FY2020-Crop-Protection-Pest-Management-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Crop Protection and Pest Management

Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR:

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE:

Fiscal Year 2020 June 8, 2020

Not Required

CATALOG OF FEDERAL

DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER:

10.329

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) is listed in the Assistance Listings under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 10.329.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, June 8, 2020 [Ref to Table 2 of this RFA]

Letter of Intent: Not Required

Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Stakeholder Input. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks comments on all requests for applications (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments, to the extent possible when developing RFAs and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.

7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov (email is for comments only). Please use the following subject line: Response to the Crop Protection and Pest Management RFA.

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit the NIFA’s Center of Excellence (COE) for information on COE designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of programs offering COE opportunities. A recording of COE outreach and COE implementation webinars are also available.

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Agricultural%20Research%2C%20Extension%2C%20and%20Education%20Reform%20Act%20of%20%201998.pdf mailto:Policy@usda.gov https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. The purpose of CPPM awards are to enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM, technologies, tactics and strategies that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

NIFA requests applications for the CPPM program for fiscal year (FY) 2020 to address critical state, regional and national integrated pest management (IPM) needs to ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges. The CPPM program supports projects that address these challenges with IPM approaches developed by coordinated state, regional, and national research and extension efforts. The impact of these research and extension efforts will be increased by the establishment of communication networks and stakeholder participation in setting priorities. In FY 2020, NIFA will only accept competitive applications for funding in the Applied Research and Development program area (ARDP) of the CPPM program.

The anticipated amount available for CPPM grants in FY 2020 is $18.1 million. Of this amount, approximately $10 million will be used to fund the Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) projects through renewal awards; $4.1 million for Regional Coordination Program Area (RCP) through continuation awards; and the anticipated remaining amount of approximately $4.0 million will be used to fund new ARDP awards.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Application Restrictions C. Project Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching C. Centers of Excellence

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application B. Content and Form of the Application C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Center of Excellence D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements .............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4. Help and Resources Table 5. Key Application Instructions

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Schematic Representation of the CPPM Program’s Desired Outcomes and Goals Figure 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7626), authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this program, the Secretary may award grants to colleges and universities (as defined by section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103)), as amended, on a competitive basis for projects that address priorities in United States agriculture and involve integrated research, education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB), 7 U.S.C. 7626.

Section 7206 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended section 406(b) of AREERA to add the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions as eligible to apply for grants under this authority. Section 7129 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub. L.110-

246) amended section 406(b) of AREERA (7 U.S.C. 7626(b)) adding Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (HSACU) as eligible entities for competitive funds awarded under this authority (see Part III § A for more information).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the CPPM program is to address high priority issues related to pests including insects, nematodes, pathogens, weeds, and other pests and their management using integrated pest management (IPM) approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities.

The CPPM program provides support for research to develop new IPM approaches, extension to disseminate IPM knowledge and improve adoption of IPM practices, and coordination of IPM activities at the regional and national levels to increase the adoption and implementation of IPM practices on a broad scale. The CPPM program provides support for these functions with three linked program areas that emphasize research and development for discovery of IPM knowledge;

extension activities for IPM adoption and implementation; and enhanced coordination, collaboration and communications among related CPPM programs and awardees. Together the Applied Research and Development program area (ARDP), the Extension Implementation program area (EIP), and the Regional Coordination program area (RCP) represent a comprehensive approach for developing IPM practices and strategies and extending this new knowledge across many environments through a coordinated national network. It is anticipated that the application of this evidence-based science will have positive outcomes for society.

National IPM Roadmap. The CPPM program is aligned with the IPM goals identified in the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management (see National IPM Roadmap). The https://www.ars.usda.gov/office-of-pest-management-policy/office-of-pest-management-policy-home-page/

National IPM Roadmap identifies strategic directions for IPM research, implementation, and measurement for pests in all settings throughout the nation. In FY 2020, successful CPPM program applicants will develop knowledge and information and improved IPM practices needed for the adoption and implementation of IPM methods that have the following National IPM Roadmap goals:

1. Improve cost-benefit analyses when adopting IPM practices

2. Reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies

3. Minimize adverse environmental effects from pests and related management strategies

A schematic representation of the CPPM program’s desired outcomes and goals is illustrated in FIGURE 1. The three CPPM program areas at the center address IPM needs in the five focus areas described below, thereby contributing to the achievement of the five goals of the National IPM Roadmap shown in the outer ring, resulting in outcomes for sustainable food security.

