2022 LFPP RFA.pdf

OMB No. 0581‐0240

Local Food Promotion Program

Fiscal Year 2022 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-22-0001

Publication Date: March 1, 2022

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 16, 2022

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Local Food Promotion Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-22-0001

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.175

Dates: Applications must be received before 11:59 pm Eastern Time May 16, 2022, through 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) 2022 Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). LFPP’s purpose is to support the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products.

AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of the grant program.

Approximately $43.5 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. LFPP planning projects range from $25,000 to $100,000, while implementation and farm to institution projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. LFPP is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). AMS welcomes applications that meet LAMP goals to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products and thereby support pandemic recovery in the sector. Eligible entities and activities remain the same as in previous years.

In the FY 2021 application cycle, AMS funded 84 (31%) of the 269 applications received. AMS made a higher number of awards in FY 2021 than in previous years due to additional funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. No. 116—260).

To be competitive, applications must meet all program requirements, be of high quality, and satisfy the 25% match requirement. All applications will undergo review according to merit and customary evaluation procedures. This announcement provides information regarding the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, details on match funding, and the application forms and instructions needed to apply for an award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.

USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems, including tools to support agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities. AMS encourages applicants to consider including goals and activities related to reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere or adapting to the already occurring climate change in their project’s design and implementation.

https://beta.sam.gov/fal/731ccfda1d9f4c4e8b58fc8fc8d915d6/view?keywords=10.175&sort=-relevance&index=cfda&is_active=true&page=1 http://grants.gov/

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Stakeholder Input: AMS welcomes your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments in developing the next RFA. Email written stakeholder comments within six months of the publication date of this RFA to: AMSGrants@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 Local Food Promotion Program RFA.

2022 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

AMS revised the RFA to align with its regular order requirements based on the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-334 (2018 Farm Bill):

o Section 2.4 has been updated to decrease the FY 2022 maximum award amounts for the

Planning project sub-type to $100,000. Also, the FY 2022 maximum award amount for the Implementation project subtype has decreased to $500,000.

o Section 3.3 has been revised for FY 2022 to revert to the previous policy that current grant recipients are not eligible to receive a grant without properly closing out another active grant.

o Section 3.4 has been updated to reflect the FY 2022 matching fund requirements established by legislation. The 2018 Farm Bill funding requires a 25% match.

o The pre-award costs flexibility has returned to the previous policy of up to 90 days prior to the start date of an award. For more information, refer to the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

The AMS General Terms and Conditions have been updated to reflect changes to the AMS grants management and payment management systems.

The application packet provides for the implementation of updated program performance measures (outcomes and indicators) as described in the Achievability section of the FMLFPP Project Narrative form (or “Evaluation Plan”, etc.).

Section 4.2 has been updated to add the SF-424A - Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs and the Project Abstract form as part of the application. Please see sections 4.2.2 and

4.2.3 for instructions.

AMS created a new project type through this funding opportunity: Farm to Institution. This project type is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided funding for “loans and grants…provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” American Rescue Plan Act (Pub. L. No. 117—2).

Pursuant to this authority, USDA has made funding available to promote competition and give more and better options to local and regional food producers selling to institutional markets.

mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319/text

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APPLICATION CHECKLIST

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

LFPP requires that all application packages include the following:

☐ Form SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (in Grants.gov) ☐ Form SF-424A – Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (in Grants.gov) ☐ Project Abstract (in Grants.gov) ☐ Project Narrative (PDF Attachment)

☐ Must use required template ☐ Executive Summary supports project goals and objectives and is no more than 250 words ☐ Ensure it does not exceed the page limit specified in Section 4.2.4 ☐ Ensure the proposal excludes unallowable costs and activities per Section 4.6.4

☐ Signed Letters Verifying Matching Funds for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource (PDF or MS Word 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:

☐ 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 16, 2022– 11:59 p.m. [Eastern Time]

Obtaining Your Organization’s DUNS/UEI 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 a 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 and size

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Partners and Collaborators

3.3 Limit on Number of awards

3.4 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 Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements . 23

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 Available Resources

7.3 Address

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Definitions

8.2 Equal Opportunity Statement

8.3 Freedom of Information Act Requests

8.4 Paperwork Reduction

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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) is authorized by subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1627c), as amended. LAMP supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships;

• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure;

• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains;

• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and

• Simplify the application and the reporting processes for the grants administered under the

Program.

