FY2024 Food for Progress Merit Notice of Funding Opportunity.pdf

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

International Food Assistance Division

Global Programs

FY 2024 Food Assistance Proposal Instructions and Request for Applications

FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM

MERIT BASED - SUPPLEMENTAL COMMODITY

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

03/20/2024

NEW IN FY 2024

1. Detailed Budget

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CAGE Commercial and Government Entity CCC Commodity Credit Corporation CCN Cooperating Country National CFR Code of Federal Regulations CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CSA Climate Smart Agriculture CLA Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting COP Chief of Party CPAR Contract Performance Assessment Report CV Curriculum Vitae DID Difference in Difference FAIS Food Aid Information System FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAPIIS Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System FAS Foreign Agricultural Service FFPr Food for Progress FTF Feed the Future FSMA Food Safety Modernization Act FY Fiscal Year GAP Good Agricultural Practice GHG Greenhouse Gas GMP Good Manufacturing Practice GoKL Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho GoN Government of Nepal GoT Government of Togo HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point ICR Indirect Cost Rate IFAD International Food Assistance Division LENAFU Lesotho National Farmer’s Union MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MT Metric Ton(s) NARI National Agricultural Research Institute NCAGE NATO Commercial and Government Entity NICRA Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity NUL National University of Lesotho OMB Office of Management and Budget PMP Performance Monitoring Plan PSM Propensity Score Matching RCT Randomized Control Trial RF Results Framework SAM System for Award Management

SPOC Single Point of Contact SPS Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations TCN Third Country National TEE Trade Enabling Environment UEI Unique Entity Identifier USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA United States Department of Agriculture USG United States Government WHO World Health Organization

Table of Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Summary

2. Program Description

3. Assistance Listing Number – Formerly known as CFDA

4. Assistance Listing Title

5. Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

6. Funding Opportunity Numbers

7. Authorizing Legislation

8. Program Regulations

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

2. Type of Assistance Instrument

3. Additional Awards

USDA/FAS reserves the right to make no awards under this competition

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants and Threshold Criteria

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Key Dates and Times

2. Application Package

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Application Format

b. Required Content and Forms

c. Content Guidance

(i) Concept Note (maximum 10 pages + 3 additional pages for multi-country projects) ... 14

(ii) Rapid Market Analysis (3 pages)

(iii) Budget

(iv) Performance Indicator Table (max 10 Pages)

d. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

e. SAM.gov Registration Instructions

f. Intergovernmental Review

g. Funding Restrictions

h. Other Submission Requirements

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Evaluation Criteria

3. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

4. Integrity in Performance

5. Conflict of Interest

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administration and National Policy Requirements

a) Domestic Entities

b) Foreign Entities

3. Subaward and Executive Compensation Reporting

4. Mandatory Disclosures

5. Reporting

6. Monitoring

7. Closeout

Contact and Resource Information

APPENDIX G – Potential Available Commodities

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Summary

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is soliciting applications from active Food for Progress (FFPr) award recipients for additional commodity funding to be provided and incorporated within the corresponding FFPr cooperative agreement held by the Applicant. USDA/FAS maintains substantial involvement as described in the original NOFO.

2. Program Description

To fulfill its mandate under the Food for Progress Act of 1985, USDA/FAS will enter into cooperative agreements with eligible organizations, referred to as recipients, to implement field-based projects that aim to improve agricultural production and expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries. Programs are primarily funded through the sale of donated commodities within the foreign market where the program is implemented.

3. Assistance Listing Number – Formerly known as CFDA

10.606

4. Assistance Listing Title

Food for Progress Program

5. Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM

MERIT BASED - SUPPLEMENTAL COMMODITY

6. Funding Opportunity Numbers

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-Merit2024

7. Authorizing Legislation

The Food for Progress Program is authorized by section 1110 of the Food for Progress Act of 1985, 7 U.S.C. 1736o.

https://sam.gov/fal/8dd060990f474eb5b0317611b8c98813/view https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml;jsessionid=8994B700ACE1C80B67BF08AB2BD19784?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1736o&num=0&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjoxNzM2byBlZGl0aW9uOnByZWxpbSk%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

8. Program Regulations

Awards within this funding opportunity that are made to Applicants other than foreign public entities (as defined in 2 CFR section 200.1) will be subject to the Food for Progress Program regulations, 7 CFR part 1499. As provided in 7 CFR part 1499, awards to Applicants other than foreign public entities will also be subject to 2 CFR part 200, as supplemented by 2 CFR part 400 and 7 CFR part 1499, with the exception that Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200 will not apply to a foreign organization (as defined in 2 CFR section 200.1) or a for-profit entity.

