FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

FISCAL YEAR 2026

Public Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0551-0035. The total annual burden hours decreased from 89,287 to 88,548. The total responses from respondents increased from 1,952 to 2,147 resulting in an increase in total annual costs to participants from $4,842,104 to $4,905,193.

OMB Control Number: 0551-0035

Expiration Date: April 30, 2027 https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202403-0551-002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.2 FEDERAL AGENCY NAME

1.3 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

1.4 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

1.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER

1.6 ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

1.7 FUNDING DETAILS

1.8 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

1.9 KEY DATES

1.10 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

2. ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

2.2 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE

2.3 EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY

2.4 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

2.5 MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

2.6 COST SHARE/MATCH REQUIREMENT

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

3.2 TYPE OF ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENT

3.3 PROGRAM SPECIFIC UNALLOWABLE COSTS

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

4.1 FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2 CONTENT GUIDANCE

4.3 ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

4.4 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

4.5 OTHER APPLICATION INFORMATION

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

5.2 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (UEI) AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM)

5.3 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

5.4 SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

5.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

6.1 ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD REVIEW

6.2 REVIEW CRITERIA

6.3 PROGRAMMATIC CAPABILITY AND PAST PERFORMANCE

6.4 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.5 RISK REVIEW

7. AWARD NOTICES

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

8.1 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

8.2 REPORTING

8.3 MONITORING

8.4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

8.5 MANDATORY DISCLOSURES

8.6 OTHER AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS

9. OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 EXTENSIONS

9.2 NO AWARDS

9.3 SAM.GOV REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

9.4 FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

APPENDIX A – Application Content Checklist

APPENDIX B – Country Guidance APPENDIX C – Budget Summary

APPENDIX D – Budget Narrative Example

APPENDIX E – Results Framework and Illustrative Examples of Foundational Results

APPENDIX F – Potential Available Commodities

NEW IN FISCAL YEAR 2026

1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented a department-wide standardization of its General Terms and Conditions (GT&Cs) for all federal financial assistance awards. Effective December 31, 2025. This update enhances consistency, streamlines award administration, and supports stronger oversight — including clearer expectations around prohibited entities, performance benchmarks, termination protocols, and advance payment controls.

2. Country Guidance for the seven priority countries is included in this Notice.

3. The requirement for a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan has been revised. Beginning in FY2026, applicants must submit a Monitoring and Evaluation Brief instead of a full plan.

This change is intended to simplify the application process while maintaining essential information for program oversight.

4. Applicants are no longer required to submit a narrative explanation of the Monitoring and Evaluation Results Framework. Beginning in FY2026, only the graphic representation of the Results Framework is required. This change is intended to streamline the application process and reduce redundancy, while ensuring that the visual framework clearly conveys the intended results and linkages. Applicants should ensure that the graphic is comprehensive and accurately reflects the program’s goals, outcomes, and indicators.

5. The narrative for the Monitoring and Evaluation budget, along with its corresponding budget table, has been moved to the Budget Narrative section.

6. USDA/FAS has designated a point addressing overall application quality to emphasize expectations for clear and concise writing, correct spelling and grammar, consistency across sections, and compliance with formatting guidance.

7. Application review points have been redistributed in line with broader updates to the guidance.

1. BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, International Food Assistance, announces this funding opportunity to support the Food for Progress Program by issuing new awards. This opportunity is available to the government of an emerging agricultural country, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organizations or cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, colleges or universities, and any other private entity, and is intended to increase agricultural productivity and expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally). Per the Food for Progress program’s authorizing legislation, this funding opportunity is intended to help developing countries and emerging democracies introduce and expand free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The program procures U.S. bulk commodities from American farmers, sells them commercially in emerging markets, and uses the proceeds to support agricultural development activities. This process is known as monetization. These development activities include providing financial and technical assistance to improve agricultural productivity and increase trade. In accordance with the authorizing legislation, all Food for Progress projects must include the monetization of U.S. commodities to address the program’s two strategic objectives: 1) Improving agricultural productivity, and 2) Increasing trade. Food for Progress projects must reflect America First objectives. This includes the monetizing of U.S. agricultural commodities purchased from American farmers, ensuring robust oversight and monitoring to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse, and incorporating a clear exit strategy to ensure a sustainable impact after USDA Food for Progress support concludes. USDA/FAS expects to enter into multiple new cooperative agreements under Food for Progress, with total awards not to exceed $246,000,000, subject to the availability of funding. These awards will support projects with an anticipated duration of approximately five years.