Figure 1: Schematic Representation of the CPPM Program’s Desired Outcomes and Goals

The CPPM program, through its three component program areas (ARDP, EIP, and RCP), addresses overall IPM needs in the five following focus areas as funding is available:

1. Plant Protection Tactics and Tools. Need for discovery, development, and introduction of new pest management tactics for use in IPM systems.

2. Diversified IPM Systems. Need for long-term sustainable solutions to pest management problems on a regional or national scale.

3. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity. To develop and maintain key information systems, networks, and decision support tools that provide the knowledge infrastructure needed for early detection and the application of science-based IPM systems for invasive, emerging and high-consequence pests that threaten U.S. agriculture (e.g., early warning and decision support systems such as the Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) have a direct effect on biosecurity).

4. IPM for Sustainable Communities. Direct application of IPM knowledge and expertise to address pest management challenges in non-traditional settings such as urban structures, landscapes and gardens, homes and schools.

5. Development of the Next Generation of IPM Scientists. To develop pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education programs to prepare the next generation of IPM scientists.

For more detailed descriptions of the focus areas see: CPPM focus areas.

The CPPM program, through ARDP, is soliciting new applications to provide funding for Plant Protection Tactics and Tools (focus area one), Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity (focus area three), and IPM for Sustainable Communities (focus area four).

eXtension. CPPM encourages (but does not require) projects that develop content suitable for delivery through eXtension.

The CPPM is aligned with USDA Strategic Goal 2: Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers to Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World.

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: ARDP Program Code Name: Applied Research and Development Area

CFDA Number 10.329 Project Type: Applied Research, Research-led, Extension-led

Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline June 8, 2020

Grant Duration: 24-36 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 15-16

Maximum Award Amount: $325,000

Proposed Budget Requests:

1. May not exceed a total of $200,000 for applications with Project Directors (PD) from one state/U.S. territory. Note a possible exemption to the $200,000 budget total described below in number 3.

https://nifa.usda.gov/program/crop-protection-and-pest-management-programf https://impact.extension.org/ https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf

2. May not exceed a total of $325,000 for applications with Project Directors (PDs) from more than one state/U.S. territory.

3. A possible exception to the maximum budget of $200,000 may exist when multistate collaboration is not possible because PD(s) are studying a major crop/commodity of regional or national importance that is produced only or predominantly in one state or U.S. territory. Contact the programmatic contact in Part VII to determine if your project is eligible for this exception and a higher total budget request up to $325,000.

4. Also note the paragraph on Multi-State/U.S. territory and/or Regional/National Involvement located in this section under Program Area Requirements, 2.

Program Area Priorities per Project Type:

1. Applied Research (single-function) Projects. Research priorities include: 1) development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, and particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support) and 2) increased understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Field-scale experiments over multiple seasons and/or locations are the desired experimental approach for ARDP proposals, where appropriate. The desired outcomes for new IPM practices include reducing initial pest populations, lowering the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for pests, increasing tolerance of hosts to pest injury, and/or providing tools for making management decisions, such as monitoring methods and action thresholds.

Long-term fundamental research is not appropriate for funding in this category. We encourage research on novel, cutting-edge methods, for which data exist to support the likelihood of successful IPM research and adoption. Research outcomes involving chemical pesticides include reducing the amount applied, the frequency of applications, increasing the selectivity, reducing the risks associated with their use, and/or developing novel resistance management strategies. Incorporate minimizing adverse impacts of pesticides on beneficial organisms and limiting buildup of resistant pest populations. Clearly describe: 1) how the tactic or IPM system, once developed, can be incorporated into an existing production or management system, and 2) the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the proposed IPM strategies, and identify ways to overcome constraints to greater adoption of IPM methods by users.