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

a. Overview

The Food for Progress (FFPr) Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The commodities are generally sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities.

b. Objectives

Food for Progress has two high-level strategic objectives: (1) increase agricultural productivity and (2) expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and internationally).

c. Priorities

The program funding priorities of this NOFO are to support active FFPr agreements through a limited competitive process with current year commodity funds. Freight funds are not available under this Limited Merit Based – Supplemental Commodity NOFO. Applicants would only be able to utilize remaining freight funds in their existing award.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Total Available Funding: Up to $50,000,000; Subject to the availability of funding Anticipated number of awards: 1-7 Estimated funding per award: $1,000,000 - $10,000,000

Period of Performance: Applicable to base award Projected Period of Performance Start Date: Not to exceed 2.5 years (30 months) from current end date of the existing award Projected Period of Performance End Date: Approximately 2.5 years beyond original competition date https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Foreign%20public%20entity) https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9dfff371eeaeee4cef83c4cee94eeee5&mc=true&node=pt7.10.1499&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9dfff371eeaeee4cef83c4cee94eeee5&mc=true&node=pt7.10.1499&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=8791260e8297f002cfa5c269b8b0cd40&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b8d3f086737f4b170ffb10a5a97561cf&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterIV.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b8d3f086737f4b170ffb10a5a97561cf&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterIV.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9dfff371eeaeee4cef83c4cee94eeee5&mc=true&node=pt7.10.1499&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=8791260e8297f002cfa5c269b8b0cd40&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Foreign%20organization)

Cost Share or Match Requirements: Not Required

2. Type of Assistance Instrument

USDA/FAS will make all awards in the form of a cooperative agreement and will be substantially involved in the award period of performance. FAS’s involvement may include:

• Close monitoring of the successful Applicant’s performance to verify the achievement of expected results.

• Specification of the manner, method, performance, or timing of the work in an approved work plan.

• Review and approval of one stage of work before a subsequent stage may begin during the performance period;

• Review and approval of a monetization plan;

• Review and approval of proposed subawards and contracts;

• Review of proposed procurement, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.325

• Review and approval of an evaluation plan;

• Participation in the selection and approval of the individuals or organizations that will conduct all required evaluations;

• Participation in data collection, analysis, and review and comment, as appropriate, for required evaluations, performance reports, and other reports prepared under the cooperative agreement;

• Approval of an organizational chart identifying the names, roles, and responsibilities of all of the Applicant’s Key Personnel and any subsequent changes or absences (USDA will not select the recipient’s employees or contractors but will disallow costs for specific individuals where required by statute or regulation); and

• Provision of specific direction or redirection of the work during the period of performance

Recipients may award procurement contracts or subawards under this cooperative agreement.

Procurement contracts must have an operational or administrative objective and subawards must be related to achieving objectives of project activities. Please note that a recipient may not include its own personnel costs in any contract or subaward under the cooperative agreement.

3. Additional Awards USDA/FAS reserves the right to make additional awards under this solicitation, consistent with Agency policy and guidance, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6 months after the original selection decisions.

No Awards USDA/FAS reserves the right to make no awards under this competition.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants and Threshold Criteria

This opportunity is available to FFPr award recipients with active cooperative agreements which have completed monetization and have a minimum of $300,000 in remaining freight funding available. Recipients must have started and/or submitted their mid-term evaluation to IFAD prior to the publication date (March, 20, 2024) of this NOFO.

Recipients of funding under previous merit based NOFOs are not eligible. Previous merit based Funding Opportunity Numbers include: NOFO FY 2020 USDA-FAS-0700-10606-C or USDA- FAS-0700-10606-C2 or FY 2021 USDA-FAS-0700-10606-D or USDA-FAS-0700-10.606-M

All applicants must have an active registration in the U.S. Government System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) before the application submission deadline of the announcement;

applicants with inactive, expired, pending, or excluded listings will be deemed ineligible.