1.2 FEDERAL AGENCY NAME

United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS)

1.3 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE

Food for Progress Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year 2026

1.4 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE

New Announcement

1.5 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER

USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(609) – Bangladesh USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(104) – Bolivia USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(118) – Ecuador USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(456) – Morocco USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(314) – Philippines USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(688) – Sri Lanka USDA-FAS-10.606-0700-26(316) – Thailand

1.6 ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER

10.606 Food for Progress

1.7 FUNDING DETAILS

Total Available Federal Funding: Up to $226 million

Anticipated number of awards: 7

Expected range of each individual award: $28 million to $35 million

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

1.8 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is approximately 4-5 years

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 10/01/2026

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): approximately 09/30/2030 - 09/30/2031

“Period of performance” is defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

1.9 KEY DATES

Deadline for Question Submission: June 19, 2026 Applicants may submit questions until 5:00 P.M. EDT on June 19, 2026, by emailing ppded@usda.gov and including “FY26 FFPr NOFO” in the subject line of the email. USDA/FAS will consider questions submitted by the stated deadline and will post responses to questions on a regular and rolling basis on Grants.gov.

Application Submission Deadline: July 6, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date: August 24, 2026

Anticipated Award Date: September 24, 2026

1.10 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

For all inquiries, contact:

Name: Ingrid Ardjosoediro, Food for Progress Branch Director Email Address: ingrid.ardjosoediro@usda.gov Phone Number: +1 (202) 531-0216 Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. EDT/EST https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.1#p-200.1(Period%20of%20performance) https://grants.gov/

2. ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

In accordance with the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. § 1736o), the following entities are eligible Applicants (see 7 CFR 1499.2 for definitions):

• The government of an emerging agricultural country

• An intergovernmental organization

• A private voluntary organization

• A nonprofit agricultural organization or cooperative

• A nongovernmental organization

• A college or university

• Any other private entity

All Applicants must have an active registration in the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM)1 before the application submission deadline of the announcement.

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

Requests for exceptions, waivers, or extensions will not be considered. If an award is made, SAM registration must be maintained throughout the life of the project. More information about SAM.gov registration can be found in Section 9, Other Information.

2.2 SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described in this NOFO to be considered eligible. USDA/FAS will not review or consider any applications that remain incomplete after the deadline. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified 14 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section 4, Application Contents and Format, of this solicitation or else they will be deemed ineligible for funding consideration and will not be reviewed.

USAD/FAS will not review or consider applications that do not meet the requirements described in this NOFO.

2.3 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 the Applicant organization or that additional information would be unnecessary, USDA/FAS will not make assumptions as to the nature of the Applicant’s work, qualifications, and will rely solely on the materials provided.

1 https://www.sam.gov https://www.congress.gov/bill/99th-congress/house-bill/2100/text 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499#1499.2 https://www.sam.gov/

2.4 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations, including 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 400, and 7 CFR 1499. 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.

Compensation for personal services: Employees, consultants, or other personnel, including those of subrecipients, and regardless of the method of engagement, may not exceed the pro-rata equivalent of GS-15, Step 10 on the 2026 General Schedule2 (for 2026, $164,301 per year, $629.84per day, or $78.73 per hour)3. Post Hardship Differential, other DSSR-aligned allowances, and non-monetizable fringe benefits, such as health insurance coverage, are not included in this ceiling.

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. Pursuant to USDA Departmental Regulation DR2255-001, a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a cognizant U.S. Government agency will be honored, except when prohibited by statute.

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

2.5 MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

An individual Applicant may submit more than one application in response to this NOFO and may be offered more than one award.

2.6 COST SHARE/MATCH REQUIREMENT

Not required.