The following are examples of topic areas that could be addressed by Applied Research (single-function) proposals. Identification of these topic areas is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other appropriate topic areas.

a. Documenting (measuring) the impacts of IPM adoption

b. Developing an effective strategy or tactic for a pest problem that currently limits production efficiency in a plant or animal production system, and is recognized by the user community as a key priority

c. Addressing multiple cycles of pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) over seasons, and/or multiple species and complexes at the landscape or ecosystem level (agricultural production, urban, or natural systems) with consideration of the interactions of the entire system

d. Promoting biological diversity in pest management systems and integration of multiple pest management tactics

e. Identifying constraints to greater adoption of IPM strategies and developing approaches to overcome these constraints

f. Promoting an interdisciplinary, IPM systems approach

g. Developing effective pest management tactics for invasive pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) in cropping systems and natural and urban areas

h. Developing projects that enhance the development of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance

2. Research-led Projects. Research-led projects are appropriate when the completion of the project’s research component will support the addition of an initial Extension component for IPM adoption by stakeholders. The research priorities for the research component are listed below. The extension component is directed toward the initial adoption of individual IPM tools, tactics, or systems developed through the research component of the project. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the Extension priorities listed below. Include a description of how Extension personnel will be involved at the beginning of project planning and how the Extension activities will be conducted concurrently with research activities throughout the life of the project.

Research priorities include: 1) final development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support) and 2) advanced understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems.

Extension priorities include: 1) initial development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, 2) initial pilot implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and 3) initial delivery of IPM extension outreach and training.

3. Extension-led Projects. Extension priorities include: 1) development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, 2) implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and 3) delivery of IPM extension outreach and training. Document the existence of a research base relevant to the extension effort. ARDP funding is not intended to support ongoing extension programmatic efforts. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the research priorities identified for Applied Research (single-functions) projects or research-led projects (listed above).

Identification of these topic areas listed below is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other topic areas appropriate for Extension-led priorities.

a. Providing IPM outreach and training to individuals involved with the production, processing, storage, transporting, and marketing of food and agricultural commodities

b. Developing educational materials and information delivery systems that provide IPM personnel in the public and private sectors with timely, state-of-the-art information about effective IPM strategies

c. Providing outreach on endangered species protection related to IPM

d. Developing IPM programs for urban and natural systems, and address human and environmental health issues when appropriate

e. Enhancing the development and implementation of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance

The ARDP extension-led projects are separate from extension projects funded in the Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) and are generally not as mature, are more narrowly focused, and/or are outside the scope of EIP.

Program Area Requirements. All ARDP applications must address the following requirements.

1. Stakeholder-Identified IPM Needs. Include the citation of IPM needs identified by diverse regional and national stakeholders. Include at least one explicit citation that clearly documents the specific stakeholder-identified needs addressed by the proposed project.

Clearly reference each identified need with corresponding citations. The citation of stakeholder-identified IPM needs is important because it demonstrates that a project is both important to stakeholders and that PDs are engaged with the stakeholder community.

Sources of stakeholder-identified needs include, but are not limited to:

• Needs identified by the regional IPM centers. See:

i. Northcentral IPM Center

ii. Northeastern IPM Center

iii. Southern IPM Center

iv. Western IPM Center

• Needs identified in Crop Profiles

• Needs identified in Pest Management Strategic Plans

• Recommendations or reports from state IPM programs

• Recommendations from relevant IPM research and/or extension multi-state committees

• IPM needs from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE) sub-regional conferences

• Recommendations from other IPM stakeholder groups

• Other documented IPM needs assessment evaluations

2. Multi-State/U.S. Territory and/or Regional/National Involvement. Clearly cite regional and/or national IPM priorities and describe multi-state, regional, and national collaborations for purposes of efficiency, economy, and synergy. All applications, including those with PDs from one state or U.S. territory, must clearly describe how the project will provide benefits to more than one state or U.S. territory. Describe the role of each individual on the project team in enough detail to convince peer reviewers of the application that the multi-state/U.S. territory collaboration is meaningful. When a proposal involves a crop/commodity that is of regional or national importance and is produced predominately in one state or U.S. territory, include documentation that the crop/commodity is grown predominately in one state/U.S. territory and describe why multistate collaboration is impractical. See Program Area Requirement, 7. Coordination, below for further information on participation in the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities, other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center.

3. Multi-Disciplinary and Systems-Oriented. Describe how the project will promote cooperative efforts across appropriate disciplines, linkages between research and extension, and the improvement of existing or emerging integrated pest management systems. Describe https://www.ncipmc.org/about/stakeholder-priorities/ https://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/regional-priorities/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ http://westernipm.org/index.cfm/center-grants/priorities/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ the role of each member of the multi-disciplinary team and their responsibilities on the project.