Exceptions, waivers, or extensions will not be considered. Please contact the program officer(s) listed in Section G, Federal Awarding Agency Contact, if you have questions about this requirement. Applicants with inactive, expired, pending, or excluded listings will be deemed ineligible. Exceptions, waivers, or extensions will not be considered. Please contact the program officer(s) listed in Section G, Federal Awarding Agency Contact, if you have questions about this requirement.

Threshold Criteria USDA reserves the right to deem the applicant ineligible for additional funds if they have been found to be negligent in managing previously awarded funds.

Cost Share or Match Requirements: Not Required There is no cost share or match requirement for this program.

Ineligible activities: If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks or activities, that portion of the application will be ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the application, render the entire application ineligible for funding.

Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified withing 7 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

Multiple Applications/Awards An individual applicant may submit more than one application in response to this NOFO, and may be offered more than one award.

Substantial Compliance http://www.sam.gov/

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described in Section C to be considered eligible. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 3 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section D of this solicitation or else they will be rejected. However, where a page limit is expressed in Section D with respect to the application, or parts thereof, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in application format, including selecting a legible font type and size for use in the application.

While these guidelines may establish the minimum type size requirements, applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the application.

Evidence of Eligibility Applicants are responsible for including documentation, if necessary, establishing that they meet the stated eligibility requirements, when it is not immediately obvious. Applicants should not presume that USDA/FAS is sufficiently familiar with their organization that this is unnecessary, and USDA/FAS will not make assumptions as to the nature of the applicant’s organization.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Key Dates and Times

Question Submission Deadline: May 17th, 2024 5:00:00 P.M. EDT USDA/FAS will consider questions regarding this NOFO to the extent practicable. Submit questions to ppded@usda.gov and include “FY2024 Food for Progress Merit NOFO” in the subject line of your email. USDA/FAS will endeavor to post responses to questions at grants.gov on a weekly basis.

Application Submission Deadline: June 14th, 2024, 5:00:00 P.M. EDT

USDA/FAS will run a report from the FAIS system showing all applications that were submitted prior to 5:00:00 P.M. EDT on May 25, 2023. USDA/FAS will not consider late applications. See additional submission requirements in Part C Section 4. There will be no exceptions to the application deadline. The date of the Application Submission Deadline is also the closing date of this announcement.

Anticipated Award Date: September 20th, 2024 mailto:ppded@usda.gov

2. Application Package

This NOFO represents the full application information.

If the Applicant experiences trouble accessing Grants.gov, the Applicant may request a PDF copy of the NOFO by emailing ppded@usda.gov or calling 202-720-2637, between 9:00 A.M.

and 5:00 P.M. EDT.

Questions concerning this announcement must be submitted via email to the Food for Progress Branch Directo at ppded@usda.gov

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Application Format All submitted applications must:

• Be written in English

• Use Times New Roman, 12-point font; tables and graphs may use Times New

Roman 10 point where appropriate

• Tables and graphs must be used thoughtfully and relate to surrounding text

• Be typed on standard 8.5” x 11” sized paper with 1-inch margins, single spaced, left aligned

• Be paginated with each page consecutively numbered in the footer

• Be submitted as PDF files, unless otherwise specified in the NOFO. Applicants should ensure that all font sizes remain consistent when files are converted to

PDF.

• Cite source information and/or provide an explanation of the analysis undertaken throughout proposal

While these guidelines establish the minimum type size requirements, applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the application. If an application exceeds the page limit for any section, the application will be reviewed, but the reviewers will be restricted to reading and scoring only the pages that fall within the section’s page limit.

b. Required Content and Forms

• A Letter of Interest for the Application to the Limited Merit Based NOFO number on the organization’s letterhead, signed by the appropriate official, containing a statement identifying the current agreement number and program to which this proposal/application for additional funding corresponds to and the total amount of additional commodity requested.

