FY2026 FFPr NOFO QA June 10 - June 16.pdf

FY 2026 Food for Progress Notice of Funding Opportunity Questions and Answers

June 10 – June 16, 2026

47. Q: The FAIS application instructions (Results page 22) state that the program has two Results Frameworks that must be completed by the applicant, and that applicants must contribute to both of the highest-level results, which for Food for Progress are Increased Agricultural Productivity and Expanded Trade of Agricultural Products.

The FY2026 NOFO (original + revised) indicates differently. Section 4.2e (Results Framework) states that a single project is not expected to contribute to all of the Program-level results, that the number of results contributed to will not factor into evaluation, and that Trade Enabling Environment projects typically work toward results not displayed on the Program-level Results Framework. The Bangladesh Country Guidance (Appendix B) names a single objective, Expanded Trade of Agricultural Products, with Trade Facilitation as the priority sector. For a Bangladesh trade facilitation project working at the regulatory and systems level rather than at farm or value chain production, we ask USDA to clarify two points:

- Whether the NOFO guidance supersedes the FAIS instructions and SO 1 is not applicable nor required for the Bangladesh opportunity.

- Whether FAIS will permit submission of an application that populates Results Framework #2 only, given the instruction that both frameworks must be completed.

A: For the Bangladesh opportunity, applicants may submit only Strategic Objective 2. FAIS will accept a proposal with one Results Framework completed.

48. Q: Page 17, 4.2d Organizational Capacity and Staffing, Subrecipient Letters of Commitment: Recognizing the requirement for Letters of Commitment from proposed subrecipients, would USDA please advise if subrecipients, especially local subrecipients, are required to partner exclusively with the Prime Applicant?

A: No, per section 4.2d Organizational Capacity and Staffing, the NOFO does not require subrecipients to partner exclusively with the Prime Applicant.

49. Q: We kindly request to USDA to confirm how the estimated award value total is calculated for each priority country. Our understanding is that Estimated Award Value = Commodity cost + Freight Cost + CCC Admin. However, the Estimated Award Value is significantly higher than the realistic sum of these costs, even if budgeting conservatively. To ensure we are appropriately budgeting for all components of this award, please confirm if any other budget items are included in the Estimated Award Value.

A: The estimated award value includes commodity cost, freight cost, and CCC Admin only.

50. Q: On page 37, Appendix A, the NOFO denotes labels for the FAIS attachment uploads: a. For attachments C and E, is it expected that all files are submitted under one document? For example C. Results Framework and Monitoring and Evaluation, could USDA please confirm that they would like a single PDF file uploaded to FAIS that includes the Project-Level Results Framework, Performance Indicators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Brief? If a single file upload is desired, would the preferred file type label be “Generic”? As there is not an option that covers multiple aspects of the M&E section. For attachment F. Budget, can USDA please confirm that we can upload 5 separate files to FAIS for the budget documents, as they are a mix of formats including excel and PDF?

A: USDA prefers separate attachments for each section when possible and feasible. Separate documents should include the name of the section. If a file type does not exist, "Generic" can be used. Please note that this is mentioned in the Instruction for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS 1.21.2025 document, in Section 9: Attachments which states "Any document not in the list below but supports the proposal can be uploaded here and should be labeled as Generic."

For Attachment F, Budget, an applicant can upload five separate files. Please be sure to refer to guidance in Section 9: Attachments in the Instructions for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS 1.21.2025 for other information.

51. Q: Within the Attachments section of FAIS, we were unable to identify file type categories corresponding to several required proposal components outlined in the NOFO. Could you please advise whether the following documents should be uploaded using the "Generic" file type designation, or if another file type is preferred? Cover Sheet; Plan of Operation; Organizational Capacity and Staffing (excluding CVs, for which a specific file type is available); Subrecipient Commitment Letters; Detailed Budget; Proof of 501(c)(3) Status.

A: Applicants can use the "generic" file type designation for the sections listed. Please note this is mentioned in the Instructions for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS 1.21.2025 document, in Section 9: Attachments which states "Any documents not in the list below but supports the proposal can be uploaded here and should be labeled as Generic." Please be sure to refer to guidance in Section 9: Attachments in the Instructions for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS 1.21.2025 for other information on the following attachments that are required.

52. Q: The NOFO references a Commodity Management section with a five-page limitation. Within FAIS, we note that commodity management information appears to be entered directly into the system. Could you please clarify whether the entire Commodity Management section is intended to be completed through the FAIS data-entry fields, or whether there is a location within the system where the five-page narrative described in the NOFO should be uploaded?