4. Systems Approach. Describe how the proposal will enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems.

ARDP seeks applications for developing IPM strategies: 1) with the potential to significantly enhance and protect environmental quality, reduce the risk of health problems and other problems associated with pest control practices, promote biological diversity in pest management systems, and integrate multiple pest management tactics, and 2) with the primary emphasis on enhancing productivity and profitability while addressing critical environmental quality and human health issues. Examples of areas that proposals may address include: major acreage agricultural production systems, high value crops such as key fruit and vegetable systems, animal production systems, urban systems, or other agro-ecosystems including natural areas. For ARDP applications submitted for projects in agricultural settings, IPM projects in both conventional and organic production systems are appropriate.

5. Implementation Plan. Describe, as appropriate, in the project narrative for each project type:

1) how the project will implement results generated by the project with stakeholders, and 2) how the project will measure and assess adoption, implementation, and potential impacts by stakeholders using cost-effective approaches and criteria.

6. Timeline. Include a detailed timeline in the project narrative with key milestones for the project’s objectives and other important project tasks.

7. Coordination. Describe the project team’s plans to participate in the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities (e.g., NCERA222, NEERA1604, SERA3, and WERA1017), other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center. See the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) at www.nimss.org for information on these Hatch Multistate projects. See contacts for the regional IPM centers and the regional programmatic efforts they coordinate at www.ipmcenters.org. The purpose of these coordination opportunities is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation on IPM projects, move research results to actual application through IPM adoption and implementation, and achieve CPPM program outcomes.

8. Partnerships. Describe plans to develop and enhance partnerships that include collaboration with small- or mid-sized, accredited colleges and universities; 1890 land- grant institutions;

1994 land-grant institutions; Hispanic-serving institutions; Hispanic- serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs); and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, under-served, or hard-to-reach audiences.

9. Logic Model. Three-Page Limit. This attachment does not count against the 18-page limit for project narratives. All applicants are required to:

i. Submit a project-specific logic model chart as part of each application; and

ii. Explain how their project-specific logic model supports the CPPM programmatic logic model chart (FIGURE 2). The CPPM programmatic logic model chart incorporates stakeholder input; anticipated outcomes; appropriate elements from IPM logic models from previously funded NIFA IPM programs; and goals for the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA will use the programmatic logic model chart to guide evaluating the proposals, the development of future funding priorities, and to document the impact of investments made by the CPPM program.

http://www.nimss.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/

The project-specific logic model must provide details for the: inputs, outputs (activities and participants), and outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project. The logic model planning process may also be used to develop your project before writing your application. Format this information as a logic model chart as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Note the correct location for these elements as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Refer to the logic model chart in your project description, evaluation plans, and elsewhere, as applicable. Title the attachment as ‘Logic Model’ and save file as ‘LogicModel’. There are no font restrictions for the logic model. Proposals that are non-compliant with the requirements for a logic model chart will be at risk of being excluded from NIFA review. Additional information is available on the NIFA and University of Wisconsin web sites:

Integrated Programs Logic Model Planning Process Logic Model Planning Process Program Development and Evaluation https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/

Figure 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

Inputs Outputs: Participants Outputs: Activities/Products Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Knowledge (Short Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Actions/Behavior (Medium Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Condition (Long Term)

Legislative authority

Annual appropriation

USDA involvement

NIFA intra-agency coordination

Multi-state projects

Program directors

Support staff

Panel Managers

Peer Review Panels

Stakeholder and partner comments

Stakeholders

Commodity associations

Public interest groups

Farmers

Ranchers

General public

NGOs

End Users or Consumers

Underserved individuals or communities

Land-grant university partners

Cooperative Extension

Research, teaching and extension faculty

State agencies

Federal agencies

USDA-NIFA

Other allied state and federal agencies

Regional IPM stakeholders eXtension CoPs

NGOs

Public interest groups

Respond to Congressional authorization and appropriation

Publish RFA

Recruit panel managers and peer review panelists

Conduct peer review panel meetings

Award funds to meritorious applications

Support IPM research to address priority IPM needs

Promote collaborative team-building through national and regional coordination meetings and activities and broad-based stakeholder participation

Promote the development and implementation of IPM by facilitating coordination and collaboration across states, disciplines and programs

Establish and maintain pest management information networks

Build partnerships and address challenges and opportunities

Develop notable IPM training programs and foster their sustainability

Review and evaluate impacts of IPM implementation and communicate successes

Communicate positive outcomes to key stakeholders

Manage funding resources effectively

Collect program impact data

Increase knowledge and implementation of new IPM tools and tactics in integrated strategies for IPM

Adapt existing science-based IPM knowledge to new pest scenarios and foster sound IPM solutions

