during one or more harvest season(s) often on a subscription or membership basis. Customers have access to a selected share or range of farm products offered by the group of farmers based on partial or total advance payment of a subscription or membership fee.

CSA Associations Organizations or other businesses that assist, serve or represent CSAs or CSA networks.

Local Governments Any unit of government within a state, including a county; borough;

municipality; city; town; township; parish; local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937; special district; school district; intrastate district; council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and any other agency or

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Entity Type Description instrumentality of a multi-, regional, or intra-state or local government.

Nonprofit Corporations Any organization or institution, including nonprofits with State or IRS 501 (c) status and accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the organization or institution’s net earnings of which inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Public Benefit Corporations Corporations organized to construct or operate a public improvement, the profits from which inure to the benefit of one or more State or to the people thereof.

Economic Development Corporations

Organizations whose missions are to improve, maintain, develop and/or market or promote a specific geographic area.

Regional Farmers Market Authorities

Entities that establish and enforce regional, State, or county policies and jurisdiction over State, regional, or county farmers markets. State agencies are eligible if their State’s regulatory statutes identify the specific State agency as a regional farmers market authority. For example, the state of Alabama has a Farmers Market Authority that is identified through the Alabama Administrative Code.

Tribal Governments Governing bodies or governmental agencies of any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (including any native village as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. § 1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

The applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators (see section 0). Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators do not need to meet the eligibility requirements.

• 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.

http://fma.state.al.us/pdfs/STCertFarmersMrkts05-12.pdf http://fma.state.al.us/pdfs/STCertFarmersMrkts05-12.pdf http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:43%20section:1602%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title43-section1602)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

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Partners and Collaborators may come from private or public, for-profit or nonprofit entities, including but not limited to:

• New and beginning farmers and ranchers (individuals or entities that have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participate in the operation);

• Rural enterprises (small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue);

• Agri-businesses; and

• Local government entities

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

Applicants are required to show evidence of existing community or industry support and engagement.

AMS will not award grant funds for projects that solely benefit one individual or entity.

3.3 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS

An applicant may submit multiple project proposals to FMPP and LFPP. If recommended for multiple awards, applicants will be awarded at most one LFPP award and one FMPP award under the 2018 RFA.

For example:

• For FMPP, this means that an applicant may be awarded one Capacity Building OR one Community Development, Training, and Technical Assistance grant, but not both during the current award cycle.

• For LFPP, this means that an applicant may be awarded one Planning OR one Implementation grant, but not both during the current award cycle.

If recommended for an award under both FMPP and LFPP, applicants may accept one FMPP and one LFPP award under this RFA. Program staff will contact the applicant to discuss the situation, if applicable.

An organization that currently has an active (not closed-out) grant award from a previous year under either FMPP or LFPP may apply to receive an award under this RFA if the applicant submits all required close out documentation by the application due date mentioned in section 4.4 Submission Date and Time. Please refer to section 6.4.2 Award Closeout on this document for required close out documentation.

AMS will evaluate the highest scoring applications to ensure there is no duplication of funding between LFPP and FMPP. This information will be used for final funding decisions. AMS will communicate any issues to applicants, if applicable.

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3.3.1 FISCAL SPONSORS/AGENTS

FMLFPP eligible applicants may use fiscal sponsors/agents in their effort to attain and administer a grant award under FMLFPP. Such applicants seeking to implement an FMLFPP project may:

• Submit an application directly to AMS through Grants.gov and request to use funds to establish a contractual relationship with a fiscal sponsor/agent to perform administrative or financial functions on behalf of the applicant; or

• Utilize a fiscal sponsor/agent to apply for an FMPP and/or LFPP award on behalf of the implementing organization. By doing so, the sponsor/agent accepts all financial and legal liabilities for that organization at the time the award is made. In the case of FMLFPP applications, fiscal sponsors/agents would submit the application as the applicant organization, and the AOR responsible for all grant decisions would be an employee of the fiscal sponsor/agent. Fiscal sponsors/agents are bound by the same requirements mentioned in this RFA as other applicant organizations.

An applicant organization cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to a fiscal sponsor/agent.

