_FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants Request for Applications.pdf

Information Collection: 0584-0512

Expiration date: 07/31/2025

Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern

Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities

Fiscal Year 2024 Request for Applications (RFA)

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 10.574

Release Date: May 16, 2024

Application Due Date: 11:59 pm ET, July 16, 2024

Anticipated Award Date: August 2024

Letter of Intent (optional) Due Date: 11:59 pm ET, June 13, 2024

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Application Checklist

This Application Checklist provides applicants with a list of the required actions and documents that must be completed. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition

Service (FNS) expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application and comply with all requirements outlined in the solicitation. The Application Checklist is for applicant use only and should not be submitted as part of the Application Package.

Complete the following at least four (4) weeks prior to submission:

Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number;

Register the UEI number in the System for Award Management (SAM); and, Register in Grants.gov

When preparing your application, ensure:

Application format and narrative meet the requirements included in Section 4.1: Content and

Form of Application Submission. This includes page limits, priorities outlined in Section 5.2:

Evaluation Criteria, and all necessary attachments.

When preparing your budget, ensure the following information is included:

All key staff proposed to be paid by this grant.

The percentage of time the Project Director will devote to the project in full-time equivalents

(FTEs).

Your organization’s fringe benefit rate and amount, as well as the basis for the computation.

The type of fringe benefits to be covered with Federal funds.

Itemized travel expenses (including type of travel), travel justification, and basis for lodging estimate.

Types of equipment and supplies, justifications, and estimates, ensuring that the budget is in line with the project description.

Information for all contracts and justification for any sole-source contracts

Justification, description, and an itemized list of all consultant services.

Indirect cost information (either a copy of a Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA) or if no agreement exists and the applicant has never been approved for a

NICRA, they may charge up to 10% de minimis). If an applicant is requesting the de minimis rate or indirect costs are not required, please state this in the budget narrative.

When submitting your application, ensure you have submitted the following:

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

SF-424A – Budget Information and Instruction Form (fillable PDF in Grants.gov)

SF-424B – Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (fillable PDF in Grants.gov)

SF-LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Appendix C: FNS-906 – Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire.

This form is included as an Appendix in this RFA, as well as a fillable PDF under the “Related

Documents” tab within the announcement on Grants.gov.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15) https://www.grants.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0.pdf

Resumes of key staff

Letters of Commitment from key staff and partners

Forms may be requested at grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/

Contents

Application Checklist

1. Program Description and Objectives

1.1 Executive Summary

1.2 Program Description

1.3 Team Nutrition Training Grant Objectives

1.4 Recommended Activities by Track

2. Federal Award Information

2.1 Total Amount of Funding Expected to Award

2.2 Sub-Grant Funding

2.3 Anticipated Start Dates and Period of Performance

2.4 Types of Federal Assistance

2.5 Use of Grant Funds

2.6 Allowable Costs

2.7 Unallowable Costs

3. Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.1.1 Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations

3.1.2 Other Eligibility Criteria

3.2 Pre-Award Screening Requirements

3.3 Acknowledgement of USDA Support

4. Application and Submission Information

4.1 Content and Form of Application Submission

4.2 Submission Date

4.3 Preparing for Electronic Application Submission Through Grants.gov

4.4 How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

4.5 Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submissions

4.6 Funding Restrictions

5. Application Review Information

5.1 Review Criteria

5.2 Evaluation Criteria

5.3 Review and Selection Process

5.4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

6. Federal Award Administration Information

6.1 Federal Award Notice

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.2.1 Confidentiality of an Application

6.2.2 Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality of the Review Process

6.2.3 Administrative Regulations

6.2.3.2

6.2.4 Code of Federal Regulations and Other Government Requirements

6.3 Reporting Requirements

6.3.1 Financial Reports

6.3.2 Performance Progress Report (PPR)

6.3.3 Final Reports

6.3.4 Final Deliverables

7. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

7.1 Contacts

8. Other Information

8.1 Debriefing Requests

Appendix A: Definitions

Appendix B: RFA Budget Narrative and Budget Checklist

Appendix C: FNS-906 Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire ... 52

Appendix E: FNS-908 Performance Progress Report (PPR)

Attachment A Project Work Plan

Attachment B Project Timeline

Attachment C Letter of Intent

Attachment C-1 Template: Letter of Commitment

Attachment D Activities and Performance Measures

1. Program Description and Objectives

1.1 Executive Summary

In 1995, the Team Nutrition initiative was established to support the nutritional health of school children of the United States through nutrition education and the use of Team Nutrition messages and materials. This information is based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under

Section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341).

