optional-priority-checklist.docx

Appendix C: Optional Priority Group Declaration Checklist

If your project reaches one or more priority groups and you would like to be considered for bonus priority points, please fill out this checklist and include it with your application submission.

Any applicant whose project meets one or more priority areas will receive ten (10) additional points added to their total score when their proposal is reviewed. Please note that applicants claiming priority consideration must indicate at least one priority area served by their project in order to receive points. Applicants may claim as many priority groups as they like, but no more than 10 points will be awarded for priority consideration.

If USDA is unable to verify that an applicant is eligible for any priority groups claimed below, the applicant may not be permitted to qualify for priority consideration. Please see Section 1.4 “Funding Priorities” of the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Request for Applications (RFA) for more details.

Please check at least one priority group that your project will serve and that you would like to identify for priority consideration:

☐ At least 40% of children served are eligible for free or reduced price meals ☐ Applicant is an agricultural producer or group of agricultural producers ☐ Applicant is an Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) ☐ Project serves a tribal community (the applicant is not an ITO) ☐ Project is located in or targets an Opportunity Zone