FY 2018 ANNH RFA_final.pdf

Alaska Native-Serving and Native

Hawaiian-Serving Education Competitive

Grants Program (ANNH)

2018 Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 30, 2018

ELIGIBILITY: See Part III, A of RFA

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE

ALASKA NATIVE-SERVING AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

EDUCATION COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM (ANNH)

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.228.

DATES: Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on March 30, 2018.

Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding (see Part

IV, C of this RFA). Comments regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

STAKEHOLDER INPUT: We at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seek your comments about this RFA. We will consider your comments when we develop the next

RFA for the program, if applicable, and we’ll use them to meet the requirements of section

103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.

7613(c)(2)). Submit your written stakeholder comments by the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this notice via email to Policy@nifa.usda.gov. (This email address is only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not for requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are responding to the Alaska Native-Serving and Native

Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) RFA.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA requests applications for the ANNH Competitive Grants

Program for fiscal year (FY) 2018 to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving

Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and extension community development programs. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY

2018 is approximately $3,000,000. This RFA is released prior to the passage of an appropriations act for FY 2018. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

This notice identifies the objectives for ANNH projects, deadline dates, funding information, and eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an ANNH grant.

mailto:Policy@nifa.usda.gov

Table of Contents

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Types of Applications C. Project and Grant Types D. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Electronic Application Package B. Content and Form of Application Submission C. Submission Dates and Times D. Funding Restrictions E. Other Submission Requirements

PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. General B. Evaluation Criteria C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Award Notice C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT

PART VIII—OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds; Changes B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Definitions E. Materials Available on the Internet

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

This program is administered under the provisions of section 759 of Public Law 106-78 (7

U.S.C. 3242) which was amended and re-designated as section 1419B of the National

Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act (NARETPA) of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

3156) by Section 7112 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub. L. 110-

246). As legislatively reauthorized by Section 7107 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (H.R. 2642;

Pub. L. 113-79), the purpose of this program continues to promote and strengthen the ability of eligible Alaska Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and extension community development programs within a broadly defined area of the food, agricultural, natural resource and human (FANH) sciences.

B. Purpose and Priorities

The purpose of this program is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving

Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined area of FANH sciences.

The ANNH Program directly aligns with:

1. 2014-2018 USDA Strategic Plan, Strategic Goal #1 -- Assist Rural Communities to

Create Prosperity so They Are Self-sustaining, Repopulating, and Economically Thriving

2. 2016 Research, Economics, and Education Action Plan, Strategic Goal #6 – Education and Science Literacy

3. 2014-2018 NIFA Strategic Plan, Strategic Goal #1 Science - Sub-goal 1.7 -- Ensure the development of human capital, communities, and a diverse workforce through research, education, extension, and engagement programs in food and agricultural sciences to support a sustainable agriculture system

C. Program Area Description

Key Information:

Program Code – RD

Program Code Name –

- Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Education Grant Program (ANNH)

Code of Federal Domestic Assistance- 10.228

Requested Project Types –

- Education Projects

- Extension Projects

- Research Projects

- Integrated Research, Extension and Education Projects

Requested Grant Types – Standard and Collaborative Grants

Application Deadline – March 30, 2018 https://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2014/usda-strategic-plan-fy-2014-2018.pdf https://www.ree.usda.gov/sites/www.ree.usda.gov/files/2017-08/2016USDA_%20REEProgressReportR2.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/NIFA%20Strategic%20Plan%20FY2014-FY2018.pdf

Grant Duration 24-36 months

Number of Applications

Per Lead Institution

One Standard and

One Collaborative as Lead Institution

Award Limit per Institution Two Grant Awards –

One Standard - $150,000 to $450,000 and

One Collaborative - $300,000 to $1,000,000

Total Funding per Institution $1,450,000

NIFA is soliciting applications for the ANNH program that support -

1. Activities of collaborative membership of Alaska Native-Serving or Native Hawaiian-

Serving Institutions to enhance educational equity for underrepresented students;

2. Strengthening institutional education capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to identified State, regional, national, or international educational needs in the food and agriculture sciences;

3. Undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups in order to prepare them for careers related to the FANH sciences and beginning with the mentoring of students from K-12, and continuing with the provision of financial support for students through their attainment of a doctoral degree; and

4. Cooperative initiatives between at least two or more Alaska Native-Serving or Native

Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, which may work in cooperation with one or more other entities including units of State government and private sector organizations, to maximize the development and use of resources, such as faculty, facilities, and equipment, to improve FANH science education programs.