A: Please note that this is mentioned in the Instructions for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS

1.21.2025 document, in Section 7, Commodities under the Monetization sub-section. "FAIS requires data entry into each RTF box in the Monetization tab. Applicants may choose to simply reference in the RTF box which Attachment(s) of the proposal contains the relevant information."

53. Q: Within FAIS, Form AD-3030 appears to be identified as a non-mandatory submission. Could you please clarify under what circumstances organizations are required to submit Form AD-3030, and whether it is expected for all applicants under this funding opportunity?

A: Form AD‑3030 is only required for applicants that are incorporated entities, as it is used to certify felony conviction and federal tax delinquency status for corporations. The FY 2026 Food for Progress NOFO does not reference AD‑3030, therefore it is not required at the application stage for all applicants. If an applicant is a corporation and USDA determines the form is needed to complete eligibility checks before an agreement is issued, it may be requested later in the process.

54. Q: For the budget narrative, should applicants upload the narrative as an attachment within the Attachments section and also enter the information within the text box provided under the PVO Budget category? Alternatively, if the budget narrative is uploaded as an attachment, will that satisfy the submission requirement?

A: Please note that the Instructions for Submitting Proposals in the FAIS 1.21.2025 document mentions in Section 8: Budget, under PVO Budget Narrative, "FAIS requires data entry into the RTF box in the Budget Narrative tab. Applicants may choose to upload the budget narrative as an Attachment and simply reference in the RTF box the title of the Attachment. "Applicants can determine whether they choose to use the text box, or upload a document. Whichever method used should conform to the specifications in the NOFO.

Uploading the budget narrative as an attachment will satisfy the submission requirement.

55. Q: We note that FAIS includes an attachment file type for Past Performance Records;

however, we did not identify a corresponding requirement within the NOFO.

Additionally, the system indicates that submission of Past Performance Records is not mandatory. Could you please clarify whether applicants may submit Past Performance

Records as part of their application? If so, is there a prescribed format or page limitation that should be followed?

A: Any Past Performance Record submitted as part of the application will not be considered part of the application as it is not a required document.

56. Q: In the strategic analysis eval criteria, they mention meeting the strategic objectives of the country context and effective integration of crosscutting topics into analysis and strategy. However, there is no stated objective in the country context nor mention of crosscutting topics. Can USDA please identify where these are located, or confirm that they are subjective?

A: Please refer to the introductory section of the NOFO at the beginning of Section 4.2, Content Guidance, for information on crosscutting topics.

57. Q: May we add columns to the detailed budget, admin, and activity tabs in order to allocate costs by funding stream, i.e. Monetization, FAS, Cost Share? This would facilitate linking budget to the Summary budget.

A: No, Applicants should follow the template as provided in the NOFO.

58. Q: For Bolivia, the anticipated operating budget reflects approximately 48% cost recovery on monetization plus freight costs. Would USDA consider increasing the operating budget to reflect a more historically accurate cost recovery of 60%, thereby increasing the operating budget to $18,500,000?

A: No, Applicants should use the anticipated operating budget reflected in the NOFO.

59. Q: “New in Fiscal Year 2026” section - page 5 - #4 “Applicants should ensure that the (RF) graphic is comprehensive and accurately reflects the program’s goals, outcomes, and indicators.” Please clarify whether indicators are supposed to be listed in both the Results Framework (RF) graphic and Performance Indicator Table or only in the Performance Indicator Table. The Results Framework section on page 17 of the NOFO does not mention indicators needing to be included with the RF graphic.

A: See answer to Question 30.

60. Q: In addition to the commodities specifically identified in the NOFO, would USDA consider alternative monetization commodities such as canola meal, alfalfa, or alfalfa pellets, provided they are commercially traded and supported by an appropriate Commodity Management Strategy?

A: No. Per the NOFO, please refer to Appendix F - Potential Available Commodities.

61. Q: Would USDA consider proposals that include the monetization of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in Morocco?

A: Yes, please refer to Appendix F - Potential Available Commodities and Appendix B - Country Guidance for Morocco of the NOFO.

62. Q: Would USDA consider proposals that include the monetization of soy-based commodities in the Philippines?

A: Yes, please refer to Appendix F - Potential Available Commodities and Appendix B of the NOFO, Country Guidance for the Philippines.

63. Q: For an application submitted under the Thailand priority-country opportunity, must all FFPr-funded technical activities, demonstrations, beneficiaries, and project expenditures be located within Thailand?

A: Yes, all FFPr-funded project activities, demonstrations, and direct beneficiaries, must take place in the respective priority country.

64. Q: May limited technical activities, data collection, platform testing, market-development work, or pilot demonstrations take place in another ASEAN country, such as Indonesia or Malaysia, when those activities directly support the Thailand project and the expansion of markets for U.S. agricultural commodities?