• A Concept Note (maximum 10 pages + 3 additional pages for multi- country projects)

• A Rapid Market Analysis (maximum 3 Pages)

• Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, showing the Unique Entity

Identifier, and signed by the applicant, submitted on active nonexpired form

• A Budget Summary Realignment showing how new funding will be accounted for in the agreement (see Attachment C-1 of the existing cooperative agreement and the Forms and Guidance section of FAIS homepage for Budget Realignment Template) (maximum 1 page)

• Detailed Budget (see template is provided in in the Related Documents section of the grans.gov announcement) (no page limit)

• An updated Budget Narrative describing how the funding will be used in the agreement (see Attachment C-2 of the existing cooperative agreement) (maximum 20 pages)

• An updated Performance Indicator Table (see Attachment D or Attachment E of the existing cooperative agreement) (maximum 10 pages)

• Negotiation Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) If indirect costs are included in the budget, include in the budget narrative a description of how the indirect costs were calculated. Include the following information:

• Indirect cost percentages used.

• Indirect cost base.

• How the indirect cost base was calculated.

• How the indirect cost was calculated.

• Domestic entities must attach a copy of the latest indirect cost rate agreement negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency. If the Applicant is in the process of initially developing or renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the award. If the Applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the Applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the Applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.

• Foreign public entities and foreign organizations may request, and upon approval from USDA/FAS use the de minimis rate of 10%, or some other rate in excess of the de minimis rate of 10%, up to 13%, if there is historical evidence that such a rate has been used in the past.

Any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf

(except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200 States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR Part 200.403 Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

For more information, see 2 CFR Part 200.414.

• SF–LLL Disclosure of Lobbying, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable to the applicant.

c. Content Guidance

(i) Concept Note (maximum 10 pages + 3 additional pages for multi-country projects)

The Concept Note contains background information and justification statement on how additional funding will be used within the scope of the Applicant’s existing agreement objectives. The Concept Note should prioritize addressing issues identified through regular project management and in project evaluations that will lead to the sustainability of project activities beyond the life of the agreement. The Concept Note should include a summary table clearly showing 1) targeted/selected activities in the current award’s Plan of Operations, 2) reference and/or link to specific evaluation findings, and 3) propose how additional commodity funding will improve and/or enhance those specific activities. The Concept Note should focus on the long-term sustainability of the most important activities. The Concept Note should incorporate the following:

Justification Statement

The justification statement should introduce and summarize how extended and/or expanded activities are relevant to increasing outcomes of the current agreement and sector. Project evaluation reports and current analysis should be referenced to support the Justification Statement for the need of additional funds.

The Concept Note should show how the proposed extension and/or expansion will increase outcomes of the existing cooperative agreement. USDA encourages continued collaboration with the stakeholders in the sector and the development of http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-appVII.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200-appVII.pdf http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fbb70fe83009e152ac327498f6ec18c4&node=se2.1.200_1403&rgn=div8 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b02738d16e4b0c1b82dc67a83ede6370&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8 https://www.gsa.gov/Forms/TrackForm/33144 innovative country-specific solutions. The Concept Note should provide evidence for the interventions and activities chosen by the Applicant, including a rationale for how the proposed activities will facilitate lasting and sustainable project impacts after the project ends.

(ii) Rapid Market Analysis (3 pages)

The funding for this award is predicated on the sale of U.S. agricultural commodities. The ability to manage the monetization of commodities is an essential element of successfully implementing a FFPr Program award.

Participants should provide the names of any third-party contractors (e.g., marine surveyors and cargo expeditors) used for this analysis and include their findings.

The Rapid Market Analysis may propose multiple alternatives to the original monetization plan – for example, combined shipments, changes in commodity, and/or country of sale – to maximize rate of return. The Rapid Market Analysis should include the following:

Commodity List

Each proposal must include information on the commodities requested.

Applicants must provide the following required information formatted as a table:

• Commodity

• Package Size/Type

• Commodity Usage Type: Select monetization to specify how the commodity will be used. Barter and Food for Work are also options but are considered only under extraordinary circumstances.