Applications for the ANNH program will include activities that:

1. Enhance educational equity for underrepresented students;

2. Strengthen institutional educational capacities;

3. Prepare students for careers related to the FANH sciences; and

4. Maximize the development and use of resources to improve FANH education programs.

Leadership Skills Development

All ANNH projects are required to provide leadership skills opportunities. The development of leadership skills, knowledge and qualities are necessary for preparing students for agricultural related careers in private sector, government and academia. Projects must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to ensure that students are equipped with both technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. Specific activities may include:

1. Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills, ethics and professionalism, and working in teams;

2. Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;

3. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

4. Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts

The ANNH Grants Program supports social and behavioral science disciplines. ANNH projects that integrate social and biological sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research, and related community development programs are encouraged.

Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in heathy lifestyles and consuming heathy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

Metrics

The ANNH Grants Program requires all project directors to provide appropriate metrics and describe the expected products and results, outcomes, and their potential impact on strengthening the FAHN Sciences in education, research and extension. Metrics to assess products, outputs and outcomes are to be clearly delineated in the proposal.

eXtension

NIFA encourages, but does not require, projects that develop content suitable for delivery through eXtension (https://extension.org/).

https://extension.org/

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The anticipated amount available for ANNH grants in FY 2018 is approximately $3,000,000.

This RFA is released prior to the passage of an appropriations act for FY 2018. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The following information applies to both Standard and Collaborative Grants:

1. Grant Duration

The project period may range from 24 to 36 months (two to three years). The project start date should not occur prior to August 2018.

2. Number and Size of Awards

The number of grants awarded in FY 2018 will depend on the number of applications recommended for funding in response to this notice.

Note that actual amounts awarded by NIFA under the ANNH Grants Program may differ from the amounts requested in the application submitted to the program, and that revised budgets and revised plans of work may be required by NIFA before an award is made.

3. Proposal Submission Limitations

Each eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, and branch institution of a State system may submit, or be a party to, a maximum of two applications for funding. An institution (or its fiscal agent) may submit one application as an individual institution and may be a party to one other application as part of a collaborative arrangement. Institutions may not apply as part of more than one collaborative arrangement.

4. Grant Limitations per Institution

Each eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, and branch institution of a State system may receive, or be a party to, a maximum of two grant awards – one

Standard Grant and one Collaborative Grant – under the ANNH Grants Program.

This ceiling including sub-grant awards made under a collaborative arrangement (i.e., an institution may participate as the lead institution or as a sub-grantee on a Collaborative

Grant, and may receive one Standard Grant on its own). USDA may fund an institution simultaneously under both applications. Institutions that received a grant under this program in a prior year are still eligible to receive a grant this year.

5. Funding Limitations per Institution

A maximum of two awards, one Standard and one Collaborative grant per lead institution, may be awarded in FY 2018. However, applicants must not exceed budget limits for Standard and Collaborative Grants

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Applications for Payment System (ASAP), operated by the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA. For more information see https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm.

B. Types of Applications

Applications may be submitted to the ANNH Program as one of the following types:

1. New Application. This is a project application that has not been previously submitted to the ANNH Grants Program. We will review all new applications competitively using the screening for administrative requirements, review panel evaluation of proposals using evaluation criteria and selection process described in Part V—Application Review

Requirements.

2. Renewal Application. This is a project application that requests additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in an original or amended award.

