FY 2019 ANNH RFA.pdf

Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH)

2019 Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 6, 2019

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 Assistance Listings under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 10.228.

DATES: Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2019. 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 Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 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 2019 is approximately $3,000,000.

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

Table 1: RFA Key Information

Figure 1: Recommended Format for Submitting Expected Outcomes

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 7109 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2; Pub. L. 115-334), 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:

• 2018-2022 USDA Strategic Plan, Strategic Goal #4 -- Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development

C. Program Area Description

Key Information:

Program Code – RD Program Code Name –

- Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions 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 – May 6, 2019 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf

Table 1: RFA Key Information

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 $475,000 and One

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

Total Funding Limit per Institution

$1,475,000

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 FANH 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/

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The anticipated amount available for ANNH grants in FY 2019 is approximately $3,000,000.

Funds will be awarded competitively through a peer panel review process.

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 (see 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 https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm applications in the areas to which they are assigned and review them according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.

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 in the project summary (See Part

IV, B. 3).

Need areas for FY 2019 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, 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

Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions for applicable definitions for this NIFA grant program.

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, and study abroad opportunities.

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

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

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 must 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

These projects must lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group. In addition, these 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 will 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 (See Part https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information

VII) to discuss the anticipated project parameters and outcomes 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 must 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 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 will reduce duplication of efforts and build capacity and must 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 must have a substantive role in the collaboration that is reflected in the budget allocation to partners.

Grants awards may differ from the amounts requested in the application and revised budgets and revised plans of work may be required by NIFA before an award is made.

The project period may range from 24 to 36 months. The project start date must not occur prior to September 2019.

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

https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://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 2019 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, 2019, 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 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.

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 must 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 as members of the collaborative arrangement and allocate funds among them.

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 https://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 it is determined that the organization is not prepared to submit electronic application, a one-time registration process is required PRIOR to submitting an application. This will apply, if the institution/organization is new to the electronic grant application process through Grants.gov. It can take as long as two weeks to complete the registration process so it is critical to begin as soon as possible.

If registration is required, the AR should go to “Register,” in the top right corner of the Grants.gov web page (or go to https://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 https://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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html and enter the funding opportunity number where appropriate

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-AHSI-006709

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 move forms amongst different Grant Application Packages but you may ONLY submit an application to the particular funding opportunity to which the Grant Application Package is associated.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html

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

This guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov instructions, information 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. ET).

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. 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 application 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).

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.

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

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:

• Email: electronic@nifa.usda.gov

• Phone: 202-401-5048

• Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, excluding 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 must 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 must not exceed 18 pages of written text and up to five additional pages for figures and tables. Formatting must 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.

The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

1. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem

a. Identification of Educational Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state: (1) the specific instructional problem/challenge (or opportunity) to be addressed; (2) the anticipated project audience; and (3) the project’s target objectives (what change in education is proposed?) and its anticipated, overall impact on improving the quality of FANH sciences education.

mailto:electronic@nifa.usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/

b. Project Justification: Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Discuss how the project’s Educational Need Area (Part II, C.1) will be of value at the state, regional, national, or international level(s), and where applicable, how it will improve the FANH science capabilities of students. Describe any previously funded projects that are ongoing or recently completed that are related to the proposed project.

c. Institutional Long-range Goals: Explain how the project will help satisfy the institution/organization's high-priority objectives, or how the project is linked to and supported by the institution/organization's strategic plan.

d. Innovation: Describe the proposal’s creative approach to improving the quality of FANH sciences education, solving an educational problem, or promoting programs that advance equal opportunity for all students. Using either actual experiences or literature background information, show why this approach was chosen.

e. Multidisciplinary and/or Problem-based Focus: Indicate how the project is relevant to multiple disciplines in FANH sciences education and how the project will enhance students’ understanding of complex agricultural systems. Also, discuss whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a model for other institutions.

2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

a. Plan of Operation and Methodology. Describe procedures for accomplishing the objectives of the project. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

b. Timetable. Identify all important project milestones (performance targets that indicate when project goals will be met) and dates as they relate to project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and closeout.

c. Products, Results and Measurable Outputs. Outline the expected products, results, measurable outputs, and their outcome (impact) on strengthening FANH sciences education.

Note: Make sure to differentiate among the three terms: 1) “Products” may be actual items or services acquired with funds, e.g., “…developed three, new web-based courses”; 2) “Results” are accomplishments related to the products, e.g., “...additional course materials now available online to reinforce student learning during non-classroom hours”; and 3) “Impacts” are the benefits to your audience. Impacts are the consequences of your project and the most critical elements in your Evaluation Plan.

They are a measure of the results by comparison to what might have happened in the absence of the funded project, e.g., “…an observed, overall increase in student learning based upon 8 percent higher average test scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, web-based course materials”.

d. Evaluation Plan. All ANNH 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 projects outcomes and impacts. As a guide, up to 10 percent of the grant funds may be used to support this purpose.

e. Dissemination Plans. The application must document how project accomplishments (products, results and impacts, etc.) will be published or otherwise disseminated to the broadest extent throughout the academic community. This may include educational journals or other professional discipline publications, and presentations at regional or international conferences and workshops, including the ANNH Project Directors’ Meeting. Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization. Identify target audiences and explain methods of communication.

f. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts. Explain how the project will maximize partnership and collaborative efforts to strengthen FANH sciences education (e.g., involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, collaborative projects with other educational institutions/organizations, or cooperative activities with business or industry). Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved in the partnership or collaborative arrangement.

3. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

a. Institutional/Organizational Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to this project and has the capability to ensure its completion.

b. Institutional/Organizational Resources. Document the necessary institutional/organizational resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials), and other appropriate resources, that will be made available to the project.

Demonstrate how these resources, when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project.

c. Academic Enhancement. Document how this project will improve and strengthen teaching at the institution (including any partner institutions/organizations). Include how any project performance target(s) identified above (2.b., Timetable) will be incorporated into academic instruction at the institution. Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend the applicant institution/organization or the grant period.

d. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the period of USDA support. Describe how the institution’s/organization's long-range budget or academic plan provides for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the grant period ends. Explain the plans for eventual self-support built into the project, and the plans to institutionalize the program if it is successful.