TPGA APEC NOFO_Final.pdf

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Engaging APEC on Sustainable Agricultural Development

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then register immediately in SAM at www.sam.gov. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

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. 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 or obtain Digital Identity Verification, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information.

A. Program Description

Issued By

Foreign Agricultural Service Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs (TPGA) Multilateral Affairs Division, International Organizations

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

10.960

CFDA Title

Technical Agricultural Assistance - International Capacity Building and Development Assistance Programs

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

Engaging APEC in Sustainable Agricultural Development

NOFO Number

USDA-FAS-10960-0200-10.-20-0005

Authorizing Authority for Program National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 enacted as Title XIV of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, 7 U.S.C. 3291.

http://www.sam.gov/

Title 7, Agriculture, Chapter 64, Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching, Subchapter VIII, International Research, Extension, and Teaching, as amended on February 1, 2010, Public Law 095-113

Appropriation Authority for Program

Further Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2020, PL 116-94

Announcement Type Cost Extension

Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

This project is authorized by the following legislation: 7 USC 3291, International agricultural research, extension, and teaching, authorizes the Secretary in part (a) to (1) exchange research materials and results with the institutions or persons, and (5) work with transitional and more advanced countries in food, agricultural, and related research, development, teaching, and extension (including providing technical assistance, training, and advice to persons from the countries engaged in the activities and the stationing of scientists and other specialists at national and international institutions in the countries).

Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs (TPGA), Multilateral Affairs Division (MA) is a division of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

MA’s strategic goals are to work through international organizations to build relationships and serve American interests to promote science and evidence-based policy, sustainability, trade liberalization, and new technology and innovation. TPGA works with a number of other U.S.

government agencies (e.g., U.S. Trade Representative, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Commerce, and USDA sister agencies), international organizations, and industry to promote the trade of safe food products globally. As many Asian economies grow rapidly, governments are wrangling with complex public health issues including a pronounced need for updated food safety regulatory systems.

While food safety modernization is an essential part of effective agricultural regulation, this trend has caused an increase in onerous non-tariff barriers, as many of the 21 economies in the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region lack the capacity to develop these regulations in a way that is consistent with the SPS Agreement and does not overly restrict trade.

Unfortunately, this is happening at a time when markets in the region are growing dramatically relative to our exports in the rest of the world. As economies endeavor to update their systems, multi-economy discussion, in the form of a workshop, on the scientific justification provisions of the SPS Agreement will be extremely important to U.S. agricultural exports and MA’s core goal of promoting science and evidence-based policies.

Many economies lack the capacity to effectively assess food safety risk and as a result can put in place requirements that are not based in science and overly restrict trade. The workshop will help address knowledge gaps by serving to remind Members that the risk assessment, as regulated under Article 5.1, is the main criteria and means by which scientific justification is attained for the adoption and implementation of SPS measures. We will provide Members with concrete examples of how to notify provisional measures and discuss how Codex Alimentarius and other international standard setting bodies can and should work on procedural steps necessary, given the impossibility of establishing a proper risk assessment, for the adoption and application of provisional measures.

Another part of this award will address the larger goal of sustainable agricultural and economic development. Sustainable agricultural development will be critical going forward, and is a key strategic goal of relevant APEC workstreams and USDA. MA will look to contribute to existing and planned engagement by partner economies in sharing information and best practices of food loss and waste prevention, sustainable resource management, and other innovative agricultural practices. Workshop discussions and reports on existing strategies by U.S. experts and those of like-minded members can ultimately enhance capacities of developing economies and expand trade in the APEC region.

The issue of aging farmers and agricultural producers is a critical one for food security globally—one that can be addressed by policies that incentivize and encourage youth to become engaged in agriculture. As the APEC region strives to create an inclusive and sustainable economy, it will be vital to ensure that a new generation of farmers is adequately prepared to feed the world. In the United States, the average age of a farmer is 59.4 years in 2019, steadily increasing from 1978 when it was 50.4 years old. This trend can be seen globally, as youth leave their rural towns and seek opportunities elsewhere. OECD and scholarly articles have documented the phenomenon in specific countries, but not as a whole region, until now. The project will examine existing policies regarding involving, engaging, and employing youth in the agricultural industry and related fields in the APEC region. A report will reflect the findings of a desk audit of private and public sector policies and initiatives and their related success. The project will benefit various agricultural stakeholders, but chiefly policy makers will be able to use the resulting report as a reference for future polices, initiatives, and resources that will encourage youth to participate in agriculture in a more direct way. The project will also cover the breadth APEC region and provide examples of successful policies and how they might be applied in other economies.