Applications for renewed funding must contain the same information as required for new applications; they also must contain a Progress Report (see Project Narrative, Part IV).

We must receive renewal applications by the relevant due dates. We will evaluate renewal applications in competition with other pending applications in the area to which they are assigned and review them according to the same evaluation criteria (Part V, B.)

as new applications.

3. Resubmitted Application. This is an application that had previously been submitted to the ANNH Grants Program but not funded. Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review peer panel summary (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV). We must receive resubmitted applications by the relevant due dates. We will evaluate resubmitted applications with other pending applications in the appropriate area to which they are assigned and review them according to the same evaluation criteria (Part V, B.)

as new applications.

4. Resubmitted Renewal Application. This is a project application that requests additional funding for a project beyond the period that was approved in the original award. In addition, this is an application that had previously been submitted for renewal to the ANNH Grants Program but not funded. Therefore, PDs must provide a Progress

Report (as required under the Project Narrative, Part IV) and must respond to the previous review’s panel summary as required under Response to Previous Review, Part

IV. We must receive resubmitted renewal applications by the relevant due dates. We will evaluate resubmitted renewal applications in competition with other pending applications in the areas to which they are assigned and review them according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm

C. Project and Grant Types

1. Project Types

NIFA is soliciting applications for the ANNH Grants Program under the following project types (and Need Areas):

a. Education/Teaching Projects

Single-function Education/Teaching Projects conduct programs and activities that have formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in the FANH sciences and may also support faculty development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

ANNH projects should focus on one or more of the Need Areas listed below. Please note that at least one of these Need Areas must be indicated on the Project Summary

(See Part IV, B. 3).

Need Areas for FY 2018 are defined below:

i. Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources

To promote the development of courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula, and instructional materials and technology;

promote the acquisition of library resources including books and journals relating to the food and agricultural sciences; and stimulate the use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects, new research on teaching and learning theory, and new applications of knowledge.

ii. Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching

To advance faculty development in the areas of teaching competency and leadership, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment and advising skills. Examples include:

1. Obtaining experience with recent developments and new applications;

2. Expanding competence in innovative technologies and instruction delivery;

3. Developing new skills in a field of science or education including student advising skills; pursuing graduate-level study in a field related to the FANH sciences.

Each faculty recipient of support for developmental activities must be an

“eligible participant;” please refer to: 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and

Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General

Award Administrative Provisions for applicable definitions for this NIFA grant program.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2

iii. Instructional Delivery Systems

To encourage the use of alternative methods of delivering instruction to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency of teaching programs. Examples include:

1. Incorporating alternative instructional methodologies that respond to differences in student learning styles;

2. Inter-institutional collaborations that deliver instruction in ways that maximize program quality and reduce unnecessary duplication;

3. Consideration and implementation of innovative instructional techniques, methodologies, and delivery systems in response to advances in knowledge and technology.

iv. Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching and Research

To provide students and faculty in science-oriented courses with suitable, up-to-date equipment in order to involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress. Examples include:

1. Acquiring new, state-of-the-art instructional, laboratory, classroom, and research scientific equipment;

2. Upgrading existing equipment, or replacing non-functional or obsolete equipment.

v. Student Experiential Learning -

To further the development of student scientific and professional competencies through experiential learning programs that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Project focus may include:

1. Preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology, enhancing quality of life, conserve resources, and addressing community and economic development issues.

2. Enhancing student decision-making and communication skills, and improving real-life technological expertise.

3. Developing internships, practicum experiences, study abroad opportunities.

4. Participation with faculty on applied research and related community development projects.

vi. Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Equity

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance educational equity for underrepresented students, and strengthen student recruitment and retention programs in order to promote the future strength of the Nation's scientific, professional, and technical work force in the FANH sciences.