Authorized under Public Law 111–296 and Section 6(a)(3) of the Richard B. Russell National School

Lunch Act, USDA makes grants for State agencies to support training and technical assistance for

School Nutrition Professionals, nutrition education for students and their caregivers, and activities to build a healthy school nutrition environment to support training and technical assistance for School

Nutrition Professionals, nutrition education for students and their caregivers, and activities to build a healthy school nutrition environment.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) is hereby providing up to $9.6 million in Federal Funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Team Nutrition Training

Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities. The FY 2024 Team

Nutrition Training Grants will provide funding for State agencies to build capacity for future implementation of the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-

2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Final Rule) and to address residual COVID-19 effects on staff retention in school meal programs. State agencies are in a unique position to support the professional development of School Nutrition Professionals and equip them with the skills they need to prepare and serve healthy and delicious meals that meet meal pattern requirements, are operationally feasible, and are produced in a way that respects cultural and religious food preferences and the environment.

1.2 Program Description

The USDA FNS administers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

(SBP) at the Federal level. The NSLP and SPB are federally assisted meal programs operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. These programs provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or no-cost meals to children each school day. School lunches and breakfasts provided through these programs (collectively referred to as “school meals”) must meet

Federal nutrition requirements, which are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary

Guidelines). At the State level, the NSLP and SBP are administered by State agencies, which operate the Programs through agreements with school food authorities (SFAs). While USDA FNS establishes meal pattern requirements and weekly dietary specifications for school meals, decisions about the specific foods to serve and how the foods are prepared are made by SFAs.

The Biden-Harris Administration National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health calls for increasing investments in school food programs by supporting schools’ efforts to continuously improve the nutritional quality of school meals, training School Nutrition Professionals, enabling more schools to cook meals from scratch, supporting kitchen infrastructure, and investing in the school nutrition workforce. Together, these tactics work to further improve the nutritional quality of school meals, enable the public to recognize that school meals are healthy, and ensure children are empowered to https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title7/chapter84&edition=prelim https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10332/pdf/COMPS-10332.pdf https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/White-House-National-Strategy-on-Hunger-Nutrition-and-Health-FINAL.pdf eat healthy foods, which benefits all children and improves our nation’s health and nutrition security.

The USDA FNS Team Nutrition initiative supports nutrition security efforts by providing grants and resources to support the USDA FNS Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).

Team Nutrition Training Grants for State agencies that administer the NSLP are authorized under

Public Law 111–296, which amended Section 19 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. As authorized under

Section 6(a)(3) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 USC 1755(a)(3), USDA FNS provides Team Nutrition Training Grants to support training and technical assistance for School

Nutrition Professionals, nutrition education for students and their caregivers, and activities to build a healthy school nutrition environment.

The FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and

Mentorship Opportunities will help State agencies build capacity for future implementation of the Final

Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for

Americans and address residual COVID-19 effects on staff retention in school meal programs. During school years (SY) 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated food insecurity, diet-related diseases, and health disparities. It also affected school meal service across the country. Schools experienced school foodservice labor shortages and staff turnover as well as supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 public health emergency underscored the need to safeguard and continue to support healthy school environments; provide technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring to School Nutrition Professionals; and to capture and share the institutional knowledge of School Nutrition Professionals.

The FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grant activities will allow State agencies to provide technical assistance to School Nutrition Professionals and help ensure they have the skills and knowledge to prepare and serve nutritious meals. The grant will also help School Nutrition Professionals pilot and implement coaching and mentoring programs and resources, and implement ways to capture and share the institutional, job specific knowledge of school nutrition directors, managers, and front-line staff. Ultimately, this will assist SFAs to:

• identify and apply ways to further improve the nutritional quality of school meals;

• meet meal pattern requirements and weekly dietary specifications for school meals;

• implement scratch cooking techniques;

• improve forecasting, procurement, and menu planning for school meals, and;

• build a knowledgeable and skilled labor force.