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP), the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Program and the Regional Food Partnership Program (RFSP) are implemented under LAMP.

FMLFPP and RSFP are administered by AMS and VAPG is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service under Rural Development (RD). FMLFPP is administered in two components: Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). This RFA is for LFPP.

1.2 PURPOSE

LFPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on:

• Supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products;

• Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;

• Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies;

• Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food products and value-added agricultural products in new and existing markets;

• Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;

• Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;

• Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; and

• Covering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.

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1.3 PROJECT TYPES

LFPP offers Planning, Implementation, and Farm to Institution project types.

1.3.1 PLANNING PROJECTS

Planning projects are used in the planning stages of developing, coordinating, or expanding a food business that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Completing a feasibility study for a new intermediary food channel (i.e., food hub), to analyze market potential, capacity, and potential competitors, and partners in the region.

• Hiring experts for technical assistance to implement a local/regional food transportation system.

• Hiring experts for training on managing a local/regional food storage or processing facility.

• Devising a business development plan associated with the processing/marketing of local/regional agricultural products, including value-added agricultural products.

1.3.2 IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

Implementation projects are used to establish a new food business or to improve or expand an existing food business that supports locally and regionally produced agricultural products and food system infrastructure.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing or expanding food incubator programs or mid-tier value chains.

• Instituting group-based Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification for sellers of food into institutional or wholesale marketing channels, including providing financial support for making changes and upgrades to practices and equipment to improve food safety.

• Cultivating new wholesale market channels through an online portal or virtual marketplace.

• Investigating and implementing more cost-effective means of transportation for food supply chains through backhaul, route optimization, and/or other operational efficiencies.

If the applicant previously received an LFPP planning award that is directly related to the submitted proposal, the applicant must indicate how this project contributed to its proposed work in the Project Narrative (section 4.2.4 Project Narrative)

1.3.3 FARM TO INSTITUTION

Farm to Institution projects support the development, coordination, and expansion of institutional markets or institutional food service operations, such as pre-K through grade 12 schools, college, university, hospital, local government, tribal, and state cafeterias or meal programs, through local and regional producers and local and regional food enterprises that engage as intermediaries.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

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• Support aggregation, processing, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products by increasing the availability of local food products available on the menu of pre-K through grade 12 schools, college, university, hospital, and public dining facilities and hospital and local government, tribal, and state-operated or contracted meal programs (e.g., patient meals in hospitals, pre-K-12 school meals, senior meal programs, afterschool/summer meal programs, and meals programs in jails, detention centers, and prisons).

• Connect, cultivate, and strengthen relationships between local and regional producers and local and regional food businesses that engage as intermediaries with local institutional markets.

• Support the development of business plans and strategies for the inclusion and expansion of local food products, including value-added local agricultural products, in institutional settings and local and regional food system infrastructure in support of farm to institution.

• Cover expenses incurred in obtaining food safety certification related and improvements to food safety practices and equipment to meet institutional requirements.

1.3.4 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for consideration if the proposed activities:

• Are not related to local and regional food system activities.

• Are for production related expenses, including food production and the purchase of farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and other related costs (section 4.6.4)

• Are to purchase land, or for construction of a building or structure.

• Are to purchase general purpose equipment such as freezers, walk-in coolers, commercial coolers, etc. – general purpose equipment can be leased, but not leased-to-own or purchased (section 4.6.4).

• Intend to register, promote, train, and/or educate vendors and/or customers on Food Assistance Programs such as SNAP, WIC, etc.