• Quantity MT: Tonnages should be whole numbers only and in multiples of 10

• Destination Country

• Delivery to U.S. Port (Month & Year)

• Estimated Sales Price per MT

• Estimated Proceeds

Special Needs and Distribution Methods

Each proposal must include detailed information on special needs and distribution of commodities. Please use the following guidance when entering this information:

1) Transportation and Storage Describe the following: (1) the discharge port facilities in the importing country, including offloading and storage capacity, number of discharge berths, depth of draft, and who will receive the commodities at the discharge port; (2) the mode of transport and expected routing (especially if moving to another country) used to move the commodities from the discharge port to the Applicant’s warehouse and/or to a buyer; (3) storage capacity at port of discharge and destination, and structure and level of security at the port and during inland routing; (4) steps taken to prevent undue spoilage or waste; and (5) efforts made to ensure availability of the transportation and storage resources during the entire period required, including acceptance of risk for non-performance taken by contractors providing services.

2) Processing or Packaging In case special delivery or commodity needs are required, please provide information on any processing or repackaging the Applicant will arrange prior to the sale of the commodities. Also, provide a justification of why processing or repackaging will occur.

3) Duty Free Entry Provide information about local customs, duties, and taxes that may be applicable for the commodities to enter the country or countries if being transported through more than one country. For each country or region, the Applicant should list any special laws or taxes that may apply and explain how these could affect distribution, monetization, or both. For distribution or barter programs only, the Applicant must indicate that the commodities will be imported and distributed free from all customs, duties, tolls, and taxes.

Please cite any written documentation that supports duty–free entry. If the commodities will not enter duty free, indicate who will be responsible for paying applicable customs, duties, or taxes and how this payment will affect the amount of proceeds realized from the sale. Outline any additional steps taken to ensure seamless entry into each country, including the employment of local expeditors or agents.

Monetization

The Applicant must enter information on the proposed sale of commodity(ies).

Please use the following guidance when entering this information:

1) Impact on Other Sales Provide details that give assurance that commercial markets and local production will not be adversely affected by the sale or barter of commodities.

Include information on trade of the same and similar commodities from the U.S.

and other countries in this market. Discuss current trading partners, including both commercial and traditional regional stakeholders. Discuss the optimal timing of the sale in terms of periods of heightened demand, seasonality, harvest time, etc.

2) Private Sector Participation in Sales of Commodity

Provide information that describes how the commodities will be sold (i.e., open tender, tender with negotiation, direct negotiation) and why this method of sale has been selected. Direct negotiation may only be approved by USDA/FAS under extenuating circumstances. Indicate who the potential buyers could be, while discussing market transparency (availability of data on recent sales of the same or similar commodities). Discuss how private sector buyers will be encouraged to participate in the sales process, and any constraints that may hinder or aid the sales process (e.g. number of buyers, number of banks, letter of credit fees, storage facilities at processing plants, etc.). Indicate which measures the Applicant will undertake to guard against an uncompetitive sale due to limited potential buyers.

3) Assuring Receipt Procedures Provide information that describes how the Applicant will ensure that it receives payment for the sales. If special banking issues are involved, the Applicant should describe any actions needed to safeguard deposits.

(iii) Budget

Per 7 CFR section 1499.4(b)(4), Applicants must submit a budget summary and budget narrative that details the amount of any CCC–provided funds and program income that the Applicant proposes to use to fund administration costs, internal transportation, storage, and handling costs, and activity costs.

In order to assess the sale proceeds and overall cost effectiveness of a proposal, USDA/FAS requires all Applicants to provide the following budgetary materials:

• Budget Summary Realignment (one page) that presents the proposed overall funding for administration, internal transportation, storage and handling and activity expenses, and shows funding amounts for the specific line items that make up those expense categories. Applicants should use the existing Budget Realignment Template available on FAIS and input the latest approved budget amounts from Attachment C-1, demonstrate in the “Requested Modification” section and noting in the “Reason for Modification,” column how the budget https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9dfff371eeaeee4cef83c4cee94eeee5&mc=true&node=pt7.10.1499&rgn=div5&se7.10.1499_14 will be amended to account for additional funding.

• Detailed Budget (no page limit) that presents the line-item level cost calculations for each year for the following budget categories and information on salaries/personnel; benefits; travel; professional services/contractual; office;

supplies; equipment; other; grants; indirect costs; anticipated program income;

and cost share (see Attachment A – Detailed Budget Template). Each proposed activity should be detailed in unique and separate tabs, the totals of which align with the budget summary. Applicants should duplicate the sheet labelled Activity n in Attachment A to add all activities.