To amplify the reach of the grant, USDA FNS will provide 10 bonus points to those applicants that collaborate with another State agency administering the NSLP. Only one State agency needs to submit an application. The application should provide the name of the partnering State agency and include a plan that clearly shows how School Nutrition Professionals in both States are benefiting from the grant activities. This collaboration should expand the reach of this grant by providing technical assistance, coaching, and/or mentorship to School Nutrition Professionals in multiple States.

Other initiatives within USDA FNS support this grant and efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school meals. The Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative (HMI) will improve the nutritional quality of school meals through healthy meal summits, grants and sub-grants, and recognition awards. The FY

2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants will complement and support the goals of HMI Recognition Award criteria by providing funding to States to help schools introduce and implement changes for future https://www.usda.gov/nutrition-security https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-111publ296/summary https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:1755%20edition:prelim) https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnp/healthy-meals-incentives award recognition. USDA FNS is currently accepting applications for HMI Recognition Awards to celebrate SFAs that have made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals. This includes providing innovative staff training and supporting the efforts of School Nutrition

Professionals.

In alignment with the Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved

Communities Through the Federal Government, the FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grant takes a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all programming, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. To reflect this, 10 bonus points will be awarded for applications that describe the project’s ability to affect a meaningful impact on racial equity and inclusion by engaging in at least one of the following: (1) contract with businesses that meet the definition of a “small disadvantaged business”; and/or (2) collaborate with community organizations that work with persons who are historically underserved, marginalized, and/or adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.

1.3 Team Nutrition Training Grant Objectives

The goal of the FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities is to provide funding for State agencies to build capacity for future implementation of the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-

2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and to address residual COVID-19 effects on staff retention in school meal programs.

To support success of grant activities, grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis to

State agencies, subject to availability of Federal funds. Applicants will have the option of selecting ONE

(1) of TWO (2) tracks:

1. Meal Pattern Modernization

2. Retention and Mentorship Opportunities

State agencies may submit one (1) application specifying a single grant track. State agencies may not mix and match activities from the two different grant tracks. State agencies that mix and match activities from the two different grant tracks will be deemed ineligible and removed from the competition. These grant tracks are intended to simplify and expedite the application process, while providing necessary flexibilities for State agencies to address the needs of their SFAs. State agencies are encouraged to read this RFA closely and choose the track that is best for their situation. States may not apply to more than one (1) track. State agencies that apply to more than one track will be deemed ineligible and removed from the competition.

Track 1 Description: Meal Pattern Modernization

# OBJECTIVES

1.1 Provide training and technical assistance to School Nutrition Professionals to enable them to prepare and serve nutritious meals that appeal to children.

1.2 Provide School Nutrition Professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to improve the nutritional quality of meals and snacks offered in school settings to be consistent with https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ the Final Rule and to assist participating children with following healthy eating patterns that align with the recommendations set forth in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for

Americans.

Track 2 Description: Retention and Mentorship Opportunities

# OBJECTIVES

2.1 Provide coaching and mentoring to school nutrition directors, managers, and/or front-line staff to assist them in meeting meal pattern requirements and weekly dietary specifications for school meals. This can include (but is not limited to) topics related to implementing scratch cooking techniques, improving forecasting and procurement, and improving menu planning for school meals.

2.2 Develop systems and resources to capture and share the institutional knowledge of School

Nutrition Professionals and others managing USDA Child Nutrition Programs.

1.4 Recommended Activities by Track

Below is a list of the sample activities that align with the provided objectives. As noted in Section 4.1:

Content and Form of Application Submission, within the “Activities/Performance Measures Tracker,” proposed activities should be clearly aligned to these objectives and their associated performance measures. Recommended references are provided after each activities list.

State agency applicants must include at least one (1) activity that supports each Team Nutrition

Training Grant objective for the selected track in their Project Work Plan (Attachment A) in Section 4.1

Content and Form of Application Submission. Examples of recommended activities are specified below, but applicants are free to propose others relevant to the specified objectives. Applicants must complete at least one activity per objective.

Please Note: If awarded, grantees will be required to report quarterly on progress towards activities aligned with the required objective(s) and must use the FNS-908 Performance Progress Report

(Appendix E). Carefully considering proposed activities and performance measures will prepare grantees for their progress reporting requirements if awarded.

