2024 ACER RFA_Compliant_Update due date_050624_2.pdf

OMB No. 0581-0240

Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program

Fiscal Year 2024 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-24-0014

Publication Date: March 21, 2024

Application Due Date: 11:59 Pm Eastern Time on May 28, 2024

Modification: The application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, May 28, 2024 due to Grants.gov maintenance. Applications deadlines dates were changed on pages 1, 2, 4, and 20.

Effective: 5/7/2024

PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP)

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-24-0014

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.156

Dates: Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time, on May 28, 2024, through Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). AMS is awarding grants that require a 1:1 match to eligible applicants for projects that explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U.S. agricultural marketing system.

Approximately up to $1 million will be available to fund applications under this solicitation. The final amount available is subject to Congressional action. All project types range from $50,000 to $250,000.

Eligible entities and activities remain the same as in previous years. A $1 for $1 match, in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, is required by statute.

In the FY 2023 application cycle, AMS received eleven (11) applications and funded five (5) (83%) of the applications. AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of the program, meet all program requirements, and are of high quality. All applications are reviewed using merit and customary evaluation procedures. This announcement provides information about the eligibility criteria for applicants and projects and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an award.

AMS encourages applications intended to serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, historically underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.

For projects intending to serve these audiences, 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.

Stakeholder Input: AMS seeks your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments when we develop 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 Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program RFA.

https://sam.gov/fal/b09a9e25720e4692b300a99a16bc48da/view http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

2024 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

Below are highlights of major changes to the program since last year.

• The AMS General Terms and Conditions have been updated to reflect recent changes to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and the Build America, Buy America Act for infrastructure projects.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

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

This program requires that all application packages include the following:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov form) SF-424A -- Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (Grants.gov form) Project Abstract (Grants.gov form) Project Narrative Form ( section 5.2.4)

Use the required template Project Abstract is no more than 250 words Ensure it does not exceed the page limit Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 4.3

Signed Letter (s) Verifying Matching Funds Letter for EACH Cash or In-kind source Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from each partner or collaborating organization at the time of application per section 5.2.6

If applicable, packages may also be required to include the following documents:

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (PDF Attachment) per section 5.2.7

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using Grants.gov, you must— o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov, the Government's primary registrant database;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

• Register in Grants.gov and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE. AMS encourages to submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure all certifications are met.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2024_AMSGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf

• The applicant organization registration process may take more than four weeks to complete.

You must complete your organization registration to allow enough to meet the required application submission deadlines. See section 5.3.1 for information.

• Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all instructions.

• Thoroughly review the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance Listing Number

“10.156” and Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-24-0014.”

• Ensure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.

• Limit Application File Size/ File Name Characters (50 or less).

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader)

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

• Input the correct UEI (formerly DUNS) number on the SF-424 form cover page.

• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides at:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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 through Grants.Gov

May 28, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Obtaining Your Organization’s UEI Number (if you do not already have one) 7-10 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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Legislative Authority

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Project Types

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance

2.2 Type of Applications

2.3 Available Funding

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Partners and Collaborators

3.3 Performance Measures

4.0 Funding Considerations

4.1 Cost Sharing or Matching

4.2 Indirect Costs

4.3 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities

4.4 Coordinator Meeting Travel

5.0 Application and Submission Information

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

5.3 Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.4 Application Submission Requirments

5.5 Submission Date and Time

5.6 Intergovernmental Review

6.0 Application Review Information

6.1 Project Evaluation Criteria

6.2 Review and Selection Process

7.0 Award Administration Information

7.1 Award Notices

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

7.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

7.4 Reporting Requirements

7.5 Acknowledgment of USDA Support

8.0 Agency Contacts

8.1 Programmatic Questions

8.2 Address

8.3 Grants.gov Questions

9.0 Other Information

9.1 Equal Opportunity Statement

9.2 Freedom of Information Act Requests

9.3 Paperwork Reduction

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) is authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1623(b)).