Examples include:

1. Initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract increased numbers of students from underrepresented groups to attend college;

2. Developing agricultural and science literacy programs at the high school level to attract students to college and careers in the FANH sciences;

3. Mentoring programs and other initiatives for student retention;

4. The provision of student financial support to attend college.

Each student recipient of monetary support for education costs or developmental purposes must be enrolled at an eligible institution and meet the requirement of an

"eligible participant" please refer to: 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and

Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award

Administrative Provisions for applicable definitions for this NIFA grant program.

b. Extension Projects

Single-function Extension Projects shall deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs that lead to practical decision making. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or a combination thereof.

Extension Projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, in-service training, client recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative instructional methodologies appropriate to informal educational programs.

Extension Projects may address one or more of the following:

i. Support informal education to increase food and agricultural literacy in youth and adults;

ii. Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of food and agricultural science data, information, and programs;

iii. Build science-based capability to engage audiences and enable informed decision making;

iv. Develop new applications of instructional tools and curriculum structures that increase technical competency and ensure global competitiveness;

v. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new ideas and technologies that are appropriate for community development;

vi. Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the nation’s food supply, agricultural productivity, environmental quality, community vitality, and/or public health and well-being.

These projects shall lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group. In addition, these http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&idno=7&7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 projects shall synthesize and incorporate a wide range of the latest relevant research results.

c. Research Projects

Single-function Research Projects support applied research conducted by individual investigators, or co-investigators within the same discipline, or multidisciplinary teams.

Applied research means research that includes expansion of the findings of fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and society.

Multi-disciplinary projects are those in which investigators from two or more disciplines collaborate to address a common problem. These collaborations, where appropriate, may integrate the various disciplines in the FANH sciences.

d. Integrated Research, Education and Extension Projects

An Integrated Project includes at least two of the three functions of the agricultural knowledge system (research, education, and extension) within a project. Some Integrated Project applications include all three components of the agricultural knowledge system. Applicants should consult the program area description beginning in Part I. C. of the RFA for their specific requirements of the program area to which they are applying.

The functions addressed in the project should be focused around the problem or issue and should be interwoven throughout the life of the project to complement and reinforce one another. While the functions can be interdependent and necessary for the success of the project, resource allocation between the functions need to be balanced.

Integrated Projects aim to resolve today’s problems through the application of science-based knowledge and address needs identified by stakeholders. Integrated

Projects clearly identify anticipated outcomes and have a plan for evaluating and documenting the success of the project. These projects should lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group.

Integrated Project applicants are encouraged to review https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information for additional information on integrated programs, including tips for writing

Integrated Project applications and an example of an integrated application. Those interested in submitting Integrated Project applications are encouraged to contact the Program Contact to discuss the anticipated project parameters and outcomes https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information to ensure the application content appropriately meets the requirements of an

Integrated Project.

Integrated Project applications are required to include a Logic Model (2-Page limit). Failure to include this component may result in the application not being accepted by the program for evaluation.

2. Grant Types

The following is a list of available grant types under this RFA.

a. Standard Grant: Supports targeted, original, scientific Education Projects.

Applicants would be an eligible ANNH institution (two or 4-year independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system) with project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of and for the benefit of the lead applicant.

Applicants may partner with other ANNH or non-ANNH without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

b. Collaborative Grant: Supports projects with at least one additional partner or a multi-partner approach to enhance education programs. Collaborative Grants should build linkages to generate a critical mass of expertise, skill, and technology to address education/teaching programs related to the food, agricultural, and natural resources, and human sciences. These Grants shall reduce duplication of efforts and build capacity and shall be organized and led by a strong applicant with documented project management knowledge and skills to organize and carry out the initiative. The partners must share grant funds (see explanation of required funds distribution percentage among partners in the definition in Part VIII, D.).

The amount of funds awarded to collaborative members as sub-grantees does

NOT have to be the same for each sub-grantee. All collaborators shall have a substantive role in the collaboration that is reflected in the budget allocation to partners.

D. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

While the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RCR) policy is required for research projects, it includes ethical conduct expected of all projects, including education and extension.