USDA/FAS encourages, but does not require, voluntarily committed cost sharing and matching (see 2 CFR 200.306 and 7 CFR 1499.2), also referred to as “cost share,” to maximize program impacts and bring about in-country sustainability. USDA/FAS will consider cost share when reviewing applications and may award bonus points for strong, feasible cost share commitments (see Section 6.2 Review Criteria). If Applicants choose to provide voluntary committed cost sharing or matching, they should identify and explain any cost sharing in the budget summary and narrative (7 CFR 1499.4(b)(4)(i)). Applicants should include any cost share contributions as

2 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS.aspx 3 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS_h.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-400 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1499 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-2255-001 https://www.usda.gov/directives/dr-2255-001 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499/section-1499.2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499/section-1499.4 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS.aspx https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Tables/html/GS_h.aspx part of the total award value on the Standard Form (SF) 424 and other required budget documents. Applicants may not use cost share to reach the minimum percentage for monitoring and evaluation budget. Applicants’ unrecovered indirect costs are not allowable cost share. Cost sharing or matching to which Applicants voluntarily commit in the application will be included in and become binding as part of an agreement, and Award Recipients are responsible for obtaining and providing these contributions. USDA/FAS will monitor cost share expenditures during implementation.

See Subsection 6.2, Review Criteria, for further details.

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Food for Progress 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.

Per the Food Security Act of 1985, (7 U.S.C. § 1736o(d)), the Food for Progress Program has six specific objectives:

(i) Access, on the part of farmers in the country, to private, competitive markets for their products;

(ii) Market pricing of eligible commodities to foster adequate private sector incentives to individual farmers to produce food on a regular basis for the country’s domestic needs;

(iii) Establishment of market-determined foreign exchange rates;

(iv) Timely availability of production inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, or pesticides) to farmers;

(v) Access to technologies appropriate to the level of agricultural development in country; and

(vi) Construction of facilities and distribution systems necessary to handle perishable products.

These can be summarized through two high-level strategic objectives: (1) increase agricultural productivity, and (2) expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally). These objectives work to enhance the competitiveness of American agricultural markets while promoting private sector engagement and encouraging innovation in emerging markets. The Food for Progress Program also represents the America First priorities by investing in strategically selected partner countries committed to improving agricultural productivity and expanding agricultural trade and opening new markets for U.S. agricultural goods while seeking to support vulnerable communities across the world.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/99th-congress/house-bill/2100/text https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1736o%20edition:prelim)

3.1 AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

Food Security Act of 1985, as amended, 7 U.S.C. § 1736o and 7 CFR 1499.

3.2 TYPE OF ASSISTANCE INSTRUMENT

USDA/FAS anticipates that a Cooperative Agreement will be funded pursuant to this funding opportunity.

This type of agreement provides for substantial involvement between USDA/FAS and/or other USDA Agencies, and the selected Applicant in the performance of the project. This may include:

• Close monitoring of the successful applicant’s performance to verify the results proposed by the Applicant;

• Collaboration during performance of the scope of work;

• Review of proposed procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.325 and 2 CFR 200.318;

• Approve qualifications of key personnel (USDA will not select the recipient’s employees or contractors, but may disallow costs for specific individuals where required by statute or regulation); and

• Review and comment on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient).

3.3 PROGRAM SPECIFIC UNALLOWABLE COSTS

Funds provided under Food for Progress Program may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by applicable regulations. USDA/FAS strongly recommends that Applicants familiarize themselves with program-specific unallowable costs described in 7 CFR 1499 to avoid proposing program-specific unallowable costs.

Applicants may refer to Appendix D, 2 CFR 200.1, and 2 CFR 200.414 for information on what costs are allowable as indirect costs.

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

This announcement contains all information necessary to apply for this funding opportunity.

4.1 FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

a. Application Format Applicant must complete the application in English and adhere to the maximum page limits in Subsection 4.1.b, Required Content and Forms.

