2025_RFSP RFA_2.pdf

OMB No. 0581-0240

Regional Food System Partnerships

Fiscal Year 2025 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-25-0002

Publication Date: May 09, 2025

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 27, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Basic Information

1.1 Executive Summary

1.2 2025 Highlights and Changes

1.3 Available Funding

1.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size

1.5 Tips for Applicants

1.6 Timing to Obtain & Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

1.7 Agency Contact Information

1.8 Stakeholder Input

2.0 ElIgibility

2.1 Eligible Applicants - Partnerships

2.2 Eligible Entities

2.3 Eligible Partners

2.4 Limit on Number of Awards

2.5 Cost Sharing

3.0 Program Description

3.1 Legislative Authority

3.2 Purpose

3.3 Project Types

3.4 RFSP Partnership Functions

3.5 Projects and Activities Not Eligible for Funding

3.6 Priority Areas

3.7 Performance Measures

3.8 Allowable and Unallowable Cost and Activities

3.9 Indirect Costs

3.10 Subawards

3.11 Coordinator Meeting Travel

4.0 Application Contents and Format

4.1 Application Checklist

4.2 SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

4.3 SF-424 Budget information for Non-Construction Programs

4.4 Project Abstract Summary

4.5 Project Narrative

4.6 Letters of Verification for Cost Sharing

4.7 Letters of Commitment From Partners and Collaborators

4.8 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

5.0 Submission Requirments and Deadlines

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.3 Additional Submission Details

5.4 Submission Date and Time

5.5 Intergovernmental Review

6.0 Application Review Information

6.1 Initial Review (Initial Screening)

6.2 Review Criteria (Technical Review)

6.3 Administrative Review (Selection Process and Risk Review)

7.0 Award Notices

7.1 Successful Applicants

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

8.0 Post-Award Requirements and Administration

8.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

8.2 Reporting Requirements

8.3 Acknowledgment of USDA Support

9.0 Other Information

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Non-discrimination Statement

9.3 Freedom of Information Act Requests

9.4 Paperwork Reduction

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

Federal Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Funding Opportunity Title: Regional Food System Partnerships

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-25-0002

Assistance Listing Number: 10.177

Type of Federal Assistance: AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide a federal award to successful applicants.

Type of Application: New Application. New applications will be evaluated competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in section 6.0.

Application Deadline: Thursday, June 27, 2025, through Grants.gov at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), offers a grant program called the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) for the 2025 fiscal year. The purpose of this program is to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems.

RFSP is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) umbrella program. AMS welcomes applications that meet LAMP goals (see section 3.1) 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.

AMS will award these grants competitively to eligible applicants proposing high quality projects that meet the purpose and requirements of the program. All applications will be reviewed using merit and evaluation procedures.

In the FY 2024 application cycle, AMS funded 10 (13%) of the 79 applications received awarding a total of $5,224,700.22.

1.2 2025 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

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

• This Request for Applications (RFA) was reorganized following the recent changes to the Uniform Guidance, Appendix I to Part 200, Title 2. The reorganization lists basic program information upfront and application submission requirements at the end.

• The RFA was updated to remove language encouraging applications that “…benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities...”.

• The AMS General Terms and Conditions were updated to reflect recent changes to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

• A new section 6.3.1 Risk Review was added to describe the factors used by AMS to evaluate the risk posed by applicants before making an award.

https://sam.gov/fal/ee0f236369f44a1ab6bfaf378c735146/view http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lamp https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20I%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY25AMSGDGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf

1.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Anticipated Available Funding: $4.5 million. Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

Anticipated Number of Awards: Approximately 10 awards.

Cost Share Requirement: A 25% cash cost share is required.

1.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required performance period. AMS encourages applicants to use the full performance period to allow enough time to complete projects. However, a project may be completed 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”.

Award size varies by project type. Applicants may not request less than or more than the respective minimum/maximum award amounts. Applicants must justify the requested award funding amounts within the RFSP Project Narrative.

Project Type Duration (Months) Start Date End Date Minimum

Award Maximum

Award Planning &

Design 24 September 30, 2025 September 29, 2027 $100,000 $250,000

Implementation & Expansion 36 September 30, 2025 September 29, 2028 $250,000 $1,000,000

1.5 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To submit your application electronically in Grants.gov, you must:

o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active and current SAM registration.

