fy-2019-supplemental-and-alternative-crops-rfa.pdf

Supplemental and Alternative Crops (SAC) Competitive Grants Program

FY 2019 Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 31, 2019

ELIGIBILITY: See Part III, A of RFA

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

AGRICULTURE

SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS COMPETITIVE (SAC) GRANTS

PROGRAM

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 10.200.

DATES: Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 31, 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 Supplemental and Alternative Crops Competitive Grants Program RFA.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA requests applications for the Supplemental and Alternative Crops Competitive Grants Program (SAC) for fiscal year (FY) 2019. The SAC supports projects that lead to expanded adaptation and increased acres in the U.S. of canola grown for oil and industrial hemp grown for value added products. This is an integrated research and extension program that will produce results to increase the cost effectiveness and competitiveness of these two crops grown as components of production systems across the country. The SAC supports the breeding, testing, and development of superior performing canola and industrial hemp varieties and production practices that result in improved cost efficiencies, reduced grower risks, and wider use in production systems. Research results and technology developed are expected to be rapidly transferred to producers and other users through effective extension outreach and other engagement efforts. The anticipated grant amount available is approximately $1 million.

These funds will provide support for canola: up to three region-based integrated canola research grants at $225,000 each. SAC is budgeted to fund one canola research project in a state not part of the three regions, up to $100,000. However, if one of the regional project is not fundable, SAC would fund additional state projects up to $100,000. SAC will also support one industrial hemp national needs research and extension conference/workshop up to $50,000.

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

mailto:Policy@nifa.usda.gov

Table of Contents

PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Types of Applications C. Project 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

Pursuant to Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 USC 3319d(c)) reauthorized by Section 7122 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, the Secretary of Agriculture, (acting through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)), is authorized to make competitive grants to colleges and universities, other Federal agencies, and private sector entities to conduct fundamental and applied research related to the development of new commercial products derived from natural plant material for industrial, medical, and agricultural applications.

B. Purpose and Priorities

The Supplemental and Alternative Crops grant program (SAC) supports projects that lead to expanded adaptation and increased acres in the U.S. of canola grown for oil and industrial hemp grown for value added products. Such crops are important to United States (U.S.) agriculture in that these can provide new and profitable cropping options in response to low commodity prices and changes in consumer demand for new agricultural-based products. The U.S. does not produce enough canola oil to meet its annual domestic consumption needs. Modern canola has major uses in healthy human foods and animal feeds, as a natural pest control when used as a cover crop, and as a feedstock in industrial chemical manufacture and biofuel production.

Industrial hemp is a crop for U.S. production systems that is newly allowed to be grown due to recent legislation in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. The purpose of this integrated research and extension program is to adapt these multiple-purposes crops to diverse growing regions in the U.S., so that domestic canola oil and industrial hemp production can be significantly increased and be profitable nationwide. Such efforts require strategically designed, region-based research approaches and effective communication of useful information and transfer of technologies to users as rapidly as possible.

The SAC program is aligned with the USDA Strategic Goals 1: Ensure USDA Programs Are Delivered Efficiently, Effectively, With Integrity and a Focus on Customer Service; 2: Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers To Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World;

4:Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development; and 7:Provide All Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food Supply (www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf).

C. Program Area Description

SAC is an integrated research and extension program to improve the productivity and profitability of canola grown for oil and industrial hemp grown for value-added products through their expanded use as components in sustainable production systems across the United States.

The SAC program encourages applicants to establish and work through region-based, multi-state research networks to address priority national or regional science needs of the canola and industrial hemp industries. The SAC program seeks to accelerate the development and use of superior varieties and practices adapted to regional conditions that produce benefits to growers http://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf and allied industries. By bringing together expertise across multiple university, federal agency, and industry organizations and states, the SAC program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of limited state, federal, and industry resources to produce greater impacts. Research results, information, and technology developed are expected to be rapidly transferred to producers and other users through effective extension outreach and other engagement efforts.

