aphis-fy26-cwd-cervid-funding-opportunity-announcement.pdf

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October 2027

Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities 2026 Cooperative Agreements

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Funding Opportunity Announcement

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10025-ASBVSWS00-26-0001

Publication Date: May 15, 2026

Application Due Date: June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time mailto:APHIS.PRA@usda.gov

Funding Opportunity: Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities 2026 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) and Wildlife Services (WS) is announcing the availability of around $12,050,000 in cooperative agreement funding1 to control and prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed and wild cervids of which up to $2,000,000 may be awarded through non-competitive cooperative agreements as needed to address CWD outbreaks in farmed cervids. The amount available is based on the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Congressional appropriations language and directions.

The available funding will be divided amongst wild and farmed cervid activities as shown:

Wild Cervid: $5,500,000; ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-0001

Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of wild cervid CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities, including further development and evaluation of techniques and strategies to prevent or control CWD in wild cervids. See Section B.1 for eligible applicants.

Wild Cervid – Tribal Nations: $500,000; ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-

Proposals must be submitted by Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments and may include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of wild CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities, including further development and evaluation of techniques and strategies to prevent or control CWD in wild cervids on lands owned or managed by Tribal entities.

Farmed Cervid: $ 6,050,0002; ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSPRS00-26-0007

Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the development and/or implementation of CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities. Proposals can include the use of funds for the indemnification and removal of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and CWD-exposed cervids, as part of an overall CWD management plan and in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.2. See Section B.1 for eligible applicants.

Applicants can find information for this funding opportunity in Grants.gov by searching this title, the Assistance Listing Number 10.025, or in ezFedGrants by search the funding opportunity number for farmed cervid: USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSPRS00-26-0007, for wild cervid: USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00- 26-0001, and wild cervid Tribal Nations: USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-0002. Applications must be submitted through ezFedGrants.

1USDA APHIS VS may increase the funding available through this opportunity by adding unused funds allocated for indemnity payments or other uses within the budget line.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-55/subpart-A/section-55.2 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Synopsis A. Basic Information B. Eligibility

B.1 Eligible Applicants B.2 Other Criteria for Eligibility B.3 Cost Sharing or Matching

C. Program Description C.1 Funding Opportunity Description C.2 Funding Priorities C.3 Other Funding Considerations C.4 Cost Guidance C.5 Legislative Authority

D. Application Contents and Format E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

E.1 Address to Request Application Package E.2 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) E.3 Submission Instructions E.4 Submission Dates and Times E.5 Intergovernmental Review E.6 Funding Restrictions

F. Application Review Information F.1 Review Criteria F.2 Review and Selection Process F.3 Risk Review

G. Award Notices H. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

H.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements H.2 Reporting H.3 Project Evaluation

I. Other Information Appendix 1: CWD Proposal Checklist and Tips

SYNOPSIS

Funding Opportunity Title: Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities 2026

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10025-ASBVSWS00-26-0001

Funding Type: Cooperative Agreement

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance/Assistance Listing Number and Title: 10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control and Animal Care

Application Due Date: Proposals must be received through ezFedGrants by June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Proposals received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

Funding Opportunity Description: APHIS will make approximately $12,050,000 in cooperative agreement funding available in 2026 to support efforts to control and prevent CWD in farmed and wild cervid populations. Eligible activities include the development and implementation of CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response initiatives. The final amount available for competitive funding opportunities may be adjusted based on the need to issue noncompetitive agreements in response to CWD outbreaks.1

Eligible Applicants: This competitive opportunity is open to the following entities: State departments of agriculture; State animal health agencies; State departments of wildlife or natural resources; Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments and Native American Tribal organizations or universities representing Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments; and research institutions and universities. State agencies and Tribes, or in the case of Native American Tribal organizations, the Native American Tribal governments they are representing, must have regulatory oversight or direct responsibility for farmed cervids to be eligible for the farmed cervid opportunity, or regulatory oversight or direct responsibility for wild cervids to be eligible for the wild cervid opportunities. Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments are listed on the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior;

Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs website. Universities include the 1994 Tribal colleges and universities, the 1890 land-grant institutions, land-grant colleges and universities, and other accredited universities. Research institute is an establishment founded for conducting research that has published peer reviewed articles in the field and that currently employs one or more investigators who will work on the project with relevant experience in applied research on the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Cost Sharing: Although cost sharing is not required, APHIS may take an eligible applicant’s ability to contribute non-Federal funds for proposed activities into consideration.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.nifa.usda.gov/program/nifa-tribal-programs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/about-programs/program-operational-areas/1890-land-grant-institutions-programs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/about-programs/program-operational-areas/1890-land-grant-institutions-programs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/partnerships/land-grant-colleges-universities

A. BASIC INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: USDA APHIS

Funding Opportunity Title: Chronic Wasting Disease Cervid Management and Response Activities 2026

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-APHIS-10025-ASBVSWS00-26-0001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance/Assistance Listing Number: 10.025

Funding Details: APHIS anticipates awarding around $12,050,000 in cooperative agreement funding to support projects that address the funding priorities described in Section C.2; the amount of funding is based on the FY26 Congressional appropriations language and directions:

Wild Cervid: $5,500,000

Wild Cervid – Tribal Nations Only: $500,000

Farmed Cervid: $6,050,0003

APHIS anticipates awarding approximately fifty-five cooperative agreements; these agreements typically range from $10,000 to $250,000 each. The average farmed cervid award in 2025 was $170,376 across 22 agreements (excluding indemnity). The average wild cervid award in 2025 was $181,424 across 32 agreements. Based on reviewer recommendations, APHIS may adjust the amount of funds awarded to a project. In these cases, applicants may accept or decline the offered award. If accepted, applicants must submit a revised proposal package that aligns with the amount awarded and addresses reviewer concerns, as applicable. APHIS VS (farmed cervids) or WS (wild cervids) will provide additional guidance to applicants in this situation. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

Awards will be funded via cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement by APHIS to assist in the completion of the goals and objectives of the work. Grants are used when a recipient is performing all the work without the substantial involvement of APHIS.

This is a competitive funding opportunity. A team of reviewers will evaluate proposals and recommend proposals for funding based on the merits of the proposal as outlined in Section F.2. Recipients are not pre-determined. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of APHIS VS (farmed cervids) and WS (wild cervids).

Key Dates: Proposals must be received through ezFedGrants by June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Proposals received after this deadline will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Submissions through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

The performance period will begin on or before September 30, 2026, and projects must be completed no later than 12 months after the start date. Funding will not be allowed, nor activities approved to occur, outside of the period of performance. There is an allowance for a one-time extension request of the performance period for up to 12 months to complete the project, assuming there is no increase in funding requested. This request must be submitted in accordance with the Terms and Conditions for APHIS awards in order to be considered. Recipients wishing to continue work or build on projects

3 USDA APHIS VS may increase the funding available through this opportunity by adding unused funds allocated for https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/tcs-for-award-feb14-2026-until-amended.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/tcs-for-award-feb14-2026-until-amended.pdf funded in prior years that are either complete or will be complete by the proposed period of performance may submit proposals to this opportunity. Recipients wishing to continue work on projects funded in prior years which are not complete, and have not been extended previously, should submit a no-cost extension or by contacting the APHIS Program Manager rather than submitting a proposal to this opportunity.

Applicants can find information for this funding opportunity in Grants.gov by searching this title, the Assistance Listing Number 10.025, or in ezFedGrants by search the funding opportunity number for farmed cervid: USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSPRS00-26-0007, for wild cervid: USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00- 26-0001, and wild cervid Tribal Nations: USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-0002. Applications must be submitted through ezFedGrants.

Executive Summary: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) and Wildlife Services (WS) is announcing the availability of around $12,050,000 in cooperative agreement funding to control and prevent CWD in farmed and wild cervids of which up to $2,000,000 may be awarded through non-competitive cooperative agreements as needed to address CWD outbreaks in farmed cervids. The amount available is based on the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Congressional appropriations language and directions.

Wild Cervid: $5,500,000 ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-0001

Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of wild cervid CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities, including further development and evaluation of techniques and strategies to prevent or control CWD in wild cervids.

Wild Cervid – Tribal Nations Only: $500,000 ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-WSNWRC00-26-0002

Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of wild cervid CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities, including further development and evaluation of techniques and strategies to prevent or control CWD in wild cervids on lands owned or managed by Tribal entities.