Applicants should:

• 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;

• Be single spaced and adhere to the maximum page limits per section for all content to be considered (see Section 4.2);

• Use Times New Roman, 12-point font and one-inch margins. A 10-point font is https://www.congress.gov/99/statute/STATUTE-99/STATUTE-99-Pg1354.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-2000-title7-section1736o&num=0&edition=2000 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.325 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-C/part-1499/section-1499.9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 permissible for tables, textboxes, and graphs;

• Use Letter Size, 8.5” x 11”;

• Number each page consecutively in the footer;

• Be submitted as PDF files, unless otherwise specified in the NOFO;

• Cite source information (with at least author and year) and/or provide an explanation of the analysis;

• Reduce file size to the greatest extent that is reasonable; and

• Not be certified, signed, or password protected.

b. Required Content and Forms Each application must include the following content and forms within the required page limits. If an Applicant exceeds the page limits for a section, USDA/FAS will only review and score material within the page limits for the section. Requirements marked with “no page limit restrictions” do not count towards their section page limits.

A complete application package must include:

• Cover Sheet: 1 page

• Strategic Analysis: 10-page limit

• Plan of Operation: 13-page limit

• Organizational Capacity and Staffing: 4-page limit o Capacity and Staffing o In-Country Registration o Curriculum Vitae for Chief of Party (4-page limit; excluded from Organizational

Capacity and Staffing page count) o Organizational Chart (1 page; excluded from Organizational Capacity and

Staffing page count) o Project-Specific Commitment Letters from anticipated subrecipients, if applicable

(no page limit restrictions; excluded from Organizational Capacity and Staffing page count)

• Monitoring and Evaluation: 10-page limit o Project-Level Results Framework: 2-page limit o Performance Indicators: 5-page limit o Monitoring and Evaluation Brief: 3-page limit

• Commodity Management: 5-page limit

• Budget o Budget Summary: 1 page o Detailed Budget: no page limit restrictions o Budget Narrative: 16-page limit o Applicant’s most recent approved NICRA agreement (If applicable. No page limit restrictions) (See Part D Section 4 g, Budget, for more on indirect costs) o Standard Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, showing the Unique

Entity Identifier (UEI), and signed by the Applicant o Single Audit (Applicant’s most recent; no page limit restrictions)

• Proof of 501(c)(3) status documentation to support eligibility determination, if applicable https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_Mandatory_3_0-V3.0.pdf

Applicants should ensure they are using active, i.e., non-expired, versions of standard forms. The use of an expired standard form will not itself be grounds for a determination of ineligibility but may delay processing of an Applicant selected for award.

Find additional requirements on the content of each section of the application below in Subsection 4.2, Content Guidance. Applicants should review the content guidance carefully to determine what sections they may submit as attachments and what information they are required to input directly into FAIS. USDA/FAS strongly discourages and will not consider any materials submitted by or on behalf of the Applicant other than those materials specifically requested in this NOFO.

4.2 CONTENT GUIDANCE

To have an impact in the agriculture sector, Applicants are expected to closely consult with existing service providers, as well as national authorities in the country such as research institutes, universities, private sector stakeholders, and all other pertinent organizations.

Applicants should also consider complementing efforts with the work of other international donors as well as other USG programs. Applicants are encouraged to bring innovative approaches and tools into their application that deliver measurable returns on investments and safeguard U.S. resources through rigorous oversight. The expected coordination efforts should integrate the project’s agricultural approaches with existing private sector and government extension services in alignment with USDA priorities of advancing America First agricultural interests while also advancing the priorities set forth in the country’s national agricultural strategy including the following:

• Cost-efficiency and prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse: Applicants should propose activities that maximize the use of resources and return on investment while implementing measures that provide a high degree of assurance against misuse of funds, fraud, waste, or abuse. Applicants should ensure that a minimum of 70% of the operating budget is allocated directly to program activities. The 70% minimum threshold cost ratio should include direct costs only and exclude indirect costs and cost share. Proposed activities should demonstrate the funds are mainly used to further the impact of the project rather than used on administrative expenses. Applicants should also consider maximizing the use of investment funds or grants mechanisms to further the return on investment.

• Access to finance: Access to finance is a key constraint in most countries, stretching from microfinance needs of small farmers to formal financial institution access for medium- and larger-scale farmers and processors, and formal bank loans and investor financing for larger processors. To avoid duplications of efforts and consolidations of technical expertise in the area of access to finance, Applicants should work with existing local entities instead of creating new financial institutions. Applicants are highly encouraged to consider facilitation of appropriate financial solutions, based on an assessment of existing financing, credit, and investment options such as the use of grants in close coordination with existing financial institutions given its key role in stimulating finance options. For example, a project could use a grant mechanism to minimize the program beneficiaries’ risk for entry of these institutions while also being used as a form of loan guarantee.