• Allow time for Registration Completion:

o The organization registration process can take as long as four weeks.

o Complete registration as early as possible to meet all deadlines. See section 5.0 for more information.

• Review General Terms and Conditions:

o Review the AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Ensure File Compatibility:

• Use latest version of Adobe Reader that it is compatible with Grants.gov software.

• File Naming and Size:

o Limit file names to 50 characters or fewer.

o Avoid special characters in file names (e.g. $, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

• Attachment Upload:

o Use the “Add Attachments” button in Grants.gov for upload.

o Do not use the paperclip icon in Adobe Reader.

• File Security and Formatting:

o Do not password-protecting files.

o Accept all tracked changes in documents in document before submission.

• Accurate Data Entry:

o Verify that your UEI number is correctly entered on the SF-424 form cover page.

• Grants.gov Resources for Support:

o Applicant FAQs o Workspace Overview

By following these steps and recommendations, applicants can reduce errors, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with submission requirements.

1.6 TIMING TO OBTAIN & SUBMIT GRANTS.GOV REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov

June 27, 2025 – 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) Up to 4 weeks 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 4 weeks

1.7 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

1.7.1 AMS PROGRAM CONTACTS

After closely reviewing this RFA in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties that have questions are encouraged to contact the RFSP program staff by e-mail at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

AMS provides resources and information on the RFSP website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp) that may be helpful to applicants, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), descriptions of funded projects, and required application forms. AMS staff is available to provide timely technical assistance.

Regional Food System Partnerships USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 1510-S South Building Stop 0264 Washington, DC 20250-0264 https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.htm https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html mailto:IPPGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply/faq https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp

1.7.2 GRANTS.GOV CONTACT INFORMATION

All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Applicant Support. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

1.8 STAKEHOLDER INPUT

AMS seeks comments about this Request for Applications (RFA) and considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs. Written comments may be submitted to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not for requesting information or forms. In your email subject line, please state that you are responding to the Regional Food System Partnerships RFA.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS - PARTNERSHIPS

Only eligible partnerships may apply to RFSP. A partnership is an agreement between one or more eligible entities (see section 2.2) and one or more eligible partners (see section 2.3). The partnership agreement can be in the form of any official documentation such as a contract or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The application may be submitted either by an eligible entity or an eligible partner on behalf of the partnership.

The application must specify which organization within the partnership is responsible for receiving and managing the award.

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.

2.2 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

Eligible entities include:

Entity Type Description

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Network or Association

Formal group 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 CSAs or CSA networks.

Economic Development Corporation

Organization whose mission is to improve, maintain, develop, and/or market or promote a specific geographic area.

Farmer or Rancher Cooperative

A business or service organization (1) that is owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services and

(2) whose benefits (services received and earnings allocations) are distributed to the user-owners based on how much they use the cooperative.

https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

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 and local, Tribal or State governments that addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within city, county, State, Tribal region, multicounty region, or other region designated.

Local Government 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, or public transportation agency;

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, intra-state, or local government.

Majority-Controlled Producer- Based Business Venture

A venture with greater than 50 percent of the ownership and control held by one or more producers or one or more entities that are wholly owned and controlled by one or more producers.

Entities described here include legal partnerships, limited liability corporations, limited liability partnerships, and corporations.

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

Producer An owner-operator or tenant that produces a crop or handles livestock and is entitled to a share of the farm income.

Producer Network 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 of the owners, as well as organizations or other businesses that assist, represent, or serve producers or producer networks.

Public Benefit Corporation Corporation 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.

Regional Farmers Market Authority

Entity that establishes and enforces State, regional, 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.

Entity Type Description

Tribal Government Governing body or governmental agency 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.

2.3 ELIGIBLE PARTNERS

Eligible partners include:

Entity Type Description

Commercial, Federal or Farm Credit System Lending Institution

An accredited financial organization such as a bank, credit union, or finance company that makes agriculture loans and may or may not also be a depository institution.

Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Educational institutions that meet the requirements specified at 20 U.S.C. § 1001.

Philanthropic Organization An independent, corporate, or private foundation established to support charitable activities serving the common welfare, primarily through grantmaking.

