DBI RFA FY25_Compliant_071125.pdf

OMB No. 0581-0240

DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES

Fiscal Year 2025 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-DBI-G-25-0008

Publication Date: July 14, 2025

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 9, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.2 2025 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

1.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

1.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

1.5 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

1.6 TIMING TO OBTAIN & SUBMIT GRANTS.GOV REQUIRED ELEMENTS

1.7 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

1.8 STAKEHOLDER INPUT

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

2.3 COST SHARING

3.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

3.2 PURPOSE

3.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.4 PRIORITY AREAS

3.5 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

3.6 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COST AND ACTIVITIES

3.7 INDIRECT COSTS

3.8 SUPPLANTING

3.9 SUBAWARD ALLOCATION

3.10 SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC DAIRY BUSINESSES

3.11 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

3.12 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

4.0 APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

4.1 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

4.2 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

4.3 SF-424 BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

4.4 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

4.5 PROJECT NARRATIVE

4.6 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

4.7 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

5.2 SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

5.3 ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION DETAILS

5.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

5.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

6.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

6.1 RISK REVIEW

7.0 AWARD NOTICES

7.1 AWARD NOTICES

7.2 INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

8.0 POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

8.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

8.2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

8.3 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF USDA SUPPORT

9.0 OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 DEFINITIONS

9.2 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

9.3 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS

9.4 PAPERWORK REDUCTION

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

Federal Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Funding Opportunity Title: Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-DBI-G-25-0008

Assistance Listing Number: 10.176

Type of Federal Assistance: AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide a federal award to successful applicants.

Type of Application: New Application. New applications will be reviewed for conformity using the criteria described in section 6.0.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, through Grants.gov at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 from existing initiatives of the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives program: the California State University Fresno Foundation, the University of Tennessee, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the University of Wisconsin.

These initiatives serve to:

• Diversify dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products;

• Promote business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation; and

• Encourage the use of regional milk production.

In the FY 2024 application cycle, AMS funded four applications from the existing initiatives awarding a total of $11,040,000.

1.2 2025 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

Below are highlights of major changes to the program since last year.

• This Request for Applications (RFA) was reorganized following the recent changes to the Uniform Guidance, Appendix I to Part 200, Title 2. The reorganization lists basic program information upfront and application submission requirements at the end.

• The RFA was updated to remove the following:

o Language encouraging applications that “…benefit small dairy farm businesses, underserved dairy producers, veteran dairy producers, underserved communities, and partner and/or collaboratives with Minority Serving Institutions that have the expertise and can provide direct or indirect technical assistance to dairy businesses...”

o Language encouraging, “…projects that offer innovative solutions and alternatives to address the disruption of the milk packaging supply chain caused by the milk carton shortage…” https://sam.gov/fal/4e30be80cb92442ab1525ca24c05dcd1/view http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20I%20to%20Part%20200 o Language promoting “climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems, including tools to support agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities” and encouraging applications that “consider including goals and activities related to reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere or adapting to the already occurring climate change in their project’s design and implementation”.

• The AMS General Terms and Conditions were updated to reflect recent changes to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

• A new section 6.1 Risk Review was added to describe the factors used by AMS to evaluate the risk posed by applicants before making an award.

1.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Anticipated Available Funding: $11 million. Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other action may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

Anticipated Number of Awards: Awards will be made to the four existing Dairy Business Initiative.

Cost Share Requirement: There is no cost share requirement for this program.

1.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required performance period. AMS encourages applicants to use the full performance period to allow for enough time to complete projects. However, a project may be completed before the scheduled performance period end date. The applicant must indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”.

Each initiative is eligible to apply for the eligible funding and for the period of performance indicated in the tables below.

If an initiative applies for less than its available amount, AMS will redistribute the remaining portion of available funds among the other initiatives.

Duration (Months) Start Date End Date

36 September 30, 2025 September 29, 2028

Dairy Business Initiative Available Funding

California State University Fresno Foundation $690,000

University of Tennessee $3,450,000

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets $3,450,000

University of Wisconsin $3,450,000 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY25AMSGDGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf

1.5 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To submit your application electronically in Grants.gov, you must:

o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active and current SAM registration.