1.2 PURPOSE

To explore and identify new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the U.S. agricultural marketing system. FSMIP funds a wide range of applied research projects that address barriers, challenges, and opportunities in marketing, transportation, and distribution of U.S. food and agricultural products domestically and internationally.

1.3 PROJECT TYPES

Applicants must align their proposal to one of the four project types. If a project aligns with more than one project type, the applicant MUST assign one primary project type. However, the applicant may select multiple secondary project types.

Project Type Description

Agricultural Product Development

Innovation and enhancement of agricultural products, practices, and methodology.

Agricultural Product Distribution

The handling, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products.

Cooperative Development

The cooperation among Federal and state agencies, producers, industry organizations, and others in the development and creation of research and marketing programs to improve the distribution processes of agricultural products.

Economic Research To clarify marketing barriers and opportunities, including regulatory compliance costs.

All FSMIP applications:

• Must have a strong marketing focus, must involve research, and the primary beneficiaries must be agricultural producers and agribusinesses.

• May address topics dealing with any level of the marketing chain including direct, wholesale, and retail as well as issues of importance at the State, multi-State, or national level.

• Training or education related applications must include a research component that tests its effects on the marketing goals.

• AMS will consider unique smaller-scale applications that may serve as pilot projects or case studies as models for others. Such applications must include an objective to analyze opportunities and formulate recommendations regarding how the project could be scaled up or expanded to other regions.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1623%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section1623)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true#substructure-location_b

1.3.1 ELIGIBLE PROJECT ACTIVITIES

FSMIP projects can:

• Determine the best methods for processing, preparing for market, packing, handling, transporting, storing, distributing, and marketing agricultural products.

• Determine the costs of marketing agricultural products in their various forms and through various channels.

• Assist in the development of more efficient marketing methods, practices, and facilities to bring about more efficient and orderly marketing, and reduce the price spread between the producer and the consumer.

• Develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade, and packaging in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.

• Eliminate artificial barriers to the free movement of agricultural products in commercial channels.

• Foster new/expanded domestic and foreign markets and new/expanded uses of agricultural products.

• Collect and disseminate marketing information to anticipate and meet consumer requirements, maintain farm income, and balance production and use.

1.3.2 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities:

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

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

• Benefit only one agricultural producer, entity, or individual.

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

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

For additional allowable and unallowable activities please refer to the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions. Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing the Terms and Conditions should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 8.0 Agency Contacts.

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. New applications will be evaluated competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in section 6.0 Application Review Information.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

AMS anticipates up to $1 million will be available to fund applications in FY2024.

Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. USDA does not commit to make a specific number of awards.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

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

Applicants may not request less than the minimum or more than the maximum award amounts.

Applicants must justify the requested award funding amounts within the narrative and workplan sections on the project narrative.

Duration (Months) Start Date Completion Date Minimum

Award Maximum

Award 36 September 30, 2024 September 29, 2027 $50,000 $250,000

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate state agencies from the 50 States, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• The phrase “other appropriate state agency” means a state university, a state college, or a state government entity such as a state department of forestry, natural resources, or energy.

• A “state university” and “state college” include land-grant universities and colleges which are defined as institutions of higher education in the United States and designated by a state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. Tribal colleges and universities that became land-grant institutions in 1994, under the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act, as well as other State-run colleges and universities are also eligible.

3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

An applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators. Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators do not need to meet these 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.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universities-partner-website-directory

• 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 be 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

Applicants are required to 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 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To evaluate and report on the outcomes of the FSMIP Program on a national scale, AMS collects information on performance measures. These measures focus on: Providing short- and long-term impact indicators.

• More accurately reflecting grant recipients’ accomplishments.

• Reducing burden on grant applicants and recipients.

• Improving AMS’s ability to report on the impact of its grant programs.

• Standardizing measures across programs where appropriate.

Each project submitted in the proposal must include at least one of the six outcomes listed in the FSMIP Performance Measures and at least one of the indicators listed in the selected outcome(s). Additional information regarding the update to the performance measures can be found on the AMS Grant Performance Measures website.

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

This funding opportunity requires a $1-for-$1 match in the form of cash and/or in-kind non-Federal resources. 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.