Other examples of access to finance may include seasonal loans or advances from buyers to farmers (such as “contract farming”), agro-processors advancing credit to farmers, input providers supplying in-kind loans to farmers, buyer out-grower schemes that involve credit (often alongside inputs), short-term, seasonal loans for working capital from microfinance institutions, long-term fixed asset loans from financial institutions, and partial guarantees from financial institutions to leverage credit to value chain actors. Most financing options should be sustainable in the market long term. If proposing a matching grant co-investment component, Applicants should provide examples and investment ranges.

• Use of ICT (Information Communication Technology): The project should utilize advances in digital technologies to benefit extension services, market information, and access to finance, which would benefit the agriculture sector. Currently, initiatives to digitize farmer records, enterprises, and markets remain weak, given the weak digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Besides more modern ICT, traditional media (such as radio) could be used more intensively for agricultural extension and market information systems to reach remote and poor areas. ICT could also be used to help stakeholders make more informed decisions more efficiently and effectively. The feasibility of developing mobile money transfers and insurance against seasonal weather patterns and disasters could be further examined.

All FFPr Program applications must include the following as attachments in the Food Aid Information System (FAIS):

a. Cover Sheet (1 page) Applicants must provide an introductory cover sheet with the following information:

• Applicant organization name

• Subrecipient organization(s) name(s)

• Priority country and Funding Opportunity Number

• Award funding request, itemized by commodities, freight and administration, and operating budget

• Number of direct beneficiaries

• An executive summary of the proposed project’s technical approach

b. Strategic Analysis (10-page limit) Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the priority country’s specific context, including its agricultural landscape and current challenges. Applicants must provide a compelling strategic vision outlining the design of the project. The strategic analysis must provide a description of existing gaps, opportunities for lasting impact, and sustainable benefits and sector growth. Applicants must identify what needs to be addressed within the priority sector(s). Applicants must also provide a clear strategy regarding the proposed interventions and why those interventions are important for achieving the objectives of the project. The strategic analysis should incorporate innovative, evidence-based approaches, and emphasize the cost-effectiveness, including the risk assessment and management strategy and measures to reduce fraud, waste, and misuse of U.S. provided resources. The strategic analysis should showcase operational efficiencies, demonstrate how resources will be optimized, and demonstrate how innovation will achieve sustainable outcomes and measurable impacts.

Applicants must also:

• Describe specific areas within the priority sector(s) where the proposed project can have a lasting, transformative impact and why its innovative interventions are the most appropriate, contextually relevant, and replicable for creating sustainable change beyond the proposed project’s duration. Where applicable, Applicants should include technical agricultural approaches and demonstrate an understanding of potential end-markets for any targeted value chains.

• Propose target geographic area(s) and beneficiary group(s) based on practical considerations such as production areas, infrastructure conditions, project implementation costs, and other context‑specific factors that support cost‑efficient and sustainable implementation. Applicants should also demonstrate how the proposed locations offer strong and direct linkages to relevant markets, enabling scalable, sustainable, and measurable results.

• Incorporate key insights from stakeholders that drive the applicant’s unique approach and strategic vision. Detail an understanding of key local, public, and private sector actors and organizations as well as existing development and private sector investments.

c. Plan of Operation (13-page limit) Applicants must develop an actionable Plan of Operation that directly builds upon the Strategic Analysis. This plan must clearly articulate how the Applicant will implement the proposed interventions and achieve the specific measurable results to address the needs identified in the Strategic Analysis, providing implementation plan for each activity, including major milestones and timelines. Detailed activity breakdowns will be included in the work plan post-award.

Applicants should design the plan of operation prioritizing cost-effectiveness and operational efficiencies, demonstrating how resources will be strategically allocated and activities structured to achieve measurable outcomes and sustainable impact. The plan must be technically and programmatically feasible within a five-year timeframe and must prioritize the following:

• Target – Identify the target geographic area(s) and beneficiary groups.