Farmed Cervid: $6,050,0004 ezFedGrants Opportunity USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSPRS00-26-0007

Proposals may include, but are not limited to, the development and/or implementation of CWD surveillance, testing, management, and response activities. Proposals can include the use of funds for the indemnification and removal of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and CWD-exposed cervids, as part of an overall CWD management plan and in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.2.

The target audience and eligible entities are State departments of agriculture, State animal health agencies, State departments of wildlife or natural resources that have regulatory authority over farmed cervids, federally recognized Native American Tribal governments and Native American Tribal organizations that have regulatory authority over farmed cervids or that own farmed cervids or

4 USDA APHIS VS may increase the funding available through this opportunity by adding unused funds allocated for https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants universities representing such federally recognized Native American Tribal governments, and research institutes and universities.

Agency Contact Information:

For administrative questions pertaining to farmed cervid applications, required documents, or the ezFedGrants application process, please contact VS.FiOps.ASC.Agreements@usda.gov, Stephanie Kozar,

(970) 494-7374.

For programmatic questions regarding the farmed cervid CWD program, please contact the following APHIS VS Cervid Health Team: VS.SP.Cervid.Health@usda.gov, Tracy Nichols, (970) 494-7380

For administrative questions pertaining to wild cervid or wild cervid Tribal Nation only applications, required documents, or the ezFedGrants application process, please contact APHIS- WS.CWD_Agreements@usda.gov.

For programmatic questions regarding the wild cervid or wild cervid Tribal Nations only CWD program, please contact the following primary point of contact: Tim Linder, Staff Biologist, WS National Wildlife Disease Program, Timothy.J.Linder@usda.gov , (O) 970-266-6217, (C) 970-420-5309

For general information on the CWD Program and previous funding opportunities visit: USDA APHIS | Cervids: Chronic Wasting Disease

B. ELIGIBILITY

B.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

The following entities are eligible for funding through this opportunity:

1. State departments of agriculture

2. State animal health agencies

3. State departments of wildlife or natural resources

4. Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments5 and Native American Tribal organizations or universities representing Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments.

5. Research institutes6 and universities7

5 Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments are listed on the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior;

Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs website.

6 Research institute is an establishment founded for conducting research that has published peer reviewed articles in the field and that currently employs one or more investigators who will work on the project with relevant experience in applied research on the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

7 Universities includes the 1994 Tribal colleges and universities, the 1890 land-grant institutions, land-grant colleges and universities, and other accredited universities.

https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants mailto:VS.FiOps.ASC.Agreements@usda.gov mailto:VS.SP.Cervid.Health@usda.gov https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants mailto:APHIS-WS.CWD_Agreements@usda.gov mailto:APHIS-WS.CWD_Agreements@usda.gov mailto:Timothy.J.Linder@usda.gov https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cervid/chronic-wasting https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cervid/chronic-wasting https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.nifa.usda.gov/program/nifa-tribal-programs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/about-programs/program-operational-areas/1890-land-grant-institutions-programs

NOTES:

State agencies and Tribes or in the case of Native American Tribal organizations or universities the Native American Tribal governments they are representing, must have regulatory oversight or direct responsibility for farmed cervids or wild cervids to be eligible for the respective opportunities. Native American Tribal organizations or universities representing Federally recognized Native American Tribal Governments must attach letter(s) indicating intent to participate from the represented Federally recognized Native American Tribal government(s) to be considered for funding.

Research institutes or universities submitting a study that includes field work with regulated cervids must submit a letter indicating support, cooperation, or no objection from the appropriate cervid regulatory authorities for the state(s) involved, or a herd plan signed by the herd owner, APHIS, and representatives of the appropriate state regulatory authorities that is aligned with the work plan, to be considered for funding.

This list does not preclude award recipients from collaborating with other entities who may have direct and significant interest in the control or prevention of CWD in farmed cervids, State or national livestock, wildlife, sportsmen, or conservation organizations, or a Federal Agency.

Any application with a proposed sub-award over $10,000 must complete an additional Financial Plan for the sub-awarded portion as a part of the proposal package.

Due to strict requirements around the distribution of funds to Federal agencies across fiscal years, sub-awarding this funding (any payment) to Federal agencies may not be included in the APHIS share of the Financial Plan. Recipients may use funds from other sources to pay for services from Federal agencies; if applicable, such expenses should be listed in the recipient share in the Financial Plan.