RCR topics that apply to all projects include plagiarism, reporting misconduct, data and research integration, and ensuring the quality, accuracy, and transparency of scientific information used to support decision making. Since ethical conduct is applicable to all projects, it is imperative that all applicants have a full understanding of, and adhere to the RCR. For information about the

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research, see http://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research.

http://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research http://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

For the purpose of the ANNH Grants Program, an eligible institution means an individual public or private, nonprofit Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions of higher education that meet the definitions of Alaska-Serving Institutions or Native Hawaiian-Serving

Institution established in Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20

U.S.C. 1059d.). Applicants not meeting an eligibility criterion by the due date may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

1. Branch Institutions of a State System For the purpose of this program, the individual branches of a State university system or public system of higher education that are separately accredited as degree granting institutions are treated as separate, individual institutions, eligible to apply for and receive awards, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of Alaska Native-Serving

Institution or Native Hawaiian- Serving Institution as specified above.

2. Independent Branch Campuses Independent branch campuses of individual institutions may apply for and receive grant awards under this program, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of Alaska

Native-Serving Institution or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution as specified above. An

“independent branch campus” means a unit of a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education that is geographically apart from the main campus, is permanent in nature, offers courses for credit and programs leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, and is autonomous to the extent that it has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization and its own budgetary and hiring authority.

3. Collaborative Arrangements Two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a State system may form a collaboration to carry out education, applied research, and extension programs in the FANH sciences. In addition to the individual eligible institutions (or independent branch campuses, etc.), such a collaboration also may include units of State government and private sector entities.

An existing collaboration consisting of at least two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a State system, which demonstrates its ability to carry out allowed activities and its commitment to the goals of the ANNH

Grants Program, also may apply for and receive a Collaborative Grant.

Certification of Eligibility

At the time of application, each primary applicant will be required to demonstrate or certify that it is an eligible institution under the ANNH Grants Program. If the applicant is a new or existing collaborative project, each member of the collaborative must demonstrate or certify that they are an eligible individual institution, independent branch campus, or a branch institution of a State system.

If an institution has received a “Designation as an Eligible Institution” letter for FY 2018 funding under the Title III, Part A, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions Program or the Native Hawaiian-

Serving Institutions Program from the U.S. Department of Education, the institution must submit a copy of the letter along with its application to satisfy the demonstration of eligibility requirement.

If an institution currently has a Title III, Part A. grant from the U.S. Department of Education that does not end prior to September 30, 2018, the institution must submit a copy of the “Notice of Award” letter for that grant along with its application to satisfy the demonstration of eligibility requirement. Otherwise, an institution must submit a letter, signed by the institution’s Authorized

Representative, (AR) certifying that it meets the requirements of an Alaska Native-Serving

Institution or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution as defined in paragraph 1 above. The AR must certify that:

1. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is legally authorized by the State in which it is located to provide an educational program for which it awards an associate or bachelor’s degree, or that it is a junior or community college.

2. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the

Secretary of Education to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered, or making reasonable progress toward such accreditation;

3. At least 50 percent of enrolled degree students are receiving need-based assistance under

Title IV of the Higher Education Act, or that a substantial percentage of students are receiving Pell Grants in comparison with the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants at all similar institutions (institution of higher education, or junior or community college);

4. Unless waived by the Secretary of Education, the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student are low in comparison with the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent student at institutions that offer similar instruction; and

5. For an Alaska Native-Serving Institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 20 percent Alaska Native students (where the term “Alaska Native” has the meaning given the term in Section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7546); or

6. For a Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native Hawaiian students (where the term “Native Hawaiian” has the meaning given the term in section 7207 of the

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).

Eligibility documentation must be submitted with the application.

In FY 2018, the Secretary will make competitive grant awards to individual eligible institutions or collaborative membership of eligible institutions in Alaska and in Hawaii with funds awarded equally to each of the states of Alaska and Hawaii.

Fiscal Agent (not required):

If an applicant uses a fiscal agent, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds will be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter should include the fiscal agent’s point of contact, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This letter is to be included as an attachment to Field

12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.3.c.). In the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant or institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management information (see Part V, D.).

