FFPr Q&A March 2021.pdf

FY21 Food for Progress (FFPr) Standing Supplemental NOFO

Questions received as of March 31, 2021

1. Will USDA allow programs to monetize in a third country to allow the monetization to join and thus leverage another sale to maximize proceeds and make best use of limited freight budget? If yes, may programs monetize in another region than where the program is implementing—for example can a program being implemented in Africa join its monetization with a program monetizing in Asia?

Yes. USDA will approve commodity monetization through a multi-country agreement to promote greater efficiency and maximize proceeds. In the case of a multi-country agreement, a Bellmon analysis must be carried out for each country where commodities are monetized. Evaluation of options will be based, in part, on documented obstacles/challenges to conducting monetization activity in the country where the project is being implemented.

2. The NOFO instructs applicants to provide updated sections for proposed additional monetization to make up the shortfall, most notably commodity, commodity tonnage and corresponding (estimated) commodity budget and freight budget needed. However, can NOFO applicants provide several monetization options (different commodities, tonnages, etc.) so as to be best positioned to join current and future monetization efforts? If yes, how should applicants present these options?

Yes. NOFO applicants may provide several monetization options (different commodities, tonnages, etc.). FAS has no preference as to how this information is presented. Applicants should present the options in an organized and concise way.

3. The NOFO indicates that extensions are allowed and can be requested 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected projects’ abilities to implement in the year 2020 and with continued challenges present in the year 2021, might FAS consider allowing changes to the project end date at this stage as well? If yes, what is the maximum length of time allowed for an extension, if any?

If an entity meets the eligibility requirements in the FY21 FFPr Standing NOFO, they can include an extension to the period of performance in the application submission. The additional time requested must align with the justification and cannot exceed 2 years.

4. According to the response provided to question 14 of the FAQs, some funding may be used for COVID-19 mitigation. Is this funding in addition to funding to make up for monetization shortfalls? In the recent reply to question #14 (below) in ref to the Supplemental NOFO for FY 2021, USDA mentions that in select cases FAS may invite applications for COVID-19 mitigation funding when on-going project activities have been delayed due to COVID complications.

Question 14: Can funding under this Standing Supplemental NOFO be used in response to

COVID-19?

Answer: Yes. In select cases, FAS may invite applications for COVID-19 mitigation funding such as if complications from COVID-19 are delaying project implementation or if costs associated with implementing specific activities in the approved budget have increased due to COVID-19, then additional funding may be granted.

While the Supplemental NOFO is intended to address monetization shortfalls under current agreements, if a key activity in a FFPr project has been postponed due to COVID complications, will USDA consider providing additional funding to a project?

Also, can USDA also confirm if a Merit NOFO is expected to be released this year? And if so when?

The priority of the Standing Supplemental NOFO is to support active FFPr agreements experiencing monetization shortfalls. FFPr agreements not experiencing monetization shortfalls will not be invited to apply. Proposed monetization plans should target achieving 100%, and no more than 110%, of the originally estimated proceeds. USDA does intend to publish a Food for Progress Limited Merit NOFO in the spring of 2021.

5. Will funding decisions be communicated on a rolling basis (e.g. as responses are reviewed and funding decisions are made) or is there a specific date or timeframe by which all applicants will receive a response?

Funding decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis. Per Part F, Section 1 “Notice of Award” in the NOFO, the applicant will be informed via email of FAS’ intent to award supplemental funds to the applicant.

6. Given the volatility of global commodity markets in recent months, may organizations apply for a surplus of funds - e.g. more funds than what may be needed to cover the implementation budget shortfall - to mitigate this risk?

The primary purpose of this NOFO is to provide a mechanism for awarding supplemental funding to address monetization shortfalls. FAS will consider price volatility when awarding supplemental funds.

7. Would IFAD consider a third country monetization to optimize use of a supplemental award?

Yes. USDA will approve commodity monetization through a multi-country agreement to promote greater efficiency and maximize proceeds. All proposed countries for monetization must meet the program requirements for FFPr in 7 USC 1736o(c).

8. The FY21 FFPr Standing NOFO does not state a position with respect to cost extensions, e.g.

funding to scale up or strengthen activities beyond what is needed to complete the originally anticipated project budget. May organizations consider cost extensions when preparing their responses to this NOFO?

FFPr stated in the responses to questions 8 and 9 in the FAQs that FFPr will consider supplemental funding on a case-by-case basis and that FFPr may consider supplemental funding amendments which also extend the period of performance of the agreement, however, the primary purpose of this NOFO is to provide a mechanism for awarding supplemental funding to address monetization shortfalls in existing awards which does not extend the life of project/performance period end date in the agreement. The FAQs have been uploaded to the “Other Supporting Documents – FAQ’s” zip folder in the “Related Documents” tab of the following Grants.gov posting:

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