Cash match contributions are generally defined as an actual cash contribution (not the ‘value’ of someone’s time/effort) from the applicant’s general revenue/reserves/savings/line of credit, or 3rd-https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FSMIPPerformanceMeasures.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FSMIPPerformanceMeasures.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 party partner(s), or other non-Federal grants. The applicant must be able to track and show the source of the match funding and that the funding source was dedicated entirely to the grant project and produce records to that effect (for example, taking the cash match in your accounting system, or from your partner, and placing it into a special ‘grant project’ account).

In-kind contributions are generally defined 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 may volunteer their professional expertise as an in-kind match contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e).

Match contributions cannot satisfy a cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant program if they are already being used toward satisfying a match requirement under any other Federal grant agreement to which the applicant is 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 will indicate the total amount of match and how it will specifically align with their requested funding when completing the budget section of the Project Narrative and submit letters or other documentation verifying the match for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource. Applicants must submit a signed letter(s) with the application, which serves as the verification for each cash and in-kind matching contribution. Refer to section 5.2.5 Matching Funds and Letters of Verification for more information.

Indirect costs may count toward the match. Refer to section 4.2.1 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 kind of Federal funds as a match or cost share.

4.2 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) 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.

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) 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). The applicant is authorized to determine the appropriate rate up to this limit. The de minimis rate does not require documentation to justify its use and 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. Once elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until a recipient chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply 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 § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=ee82f7b5882adf7c5bc8bfebbb19f99a&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of its cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved 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 § 200.1.

4.2.1 USING INDIRECT COSTS FOR COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The maximum amount of indirect costs allowed for a project may be included under the Federal portion of the budget or, alternatively, may be offered as a matching contribution if no indirect costs are requested on the Federal portion of the budget. For example, if a proposed project’s maximum allowable indirect costs are $20,000, the applicant may include $20,000 on the Federal portion of the budget or $20,000 as a matching contribution, but not both.

The applicant may split the indirect cost allocation between the Federal and non-Federal portions of the budget only if the total amount of indirect costs does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowed.

Alternatively, the recipient may request any other combination that, when combined, does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowable. Refer to 2 CFR § 200.413 and 414 for additional information on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

4.3 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this section should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under 8.0 Agency Contact.

4.4 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend AMS sponsored grants management meetings during the project’s period of performance. The proposed budget should include travel funds for the Project Coordinator and any additional key personnel as reasonably determined by the recipient and AMS.

To estimate these costs in the budget section, please account for flight, hotel, per diem, and ground transportation expenses for a 3-day, 2-night stay. Location and dates are to be determined with a possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is virtual, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable item.

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply to this RFA electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is accepted. AMS urges applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d68903b1ad20cd6f155adc4b456002c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1413&rgn=div8 https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d68903b1ad20cd6f155adc4b456002c&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8

Grants.gov application process see Grants.gov’s How to Apply for Grants webpage. 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 5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) number “10.156,” or the FSMIP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-24-0014.”

5.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

5.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the application package at Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF-424.

Box Instructions

#1 Type of Submission Select Application type #2 Type of Application Select New #4 through #7 Not required #8.c Organizational Unique Entity Identifier

(UEI)

Enter applicant UEI# for the organization submitting the application.

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

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

Enter 10.156

#12 Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-FSMIP-G-24-0014

#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.

#16.a Congressional Districts for Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where your main office is located.

#16.b Congressional Districts for Program/Project

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

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Enter Start Date: September 30, 2024.

End date: September 29, 2027. The project period cannot be more than 36 months (3 years) in length.

#18.a Estimated Funding – Federal Enter the total FSMIP award requested.

#18.b – 18f Estimated Funding – Applicant Enter the amount of match or cost share from the applicant organization and/or other partners.

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

See section 5.6 Intergovernmental Review https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

5.2.2 SF-424A BUDGET INFORMATION

Required. SF-424A is available via the application package in 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 boxes on form.