• Benefit only one agricultural producer, vendor, or individual. Applicants must collaborate with others to benefit the larger community.

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

• Duplicate activities in a project that has received funding from another Federal award program, including the Farmers Market Promotion Program.

For additional allowable and unallowable activities please refer to the AMS General Terms and Conditions as well as the FMLFPP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing these documents should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 7.0 Agency Contacts.

1.4 PRIORITY AREAS

Priority consideration will be given to projects that benefit communities located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to supermarkets or locally or regionally grown food as defined below. AMS does not require applicants to conduct projects in priority areas to be eligible to apply or receive grant funds.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ams.usda.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fmedia%2FFMLFPPFAQs.pdf&data=04%7C01%7C%7C7163625c249843dafd3408d9faf7797e%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637816763065785377%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=GbqaY7m62PtF3ZtkC3VnwXWY1qPplq2RWm8DYt6cNj0%3D&reserved=0

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If requesting low income/low food access (LI/LA) priority consideration, the project’s implementation address must be in a LI/LA census tract as defined by the four major map layers on the ERS Food Access Research Atlas. “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 must 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, your application will be considered under this priority area.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide the 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.

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

AMS anticipates approximately $43.5 million will be available to fund LFPP projects in FY 2022.1 Any funds not awarded under this RFA will be applied to the RFA for the next competitive award cycle.

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

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 grant period to allow ample time to complete projects. The applicant must

1 The total amount available consists of $13.5 million from the Farm Bill and $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/ https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx

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Required project start dates and completion dates are provided on the table below.

Award size varies by project type. Applicants may not request less than the minimum or more than the maximum amounts. Applicants are not required to request the maximum award amount. Applicants must justify the requested funding amounts within the appropriate project narrative sections.

Project Type Duration (Months) Start Date Completion Date Minimum

Award Maximum

Award Planning 18 September 30, 2022 March 31, 2024 $25,000 $100,000

Implementation 36 September 30, 2022 September 29, 2025 $100,000 $500,000 Farm to

Institution 36 September 30, 2022 September 29, 2025 $100,000 $500,000

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, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Tribal Governments.

Eligible applicants include:

Entity Type Description

Agricultural Businesses or Cooperatives

Business entities, member-owned entities or businesses that provide, hold, deliver, transport, offer, or sell agricultural products or services for member benefit as well as the organization or other business that they represent.

Producer Networks or Association

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 as well as organizations or other businesses that assist, represent, or serve producers or producer networks.

CSA Networks or Associations 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. This includes organizations or other businesses that assist, serve, or represent community-supported agriculture (CSA) or CSA networks.

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.

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Entity Type Description

Food Council Food policy council or food and farm system network that represents multiple organizations involved in the production, processing, and consumption of food, as well as local, Tribal, or State governments; and that addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within city, county, State, Tribal region, multicounty region, or other region designated by the food council or food system network.

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 (50 Stat. 888 (Pub. L. No. 75—412); 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 instrumentality of a multi-state, 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 therein.

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.

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.

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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3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

The applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators (section 4.6.3). Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators do not need to meet these eligibility requirements provided in section 3.1.

• A partnership is a relationship involving close cooperation between parties with 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.

Partners and collaborators may come from private or public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities. Applicants must show evidence of existing community or industry support and engagement. Applications should demonstrate a commitment to engage potential project beneficiaries as active participants.

3.3 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF AWARDS

Applicants may submit multiple applications to FMPP and LFPP. If recommended for an award, applicants are limited to receiving one LFPP award and one FMPP award. For example:

• For LFPP, this means that an applicant may be awarded one Planning OR one Implementation OR one Farm to Institution grant, but not more than one type during this fiscal year.

• 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 this fiscal year.

If recommended for multiple awards under both FMPP and LFPP, AMS staff will contact the applicant to discuss the options.