NIFA is soliciting applications for the FY 2019 SAC under the following two areas:

A. Canola:

1. Testing germplasm and breeding to develop superior performing canola varieties that increase productivity, profitability, and adaptation to an expanded range of U.S. growing environments.

And/or

2. Conducting fundamental and applied research and extension activities to develop innovative planting, cultivating, harvesting methods for use in production systems that include superior performing canola varieties to improve input cost efficiencies and reduce producer and other supply chain participant risks.

B. Industrial Hemp:

1. National research needs and extension assessment conference/workshop. Plan, conduct, and report on a national research and extension workshop to assess the needs of customers and stakeholders to get their opinions of what the science needs, research approaches, and effective private-public partnerships are needed to accelerate the sustainable development of a national industrial hemp industry.

Proposals must include stakeholder input in priority setting, project development, and implementation, and pursue regional coordination of canola- or industrial hemp-related research and extension activities. Applicants are required to provide evidence as appropriate of interdisciplinary, multi-regional cooperation, and use the expertise and resources of land grant and other colleges and universities, Federal agencies, and private industry.

PART II—AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The anticipated amount available for SAC grants in FY 2019 is approximately $1 million.

The project budget cannot exceed a maximum of $225,000 for one each Canola Regional Integrated Research and Extension Projects (RIREP) for each region, and $100,000 for Canola Projects in Other States (POS projects), including indirect costs. The project period for Canola REIREP or POS projects can be up to three years. Funding for one National Industrial Hemp Research Needs and Extension Assessment Conference/Workshop cannot exceed $50,000 and the project must be completed within one year of the award date. 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

In FY 2019, you may only submit an application to the SAC Program as one of the following types of requests:

New application. This is a project application that has not been previously submitted to the SAC 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.

Resubmitted application. This is an application that was previously submitted to the NIFA but not funded. Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review panel summary (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV). We must receive resubmitted applications by the relevant due dates. We will evaluate resubmitted applications in competition 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. If you are submitting a resubmission application, enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously-submitted application in the Federal field (Field 4 on the form).

C. Project and Grant Types

1. Project Types

Only projects that integrate research and extension will be considered. Pursuant to section 1472(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 USC 3318(c)), project periods may be extended but may not exceed five years total. Applicants are required to provide evidence of multi-regional cooperation and, https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm where appropriate, use other relevant and complementary expertise and resources of land grant and other colleges and universities, other Federal agencies, and private industry.

For Canola, NIFA will recognize two types of projects this year:

Regional Integrated Research and Extension Projects (RIREP):

Established canola industry associations are found in the following three geographic regions, and therefore projects applying for these regions should lead to results that can increase acres planted and improve profitability for canola oil growers. No more than one project in each of the following regions will be funded up to $225,000.

North Central: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Eastern Montana

Great Plains: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming

Pacific Northwest: Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Western Montana

Other information:

• Each regional project should have at least two states participating from within the same region

• Up to 25% of the funding can go to states outside of a designated region

We encourage applicants to form partnerships throughout your region since there is only one project awarded to each region. Applicants are encouraged to engage local, state, and national canola grower organizations. These organizations can assist potential applicants in connecting with other scientists and industry representatives with similar interests.

Projects in Other States (POS):

Proposals this year for no more than $100,000 for the states that are not associated with regional or state-level canola industry associations. Projects in these states should lead to results that will help expand the range of profitable canola production.

For Industrial Hemp, NIFA will recognize one type of projects this year:

Proposals for funding one Conference/Workshop grant at no more than $50,000 should bring together state-of-the-art technical expertise of experts and the knowledge of customers and stakeholders to what the science needs, research approaches, and effective private-public partnerships that are needed to accelerate the sustainable development of a U.S. industrial hemp industry. These should occur within 12 months of the award start date. Conferences providing current information to farmers and ranchers should be held to the extent possible in conjunction with meetings regularly attended by organic producers and processors. Conference grants should go beyond just meeting activities and should lead to clear outputs and outcomes. Documentation of outputs and outcomes may include, but is not limited to: proceedings, white papers, opinion papers, fact sheets, bulletins, or priority setting. This information should be publicly available.