Engage broadest possible IPM scientific, extension, and education communities in challenges faced by

IPM

Engage new stakeholder communities challenged by pest issues who could benefit from IPM

Facilitate production of audience-appropriate information/training materials including mobile, web-based, and other digital, as well as traditional formats

Facilitate communication among the scientific IPM community and among the research, teaching and extension communities, practitioners, stakeholders, and consumers in a proactive communication strategy

Facilitate production of original materials and collaboration with existing or new eXtension CoPs

Innovative and diversified IPM systems are adopted on an area-wide or landscape scale

Key information systems, networks, and decision-support tools are adopted for emerging and high-consequence pests and diseases

Enhanced coordination and responsiveness of IPM research, education, and extension effort for critical, priority pest management and food security challenges

New stakeholders are using IPM;

Stakeholders are using more advanced IPM best management practices

Producers and processors adopt newly developed IPM technologies and innovations

Regional and national trans-disciplinary systems approaches are being used to solve IPM problems

A new generation of research and extension scientists capable of and adept at working in effective, trans-disciplinary regional and national teams are in place

Networks improve information flow among IPM components, among stakeholders, and among IPM research, education, and extension communities

Stakeholders can document why IPM was beneficial for them and the environment

Crop protection systems are more profitable with IPM

Agricultural production increased through reduced pest and disease losses

Cost benefit ratios of adopting IPM practices are improved

Sustainable IPM practices are adopted

Human health and environmental risks from managing pests are reduced

U.S. food producers are more competitive globally

Global capacity to meet growing food demand improved

Safe, affordable and high-quality crops are widely available to consumers

Hunger is reduced through improved food security in vulnerable populations

Effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM strategies are in place to reduce economic, environmental, and societal losses from pests and diseases that affect crops and livestock, human well-being and community vitality

Coordinated state-based, region-wide and national research, education, and extension programs function as catalysts for promoting further development and use of new IPM approaches

10. National IPM Roadmap. Address in the project narrative and the project-specific logic model chart applicable goals identified by the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management (see National IPM Roadmap).

https://www.ars.usda.gov/office-of-pest-management-policy/office-of-pest-management-policy-home-page/

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The anticipated amount available for CPPM in FY 2020 is approximately $18.1 million. The amount available for ARDP grants is approximately $4 million (see Executive Summary for additional funding distribution). All funds for ARDP awards will be provided in year one of the project. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards. The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA.

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Applications for FY 2020 are limited to the following applications types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include a response to major concerns raised in previous reviews, and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

C. Project Types The following describes the types of projects that are eligible for funding. Applicants must propose one of these project types - Applied research, Research-led, Extension-led.

• Applied research (single-function) projects develop innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM technologies, tactics, strategies and systems that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

• Research-led projects enhance the adoption of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems.

• Extension-led projects extend implementation of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems by IPM practitioners and growers. Extension-led projects enhance outreach efforts and maximize opportunities to build strategic alliances with stakeholders to expand their active participation in increasing the implementation of IPM methods.

See Part I § B of this RFA.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://ecfr.io/Title-02/pt2.1.422 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the CPPM must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103) to the CPPM program. Section 1404 of NARETPA was amended by section 7101 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) to define Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs), and to include research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities. Section 406(b) of AREERA (7 U.S.C. 7626), was amended by section 7206 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to add the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions as eligible to apply for grants under this authority.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required – Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the CPPM. NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if one of the following applies:

1. The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

2. The project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

C. Centers of Excellence Pursuant to Section 7214 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), NIFA will recognize and prioritize COE applicants that carry out research, extension, and education activities that relate to the food and agricultural sciences. A COE is composed of one or more of the following entities that provide financial or in-kind support to the COE.

1. State agricultural experiment stations;

2. Colleges and universities;

3. University research foundations;

4. Other research institutions and organizations;

5. Federal agencies;

6. National laboratories;

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-113publ79/html/PLAW-113publ79.htm

7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations;

8. Individuals; or

9. Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in (1) through (8).

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 3 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part II § 1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide (Application Guide) contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process.

Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

Step One: Register New Users to Grants.gov must register early with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application (Register Here).

Step Two:

Download Adobe

Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements)

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-CPPM-007432 search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

Contact an AR prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Table 4. Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll- Free or 606-545-5035 Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer based support:

Grants.gov iPortal Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays.