B.2 OTHER CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY

All applicant organizations must have at least two users registered in ezFedGrants, a Grants Administrative Officer and a Signatory Official, to successfully submit a proposal package. We recommend identifying these individuals and confirming they have access prior to submitting a proposal to ensure an efficient application process. This system will be used for all stages of the funding opportunity process, including submitting the proposal package, signing the cooperative agreement, and submitting reports.

Applicants will be checked against the System for Award Management (SAM) to ensure they have not been disbarred or suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency and have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). See Section E.2 and F.3.

An eligible applicant may submit multiple proposals for this funding opportunity, requesting up to $100,000 per proposal for activities to control or prevent CWD in wild cervids for the Tribal Nations opportunity and requesting up to $250,000 per proposal for activities to control or prevent CWD in farmed or wild cervids opportunities. Each proposal must be submitted as a separate package.

An eligible applicant for the farm cervid opportunity may submit a proposal requesting up to $250,000 for management activities and request additional funds in excess of $250,000 for the indemnification or purchase of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and/or CWD-exposed animals as part of an overall management plan (including the implementation of proposals based on genetic prediction and live animal testing), provided the application includes documentation supporting the appraisal of the farmed cervids in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.3 and the owner has agreed to accept either the amount allowed by APHIS VS or a lower amount proposed by the owner or the state.

B.3 COST SHARING OR MATCHING

Cost sharing and matching is defined in 2 CFR Part 200.1 as a “portion of the project costs not paid by Federal funds or contributions (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute).” For additional information on cost share please reference 2 CFR Part 200.306.

Although cost sharing is not required, APHIS may take an eligible applicant’s ability to contribute non- Federal funds to carry out such a cooperative agreement into consideration but shall not require an eligible applicant to contribute funding as a condition to enter into a cooperative agreement.

If applicable, applicants should describe cost-share or in-kind funding for the project. Once the cooperative agreement is accepted and finalized, the cost share becomes legally binding, and the recipient will be required to meet the cost share ratio.

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

C.1 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The overall objectives of the funding opportunity are to control, manage, and/or prevent CWD in farmed and wild cervids. Through this funding opportunity, APHIS is soliciting collaborators who will further develop and implement farmed and wild cervid CWD surveillance, testing, management, prevention and response activities. Proposals can include the use of funds for the indemnification and removal of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and CWD-exposed cervids as part of an overall CWD management plan in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.2. For wild cervids, funds may also be provided for applied research to further develop and evaluate; tools, techniques, and strategies for preventing and controlling CWD in wild cervids. Successful proposals will positively impact CWD control or prevention.

The expected outcomes and deliverables will support the overarching goal of the funding opportunity, which is to control or prevent CWD. Controlling CWD is a public benefit because it reduces prions in the environment and safeguards wild and farmed cervids.

Funds may also be provided for applied research to further develop and evaluate tools, techniques, and strategies for identifying, preventing, and controlling CWD in farmed and/or wild cervids. Applied research attempts to find practical solutions to a specific problem(s) such as the ability to detect, prevent, or manage CWD. Successful proposals will positively impact CWD control or prevention. The expected outcomes and deliverables will support the overarching goal of the funding opportunity, which is to control or prevent CWD. Controlling CWD is a public benefit because it reduces prions in the environment and safeguards farmed and wild cervids.

C.2 FUNDING PRIORITIES

Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop project proposals that directly support at least one of the five funding priorities described below:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/section-55.3 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.306

1. FARMED CERVID

a. Improve the management of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds. For the purpose of this priority, management means controlling CWD in affected farmed cervid herds or preventing the introduction or spread of CWD from affected farmed cervid herds or from CWD endemic free-ranging populations to farmed cervid herds. This includes implementing, or improving the implementation, of the Federal CWD Herd Certification Program (HCP) as described in the USDA APHIS VS CWD Program Standards, the use of funds for the indemnification and removal of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and CWD-exposed, -suspect, or -positive cervids purchased as part of an overall CWD management plan in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.2, or the use of predictive genetics and antemortem testing with the indemnification/purchase and removal of CWD positive and poor scoring exposed or potentially exposed white-tailed deer (See Farmed Cervid Predictive Genetics Management Proposal Work Plan Template).