Private Corporation A company that is owned by one person or a small group of people, for example a family, and whose shares are available only to specific individuals and are not traded on a stock market.

State Agencies or Regional Authority Planning commissions, councils of governments, regional economic development organizations/districts, and similar organizations.

2.4 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF AWARDS

Applicants may submit more than one application to RFSP in this round of funding. If an applicant is selected as a finalist for more than one award, that applicant is still limited to receive one award per funding cycle. AMS staff will contact the applicant to discuss which application they would like to complete.

If an applicant has an active RFSP award, that applicant must close out the award to be eligible to apply for another RFSP award. For example, a Planning & Design award recipient must close out that award prior to applying for an Implementation & Expansion award. The applicant must submit all required close out documentation by the application due date mentioned in section 5.4. Please refer to the applicable General Terms and Conditions, available on the “Grant Terms and Conditions” webpage, for closeout instructions.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title20/html/USCODE-2011-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1001.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title20/html/USCODE-2011-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1001.htm https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions

2.5 COST SHARING

This funding opportunity requires recipients to fund their projects, in part, with cost share funds from non- Federal sources in the form of cash contributions equal to or greater than 25% of the amount of Federal funds being requested.

Cash 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, 3rd-party partner(s), or other non-Federal grants. The applicant must be able to track and show the source of the cost share and that the funding source was dedicated entirely to the grant project and produce records to that effect (for example, taking the cash cost share in your accounting system, or from your partner, and placing it into a special ‘grant project’ account).

Cost sharing must be in the form of allowable direct 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 as the value of goods or services provided by the contributor for the benefit of the grant project, where no funds transferred hands. For example, a partner, such as a Tribal community member, may volunteer their professional expertise as an in-kind cost share contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e).

Any cost share amount exceeding the requirement will be considered voluntary and must be documented and secured at the time of the award. It may also count toward meeting the Priority Area for using significant non- Federal financial and technical resources (see section 3.6). Excess cost share contributions above the minimum 25% cash requirement may be in the form of cash or in-kind resources, such as a partner’s cash contribution to the project or professional volunteer services as described in 2 CFR § 200.306.

Cost share contributions (either cash or in-kind) cannot be used for this program if they are already being used toward satisfying a cost share requirement under any other Federal grant agreement.

All cost share contributions must be committed or secured at the time an applicant is selected for an award. An award will not be issued unless all cost share funding over the life of the grant is secured. Additional anticipated cost share funds not in place by the time the project starts cannot be counted toward the cost sharing requirement.

Applicants must indicate the total cost share amount and how it will specifically align with their requested funding when completing the fiscal plan and resources sections of the RFSP Project Narrative (see section 4.5.

Additionally, applicants must submit signed letter(s) verifying the cost share for EACH cash and in-kind resource (see section 4.6).

Indirect costs may count as an in-kind contribution, but not as a cash contribution (see section 3.9.1).

Applicants may not use Federal funds of any kind (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.306(b)(5)) or program income as cost share. Program income is defined as income directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the Federal award during the period of performance (2 CFR § 200.1). Unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Award (NOA) provisions section, AMS authorizes the use of program income through the additive method (2 CFR § 200.307(b)(2)). Any program income generated during the grant period must be used to further the objectives of the project and under the conditions of the award.

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#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/2025RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.306#p-200.306(b)(5) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Program%20income) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.307#p-200.307(b)(2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.307#p-200.307(b)(2)

3.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 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 the regional food economy by bringing farmers, businesses, and communities together.

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

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

• Improve income and job opportunities for producers and food businesses.

• Simplify the application processes and reporting processes for the program.

The Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (FLPP), and Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Program are implemented under LAMP.

FMPP, LFPP, and RFSP are administered by AMS and VAPG is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service under Rural Development. This RFA is for RFSP.

3.2 PURPOSE

RFSP projects help connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The RFSP focuses on making local or regional food economies stronger and more resilient.

Applicants must partner to promote the development of local or regional food systems. The partners will work together to set priorities, connect resources and services, and track progress towards shared goals.

Partnerships receiving a grant may:

• Determine the size and scope of the local or regional food system where their project goals and activities will take place.

• Coordinate with AMS to receive technical assistance.

• Conduct outreach and educate to get others involved in the partnership agreement and eligible activities.

Partnerships must bring a variety of innovative financial and technical capabilities, show they can work effectively and collaboratively with both public and private groups across sectors, and present sustainable and measurable ways to achieve the project’s goals.

Partnerships may apply for other LAMP programs on behalf of eligible entities that wish to participate in eligible activities under the RFSP partnership agreement.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=7+U.S.C.+%EF%BF%BD+1627c&f=treesort&fq=true&num=0&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title7-section1627c

3.3 PROJECT TYPES

RFSP offers Planning and Design and Implementation and Expansion project types.

3.3.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECTS

Planning and Design projects support partnerships in the early stages of bringing together people and organizations, envisioning a shared future, setting goals, and finding strategies for developing local or regional food systems. Specifically, these projects support food system’s efforts to build connections between public and private groups in their regions. This allows the region to discover and promote opportunities for collaboration within the food system. Applicants should look for public and private partners that operate across the regional food economy and can access diverse financial and technical resources beyond just federal funding. Examples of eligible project activities for these partnerships include but are not limited to:

• Bringing together partners to define the scope and structure of the regional food system, share opportunities and challenges, and develop engaged approaches to address challenges and improve connection and success across the regional food system.

• Creating and conducting feasibility studies and data-driven implementation plans that achieve measurable goals for the partnership’s work in developing the regional food system.

• Researching specific market, mid-tier value chain, or infrastructure investments (including studies analyzing the capital needs or gaps of the regional food system) to help prioritize next steps at the local, regional, state, or tribal government level.

• Connecting food value chain entities with partners and funders to engage in activities that strengthen the regional food system.

• Researching and developing metrics to measure and evaluate the partnership’s early development work and establish performance benchmarks for achieving partnership goals.

3.3.2 IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANSION PROJECTS

Implementation and Expansion projects support partnerships that build on previous or ongoing efforts within a local or regional food system. These partnerships have already completed most or all the activities discussed for Planning and Design projects. Applicants should explain how the goals, objectives, and activities in the application build on previous efforts within the food system. They should also show they will engage entities that share a commitment to the regional food system and maintain a diverse network of public-private partners to further develop the food system. Examples of eligible project activities for these partnerships include but are not limited to:

• Creating value chains where producers, manufacturers, buyers, and other related actors form collaborative, transparent partnerships share a commitment to operational values and social mission goals.

• Developing processes for ongoing engagement with the community and businesses to provide a forum for ideas, concerns, and updates across the regional food system.

• Analyzing capital needs and gaps in the regional food system and identifying resources to support it.

• Helping food system enterprises find resources, providing technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, and applying for programs and resources that align with regional food system efforts, including other LAMP programs or capital investments.

3.4 RFSP PARTNERSHIP FUNCTIONS

RFSP is designed to help fund and support partnerships that aim to improve decision making, coordination, and planning in local and regional food systems. The program is meant to build the capacity of these partners to access additional resources, plan their directions, and carry out related activities. The partnership and their member organizations are expected to use other funding sources to cover the costs of implementation where such other resources exist. RFSP partnerships are encouraged to focus on activities not typically funded by other USDA programs. This includes but is not limited to, value chain coordination, bringing together partners and stakeholders for strategic planning, grant-writing, and exploring new program ideas on behalf of the partners.

AMS recognizes that some businesses may source or market some of their food products outside of the defined locality or region. These businesses can still participate in RFSP projects as long as they meet the eligibility requirements in (see section 2.0). However, Federal funds awarded through RFSP can only be used to build the capacity of businesses to develop, improve, and/or expand supply chain activities within their local and regional food systems. Funds cannot be used to support supply chain activities for food items originating from or being sold to areas outside the defined locality or region.

3.5 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities:

• Are for agricultural production-related expenses, like growing crops or buying farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and other related costs.

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

• Are to buy general purpose equipment; general purpose equipment can be leased, but not leased-to-own or purchased. See section 3.8.

• Benefit only one agricultural producer or individual.

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

• Duplicate activities that are already being funded by another Federal award program.

• Provide capital for revolving loan funds or seed equity funds.

3.6 PRIORITY AREAS

AMS will prioritize applications that:

• Use significant non-Federal financial and technical resources and work together with other local, State, Tribal, or national efforts. Any cost share provided above and beyond the cost share requirement (see section 2.5) can help support the application.

• Cover areas that include distressed low-income rural or urban communities with persistent poverty.

These areas should have significant opportunities for high impact investment, as demonstrated by a “distressed “or “at-risk” score on the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) developed by the Economic Innovation Group.

• Involve multiple entities and partners, even if such partners are not located within the defined region of the partnership.

https://eig.org/distressed-communities/2022-dci-interactive-map/

Applicants are not required to meet these priorities to be eligible to apply or receive grant funds. AMS will review the applicant’s Project Narrative responses and consider these priorities during the administrative review process (see section 6.3). Whenever possible, AMS will ensure geographical diversity in selecting partnership grant recipients from high-scoring applications.

3.7 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To evaluate and report on the outcomes of the RFSP program on a national scale, AMS collects information on performance measures. Each project submitted must include target numbers for at least one outcome and at least one of the indicators listed in the Achievability section of the Project Narrative (see section 4.5). The progress of the one or more outcomes and indicators selected will need to be reported in the Annual Performance Report, and the results will be reported in the Final Performance Report. Please refer to the Grant Performance Measures webpage for more information.

3.8 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COST AND ACTIVITIES

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

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this document should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 1.7.

3.9 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), an applicant that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, may choose to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). The de minimis rate can be used without providing documentation to justify it. An applicant can use the de minimis rate indefinitely for all Federal awards or choose to negotiate a rate, which they may do at any time through their cognizant agency (or the Federal Agency that provides the largest amount of funding). As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either direct or indirect costs and may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate must use the MTDC as the base. MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 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 above $50,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY25AMSGDGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf 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/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) 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 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

3.9.1 USING INDIRECT COSTS FOR COST SHARING

The maximum indirect costs allowed for a project may be included in different ways:

1. They can be part of the Federal portion of the budget. For example, if the maximum indirect cost is $8,000, the applicant can include the full amount in the federal part of the budget.

2. Alternatively, the full $8,000 may be offered as an in-kind cost share contribution if no indirect costs are requested on the Federal portion of the budget. The applicant cannot include the maximum allowable indirect cost as both.

3. 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.

For example, they could include $4,000 in the Federal budget and $4,000 as an in-kind contribution.

Alternatively, the applicant may request any other combination that, when combined, does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowable.

Refer to 2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 200.414 for additional information on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

Note: For this program, indirect costs can only be used as an in-kind contribution, not to meet the required 25% cash cost share.

3.10 SUBAWARDS

The applicant can work with eligible partners through a subaward and/or contractors (2 CFR § 200.331) to complete the proposed project.

The applicant is not allowed to use Federal grant funds to create its own smaller grant programs (or re-grant/mini grant) to give money to other groups. The applicant also cannot use Federal grant funds for activities not related to the project or for costs that are unknown at the time of application. However, the applicant may use its cost share funds to offer mini-grants if so desired, as long as they help achieve the project’s purposes, are for program-eligible activities, and comply with Federal cost share requirements at 2 CFR § 200.306. If the applicant chooses to offer mini grants with non-Federal funds that do not comply with these regulations, those funds should not be included as part of the required cost share for this grant. For more information, refer to section 2.5.

3.11 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

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.

4.0 APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applicants MUST submit the required documentation in the appropriate format as listed in this section.

4.1 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before submitting an application, applicants must read the RFA in its entirety to fully understand the program requirements. The application checklist below provides the mandatory and, if applicable, documents for an application package.

Mandatory Documents:

� SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov) � SF-424A – Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Grants.gov) � Project Abstract Summary (Grants.gov) � Project Narrative Form (section 4.5)

� Must use required template � Executive Summary is no more than 250 words � Ensure it does not exceed the page limit � Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 3.8

� Signed Letter(s) of Verification for Cost Sharing Funds for each cost share resource per section 4.6 � Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from Partners and Collaborators per section 4.7

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

� Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

AMS recommends submitting applications at least two weeks before the deadline to account for any issues.

4.2 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following supplemental instructions to properly fill the SF-424.