Email: electronic@nifa.usda.gov

Key Information: Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

B. Content and Form of the Application The Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline. However, applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:electronic@nifa.usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf

Table 5. Key Application Instructions

Instruction References (All references are to the

Application Guide)

Attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format.

Part III § 3

Check the manifest of submitted files to verify attachments are in the correct format.

Part III § 6.1

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part VII

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV § 1.5

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R.

Part IV § 1.5

Contact the Grants.gov helpdesk for technical support, and keep a record of the correspondence.

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet. See Part V § 2 and Part V § 2.17 of the Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

Please note the start date for FY 2020 ARDP awards can be no later than September 1, 2020.

SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s). See Part V § 3 of the Application Guide.

R&R Other Project Information Form. See Part V § 4 of the Application Guide.

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must list the names and institutions of the PD and co-PDs. The first line of your summary should state the type of project you are submitting, for example, “This is an ARDP research (single-function) project” or “This is an ARDP Research-led project” or “This is an ARDP Extension-led project.”

Your summary should also list which of the CPPM focus area(s) your proposal addresses:

a. Plant Protection Tools and Tactics

b. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity

c. IPM for Sustainable Communities The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the CPPM. See Part V § 4.7 of the Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 18 1.5 spaced pages of written text, figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition.

Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf

Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all of the following:

a. Problem, Background, and Justification:

i. Project type. Include in the initial sentence the project type (Applied Research (single-function), Research-led, or Extension-led) and the amount of the request.

ii. Problem. Describe, in simple terms, the problem. Consider including the economic importance of the crop or problem, the importance of the pests, and the reason for your study (e.g., conventional pest-control strategies no longer work; beneficial insects are being harmed by available pest-control options;

there is a lack of training or implementation of new IPM tactics).

iii. Background. Provide the explicit citation that documents the specific stakeholder-identified need(s) addressed by the proposed project and describe how the project addresses those needs. Demonstrate that you are engaged with stakeholders and that your project addresses their needs. See Part I § B of this RFA for more information about stakeholder identified needs. General letters of support do not satisfy this requirement.

iv. Review and reference of relevant completed or ongoing work (local/ regional/ national). Describe how previous research contributes to the proposed project.

v. Justification. Identify who will benefit from your project in multistate/U.S.

territory, regional, and/or national terms. Consider environmental, human health, and/or economic benefits. Describe why current technologies and practices are inadequate and explain how the proposed approach will: (1) help to improve or implement existing pest management systems; and (2) address the specific needs identified in the application. Discuss the potential applicability of the proposed approach to other states/U.S. territories or regions and the relevance of the project to the ARDP priorities (see Part I § B of this RFA).

Clearly describe how the project will provide benefit(s) to more than one state or U.S. territory.

b. Objectives and Anticipated Impacts: Provide clear, concise, and logically numbered statements of the specific aims of the proposed effort. If you are writing a Research-led or an Extension-led proposal, identify each objective as either a research or extension objective.

Describe the anticipated impacts that could be associated with the fulfillment of your objectives (you may do this in list or table format). Identify the connection of your objectives and your impacts to the goals of the National IPM Roadmap (see Part I § B of this RFA). When stating the project impacts/outcomes in your application, refer to measurable changes that can be substantiated by data analyses.

c. Approach and Procedures: Fully describe the procedures for each objective and how the project team will reach each of the stated objectives. In your description, include details on the experimental design and experimental units, reference methods to be used, and statistical analysis. Include a timetable for the start and completion of each phase of the project. For an ARDP Research-led project or an ARDP Extension-led project, describe how the project will be managed, particularly how coordination between research and extension components will be achieved and maintained.

d. Multi-State/U.S. Territory and/or Regional/National Involvement and Partnerships:

(see Part I § B of this RFA).

e. Implementation Plan and Timeline: (see Part I § B of this RFA).

f. Data Management Plan (DMP). See Data Management Plan information, below, for details.

g. Logic Model. (see Part I § B of this RFA).

h. Centers of Excellence Justification: For consideration as a COE, you must provide a brief justification statement, as part of your Project Narrative and within the page limits provided, which describes how you meet the standards of a COE, based on the following criteria:

a. The ability of the COE to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in the research, teaching, and extension activities outlined in this application;

b. In addition to any applicable matching requirements, the ability of the COE to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the federal government in the proposed research and/or extension activities outlined in this application. Resources leveraged be commensurate with the size of the award;

c. The planned scope and capability of the COE to implement teaching initiatives that increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities of the proposed research and/or extension…