2. Grant Types: The following is a list of available grant types under this RFA.

Standard. This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined research project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

Conference/Workshop. A National Industrial Hemp Research and Extension National Needs Conference/Workshop grant should bring together state-of-the-art technical expertise of experts and the knowledge of customers and stakeholders to what the science needs, research approaches, and effective private-public partnerships that are needed to accelerate the sustainable development of a U.S. industrial hemp industry. Applicants are encouraged to draw from knowledge of systems science and transformational change in fields outside of agriculture including the social and policy sciences, law, and humanities, but with a focus on application to industrial hemp agricultural, food, industrial, and health systems applications. It is expected that the conference/workshop will produce a summary of its conclusions for publication and other distribution.

D. Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research

In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients shall, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research for more information.

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

Only colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA, 7 U.S.C. 3103), other Federal agencies, and private sector entities are eligible to submit applications. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may 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 for this program and matching resources will not be factored into the review process as evaluation criteria. Proposal submissions to this RFA may indicate that multiple entities will complete work as a collaborative partnership. All partners must have a substantial involvement in the project throughout the life of the project. Proposals for partnerships among multiple entities must clearly identify the following:

1) A narrative that clearly establishes each entity’s role in the project;

2) How each project partner will contribute to execution of project objectives; determine experimental design; develop the project work plan and time table; and submit collaborative, timely reports; and

3) A comprehensive project budget that reflects each entity’s financial or third party in-kind contribution (see section 2 of 7 CFR 3430 or section 96 of 2 CFR part 200) to the total project budget costs.

If a proposal indicates that multiple entities, as partners, complete work on the project and at least one entity is exempt from the matching requirement as described here: NIFA Matching Requirements, the entire project will be exempt from the matching requirement. Any partner entity may serve as the lead entity on the project. All partners must be significantly involved in the project.

NIFA will examine proposals recommended for award to determine if the proposed division of work reflects substantial involvement of all entities involved. If a proposal is recommended for award to a lead entity that is not otherwise exempt from the matching requirement, and the proposal does not reflect substantial involvement of at least one partner that is exempt as described here: NIFA Matching Requirements, then the matching requirement will apply.

Exemption from the matching requirement for an entity not otherwise exempt is limited to the project for which it is a partner.

Waiver of Match: NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a recipient for one year for a competitive grant that involves research or extension activities that are consistent with the priorities established by the National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) for the year involved. Refer to the REE Action Plan to determine whether proposed activities are consistent with the priorities of the NAREEEAB.

See R&R Budget under Part IV, B, of this RFA.

https://nifa.usda.gov/matching-requirement https://nifa.usda.gov/matching-requirement https://nifa.usda.gov/matching-requirement https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/ree-action-plan

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/download-application-package.html and enter the funding opportunity number where appropriate

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NIFA-OP-006749

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/download-application-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. EST).

Have the following information available when contacting Grants.gov:

• Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

• Name of agency you are applying to

• 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).

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. 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.

2. R&R Other Project Information Form Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 4 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

a. Field 7. Project Summary/Abstract.

The summary should also include the relevance of the project to the goals of SAC. 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.

NOTE: The Research Project Narrative is only required for the two types of canola research grants and shall not exceed 18 pages of written text and up to three additional pages for figures and tables related to the project. We have established this maximum 21 pages to ensure fair and equitable competition. The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

i. Introduction. First, identify which of the two program areas you are applying for and the approximate percentage of your project in each area. Define the states working on the project and the region you will be applying to. Clearly state the high priority need of the canola industry, who will benefit and how they will benefit, and the specific goals of the proposed research. Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities related to your proposed research, citing the work of key project personnel or others that is relevant to the project. Preliminary data or information pertinent to the proposed research should be included in this section. Describe the qualifications of key personnel, adequacy of facilities, and the project management capability of the applicant institution.

ii. Rationale and Significance. Concisely present the rationale behind the proposed research as it relates to the goals of this RFA as well as the specific research area you will be addressing. This section will:

• Address the priority-setting process and method of engaging stakeholder involvement in problem identification, planning, implementation of the research, evaluation, and utilization of results.