Applicants must close out an active (not closed-out) FMPP or LFPP grant award from a previous year to be eligible to receive an award under this fiscal year RFA. For example:

• If applying for an FMPP project, an applicant must close any active (not closed-out) grant award from a previous FMPP project to be eligible to apply for and receive an FMPP award under this fiscal year.

• If applying for an LFPP project, an applicant must close any active (not closed-out) grant award from a previous LFPP project to be eligible to apply for and receive an LFPP award under this fiscal year.

The applicant must submit all required close-out documentation by the application due date mentioned in section 4.4 Submission Date and Time. Please refer to the respective General Award Terms and Conditions, available on the “How to Administer the Awards” webpage, for close-out instructions.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/administer

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3.3.1 FISCAL SPONSORS/AGENTS

Eligible applicants may use fiscal sponsors/agents in their effort to attain and administer a grant award.

Such applicants seeking to implement a project may:

a. Apply 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

b. Use a fiscal sponsor/agent to apply for an award on behalf of the implementing organization. By doing so, the sponsor/agent accepts all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s grant award at the time the agreement is signed. Fiscal sponsors/agents would submit the application as the applicant organization, and the AOR responsible for all grant decisions and activities, including but not limited to implementation, subcontracts, and reporting to AMS. The AOR would be an employee of the fiscal sponsor/agent. Fiscal sponsors/agents are bound by the same requirements provided in this RFA as other applicant organizations, including the limit on applications.

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

3.3.2 REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS (RFSP) RECIPIENT APPLICANTS

In accordance with the LAMP legislation, current RFSP grant recipients may apply for an FMPP or LFPP grant on behalf of requesting producers and/or eligible entities (as listed in the RFSP RFA). Active RFSP recipients are eligible to receive more than one FMPP or LFPP project within an award cycle to allow them to apply on behalf of those entities.

Active RFSP recipients applying to FMPP or LFPP on behalf of their eligible partnerships should indicate on the Project Narrative that they are a current RFSP recipient. They must meet all program requirements and undergo competitive peer review as do all other FMPP or LFPP applicants. Refer to section 5.2 for more information.

If selected for funding, active RFSP recipients signing the grant agreement as the AOR on behalf of their producers and eligible entities accept all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s grant award at the time the agreement is signed. In addition, they are responsible for all decisions and project activities related to the grant agreement, and accountable for meeting Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. An applicant organization, including RFSP recipient applicants, cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to another organization (including the producer or eligible entity associated with the active RFSP grant.

Alternatively, RFSP recipients wanting to solely provide technical assistance or administrative support to producers and/or eligible entities applying to FMLFPP, but not serve as the AOR, may provide that directly with no formalized agreement and the eligible entities or producers may apply directly (noting that the must benefit more than one producer). They could also choose to pursue the contractual relationship mentioned in section 3.3.1.Cost Sharing and Matching https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2 https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply

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3.4 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

This funding opportunity requires matching funds from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total Federal portion of the grant. There is no competitive advantage for an applicant to provide a cost share or match that exceeds the required amount. If the project is selected for funding, any exceeding amount will be considered voluntary and must be documented and secured at the time of the award.

Cost sharing or the required match must be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. Refer to 2 CFR § 200.306 for additional Federal requirements and definitions, including the basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions.

In-kind contributions are generally defined, when used as a cost share or match for a grant, as the value of goods or services provided by a third party for the benefit of the grant program, where no funds transferred hands. For example, a partner, such as a tribal community member, may volunteer their professional expertise as a match contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e). These contributions cannot satisfy a cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant program if they are used toward satisfying a match requirement under any other Federal grant agreement to which the applicant is a party.

All matching contributions must be committed or secured at the time an applicant is recommend for an award. An award will not be issued unless all matching funds over the life of the grant are secured.

Additional anticipated matching funds not in place by the time the project commences cannot be counted toward the matching requirement.

Applicants must indicate the total amount of match and how it will specifically align with their requested funding when completing the fiscal plan and resources section of the FMLFPP Project Narrative.