A: No, all technical activities, data collection, platform testing, efforts to strengthen market linkages, and pilot demonstrations must take place in the respective priority country.

65. Q: Must all proposed subrecipients, universities, technical institutions, and implementing partners be incorporated or registered in Thailand?

A: USDA does not require subrecipients, universities, technical institutions, and implementing partners be incorporated or registered in Thailand. Please refer to Section 4.2d, Organizational Capacity and Staffing, of the NOFO for more information.

66. Q: May U.S. universities participate as funded technical subrecipients to provide services such as: curriculum development; training-of-trainers; dairy, livestock, feed, forage, and animal-health expertise; technical standards and protocols; demonstration-farm evaluation; applied research support; and technical extension benefiting Thailand?

A: U.S. universities are eligible to participate as technical sub-recipients. Please review Section 4.2d, Organizational Capacity and Staffing, of the NOFO, and 7 CFR 1499.2.

67. Q: Must a foreign university or technical institution be legally registered in Thailand before participating, or is Thai registration required only when Thai law or the nature and duration of its in-country activities requires it?

A: USDA does not require foreign universities be legally registered in Thailand before participating as technical subrecipients. Please review Section 4.2d, Organizational Capacity and Staffing, of the NOFO, and 7 CFR 1499.2.

68. Q: Please clarify the distinction under this NOFO among:

a. a subrecipient responsible for implementing part of the FFPr program;

b. a contractor or consultant providing defined goods or technical services; and

c. an unfunded institutional or technical collaborator.

A: For question parts a. and b., please refer to section 4.2d, Content Guidance, of the NOFO and 7 CFR 1499 for more information on the definition of a subrecipient and contracts providing goods or services. For part c of the question, the key defining characteristic is that the entity is not funded by the project.

69. Q: May the application identify unfunded collaborators and describe their expected roles in the project narrative even though general letters of support from entities that are not subrecipients should not be included?

A: Applicants may identify unfunded collaborators and include description of their expected roles in the project narrative. Please review Section 4.2b, Content Guidance, and Section 6.2, Review Criteria, of the NOFO.

70. Q: Where an unfunded collaborator accepts specific responsibilities, may the application include a project-specific memorandum or commitment letter documenting those responsibilities, or would such documentation be treated as an impermissible general support letter?

A: Per the NOFO, Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section 4, Application Contents and Format. Per

4.2 d Organizational Capacity and Staffing, letters of support from entities that are not subrecipients must not be included. If they are included, they will not be reviewed.

71. Q: Must every proposed subrecipient have a UEI at the application stage, or only before receiving FFPr funds?

A: Please ensure to review the NOFO in its entirety, specifically Section 4.2d Organizational Capacity and Staffing of the NOFO. A subrecipient must have a UEI before receiving federal funds.

72. Q: Are non-U.S. subrecipients required to maintain active SAM.gov registration, or is that requirement limited to the prime applicant and certain categories of recipient?

A: All subrecipients are required to obtain and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is issued through SAM.gov prior to receiving federal funds.

73. Q: May an applicant propose a relatively small initial shipment in Year 1, followed by substantially larger shipments in later years after confirming: market absorption;

import and logistics procedures; buyer participation; sales performance; and cost recovery?

A: Please refer to the NOFO Section 4.2.f.3, Monetization, and see 7 U.S.C. § 1736o(b)(10).

For additional information, please refer to the USDA Monetization Handbook on FAIS on specific information on managing the monetization of commodities. The USDA Monetization Handbook can be found here:

https://apps.fas.usda.gov/fais/webapp/files/USDA%20Monetization%20Handbook%202023.

pdf.

74. Q: Must the application provide a separate proposed quantity, delivery date, estimated sales price, freight cost, and proceeds calculation for every anticipated annual shipment? Alternatively, may the applicant provide an overall multi-year monetization estimate with an illustrative shipment schedule?

A:See answer to Question 73 above.

75. Q: Can the timing, size, commodity mix, and destination of later tranches be adjusted based on: actual commodity prices; ocean freight costs; exchange rates; import https://apps.fas.usda.gov/fais/webapp/files/USDA%20Monetization%20Handbook%202023.pdf https://apps.fas.usda.gov/fais/webapp/files/USDA%20Monetization%20Handbook%202023.pdf conditions; buyer demand; market absorption; rate of return; and results of earlier tranches?

A: See answer to Question 73 above.

76. Q: Must Thailand remain the principal monetization destination, or could a substantial portion of the commodities be monetized in another approved ASEAN market when that market offers: stronger cost recovery; greater buyer demand; lower import barriers; better market absorption; or less risk of disrupting normal commercial trade?

77. Q: May proceeds generated through sales in Indonesia or another approved ASEAN country be used to finance FFPr activities conducted primarily in Thailand?