Please note that the collaboration may designate fiscal agents for the members of the collaborative membership and allocate funds among the collaborative membership members.

Examples of fiscal agent arrangements include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:

1. A State university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of an eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution in the

State. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institution under a Standard Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

2. A research foundation or other, similar foundation established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally funded grant awards may apply on behalf of its eligible, parent institution. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible, individual institution under a

Standard Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

3. A State university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions in its State under a Collaborative Grant arrangement. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

4. A research foundation, or other similar foundation, established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally-funded grant awards, may apply on behalf of its parent institution and at least one additional eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system under a collaborative arrangement. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. An applicant’s failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude

NIFA from making an award.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

NIFA does not require matching support for this program and matching resources will not be factored into the review process as evaluation criteria.

PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Electronic Application Package

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to NIFA in response to this RFA.

We urge you to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For information about the pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html.

New Users of Grants.gov

Prior to preparing an application, we recommend that the Project Director/Principal Investigator

(PD/PI) first contact an Authorized Representative (AR, also referred to as Authorized

Organizational Representative, or AOR) to determine if the organization is prepared to submit electronic applications through Grants.gov. If not (e.g., the institution/organization is new to the electronic grant application process through Grants.gov), then the one-time registration process must be completed PRIOR to submitting an application. It can take as long as two weeks to complete the registration process so it is critical to begin as soon as possible. In such situations, the AR should go to “Register,” in the top right corner of the Grants.gov web page (or go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html), for information on registering the institution/organization with Grants.gov. Part II,1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the registration process. Refer to item 2, below, to locate the “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.”

Steps to Obtain Application Package Materials

To receive application materials:

1. You must download and install a version of Adobe Reader compatible with Grants.gov to access, complete, and submit applications. For basic system requirements and download instructions, see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. Grants.gov has a test package that will help you determine whether your current version of Adobe Reader is compatible.

2. To obtain the application package from Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html and enter the funding opportunity number where appropriate

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AHSI-006489

Click “Search.” On the displayed page, click the corresponding link to continue. A Grant

Application Package is tied to a particular funding opportunity. You may submit an application ONLY to the particular funding opportunity to which the Grant Application

Package is associated.

Contained within the application package is the “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.”

This guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov instructions, information http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/download-application-package.html about how to use a Grant Application Package in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to complete the application forms.

If you require assistance to access the application package (e.g., downloading or navigating Adobe forms) or submitting the application, refer to resources available on the Grants.gov website (https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html). Grants.gov assistance is also available at:

Grants.gov customer support

800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035

Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed on federal holidays.

Email: support@grants.gov

Grants.gov iPortal (see https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants):

Top 10 requested help topics (FAQs), Searchable knowledge base, self-service ticketing and ticket status, and live web chat (available 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST).

Have the following information available when contacting Grants.gov:

a) Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

b) Name of agency you are applying to

c) Specific area of concern

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Electronic applications are to be prepared following Parts V and VI of the NIFA Grants.gov

Application Guide. This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section A of this part). The following is additional information you need to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If there is discrepancy between the two documents, the information contained in this RFA is overriding.

Note the attachment requirements (e.g., PDF) in Part III, Section 3 of the guide. ANY

PROPOSALS THAT ARE NON-COMPLIANT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS (e.g., content format, PDF file format, file name restrictions, and no password protected files)

WILL BE AT RISK OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM NIFA REVIEW. Grants.gov does not check for NIFA required attachments or whether attachments are in PDF format; see

Part III, Section 6.1 of the guide for how to check the manifest of submitted files. Partial applications will be excluded from NIFA review. We will accept subsequent submissions of an application until close of business on the closing date in the RFA (see Part V, 2.1 of the

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further information).