Additionally, applicants must submit signed letters or other documentation verifying the match for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource. Refer to section 4.2.5 Matching Funds and Letters of Verification for more information.

Indirect costs may count toward your match. Refer to section 4.6.2 Using Indirect Costs for Cost Sharing or Matching for more information.

Applicants cannot use program income (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1) or any other Federal funds as a match or cost share.

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. AMS strongly encourages applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ee82f7b5882adf7c5bc8bfebbb19f99a&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_11&rgn=div8 http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

15 | P a g e information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 4.7 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.175,” or the LFPP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-22-0001”.

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 explained in the instructions. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on form SF-424.

Block Instructions

#1 Type of Submission Application #2 Type of Application New or Continuation #4 through #7 Not required #8c Organizational DUNS or New Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Applicant DUNS/UEI# 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/UEI number and switch to another later). Refer to section 4.7.1 Obtain a DUNS Number of this RFA.

Note: On April 4, 2022, the Federal government will stop using DUNS and start using a Unique Entity Identifier created in SAM.gov. For more information, please visit gsa.gov/entityid.

#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 (Assistance Listing Number)

10.175

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-LFPP-G-22-0002

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.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://gsa.gov/entityid

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Block Instructions

#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

Planning Projects - Your performance period cannot be more than 18 months in length. Planning projects normally begin September 30, 2022 and end no later than March 31, 2024.

Implementation and Farm to Institution Projects – Your performance period cannot be more than 36 months (3 years) in length. Implementation projects normally begin September 30, 2022 and end no later than September 29, 2025.

#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.

See section 4.5 Intergovernmental Review.

4.2.2 SF-424A – BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

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

Please fill in only sections A, B and C. (Do not complete sections D, E, and F.)

Section A- Budget Summary Row Column Instructions

1. Grant Program Function or Activity (a)

Type “LFPP-Federal” (This title will copy to column 1 on the next page.)

1. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b)

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (10.175)

1 Estimated Unobligated Funds

(c) & (d):

These sections will be left blank.

1. (e) Federal Include the entire amount of funds requested from the Federal government to complete the proposed project.

Note: The 1.(g) total is a prepopulated formula that will automatically calculate the total amount of this line.

2. (a) Grant Function or Activity Type “LFPP - Non-Federal”

2. (b) Catalog of Federal

Domestic Assistance Number:

Type “10.175”

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2. Estimated Unobligated Funds

(c) & (d):

These sections will be left blank.

2. Non-Federal (f) Include the entire amount of Matching (cash and/or in-kind) contributions that your organization and/or partner organization(s) will provide for the proposed project during the entire period of performance.

Note: The 2.(g) total is a prepopulated formula that will automatically calculate the total amount of this line.

5. Totals (e), (f), and (g) All of the boxes in this row have a prepopulated formula.

Section B- Budget Categories Row Column Instructions

6. a.

through j.

(1) Enter the total amounts of each Object Class Category for which you are requesting federal funds. See 4.6.1 Indirect Costs for information.

6. a.

through j.

(2) Enter the total amounts of each Object Class Categories for which the applicant organization or partners will provide the matching funds. See 4.6.1 Indirect Costs for information.

6. k. (1), (2) & (5) All of the boxes in this question have a prepopulated formula. You should have totals in columns (1) and (2) and (5).

Important: Verify that totals in Section A 5. (g) and Section B 6.(5) k. are the same.

7. Program Income (1) Enter the estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be generated from this project. There is a prepopulated formula in box 7. (5).

Section C – Non-Federal Resources Row Column Instructions

9. Applicant (b) Enter the amount of any cash and/or in-kind contribution that the applicant will bring as a match during the grant period, if applicable.

9. State (c) Enter the amount of any cash and/or in-kind contribution that the State will bring as a match during the grant period. If the applicant is a state department and would like to provide the match, should be reported in 9. (b), if applicable.