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are disease detection, investigation, and response activities; the development and use of novel CWD tests in animals;

epidemiology and risk analysis; farmed cervid movement monitoring and control (traceability);

Federal HCP implementation or improvement, including enhanced compliance, monitoring, and enforcement activities; identification and investigation of treatment options for CWD; sample collection training programs for HCP sample collectors and regulatory personnel; surveillance in herds not subject to mandatory sample submission; or, test result reporting to APHIS.

b. Improve the management of CWD-affected farmed cervid premises. For the purpose of this priority, management means controlling or preventing the spread of CWD from a CWD-affected farmed cervid premises and/or surrounding area by implementing or improving upon current guidance and methods, such as the USDA APHIS VS CWD Program Standards, and may include cleaning and disinfection strategies, scavenger management, biosecurity measures, or applied research to address these areas.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are development and use of novel CWD tests for environmental testing, environmental decontamination, farmed cervid carcass and waste management, identification, and investigation of premises treatment options for CWD, or investigating the role of scavengers or predators in CWD transmission to or within farmed cervid herds or managing these risks.

c. Conduct novel research on amplification assays and other new test methods in farmed cervids. Amplification assays are test methods that identify CWD by amplifying small amounts of prion protein to levels that are detectable [e.g., Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA), real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC)]. Specifically, this funding opportunity is interested in proposals that will develop new test methods or optimize the use of amplification assays as diagnostic or environmental tests or meet the validation requirements for APHIS approval of a new test for program use.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cwd-program-standards.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cwd-program-standards.pdf

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are development and validation of new assays, new amplification assays, optimization to improve sensitivity and specificity of existing assays, or the expanded use of amplification assays for novel sample types and applications.

d. Conduct additional research on the development of whole genome predictive genetics, or utilize whole genome predictive genetics for herd management, in farmed cervids. Current and ongoing research supports the use of whole genome predictive genetics to determine the susceptibility of farmed cervids to CWD, remove deer that are highly susceptible to CWD, and breed away from highly susceptible deer which provides the foundation for a genomics based CWD eradication program in the future.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are encouraging farmed white-tailed deer and/or elk owners to obtain predictive genetic scores for their deer, remove deer or elk that are highly susceptible to CWD, and encourage the breeding of less susceptible deer;

conducting field trials to evaluate the use of a whole genome predictive genetics strategy in farmed white-tailed deer herds to prevent or control CWD; or, validating a whole genome predictive genetics strategy in mule deer or other susceptible species.

e. Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to farmed cervid stakeholders. For purposes of this priority, educational outreach means the methods, processes, or actions that provide education and facilitate learning of critical knowledge necessary to control and/or prevent CWD and its spread in farmed cervids, including the study of human dimensions on CWD prevention and control, and educational opportunities for accredited veterinarians and State staff and/or producers. Behavioral messaging research may also be included as part of an outreach program.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority include training for producers, cervid veterinarians and/or regulatory personnel on biosecurity, sample collection, CWD HCP requirements, carcass disposal, disinfection, etc.

2. WILD CERVID

a. Improve the management of CWD-affected wild cervid populations. For the purpose of this priority, management means effectively controlling CWD in affected cervid populations or preventing the introduction or spread of CWD from affected or endemic populations to non-affected wild cervid populations by implementing or improving upon current guidance, such as the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Best Management Practices.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are detection and prevention of CWD in wild cervid populations not currently affected with CWD; increasing capacity and reporting for CWD testing in wild cervids; increase disease detection, investigation, and/or https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/5215/3729/1805/AFWA_CWD_BMPS_12_September_2018_FINAL.pdf response; the development and use of novel CWD tests in wild cervids; epidemiology and risk analysis; wild cervid movement monitoring and control (traceability); identification and investigation of treatment options for CWD; wild cervid population management; sample collection training programs for personnel collecting samples; surveillance of CWD in wild cervids; prevention of CWD in wild cervid populations currently affected with CWD; or test result reporting to APHIS.

b. Improve the management of wild cervid CWD-affected areas. For the purpose of this priority, management means managing the environment to effectively control CWD in wild cervid affected areas (CWD endemic areas) to control or prevent the spread of CWD by implementing or improving upon current guidance, such as the AFWA Best Management Practices.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are development and use of novel CWD tests for environmental testing; environmental decontamination; wild cervid carcass and waste management; identification and investigation of treatment options for CWD; or investigating the role of scavengers or predators in CWD transmission to or within wild cervid populations and/or managing these risks.

