ACER 2024 PROJECT NARRATIVE FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS_Compliant_02-23-2024.pdf

OMB No. 0581‐0240

ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

2024 PROJECT NARRATIVE FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS

Thoroughly review the applicable Acer Request for Applications (RFA) before completing this form. Upon completion, save this form as a PDF and attach it to the application package within Grants.gov using the "Project Narrative Attachment Form" on the application package.

1. Applicant Organization - Must match box 8 of the SF-424.

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Fax:

Mailing Address:

2. Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) - This person will be the main contact for any correspondence and is responsible for signing any documentation should the grant be awarded. Must match box 21 of the SF-424.

Name:

Email:

Phone:

Fax:

Mailing Address: ☐ Check if same as above

3. Applicant Entity Type - Select each applicable entity type as defined in Section 3.1 of the RFA.

☐ State Agency ☐ Tribal Government ☐ Research Institution

4. Project Title (Provide a descriptive title. Must match box 15 of the SF-424.)

5. Grant Application Project Type (Described in Section 1.3 of the RFA) ☐ Market Development and Promotion ☐ Producer and Landowner Education

6. Requested ACER Funds Insert the total amount ($) of Federal funds requested. This must match the total amount requested on Line 18a. Estimated Federal Funding of the SF-424.

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Submit a summary of 250 words or less suitable for dissemination to the public. This summary should provide a concise outline of the project’s outcome(s) and description of the general tasks to be completed during the project period to fulfill this goal. This summary will be made available to the public. This is a separate form in grants.gov.

ALIGNMENT AND INTENT

Clearly state the purpose of the project and Project Type identified in section 1.3 Project Types of the RFA. Describe the specific issue, problem, or need that the project will address in relation to the statutory language of the program (7 U.S.C. § 1632c).

Include data and/or estimates that describe the extent of the issue, problem, or need.

List objectives for this project.

The objectives must be related to addressing the issue(s), problem(s), or need(s) mentioned above and related to the project’s approach and work plan. Add objectives as necessary.

• Objective 1:

• Objective 2:

• Objective 3:

Provide a description of the benefits that are intended to be achieved as a result of engaging in the activities associated with this project, including the number of affected producers or processors.

TECHNICAL MERIT

Work Plan Provide a Work Plan that describes the activities and timeline associated with each project objective. Include the following information for each objective mentioned in the Alignment and Intent section above: a timeline for each activity and major output including the anticipated date of completion; how and where the activities will take place; required resources; milestone(s) for assessing progress and success; the person(s) responsible for completing the activity, including collaborative arrangements or subcontractors; if conducting training and technical assistance, how participants will be recruited; and how you will help guide program development and delivery.

Objective Include the objective this activity will be tied to

List and describe each planned activity

Include the scope of work and how it relates to the project objectives

Anticipated completion date

Required resources

For completion of each activity

Milestones For assessing progress and success of each activity

Who will do the work?

Include collaborative arrangements or subcontractors

Objective 1 Example Sample Activity 1 October 20XX Hire contractor

Training Space

Milestone 1:

Complete XX assessment

Milestone 2:

Conduct XX

ABC Best Contracting Service

XYZ Company’s Executive Director

Have you received a past Acer grant award?

☐Yes ☐ No

Have you submitted this project to another Federal grant program, including AMS grant programs?

☐Yes ☐ No http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1632c%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section1632c)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants

If yes to either of the above questions, provide the information below. Provide AMS agreement number for grants received in the past 5 years.

Describe how the project is/was different from previous grants or how it supplements the proposed activities; and the results of the current project (if applicable). Include lessons learned, what can be improved, and how these lessons and improvements will be incorporated into this application to meet program goals effectively and successfully.

Year

Grant Award Program Name, Type of Grant

(if applicable) and/or AMS Grant Agreement (if applicable)

Description

ACHIEVABILITY

This section includes the outcome indicator evaluation plan.

Outcome Indicators Complete all applicable project Outcomes and Indicators with baseline and/or estimated realistic target numbers. If an outcome indicator does not apply, check N/A (Not Applicable) and briefly explain below the table why it is not applicable.