• Describe any coordination of the research in national or regional efforts, and how this research complements other work conducted by land grant and other universities, Federal agencies, and industry.

• Discuss novel ideas or contributions that the proposed project offers.

iii. Objectives: Include a list of project objectives for the goal(s).

iv. Approach. Describe how you will address each stated objective. Include in your approach:

• Methods to be used in carrying out the research and extension components.

• Means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, and interpreted.

• A detailed description of how you will communicate your findings and transfer technologies to intended users (Information Dissemination Plan).

• A clear description of each team members’ role and responsibility to the project.

• For the entire project, a timeline that outlines all-important phases as a year-by-year function of time, including periods beyond the grant funding period.

• Expected outcomes and benefits. Projects must include a clear description of the expected accomplishments and how research’s progress and benefits (outputs and outcomes) will be tracked and measured. This section can include:

• Anticipated specific uses for your results or products.

• Specific changes in knowledge about canola crops and their performance that will directly result from your research. Also, present the status and expected advancement of information or technology components towards the market place measured as crop research technology readiness level (Crop Research TRL, see Part IV B 3(b) field 12).

• Performance measures such as number of new canola acres planted, increased seed sales, relative changes in land use, enhanced sustainability of production systems, or change in market share.

• Estimated increases in profit or risk reductions from growing canola, or other quantitative measures of impact.

• The potential long-term benefits of utilizing the new technology based on current knowledge and practice, and the estimated impact on the canola industry and American agriculture.

vi. Response to Previous Review: This requirement only applies to Resubmitted

Applications as described in Part II, B (Resubmission project type). The Project Narrative is to include two components: 1) a one-page maximum 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 Narrative and 2) the 18 page Project Narrative, as required (see Part IV, C. 3. b., above). The additional one-page “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the 18-page limit of the Project Narrative. This is required for all applications previously submitted to this program.

NOTE: Appendices to the research Project Narrative are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit.

Project Narrative – Industrial Hemp National Research and Extension Needs Conference/Workshop Proposals: The Project Narrative for the Industrial Hemp National Research and Extension Needs Conference/Workshop Proposals must not exceed a total of 7 single- or double-spaced pages, including figures and tables. All pages, including those with figures and tables, should be numbered sequentially. To ensure fair and equitable reviews, applications exceeding the page limit may not be reviewed.

New this year: Canola – Industry Support Letter. Each project research team must show evidence of industry support of their project idea to ensure there is industry relevance. Each team must include letters of support from farmer’s organizations or other organized groups that understand the needs of the canola industry such as a state, regional, or national association.

Industrial Hemp – National Research and Extension National Needs Conference/Workshop. Conference/Workshop grant should bring together state-of-the-art technical expertise of experts and the knowledge of customers and stakeholders to what the science needs, research approaches, and effective private-public partnerships that are needed to accelerate the sustainable development of a U.S. industrial hemp industry. Applicants will submit a conference work plan with a budget that can be completed in one year.

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 for this field.

Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture (NLGCA) Certification. If you claim exemption from the new matching requirements as a NLGCA, then you must attach the NLGCA certification letter you requested and received from NIFA. Title the attachment ‘NLGCA Certification’ and save the file as ‘NLGCACertification.’ To request certification as an NLGCA, complete the form at https://nifa.usda.gov/webform/request-non-land-grant-college-agriculture-designation. Note that certification can take up to 30 days from submission of request form. See Part III Section 3.1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for NIFA attachment specifications.

Crop Research Technology Readiness Level (TRL) (Mandatory filled form, in addition to project narrative): It is mandatory that applicants include information on the readiness status for commercial use of information or technology components developed through this program. Each project is required to submit a project level technology readiness table in addition to individual readiness levels for each technology the project addresses. In addition, the technology development will be paired with outcomes, which will create a full project view of the commercial value of the project’s objectives. Details on how this information is required to be formatted can be found within the Crop Research TRL Worksheet, available on the NIFA website: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/agronomic-forage-crops-program.

Data Management Plan. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required and is to clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B.). See Part III Section 3.1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for NIFA attachment specifications.

The requirements for preparation and inclusion of a DMP in your application are included on the following web page, https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects. Also included on the web page are FAQs and information about accessing examples of DMPs.

In addition, applications must provide a description and budgeted plan for releasing germplasm, cultivars, or other genetic resources that is compliant with the Research Terms and Conditions that govern NIFA-funded projects in the areas of plant breeding, genetics, and genomics. The https://nifa.usda.gov/webform/request-non-land-grant-college-agriculture-designation https://nifa.usda.gov/webform/request-non-land-grant-college-agriculture-designation https://nifa.usda.gov/program/agronomic-forage-crops-program https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions terms and conditions can be found at: https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions. The following sections are particularly relevant: Genetic Resources from Outside of the U.S (page 5); Patents and Inventions including Plant Variety Protection (page 9); and Release of Animal or Plant Genome Sequence Data and Distribution of Animal or Plant Genomic Resources, and the Release or Distribution of Plant Germplasm (pages 13-15).

Information Dissemination Plan: The projects must include well-defined information dissemination and extension activities that specify target audiences including individuals, market segments, communities, or other customer or stakeholder groups served by the project.

Applications are to include a detailed plan and schedule for dispersal of science-based knowledge and technology through formal or informal educational programs such as workshops, field days, and other extension, outreach, and engagement activities, as well as published documents including bulletins, extension guides, germplasm or variety releases, licensing agreements, or on-line media.

3. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 5 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. This section of the guide includes instructions about senior/key person profile requirements, and details about the biographical sketch and the current and pending support, including a link to a suggested template for the current and pending support.

4. R&R Personal Data As noted in Part V, 6 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, the submission of this information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. Part V.6 also notes the importance and use of the information.

5. R&R Budget Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part V, 7 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

Matching Funds If you conclude that matching funds are not required as specified under Part III, B Cost-Sharing or Matching, you must include an explanation for your conclusion in the Budget Justification.

We will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.

For grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B, the Budget Justification must list matching sources along with the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match as well as the total dollar amount being pledged. NIFA is no longer requiring written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement). However, you are still subject to documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, etc. as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions,” and program-specific regulations, as applicable. In instances where match is required, any resulting award will require the signature of an Authorized Representative. Only when NIFA receives the award signed by the AR will award funds be released and available for drawdown.

You must establish the value of applicant contributions in accordance with applicable cost principles. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” for further guidance and other requirements relating to matching and allowable costs.

Indirect Costs For further information and instructions regarding indirect costs, refer to Part V, section 7.9 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide. For indirect cost funding restrictions, refer to Part IV, D. of this RFA.

Project Director Workshop The SAC requires successful applicants or a designee to attend a project director workshop annually. For the purposes of budget development, applicants are required to request funds for travel for attending an annual workshop. The request for these funds must be clearly indicated in the budget narrative section of the application.

6. Supplemental Information Form Detailed information related to the questions on this form is available in Part VI, 1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

a. Field 2. Program to which you are applying. Enter the program code name (i.e., enter

“Canola Research”) and the program code (i.e., enter “HW”). Note that accurate entry of the program code is very important for proper and timely processing of an application.

b. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. See Part VI, 1.8 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.

7. Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for

Corporate Applicants

This is a required form for corporate applicants. See Part VI, 2 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for a description of the term, “corporation,” and detailed information related to the questions on this form.

C. Submission Dates and Times

We recommend that you conduct an administrative review of the application before submission of it via Grants.gov to ensure that it complies with all preparation instructions. An application checklist is included in Part VII of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide to assist with this review.