c. Conduct research on amplification assays in wild cervids or other new test methods in wild cervids. Amplification assays are test methods that identify CWD by amplifying small amount of prion protein to levels that are detectable [e.g., Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA), real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC)]. Specifically, this funding opportunity is interested in novel proposals which further the use of amplification assays as diagnostic or environmental tests.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are development of new amplification assays or the expanded use of amplification assays for novel sample types and applications, and/or the development or investigation of new tests for the detection of CWD.

d. Development and/or application of predictive genetics for wild cervids. Research to support the use of genetics to determine and understand the susceptibility of wild cervids to CWD on the landscape. Current and ongoing research supports the use of whole genome predictive genetics to determine the susceptibility of cervids to CWD, which may provide the foundation for a genomics based CWD control or eradication program in the future.

Examples of activities that may be included under this priority are evaluation of predictive genetics in wild cervids affected with CWD or located in CWD endemic areas to prevent or reduce the incidence of CWD.

e. Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to wild cervid stakeholders or Tribal entities. For purposes of this priority, educational outreach means the methods, processes, or actions that provide education and facilitate learning of critical https://www.fishwildlife.org/application/files/5215/3729/1805/AFWA_CWD_BMPS_12_September_2018_FINAL.pdf knowledge necessary to control and/or prevent CWD and its spread in wild cervids, including the study of human dimensions on CWD prevention and control. Behavioral messaging research may also be included as part of an outreach program.

NOTE: Any other proposed projects or activities that would further develop and implement farmed or wild cervid CWD control, prevention, surveillance, testing, management, and response fall within the scope of activities for this funding opportunity. While proposals within this scope that do not fall under the funding priorities above would receive a lower review score than proposals of equal quality that do, they will be reviewed and may score sufficiently for funding.

C.3 OTHER FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

Each proposal should describe how the project will leverage existing resources through partnerships with local, State, and/or Federal government agencies8, Native American Tribal governments and Native American Tribal organizations, industry organizations, professional associations, producer groups, institutes of higher education and/or non-profit organizations with direct and significant interest in the control or prevention of CWD in farmed and wild cervids. Successful projects will meet the evaluation criteria described in Section F.1.

While all proposals that meet the administrative eligibility criteria listed in Section F.1 will be considered for funding, for farmed cervid proposals APHIS may give priority to proposals submitted by an eligible applicant: (1) in a state that has either experienced recent incidents of CWD in farmed cervids or that has farmed cervid herds bordering a CWD endemic area; and, (2) either has a CWD Federal HCP or a State CWD control program that includes, but is not limited to, monitoring and surveillance, or proposes to create a Federal or State CWD control program. For wild cervid proposals, APHIS may give priority to proposals submitted by an eligible entity (1) in a State or on Tribal lands that has either experienced recent incidents of CWD in wild cervids or that have wild cervid populations bordering a CWD endemic area; and, (2) has a State or Tribal CWD control program that includes, but is not limited to, monitoring and surveillance, or that proposes to create a control program. Eligible applicants not meeting these criteria are encouraged to apply and their proposals will be considered for funding.

Applicants should describe the anticipated involvement by APHIS personnel needed to complete the proposed activities in the Work Plan and Financial Plan (excluding personnel to administer or oversee the cooperative agreement). APHIS intends to collaborate with recipients to successfully complete activities funded via this opportunity; however, due to the limited availability of personnel, APHIS encourages proposals that are not contingent on APHIS participation where possible, unless that participation was agreed upon during the development of the proposal.

C.4 COST GUIDANCE

Each applicant must submit a detailed Financial Plan that provides sufficient information to determine the costs for each of the proposed activities and objectives.

8 Due to strict requirements around the distribution of funds to Federal agencies across fiscal years, sub-awarding this funding (any payment) to Federal agencies may not be included in the APHIS share of the Financial Plan.

Recipients may use funds from other sources to pay for services from Federal agencies; if applicable, such expenses should be listed in the recipient share in the Financial Plan.

Allowable costs must be reasonable, allocable, and necessary to the project. Office of Management and Budget cost principles (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E) must be used to determine whether a cost can be charged to the project and, if so, the extent to which it can be charged. Funds are intended to complement and build upon activities associated with other APHIS cooperative programs or grants geared toward controlling or preventing CWD in farmed or wild cervids.