TRACK 1 Recommended Activities:

A. Provide a program of training, resources, technical assistance, and incentives for SFAs to help them meet meal pattern requirements, improve the nutritional quality of school meals, and/or meet award criteria for the HMI Recognition Awards for SFAs. (objective 1.1)

B. Implement training tools and resources on topics including, but not limited to, meal pattern training, culinary principles to reduce sodium, reducing added sugars, and other meal pattern changes. (objectives 1.1 and 1.2)

C. Provide training and technical assistance to School Nutrition Professionals using in-person, virtual, or hybrid training sessions covering topics applicable to school meal pattern requirements. Serve as a liaison to community groups and organizations to ensure training is accessible to limited English proficiency audiences. (objectives 1.1 and 1.2)

D. Coordinate training efforts among SFAs, collect and share best practices, and provide training follow-up support. (objective 1.1)

E. Customize incentivized training approaches for School Nutrition Professionals (objective 1.1).

F. Build upon previously developed culinary training programs, resources, and other activities related to school meals and menu development. (objectives 1.1 and 1.2)

G. Provide sub-grants to SFAs to support menu changes needed to meet meal pattern requirements. Additional information about sub-grant requirements can be found in Section

2.2 Sub-Grant Funding. (objective 1.2)

H. Capture and document impacts and contributions to local school wellness policies (LWP). This can include professional development activities related to nutrition and wellness, procurement, forecasting, and planned menus that support marketing guidelines identified in the LWP.

(objective 1.1)

TRACK 2 Recommended Activities:

A. Coordinate mentoring/coaching efforts among SFAs, collect and share best practices, provide training follow-up support, and serve as a liaison to community groups and organizations to ensure training is accessible to limited English proficiency audiences. (objective 2.1)

B. Standardize administrative or operational tasks related to school meal operations and monitoring using Standard Operating Procedures, workflows, and standardized work documents. (objective 2.2)

C. Establish a mentorship program to serve as a guide to success for new and experienced, school nutrition directors, managers, and front-line staff. USDA FNS recommends a ratio of 1 mentor per 10 mentees. Examples of similar coaching and mentoring programs include the

School Nutrition Strategies, Trainings, Action Plans, and Resources (STAR); and Enhanced

School Nutrition Strategies, Trainings, Action Plans, and Resources (E-STAR) programs.

(objective 2.1)

D. Create incentivized coaching and mentoring approaches for School Nutrition Professionals

(objective 2.1).

E. Manage and aggregate network lists of stakeholders such as vendors, trainers, school nutrition

State leaders, advocates, and others that can assist School Nutrition Professionals with sharing and applying institutional knowledge. (objective 2.2)

F. Establish a repository to house all training materials, sessions, and tools for institutional knowledge access. (objective 2.2)

G. Build upon previous projects as they relate to coaching and mentoring within the school food environment. (objective 2.1)

H. Conduct formative research (e.g., focus groups, interviews, and surveys) to evaluate trainings to ensure the information is clear and understood as intended. (objective 2.2)

I. Collect process evaluation data, best practices, and other feedback as applicable. (objective

2.2)

J. Provide sub-grants to SFAs to support menu changes needed to meet meal pattern requirements. Additional information about sub-grant requirements can be found in Section

2.2 Sub-Grant Funding. (objective 2.1)

Potential Resources for Track 1 and Track 2:

Training Reference Tools:

• Institute of Child Nutrition’s Shaking It Up: Small Changes Lead to Big Flavors

• A Guide to Smart Snacks in School

• Best Practices for Reducing Added Sugars at School Breakfast

• Crediting Tip Sheets in Child Nutrition Programs

• Enhanced School Nutrition Strategies, Trainings, Action Plans, and Resources (E-STAR)

• Food Buying Guide Training Resources

• Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs

• Menu Planner for School Meals

• Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast

• School Nutrition Strategies, Trainings, Action Plans, and Resources (S.T.A.R.)

• USDA Approved Nutrient Analysis Software

• USDA Recipe Standardization Process for School Nutrition Professionals (ICN)

• What You Can to Help Prevent Wasted Food

• Whole Grains Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

Organizations supporting School Nutrition Professionals: This is not an exhaustive list of agencies and organizations familiar with the CNP, nor does this list represent an endorsement of any one agency or organization.