• Allow time for Registration Completion:

o The organization registration process can take as long as four weeks.

o Complete registration as early as possible to meet all deadlines. See section 5.0 for more information.

• Review General Terms and Conditions:

o Review the AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Ensure File Compatibility:

o Use latest version of Adobe Reader that it is compatible with Grants.gov software.

• File Naming and Size:

o Limit file names to 50 characters or fewer.

o Avoid special characters in file names (e.g. $, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• Attachment Upload:

o Use the “Add Attachments” button in Grants.gov for upload.

o Do not use the paperclip icon in Adobe Reader.

• File Security and Formatting:

o Do not password-protect files.

o Accept all tracked changes in documents before submission.

• Accurate Data Entry:

o Verify that your UEI number is correctly entered on the SF-424 form cover page.

• Grants.gov Resources for Support:

o Applicant FAQs o Workspace Overview

By following these steps and recommendations, applicants can reduce errors, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with submission requirements.

1.6 TIMING TO OBTAIN & SUBMIT GRANTS.GOV REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov

September 11, 2025 – 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Obtaining Your Organization’s UEI Number (if you do not already have one) 7-10 business days Establishing an Active SAM.gov Account (if you do not already have one) Up to 4 weeks https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY25AMSGDGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.htm https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

Obtaining a TIN/EIN (if you do not already have one) Up to 2 weeks Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) authorization Up to 4 weeks

1.7 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

1.7.1 AMS PROGRAM CONTACTS

After closely reviewing this RFA in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties that have questions are encouraged to contact the DBI program staff by e-mail at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

AMS provides resources and information on the DBI website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi) that may be helpful to applicants, including descriptions of funded projects and required application forms. AMS staff is available to provide timely technical assistance.

Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 1510-S South Building Stop 0264 Washington, DC 20250-0264 https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi

1 .7.2 GRANTS.GOV CONTACT INFORMATION

All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Applicant Support. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

1.8 STAKEHOLDER INPUT

AMS seeks comments about this (RFA and considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs.

Written comments may be submitted to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not for requesting information or forms. In your email subject line, please state that you are responding to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives RFA.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are current initiatives which were competitively selected to fulfill the purpose of the program (see section 3.2). Initiatives will continue work already started under their previous awards. A list of the Initiatives with their selection fiscal year is listed below.

• The California State University Fresno Foundation (FY2021)

• The University of Tennessee (FY2019)

• The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (FY2019), and

• The University of Wisconsin (FY2019).

mailto:IPPGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/dbi https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

2.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

An applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators. Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements listed in this RFA.

• A partnership is a relationship involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities in the management of the project.

• A collaborator is a person or an organization unaffiliated with the applicant that cooperates with the applicant in the conduct of the project and is not immediately connected to the management of the project.

Partners and collaborators may come from private or public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities. Applicants must show evidence of existing community or industry support and engagement.

2.3 COST SHARING

This funding opportunity does not have a federal cost sharing requirement. Applicants should not include this content in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports.

3.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives is authorized by 7 U.S.C. § 1632d.

3.2 PURPOSE

This program assists existing DBI initiatives in managing regional efforts to support dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. These initiatives specifically focus on:

• Diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products;

• Promoting business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation; and

• Encouraging the use of regional milk production.

This RFA is to award funding to current initiatives for FY 2025 through 2028. See section 2.1 for more information.

3.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Initiatives must provide direct technical assistance and make subgrants to dairy businesses. This includes continuing their capacity to provide consultation and expertise necessary to advance the purpose and activities of the program and to distribute and track subawards to dairy businesses. Initiatives should also build on previous efforts to engage existing dairy industry resources, including dairy farm density and suitability, as well as activities conducted by dairy promotion and research programs (authorized by the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 and the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990), research organizations, dairy businesses, or academic or industry stakeholders. Initiatives may serve a certain product niche, such as specialty cheese, or serve dairy businesses with dairy products derived from the milk of a specific type of dairy animal, including dairy products made from cow milk, sheep milk, and goat milk.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section1632d&num=0&edition=prelim

These initiatives also consult with any authorized dairy promotion program and AMS in carrying out the program and report on outcomes of the program as well as any related activities and opportunities to further increase dairy innovation. Host initiatives must maintain guidelines and procedures to prevent any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest as required by 2 CFR § 400.2(b) while providing direct technical assistance and subgrants to dairy businesses mentioned below. AMS may suspend or terminate funds to an initiative if the Initiative is found to be in violation of conflict-of-interest standards in accordance with 2 CFR 400.2(b) and

200.112 and the DBI Program-Specific Terms and Conditions.