Request for Applications: The activities in this agreement will support the development of an international trading system that is more predictable for U.S. exporters and based on science.

This will be achieved by 1) build upon existing knowledge of scientific justification provisions of the WTO SPS agreement among APEC member economies ; 2) encouraging technical collaboration and cooperation among APEC economies; and 3) collecting and synthesizing data that will increase our understanding of APEC economies’ policies regarding youth engagement in agriculture; 4) increased understanding of APEC member economies’ approach to sustainable agricultural and economic development and innovation as a whole.

Objectives: The goal of this project is to increase the regulatory and policy making capacity of developing economies in APEC by increasing knowledge on scientific justification provision of the SPS agreement and youth engagement in agriculture.

Part of this project will build on previous workshops aimed at reducing trade barriers caused by unnecessary export certificates or pesticide MRLs within APEC.

The project will be focused on several workstreams addressing:

• The scientific justification workshop will help address knowledge gaps by serving to remind Members that the risk assessment, as regulated under Article 5.1, is the main criteria and means by which scientific justification is attained for the adoption and implementation of SPS measures;

• Discuss national experiences implementing the obligation to seek to obtain the additional information necessary for a more objective assessment of risk within a reasonable period of time;

• Promote underlying elements of USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda and Science Blueprint

• Identifying best practices, policies, and programs to support and encourage youth involvement in agriculture; and

• Discussing and sharing information and national experiences on sustainable agricultural development, specifically regarding youth engagement and involvement in agriculture.

This project will target policymakers in the 21 APEC economies so that the information gets translated back to the appropriate decision makers who can take action. This project will provide valuable knowledge to policymakers regarding the scientific justification provisions of the SPS agreement and policies.

Personnel Requirements: Applicant must have a sophisticated understanding of APEC dynamics and meetings, a familiarity with the APEC export certificate and MRL workstreams, and an operational understanding of how to successfully carry out APEC meetings including:

managing complex projects, convening the appropriate experts, implementing and coordinating meeting logistics, communicating with participants, trouble-shooting and resolving logistical issues, distributing participant surveys, collecting/analyzing the survey data, and effectively managing federal funds. Prior experience with the U.S. Government and other policymakers in APEC is highly desired.

Applicant will teleconference with FAS as often as FAS deems necessary. Applicant will supply FAS with activity reports and track activity costs as outlined in the agreement.

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: $400,000.00 (Subject to the availability of funding)

Projected Number of Awards: 1 Original Period of Performance Start Date: 10/1/2017 Original Period of Performance End Date: 9/30/2020

Anticipated Budget Period for Extension: October 1, 2020 – August 31, 2022

See Section H. Additional Information – Extension

Only one no-cost extension may be granted at the end of this PoP, if warranted.

Period of Performance: 60 months with cost extension. Initially the award was 36 months

Funding Instrument Cooperative Agreement

The recipient will work closely with FAS to implement the project. This includes presenting, monitoring, and discussing project progress and opportunities; providing technical assistance;

disapproving and approving sub-projects, work plans or modifications. FAS will provide heavy input into the agenda, including the speakers and structure of the workshops. The recipient will handle all of the logistical details including: translation as needed, all the information technology considerations, tracking attendance and communicating with participants ahead of the meeting, developing and distributing a participant satisfaction survey, and ensuring all other logistical details run smoothly. The recipient will work in close coordination with FAS to ensure the goals of the workshops are met, and the workshops are executed successfully. Procurement awards and/or subcontracts may be considered as appropriate, with prior approval from FAS before the selection is made and officially announced.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Nathan and Associates (DUNS#074837444)

Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(d)(3), this continues activity under agreement FX17TA-10960C007.

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.

Eligibility Criteria Notwithstanding the above, Nathan and Associates 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

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) MOE is not allowable.

Cost Share or Match

There is no cost share or match requirement for this program.

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Date Posted to Grants.gov: 08/06/2020

Application Submission Deadline: 08/21/2020 at 11:59:59 PM EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 08/28/2020

Anticipated Award Date: 09/03/2020

Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO represents the full application information. For additional information or questions, please contact the program officer(s) listed in Section G.

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.

Content and Form of Application Submission

• Standard Form 424, signed by the applicant

• Project Narrative – add any programmatic direction that is needed here

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, when warranted.

• Standard Form 424A. This should be accompanied by a detailed budget worksheet and a detailed budget narrative (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.

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.

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

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.)

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: 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) $5000. For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment definition.

NOTE 1: 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.