Allowable uses of cooperative agreement funds include, but are not limited to, activities, equipment, supplies, and services needed to complete approved program activities that support the funding priorities and considerations described in Section C.2. This may include:

• Equipment. The Federal definition of equipment is tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than 1 year and a per unit value of $10,000 or more unless the applicant’s definition of equipment is more restrictive.

• Information technology systems. The term “information technology,” defined in 2 CFR Part 200.1 includes, but is not limited to, computers, network, and ancillary equipment, software, firmware, and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

This also includes any equipment, interconnected system(s), or subsystem(s) of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information.

• Outreach materials. Whenever possible, existing publications or audiovisuals, referred to as outreach materials, should be used. A draft of any publications or audiovisuals produced with cooperative agreement funds for public use must be reviewed and approved by APHIS, the Office of the Deputy Administrator, and the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. A determination will be made if the USDA logo may be used and if APHIS’ participation in the project may be acknowledged. Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for review and approval of materials (brochures, pamphlets, flyers, posters, etc.). NOTE: Approval must be obtained prior to printing.

• Personnel. APHIS will allow costs for salaries and wages provided the total compensation to individual employees is reasonable for the work performed, conforms to the established policy of the organization, and is consistently applied to Government and non-government activities.

• Travel. Funds may be requested for field work, training, attendance at meetings and conferences, and other travel costs associated with the proposed work. State agency recipients should follow their State’s written travel policies when calculating travel costs. If there is no written travel policy or if the recipient is not a state agency, Federal per diem rates should be used in the calculation of travel costs.

• Indemnity for Farmed Cervids Only. State agencies may request funds to indemnify CWD-exposed, -positive, or -suspect cervids; such requests must conform with APHIS indemnity requirements and policies.

Project funds must be obligated by the recipient during the performance period identified in the Award Face Sheet. Reimbursement of costs outside of the performance period identified in the Award Face Sheet will not be reimbursed.

Funds may NOT be used for the following:

• Land acquisition

• Compensation for Federal Employees

• Travel of Federal Employees

• Federal subawards (any payment to Federal entities) unless paid from the recipient share https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=36bff1b1599bd122d722fcb83c76da10&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1

• Construction and/or major rehabilitation of buildings

• Bonuses or commissions

• Fundraising

• Meeting, conference, symposia, or workshop honoraria, which is payment to individuals or guests other than for documented professional services

• Vehicle purchases or leases

• Positions funded by other Federal cooperative agreements or grants

• International travel

• Projects or activities associated with APHIS-State-Industry cooperative program activities already funded via USDA APHIS annual cooperative agreements

• Promotional, outreach, or giveaway items such as calendars, rulers, pens, pencils, squishy balls, cups, refreshments, etc.

• Indemnification or purchase of cervids more than $3,000 each or 95% of their appraised value, whichever is less

Nothing in this section prevents an eligible applicant from using funds received to enter into sub-agreements with another eligible applicant, university, or non-profit entity or to reimburse a Tribe, State or local agency for services rendered, such as animal depopulation or testing.

C.5 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

For farmed and wild cervid awards: Under the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA), as amended, (7 USC § 8301 et seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to issue regulations and orders and to carry out operations and measures to prevent, detect, control, and eradicate diseases and pests of livestock and to cooperate with other Federal agencies, States or political subdivisions of States, national governments of foreign countries, local governments of foreign countries, domestic or international organizations, domestic or international associations, Indian Tribes, and other persons to carry out the purposes of the AHPA.

Pursuant to 7 USC § 2279 (g) and, notwithstanding Chapter 63 of Title 31, APHIS is authorized to use cooperative agreements to reflect a relationship with a State or other recipient to carry out programs to protect the nation's animal and plant resources or to carry out educational programs or special studies to improve the safety of the nation's food supply.