Outcome 1: Increasing Consumption and Consumer Purchasing of Maple Syrup and Maple- Sap Products

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

1.1 Total number of consumers who gained knowledge about

maple syrup and maple-sap products: ☐

1.1a Of those, the number of adults ☐ 1.1b Of those, the number of children ☐

1.2 Total number of consumers who purchased more maple syrup and maple-sap products ☐

1.2a Of those, the number of adults ☐ 1.2b Of those, the number of children ☐

1.3 Number of additional maple product customers counted ☐

1.4 Number of additional business transactions executed ☐

1.5 Increased sales measured in ☐

1.5a Dollars ☐ 1.5b Percent change ☐

1.5c combination of volume and average price as a result of enhanced marketing activities ☐

Outcome 2: Develop New Market Opportunities for Maple Producers and Processors

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

2.1 Total number of existing market access points that established and/or expanded maple syrup or maple-sap offerings:

Of those, the number that were:

2.1a Farmers markets ☐ 2.1b Roadside stands ☐ 2.1c Agritourism ☐

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

2.1d Grocery stores ☐ 2.1e Wholesale markets/buyers ☐ 2.1f Restaurants ☐ 2.1g Agricultural cooperatives ☐ 2.1h Retailers ☐ 2.1i Distributors ☐ 2.1j Food hubs ☐ 2.1k Share‐use kitchens ☐ 2.1l School food programs ☐ 2.1m Community‐supported agriculture (CSAs) ☐ 2.1n Other ☐

2.2 Total number of new market access points that established maple syrup or maple-sap offerings:

Of those, the number that were:

2.2a Farmers markets ☐ 2.2b Roadside stands ☐ 2.2c Agritourism ☐ 2.2d Grocery stores ☐ 2.2e Wholesale markets/buyers ☐ 2.2f Restaurants ☐ 2.2g Agricultural cooperatives ☐ 2.2h Retailers ☐ 2.2i Distributors ☐ 2.2j Food hubs ☐ 2.2k Share‐use kitchens ☐ 2.2l School food programs ☐ 2.2m Community‐supported agriculture (CSAs) ☐ 2.2n Other ☐

2.3 Total number of partnerships and/or collaborations established between maple producers/processors and market access points ☐

2.3a Of those established, the number formalized with written agreements (i.e. MOU’s, signed contracts, etc.) ☐

2.3b Of those established, the number or partnerships with underserved organizations ☐

2.4 Of the total number of partnerships and collaborations

identified in 2.3, the number that reported ☐

2.4a expanded/improved maple infrastructure ☐ 2.4b higher profits ☐ 2.4c more efficient transportation ☐ 2.4d improved marketing channels ☐ 2.4e and/or other mid‐tier value chain enhancements ☐

2.5 Number of new or existing producers/processors who increased production to meet increased demand in new/additional market access points

2.6 Number of maple producers/processors that increased

revenue by pursuing new/increased market opportunities ☐

Outcome 3: Increase the Number of New Maple Producers and Expand Capacity of Existing Maple Producers

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

3.1 Number of producers, processors, private landowners, or other stakeholders that gained knowledge about maple production or maple business improvement methods

3.2 Number of producers or processors that adopted new maple

production or maple business improvement methods ☐

3.3 Number of producers/processors that learned about new or improved quality management procedures.

Of those, the number that:

3.3a Implemented these procedures ☐

3.4 Number of: ☐

3.4a Landowners ☐ 3.4b Lessors ☐ 3.4c Free‐access individuals ☐

3.4d Students reported with an intent to enter the maple market

3.5 Number of ☐

3.5a Private landowners ☐ 3.5b Lessors ☐ 3.5c Free‐access individuals ☐ 3.5d Students ☐ 3.5e Other producers that initiated maple sugaring activities ☐

3.6 Number of ☐

3.6a Private landowners ☐ 3.6b Lessors ☐ 3.6c Free‐access individuals ☐ 3.6d Students ☐

3.6e Other producers that established long‐term partnerships to maintain maple sugaring activities

3.7 Number of producers/processors that expanded their maple

product line

3.8 Number of producers that increased production ☐

3.9 Number of maple producers that reported increased ☐

3.9a Maple syrup production (gallons) ☐ 3.9b Sales ☐ 3.9c Price/gallon, and/or ☐ 3.9d Cost‐savings ☐

3.10 Number of maple-related jobs ☐

3.10a Created ☐ 3.10b Maintained ☐

Outcome 4: Expand Maple Research and Development

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

4.1 Number of research goals accomplished ☐

4.2 For research conclusions, the number that: ☐

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

4.2a yielded findings that supported continued research ☐ 4.2b yielded findings that led to completion of study ☐

4.2c yielded findings that allow for implementation of new practice, process, or technology

4.3 Number of industry representatives and other stakeholders that engaged with research results

4.4 Total number of research outputs published to industry publications and/or academic journals. For each published research output, the:

4.4a number of views/reads of published research/ data ☐ 4.4b number of citations counted ☐

Outcome 5: Promote Natural Resource Sustainability in the Maple Syrup Industry

Indicator Description Estimated Number N/A

5.1 Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about natural resource sustainability, best practices, tools, or technologies ☐

5.2 Number of stakeholders reported with an intent to adopt

sustainability-related best practices, tools, or technologies ☐

5.3 Number of producers that adopted new tools, technologies, or best practices focused on reducing energy use, plastics, waste, chemical use, or other sustainable outcomes

5.4 Number of additional taps managed using sustainable best

practices, tools, or technologies ☐

5.5 Of the producers identified in 5.3, the number of producers reporting: ☐

5.5a increased dollar returns per tap ☐ 5.5b reduced input costs per tap ☐

Outcome Indicator Measurement For each completed outcome indicator, describe how you derived the numbers, how you intend to measure and achieve each relevant outcome and indicator, and any potential challenges to achieving the estimated targets and action steps for addressing them.

Outcome and indicator i.e., 3.i, 6.a, 6.b

How did you derive the estimated numbers?

i.e., documented background or baseline information, recent research and data, etc.

How and when do you intend to evaluate?

i.e., surveys, 3rd party assessment

Anticipated key factors predicted to contribute to and restrict outcome Including action steps for addressing identified restricting factors

Dissemination of Project Results Describe how you will disseminate project’s results (positive and negative) to similar organizations, stakeholders, and others that may be interested in the project’s results or implementing a similar project.

EXPERTISE AND PARTNERS

Key Staff (Applicant Personnel and External Partner/Collaborators) List key staff, including applicant personnel and external project partners and collaborators (see section 3.2 in the RFA for definitions) that comprise the Project Team, their role, their relevant experience, and past successes in developing and operating projects similar to those to be conducted under this project. Applicant must include Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations to support the information (see section 4.2.5 in the RFA).

Key Staff Name and Title Role Relevant Experience and Past Successes

Project Management Plan Describe your management plan for coordination, communication, and data sharing and reporting among members of the Project Team and stakeholder groups, including both internal applicant personnel and external partners and collaborators.

Project Sustainability Describe how the project, and its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained beyond the project’s period of performance (without grant funds) if the project need is expected to extend beyond the grant period.

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Provide a one- to two-page resume or summary of relevant experience and/or qualifications of the principal investigator(s) and for each of the other major project participants. Longer resumes will be disregarded.

FISCAL PLAN AND RESOURCES

Required: The Fiscal Plan and Resources requirement includes a Budget Spreadsheet and Budget Narrative. The Budget Spreadsheet must show the relevant expenditure categories in the far-left column. Relevant cost categories include:

• Personnel

• Fringe Benefits

• Travel

• Special Purpose Equipment

• Supplies

• Contracts/Consultants

• Other

• Indirect Costs

• Program Income

The Budget Spreadsheet must have columns showing the dollar amount of Federal funds requested. Provide separate Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, and cumulative budgets.

The Budget Narrative must break down and explain how the dollar amounts for each category shown on the Budget Spreadsheet were derived and what they cover. See section 8 of the AMS General Terms and Conditions for a full listing of allowable and unallowable costs. BUDGET AND

NARRATIVE

The budget must show the total cost for the project and describe how category costs listed in the budget are derived. The budget justification must provide enough detail for reviewers to easily understand how costs were determined and how they relate to the Project Objectives and Expected Outcomes. The budget must show a relationship between work planned and performed to the costs incurred.

Refer to RFA Section 4.3 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities for more information on allowable and unallowable expenses.

Budget Summary

Expense Category Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Federal Funds

Personnel (add rows to list each) Fringe Benefits (add rows to list each Travel Special Purpose Equipment Supplies Contracts/Consultants Other (Specify) Program income Direct Costs Subtotal Indirect Costs Total Budget (direct + indirect)

Budget Narrative The Budget Narrative must break down and explain how the dollar amounts for each category shown on the Budget Spreadsheet were derived and what they cover. See section 8 of the AMS General Terms and Conditions for a full listing of allowable and unallowable costs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PAPERWORK BURDEN STATEMENT

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581‐0240. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 4 hours per response, including the time for reading and utilizing this document to prepare an application, reviewing which items are allowable, and understanding the terms and conditions of the grant award.

Upon completion, save this form as a PDF and attach it to the application package within Grants.gov using the "Project Narrative Attachment Form" on the application package.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY2021_GD_TermsandConditions.pdf