• Budget Narrative (20-page limit) that demonstrates in greater detail the composition of each line item, the budget’s overall cost effectiveness, and an adherence to applicable cost principles. Include a one-page summary table that lists the total proposed budget amount (monetization proceeds + CCC admin funds + expected interest), cost share (if applicable) and then provides the project budget breakdown in three ways: 1) By activity, 2) by project partner, and 3) By activity and subrecipient. Each table should show the direct and indirect cost for each line item.

Applicants should highlight where changes are being made in the narrative.

Applicants should provide an updated explanation of Program Income and/or Anticipated Interest Earned on Monetization Proceeds. Applicants should include interest earned to-date and calculations on additional interest to be earned over the life of the award.

• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (attachment, no page limit) that details the organization’s approved indirect rates. Applicants should attach the organization’s most up–to–date NICRA. If the Applicant does not have a NICRA, or it is not applicable, attach a brief note explaining the absence of this document. Applicants should also provide an Excel spreadsheet demonstrating how NICRA rates were applied to the budget. (See above paragraph b. Required Content and Forms for further NICRA information)

• SF–424 (attachment, no page limit). Applicants must complete, sign, and submit the SF–424. Please note that an unsigned SF–424 will not be accepted. Incorrect SF-424s will be returned to applicants for correction.

Applicants can download a blank SF–424 on the Grants.gov website at:

https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html

(iv) Performance Indicator Table (max 10 Pages) Applicants must submit an updated table of performance indicators for their https://www.grants.gov/forms/sf-424-family.html project results. Performance indicators identify how to recognize the success of the project and help to clarify results. Using the indicator table in the existing cooperative agreement as a starting point, the Applicant must update the table to reflect additional funding, including:

• Annual targets for FY2022 and all future project years for all standard and custom performance indicators (disaggregate targets not required).

• Updated life-of-project targets for indicators where the life-of-project target is expected to increase or decrease because of additional funding.

If an award is made, the Applicant will be required to update the indicator table in FAIS and to submit an updated Evaluation Plan that reflects changes to project activities and timeline.

d. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant is required to:

(i) Have an active registration in SAM before submitting its application;

(ii) Have assented to the federal assistance certifications in the SAM platform;

(iii) Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application; and

(iv) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

e. SAM.gov Registration Instructions Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you have never done business with the Federal Government, you will need to register your organization in SAM.gov. If you do not have a SAM.gov account, then you will create an account using login.gov1 to complete your SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov registration is FREE. The process for entity registrations includes obtaining Unique Entity ID (UEI), a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned an entity by SAM.gov, and requires assertions, representations and certifications, and other information about your organization. Please review the Entity Registration Checklist for details on this process.

Entities outside the United States (defined at 2 CFR 200.1 as “foreign organizations” and “foreign public entities”) must obtain a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code prior to SAM.gov registration An NCAGE is required for all foreign entities prior to registering in SAM.gov. You can complete the registration once you enter the NCAGE. You can submit your request for an NCAGE Code by going to the NATO Support Activity (NSPA) NCAGE Request Tool at CAGE/NCAGE Code Request which contains detailed instructions.

1 Login.gov a secure sign in service used by the public to sign into Federal Agency systems including SAM.gov and Grants.gov. For help with login.gov accounts you should visit http://login.gov/help.

https://login.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=622e0a761b8fe114cc45ea04bc4bcb9a https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1#p-200.1(Foreign%20organization) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1#p-200.1(Foreign%20public%20entity) https://eportal.nspa.nato.int/AC135Public/CageTool/home http://login.gov/help

If you have done business with the Federal Government previously, you can check your entity status using your government issued UEI to determine if your registration is active. SAM.gov requires you renew your registration every 365 days to keep it active.

Please note that SAM.gov registration is different than obtaining a UEI only. Obtaining an UEI only validates your organization’s legal business name and address. Please review the Frequently Asked Question on the difference for additional details.