NOTE 2: Prior to the purchase of equipment in the amount of $5000 or more per unit cost, the Recipient must obtain the written approval from FAS, unless the equipment was approved in the initial award. The Recipient shall maintain an annual inventory, which will include a brief description of the item, serial number and amount of purchase for equipment purchased with grant funds, or received under a grant, and having a $5000 or more per unit cost. The inventory must also identify the sub-award under which the equipment was purchased. Maintenance and insurance will be the responsibility of the Recipient. Title of equipment will remain with the Recipient until closeout when disposition will be provided in writing by FAS within 120 days of submission of final reports.

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. Do not put sub-contractors, sub-awardees, and/or sub-grantees that do not perform work to further the project.

This includes the types of sub-contractors, sub-awardees, and/or sub-grantees that work for the Prime awardee exclusively, (i.e., landscapers, trash collectors, etc.) These costs 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.

Attach a copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant federal agency. If the applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Any non-federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those non-federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200 States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-appVII.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-appVII.pdf indefinitely. As described in §200.403 Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all federal awards until such time as a non-federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-federal entity may apply to do at any time. For more information, see 2 CFR Part 200.414.

i. Cost Share or Match requirements: There is no cost share or match requirement for this program.

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 com mon 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 question are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

All of the terms do not apply to foreign entities however all entity types receiving financial assistance from FAS must respond yes because the Lobbying Disclosure term does apply to foreign entities along with being registered in SAM. All other terms do not apply to foreign entities.

FAS will verify in SAM.gov that the proper forms 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) This paragraph must state clearly that each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fbb70fe83009e152ac327498f6ec18c4&node=se2.1.200_1403&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b02738d16e4b0c1b82dc67a83ede6370&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b02738d16e4b0c1b82dc67a83ede6370&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8

(c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM 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.

It also must state that 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 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.

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 http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html

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, or by reviewing the ezFedGrants Job Aids at https://nfc.usda.gov/FSS/ClientServices/ezFedGrants/index.php.

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, or by reviewing the ezFedGrants Job Aids at https://nfc.usda.gov/FSS/ClientServices/ezFedGrants/index.php.

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.

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 (seehttps://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 the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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

Also, FAS grant 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. Grant 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. Also, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs. Not allowable. M&A are notoperational costs but are necessary costs incurred in direct support of the grant or cooperative agreement or as a consequence of it, such as travel, meeting-related expenses, and salaries of full/part-time staff in direct support of the program. As such these can be itemized in financial reports.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs. Indirect F&A costs are allowable.

Indirect F&A costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the costs objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

A copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant federal agency must be included in your application submission. If the applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

Any non-federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those non-federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200 States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in §200.403 Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all federal awards until such time as a non-federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-federal entity may apply to do at any time. For more information, see 2 CFR Part 200.414.

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.

Review and Selection Process The Program Manager will ensure the application is submitted on time as specified in this announcement. Also, the Program Manager will ensure the organization is capable of delivering the programs/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative.

These items will also apply to this award:

i. Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold as defined by 48 CFR § 2.101, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently

FAPIIS).

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through

SAM.

iii. Will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.”

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 award 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 Deputy Administrator of Global Programs, 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 domestic 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.

Reporting Federal Financial Reporting Requirements The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR), as known as the SF-425, must be submitted for each quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Reporting must be filed within 30 days after the end of the reporting period, with a final report submitted within 90 days of the end of the agreement. The required form is available online at:

https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786 https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786

Program Performance Reporting Requirements Performance Progress Reporting must be submitted for each quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Reporting must be filed within 30 days after the end of the reporting period, with a final report submitted 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 grant-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 grant 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.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by TPGA a close-out notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be de-obligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR.

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

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 Elizabeth Riley Phone: +1-202-720-6868 Email: elizabeth.riley@usda.gov

James Buchanan Phone: +1-202-720-1971 Email: james.buchanan@usda.gov

1400 Independence Ave, SW Room 5934 mailto:elizabeth.riley@usda.gov mailto:james.buchanan@usda.gov

Washington, DC 20250 Hours of Operation: 8:30AM – 5:00PM EST

Note: Mail service to USDA offices is currently suspended, therefore, USDA recommends questions be addressed by phone or email.

H. Additional Information

1. Extensions Only one no-cost extension will be allowed at the end of this PoP, if warranted. Applicants may request an 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. Prior Approval The Recipient shall not, without the prior written approval of the FAS Program Manager, 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.

3. 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 by the FAS Program Manager.

b. The Recipient shall obtain prior written approval from the FAS Program Manager 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 from the FAS Program Manager.

4. 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 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 in the remarks section of the face page concerning guidance and/or options pertaining to the recipient’s approved recipient’s approved request. All instances of program income shall be listed in the progress and financial reports.