For wild cervid awards: Under the Act of March 2, 1931, (46 Stat. 1468-69; 7 USC Parts 8351-8352, as amended), and the Act of December 22, 1987 (Public Law No. 100-202, Part101(k), 101 Stat. 1329-331, 7 USC Part 8353), the Secretary of Agriculture may conduct a program of wildlife services with respect to injurious animal species and take any action the Secretary considers necessary in conducting the program. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture, except for urban rodent control, is authorized to conduct activities to control nuisance mammals and birds and those mammal and bird species that are reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. In carrying out a program of wildlife service’s involving injurious and/or nuisance animal species or involving mammal and bird species that are reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, the Secretary is authorized to cooperate with states, local jurisdictions, individuals, public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions.

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D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

FARMED CERVID:

An eligible applicant may submit multiple proposals for this funding opportunity, requesting up to $250,000 per proposal for activities to control or prevent CWD in farmed cervids. Applicants who wish to submit multiple proposals must submit each proposal as a separate proposal package. An eligible applicant may submit a proposal requesting up to $250,000 for management activities and request additional funds in excess of $250,000 for the indemnification or purchase of CWD-affected farmed cervid herds and/or CWD-exposed animals as part of an overall management plan (including the implementation of proposals based on genetic prediction and live animal testing), provided the application includes documentation supporting the appraisal of the farmed cervids in accordance with 9 CFR Part 55.3 and the owner has agreed to accept either the amount allowed by APHIS or a lower amount proposed by the owner or the state. Multiple proposals from a single eligible applicant may be selected for funding with the applicant receiving a total award greater than $250,000, provided the additional awarded proposal(s) is significantly superior in reviewer scoring when ranked against other proposal packages.

WILD CERVID:

Multiple proposals from a single eligible entity for wild cervids may be selected for funding with the applicant receiving a total award greater than $100,000 for the wild cervid Tribal Nations only opportunity and greater than $250,000 for the wild cervid opportunity, provided the additional awarded proposal(s) is significantly superior in reviewer scoring when ranked against other proposal packages.

All applicants should refer to Appendix 1: CWD Proposal Checklist and Tips for initial steps to take when developing a proposal.

The proposal package must include the following:

□ SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” – Completed when applying to the funding opportunity in ezFedGrants

□ SF-424A, “Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs” that matches the submitted Financial Plan – Completed when applying to the funding opportunity in ezFedGrants

□ Certification Regarding Lobbying (for Federal Assistance greater than $100,000)

□ SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” (for Federal Assistance greater than $100,000 when there are activities to disclose)

□ Waiver or approval response letter from the State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) if the applicant is in a state that is required to comply with Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, if applicable (See Section E.5 for additional information)

□ Copy of the current, signed Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if indirect costs are claimed

□ One of the suggested work plans or an equivalent work plan;

o Farmed Cervid Proposal Work Plan o Farmed Cervid Predictive Genetics Management Proposal Work Plan o Wild Cervid Proposal Work Plan o Tribal Wild Cervid Proposal Work Plan

□ Suggested Financial Plan template (Excel) or equivalent.

□ For research proposals working with the CWD agent (e.g., infectious CWD prions) and/or known positive tissues or other biological samples from known CWD positive animals, copy of a current https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/section-55.3 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/section-55.3 https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/ezfedgrants https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/certification_regarding_lobbying.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_1_2_P-V1.2.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fy26-farmed-cervid-work-plan-template.docx https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fy26-farmed-cervid-predictive-genetics-work-plan-template.docx https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-ws-fy26-wild-cervid-cwd-work-plan.docx https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-ws-fy26-tribal-nations-wild-cervid-cwd-work-plan.docx https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fy26-cwd-financial-plan-template.xlsx

APHIS VS Controlled Materials, Organisms, and Vectors permit for the possession and handling of known CWD positive samples or tissues from known CWD positive animals

□ For research proposals involving live animals in a laboratory setting, documentation of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval

□ Research institutes or universities submitting a study that includes field work with regulated cervids must submit a letter indicating support, cooperation, or no objection from the appropriate cervid regulatory authorities for the state(s) involved, or a herd plan signed by the herd owner, APHIS, and representatives of the appropriate state regulatory authorities that is aligned with the work plan, to be considered for funding

□ Native American Tribal organizations or universities representing Federally recognized Native American Tribal Governments must attach letter(s) indicating intent to participate from the represented Federally recognized Native American Tribal government(s)

□ Letters of collaboration from additional contributors listed in the Work Plan

Please note, ezFedGrants attachments are limited to PDF files only (no digital signature or fillable PDFs) and the total size of ALL attachments cannot exceed 20MB.

Applicants…