Organizations should ensure that their SAM.gov registration includes a current e-Business (EBiz) point of contact name and email address. The EBiz point of contact is critical for Grants.gov Registration and system functionality.

Contact the Federal Service Desk for help with your SAM.gov account, to resolve technical issues or chat with a help desk agent: (866) 606-8220. The Federal Service desk hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm ET.

f. Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, may be applicable to awards resulting from this announcement. USDA implemented the Executive Order in 2 CFR

415.5. USDA/FAS may require applicants selected for funding to provide a copy of their application to their State Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. These reviews are not required before submitting an application. Only applicants that USDA/FAS selects for funding under this announcement are subject to the Intergovernmental Review requirement. For more information about USDA’s implementation for Intergovernmental Review, please visit https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review#:~:text=Executive%20Order%20(EO)%2012372%2C,of%20proposed%20Federal%20fi nancial%20assistance.

g. Funding Restrictions

Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 400, and any program-specific regulations identified in Section A. Awards issued pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award, consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Capital expenses, such as the purchase of equipment, not entirely attributable to this award, must be pro-rated.

For example, agreement funds and other support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from acting as an agent of the applicant in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Also, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review#:%7E:text=Executive%20Order%20(EO)%2012372%2C,of%20proposed%20Federal%20financial%20assistance https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review#:%7E:text=Executive%20Order%20(EO)%2012372%2C,of%20proposed%20Federal%20financial%20assistance https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/intergovernmental-review#:%7E:text=Executive%20Order%20(EO)%2012372%2C,of%20proposed%20Federal%20financial%20assistance

Indirect Costs: In general, costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective but not readily assignable to specific awards, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved, are considered indirect costs. These may include facilities not specific to individual projects, enterprise-wide services such as IT, and enterprise management For this program, indirect costs are prohibited by the corresponding program regulations.

h. Other Submission Requirements

Submissions must be received by the Application Deadline and time via email to:

ppded@usda.gov

An Applicant that experiences technical difficulties should phone (202) 720-2637 or email ppded@usda.gov for assistance.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

In all cases, the agency will conduct an initial responsiveness review of all applications submitted to determine:

1) the application was submitted on time as specified in this announcement (See Section D. Application and Submission Information);

2) the applicant is eligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information);

3) all the required forms and documents are submitted no later than the Application Submission Deadline specified in Section D. Application and Submission Information, Content and Form of Application Submission.

If an applicant is determined to be ineligible or an application is determined to be incomplete, the agency will notify the applicant prior to commencing with evaluation of applications, usually within 3 business days of the Application Deadline. An applicant that feels such a determination is made in error may request reconsideration, highlighting evidence supporting their claim, by email to the program officer(s) listed in Section G, Federal Awarding Agency Contact, within 3 business days of notification.

The agency will convene a review panel, which may include both federal and non-federal reviewers, to review the eligible applications against the evaluation criteria described below. The reviewers will ensure that the applicant can deliver the programs/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative and assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified below. The review panel will make a recommendation list to the selecting official, who is not a member of the panel.

The selecting official may select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving mailto:%20ppded@usda.gov institutions, or congressional directive. Selection determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

Prior to selection, the agency may contact the applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a subaward, USDA/FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.

2. Evaluation Criteria

USDA will conduct a merit review of all applications received that comply with the instructions in this NOFO. Applications will be evaluated on the content areas outlined in Table 1, using the points specified in the same table.

Table 1: Content and Points

Content Areas Points Available Concept Note 47 Rapid Market Analysis 15 Budget 25 Performance Indicators 10 Overall Application Quality 3 Total Available Points 100

Content Area Criteria:

• Concept Note (47pts):

USDA/FAS will evaluate applicants on the extent and quality to which they demonstrate clear justification for the use of additional funding within the existing agreement objectives.

Evaluation will focus on the identified project challenges (12pts) and opportunities and how well the applicant demonstrates a pathway to sustainability beyond the agreement's end date.

Emphasis will be placed on how proposed activities align with evaluation findings (12pts), contribute to long-term sustainability, and enhance project outputs and outcomes. Evidence (23pts) from project evaluations and current analysis supporting the proposed extension activities will be critical, along with describing the extent of collaboration with sector stakeholders and innovative solutions tailored to specific country contexts.