This is not an exhaustive list of required items; it only serves to highlight items that are often overlooked. The checklist should be used in addition to this to ensure your application is complete. Please double check you have included the following items:

• Resubmitted projects only: Response to previous review

• Crop Research Technology Readiness Level (TRL) description of information and technology advancement

• Budget: Shows two years with associated narrative

• Management Plan

• Current and Pending Support forms for each PD and Co-PD

• Signed Tax and Felony Certification Form

• Industry Support Letter from organized group

Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV, Section 1.9 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

Applications must be received by Grants.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on May 31, 2019.

Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding. If you have trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, you should FIRST contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any problems. Keep a record of any such correspondence.

See Part IV. A for Grants.gov contact information.

We send email correspondence to the AR regarding the status of submitted applications. We strongly encourage you to provide accurate email addresses, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R Application for Federal Assistance.

If the AR has not received correspondence from NIFA regarding a submitted application within 30 days of the established deadline, contact the Agency Contact identified in Part VII of the RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the application. Failure to do so may result in the application not being considered for funding by the peer review panel. Once the application has been assigned a proposal number, you should cite this number on all future correspondence.

D. Funding Restrictions

This section does not apply to the National Research Needs and Extension Assessment Conference/workshop Program.

Section 1462(a) and (c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) limits indirect costs for the overall award to 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum indirect cost rate allowed under the award is determined by calculating the amount of indirect costs using:

1) the sum of an institution’s negotiated indirect cost rate and the indirect cost rate charged by sub-awardees, if any; or

2) 30 percent of TFFA.

The maximum allowable indirect cost rate under the award, including the indirect costs charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the two rates.

If the results of number one, is the lesser of the two rates, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated indirect cost rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards would be subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated indirect cost rate. The sub-awardee may charge its negotiated indirect cost rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the indirect cost rate charged under the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

If the result of number two, is the lesser of the two rates, then the maximum indirect cost rate allowed for the overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA.

That is, the indirect costs of the prime awardee plus the sum of the indirect costs charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum indirect cost allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining indirect costs for the Federal portion (i.e., prime and sub-awardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing (see 7 CFR 3430.52(b)).

Amounts exceeding the maximum allowable indirect cost is considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.

You may not use grant funds awarded under this authority to renovate or refurbish research, education, or extension space; purchase or install fixed equipment in such space; or the plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construction of buildings or facilities.

E. Other Submission Requirements

You should follow the submission requirements noted in Part IV, Section 1.9 in the document entitled “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.”

For information about the status of a submitted application, see Part III, Section 6 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. General

We evaluate each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, a technical review panel will evaluate applications that meet the administrative requirements.

We select reviewers based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

• the level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities;

• the need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields;

• the need to include other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs;

• the need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations;

• the need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and

• the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of SAC will recommend that your project be approved for support from currently available funds or be declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

SAC reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or with the submitting organization or institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level, period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.

We will send copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary of the panel comments to the PD after the review process has been completed.

B. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation for this RFA entails two levels of assessment. A panel of reviewers will evaluate applications independently. The reviewers will assess how well the application addresses each evaluation criterion identified in this RFA, assess the overall strength and weaknesses of each criterion, and evaluate the overall likelihood that the project will have significant outcomes and impacts. The reviewers will than summarizes their review and assign a review score based on the criteria in this RFA.

After the independent reviews are completed, a peer review commences. The peer review includes a discussion with other reviewers serving on the peer review panel. The panel uses the summarized reviews to facilitate these discussions. Through these discussions, peer review panelists come to consensus on the final rating and ranking of proposals. See a complete description of NIFA’s peer review process here:

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/NIFA-Peer-Review-Process-for-Competitive- Grant-Applications_0.pdf.

For Canola Research Proposals: We will use the evaluation criteria below to review applications submitted in response to this RFA:

1. Design (60 points). Each of the following components will be considered:

• The application’s methodologies and analytical approaches are appropriate to project objectives, have high scientific merit, and effectively integrate the research and extension activities. (25 pts)

• The application demonstrates a “whole systems approach”; that is a compelling understanding of the problem(s) it will address, the regional production system as a whole, and how the proposed solution(s) will contribute to both. (10 pts)

• Project is…