• Action for Healthy Kids

• Alliance for a Healthier Generation

• Centers for School & Community Partnerships

• Chef Ann Foundation

• FoodCorps

• Full Plate Full Potential

• Illinois Public Health Institute

• Institute of Child Nutrition

• Institute of Child Nutrition’s Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition

• School Nutrition Association

• Urban School Food Alliance

2. Federal Award Information

2.1 Total Amount of Funding Expected to Award

During FY 2024, USDA FNS plans to award up to $9.6 million in Federal funding for the Team Nutrition

Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities, subject to the availability of funds. State agencies may request up to $800,000 each. The following information is intended to provide applicants with information to help make informed decisions about proposal submissions.

• Total amount of funding expected to award approximately: $9,600,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 12

• Minimum award amount (award floor): $250,000

• Maximum award amount (award ceiling): $800,000 https://theicn.org/shaking-it-up/ https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-smart-snacks-school https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-smart-snacks-school https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/best-practices-reducing-added-sugars-school-breakfast https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/crediting-tip-sheets-child-nutrition-programs https://theicn.org/?s=E-STAR https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/food-buying-guide-training-resources https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-professional-standards-school-nutrition-programs https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/menu-planner-school-meals https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/offering-meats-and-meat-alternates-school-breakfast https://theicn.org/icn-resources-a-z/strategies-training-action-plans-resources-star-webinar-fact-sheets/ https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/usda-approved-nutrient-analysis-software https://theicn.org/cicn/usda-recipe-standardization-guide-for-school-nutrition-programs/ https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/what-you-can-do-help-prevent-wasted-food https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/whole-grain-resource-national-school-lunch-and-breakfast-programs https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/ https://www.healthiergeneration.org/take-action/schools https://www.boisestate.edu/cscp/ https://www.chefannfoundation.org/ https://foodcorps.org/ https://fullplates.org/ https://iphionline.org/ https://theicn.org/ https://theicn.org/cicn/ https://schoolnutrition.org/ https://urbanschoolfoodalliance.org/ https://urbanschoolfoodalliance.org/

• Anticipated award announcement date: August 2024

• Anticipated period of performance (start and end date of the award): 3 year(s) – September

15, 2024, to September 30, 2027

• Application due date: July 16, 2024

Please Note: Grant awards are subject to availability of funding and/or appropriation of funds. The submission of an application does not guarantee funding. USDA FNS reserves the right to reduce, increase, or revise proposed budgets based on the availability of funds. USDA FNS reserves the right to use this solicitation and competition to award additional grants this year or the subsequent fiscal year, should additional funds become available.

2.2 Sub-Grant Funding

Sub-grants are not a required part of the FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grant. However, the grantee may issue sub-grants to the following entities for purposes of meeting the objectives of the grant:

• SFAs

• Land-grant colleges and universities

• Tribal government-owned entity, arm, or instrumentality

• Native Hawaiian Organization as recognized by the Department of the Interior

• Other non-governmental entity including Tribal Colleges & Universities

• Non-profit organizations with expertise in culinary training, school meals service, or other relevant areas

Mandatory Oversight:

• All sub-grants must follow allowable costs as outlined in 2.6 Allowable Costs.

• Either the Project Director or Team Nutrition Coordinator must provide oversight of sub-grant recipients to ensure expenditures authorized are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

• State agencies must ensure all expenditures are consistent with all local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and procedures.

All potential sub-grants must be discussed in the Project Work Plan (Attachment A) described in

Section 4.1: Content and Form of Application Submission.

2.3 Anticipated Start Dates and Period of Performance

The anticipated grant period of performance is September 15, 2024, to September 30, 2027 (a 36-month period of performance).

Applicants should plan accordingly so that they can complete all grant activities including start-up, execution, and close-out activities (final financial and program reporting, accounting, etc.) within the period of performance.

2.4 Types of Federal Assistance

Funding for approved Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities will be provided through the Grant Award/Letter of Credit process, upon receipt of an executive grant agreement between USDA FNS and the grantee. These awards are subject to the availability and apportionment of Federal funds. All Team Nutrition Grant Funds must be obligated, and all activities must be completed by September 30, 2027.

2.5 Use of Grant Funds

All requested costs must be allowable, allocable, necessary, and reasonable in accordance with the

OMB Code of Federal Regulations Cost Principles as follows:

• 2 CFR Part 200: “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards.”

• 2 CFR Part 400: “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards.”

2.6 Allowable Costs

See 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles for a detailed description of all allowable and unallowable costs.