• Show Clear Process – Provide steps and end results for the implementation of each activity.

• Create Economies of Scale – Explain how the activities will facilitate economies of scale in individual smallholder farmers, such as through farmer organizations.

Demonstrate how these economies of scale will lead to greater efficiencies and achieve broader economic growth in the priority sector(s).

• Foster Local Capacity and Sustainability – Describe how the project will enhance local capacity and create long-term sustainable results through market growth, linking smallholders to end-markets, and private sector engagement and partnerships. Include an exit strategy to ensure ongoing momentum and sustained results after the life of project.

• Leverage Other Investments – Describe how the Applicant will complement ongoing development and private sector efforts, avoid duplication, and maximize impact.

• Define Subrecipients’ Roles (if applicable) – Outline the roles and responsibilities of each proposed subrecipient in the activities.

d. Organizational Capacity and Staffing (4-page limit) Applicants must clearly describe their organizational capacities to implement the proposed project across all aspects of project management. Current experience in agricultural projects, especially within the priority area or targeted geographic area(s), must be included in this section.

The Organizational Capacity and Staffing section must also include a staffing plan that details the technical and geographic expertise required for efficient and effective project implementation, administration, and management. The staffing plan should include a brief description of all long-term staff positions and required levels of experience. The Applicant should propose a highly skilled yet streamlined organizational staffing structure that maximizes efficiency and productivity. The project team should be designed with cost effectiveness in mind.

Examples include engagement of qualified local personnel in key leadership roles, such as the Chief of Party as well as partnering with local institutions when feasible and appropriate. FAS may request changes to the final staffing plan during award negotiation or project implementation.

Applicants must also provide a rationale for the involvement of each subrecipient, including experience and expertise, in the proposed project. If the allocation to a subrecipient is 20% or more of the proposed operating budget, Applicants should provide details in the budget narrative.

Subrecipient means an entity that enters into a sub-agreement with the Applicant for the purpose of implementing in the target country activities described in the agreement (7 CFR 1499.2). Such an entity would receive commodities, Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)-provided funds, program income, sale proceeds, or other resources from the Applicant to use for this purpose and would be accountable to the Applicant for the use of these resources. A subrecipient may be named in the proposal without an active UEI, but it must obtain a UEI before receiving federal funds.

Applicants must disclose their registration status in the target country. Applicants not registered in the target country must provide a clear plan to become registered and a timeline to complete the registration process, which should account for potential delays. Applicants with active registration in the target country must provide the date they became registered, the date of expiration of their registration, and any other relevant information.

In addition, Applicants must provide the following items related to the Organizational Capacity and Staffing section. Each item will be submitted as a separate attachment to, and excluded from the page count of, the section:

• Organizational Chart and Key Personnel (1-page limit) – Applicants must include an appropriate and adequate organizational chart that identifies Key Personnel positions.

Key Personnel include, but are not limited to, managers responsible for overall agreement implementation (e.g. Finance Director, Deputy Chief of Party, and Chief of Party), as well as specialized technical staff for specific activities. Should the Applicant be selected https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1499#p-1499.2(Subrecipient) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-1499#p-1499.2(Subrecipient) for funding, the information on Key Personnel will be added to the Plan of Operation in the agreement. Applicants are encouraged to include processes for handover and to promote sustainability within the design of the Organizational Chart for the life of the project. This might include transitioning Key Personnel positions (i.e. Chief of Party) to experienced local staff and assigning technical assistance assignments to qualified local professionals and institutions as part of the exit strategy. If subrecipient(s) are proposed, they should be identified in the organizational chart so that a clear reporting structure between the subrecipient(s) and the Applicant is established.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) for Chief of Party (4-page limit) – The Applicant must attach, as part of the proposal, the CV for the project leader, i.e. Chief of Party. This person will provide major oversight of the Food for Progress Program project. The CV must clearly describe the project leader’s relevant work experience and qualifications.