• Rapid Market Analysis (15pts):

USDA/FAS will evaluate applicants on the quality and extent to which they manage the monetization of commodities and maximize returns. Applicants will be evaluated based on the clarity and feasibility of proposed alternative monetization plans (10pts), including considerations such as commodity selection, destination countries, and estimated sales prices.

Special attention will be given to transportation, storage, processing/packaging, and duty-free entry strategies to ensure smooth implementation. The analysis (5pts) must demonstrate how the proposed sales methods engage private sector buyers while mitigate adverse market effects.

• Budget (25pts):

USDA/FAS will evaluate applicants on the reasonableness, allowability, and allocability of costs. Applicants should demonstrate cost-effectiveness and adequacy of the proposed budget to accomplish the project, along with the extent to which budget documents are detailed, organized, in-scope, and appropriate, including consistency of information with budget forms and guidelines, ensuring effective utilization of funds. Applicants will be evaluated based on the accuracy and completeness of the budget summary realignment (6pts), detailed budget (13pts), and budget narrative (6pts). The evaluation will assess how well the proposed budget realignment reflects the activity modifications and addresses administration, transportation, handling costs, and activity expenses.

• Performance Indicators (10pts):

USDA/FAS will evaluate Applicants on the quality of content, clarity, relevance, and measurability of project results. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to update performance indicators to reflect additional funding, including annual targets for future project years. The evaluation will also consider how well the indicators align with proposed activities and will demonstrate the effectiveness of the project.

• Overall Application Quality (3pts):

USDA/FAS will assess Applicants on the quality and extent to which they use clear and concise language, appropriate spelling, and grammar, demonstrate logical flow and consistency of information across sections, and follow the formatting guidance throughout the application.

3. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance

In addition to the content the Applicant submits in Part D Section 9d: Organizational Capacity and Staffing, USDA/FAS may consider the following factors, if applicable, when making funding recommendations:

i. USDA/ FAS or another USG agency has expressed concerns via official letter between agency leadership, regarding the Applicant’s past performance of a USDA/FAS- or Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)- funded project.

ii. USDA/FAS or another USG agency has terminated an agreement with the Applicant within the current or past three fiscal years from the date of application as a result of a violation of the agreement by the Applicant.

iii. The Applicant failed to pay a single substantial debt, or a number of outstanding debts (not including sums owed to the USG under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to any Federal agency or instrumentality, provided the debt is uncontested by the Applicant or, if contested, provided that the Applicant’s legal and administrative remedies have been exhausted. (This information will be sought by USDA/FAS within SAM.gov)

iv. The Applicant failed to submit to USDA/FAS, or submitted after the due date, at least two required reports within the current or past three fiscal years from the date of application. Required documentation includes semiannual performance reports, semiannual financial reports, A-133 audits, Subrecipient agreements, and any other documentation required under an agreement between the Applicant and USDA/FAS or

CCC.

v. The Applicant has 1) on at least two occasions within the current or past three fiscal years from the date of application failed to respond, or responded late, to a USDA/FAS deadline for documents required during a compliance review or during the closeout of an agreement between the Applicant and USDA/FAS or CCC or 2) failed to notify USDA/FAS of commodity losses within 15 days.

vi. The Applicant has had multiple USDA/FAS compliance reviews with multiple negative findings in the past five years.

vii. The Applicant has been designated high-risk by USDA/FAS (per 2 CFR section 200.206), another Federal government agency (as designated in SAM.gov), or an external auditor within the current or past three fiscal years from the date of application or the organization’s most recent audit identifies material weaknesses or significant deficiencies.

viii. The Applicant was responsible for a commodity loss valued at $20,000 or greater, under an agreement between the Applicant and USDA/FAS or CCC, during

In evaluating Applicants under items (i) through (viii), USDA/FAS will consider relevant information from sources such as agency files, SAM.gov, and current and prior grantors of awards to Applicants (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the Applicant).

4. Integrity in Performance Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 USC 3321 and 41 USC 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/31/3321 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/41/2313

Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000, the federal agency is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov (currently FAPIIS).

• An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM.gov and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov.

• The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity…