USDA-FAS-10961-0700-10.-21-0001.pdf

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Global Programs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Scientific Cooperation Research Program

A. Program Description

The Scientific Cooperation Research Program (SCRP) supports FAS’ Borlaug Fellowship Program and other strategic goals and utilizes the scientific communities’ accumulated knowledge and technologies to help aid in developing practical solutions to address issues including agricultural trade and market access, animal and plant health, biotechnology, food safety and security, and sustainable natural resource management. All applications must include foreign collaborations, and projects should not exceed two years. Funding may be allocated to foreign collaborators through sub-awards.

Background The Scientific Cooperation Research Program (SCRP) is a Foreign Agricultural Service Office, (FAS) administered program that has been in existence for several decades. Historically, SCRP has funded hundreds of collaborative research programs between U.S. and foreign scientists.

This program supports up to 10 collaborative research programs annually, up to $50,000

Objectives SCRP will support applied research, extension, and education projects — lasting up to two years between U.S. researchers and researchers from selected emerging market economies - that create practical solutions to challenges faced by small farmers and build regional or global trade capacities in FAS countries. In general, applications should support one or more of the following strategies of the Global Food Security Act (Public Law No: 114-195):

1. Accelerate inclusive, agricultural-led economic growth that reduces global poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

2. Increase the productivity, incomes, and livelihoods of small-scale producers, especially women, by working across agricultural value chains, enhancing local capacity to manage agricultural resources effectively, and expanding producer access to local and international markets.

3. Build resilience to food shocks among vulnerable populations and households while reducing reliance upon emergency food assistance.

4. Create an enabling environment for agricultural growth and investment, including through the promotion of secure and transparent property rights.

5. Improve the nutritional status of women and children, with a focus on reducing child stunting, including through the promotion of highly nutritious foods, diet diversification, and nutritional behaviors that improve maternal and child health; Align with and leverage broader United States strategies and investments in trade, economic growth, science and technology, agricultural research and extension, maternal and child health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Issued By Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Programs, Fellowship Programs

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number and Title

10.961 Scientific Cooperation Research Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Scientific Cooperation Research Program (SCRP)

NOFO Number

USDA-FAS-10961-0700-10.-21-0001

Authorizing Authority for Program National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, PL 95-113, as amended, 7 USC § 3291(a)(3)

Appropriation Authority for Program Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL 116-159)

Announcement Type New

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: $500,000 total (up to $50,000 per award) Subject to the availability of funding

Projected Number of Awards: 10

Period of Performance: 24 months

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): September 1, 2021

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): August 31, 2023

Extensions are allowable, please see Section H. Additional Information to see how to requests one should the need arise.

Pre-Award costs: Not Allowable

Funding Instrument USDA will enter into a cost-reimbursable agreement as described at 7 USC § 3319a with selected recipients. Program staff will maintain involvement in the administration of the Scientific Cooperation Research Program.

Subawards will be permitted if included in the applicant’s application.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants Applications may be received from U.S. State Cooperative Institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria All applications must reflect an ongoing relationship between mentors and fellows from the Borlaug International Agricultural Technology Fellowship Program; please contact the program officer(s) listed in Part G if you are uncertain of this requirement.

All applicants must have an active registration in the SAM database at www.sam.gov – pending or expired registrants are not eligible. This requirement must be met by the closing date of the announcement and will not be waived. Please contact the program officer listed if you have questions about this requirement.

In addition to obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM, you must also obtain Level 2 eAuthentication to apply for this funding opportunity in ezFedGrants (eFG). You must submit an online form requesting access. Normally you will receive an email within 24 hours of your submission, if your request is approved. After this occurs, you will need to schedule an appointment with an LRA. Once you meet with the LRA, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) MOE is not required.

Cost Share or Match requirements Cost share or match is not required.

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Application Start Date: December 01, 2020

Application Submission Deadline: March 01, 2021

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: April 15, 2021

Anticipated Award Date: July 15, 2021

Address to Request Application Package This NOFO represents the full application information.

Applications will be processed through the ezFedGrants portal at https://grants.fms.usda.gov – prospective applicants are encouraged to register for this portal. Applicants that are unable to access the ezFedGrants portal should contact the program manager for alternative submission instructions. Note that if selected, registration is a requirement of performance. See the Program http://www.sam.gov/ https://grants.fms.usda.gov/

Manager contact information in Section G of this document.

Content and Form of Application Submission

• All applications must be in Adobe PDF format, accompanied by the following documents in Adobe

PDF format. Please ensure that the most current version of each required form is used by following the links provided.

• Standard Form 424, signed by the applicant

• SF LLL, if warranted

• Standard Form 424A. This should be accompanied by a detailed budget worksheet and a detailed budget narrative for the first budget period (NOTE: A budget narrative must be provided). All line items should be described in sufficient detail that would enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations. Definitions of cost items are listed below.

a) Personnel: Costs of employee salaries and wages. For each staff person, provide the name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded salary. Do not include the costs of consultants, subgrants or contractors. Consultants, subgrants and contractors are to be included under “Contractual.”

b) Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide the method used to calculate the proposed rate amount. If a fringe benefit has been negotiated with, or approved by, a cognizant federal agency, attach a copy of the negotiated fringe benefit agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc. Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses. (Attach the agreement to the application package.) For foreign entities this may not apply.

c) Travel: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization (do not include costs of sub-contractor, subgrantees or consultant travel). For each proposed trip, provide the purpose, number of travelers, travel origin and destination, number of days, and a breakdown of costs for airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals. The basis for the airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals must be provided, such as past trips, current quotations, Federal Travel Regulations, etc.

d) Equipment: Equipment is not an allowable expenditure for this award. Any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or (b) $5,000.

NOTE: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, calibration and maintenance services, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf

e) Supplies: Supplies are tangible personal property other than that included in the equipment category if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports the amount requested. A computing device is a supply.

f) Contractual: Costs of all contracts for services and goods that further the work of the project.

Sub-contractors, sub-awardees, and/or sub-grantees that do not perform technical work (i.e., landscapers, trash collectors, etc.) belong under other cost categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, other, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations.

Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open, and free competition. Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is expected to perform work estimated to be $25,000 or more, or 50% of the total work effort, whichever is less.

• Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.

• Provide the following information for each planned subcontract: a brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection;

e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder, delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.

• All required flow down provisions in the award must be included in any subcontract.

• In this section also include subgrantees. Provide information for each planned subgrant. Identify each planned subawardee and its total proposed budget. Include a brief description of the work to be performed.

g) Other Direct Costs: Any other items proposed as direct costs that do not fall under the budget categories listed above. Provide an itemized list with costs and state the basis for each proposed item.

h) Indirect Costs: If indirect costs are included in the budget, include in the budget narrative a description of how the indirect costs were calculated. Include the following information:

• Indirect cost percentages used;

• Indirect cost base;

• How the indirect cost base was calculated;

• How the indirect cost was calculated.

This will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 USC § 3319a. University indirect costs For cost reimbursable agreements are limited to 10% of direct costs.

• A project narrative that includes the following elements:

o Indicate the research topic;

o Provide a tentative research plan based on the training interests listed in the statement of work, including topics to be covered, possible field visits and other activities;

o Please include a narrative description of the proposed research, how it will be administered and the role of the university faculty and support staff;

o Briefly describe the expertise and international experience of the recipient in the field of interest and various countries;

o Demonstrate understanding of cultural context and needs of the recipient country;

o Identify the expected skills or knowledge to be gained at the end of the program;

o Briefly demonstrate flexibility in training plan to account for potential program changes and the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances o Include a quality assurance plan. This should include information on how unforeseen problems that can arise will be addressed.

The SF-424 and SF-424A can be completed within the ezFedGrants platform. However, the other required forms must be downloaded from the Forms sections on Grants.gov or will be sent to you upon request to the program officer(s) named in Section G.

Please be aware that OMB Memorandum 18-24: Strategies to Reduce Grant Recipient Reporting Burden has been approved. Various required forms needed to apply for Federal Financial Assistance no longer need to be completed individually at time of application. They are covered in the Financial Assistance Certifications Report.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Financial Assistance Certifications are a common set of certifications and representations required by Federal statutes or regulations in accordance with the grants guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.208 Certifications and Representations). Those non-Federal entities who intend to apply for, or are already recipients of Federal grants or agreements, must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. Registrants who reply yes to the questions are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

FAS will verify in SAM.gov that the proper certifications are completed, and if they have not been, you will be contacted and directed to do so. Your award will not be issued until the proper forms are completed within the SAM.gov portal.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant is required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM (https://www.sam.gov) before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

The Federal awarding agency may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully https://www.sam.gov/ complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

FAS is using ezFedGrants, which is an electronic grants management system. Applicant(s) with electronic access are required to submit their applications electronically through the ezFedGrants portal. Before you can apply, you must have a DUNS number, be registered in SAM, and have access to the ezFedGrants website at https://grants.fms.usda.gov

Applicants are encouraged to register early. The registration process can take approximately four weeks to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

DUNS number. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website: http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the Standard Forms (SF)-424 forms submitted as part of this application.