• Subrecipient Letters of Commitment (no page limit) – A project-specific commitment letter from each proposed subrecipient must be included. Letters of support from entities that are not subrecipients must not be included with the application.

e. Monitoring and Evaluation (10-page limit) FAS requires an Applicant to submit three monitoring and evaluation documents in its proposal:

1) Results Framework (2-page limit) The project-level graphic results framework (RF) must clearly identify how the proposed project will contribute to the FFPr Program-level RF, as shown in Appendix E.

The RF should be a graphical representation of the project’s theory of change. The suggested length of the graphical RF is two pages. A strong graphical RF should:

• Use the FFPr Program-level RF as the basis of the project-level RF.

• Identify which results the project will contribute to, and which results the project will not contribute to.

o A single project is not expected to contribute to all of the results in the

Program-level RF. Projects typically contribute to a subset of Program-level results, and may also contribute to custom results, reflecting the specific country and programmatic context of the proposed project. The number of results contributed to will not be a factor in proposal evaluation.

• Display the project’s activities and align each with the result(s) the activity will help achieve. Applicants should use short, descriptive activity titles so that readers have enough information to understand how an activity will logically lead to a result.

Applicants should not use default activity categories or phrasing in their RF, but rather short descriptions specific to their proposed project that focus on what the project will implement “on the ground” that they believe will contribute to the linked result(s).

• Add custom results, beyond what is available in the program-level RF, to communicate additional results the project is designed to achieve. This is particularly important for projects such as Trade Enabling Environment-focused projects that typically work towards results not already displayed on the Program-level RF.

2) Performance Indicators (5-page limit) Applicants must submit a table of standard and custom performance indicators for their proposed project results. Performance indicators identify how to recognize the success of the project and help to clarify results. For each indicator, the Applicant must identify the corresponding result(s), a baseline value (where possible), annual targets for each year of the project, and a life of project target. Applicants should include, at a minimum, these columns in the table: Performance Indicator, Standard or Custom, Baseline Value, Year X Target, Year Y Target, etc. (numbers to correspond to each year in the project), and Life of Project Target.

Standard FFPr program performance indicators are required, where appropriate. Each result included in the project should have one or more corresponding indicators in the indicator table. If an Applicant addresses a result that has a corresponding standard indicator, it must include the standard indicator in its table. When a standard indicator isn’t available for a proposed project result, the Applicant should include a custom indicator for that result. Custom indicators proposed for a project should be a mix of output and outcome indicators, in alignment with the result level(s). As described in the Monitoring and Evaluation Policy, custom indicators should also meet the criteria of being direct, objective, adequate, and practical. USDA/FAS does not require a specific number of indicators per result; however, the number of indicators should be sufficient to monitor the project’s performance in achieving each result.

Applicants should review the FFPr Program standard indicators carefully to propose indicators that will reflect applicable good agricultural practices activities. Applicants should capture additional results with custom indicators that reflect the specific objectives of the proposed project, and may consult publicly available, established indicator sets for ideas as relevant, including other USG standard indicator sets and validated indicators identified by relevant experts.

3) Monitoring and Evaluation Brief (3-page limit) Applicants must submit a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) brief as described below. Once an award is granted, USDA/FAS will require a comprehensive evaluation plan as described in the International Food Assistance Division’s Monitoring and Evaluation Policy. The comprehensive plan required post-award should be developed as a stand-alone document that can be shared with interested parties and the public and should provide a detailed approach to both monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact.

The M&E brief submitted in the application should offer a convincing reflection of the Applicant’s readiness to conduct rigorous M&E through the project’s lifecycle that promotes accountability and learning and adheres to industry standards. The M&E brief should avoid explaining general M&E theory and instead offer details specific to the Applicant’s organizational capacity and the proposed project’s interventions and operating context. The M&E brief must include the key sections described below:

• Evaluation Approach and Methodologies – Describe the overall evaluation approach including how the Applicant will ensure a participatory process in evaluations, the roles and responsibilities of staff in their organization and other entities involved in the project, and the quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods that will be used throughout the project. An evaluation approach may include repeat cross-sectional https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/resources/guidance-food-aid-program-standard-indicators https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/resources/monitoring-and-evaluation-policy https://www.fas.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/fad_mande_policy_feb_2019.pdf designs or panel studies and may consist of direct observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data analysis. These methodologies should be described in detail, including sample design, expected sample sizes, and key informants. The Applicant should also describe the strengths and limitations of the proposed methodology for measuring impact and assessing attribution. If the Applicant is proposing an impact evaluation, the evaluation plan should identify the design (experimental or quasi-experimental) and method of attribution (e.g., a randomized control trial, difference-in-difference, or propensity score matching). If the Applicant will not include an impact evaluation, provide a justification excluding it and describe how the methodology will assess contribution. A strong evaluation brief will demonstrate why the evaluation approach is appropriate to the project context and how that evaluation design will be useful for project learning.