Box Instructions 1 - Type of Submission Select Application 2 - Type of Application Select New 8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Enter applicant UEI number 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

Box Instructions 11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (Assistance Listing Number)

Enter 10.177

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-25-0002 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 descriptive title of the project

16a - Congressional Districts for Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where the applicant is located

16b - Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented, or “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, 2025 Enter End date: No later than September 29, 2027 (for Planning projects) or September 29, 2028 (for Implementation projects)

18.a - Estimated Funding - Federal Enter the total Federal amount requested 18.b – 18.f Estimated Funding – Applicant

Enter the total c amount from the applicant organization and/or other partners

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

See section 5.5.

4.3 SF-424 BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required. The SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. The blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or easily explained in the instruction of the form. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific boxes on form SF-424.

Please complete only Sections A, B, and C. Do not complete Sections D, E, F.

Section A – Budget Summary

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

Enter “10.177”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project 1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total cost share 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 cost share 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 cost share amount being provided from each source

(Applicant, State, or Other) for the project

4.4 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

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

• Project purpose: What is the main goal or objective of the project?

• Activities to be performed: What specific tasks or actions will be carried out as part of the project?

• Deliverables and expected outcomes: What are tangible results and impacts or benefits are expected from the project?

4.5 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants MUST prepare and submit a narrative using the RFSP Project Narrative form. The Project Narrative must describe: 1) the partners involved in the project, 2) how the region (actual or potential) is defined 3) objectives and goals 4) types and order of project activities 5) strategies for monitoring and evaluating the proposed activities, 6) how the applicant will manage the project.

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced in an 11-point font. It MUST NOT exceed fifteen (15) 8.5 x 11 pages, not counting any content that was already on the form. For example, if the form is 15 pages before you begin entering your project information, your form may be up to 30 pages in length when completed (15 original pages + 15 pages of applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative form or delete or change any text in it. Applicants must submit the RFSP Project Narrative form as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form”. Handwritten applications or applications submitted in MS Word will not be accepted.

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

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

4.6 LETTERS OF VERIFICATION FOR COST SHARING

Required: Applicants MUST provide written proof of the cost share commitment from every party, including the applicant, who will contribute cash or in-kind cost share contribution to the project.

Submit one letter of verification for EACH cash or in-kind resource that is being contributed. The letter must be signed by the cost sharing contributor organization. For example, if the contribution will be provided by the applicant and two partner organizations are providing cost share funds, a total of 3 cost share verification letters are required.

AMS has posted Letter of Verification For Cost Share Template on the grant program’s application website. We highly encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this template, your cost share verification document must include the following:

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-V2.0.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/VerificationofCostShareTemplateLetter.docx

• Project Applicant Name

• Project Title

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

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

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

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

• Signature of Contributing Organization Representative with typed name and title

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Verification for Cost Share: Submit Letters of Verification for Cost Share on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly say at the top of the documents that they are LETTERS OF VERIFICATION FOR COST SHARE. Letters must be attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under Form SF-424 item #15. AMS will not accept unsigned letters or letters emailed separately.

4.7 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Required: Applicants MUST provide letters of commitment, not just letters of support, from all project partners at the time of application. More information can be found on project partners in section 2.3.

AMS has posted a Letter of Commitment From Partner Organization Template on the grant program’s application website. We highly encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this template, the Letters of Commitment must include at least the following information:

• Project Applicant Name

• Project Title

• A short introduction describing the partner entity’s mission and its reason(s) for joining the partnership

• The specific role(s) and responsibilities the partner organization is committing to for the project, including the participation of specific individuals, as applicable

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

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Commitment: Submit letters on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly say at the top that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT.

Letters must be signed by the partner and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15. AMS will not accept unsigned letters or letters emailed separately.

PLEASE NOTE: The program does not require Congressional letters of support, and such letters do not carry additional weight during the evaluation process.

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

4.8 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Refer to section 3.9. 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.

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIRMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply for this program electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is accepted.

AMS urges applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. The How to Apply for Grants Grants.gov webpage gives an overview of the application process. This RFA has all the information needed to complete the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.2.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.177,” or the RFSP Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-25-0002”.

5.2 SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 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 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.