CIG FY23 NFO Appendices A-E.pdf

APPENDIX A

APPLICATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain the documents in a-e below.

a. Application Form - Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance

b. Project Narrative – (17 pages maximum)

i. Cover Page (1 page maximum) Applications that fail to provide a cover page will be rejected in the first stage of screening.

On a single page, provide the following information:

The applicant entity name.

The project title.

The project duration in years.

The amount of Federal funding requested.

The amount of non-Federal cost-share committed.

The name, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s technical contact (usually project director), this is considered the primary contact for the project by NRCS.

The name, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s administrative contact

(usually an individual in a grants office or project manager working under a project director).

The geographic location of the project.

The state priority that is addressed by the project. List only one priority from Section A. 4.

An estimated number of participating producers expected to be involved with the project.

Include a declaration if the project is competing for the historically underserved set aside.

A brief description (1–3 sentences) of the innovative conservation approach or approaches that is the focus of the project—please be concise!

List any NRCS practice standards that this project could potentially inform (if multiple exist, select the top five), if relevant.

ii. Project Abstract (1 page maximum):

iii. Project background

iv. Project goal/objectives

v. Project design and methods

vi. Project evaluation

vii. Technology transfer

viii. Project outcomes and benefits

ix. Project deliverables/products:

x. Geographic location and size of project or project area:

xi. EQIP-eligible producer participation

xii. Project action plan and timeline

xiii. Project management

xiv. Graphics

xv. References, bibliographies, and citations

The following documents do not count toward the above stated page limit:

c. Team Qualifications

d. Assessment of Environmental Impacts.

e. Declaration of previous CIG projects involvement and past performance.

f. Declaration of Historically Underserved and veteran farmers or ranchers.

g. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

h. Budget Narrative

i. Grants.gov Lobbying Form

j. Statement of Current and Pending Support.

k. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

l. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable

m. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

n. Post Award Documentation: N/A

o. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Budget Narrative Guidance

All costs must comply with the cost principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

All costs (both Federal and any required non-Federal cost-sharing/match) that are part of an award must be:

• allowable (2 CFR 200.403),

• allocable to the agreement (2 CFR 200.405), and

• reasonable in amount (2 CFR 200.404).

A thorough budget narrative will aid the administrative review and processing of a recommended award. Amounts included in a budget and budget narrative are estimates; in the event of an award, payments will be based on actual expenditures. The following is guidance for your use in preparing a thorough budget narrative. The guidance follows the order of the budget items.

COST-SHARING/MATCHING: If required, you must provide the information below for the Federal portion of costs and separately provide the information below with the same level of detail for the cost-sharing/matching portion, as applicable, as part of the budget narrative.

PERSONNEL – Only include employees of applicant organization

This category includes salaries and wages of personnel of the applicant organization (i.e., employees) that will be working directly on the project. For each individual, identify their role and describe their contributions to the project. Also include their annual salary, percent of effort, and the period of time they will contribute to the project along with the associated funds requested for support. The following format is an appropriate way to provide the information.

Mr. Jones – Project Director. Accountable for assuring that all project activities are carried out in a timely, cost-efficient and responsible manner. He will provide oversight of daily activities and lead and direct the project toward accomplishment of the objectives of the project. He is responsible for the submission of the required reports.

Salary % effort Project Duration Funds Requested

$50,000 25% 12 months $12,500

APPENDIX B: Budget Narrative Guidance https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39bc1a531d5bd774fd8fa45cd24b58d4&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39bc1a531d5bd774fd8fa45cd24b58d4&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1403&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39bc1a531d5bd774fd8fa45cd24b58d4&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1405&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39bc1a531d5bd774fd8fa45cd24b58d4&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1404&rgn=div8

FRINGE BENEFITS – Only related to salaries identified under Personnel Fringe benefits include, but are not limited to, the costs of leave (e.g., vacation, family-related, sick or military), employee insurance, pensions, and unemployment benefit plans.

Also, see 2 CFR 200.431, Compensation-Fringe Benefits. Provide information about how fringe benefits are determined along with the amount requested.

For instance: Amt. Requested Fringe benefits - 25% of salaries and wages ($12,500 @ 25%). $3,125

TRAVEL

Refer to your organization's travel policy for guidance on how to arrange travel. If your organization lacks a policy, it is expected that you follow the U.S. federal government policy, see http://www.gsa.gov/federaltravelregulation.

For the budget narrative, identify the total funds requested for travel. Provide as much detail as possible including purpose, destination, dates of travel, and number of individuals for each trip. If the dates of travel are not known, specify estimated length of trip. Identify what will be followed (e.g., organizational travel policies or government per diem rates).

The following are a few examples of how to provide the information.

• 2 people - travel to Washington D.C. once per year for a two-day meeting [identify purpose of meeting].