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

Section A – Budget Summary Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “FSMIP – Federal” 1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter “10.156”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project

1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total match contribution amount provided for the project

Section B – Budget Categories Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds requested for each Object Class Category. Do not include match funding.

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in Federal funds for “Travel”, enter 2000 in Column 1, box 6.c

Section C – Non-Federal Resources Box Instructions

8.a – Grant Program Should auto-populate from Section A, Box 1.a 8.b – 8.d Enter the match amount being provided from each source (Applicant, State, or Other) for the project

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching award. This is separate from the project narrative abstract summary. The project abstract 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, key partner, and collaborator activities. Identify the key partners, collaborators and subrecipients you know will be part of the work are and how their engagement will support the program goals.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-V2.0.pdf

5.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants MUST prepare and submit a project narrative that include the six sections below and clearly describes the objectives and goal, type of activities, applicable outcomes indicators, and fiscal plan and resources information. The Project Narrative must be typed, single-spaced, in an 11-point font, not to exceed thirty (30) 8.5 x 11 pages. The Project Narrative must be submitted as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachments Form” on the application package. Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted.

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

The supporting documents in the subsequent sections do not count against the page limit for the Project Narrative.

(1) Project Abstract

Include a summary of 250 words or less suitable for dissemination to the public. This summary should include a concise outline of the project’s purpose; activities to be performed, including subawards (when applicable); deliverables and expected outcomes; intended beneficiaries; and other pertinent information.

(2) Alignment and Intent

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

Describe the specific issue, problem, or need that the project will address in relation to the statutory language of the program (7 U.S.C. § 1623(b)). Include data and/or estimates that describe the extent of the issue, problem, or need.

(ii) List the objectives of the project. The objectives must be related to addressing the issue(s), problem(s), or need(s) mentioned in section (2)(i).

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

(3) Technical Merit

(i) Provide a Work Plan that describes the activities and timeline associated with each project objective mentioned in the Alignment and Intent section.

The workplan should include: a timeline for each activity and major output including the anticipated date of completion; how and where the activities will take place; required resources; milestone(s) for assessing progress and success; the person(s) responsible for completing the activity, including collaborative arrangements or subcontractors; if conducting training and technical assistance, how participants will be recruited; and how you will help guide program development and delivery. A table with this information is recommended.

(ii) If the proposed project will be or has been submitted to another federal program for funding, provide the grant program name.

(iii) If the proposed project builds on work previously funded by a federal program, including AMS grant programs, provide the year and grant program name, and describe how the proposed project, if funded, would not duplicate work previously funded by the federal government.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1623%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section1623)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true#substructure-location_b https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants

(4) Achievability

(i) Provide at least one distinct, quantifiable, measurable project outcome and associated indicator listed in the FSMIP Performance Measures. If the outcome measures are long-term and occur after the project’s completion, identify an intermediate outcome that occurs before, and is expected to help lead to the fulfillment of long-term outcomes. AMS will use outcomes measures to report impacts on a national scale and demonstrate the program performance.

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

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

(5) Expertise and Partners

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

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

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

Provide a one- to two-page resume or summary of relevant experience and/or qualifications of the principal investigator(s) and for each of the other major project participants. Longer resumes will be disregarded. The resume or summary do not count against the page limit for the Project Narrative.

(6) Fiscal Plan and Resources

The Fiscal Plan and Resources must include the Budget Spreadsheet and Budget Narrative. The Budget Spreadsheet must show the relevant expenditure categories in the far-left column. Relevant cost categories include:

• Personnel

• Fringe Benefits

• Travel

• Special Purpose Equipment

• Supplies

• Contracts/Subawards

• Indirect Costs

• Program Income

• Other https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FSMIPPerformanceMeasures.pdf

Proceeding across the page, there must be a column showing the dollar amount of Federal funds requested and separate columns showing the dollar amount for each of the non-Federal entities that will provide matching resources. Provide separate Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and cumulative budgets.

The Budget Narrative must break down and explain how the dollar amounts for each category shown on the Budget Spreadsheet were derived and what they cover. See section 8 of the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions for a full listing of allowable and unallowable costs.