78. Q: Would proposing Indonesia and Malaysia as a secondary monetization market require a complete separate monetization impact assessment, including market absorption, local production, imports, prices, commercial displacement, tariffs, and regulatory requirements?

A: No, please include this information in the commodity management section.

79. Q: Would a letter of technical interest from a U.S. commodity association, cooperative, processor, or exporter be appropriate if it does not create or imply a noncompetitive procurement commitment?

A: Please refer to Section 2.2, Substantial Compliance of the NOFO.

80. Q: Must the monetization agent be identified by name in the application? Alternatively, may the applicant describe the necessary qualifications and select the monetization agent competitively after award?

A: Please refer to the NOFO Section 4.2f 2) Special Needs and Distribution Methods.

81. Q: May a Thailand-based or ASEAN-based licensed importer, trading company, commodity broker, financial institution, or advisory firm serve as the monetization agent, or must the agent be a U.S.-registered entity?

82. Q: Can the same organization act as both monetization agent and buyer, importer, or distributor, or would those roles create a prohibited conflict of interest?

A: No, this would constitute a conflict of interest. See answer to Question 73 above.

83. Q: What procurement and competitive-selection requirements apply when the recipient engages a monetization agent?

A: Please refer to the NOFO Section 3.2, Type of Assistance Instrument and see answer to Question 73 above.

84. Q: Must every monetization sale be conducted through a fully open public tender?

85. Q: May tender with negotiation be used when the market has a limited number of technically qualified or financially capable buyers?

86. Q: Would nonbinding expressions of interest or indicative purchase-volume estimates from potential buyers strengthen the monetization analysis? If so, may such documents be included in the application?

A: No, the sale process is competitive with closed bids. Per the NOFO Section 4.2.f.3 and see answer to Question 73 above.

87. Q: May an applicant propose a basket of commodities, such as DDGS, soybean meal, feed corn, or other approved U.S. agricultural commodities, and determine the actual proportion of each commodity before individual procurement tranches?

A: Please review the NOFO Section 4.2f 1) Commodity List.

88. Q: The NOFO states that Food for Progress monetization efforts should meet a 70-percent rate of return. Is the rate of return evaluated: a. separately for each shipment;

b. separately for each commodity; c. separately for each country; d. annually; or e.

cumulatively across the full multi-year monetization program?

89. Q: For purposes of calculating the rate of return, does the federal cost denominator include: commodity procurement cost; inland U.S. transportation; ocean freight; port costs; surveys; insurance; fumigation; inspection costs; and other international logistics expenses?

90. Q: If commodities are sold in several approved countries, is the return evaluated separately by country or collectively across the approved monetization plan?

91. Q: May the project direct monetized commodities toward first-time or underserved buyers while separately developing future normal commercial purchases from U.S.

suppliers?

A: See answer to Question 86 above.

92. Q: If Indonesia is proposed only as a secondary monetization market, must the applicant separately demonstrate that monetized sales there will not displace existing U.S. commercial exports to Indonesia? Same question for Malaysia?

A: Successful applicants can address this information during the negotiation phase and see answer to Question 73 above.

93. Q: Must monetized commodities enter the destination country duty-free? Or may applicable tariffs, taxes, and fees be paid when they are fully reflected in the monetization and rate-of-return analysis?

A: Commodities are not exempt from applicable duties upon entry into the destination country. For information on reaching 70 percent minimum return or better, please refer to the 4.2f 3) Monetization and see 7 U.S.C. § 1736o(b)(10).

94. Q: If several monetization countries are proposed, must the application provide import, tariff, tax, phytosanitary, and regulatory information for every country?

A: No. See answer to Question 92 above.

95. Q: Is the anticipated monetization-proceeds figure identified for Thailand intended to represent: a. a required target; b. a maximum; c. a minimum; or d. an indicative planning estimate?

A: The monetization proceeds identified in Appendix B - Country Guidance of the NOFO represent the estimated maximum target for the operating budgeting.

96. Q: Regarding the Theory of Change, in the last round of questions, USDA wrote "applicants will not be assessed on this item and are not directed to provide it in the Monitoring and Evaluation Brief or elsewhere." Would USDA allow the theory of change graphic to be included in the Strategic Analysis?

A: The content required for the Strategic Development section is outlined in the NOFO, and we encourage applicants to review Section 4.2b, Content Guidance, and Section 6.2, Review Criteria, of the NOFO to ensure alignment with the stated requirements.

97. Q: May an applicant propose lower monetization proceeds and a proportionately smaller project when supported by conservative market and cost-recovery analysis?

A: Please refer to section 4.2.f Commodity Management of the NOFO for more information.