3.4 COSTSHARING AND MATCHING

FMPP does not require a cost-share or match.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov 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 the Apply for Grants webpage on Grants.gov. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section Error! Reference source not found. Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Catalog of Federal Assistance (CFDA) number “10.168,” or the FMPP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-18-0002”.

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

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

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

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Block Instructions #1 Type of Submission Application #2 Type of Application New or Continuation #4 through #7 Not required

#8c Organizational DUNS

Applicant DUNS# for the Organization submitting the application. See D&B Request a DUNS Number.

NOTE: Applicants that apply for a grant must be capable of managing and monitoring Federal funds and project activities and outcomes. Recipients cannot transfer the award to another recipient organization once a grant is awarded (you may not apply under one DUNS number and switch to another later). Refer to section 4.7.1, Obtain a DUNS Number of this RFA.

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

#10 Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA #11 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 10.168

#12 Funding Opportunity Number

USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-18-0002

Ensure you are applying for the correct grant program.

#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 projects will be implemented in more than one location.

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

The performance period cannot be more than 36 months (3 years) in length. CB and CTA projects begin September 30, 2018, and should be completed by no later than September 29, 2021.

#18 Estimated Funding – Federal Total Federal award requested.

#18b Estimated Funding – Applicant Not applicable.

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

This initiative is subject to intergovernmental review.

Consult the official SPOC list to determine applicability in your State.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Intergovernmental_-Review-_SPOC_01_2018_OFFM.pdf

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4.2.2 SF-424B ASSURANCES FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required. The SF-424B form is available via the opportunity at www.Grants.gov.

4.2.3 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the FMLFPP Project Narrative form. The form and instructions are available on the “How do I Apply for an FMPP Grant” webpage.

All applicants must complete the FMLFPP Project Narrative form and convert it to PDF. This PDF document must be 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 narrative must be typed, single-spaced, in 11-point font, and not exceed fifteen (15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing Project Narrative form content). For example, if the Project Narrative form is 14 pages before you begin entering your project information into the form, your narrative may be up to 29 pages (14 pages + 15 pages). DO NOT modify the margins of the FMLFPP Project Narrative form.

The supporting documents listed below do not count toward the 15-page limit. Prior to submitting your application, make sure that it is in final form (i.e., if you used the “track changes” function, accept all changes before converting the document to PDF for final submission so that the mark-up is not visible).

4.2.4 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 section 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 FMLFPP 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.

AMS has posted A SUGGESTED PARTNER ORGANIZATION TEMPLATE LETTER on the FMPP application website. We highly-encourage you to use this template.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2017FMLFPPProjectNarrative.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp/how-do-i-apply-fmpp-grant https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Partnering%20Organization%20Template%20Letter.docx

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

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

4.2.5 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. The AD-3030 is a self-certification form.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if the AD-3030 needs to be completed and submitted. The applicant must submit the fillable PDF version of the form in Grants.gov. 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 who 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/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 who 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 who is submitting the application on behalf of the applicant organization.

#5C Date Signed Date the form.

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4.2.6 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 responsibility of the applicant to determine if the AD-3031 needs to be completed and submitted.

4.2.7 EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Required if critical resources and/or infrastructure are necessary for the completion of the proposed project. Applicants are required to submit evidence (as PDFs or MS Word documents) that critical resources and infrastructure upon which the initiation and completion of a project will depend are in place, meaning in working condition or usable, at the time of proposal submission. Land, structures, and other critical resources must be in place and in working condition at the time of application submission.

The letter must indicate the critical resources that are necessary for initiation and completion of the project and certify that they are in place and committed prior to the start date of the project. The Letter of Evidence of Critical Infrastructure must include the following:

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• A statement about committing/approving/granting permission, etc. of the critical resource or infrastructure to the project for the time period

• A description of the approved use of the critical resource or infrastructure approved for the project, any costs associated with its use, and any qualifying circumstances for its use.

Submit Letters of Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure on letterhead and address it to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE. The evidence must accompany the proposal at the time of the application submission.

AMS has posted A SUGGESTED EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE TEMPLATE LETTER on the FMPP application website. We highly-encourage you to use this template.