The supporting documents in the subsequent sections do not count against the page limit for the Project Narrative.

5.2.5 MATCHING FUNDS AND LETTERS OF VERIFICATION

Required. Applicants MUST have written verification of match commitment from any party, including the applicant, who will contribute cash or in-kind matching non-Federal resources to the project.

Submit one letter verifying the match for EACH cash or in-kind resource, signed by the matching organization.

AMS strongly encourages applicants to use the SUGGESTED MATCH VERIFICATION TEMPLATE LETTER on the AMS application website. If you do not use this template, 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/hour, 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 Fund 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.

5.2.6 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATIONS

Required. Applicants MUST provide letters of commitment (not support) from all project partners and collaborators. More information on partners and collaborators can be found 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 federally negotiated indirect rate, distribution base, and rate type must be available publicly on an OMB-designated Federal website.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2024_AMSGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ams.usda.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fmedia%2FVerificationofMatchingFundsTemplateLetter.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

AMS strongly encourages you to use the Suggested Partner Organization Template Letter on the program application 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 FSMIP development

• What the organization commits to participating in and supporting

• The time period of the partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.2.7 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA. Refer to section 4.2 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.

5.3 APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY

Applicants MUST have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an active SAM.gov account, and a Grants.gov account to submit an application. AMS recommends that applicants start the registration process in these systems immediately to allow enough time to meet application submission deadlines. Registration in these systems collectively may in some cases take more than four weeks to complete. The steps below provide details on how to complete each registration.

Individual applicants eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity can find complete instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/OrganizationRegistration.htm

1. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational UEI" on the SF-424. Getting a UEI requires validation steps in SAM.gov.

Applicants are encouraged to start this process as early as possible, and, if applicable, this includes providing guidance to subapplicants on getting their own UEI.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PartneringOrganizationTemplateLetter.docx https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/OrganizationRegistration.htm https://gsa.gov/entityid

2. Register with the System for Award Management (SAM): In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Current SAM.gov registrants have already been assigned their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register with SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov. Organizations must maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

3. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's UEI number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organization Role (AOR). Watch the video on how to Register in Grants.gov and create an institutional profile. Applicants are required to use Login.gov to sign into Grants.gov. See the Grants.gov help article for more information on logging in with Login.gov credentials. The Grants.gov validation process also includes a check for an active SAM.gov registration. Applicants without a current SAM.gov registration will be rejected.

4. Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying him or her of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

5. Track Role Status: After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

6. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR who submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization to act as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is required for valid and timely submissions.

5.3.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO AMS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants can apply using Grants.gov Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application.

For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.

1. Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dsj3X2XPAQ5g&data=05%7C02%7Cdewell.paez-delgado%40usda.gov%7Caaa0ad6b8a8343e5ab6208dc0bfa4586%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638398416765468602%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PCtIH%2FjMV7l5e9r6yTFEOyrddJXn7MIi6NweJ7f3130%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.login.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdewell.paez-delgado%40usda.gov%7Caaa0ad6b8a8343e5ab6208dc0bfa4586%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638398416765468602%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bbUHbNAbHrNlfGeprLP3%2BfatgR9aIuMqydQKYLgXi7E%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrants.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdewell.paez-delgado%40usda.gov%7Caaa0ad6b8a8343e5ab6208dc0bfa4586%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638398416765468602%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HMG9umzgUlUhVcr5ejf2q79dZ%2Bl0bTKqu0Uvs61crCc%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrantsgovprod.wordpress.com%2F2022%2F05%2F04%2Fhow-to-create-a-grants-gov-account-and-link-to-a-login-gov-account%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdewell.paez-delgado%40usda.gov%7Caaa0ad6b8a8343e5ab6208dc0bfa4586%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638398416765468602%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sF9S5NUKjKnVOSAEJNB8VO5BJZjbTFDhcKce2lFy%2BJo%3D&reserved=0 https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/Management/ManageRolesForApplicant.htm https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms, you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear like other Standard or AMS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, and then accessed through Adobe Reader.