Airfare $800 x 2 for airfare = $1,600 Airport parking = $64 Hotel for 3 nights x 2 @ $200 = $1,200 Meals for 2 days x 2 = $24;

Rental car for 3 days @ $110/day = $330

Total for trip: $3,439

• Local travel for project manager is calculated at .50 per mile throughout primary service area x 326 miles/month x 12 months = $1,956.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment is defined as an item of property that has an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more (unless the organization has established lower levels) and an expected service life of more than one year. List each item of equipment along with the applicable cost. Include justification of its need in accomplishing the goals of the project.

Example: To complete objectives #1 and #2, Refrigerated Trailer is required. XYZ Refrigerated Trailer, Model #123, at $5,555

These costs should only include the costs to purchase new equipment. The cost of renting or leasing equipment is not to be included in this category but instead, include under the Contractual category. If equipment is costly, include a lease vs purchase comparison in the budget narrative in support of route chosen.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4691d758809e1f3c4f6e5b5b9803b4bb&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1431&rgn=div8 http://www.gsa.gov/federaltravelregulation

SUPPLIES

Supplies is defined in 2 CFR 200.1 as all tangible personal property other than those described in 2 CFR 200.1 Equipment. A computing device is a supply if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. Suggest also viewing 2 CFR 200.453, Materials and Supplies Costs, Including Costs of Computing Devices, regarding the allowability of costs.

Indicate general categories of expendable supplies including an amount for each category.

Caution: If a category is viewed as too general or the associated amount is too high, further itemization may be requested. Therefore, use good judgement in determining the level of detail to provide.

Example: General office supplies $50/mo. x 12 mo. = $600 Postage $37/mo. x 8 mo. = $296 Laptop Computer 1 x $900 = $900 Printer 1 x $300 = $300 Projector 1 x $900 = $900 Copies 8000 copies x .10/copy = $800

CONTRACTUAL

This category includes consultants, subcontracts, etc.

Consultants -- List the total costs for all consultant services. Identify each consultant, the services he/she will perform, total number of days, rate of pay, travel costs, per diem, and total estimated costs.

Contract -- A contract is defined in 2 CFR 200.1 as a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. The term as used in this part does not include a legal instrument, even if the non-Federal entity considers it a contract, when the substance of the transaction meets the definition of a Federal award or subaward (see §200.1 Subaward).

Explain the need for each agreement and how their use will support the purpose and goals of the project. For each contract, describe the associated activities, scope of work or services to be provided and how the costs were estimated. If budgeting for a procurement action, document if a solicitation process has occurred or if the contract will be a sole source.

Example:

• ABC Company: Training $250/individual x 3 staff 5 days = $ 750

• Amy White to provide Technical Assistant Services 1FTE @ $25,000 + 20% Fringe Benefits of $5,000 = $30,000 Travel at 2,000 miles @ .50 per mile = $ 1,000 Training course $ 175 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=34010196572af1e6ce8429f243fd3d43&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_194&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5db80dc307a78a8e44f657125dd325f4&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_133&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bcf6fb8ef1ee76bb06dceac860fe91ed&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1453&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=50e2bdc103cb882990cfcd6add27f7ff&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_122&rgn=div8

Supplies @ $42.50 x 12 months = $ 510 Telephone @ $40 x 12 months = $ 480

$32,165

• John Doe, Consultant $40 per hour x 220 hours for 12 month period = $ 8,800

• To Be Announced Outreach Coordinator Annual salary $30,000 x 10% level of effort/12 months = $ 3,000

CONSTRUCTION

Construction efforts are to be included under this category with the same level of detail as described under the “Other” category below.

OTHER

Costs not fitting under one of the other categories are to be included under this category. The level of detail is to be commensurate with other categories. Subawards should be included in this category. Per 2 CFR 200.1, a subaward is an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract.

Example: Outreach Workshop Rental of facilities ($750/2 days) $1,500 Information technology services $ 400 Training packets (approx. 125/$40 each) $5,000 Total $6,900

Note: Percentage for contingencies is not an allowable cost.

INDIRECT

2 CFR 200.1 defines Indirect (F&A) costs as those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

To facilitate equitable distribution of indirect expenses to the cost objectives served, it may be necessary to establish a number of pools of indirect (F&A) costs. Indirect (F&A) cost pools must be distributed to benefitted cost objectives on bases that will produce an equitable result in consideration of relative benefits derived.

This cost category guidance includes several components:

• Calculation (This is to be included as part of the budget narrative)

• Indirect Cost Rates o Negotiated Rate o 10% De Minimis Rate

• Limitation (i.e., indirect cost cap) https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c9c82ef77b488a0a0e3292999031451f&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_192&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=282925b80aa7dc41fd20d0655b847768&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_156

• Unrecovered Indirect Costs for Cost-sharing/Match

• Voluntarily Reduce/Waive

Calculation.

If indirect costs are requested as part of the proposed budget, you must provide details used in determining the indirect costs requested. For instance, provide the calculation specifying the amounts used in applying the base (the base specified in the applicable rate agreement) by the applicable rate (see indirect cost rate info below as well as Limitation section). The calculation can be displayed in different formats but must capture the components (i.e., amounts used in applying the base and the applicable rate).