For any questions related to the preparation of an application, review the NIFA Grants.gov

Application Guide and the applicable RFA. If assistance is still needed for preparing application forms content, contact:

i. Email: electronic@nifa.usda.gov

ii. Phone: 202-401-5048

iii. Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants mailto:electronic@nifa.usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/

1. SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 2 of the

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. See Part V, Section 2.18 of the NIFA Grants.gov

Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances (e.g., Prohibition Against

Entities Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements).

2. SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)

Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 3 of the

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

3. R&R Other Project Information Form

Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 4 of the

a) Field 7. Project Summary/Abstract.

The summary description shall not exceed 250 words and must include the relevance of the project to the goals of the ANNH Program. See Part V. 4.7 of

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.

b) Field 8. Project Narrative. Applications will not be accepted for review if the project narrative is not included or not in PDF format.

The Project Narrative shall not exceed 18 pages of written text and up to five additional pages for figures and tables. Formatting shall be one inch margins, no smaller than 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial), and double spacing.

We have established this maximum 23 pages to ensure fair and equitable competition. Project narratives that exceed this page limit requirement will not be accepted for review.

Introduction: Include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and supporting objectives of the proposed activities. Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities that substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities that relate to the proposed project including the work of key project personnel. Include preliminary data/information on the following, when applicable:

i. Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and relevance to ongoing state-federal food and agricultural research, education and extension programs.

ii. The relevance and role of stakeholders in the problem identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation as appropriate.

iii. Reasons for performing the work at the proposing institution.

Objectives: All applicants must include a statement(s) of specific aims of the proposed effort in clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged terms.

Methods: Explicitly state the procedures or methodology you will apply to the proposed effort. This section should include but not necessarily be limited to, descriptions of:

i. Proposed project activities, listed sequentially;

ii. Techniques to be employed in this project, including their feasibility and rationale;

iii. Expected Results;

iv. How extension and education activities will be evaluated;

v. How data will be analyzed or interpreted;

vi. Plans to communicate results to stakeholders and the public;

vii. Difficulties that might be encountered; and

viii. Limitations to proposed procedures.

Project Timetable: The proposal shall outline all important phases as a function of time, year to year, for the entire project.

Evaluation Plan: All projects must have an Evaluation Plan that includes both a strategy for monitoring the project as it evolves (to provide feedback to guide these efforts), as well as a strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of the project.

Grantees are encouraged to obtain an independent evaluator to secure appropriate documentation of the project outcomes and impacts. As a guide, up to 10% of the grant funds may be used to support this purpose

Plan of Work for Collaborative Projects:

In addition to the Project Narrative, a plan of work is required to be submitted for

Collaborative Grant applications. A plan of work is a detailed, step-by-step description of how the applicant intends to accomplish the project’s objectives

(See definition in Part VIII, D.). Applicants should consider the following in developing a plan of work:

i. The lead institution must submit a plan of work, limited to 10 pages of written text with double line spacing. Applicants may include up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables.

ii. Each member-institution that will receive funds as a sub-grantee must submit a plan of work, limited to 5 pages of written text with double line spacing. Up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables are allowed for each Collaborative member-institution that will receive funds.

The plan of work does not count against the page limit of the Project Narrative (18 pages of written text and up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables).

c) Field 12. Add Other Attachments

See Part V. Section 4.12 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide (Field 12 on the form) for instructions regarding mandatory Felony Convictions or Tax Delinquent

Status.

Resubmitted applications must also include the following information in their application package:

i. Response to Previous Review (if applicable)

This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Applications or Resubmitted

Renewal Applications as described in Part II, B. The Project Narrative attachment is to include two components: 1) a one-page response to the previous review (containing the previous proposal number in the first line) titled “Response to Previous Review” as the first page of the attachment and

2) the [20] page Project Narrative, as required (see Part IV, C. 3. b., above).

The one-page “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the 18-page limit of the Project Narrative.

The application should be checked for the following required items that might be overlooked (this is not an exclusive list):

o Logic Model (required for collaborative applications) o CVs, Current and Pending, Conflict of Interest Forms of all PDs and Co-PDs o Certification of…