Food

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to pay for food only if the food is part of a culinary training or is purchased in small amounts for consideration for the school menu. Grant funds may not be used to purchase food to provide meals to training participants. Food purchases must be in accordance with the USDA’s Buy American Provision. For more information, refer to the OMB Code of

Federal Regulations Cost Principles 2 CFR Part 200 and Part 400. See Section 2.7 Unallowable Costs for examples of when food may not be purchased with grant funds. Any food purchase, as well as any expenditures associated with food purchases, must be clearly identified within the submitted budget narrative.

Kitchen Supplies:

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to purchase kitchen supplies (less than $5000) necessary for food storage, preparation, production, and display of food prepared for training purposes, including but not limited to:

• Food storage containers

• Pots

• Pans

• Mixing bowls

• Knives

• Utensils

• Tabletop cooking equipment

Demonstration Tools, Apparel, and Supplies

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to purchase food production, demonstration equipment, apparel, and supplies related to training including but not limited to:

• Mobile food carts (<$5000.00)

• Demonstration tables (<$5000.00)

• Aprons

• Gloves

• Hairnets https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/compliance-enforcement-buy-american https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.465 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400

• Single-serving cups

• Bowls

• Paper towels

Training Incentives

Monetary awards (up to $500 per School Nutrition Professional during the period of performance for the grant) to incentivize completion of training programs are an allowable cost. Applicant must explain how the incentive will be issued (rules, guidelines, recipient requirements, etc.) The total expenditure for training incentives should not exceed 5% of the total grant award.

Sub-Grants to SFAs

Under this grant, State agencies may award sub-grants to SFAs in support of meeting the Team

Nutrition Training Grant Objectives. The State should:

• Provide oversight to sub-grant recipients to ensure that expenditures authorized under the sub-grants are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

• Ensure that all sub-grant expenditures are consistent with all local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Ensure that sub-grant expenditures do not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under similar circumstances and would qualify as a sound business practice.

• Ensure that sub-grant funds are only used for activities that are part of the objectives specified in the grant.

• Ensure that all sub-grant awards follow the OMB Code of Federal Regulations Cost Principles-

2 CFR Part 200 and Part 400.

Professional Allowances

Memberships and professional activities are allowable expenses (2 CFR Part 200.454). Costs of institutional memberships in technical and professional organizations necessary to effectively implement activities as approved under this grant are allowable (e.g., Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics, School Nutrition Association, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior) during the grant period of performance. Costs of individual professional memberships in such organizations for personnel that work in school nutrition or dietetics are not allowable. Professional registration or license fees paid by individuals are unallowable costs because the fees would be considered personal expenses, not institutional expenses.

Personnel Costs and Benefits

Salaries and benefits of personnel involved in nutrition education and administrative support of activities under this grant are allowable expenses. All staff wages, salaries, and benefits must be computed on a reasonable hourly basis commensurate with duties being performed, or the Federal minimum hourly wages established by the United States Department of Labor. The wages and salaries shall be commensurate to the task an individual is performing under this grant, as opposed to reflecting other positions for which he/she is credentialed (e.g., if a physician is teaching a nutrition education lesson as a Nutrition Classroom Educator, pay will be commensurate with the activity of nutrition education in a classroom rather than that of a physician).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.454

Staff Development and/or Substitute Pay

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to hire substitute school nutrition staff, in order that school nutrition staff may attend a training session or workshop. For accounting purposes, a record of who attended the training session, how long it lasted, and the purpose of the session is required.

Property Usage

Cost of leasing a space to rent to complete administrative, professional, or other nutrition training activities is an allowable expense in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.465. This cost includes depreciation based on the building’s original acquisition cost, and such building-related costs as maintenance and utilities; must not include costs of maintenance, utilities, etc. directly if they are already charged as indirect costs.

Technology/Software

Team Nutrition Training Grants may be used to purchase USDA approved nutrient analysis software, content learning management systems, premium subscriptions to design and visual communication platforms, productivity and communication software, and other software used to provide training as part of this grant. Procurement of hardware such as laptops and tablets that are used specifically for the purposes of the grant activities are also permitted. A one-time purchase of a Wi/Fi hotspot to support tablet/iPad function is allowable.

Procurement of technology may not exceed 10 percent of requested funds. Funds used to purchase high-resolution photography equipment shall not exceed $2,000 total.

Travel

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used for travel costs necessary for conducting grant activities. Applicants are required to budget for travel to FNS Headquarters for the annual grantee meeting. Travel expenses may also include:

• Travel reimbursement for State agency staff attending local and in-State trainings or meetings related to activities under this grant (reimbursement may only be paid for travel expenses in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations 41 CFR Part 301 and shall not exceed the lesser of State or Federal maximum per diem rates).

• Travel costs and stipends may be used as reimbursement for local travel and hotel costs for

School Nutrition Professionals (school district staff) to attend grant-related trainings and activities.

Translation Services

Team Nutrition Training Grants may be used to purchase translation or accessibility services for all print, electronic, social media, and web-based communications. Ensure that translation service providers are qualified, experienced professionals who possess a high level of translation skill and proficiency in both English and the language of the target audience.

Translation services used should have at least one recognized language certification/qualification below:

• Translator Certification/Degree from an Accredited University or Institution https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.465 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F/chapter-301

• American Translators Association (ATA) Certification

• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Certification

• The Translators and Interpreters Guild Certification

• Defense Language Institute, State/Federal Courts

• Successful completion of the translation examination administered by the Office of Language

Services, Translating Division of the U.S. Department of State

Allowable Cost for Sub-Grants

Funds may be used for food (only if it is part of a culinary training or purchased in small amounts for consideration for use on school menus), professional allowances, reinforcement materials, cookware, technology, travel, translation services, training, and other direct costs specifically to assist in meeting the key objectives specified.

Applicants must outline the guidance they will provide to sub-grant applicants for allowable/unallowable costs. All sub-grant budget line-items must be allowable costs as defined in this RFA and 2 CFR Part 200.

Proposed costs must be necessary, reasonable, and allocable to carry out the project’s goals and objectives. Expenditure must not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under similar circumstances and would qualify as a sound business practice.

2.7 Unallowable Costs

Unallowable costs in the grant or sub-grants include:

Food

• Foods used to prepare a meal for which reimbursement will be provided under the FNS nutrition assistance programs, including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

• Food used as an incentive or prize for a nutrition training event.

• Foods provided directly to students and families to prepare and eat at home such as groceries or supplemental food.

• Meal sized portions or complete meal service.

• Meals or snacks used as refreshments during coalition meetings (e.g., LWP communities, SNAC meetings).

• Gift cards for use at a local farmer market

• Foods for activities outside the academic calendar (e.g., summer breakfast).

• Alcoholic beverages.

Marketing and Materials

• Advertising and public relations materials, except when incurred for social marketing campaigns as defined under the grant for the purposes of recruitment of staff, acquisition of material for the grant, or publishing the results or accomplishments of the grant. Costs incurred to publicize the organization, as opposed to Team Nutrition activities, are not allowable.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.465 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.465

• Purchase or production of written or visual material for purposes of lobbying or influencing

Federal, State, or local officials to pass or sign legislation or to influence the outcomes of an election, referendum, or initiative.

• Costs for any materials that have already been charged to another Federal or private program or source.

• Any material that endorses or promotes brand name products or retail stores.

• Manufacturer or store (cents off) coupons.

Equipment

• Large-scale, commercial foodservice equipment (>$5,000)

• Medical equipment

• Physical activity equipment

Activities and Education

• Staff wellness activities outside the scope of this grant.

• Classes that are designed to provide case management or “life skills” training such as classes on English as a second language, parenting, child development, and crisis management.

• Nutrition education related to dietary needs of individuals, specific disease states, or altered physiological states.

• Food safety education, outside of education needed to prepare foods safely.

• Activities conducted in support of programs that are not the SBP or NSLP.

Entertainment

Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable (mascot costumes, promotional items, etc.) unless there is a programmatic purpose and prior approval is granted by USDA FNS.

Summary

There is limited funding to accomplish Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities’ objectives. State agencies shall ensure the best use of the limited funding. A positive answer should always be sought to the following questions:

1. Is the cost applicable to my grant and the sub-grant’s objectives?

2. Is the cost allowable according to program cost principles?

3. Is the cost reasonable and appropriate?

A complete listing of selected items of costs is located at 2 CFR 200.420.