3 .3.1 DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DAIRY BUSINESSES

Initiatives should provide non-monetary direct technical assistance to dairy businesses through either private consultation or widely available distribution. Technical assistance may be provided directly through the host initiative, through contracting with industry experts, or through research institutions, including cooperative extension services. Specific forms of assistance may include:

• Business consulting, including business plan development for processed dairy products, strategic planning assistance, and distribution and supply chain innovation;

• Marketing and branding assistance, including market messaging, packaging innovation, consumer assessments, innovation in emerging market opportunities, and evaluation of regional, national, and international markets;

• Assistance in product innovation, including the development of value-added products, innovation in byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and dairy product production training, including in new, rare, or innovative techniques; and

• Development or facilitation of general informational websites, webinars, conferences, trainings, plant tours, and field days.

3 .3.2 SUBAWARDS TO DAIRY BUSINESSES

An initiative should make competitive subawards to new and existing dairy businesses for the purposes of:

• Modernization, specialization, and grazing transition on dairy farms;

• Value chain and commodity innovation and facility and process updates for dairy processors; and

• Product development, packaging, and marketing of dairy products.

Initiatives may provide a non-competitive subaward to an entity that receives direct technical assistance as described in section 3.3.1 to advance the business activities recommended as a result of that assistance.

Initiatives must implement subawards as follows:

• Allocate at least 50 percent of the allotted funds to make subawards to new or existing dairy businesses.

• There is no minimum subaward amount.

• The maximum subaward amount to a single dairy business will not be more than $500,000.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400/section-400.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400/section-400.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/DBISpecificTermsandConditions.pdf

3.4 PRIORITY AREAS

Initiatives must prioritize the provision of direct technical assistance referenced in section 3.3.1 and the subawards described in section 3.3.2 to entities that are:

• Dairy farms and dairy businesses with limited access to other forms of assistance;

• Employee-owned dairy businesses;

• Cooperatives; and

• Dairy businesses that seek to create dairy products that add substantial value in processing or marketing, such as specialty cheeses.

3.5 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To evaluate and report on the outcomes of the DBI program on a national scale, AMS collects information on performance measures. Each project submitted must include target numbers for at least one outcome and at least one of the indicators listed in the Achievability section of the Project Narrative (see section 4.5). The progress of the one or more outcomes and indicators selected will need to be reported in the Annual Performance Report, and the results will be reported in the Final Performance Report. Please refer to the Grant Performance Measures webpage for more information.

3.6 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COST AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

As outlined in the DBI Specific-Program Terms and Conditions, equipment purchases to be used for onsite dairy production and processing are generally allowable as special purpose equipment, both for the applicants (DBI Initiatives) and subrecipients (dairy producers and processors). Special purpose equipment purchases in subawards must meet one or more of the following purposes:

• Modernization, specialization, and grazing transition on dairy farms;

• Value chain and commodity innovation and facility and process updates for dairy processors; and

• Product development, packaging, and marketing of dairy products.

Purchases over $10,000 must be approved and the purchased equipment monitored by AMS, as required by 2

CFR § 200.313.

DBI funds may be used for alteration and repair of buildings and improvements. The cost of altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the building.

Improvements and repair of buildings may include improvements, rearrangements, and/or alterations of an existing building or facility to use a space more effectively and to accommodate new or upgraded equipment and processes, as well as to expand processing capacities. Any such activities must meet one of the purposes listed above in this section.

DBI funds may not be used for new construction or structural changes to an existing building/facility resulting in an expansion of square footage, expansion, or changes to the building’s floor, foundation, and exterior or load bearing walls.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/FY25AMSGDGeneralTermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/DBISpecificTermsandConditions.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.313 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.313

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this document should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 1.7.

3.7 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are 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.