EXAMPLE 1: For purposes of this example, the recipient uses the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate (10% of Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)). MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward. MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000.

Budget Indirect Eligible Amounts Salaries and wages $50,000 $50,000 Materials and supplies 3,000 3,000 Equipment 5,500 -0- Subaward 30,000 25,000

$78,000 x 10% = $7,800 Indirect Costs

EXAMPLE 2: For purposes of this example, the recipient has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) of 20% with a base of salaries and fringe benefits.

Budget Indirect Eligible Amounts Salaries and wages $50,000 $50,000 Fringe Benefits 10,000 10,000 Materials and supplies 3,000 -0- Equipment 5,500 -0- Subaward 30,000 -0- $60,000 x 20% = $12,000 Indirect Costs

Indirect costs may only be recovered if the non-Federal entity has one of the following indirect cost rates.

1. Negotiated Rate: If the organization has a current NICRA established with the cognizant

Federal agency (the agency that provides the most funds to the organization), then provide a copy of the NICRA; expired rates are not acceptable. If unable to obtain a current negotiated rate from the cognizant agency, you are permitted to opt to use the 10% de minimis cost rate (you may only be reimbursed for allowable direct cost).

Violation of cost accounting principles is not permitted when re-budgeting or charging costs to awards. Rather, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs. Along with a copy of the NICRA, include the rate and base as part of the budget narrative.

Example: Rate 24.87% of MTDC - 24.87% applied to the following items: $97,300 of Personnel, $23,352 of Fringe, $110,000 of other, and the first $25,000 of three (3) subawards = $76,015.65 indirect costs

2. 10% De Minimis Cost Rate: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(f), any non-Federal entities, unless excepted, may elect to forgo calculation of an indirect cost rate and request a 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The 10% de minimis rate is applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC). For this purpose, MTDC means total direct costs related to the award, such as direct labor, fringe benefits, materials and supplies, publications, consultant services and travel costs. MTDC excludes the following costs: equipment, capital expenditures, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Violation of cost accounting principles is not permitted when charging costs to awards. Rather, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs.

If the 10% de minimis option is chosen, it must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time you choose to negotiate for a rate, which you may apply to do at any time. If the organization previously opted for the de minimis rate, a copy of the rate agreement must be provided. If the organization is currently electing the de minimis rate, use an indirect cost rate of no more than 10% of MTDC when preparing the budget. If selected for award, a de minimis rate agreement will be executed along with the award, as appropriate.

Example: Rate 10% of MTDC – 10% applied to the following items: $45,000 of

Personnel, $10,800 of Fringe, and $59,000 of Other = $11,480 indirect costs

Limitation: Some programs may not allow the recovery of indirect costs. In such instances, the limitation flows down to subcontractors. Refer to the applicable notice of funding opportunity to determine if indirect costs are unallowable.

USDA appropriation acts limit indirect costs to 10 percent for cooperative and contribution agreements with nonprofit entities; for purposes of this limitation “nonprofit entities” includes institutions of higher education. For agreements subject to this limitation first apply the 10 percent indirect cost rate to the agreement’s total direct costs; this is shown on line 6.i of the SF424A. Then calculate indirect costs using the rate and the direct cost application base specified in the recipient’s NICRA. Use whichever rate results in the lower amount.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=90672c90e9190fbec7e56224e71641aa&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1414

If the organization has a NICRA, both the NICRA calculation and the 10% TDC must be completed in order to determine the lesser (i.e., maximum allowed indirect costs) for the applicable project.

Calculation instructions: First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10% by TDC to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the maximum amount of allowable indirect cost, therefore include this amount on the budget.

Unrecovered Indirect Costs for Cost-sharing/Match: 2 CFR 200.306(c) provides, “Unrecovered indirect costs, including indirect costs on cost sharing or matching may be included as part of cost sharing or matching only with the prior approval of the Federal awarding agency. Unrecovered indirect cost means the difference between the amount charged to the Federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award under the non-Federal entity's approved negotiated indirect cost rate.”

Voluntarily Reduce/Waive: A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency. If organizations waive indirect cost recovery and request only direct costs, the organization is required to include in the award budget only those types of costs consistently treated as direct costs by the organization.

SAMPLE BUDGET NARRATIVE

NAME OF AWARDEE

Project Title

PROJECT TOTAL: $XXX

Federal Portion: $XXX Non-Federal Contribution: $XXX

A. FEDERAL BUDGET:

1. Personnel

Tom Smith, Project Director, full time, 70% paid by Federal Funds, will advise the project team, assist with demonstration plot establishment, data collection and analysis, and participate in project field days.

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $5,000 Year 3: $10,000 Mary Johnson, research technician, 20% time (6 calendar months) for 3 years, 67% paid by Federal funds. Establish the field and demonstration plots, function as the project manager, coordinate sub-award work, draft reports and publications, and participate in all project field days.