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

4.2.8 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

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.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Critical%20Resource-Infrastructure%20Template%20Letter.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Critical%20Resource-Infrastructure%20Template%20Letter.docx

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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 not responsive to the requirements of this RFA (See AMS’ Policy on Non-Responsive Applications).

4.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

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 organizations to submit applications at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Only applications submitted and validated by 11:59 pm EDT on May 7, 2018 to Grants.gov will be accepted. See AMS’ Policy on Late Applications.

4.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

FMLFPP is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Click here to refer to the official State Point of Contact listing.

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 assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

As stated in the regulation (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 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.

MTDCs are defined in 2 CFR §200.68 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials 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.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Intergovernmental_-Review-_SPOC_01_2018_OFFM.pdf http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_156 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1413 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1414 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=988467ba214fbb07298599affd94f30a&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1403 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=988467ba214fbb07298599affd94f30a&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_168

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If a cognizant agency has approved an applicant’s negotiated indirect cost rate, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For cognizant agency assignments see 2 CFR §200.19.

4.6.2 SUBAWARD RESTRICTION

The applicant is expected to perform the major portion of the project; however, subawards or subcontracts with partners, collaborators, 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’s organization are allowable. Using grant funds to competitively “re-grant” funds in mini-grant programs or to activities that are not central to the purpose of the project or for unknown costs unallowable.

4.6.3 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

AMS awards are subject to the most recent General Terms and Conditions, Uniform Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR §200), and other laws and regulations affecting Federal assistance.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this section should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 7.0 Agency Contact.

Cost Category 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.

Unallowable for Greenhouses and hoop houses.

Allowable for rental costs of land and building space. However, lease to own agreements (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.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b604d136261e7179f37dcd8b28d0e921&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1306 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSGrantsTermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=988467ba214fbb07298599affd94f30a&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML

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Cost Category Description 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 part of a larger project to fulfill the purpose of a grant program’s legislated purpose. The applicant should clearly indicate the purpose and target audience for any conference or workshop and explain how the activity will be funded. Also indicate if registration fees will be collected and if so, show the fees as program income in the Budget and Justification section of the Project Narrative form. 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 (See 2 CFR §200.307 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. If renting a building or a room is necessary, the most cost-effective facilities such as State government conference rooms should be utilized.

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.

Contributions or Donations

Unallowable for contributions or donations, including cash, property, and services, made by the recipient to other entities.

Unallowable to purchase food or services to donate to other entities and/or individuals.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Machines

Unallowable for the purchase/lease of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT equipment.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides funding to expand the availability of SNAP EBT equipment and services at farmers markets and State http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1432 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=988467ba214fbb07298599affd94f30a&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1307 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=988467ba214fbb07298599affd94f30a&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1307

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SNAP agencies. At this time, applications for this program have been suspended until further notice. To be contacted when the program resumes operations (currently targeted for late winter 2018), please email FarmersMarket@fns.usda.gov. For more information please review the following options.

• State SNAP agencies offer no cost SNAP EBT equipment to newly authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers.

• FNS SNAP and Farmers Markets resources provide additional EBT information.

Entertainment Costs Allowable for costs related to the project; however, they must not represent all or a majority of the project costs.

Unallowable entertainment costs include amusement, diversion, and social activities and any costs directly associated with such costs (such as tickets to shows or sporting events and gratuities), regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives. Entertainment costs as defined in

2 CFR §200.438

Equipment Unallowable for acquisition costs of general purpose equipment or lease to own agreements (i.e., lease-to-own or rent-to-own).

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.

Unallowable for the purchase of trucks that are commercially available for rent.

An example of an unallowable truck purchase is a refrigerated truck that can be rented as-is (without making modifications or retrofitting). This truck is considered general purpose equipment and can be rented, but not purchased.

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;

mailto:FarmersMarket@fns.usda.gov https://www.fns.usda.gov/ebt/state-farmers-market-snap-contacts http://www.fns.usda.gov/ebt/snap-and-farmers-markets http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1438

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

4) Acquired in accordance with organizational practices;

5) Must be used only to 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 that equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the recipient for financial statement purposes, or $5,000.

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

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 or technical activities. FMLFPP examples include mobile markets; specialized equipment for mobile markets; walk-in coolers; cooler storage units, mobile slaughter unit…