9. Other Sources (d) Enter the amount of any cash and/or in-kind contribution that other sources (Example: Partners) will provide as a match during the grant period, if applicable.

12. Total (b), (c), (d) & (e) All of the boxes in this question have a prepopulated formula, so the calculation will automatically appear if you have entered information into the boxes above.

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Important: Verify that totals in Section C 12(e), Section B

6. (2) k., and Section A 5. (f) are the same.

4.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching Federal award. This is separate from the FMLFPP Project Narrative. The Project Abstract Summary box must include:

• Project purpose

• Activities to be performed

• Deliverables and expected outcomes

• Intended beneficiary(ies): Who will benefit from this beyond the applicant organization?

• Subrecipient activities. Will the award result in subawards? If yes, who are the subawardees and how does the subaward support the applicant organization?

4.2.4 4.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the FMLFPP Project Narrative form and FMLFPP Project Narrative Guide. The form and instructions are available on the “How do I Apply for an LFPP Grant” webpage. The Project Narrative must clearly describe the direct or indirect producer or food business benefits intended by the applicant, objectives and goals, types of activities, applicable outcome indicators, and fiscal plan and resources information.

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced, in an 11-point font, and must not exceed fifteen

(15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing Project Narrative form content). For example, if the Project Narrative form is 18 pages before you begin entering your project information into the form, your narrative may be up to 33 pages (18 pages + 15 pages). DO NOT modify the margins of the FMLFPP Project Narrative form. Applicants must submit the FMLFPP Project Narrative form as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” on the application package. Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted.

Prior to submitting the application to Grants.gov, please make sure no tracked changes or mark-up edits and comments are visible.

The supporting documents listed below do not count toward the 15‐page limit.

4.2.5 MATCHING FUNDS AND LETTERS OF VERIFICATION

Required. Each application must include or be accompanied by written verification of match commitments from any party, including the applicant, who will contribute cash or in-kind matching from non-Federal resources to the project.

Submit one match verification letter for EACH cash or in‐kind resource signed by the matching organization.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary-V1.1.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FMLFPP_Project_Narrative_Guide.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/how-do-i-apply-lfpp-grant https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/how-do-i-apply-lfpp-grant

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AMS highly encourages you to use the Suggested Match Verification Template Letter on the grant program’s website. If you do not use this template or if you are an applicant submitting a match, your match verification document must minimally include the following:

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• Cash Commitment per year (if applicable) and Total Cash Match

• In-kind Contribution per year (if applicable) and Total In-kind Match. Break down items into categories as applicable:

o Salaries (employee name, title, duties, pay rate/hr., amount matched per year) o Items/Activities (fair market value per unit, how value determined, and amount matched per year)

• Explanation of how each type of match will correspond to the budget or be used by the

Applicant

• Signature of Matching Organization Representative with typed name and title

Submit Matching Funds and Letters of Verification on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are MATCH VERIFICATION LETTERS. 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.

4.2.6 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.

AMS highly encourages you to use the Suggested Partner Organization Template Letter on the grant program’s website. If you do not use this template, your Letter of Commitment must minimally include the following:

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• A short introduction describing the partnering organization’s mission and its interest in LFPP 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 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/VerificationofMatchingFundsTemplateLetter.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PartneringOrganizationTemplateLetter.docx

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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 SF-424 item #15.

PLEASE NOTE: LFPP does not require Congressional letters of support and such letters do not carry any weight during the evaluation process.

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 (in MS Word or PDF) that critical resources and infrastructure on 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.

AMS highly encourages you to use the Suggested Evidence Of Critical Resources And Infrastructure Template Letter on the LFPP application website. If you do not use this template, your Letter of Evidence of Critical Infrastructure must minimally 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 them 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.

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 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 may not be reviewed or considered for funding it is:

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CriticalResourceInfrastructureTemplateLetter.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/CriticalResourceInfrastructureTemplateLetter.docx

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• Received by Grants.gov after the submission deadline.

• Submitted via any method other than through Grants.gov.

•…