System for Award Management. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying electronically through ezFedGrants must register with SAM. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found here:

www.sam.gov

Failure to register with SAM will result in your application being rejected during the submissions process.

ezFedGrants System Access and Electronic Signature

Level 2 eAuthentication. The next step in the registration process is to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication account that will allow access to the ezFedGrants system. Instructions for getting a Level 2 eAuthentication account can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov

If you experience any issues with self-registration or have eAuthentication-related questions, please contact the eAuthenticationHelpDesk for assistance:

By email to eAuthHelpDesk@usda.gov

Requesting a role in ezFedGrants. After obtaining eAuthentication, users will need a role in the system. Descriptions of the roles available and instructions on how to request a role can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov.

Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through ezFedGrants constitute a submission as electronically signed applications. When you submit the application through ezFedGrants, the name of your Signatory Official on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

https://grants.fms.usda.gov/ http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov mailto:eAuthHelpDesk@usda.gov mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please email the Helpdesk at ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov.

The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal.

Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicant(s) must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the State’s process under Executive Order 12372 (https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html) Name and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at the Office of Management and Budget’s home page at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

Funding Restrictions

Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by 2 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR Part 400 or this funding opportunity notice.

Compensation for personal services (whether classified as personnel, contractual services, or any other form) may not exceed the pro-rated equivalent of Step III of the Executive Schedule. For calendar year 2019, this is $176,900 per year; $680.38 per day; or $85.05 per hour. Non-monetized fringe benefits are generally excluded from this ceiling, however, a federally-negotiated fringe benefits rate agreement may be required if fringe benefits appear to be unusually high. Requested funds may be allocated toward salaries, fringe benefits, or the combination thereof. No more than 20% of the requested funds may be allocated toward salaries, consultant fees, fringe benefits, or the combination thereof.

FAS agreement funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award, and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

These funds cannot be used for construction purposes, general purpose acquisitions (no particular scientific, technical, or programmatic purpose), equipment exceeding $5,000 per item, entertainment, capital improvements, thank you gifts, or other expenses not directly related to the project.

This will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 U.S.C. 3319a. University indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements are limited to 10% of direct costs.

mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs:

M&A costs are not allowable.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs.

Indirect F&A costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. By statute, indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements cannot exceed 10% of direct costs.

Other Submission Requirements All applications must be submitted electronically as indicated above.

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Application Evaluation Criteria Criterion Description Points Attached What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?

How important is the proposed activity to advancing the knowledge and understanding of small farmers alleviating food insecurity or expanding regional and global trade capacities? How well qualified is the individual or team to conduct the project? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore practical concepts? How well conceived and organized is the proposed activity? Is there sufficient access to resources?

What are the specific impacts of the proposed activity?

Will the project help small farmers generate a higher income or a more stable return on their investment?

Will the project create a multiplier effect (e.g.

increased income levels will lead to healthy well balanced diets, help small farmers purchase essential non-food items, create economically viable non-farm enterprises, and create educational opportunities)?

Will the project help small farmers improve their confidence and recognition in a business context, enable them to collect and respond to market information, and integrate them into business networks?

What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?

How well does the activity promote applied research, extension, education, and trade capacity building? To what extent will it enhance the infrastructure for small farmer’s agricultural training and trade capacity building (e.g. information sharing, collaboration, partnerships, and networks)? Will the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity to the larger society?

Review and Selection Process In all cases, the Program Manager will ensure application is submitted on time as specified in this announcement. Also, the Program Manager will ensure the organization is capable of delivering the program/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative. Finally, the Program Manager will ensure that the application reflects a continuing relationship between a Borlaug Fellow and mentor.

FAS conducts a two-part application review process. The Agency conducts an initial review of applications to determine the responsiveness of the application. If an applicant is determined to be ineligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information) or an application is determined to be non-responsive, FAS will notify the applicant. All responsive and eligible applications will be reviewed as described below:

1. FAS will assemble reviewers which may include both federal and non-federal reviewers to review the eligible applications. Reviews of submitted applications will be conducted either on site or by remote review.

2. Technical reviewers will review each eligible application against the evaluation criteria. The reviewers will assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified above. Evaluation Criteria:

the evaluation criteria must be directly related to key aspects of the project. The criteria must be measurable with an associated point range. It is a best practice, but not required, that the entire review criteria score range should be out of 100. From the scoring process, a recommendation list will be composed and sent to the selecting official.

3. An application may be selected for a post-review quality control and possible rescoring if it received significantly diverging scores and comments from reviewers.

4. The second part of the application review process includes an internal review panel consisting of FAS staff, and the Administrator reviewing the recommendation list which will display the highest ranked applications. From this list this internal review panel will make final funding recommendations.