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), an applicant that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, may choose to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). The de minimis rate can be used without providing documentation to justify it. An applicant can use the de minimis rate indefinitely for all Federal awards or choose to negotiate a rate, which they may do at any time through their cognizant agency (or the Federal Agency that provides the largest amount of funding). As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either direct or indirect costs and may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate must use the MTDC as the base. MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward above $50,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved Negotiated Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2

CFR § 200.1.

3.8 SUPPLANTING

The funds awarded through this funding opportunity must increase, expand, or replace, and not duplicate, existing activities of the host initiatives.

3.9 SUBAWARD ALLOCATION

Each initiative must allocate at least 50 percent of its DBI grant to subawards.

3.10 SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC DAIRY BUSINESSES

Technical assistance, when provided directly to a specific dairy business and is not publicly available, and grants cannot be made available to a foreign person or entity making direct investment in the United States, as defined in 15 CFR § 801.2.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6db66248456b2764d37cec4f30a7d98a&mc=true&node=pt15.3.801&rgn=div5

3.11 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

Initiatives that do not apply and request for all available eligible funding during the specified grant application period will forfeit that portion of available funding not requested. AMS will allocate funds not applied for via the prescribed formula, by a date determined by AMS, according to the program formula, to the remaining Initiatives that submitted applications.

3.12 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS sponsored grants management meeting during the project’s period of performance. The proposed budget must include travel funds for the Project Coordinator and any additional key personnel as reasonably determined by the recipient and AMS.

To estimate these costs in the budget section, please account for flight, hotel, per diem, and ground transportation expenses for a 3-day, 2-night stay. Location and dates are to be determined with the possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is virtual, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable item.

4.0 APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applicants MUST submit the required documentation in the appropriate format as listed in this section.

4.1 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before submitting an application, applicants must read the RFA in its entirety to fully understand the program requirements. The application checklist below provides the mandatory and, if applicable, documents for an application package.

Mandatory Documents:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov)

SF-424A – Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Grants.gov)

Project Abstract Summary (Grants.gov)

Project Narrative Form (section 4.5)

Must use required template

Executive Summary is no more than 250 words

Ensure it does not exceed the page limit

Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 3.6

Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from Partners and Collaborators per section 4.6

If applicable, packages may also be required to include the following document:

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

AMS recommends submitting applications at least two weeks before the deadline to account for any issues.

4.2 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following supplemental instructions to properly fill the SF-424.

Box Instructions 1 - Type of Submission Select Application 2 - Type of Application Select New 8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Enter applicant UEI number for the organization submitting the application.

8.d – Address Enter the organization street address as it appears in SAM.gov. P.O.

Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-digit zip code

10 - Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA 11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (Assistance Listing Number)

Enter 10.176

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-DBI-G-25-0008 13 - Competition Identification Number Not applicable 14 - Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project 15 - Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project

Provide a short descriptive title of the project

16a - Congressional Districts for Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where the applicant is located

16b - Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented, or “All” if the project will be implemented in more than one location

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Enter Start Date: September 30, 2025 Enter End date: September 29, 2028

18.a - Estimated Funding - Federal Enter the total Federal amount requested 18.b – 18.f Estimated Funding – Applicant

Enter the total amount from the applicant organization and/or other partners

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See section 5.5.

4.3 SF-424 BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required. The SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. The blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or easily explained in the instruction of the form. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific boxes on form SF-424.

Please complete only Sections A, B, and C. Do not complete Sections D, E, F.

Section A – Budget Summary Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “DBI – Federal” 1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter “10.176”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project 1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total cost share contribution amount provided for the project

Section B – Budget Categories Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds requested for each Object Class Category. Do not include cost share funding.

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in Federal funds for “Travel”, enter 2000 in Column 1, box 6.c

4.4 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching Federal award. This is different from the DBI Project Narrative form. The Project Abstract Summary must include:

• Project purpose;

• Activities to be performed;

• Deliverables and expected outcomes;

• Intended beneficiary(ies): Who will benefit from this beyond the applicant organization; and

• Subrecipient, key partner, and collaborator activities. Identify the key partners, collaborators and subrecipients you know will be part of the work and how their engagement will support the program goal.

4.5 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants MUST prepare and submit a narrative using the DBI Project Narrative form. The Project Narrative must clearly describe how this funding will build upon the work performed under previous DBI grants, including any new objectives and goals, types and sequence of project activities, monitoring and evaluation strategies associated with the proposed activities, and how the initiative will manage the project (including the subaward process).