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $5,000 Year 3: $10,000

2. Fringe benefits

67% fringe benefits paid by Federal funds. Fringe benefits rates are 35% for faculty and permanent staff.

Total Fringe Benefits:

Year 1: $1,500 Year 2: $1,500 Year 3: $3,000

3. Travel

Funds are requested to support travel for plot preparation and data collection trips, and travel to four field days within the States of New York and Pennsylvania. Estimated 5,000 miles per year at a rate of $0.60/mi.

Year 1: $3,000 Year 2: $3,000 Year 3: $3,000 Funds are requested for overnight hotel stays at demonstration plot locations at the State hotel rate of $90 per night, 4 times per year ($360/yr).

Year 1: $360 Year 2: $360 Year 3: $360 Funds are requested in the second and third year for three individual trips each year to scientific conferences based on the following estimates: Lodging - 3 nights × $150 per night ($450); Per-diem $50/day × 4 days ($200); Transportation: Airline travel to conference location - $400/flight + ground transportation - $50 + parking at airport - $30 ($480).

Year 2: $3390 Year 3: $3390

Total Travel:

Year 1: $3,360 Year 2: $6,750 Year 3: $6,750

4. Equipment – none

5. Supplies

Field and lab supplies: Funds are requested for the purchase of soil temperature and moisture probes and data logging systems ($2,000). Funds are also requested to purchase weed suppression technologies, seeds, and irrigation supplies for field plots ($6,000). Funds are also requested for various lab supplies and sampling equipment ($3,000).

Total Supplies:

Year 1: $4,000 Year 2: $4,000 Year 3: $3,000

6. Contractual

Two separate contractors:

Contract with Amazing Graphics and Marketing ($5,000)

Marketing team will use innovative digital marketing tools to reach producers and help gain interest. Team will develop graphics and video production to support program recruitment and teaching tools.

Contract with Innovative Technology ($16,000) Contractor will help develop online tools to assist producers with conservation practices.

Total Contractual:

Year 1: $7,000 Year 2: $7,000 Year 3: $7,000

7. Construction - None requested

8. Other

Sample Testing & Analysis: Basic nutrient testing and soil health testing will be done annually for all plots. Roughly 20 samples a year at $250/sample ($5,000/year).

Publication Costs: Funds are requested for the development and publication of various materials including extension publications, costs associated with peer reviewed journals, in addition to costs associated with copies of brochures made in house. ($1,000/year)

Total Other Costs:

Year 1: $6,000 Year 2: $6,000 Year 3: $6,000

9. Indirect Costs – Note if NICRA negotiated or if it is the 10% De Minimis rate

Attached to this proposal is a NICRA negotiated rate agreement for 15%.

Total Indirect Costs:

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $5,000 Year 3: $8,000

B. NON-FEDERAL BUDGET:

1. Personnel

Tom Smith, Project Director, full time, 30% paid by non-Federal funds, will advise the project team, assist with demonstration plot establishment, data collection and analysis, and participate in project field days.

Year 1: $3,000 Year 2: $3,000 Year 3: $3,000

Mary Johnson, research technician, 20% time (2.5 calendar months) for 3 years, 33% paid by non-Federal funds. Establish the field and demonstration plots, function as the project manager, coordinating sub-award work, drafting reports and publications, and participating in all project field days.

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $5,000 Year 3: $5,000

Total Personnel:

Year 1: $8,000 Year 2: $8,000 Year 3: $8,000

2. Fringe benefits

33% fringe benefits paid by non-Federal funds. Fringe benefits rates are as follows: 35% for faculty and permanent staff.

Total Fringe Benefits:

Year 1: $1,000 Year 2: $1,000 Year 3: $1,000

3. Equipment

Field equipment rental. This is match donated by the partner community groups (see in-kind letter). Will provide all farming equipment (tools, planters, harvesters) for on-farm demonstrations.

Year 1: $2,000 Year 2: $500 Year 3: $500

Total Equipment:

Year 1: $2,000 Year 2: $500 Year 3: $500

4. Supplies - none

5. Contractual

Contract with Super Non-Profits ($61,000) Personnel:

Elizabeth Smith will oversee the outreach to farmers. She will devote 20% of her time all 3 years of the project. 100% of her time will be non-Federal. She will oversee all elements of this part of the project, including contacting and recruiting farmers, organizing outreach events such as field days, and on-farm assistance.

Temporary half-time admin support to help support program facilitation.

Other:

Workshop rental space will be donated by contactor, with an estimated value of $100 per day.

Year 1: $18,000 Year 2: $20,000 Year 3: $23,000.

Soil Conservation District The local soil and water conservation district will support the project by helping to build partner relationships with local producers.

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $5,000 Year 3: $5,000

Total Contractual:

Year 1: $23,000 Year 2: $25,000 Year 3: $28,000

6. Construction - None requested

7. Other Costs:

General services (web development, printing, accounting, administrative, and project management) $5,000.

Land rental – demonstration plots on farmer land will have a rental cost of $50/acre/year totaling $1,500 annually.

Legal Fees: Community support groups will pay all legal fees regarding the research of any legal implications on the project. $4,000.

Total Other:

Year 1: $6,000 Year 2: $1,500 Year 3: $1,500

8. Indirect Costs – Note if NICRA negotiated or if it is the 10% De Minimis rate

15% NICRA indirect rate applied, see NICRA agreement

Total Indirect Costs:

Year 1: $5,000 Year 2: $8,000 Year 3: $8,000

Sample Budget Table Including a budget table can help us quickly understand your project spending. Please ensure that if you include a budget table, individual line items and amounts exactly match the information and dollar amounts provided in your narrative. A budget table is supplementary to your budget narrative. Please ensure all items included are well-supported by your narrative.

FEDERAL BUDGET

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Personnel $10,000 $10,000 $20,000 $40,000

Joe Smith $5,000 $5,000 $10,000 $20,000 Willette Rogers $5,000 $5,000 $10,000 $20,000

Fringe $1,500 $1,500 $3,000 $6,000 Joe Smith Fringe $1,000 $1,000 $2,000 $4,000 Willette Rogers Fringe $500 $500 $1,000 $2,000

Travel $3,360 $3,360 $6,750 $16,860 Plot prep and data collection $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $9,000 Demo plot overnight trips $360 $360 $360 $1,080

Supplies $4,000 $4,000 $3,000 $11,000

40 bales of straw $3,000 $3,000 $2,000 $8,000 2 soil moisture sensors $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $3,000

Contractual $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $21,000 Acme Consulting, LLC $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $21,000

Other $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $18,000 Testing and analysis $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000 Publication and copying $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $5,000

Indirect $5,000 $5,000 $8,000 $18,000 See NICRA (X%) $5,000 $5,000 $8,000 $18,000

TOTAL $36,860 $36,860 $53,750 $129,470

NON‐FEDERAL BUDGET

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Total Personnel $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $24,000

Name of team member $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $9,000 Name of team member $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000

Fringe $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $3,000 Faculty $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $3,000

Contractual $23,000 $25,000 $28,000 $76,000 Contractor Name $18,000 $20,000 $23,000 $61,000 Contractor Name $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000

Equipment $2,000 $500 $500 $3,000 Equipment Rental $2,000 $500 $500 $500

Other $6,000 $1,500 $1,500 $9,000 General services $500 0 0 $500 Land rental $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $4,500 Legal Fees $4,000 0 0 $4,000

Indirect $5,000 $5,000 $8,000 $18,000 See NICRA (X%) $5,000 $8,000 $8,000 $18,000

TOTAL $45,000 $41,000 $47,000 $133,000

APPENDIX C

Sample Pledge Agreement

Applicant Cash/In-kind Contribution Commitment

1) Donor Organization: Name Address City, State, Zip code

2) Applicant Organization: Name of applicant

3) Project Title: Name of project title

4) Description of cash contribution: Add clear statement the organization is committing, such as: “The X Trust is committing $182,000 in cash and in-kind support to this project from general fundraising support (corporate giving, foundations, fundraising events, etc.).

Funds will be used to support the five farmers to attend state meetings and also contractor work to support website development and app development.” The funding breaks down into the following budget line items:

• Travel: $2,000 - in-kind

• Contractual : $180,000 – cash”

5) Pledge Statement: The [add name of organization] pledges to make this contribution over the USDA NRCS 2022 Conservation Innovation Grants funding period as cash/in-kind match to USDA NRCS CIG grant funds awarded to [name of applicant] for Innovative Conservation project, [project title].

Signature of Donor Organization Authorized Representative:

Signature of Applicant Organization Authorized Representative:

SF424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and SF424A (Budget Information) Instructions For Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Agencies:

Business Center, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency

APPENDIX D: Instructions for Completing SF424 and SF424A

Contents

1. SF-424 PREPARATION

2. SF-424A PREPARATION

ATTACHMENT 1: SF424A SAMPLE

If applying to an opportunity on Grants.gov, complete the forms in the opportunity package. For all other applications, use the forms available on Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf‐424‐family.html

FBAC‐BC GRANTS AND AGREEEMENTS WEBSITE

https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants‐and‐agreements/apply‐to‐a‐funding‐opportunity/index.html

1. SF‐424 PREPARATION

Instructions for new agreement applications only. Separate instructions apply to amendments.

Applicants must review these instructions to ensure that the form is completed correctly. This will reduce the likelihood that the form will need to be returned for correction and potentially delay execution of any resultant agreement.

Columns one and two below correlate to the blocks on the Form SF‐425. Column 3 includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Standard Form instructions, and the final column includes FPAC Agency specific guidance to be used to complete the form.

Block Field Name SF‐424 Instructions (V4.0) FPAC Agency Guidance 1 Type of Submission Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

• Pre‐application

• Application

• Changed/Corrected Application ‐ Check if this submission is to change or correct a previously submitted application. Unless requested by the agency, applicants may not use this form to submit changes after the closing date.

Required.

Select “Application” if this is the first application submitted. If updating an application recently submitted, choose Changed/Corrected Application.

2 Type of Application Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

Applicants should generally select “New”. If, however, the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) allows the

• New ‐ An application that is being submitted to an agency for the first time.

• Continuation ‐ An extension for an additional funding/budget period for a project with a projected completion date.

This can include renewals.

• Revision ‐ Any change in the federal government's financial obligation or contingent liability from an existing obligation. If a revision, enter the appropriate letter(s). More than one may be selected.

A: Increase Award B: Decrease Award C: Increase Duration D: Decrease Duration E: Other (specify) AC: Increase Award, Increase Duration AD: Increase Award, Decrease Duration BC: Decrease Award, Increase Duration BD: Decrease Award, Decrease Duration

Required.

submission of renewals or supplements (see section B of the NFO) and the application meets the NFO description of one of these categories, then choose “Continuation or Revision” and the appropriate letter(s).

3 Date Received Enter date if form is submitted through other means as instructed by the Federal agency. The date received is completed electronically if submitted via Grants.gov.

Required.

Not completed by applicant. This is a required field and will be populated automatically by Grants.gov.

4 Applicant Identifier Enter the entity identifier assigned by the Federal agency, if any, or the applicant’s control number if applicable.

Optional.

Optional/not required.

5a Federal Entity Identifier Enter the number assigned to your organization by the federal agency, if any.

Optional.

Leave blank.

5b Federal Award Identifier For new applications, leave blank. For a continuation or revision to an existing award, enter the previously assigned federal award identifier number. If a changed/corrected application, enter the federal identifier in accordance with agency instructions.

Leave blank if you are submitting a new application (item 2). If submitting another type (e.g., renewal or supplement), enter the assigned Award Identifying Number (block 1 on the Notice of Grant and Agreement Award). If submitting a changed/corrected application in Grants.gov, include the Grants.gov tracking number for previously submitted

Optional. application.

6 Date Received by State Leave this field blank. This date will be assigned by the state, if applicable.

Optional.

Leave blank.

7 State Application Identifier Leave this field blank. This identifier will be assigned by the state, if applicable.

Optional.

Leave blank.

8a Applicant Legal Name Enter the legal name of the applicant that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the organization that has registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). Information on registering with SAM may be obtained by visiting SAM.gov.

Required.

This name must be consistent with the name as registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). If the name in SAM is not correct, update it accordingly. If you are applying as an individual, use your legal name as in the Social Security system.

8b Applicant Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number

(EIN/TIN)

Enter the employer or taxpayer identification number (EIN or TIN) as assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. If your organization is not in the US, enter 44‐4444444.

Required.

This number must be consistent with the number in the applicant’s SAM registration. If you are applying as an individual, use your Social Security number.

8c Unique Entity Identifier

(UEI)

Enter the organization’s UEI received from SAM.

The UEI is a unique 12‐character organization identifier. Information on registering with System for Award Management (SAM.gov) may be obtained by visiting the Grants.gov website.

Required.

As of April 2022, the SAM‐assigned UEI replaces the DUNS. If you are applying as an individual, this field must be

00000000INDV.

8d Applicant Address Enter address: Street 1 (required); City (required); County/Parish, State (required if country is US); Province; Country (required); 9‐ digit ZIP/Postal Code (required if country is US). If +4 does not exist for the address, enter “0000”.

Required.

This address must be consistent with the address in the applicant’s SAM registration.

8e Applicant Organizational Unit

Enter the name of the primary organizational unit, department, or division that will undertake the assistance activity.

Optional.

Not required.

8f Applicant Contact Information

Enter the first and last name (required), prefix, middle name, suffix, and title. Enter organizational affiliation if affiliated with an organization other than that in 7.a. Telephone

This does not necessarily need to be the person with authority to sign the application. It is a point of contact for agency staff to contact regarding the application.

number and email (required); fax number.

Required.

9 Type of Applicant 1 Select a minimum of one applicant type or select up to three applicant types in accordance with agency instructions. If “Other” is selected, then specify Other Type of Applicant in text box.

A. State Government B. County Government C. City or Township Government D. Special District Government E. Regional Organization F. U.S. Territory or Possession G. Independent School District H. Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education I. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized) J. Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized) K. Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization L. Public/Indian Housing M. Nonprofit N. Private Institution of Higher Education O. Individual P. For‐Profit Organization (Other than Small Business) Q. Small Business R. Hispanic‐serving Institution S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) T. Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions V. Non‐US Entity W. Other (specify)

Required.

The selection must be consistent with the entity type listed in the applicant’s SAM registration.

10 Name of Federal Agency Enter the name of the federal agency from which assistance is being requested with this application. This information is pre‐populated if submitting through Grants.gov.

Required.

Enter the applicable agency if not automatically populated:

FSA‐Farm Service Agency RMA‐Risk Management Agency NRCS‐Natural Resource Conservation Service FBC‐Farm Production and Conservation Business

Center

11 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number/Federal Assistance Listing and Title a.k.a. Federal Assistance Listing

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number and title of the program under which assistance is requested, as found in the program announcement, if applicable. This information is pre‐populated if using Grants.gov.

Required.

If not automatically populated, leave blank.

12 Funding Opportunity Number and Title

Enter the Funding Opportunity Number and title of the opportunity under which assistance is requested as found in the program announcement. This information is pre‐ populated if using Grants.gov.

Required.

If not automatically populated, enter the opportunity number and title. If unknown leave blank.

13 Competition Identification Number and Title

Enter the competition identification number and title of the competition under which assistance is requested, if applicable. These fields are pre‐ populated by Grants.gov if provided by the federal agency.

Optional.

Leave blank.

14 Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.)

This data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different from the place(s) of performance reported on the SF‐424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form. Add attachment to enter additional areas, if needed.

Optional.

Leave blank.

15 Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project

Enter a brief descriptive title of the project.

Supporting documents may be attached if specified in agency instructions.

Optional.

Enter a concise but informative title for the project (maximum of 200 characters).

16a Congressional District of Applicant

16a. Enter the applicant’s congressional district.

Required.

Enter the Congressional district based on the physical address of the applicant as listed in the applicant’s SAM registration.

District numbers can be found at http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.

16b Congressional District(s) of Program/Project

16b. Enter the primary district affected by the program or project. Enter in the following format: 2‐character state abbreviation – 3 characters district number, e.g., CA‐005 for California 5th district, CA‐012 for California 12th district, NC‐103 for North Carolina’s 103rd district. If all congressional districts in a state are affected, enter “all” for the district number, e.g., MD‐all for all congressional districts in Maryland.

If nationwide, i.e., all districts within all states are affected, enter US‐all. If the program/project is outside the US, enter 00.000. This optional data element is intended for use only by programs for which the area(s) affected are likely to be different than place(s) of performance reported on the SF‐424 Project/Performance Site Location(s) form. Attach an additional list of program/project congressional districts, if needed.

Required.

District numbers can be found at http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.

If an additional list of program/project congressional districts is to be attached to a Grants.gov opportunity, upload it under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Package.

17a Proposed Project Start Date Enter the proposed start date of the project.

Required.

If applying in response to a Grants.gov opportunity, refer to section B of the NFO.

17b Proposed Project End Date Enter the proposed end date of the project.

Required.

If applying in response to a Grants.gov opportunity, refer to section B of the NFO.

18a‐g Estimated Funding Enter the amount requested, or to be contributed during the first funding/budget period by each contributor. Value of in‐kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines, as applicable. If the action will result in a dollar change to an existing award, indicate only the amount of the change. For decreases, enclose the amounts in parentheses. For zero funding, enter 0.

Required.

Enter the project’s total amount of funding for each category below. These values must be consistent with the values on the SF‐424A and the Budget Narrative. Only include amounts for items b. through f. to meet the required cost‐share/match, if any, identified in the NFO.

a. Federal: enter the amount of Federal funds being requested.

b. Applicant: enter cost share/match being provided by the applicant itself. Do not include cost share/match being provided by commitments from other sources; those amounts are to be included in items c., d., and e, as applicable.

c. State: enter the amount of any cost share/match being provided by a State government entity.

d. Local: enter the amount of any cost share/match being provided by a Local government entity.

e. Other: enter the amount of any cost share/match being provided by a source other than those listed above.

f. Program Income: enter the amount of program income (if any) used for meeting cost share/match requirements (see 2 CFR 200.80 and 200.307).

g. Total: This field is automatically calculated. It is the sum of all amounts in the categories (items a. through f.) above.

19 Executive Order 12372 Applicants should contact the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Federal Executive Order 12372 to determine whether the application is subject to the State intergovernmental review process. Select the appropriate box. If “A.” is selected, enter the date the application was submitted to the State.

Required.

Select the applicable response as to whether or not the application is subject to State review under state laws or procedures. Executive Order 12372 can be found athttps://www.archives.gov/federal‐ register/codification/executive‐order/12372.html.

The Intergovernmental Review Single Point of Contact list can be found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp‐ content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC‐4‐13‐20.pdf.

20 Federal Debt Delinquency Select the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized representative.

Categories of federal debt include but may not be limited to delinquent audit disallowances, loans, and taxes. If yes, include an explanation in an attachment.

Required.

No additional instructions

21 Certification and Signature To be signed and dated by the authorized representative of the applicant organization.

Enter the first and last name (required), prefix, middle name, and suffix. Enter title, telephone number, fax number, and email. Fax number is not required. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for you to sign this application as the official representative must be on file in the applicant’s office. (Certain federal agencies may require that this authorization be submitted as part of the application.) If the application is submitted via Grants.gov, the

If not submitted through Grants.gov, the authorized representative must click the box. and provide either an ink signature or digital signature/digital certificate (cannot be a script font).

signature of the authorized representative and the date signed are completed upon submission.

2. SF‐424A PREPARATION

Applicants must review these instructions to ensure the form is completed correctly. This will reduce the likelihood that the form will need to be returned for correction and potentially delay execution of any resultant agreement.

SECTION A – BUDGET SUMMARY

Column Field Name Form SF‐424A Instructions (V1.0) FPAC Agency Guidance 1(a) Grant Program Function or

Activity Enter the name of the activity or function.

At least one is required.

FPAC agencies do not require the project budget be broken down into separate programs, functions, or activities on this form. That level of detail, if desired, is reserved for the Budget Narrative which is a related, but separate document. Enter “Federal” in 1(a) and, if cost‐share/match is required, enter “Non‐Federal” in 2(a). Leave the remaining rows blank.

1(b) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number.

At least one is required.

If not automatically populated, leave blank. Leave the remaining rows blank.

1(c‐d) Estimated Unobligated Funds: Federal and Non‐ Federal

For new applications, leave Column (c) and (d) blank. For each line entry in Columns (a) and (b), enter in Columns (e), (f), and (g) the appropriate amounts of funds needed to support the project for the first funding period (usually a year).

For continuing grant program applications, submit these forms before the end of each funding period as required by the grantor agency.

Enter in Columns (c) and (d) the estimated amounts of funds which will remain unobligated at the end of the grant funding period only if the federal grantor agency instructions provide for this. Otherwise, leave these columns blank. Enter in columns (e) and (f) the amounts of funds needed for the upcoming period. The amount(s) in Column (g) should be the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

For supplemental grants and changes to existing grants, do not use Columns (c) and (d). Enter in Column (e) the amount of the increase or decrease of federal funds and enter in Column (f) the amount of the increase or decrease of non‐ federal funds. In Column (g) enter the new total

Leave all rows of columns (c) and (d) blank.

budgeted amounts plus or minus, as appropriate, the amounts shown in Columns (e) and (f). The amount(s) in Column (go) should not equal the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

Conditionally required.

1(e) New or Revised Budget:

Federal

For new applications, leave Column (c) and (d) blank. For each line entry in Columns (a) and (b), enter in Columns (e), (f), and (g) the appropriate amounts of funds needed to support the project for the first funding period (usually a year).

For continuing grant program applications, submit these forms before the end of each funding period as required by the grantor agency.

Enter in Columns (c) and (d) the estimated amounts of funds which will remain unobligated at the end of the grant funding period only if the federal grantor agency instructions provide for this. Otherwise, leave these columns blank. Enter in columns (e) and (f) the amounts of funds needed for the upcoming period. The amount(s) in Column (g) should be the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

For supplemental grants and changes to existing grants, do not use Columns (c) and (d). Enter in Column (e) the amount of the increase or decrease of federal funds and enter in Column (f) the amount of the increase or decrease of non‐ federal funds. In Column (g) enter the new total budgeted amounts plus or minus, as appropriate, the amounts shown in Columns (e) and (f). The amount(s) in Column (g) should not equal the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

Conditionally required.

Enter the total amount of the Federal funds requested in Row 1, column (e). Leave the remaining rows column (e) blank. This amount must be consistent with the amount in Block 18a of the SF‐424.

1(f) New or Revised Budget:

Non‐Federal

For new applications, leave Column (c) and (d) blank. For each line entry in Columns (a) and (b), enter in Columns (e), (f), and (g) the appropriate amounts of funds needed to support the project for the first funding period (usually a year).

For continuing grant program applications, submit these forms before the end of each funding period as required by the grantor agency.

Enter the total amount of the required Non‐Federal cost share/match, if applicable, in Row 2, column (f) and leave the remaining rows of column (f) blank. This amount must be consistent with the total amount of Blocks 18b through 18f of the SF‐424.

Enter in Columns (c) and (d) the estimated amounts of funds which will remain unobligated at the end of the grant funding period only if the federal grantor agency instructions provide for this. Otherwise, leave these columns blank. Enter in columns (e) and (f) the amounts of funds needed for the upcoming period. The amount(s) in Column (g) should be the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

For supplemental grants and changes to existing grants, do not use Columns (c) and (d). Enter in Column (e) the amount of the increase or decrease of federal funds and enter in Column (f) the amount of the increase or decrease of non‐ federal funds. In Column (g) enter the new total budgeted amounts plus or minus, as appropriate, the amounts shown in Columns (e) and (f). The amount(s) in Column (go) should not equal the sum of the amounts in Columns (e) and (f).

Conditionally required.

1(g) Total Total for Row 1(a) – 1(f). If using electronic form, these numbers are auto calculated.

Required.

This auto‐calculates and must be consistent with the total amount in Block 18(a) of the SF424.

5 Totals Total for each column. IF using electronic form, these numbers are auto calculated.

Required.

This auto‐calculates. Block 5(g) is the total proposed application budget.

SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES

6(1‐2) Grant Program Function or Activity 1 ‐ 2

In the column headings (1) through (4), enter the titles of the same programs, functions, and activities shown on Lines 1‐4,…