The internal review panel may take applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, which are identified below:

a. Geographic distribution

b. Incorporation of minority-serving institutions

5. FAS will perform an additional review of the applicant organization which may include reviewing any and/or its key personnel. This review will include reviewing audit reports, publicly available materials and/or government databases and may have a bearing on award outcome. FAS may request additional materials from the applicant as part of this review, including:

• The summary letter from the applicant’s most recent audit report; and

• Documentation of previous grant award completion that includes the name of the grantor, amount awarded, and whether the grant recipient sufficiently completed the requirements of the grant award (e.g., a final close-out report, certification of grant award completion, etc.)

6. After the technical review and before making final funding decisions, FAS may contact the highest-ranking applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a sub-awardee, FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.

Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Technical and cost proposals submitted under this funding opportunity will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. FAS may use one or more support contractors in the logistical processing of proposals. However, funding recommendations and final award decisions are solely the responsibility of FAS personnel.

FAS screens all technical reviewers for potential conflicts of interest. To determine possible conflicts of interest, FAS requires potential reviewers to complete and sign conflicts of interest and nondisclosure forms. FAS will keep the names of submitting institutions and individuals as well as the substance of the applications confidential except to reviewers and FAS staff involved in the award process. FAS will destroy any unsuccessful applications after three years following the funding decision.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award Notice of selection will be given to the institution via email. This email is not an authorization to begin performance. The notice of Federal award signed by the grants officer (or equivalent) is the authorizing document through electronic means. It should also indicate if there are any pass-through obligations that successful applicants are required to meet upon receiving award funds, including specific timeline requirements.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements All successful applicants for all grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, which are available online at:

https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp

The applicable Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions will be for the last year specified at that URL, unless the application is to continue an award first awarded in an earlier year. In that event, the terms and conditions that apply will be those in effect for the year in which the award was originally made unless explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent mutually-agreed amendments to the award.

Before accepting the award the Recipient should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any Special Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR), as known as the SF-425, must be submitted semi-annually, within 30 days after the end of each reporting period, and a final report within 90 days of the end of the agreement. The required form is available online at:

https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786

Program Performance Reporting Requirements Performance Progress Reporting must be filed semi-annually, within 30 days after the end of each reporting period, and a final report must be filed within 90 days of the end of the agreement and should include details the activities undertaken and progress made.

Monitoring FAS through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, FAS will review recipients’ files related to the funded program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit FAS, upon reasonable notice, to review related records and to interview the organization’s staff and clients regarding the program, and to respond in a timely and accurate manner to FAS requests for information relating to their program.

Close Out Reporting Requirements.

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

Acceptance of final reports by the agency constitutes a closeout of the award with no further notice or obligation to either party. This acceptance will indicate the period of performance has expired, and any remaining funds will be deobligated. Records must be retained for a minimum of three years after the final reports are submitted, as described in 2 CFR 200.333 https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down or reimbursed, but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

G. Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information The designated agency points of contact for this agreement are:

Isaac Ehlers-Weiss Phone: +1-202-690-5080 / Room #3233

Email: Isaac.Ehlers-Weiss@usda.gov

1400 Independence Ave, SW Room 3228; Stop 1033 Washington, DC 20250-1033

Hours of Operation: 6:30AM – 4:00PM EST

H. Additional Information

1. Extensions Extensions to this program are allowed. Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval.

2. Pre-Award Costs The Recipient shall not request reimbursement for costs incurred pertaining to the operation of the project, program, or activities prior to the approved project period.

3. Prior Approval The Recipient shall not, without the prior written approval of FAS, request reimbursement, incur costs or obligate funds for any purpose pertaining to the operation of the project, program, or activities prior to the approved Budget Period/Performance Period.

4. Budget Revisions

a. Transfers of funds between direct cost categories in the approved budget when such cumulative transfers among those direct cost categories exceed ten percent of the total budget approved in this Award require prior written approval.

b. The Recipient shall obtain prior written approval for any budget revision that would result in the need for additional resources/funds.

c. The Recipient is not authorized at any time to transfer amounts budgeted for direct costs to the indirect costs line item or vice versa, without prior written approval.

5. Post-award program income In the event program income becomes available to the recipient post-award, it is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the FAS Program Manager to explain how that development occurred, as part of their request for guidance and/or approval. The Program Manager will review approval mailto:Isaac.Ehlers-Weiss@usda.gov requests for program income on a case-by-case basis; approval is not automatic. Consistent with the policy and processes outlined in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, pertinent guidance and options, as determined by the type of recipient and circumstances involved, may be approved by the Grant Officer. If approval is granted, an award modification will be issued with an explanatory note.