All costs proposed in the budget and detailed in the budget narrative must be allowable, reasonable, necessary, and allocable. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles for a detailed description of all allowable and unallowable costs.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.465 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E

3. Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

State agencies in the contiguous US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico (PR), Guam, or the US Virgin Islands

(US VI) that administer the NSLP may apply in response to this solicitation. The goal of the FY 2024

Team Nutrition Training Grant is to support State agencies as they pilot and implement coaching and mentoring programs, resources, and opportunities to capture institutional, job specific knowledge for school nutrition directors, mangers, and staff. Ultimately, this will assist SFAs in meeting meal pattern requirements and weekly dietary specifications for school meals, and in implementing scratch cooking techniques and improved forecasting, procurement, and menu planning for school meals. Each State or collaborating States may submit only one (1) application.

3.1.1 Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for this grant program.

3.1.2 Other Eligibility Criteria

Suspended or debarred organizations are ineligible to submit applications in response to this grant solicitation.

3.2 Pre-Award Screening Requirements

In reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, prior to making a Federal Award, Federal Awarding Agencies, in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.205, are required to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualifications or financial integrity information. Additionally, Federal Awarding Agencies are required to have a framework in place for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards.

The FNS review of risk posed by applicants will be based on the following:

• SAM.gov, the System for Award Management, the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS.

• FAPIIS, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System that has been established to track contractor misconduct and performance.

• Existing entities can find their UEI by following the steps on the Federal Service Desk. New entities can get their UEI at SAM.gov and, if required, complete an entity registration.

• FNS Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Appendix C): Applicants must complete the Grant

Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire (FNS-906) that allows FNS to evaluate aspects of the applicant’s financial stability, quality of management systems, and history of performance, reports, and findings from audits. The questionnaire contains several questions that may be an indicator of potential risk.

The evaluation of the information obtained from the designated systems and the risk assessment questionnaire may result in FNS imposing special conditions or additional oversight requirements that correspond to the degree of risk assessed.

Please Note: In cases where an applicant is deemed nonresponsive for failing to submit required elements or documents associated with this RFA, they will be considered ineligible and removed from consideration.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.205

3.3 Acknowledgement of USDA Support

As outlined in 2 CFR Part 415.2, grant recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA FNS support on any publications written or published with grant support and, if feasible, on any publication reporting the results of, or describing, a grant-supported activity. Recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA FNS support on any audiovisual which is produced with grant support, and which has a direct production cost of over $5,000.

When acknowledging USDA support, use the following language: "This material is based upon work that is supported by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.” Grantees should follow the USDA Visual Standards Guide when using the USDA logo. Grantees should follow guidance provided by USDA FNS when using Team Nutrition image art.

Grant recipients may be asked to host USDA officials for a site visit during the course of their grant award. All costs associated with the site visit will be paid for by USDA and are not expected to be included in grant budgets.

4. Application and Submission Information

4.1 Content and Form of Application Submission

Eligible applicants interested in applying to this grant opportunity must adhere to the following application format.

• Include the completed grant application (Project Work Plan: Attachment A) for the selected grant track.

• The application should be formatted for printing on 8½” by 11” white paper with at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom.

• All pages should be single-spaced in a readable 12-point font such as Times New Roman.

• Limit the narrative portion of the application to the page length specified in the application.

Expansion beyond the page limits provided will result in elimination from the competition.

• Follow all application instructions regarding budget, timeline, resumes, etc.

• Complete the Content Summary section on the final page of the grant application.

• All pages, excluding form pages, must be numbered sequentially.

Submit completed application via Grants.gov. Files should be submitted as a Portable Document

Format file (.PDF) through the Grants.gov workspace.

Special Instructions

• Applications not submitted via Grants.gov will not be considered.

• Late application submissions will not be considered in this competition. USDA FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• Applications submitted without the required supporting documents, forms, or certifications will not be considered.

• Applications missing written proposal or budget narrative will not be considered and deemed nonresponsive and removed from further consideration.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-415/subpart-B/section-415.2 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/visual-standards-guide-january-2013.pdf 4.1%20Content%20and%20Form%20of%20Application%20Submission http://www.grants.gov/

• USDA FNS reserves the right to request clarification on any application submitted in response to this solicitation.

• Letters of Commitment must be submitted with the application through Grants.gov. Letters submitted via email will not be considered.

• Applicants who apply to more than one (1) Grant track will be eliminated from the competition.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through Grants.gov by the same applicant for the same Grant Track in response…