The Project Narrative also includes a budget narrative and justification section. A general line-item for “grants” may be provided under Contracts in the application’s budget. The individual subaward budgets are not expected at the submission of this application. However, initiatives will be expected to provide a comprehensive plan detailing each subgrant project, associated outcomes, and applicable expenses to draw down on the funds associated with this line item.

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced in an 11-point font, not to exceed twenty (20) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing form content). For example, if the form is 15 pages before you begin entering your project information, your form may be up to 35 pages (15 original pages + 20 pages of applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative form. Applicants must submit the DBI Project Narrative form as https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-V2.0.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/DBIProjectNarrative.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/DBIProjectNarrative.docx a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” on the application package. Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted.

Before submitting the application to Grants.gov, make sure no tracked changes, mark-up edits or comments are visible.

The supporting documents listed below do not count toward the 20-page limit.

4.6 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Required: Applicants MUST provide letters of commitment, not just letters of support, from all project partners at the time of application. More information can be found on project partners in section 2.2. The letter must state the partner or collaborator agrees to the project management plan presented in the Project Narrative.

AMS has posted a Letter of Commitment from Partner Organization Template on the grant program’s application website. We highly encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this template, the Letters of Commitment must include at least the following information:

• Project Applicant Name

• Project Title

• A short introduction describing the partner entity’s mission and its reason(s) for joining the partnership

• The specific role(s) and responsibilities the partner organization is committing to for the project, including the participation of specific individuals, as applicable

• A statement that these individuals and the organization agree to abide by the management plan contained in the application.

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Commitment: Submit letters on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly say at the top that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT.

Letters must be signed by the partner and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15. AMS will not accept unsigned letters or letters emailed separately.

PLEASE NOTE: The program does not require Congressional letters of support, and such letters do not carry weight during the evaluation process.

4.7 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA. Refer to section 3.7. for more information. The NICRA must be in PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply for this program electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is accepted.

AMS urges applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. The How to Apply for Grants Grants.gov webpage gives an overview of the application process. This RFA has all the information needed to complete the https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PartneringOrganizationTemplateLetter.docx https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.2.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.176,” or the DBI Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-DBI-G-25-0008”.

5.2 SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY

Applicants MUST have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an active SAM.gov account, and a Grants.gov account to submit an application. AMS recommends that applicants start the registration process in these systems immediately to allow enough time to meet application submission deadlines. Registration in these systems collectively may in some cases take more than four weeks to complete. The steps below provide details on how to complete each registration.

Individual applicants eligible to apply for this grant can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/OrganizationRegistration.htm

1. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational UEI" on the SF-424. Getting a UEI requires validation steps in SAM.gov. Applicants are encouraged to start this process as early as possible, and, if applicable, this includes providing guidance to subapplicants on getting their own UEI.

2. Register with the System for Award Management (SAM): In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Current SAM.gov registrants have already been assigned their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register with SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov.

Organizations must maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

3. Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's UEI number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organization Role (AOR).

a. Watch the video on how to Register in Grants.gov and create an institutional profile. Applicants are required to use Login.gov to sign into Grants.gov. See the Grants.gov help article for more information on logging in with Login.gov credentials. The Grants.gov validation process also includes a check for an active SAM.gov registration. Applicants without a current SAM.gov registration will be rejected.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/OrganizationRegistration.htm https://gsa.gov/entityid https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/register https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dsj3X2XPAQ5g&data=05%7C02%7Cmargaret.haidet%40usda.gov%7Ce6ccf49f2f544d8a5f9c08dc03328344%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638388763903888947%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4YyLEnN2E19uNQrVfsWBZ17q28pG1s5h%2Fqe4lSORXy0%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.login.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmargaret.haidet%40usda.gov%7Ce6ccf49f2f544d8a5f9c08dc03328344%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638388763903888947%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3uFLRqjAu%2BviBfz%2F9Z43npvJZS2KzhnWWNvKgcrzWq0%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgrants.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmargaret.haidet%40usda.gov%7Ce6ccf49f2f544d8a5f9c08dc03328344%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638388763903888947%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gICgWU0ZEBzBmwdUaMH%2BFzfucTJAK03u%2B6x2YATCaBM%3D&reserved=0 https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/LoginAndMyAccount/Login.htm

4. Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying him or her of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

5. Track Role Status: After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

6. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR who submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization to act as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is required for valid and timely submissions.

