FY21-CPPM-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Crop Protection and Pest Management

Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2021 APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2021

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required ANTICIPATED AVAILABLE FUNDING: Approximately $18,100,000

ASSISTANCE LISTING 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, March 15, 2021 [Ref to Table 2 and Table 3 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://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true 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) 2021 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 2021, NIFA will only accept competitive applications for funding in the Applied Research and Development Program area (ARDP) and the Extension Implementation Program area (EIP) of the CPPM program. NIFA will fund current Regional Coordination Program area (RCP) projects through continuation applications.

The anticipated amount available for CPPM grants in FY 2021 is approximately $18.1 million.

Of this amount, approximately $4.0 million will be used to fund ARDP awards, approximately $10 million to fund EIP awards; and approximately $4.1 million to fund current RCP continuation awards. This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2021. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or a full appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

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

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: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information Table 3: Extension Implementation Program Key Information Table 4: EIP Program Area Priorities - EIP applications must address the following:

Table 5: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 6: Help and Resources Table 7: 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) as amended authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The Secretary may award these grants to colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities on a competitive basis for integrated agricultural research, education, and extension projects 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) (see Part III § A for more information).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the CPPM program, Assistance Listing 10.329, is to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The goals and objectives of CPPM are 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 also 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 (National IPM Roadmap). The National IPM Roadmap identifies strategic directions for IPM research, implementation, and measurement for pests in all settings throughout the nation. In FY 2021, 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 https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/OPMP/IPM%20Road%20Map%20FINAL.pdf

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: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program.

In FY 2021, the CPPM program, through ARDP and EIP, 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).

Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed in the Data Management Plan (DMP) in accordance with the Part IV(B) of this RFA.

The CPPM is aligned with the following strategies of the USDA Strategic Plan (FY 2018-2022):

1. Ensure USDA Programs Are Delivered Efficiently, Effectively, With Integrity and a Focus on Customer Service;

2. Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers To Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World;

3. Promote American Agricultural Products and Exports; and

7. Provide All Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food Supply.

The CPPM is aligned with the following themes of the USDA Science Blueprint;

Theme 1 - Sustainable Ag Intensification and Theme 2 - Ag Climate Adaptation.

The CPPM actively supports research projects that promote the USDA Agriculture Innovation Agenda commitments of creating a comprehensive U.S. agriculture innovation strategy to align public and private research efforts and integrating the latest innovative conservation technologies and practices into USDA programs that aim to increase US agricultural production, to build landscape resiliency by investing in active forest management and forest restoration, to reduce food loss and waste, to enhance carbon sequestration through soil health and forestry, to reduce nutrient loss, and to support renewable energy.

CPPM Logic Model: The CPPM programmatic logic model chart (FIGURE 2) 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.

https://nifa.usda.gov/program/crop-protection-and-pest-management-program https://nifa.usda.gov/program/crop-protection-and-pest-management-program https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-blueprint.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/agriculture-innovation-agenda-vision-statement.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/agriculture-innovation-agenda-vision-statement.pdf

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.

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. 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

Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award.

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

C. Program Area Description NIFA is soliciting applications under the following program areas:

1. Applied Research and Development Program

2. Extension Implementation Program

Applied Research and Development Program Table 2: Applied Research and Development 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 March 15, 2021 Grant Duration: 24-36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 15-16 Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $200,000 or $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.

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 Appendix I 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 https://www.ncipmc.org/about/stakeholder-priorities/ https://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/regional-priorities/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ http://westernipm.org/index.cfm/center-grants/priorities/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/

• 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 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) for information on these Hatch Multistate projects. See Regional IPM Centers for contacts and the regional programmatic efforts they coordinate. 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.

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).

Extension Implementation Program Table 3: Extension Implementation Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: EIP

Program Code Name: Extension Implementation Program CFDA Number 10.329

Project Type: N/A Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline March 15, 2021 Grant Duration: Approximately 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: Approximately 53 Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $300,000 per year

Proposed Budget Requests – Budgets must not exceed $300,000 per year and $900,000 per project. This program area is limited to one application per institution per year and each application must include an endorsement letter. For details see: Part IV. §B.2. Proposals Submitted to the Extension Implementation Program Area.

The program will support an extension IPM coordination project at eligible institutions.

Applications submitted to EIP should describe institution-based programs that are extension-led but may include research-demonstration components. Any research activities must be directly related to the extension program. No more than 20 percent of a project’s activities may be research-led.

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

Table 4: EIP Program Area Priorities - EIP applications must address the following:

Primary Priorities Must include at least one. Budgets must adhere to the funding cap.*

Secondary Priorities May be included if appropriate. No single secondary priority may exceed $50,000 per year*.

IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops IPM Conservation Partnerships IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities IPM Implementation in Communities IPM Training and Implementation in

Housing IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators IPM for Pollinator Health • IPM in Public Health

• IPM on Recreational Lands

• IPM Training and Implementation in

Schools

• IPM Partnerships in Wide-Area Pest

Monitoring and Reporting Systems *EIP proposals must adhere to a $300,000 per year funding cap. Proposals may request a total of $300,000 per year (for each year in the three-year award period) to support any combination of up to six primary (must include one primary priority) and secondary program area priorities. The list of priorities above is in alphabetic order by priority keywords and does not represent any prioritization. Each priority will carry equal weight in the ranking of an application during the peer review process. Including more priorities will not positively impact the review ranking of the proposal.

Program Priorities Descriptions

This section provides descriptions of the EIP primary and secondary priorities. Applications may include a maximum of six primary and secondary priorities but may have fewer than six priorities. Applications must describe active IPM programming for at least one primary priority;

additional priorities may be any combination of primary or secondary priorities.

For EIP proposals, the Project Summary/Abstract and the Project Narrative must include the following mandatory information. For each primary and secondary priority in the EIP proposal, list the priority and provide the percentage of the total proposal budget that the primary or secondary priority represents. An example is: IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops (55%), IPM for Pollinator Health (30%), and IPM in Public Health (15%).

Primary Priorities:

1. IPM Implementation in Agronomic Crops. Agronomic crops include grain and oilseed crops such as wheat, corn, cotton, soybean, rice cultivated forages, mixed rangeland forages, and other crops traditionally viewed as agronomic. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the funding request based on the economic significance of the crop and the need for IPM in the crop as defined by statewide agricultural receipts, planted acres, the potential for addressing environmental or health risks, stakeholder input, and/or the importance of the pest in a local cropping system.

2. IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture. Extension training, outreach programs, and materials development to increase adoption of IPM practices in livestock production and other areas of animal agriculture is included in this priority. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the scope and significance of the industry and opportunities for adoption of IPM.

3. IPM in Communities. This priority includes extension training programs and materials development and delivery to increase adoption of IPM practices by private citizens in the home landscape, lawn care companies, garden centers, urban foresters, and similar practitioners. [Note: Programming for commercial nursery and greenhouse production should be included in the priority listed below, “IPM Implementation for Specialty Crops”. Home horticulture is included in the IPM in Communities priority.] NIFA strongly encourages significant linkages with state and/or county Extension Master Gardener programs for this priority. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the funding request based on the local risk from the pests described in the proposal, the level of service provided to the public, and the economic significance of the pest to consumer horticulture.

4. IPM Implementation in Specialty Crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural and nursery crops (including floriculture). Input costs, intensiveness of labor or production, or return on investment are typically greater for specialty crops than for agronomic crops. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the funding request based on the economic significance of the crop and the need for IPM in the crop as defined by statewide receipts, planted acres, the potential for addressing environmental or health risks, stakeholder input, and/or the importance of the pest in a local cropping system.

5. IPM for Pollinator Health. This priority includes extension projects that support Pollinator Health. Projects could include:

a. Implementation of outreach and extension strategies to reduce declines of pollinators in agroecosystems and/or surrounding landscapes caused by one or more factors such as habitat changes or loss, nutritional imbalances, pathogens, pests, pesticides, toxins, genetic factors, or management practices;

b. Implementation of successful habitat restoration systems that maximize conservation of pollinators and integrate with management of other components of agricultural systems, including, but not limited to, invasive plants and other pests and diseases;

c. Implementation of improved best management practices for protection and conservation of pollinators and coordination with pest management practitioners using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework to ensure that pests and diseases are effectively managed; or

d. If an educational component is included, projects may incorporate curriculum development, novel experiential learning opportunities, online educational resources, citizen science, apps and/or educational games.

For these projects, partnerships between public and private entities are encouraged, such as universities, government agencies (e.g., USDA’s APHIS, ARS, FS, FSA, NRCS;

USEPA; USGS; and/or State programs), beekeepers, crop producers, farm advisors, IPM practitioners, land managers, private industries, or non-profit organizations. The specific contribution(s) of these entities to the project (e.g., outreach coordination, leveraging additional funds and other resources, sharing data and information, and/or citizen engagement) must be specified in the application.

Secondary Priorities:

Secondary priorities may complement primary priorities but are more focused priorities and typically have a narrower scope. Secondary priorities are not required in EIP applications.

1. IPM Conservation Partnerships. This priority includes coordination with local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) districts or state conservationists to implement the NRCS 595 standard for IPM. The 595 standard for IPM practice is applied as part of a conservation system to mitigate the negative impacts on soil, water, air, plant, and animal and/or human resources and to protect and enhance quantity and quality of agricultural outputs. Applicants must show evidence of collaboration with their NRCS state conservationist or local conservation districts. The project budget must reflect the level of collaboration. You must provide justification for the size of the request based on the significance of the issue and the potential of successful coordination with NRCS and local conservation districts. You can find further explanation in Agronomy Technical Note No. 5 (Pest Management in the Conservation Planning Process) as summarized in the documents: NRCS Conservation Practice Standard-Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (Acre) Code 595 and NRCS Conservation Practice Standard-Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (Ac.) Code 595-1; and NRCS Conservation Practice Standard-Pest Management Conservation System Code 595.

2. IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities. Accurate identification of the pest or problem is fundamental to IPM strategies. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the defined need and existing support for diagnostic facilities.

3. IPM Training and Implementation in Housing. This priority includes extension training programs, and materials development and delivery, to increase adoption of IPM practices in housing and to address resident exposure to pest-related allergens and pesticide residues. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the number of housing units to be served and the need for IPM in the facilities. Applications may target public housing, housing on tribal lands, or other types of housing, particularly when addressing underserved audiences in collaboration with county social services or other entities that make housing affordable and accessible (e.g., Habitat for Humanity).

4. IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators. IPM principles may be an integral part of many pesticide applicator-training activities. This training often takes place as part of topic-specific training for certification/recertification category credits. However, general IPM principles are also incorporated into core credit education delivered to all types of applicators. You must provide a justification for the size of the funding request based on the training outputs to be achieved and their corresponding outcomes. NIFA will give priority to educational activities with the highest likelihood of achieving positive and measurable impacts toward the goals articulated in the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA expects proposals that address this priority to include information necessary to demonstrate strong linkages with the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) or other existing applicator education programs. However, only activities specifically providing http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1044467.pdf http://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/WI/595.pdf http://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/references/public/WI/595.pdf http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1044470.pdf http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1044470.pdf https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiMj9iXhuzrAhWKknIEHYKWADQQFjABegQIChAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fwps%2FPA_NRCSConsumption%2Fdownload%3Fcid%3Dnrcs143_025930%26ext%3Dpdf&usg=AOvVaw2FIFoPwhzNKe5TidsOBffx https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiMj9iXhuzrAhWKknIEHYKWADQQFjABegQIChAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nrcs.usda.gov%2Fwps%2FPA_NRCSConsumption%2Fdownload%3Fcid%3Dnrcs143_025930%26ext%3Dpdf&usg=AOvVaw2FIFoPwhzNKe5TidsOBffx

IPM education for pesticide applicators are eligible for funding; proposals that provide general support for related extension programs will not be considered for funding.

5. IPM in Public Health. This priority supports extension training programs (including material development) to increase adoption of IPM practices for management of ticks and lice, mosquitoes, and similar pests of humans, particularly those that may vector disease.

Applicants must provide a justification for the size of the request based on the local risk from the described pests. Because risks from pests of humans may be highly regional, evidence of incidence of disease or frequency of pest incidence in a locale are valid justifications for importance of a local pest problem. Partnerships may involve entities outside the university community such as city or county public health services, federal service agencies, and non-governmental entities. However, these IPM partners may not originate a proposal. Indoor pests, such as bedbugs, may also be addressed under two other secondary priorities: “IPM Training and Implementation in Housing” and/or “IPM Training and Implementation in Schools.”

6. IPM on Recreational Lands. This priority supports extension training programs (including material development) to increase adoption of IPM practices in parks, athletic facilities, golf courses, natural areas, parklands, and other recreational areas. For this priority, applications should identify partnerships that would be formed with federal and state agencies that manage public lands.

7. IPM Training and Implementation in Schools. This priority includes extension training, outreach programs, and materials development to increase adoption of IPM practices in schools to address childhood exposure to pest related allergens and pesticide residues in the PreK-12 school environment. Additional activities may include development and/or delivery of Extension IPM education programs. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the number of school districts to be served, the need for IPM in the educational environment, or a demonstrated need for IPM in the district served.

8. IPM Partnerships in Wide-Area Pest Monitoring and Reporting Systems. This priority includes participation in pest monitoring when it is associated with wide-area tracking, such as through the Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE).

Tracking and monitoring efforts require implementation of standardized national protocols for area-wide efforts involving ipmPIPE. Preparation of training and Extension education materials within those systems may be a component of this emphasis area. The ipmPIPE provides a delivery model for the development of tools to increase usefulness, improve data retrieval and interpretation, and maintain databases and other information resources needed for pest management decision-making. Detailed information about ipmPIPE can be found at www.ipmpipe.org. Similar systems are also eligible as long as the proposal includes data sharing with producers and decision-makers to improve their pest management decisions based on IPM principles and enhanced knowledge of pest distributions. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on costs to conduct the proposed activities associated with the monitoring of the program and how the funds will complement funding from other sources.

http://www.ipmpipe.org/

Successful EIP applications will:

1.Include an administrative coordination plan for project activities and a description of project activities with expected outcomes for the primary and secondary…