• Project Monitoring System - Applicants must describe the proposed monitoring system and protocols for collecting, storing, analyzing, and using data as part of regular project monitoring. Applicants may include their approach to monitoring at site visits, frequency, and/or staffing proposed for regular project monitoring. Applicants may also describe existing or new technology solutions proposed to collect, store and use data, including context-specific considerations in the proposed country and plans to adapt existing technology to the proposed project. A strong project monitoring section will identify potential challenges in data collection specific to the project and context, and the Applicant’s proposed mitigation strategies. This section may also include a discussion of how monitoring data will feed into decision-making, adaptive management, and reporting.

Monitoring and Evaluation Budget guidance is in the Budget Narrative section on page 22 and Applicants should include all relevant M&E budget information in that section.

f. Commodity Management (5-page limit) 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 FFPr Program award. In this section, Applicants must document the reasoning for their commodity selection and demonstrate that a sufficient level of market analysis has been performed to determine the most appropriate commodity. This includes considerations of local demand, cost recovery, the impact on local production and markets, previous monetization efforts in the market with the commodity, the impact on commercial sales, and any specific country concerns that would impact the potential sale.

Applicants that have experience successfully monetizing commodities should include information relevant to their experience. If there is no prior experience, Applicants should describe their proposed plans to hire an experienced agent or third-party consultant to perform this element of the award.

1) Commodity List Applicants must provide the following information:

• Commodity type(s): Applicants may consider a basket of approved commodities.

• Commodity specifications or target grades and standards

• Commodity end use: Specify how the commodity will be used, e.g., food sector, feed sector, etc. Provide details on the market conditions for the end use of the commodity in the monetization country or countries.

• Quantity in metric tons (MT): Tonnages must be whole numbers only and in multiples of 10.

• Destination country or specific countries within the same trade region: Analysis must not use a whole region. Up to five specific countries (where monetization is likely to occur) within a region must be listed and used for analysis.

• Any potential positive benefit or negative cost to the country, countries, and/or region due to monetization

• Estimated delivery to U.S. port (month and year)

• Estimated delivery to destination port (month and year)

• Estimated sales price per MT

• Estimated proceeds

• Estimated U.S. and Foreign Freight costs

• Estimated rate of return: The target is a minimum of 70%

2) Special Needs and Distribution Methods

Each proposal must include detailed information on special needs and distribution of commodities, including the following:

• Transportation and Storage Provide assurances to USDA/FAS that the port, transportation infrastructure, and storage facilities are sufficient to prevent undue spoilage or waste of the commodities. 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; and (2) storage capacity at port of discharge and destination, and structure and level of security at the port and during inland routing. Applicants should provide the names of any third-party contractors (e.g., marine surveyors and cargo expeditors) used for this analysis and include their findings. Third-party assessments and assistance are viewed favorably.

USDA/FAS reserves the right to require the offered and performing vessel to have a safety vetting and inspection. The Applicant/Recipient must ensure an inspection company is allowed to perform the required inspection at the ship owner’s expense. Any vessel that fails to meet vetting approval or does not allow an inspection when required, may be subject to booking or contract termination. Cargo preference applies to ocean transportation of donated U.S. commodities.

• Economic Impact Provide information indicating how the commodities were selected. Describe why the commodities can be imported and distributed without resulting in a substantial disincentive to, or interference with, domestic production or marketing patterns, and why the sale or barter of the commodities will not displace or interfere with any sales of U.S.

commodities that may otherwise be made to or within the target country. Highlight current local agricultural risks, aberrations, and marketing practices for locally produced…