5 .2.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO AMS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants can apply using Grants.gov Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.

1. Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms, you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or AMS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, and then accessed through Adobe Reader.

b. NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader Software.

c. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.

d. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3. Submit via a Workspace: Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

SPECIAL NOTE: Grants.gov does not check for AMS required attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in section 4.0 are included correctly in the application package when submitting via Grants.gov https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/Management/ManageRolesForApplicant.htm https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

4. Track via a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, Grants.gov automatically assigns a Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) to the package, which will be listed on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides a Quick Start Guide for Applicants and additional training resources, including video tutorials. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726, or email support@grants.gov. Grants.gov will issue a ticket number that you and Grants.gov can refer to if the issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, use the contact information described in section 1.7.

5.3 ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION DETAILS

AMS will not consider any applications received after the deadline. In addition, AMS will not consider any applications submitted by fax, email, or postal mail, or any applications that don’t meet the requirements of the RFA, such as not being eligible, having an incomplete application, or missing required documents, etc.). See AMS’ Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures Policy.

Ensure that all components are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application process, as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. AMS encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Grants.gov will automatically record the date and times when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will then receive an email acknowledging receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and in an email as proof that the application was submitted on time.

Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections: Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting their application to Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via email to the applicant AOR.

5.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on September 9, 2025. AMS cannot consider applications received after this deadline for funding. See AMS’ Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures Policy.

5.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials.

6.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

This is a non-competitive RFA restricted to eligible applicants listed in section 2.1. AMS will review each project narrative to ensure that it meets the statutory purpose of the program, all application submission criteria are fulfilled in accordance with section 5.0 and all costs are allowable. AMS will also assess an organization’s risk to https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html account for the use of Federal funds and monitor the performance associated with these awards using the guidance provided in section 6.1.

AMS will notify the individual listed on the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 8.f if additional information is required after the initial review of the application. AMS will work with applicants to negotiate any revisions if necessary and possible. Failure to provide requested information in a timely manner may result in a project not receiving funding.

6.1 RISK REVIEW

Prior to making a Federal award, AMS will review the risk of applicants in managing federal funds. AMS will review the applicant’s financial stability, the quality of their management systems and standards, current and prior performance managing federal grants, audit reports and findings, the ability to effectively implement Federal award requirements, and make sure that the applicant has policies and procedures in place to manage a federal award. AMS will review the applicant’s responsibility and qualification records in SAM.gov, USA Spending, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) along with any comments entered by the applicant. For additional information refer to 2 CFR 200.206.

If the applicant is found to present significant risk, AMS may choose not to fund the application or place specific conditions (2 CFR § 200.208) on the award.

AMS will follow government-wide rules that prevent making awards to applicants that have been suspended or debarred from receiving federal awards.

7.0 AWARD NOTICES

7.1 AWARD NOTICES

Upon announcement of the Federal awards, AMS will prepare and send a Notice of Award (NOA) to each recipient for signature by the appropriate official. The NOA will be signed by AMS and the AOR.

The NOA will provide pertinent instructions and information including, at a minimum, the information described in 2 CFR § 200.211 and a reference to the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

7.2 INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

This RFA is open only to current DBI initiatives (see section 2.1). AMS will contact Ineligible applicants via email as soon as possible after the close of the application period.

8.0 POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

8.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the NOA, all AMS recipients must abide by the AMS General Terms and Conditions, which reference applicable Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsection-200.208&data=05%7C02%7Czoemi.ramos%40usda.gov%7C9171c89d800d43d616bf08dd2f3e2144%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638718666074085137%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3mEWyjsuMJDWzLV5u6hWef1dIv7BbSxR6uhyAXK%2BXis%3D&reserved=0 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=904a248f0ba439cce24953ecf71f76ce&mc=true&n=sp2.1.200.c&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1211

8.2 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Recipients must report progress of their project on an annual basis through the electronic submission of performance reports and federal financial reports (SF-425). Final performance and financial reports, and applicable closeout documentation must be submitted after the end of the performance period.