FY22-CPPM-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2022

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $8,150,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-CPPM-008761

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.329

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing: The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.329.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, February 28, 2022

Letter of Intent: Not Required

Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. NIFA recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts when equity is grounded in the programs.

NIFA is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of programs and encourages individuals, institutions, and organizations from underserved communities to apply to funding opportunities as lead, co-lead, or subaward recipient(s), and to engage as leaders in the peer panel review process to support the development of strong networks and collaborations. NIFA encourages applications that engage diverse communities and have broad impacts through research, education, extension, and integrated activities to address current and future challenges.

Stakeholder Input. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks comments on all requests for applications (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments, to the extent possible when developing RFAs and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)).

Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov (email is for comments only).

Please use the following subject line: Response to the Crop Protection and Pest Management RFA.

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit the NIFA’s Center of Excellence (COE) webpage for information on COE designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of programs offering COE opportunities. A recording of COE outreach and COE implementation webinars are also available.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program for fiscal year (FY) 2022 to address critical state, regional and national integrated pest management (IPM) needs to ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges. The CPPM program supports projects that address these challenges with IPM approaches developed by coordinated state, regional, and national research, and extension efforts. The impact of these research and extension efforts will be increased by the establishment of communication networks and stakeholder participation in setting priorities. In FY 2022, NIFA will only accept competitive applications for funding in the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and the Regional Coordination Program (RCP) areas of the CPPM program.

NIFA will fund current Extension Implementation Program (EIP) area projects through continuation applications.

The anticipated amount available for new CPPM grants competed in FY 2022 is approximately $8.15 million. Of this amount, approximately $4.0 million will be used to fund ARDP awards and approximately $4.15 million to fund RCP awards. Approximately $10 million is anticipated to be available to fund current EIP continuation awards. This RFA is being released prior to the passage of an appropriations act for FY 2022. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

This notice identifies the objectives for Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. The purpose of CPPM awards is to enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, and sustainable IPM technologies, tactics and strategies that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Application Restrictions C. Project Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching C. Centers of Excellence

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application B. Content and Form of the Application C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Center of Excellence D. Organizational Management Information E. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information Table 3: Regional Coordination Program Key Information Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions Table 7: Formatting Requirement for Project Narrative and Other Content

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Schematic Representation of the CPPM Program’s Desired Outcomes and Goals Figure 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7626) as amended authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The Secretary may award these grants to colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities on a competitive basis for projects that address priorities in United States agriculture and involve integrated research, education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) (see Part III § A for more information).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program (Assistance Listing 10.329) is to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The goals and objectives of CPPM are to address high priority issues related to pests including insects, nematodes, pathogens, weeds, and other pests and their management using integrated pest management (IPM) approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program also addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities.

B.1 Program Areas The CPPM program provides support for research to develop new IPM approaches, extension to disseminate IPM knowledge and improve adoption of IPM practices, and coordination of IPM activities at the regional and national levels to increase the adoption and implementation of IPM practices on a broad scale. The CPPM program provides support for these functions with three linked program areas that emphasize research and development for discovery of IPM knowledge;

extension activities for IPM adoption and implementation; and enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communications among related CPPM programs and awardees. Together the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP), the Extension Implementation Program (EIP), and the Regional Coordination Program (RCP) areas represent a comprehensive approach for developing IPM practices and strategies and extending this new knowledge across many environments through a coordinated national network. It is anticipated that the application of this evidence-based science will have positive outcomes for society.

B.2 Goal Alignment The CPPM program is aligned with the National IPM Roadmap and the USDA Strategic Plan.

B.2.1. The CPPM program is aligned with the IPM goals identified in the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management. It identifies strategic directions for IPM research, implementation, and measurement for pests in all settings throughout the nation. In FY 2022, successful CPPM program applicants will develop knowledge and information and improved IPM https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7626%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7626)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/OPMP/IPM%20Road%20Map%20FINAL.pdf practices needed for the adoption and implementation of IPM methods that have the following National IPM Roadmap goals:

a) Improve cost-benefit analyses when adopting IPM practices

b) Reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies

c) Minimize adverse environmental effects from pests and related management strategies

B.2.2 USDA Strategic Plan. The CPPM is aligned with the following strategies of the USDA Strategic Plan (FY 2018-2022):

a) Goal 1: Ensure USDA Programs are Delivered Efficiently, Effectively, with Integrity and a Focus on Customer Service.

b) Goal 2: Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers to Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World.

c) Goal 3: Promote American Agricultural Products and Exports; and

d) Goal 7: Provide All Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food Supply.

A schematic representation of the CPPM program’s desired outcomes and goals is illustrated in FIGURE 1. The three CPPM program areas at the center address IPM needs in the five focus areas described below, thereby contributing to the achievement of the five goals of the National IPM Roadmap shown in the outer ring, resulting in outcomes for sustainable food security.

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf

Figure 1: Schematic Representation of the CPPM Program’s Desired Outcomes and Goals

The CPPM program, through its three component program areas (ARDP, EIP, and RCP), addresses overall IPM needs in the five following focus areas as funding is available:

a. Plant Protection Tools and Tactics. Need for discovery, development, and introduction of new pest management tactics for use in IPM systems.

b. Diversified IPM Systems. Need for long-term sustainable solutions to pest management problems on a regional or national scale.

c. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity. To develop and maintain key information systems, networks, and decision support tools that provide the knowledge infrastructure needed for early detection and the application of science-based IPM systems for invasive, emerging and high-consequence pests that threaten U.S. agriculture (e.g., early warning and decision support systems such as the Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) have a direct effect on biosecurity).

https://www.ipmpipe.org/

d. IPM for Sustainable Communities. Direct application of IPM knowledge and expertise to address pest management challenges in non-traditional settings such as urban structures, landscapes, and gardens, homes, and schools.

e. Development of the Next Generation of IPM Scientists. To develop pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education programs to prepare the next generation of IPM scientists.

For more detailed descriptions of the focus areas see Crop Protection and Pest Management Program.

In FY 2022, the CPPM program, through ARDP and RCP, is soliciting new applications to provide funding for Plant Protection Tools and Tactics (focus area one), Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity (focus area three), and IPM for Sustainable Communities (focus area four).

B.3 Logic Model, Data Management Plan, and Additional Requirements

CPPM Logic Model. The CPPM programmatic logic model chart (FIGURE 2) incorporates stakeholder input; anticipated outcomes; appropriate elements from IPM logic models from previously funded NIFA IPM programs; and goals for the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA will use the programmatic logic model chart to guide the evaluation of the proposals, the development of future funding priorities, and to document the impact of investments made by the CPPM program.

All applicants are required to:

a. Submit a project-specific logic model chart as part of each application; and

b. Explain how their project-specific logic model supports the CPPM programmatic logic model chart.

The project-specific logic model must provide details for the: inputs, outputs (activities and participants), and outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project.

The logic model planning process may also be used to develop your project before writing your application. Format this information as a logic model chart as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Note the correct location for these elements as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Refer to the logic model chart in your project description, evaluation plans, and elsewhere, as applicable. Additional information is available on the NIFA and University of Wisconsin web sites:

Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process Logic Model Planning Process Program Development and Evaluation https://nifa.usda.gov/program/crop-protection-and-pest-management-program https://nifa.usda.gov/program/crop-protection-and-pest-management-program https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/

Figure 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

Inputs Outputs: Participants Outputs: Activities/Products Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Knowledge (Short Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Actions/Behavior (Medium Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Condition (Long Term)

Legislative authority

Annual appropriation

USDA involvement

NIFA intra-agency coordination

Multi-state projects

Program directors

Support staff

Panel Managers

Peer Review Panels

Stakeholder and partner comments

Stakeholders

Commodity associations

Public interest groups

Farmers

Ranchers

General public

NGOs

End Users or Consumers

Underserved individuals or communities

Land-grant university partners

Cooperative Extension

Research, teaching and extension faculty

State agencies

Federal agencies

USDA-NIFA

Other allied state and federal agencies

Regional IPM stakeholders Extension Networks

NGOs

Public interest groups

Respond to Congressional authorization and appropriation

Publish RFA

Recruit panel managers and peer review panelists

Conduct peer review panel meetings

Award funds to meritorious applications

Support IPM research to address priority IPM needs

Promote collaborative team building through national and regional coordination meetings and activities and broad-based stakeholder participation

Promote the development and implementation of IPM by facilitating coordination and collaboration across states, disciplines, and programs

Establish and maintain pest management information networks

Build partnerships and address challenges and opportunities

Develop notable IPM training programs and foster their sustainability

Review and evaluate impacts of IPM implementation and communicate successes

Communicate positive outcomes to key stakeholders

Manage funding resources effectively Collect program impact data

Increase knowledge and implementation of new IPM tools and tactics in integrated strategies for IPM

Adapt existing science based IPM knowledge to new pest scenarios and foster sound IPM solutions

Engage broadest possible IPM scientific, extension, and education communities in challenges faced by IPM

Engage new stakeholder communities challenged by pest issues who could benefit from IPM

Facilitate production of audience-appropriate information/training materials including mobile, web-based, and other digital, as well as traditional formats

Facilitate communication among the scientific IPM community and among the research, teaching and extension communities, practitioners, stakeholders, and consumers in a proactive communication strategy

Facilitate production of original materials and collaboration with existing or new Extension networks

Innovative and diversified IPM systems are adopted on an area-wide or landscape scale

Key information systems, networks, and decision-support tools are adopted for emerging and high-consequence pests and diseases

Enhanced coordination and responsiveness of IPM research, education, and extension effort for critical, priority pest management and food security challenges

New stakeholders are using IPM;

Stakeholders are using more advanced IPM best management practices

Producers and processors adopt newly developed IPM technologies and innovations

Regional and national trans-disciplinary systems approaches are being used to solve IPM problems

A new generation of research and extension scientists capable of and adept at working in effective, trans-disciplinary regional and national teams are in place

Networks improve information flow among IPM components, among stakeholders, and among IPM research, education, and extension communities

Stakeholders can document why IPM was beneficial for them and the environment

Crop protection systems are more profitable with IPM

Agricultural production increased through reduced pest and disease losses

Cost benefit ratios of adopting IPM practices are improved

Sustainable IPM practices are adopted

Human health and environmental risks from managing pests are reduced

U.S. food producers are more competitive globally

Global capacity to meet growing food demand improved

Safe, affordable, and high-quality crops are widely available to consumers

Hunger is reduced through improved food security in vulnerable populations

Effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM strategies are in place to reduce economic, environmental, and societal losses from pests and diseases that affect crops and livestock, human well-being, and community vitality

Coordinated state-based, region-wide, and national research, education, and extension programs function as catalysts for promoting further development and use of new IPM approaches

Project Director Workshop. Successful ARDP and RCP applicants, or a designee, are required to attend and give a presentation at a Project Director (PD) workshop during the term of their project. The regional IPM centers will organize and conduct these project director workshops in each region. The regional IPM centers may hold this workshop in conjunction with another conference or separately from any other meeting. Applicants may contact their regional IPM center for more details on upcoming project director workshops.

Review of Regional IPM Centers. NIFA intends to review the regional IPM centers and their ability to coordinate activities in their regions, facilitate collaboration and achieve outcomes identified by the CPPM program. RCP awardees are expected to participate in this review and prepare documentation and materials for the review.

Data Management Plan. Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed in a Data Management Plan (DMP) in accordance with the Part IV § B of this RFA.

Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award.

C. Program Area Description NIFA is soliciting applications under the following program areas:

1. Applied Research and Development Program

2. Regional Coordination Program

C.1 Applied Research and Development Program

Table 2: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: ARDP

Program Code Name: Applied Research and Development Area CFDA Number 10.329

Project Type: Applied Research, Research-led, Extension-led Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline February 28, 2022 Grant Duration: 24-36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 15-16 Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $200,000 or $325,000

C.1.1 Proposed Budget Requests:

a. May not exceed a total of $200,000 for applications with Project Directors (PD) from one state/U.S. territory. Note a possible exemption to the $200,000 budget total described below in c.

b. May not exceed a total of $325,000 for applications with Project Directors (PDs) from more than one state/U.S. territory.

c. A possible exception to the maximum budget of $200,000 may exist when multistate collaboration is not possible because PD(s) are studying a major crop/commodity of regional or national importance that is produced only or predominantly in one state or U.S.

territory. Contact the programmatic contact in Appendix I to determine if your project is eligible for this exception and a higher total budget request up to $325,000.

d. Also note the paragraph on Multi-State/U.S. territory and/or Regional/National Involvement located in this section under Program Area Requirements, 2.

C.1.2 Program Area Priorities per Project Type

C.1.2a Applied Research (single function) Projects. Research priorities include:

i. development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, and particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support) and

ii. increased understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Field-scale experiments over multiple seasons and/or locations are the desired experimental approach for ARDP proposals, where appropriate. The desired outcomes for new IPM practices include reducing initial pest populations, lowering the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for pests, increasing tolerance of hosts to pest injury, and/or providing tools for making management decisions, such as monitoring methods and action thresholds.

Long-term fundamental research is not appropriate for funding in this category. We encourage research on novel, cutting-edge methods, for which data exist to support the likelihood of successful IPM research and adoption. Research outcomes involving chemical pesticides include reducing the amount applied, the frequency of applications, increasing the selectivity, reducing the risks associated with their use, and/or developing novel resistance management strategies. Incorporate minimizing adverse impacts of pesticides on beneficial organisms and limiting buildup of resistant pest populations. Clearly describe: 1) how the tactic or IPM system, once developed, can be incorporated into an existing production or management system, and 2) the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the proposed IPM strategies, and identify ways to overcome constraints to greater adoption of IPM methods by users.

The following are examples of topic areas that could be addressed by Applied Research (single function) proposals. Identification of these topic areas is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other appropriate topic areas.

a. Documenting (measuring) the impacts of IPM adoption

b. Developing an effective strategy or tactic for a pest problem that currently limits production efficiency in a plant or animal production system, and is recognized by the user community as a key priority

c. Addressing multiple cycles of pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) over seasons, and/or multiple species and complexes at the landscape or ecosystem level (agricultural production, urban, or natural systems) with consideration of the interactions of the entire system

d. Promoting biological diversity in pest management systems and integration of multiple pest management tactics

e. Identifying constraints to greater adoption of IPM strategies and developing approaches to overcome these constraints

f. Promoting an interdisciplinary, IPM systems approach

g. Developing effective pest management tactics for invasive pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) in cropping systems and natural and urban areas

h. Developing projects that enhance the development of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance

C.1.2b Research-led Projects. Research-led projects are appropriate when the completion of the project’s research component will support the addition of an initial Extension component for IPM adoption by stakeholders. The research priorities for the research component are listed below. The extension component is directed toward the initial adoption of individual IPM tools, tactics, or systems developed through the research component of the project. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the Extension priorities listed below. Include a description of how Extension personnel will be involved at the beginning of project planning and how the Extension activities will be conducted concurrently with research activities throughout the life of the project.

Research priorities include:

i. final development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support) and

ii. advanced understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Extension priorities include: 1) initial development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, 2) initial pilot implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and 3) initial delivery of IPM extension outreach and training.

C.1.2c Extension-led Projects. Extension priorities include:

i. development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts,

ii. implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and

iii. delivery of IPM extension outreach and training. Document the existence of a research base relevant to the extension effort. ARDP funding is not intended to support ongoing extension programmatic efforts. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the research priorities identified for Applied Research (single-functions) projects or research-led projects (listed above).

Identification of these topic areas listed below is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other topic areas appropriate for Extension-led priorities.

i. Providing IPM outreach and training to individuals involved with the production, processing, storage, transporting, and marketing of food and agricultural commodities

ii. Developing educational materials and information delivery systems that provide IPM personnel in the public and private sectors with timely, state-of-the-art information about effective IPM strategies

iii. Providing outreach on endangered species protection related to IPM

iv. Developing IPM programs for urban and natural systems, and address human and environmental health issues when appropriate

v. Enhancing the development and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance

The ARDP extension-led projects are separate from extension projects funded in the Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) and are generally not as mature, are more narrowly focused, and/or are outside the scope of EIP.

C.1.3 Program Area Requirements. All ARDP applications must address the following requirements.

1. Stakeholder-Identified IPM Needs. Include the citation of IPM needs identified by diverse regional and national stakeholders. Include at least one explicit citation that clearly documents the specific stakeholder-identified needs addressed by the proposed project.

Clearly reference each identified need with corresponding citations. The citation of stakeholder identified IPM needs is important because it demonstrates that a project is both important to stakeholders and that PDs are engaged with the stakeholder community. Sources of stakeholder-identified needs include, but are not limited to:

a) Needs identified by the regional IPM centers; see:

i. North Central IPM Center

ii. Northeastern IPM Center

iii. Southern IPM Center

iv. Western IPM Center

b) Needs identified in Crop Profiles

c) Needs identified in Pest Management Strategic Plans

d) Recommendations or reports from state IPM programs

e) Recommendations from relevant IPM research and/or extension multi-state committees

f) IPM needs from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE) sub-regional conferences

g) Recommendations from other IPM stakeholder groups

h) Other documented IPM needs assessment evaluations

2. Multi-State/U.S. Territory and/or Regional/National Involvement. Clearly cite regional and/or national IPM priorities and describe multi-state, regional, and national collaborations for purposes of efficiency, economy, and synergy. All applications, including those with PDs from one state or U.S. territory, must clearly describe how the project will provide benefits to more than one state or U.S. territory. Describe the role of everyone on the project team in enough detail to convince peer reviewers of the application that the multi-state/U.S.

territory collaboration is meaningful. When a proposal involves a crop/commodity that is of regional or national importance and is produced predominately in one state or U.S. territory, include documentation that the crop/commodity is grown predominately in one state/U.S.

territory and describe why multistate collaboration is impractical. See Program Area Requirement, 7. Coordination, below for further information on participation in the https://www.ncipmc.org/about/stakeholder-priorities/ https://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/regional-priorities/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ http://westernipm.org/index.cfm/center-grants/priorities/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities, other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center.

3. Multi-Disciplinary and Systems-Oriented. Describe how the project will promote cooperative efforts across appropriate disciplines, linkages between research and extension, and the improvement of existing or emerging integrated pest management systems. Describe the role of each member of the multi-disciplinary team and their responsibilities on the project.

4. Systems Approach. Describe how the proposal will enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems.

ARDP seeks applications for developing IPM strategies: 1) with the potential to significantly enhance and protect environmental quality, reduce the risk of health problems and other problems associated with pest control practices, promote biological diversity in pest management systems, and integrate multiple pest management tactics, and 2) with the primary emphasis on enhancing productivity and profitability while addressing critical environmental quality and human health issues. Examples of areas that proposals may address include: major acreage agricultural production systems, high value crops such as key fruit and vegetable systems, animal production systems, urban systems, or other agro-ecosystems including natural areas. For ARDP applications submitted for projects in agricultural settings, IPM projects in both conventional and organic production systems are appropriate.

5. Implementation Plan. Describe, as appropriate, in the project narrative for each project type:

1) how the project will implement results generated by the project with stakeholders, and 2) how the project will measure and assess adoption, implementation, and potential impacts by stakeholders using cost-effective approaches and criteria.

6. Timeline. Include a detailed timeline in the project narrative with key milestones for the project’s objectives and other important project tasks.

7. Coordination. Describe the project team’s plans to participate in the appropriate regional

Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities (e.g., NCERA-222, NEERA-1604, SERA-03, and WERA-1017), other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center. See the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) for information on these Hatch Multistate projects. See Regional IPM Centers for contacts and the regional programmatic efforts they coordinate. The purpose of these coordination opportunities is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation on IPM projects, move research results to actual application through IPM adoption and implementation, and achieve CPPM program outcomes.

8. Partnerships. Describe plans to develop and enhance partnerships that include collaboration with small- or mid-sized, accredited colleges and universities; 1890 land-grant institutions;

1994 land-grant institutions; Hispanic-serving institutions; Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs); and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, under-served, or hard-to-reach audiences.

https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18823 https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18301 https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18284 https://www.nimss.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/

9. Logic Model. Three-Page Limit. This attachment does not count against the 18-page limit for project narratives.

10. National IPM Roadmap. Address in the project narrative and the project-specific logic model chart applicable goals identified by the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management (see National IPM Roadmap).

C.2 Regional Coordination Program

Table 3: Regional Coordination Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: RCP

Program Code Name: Regional Coordination Program CFDA Number 10.329

Project Type: Regional IPM Center, Optional Supplement for IPM Information System

Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline February 28, 2022

Grant Duration: Approximately 48 Months Anticipated # of Awards: Approximately 4

Maximum RCP Award Amount: Approximately $1,000,000 per year Maximum RCP Supplement Award Amount Approximately $150,000 per year

C.2.1 Proposed Budget Requests:

1. Budgets may not exceed $1,000,000 per year. NIFA anticipates making one RCP award for each of the agency’s four administrative regions: North Central, Northeastern, Southern, and Western. The RCP award in each region is to fund one regional IPM center.

2. NIFA anticipates providing additional funding to one regional IPM center for an optional project supplement to support the IPM information system; budgets may not exceed $150,000 per year. Budgets for the optional project supplement to support the IPM information system may not exceed a total of $600,000 per project.

C.2.2 Program Area Priorities:

1. Development and Adoption of IPM:

a. Enhance development and adoption of regional IPM solutions and strategically promote national outcomes for priority pest management issues.

b. Promote the overarching National IPM Roadmap goals: 1) improve cost benefit analyses when IPM practices are adopted, 2) reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies, and 3) minimize adverse environmental impacts from pests and related management strategies as described in the National IPM Roadmap.

2. Intra-Regional IPM Collaboration and Cooperation

a. Enhance intra-regional IPM collaboration and cooperation to achieve IPM outcomes identified by the CPPM program.

b. Support the development and implementation of IPM on regional and national priorities by facilitating collaboration across states, disciplines, research and extension communities, commodities, and settings.

c. Increase coordination of IPM research, education and extension efforts and respond to critical, high-priority IPM needs by serving as regional focal points for core regional IPM support services, regional pest management information networks, collaborative team building, and broad-based stakeholder participation.

d. Maintain coordination with the respective Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Director and the Regional Extension Association Director.

e. Engage fully with the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities (currently labeled NCERA-222, NEERA-1604, SERA-03, and WERA-1017) and other appropriate IPM-related Hatch Multistate Research Committees to facilitate and obtain regional priority IPM outcomes. See the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) webpage for additional information.

f. Coordinate actively with and provide assistance to the Project Directors (PDs) within the region who receive awards from the other two CPPM program areas (ARDP and EIP). NIFA intends to inform each funded regional IPM center of the awards made to PDs in their region under the CPPM program. NIFA expects these PDs to collaborate and coordinate with their respective regional IPM center, and with the other regional IPM centers when appropriate, to more efficiently and effectively leverage regional resources needed to facilitate and reach significant regional and national IPM outcomes.

g. Engage with and support the respective regional Sustainable Agricultural Research and Extension (SARE) program and IR-4 program to further mutual IPM goals.

3. Inter-Regional IPM Collaboration and Cooperation

a. Enhance inter-regional collaboration and cooperation to ensure efficient use of resources, to take advantage of the unique strengths and priorities of each region and regional IPM center and facilitate and obtain regional and national priority IPM outcomes.

b. Participate in national coordination meetings with representatives from regional IPM research and extension committees, IPM-related programs, and government agencies to harmonize regional needs and activities into a comprehensive, nationally coordinated program.

c. Support IPM projects that may require inter-regional collaboration. Examples are the development of national pest management strategic plans, crop profiles, national pest alerts, contributions to internet and database resources, evaluations of the impacts of IPM implementation on a regional and national scale, support of the Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE), IPM signature food security programs of national scope (see 6 a-b below), or IPM priorities that span regional boundaries.

https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18284 https://www.nimss.org/

4. IPM Information Networks

a. Establish and maintain multi-state information networks designed to provide pest managers, regulatory agencies, and policy makers with the information they need to make science-based decisions and to provide interactive communication and exchange of information among IPM practitioners, researchers and extension specialists, government agencies, and other program stakeholders.

b. Engage with Extension IPM programs and other IPM-related programs and experts operating at the national, regional, state, and local levels.

c. Develop the capacity through the IPM information network to review science and regulatory documents related to IPM and to share current pest management information with pest managers and other stakeholders. Include links to applicable regional and national information on the center’s website.

5. IPM Partnerships

a. Build partnerships to address IPM challenges and opportunities.

b. Establish broad-based stakeholder advisory and steering committees to provide an opportunity for research and extension experts, IPM practitioners, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize pest management needs, challenges, and opportunities in the respective region.

c. Maintain a website listing of current, regional IPM priorities obtained from IPM stakeholders and, as appropriate, engage stakeholders in a regional process to identify and prioritize IPM needs, focus center resources and programs on the identified priorities, and share regional IPM priorities with NIFA annually.

d. Use input from a wide variety of sources in the IPM needs prioritization process such as research and extension faculty including the state Extension IPM coordinators;

multistate research and extension committees that address pest management issues;

members of IPM-related Extension’s Networks, commodity associations and other groups representing end-users; and public interest groups.

e. Work in partnership with appropriate government agencies, private sector organizations, and academic institutions on opportunities for interagency cooperation and shared funding of priority projects.

6. IPM Signature Food Security Programs

a. Develop IPM signature food security programs and foster their sustainability through regional IPM center leadership. IPM signature food security programs promote collaboration across state and organizational boundaries to respond to high priority IPM challenges such as invasive species, endangered species, pest resistance, impacts resulting from regulatory actions affecting pest management practices, emerging pests or IPM issues, or other CPPM program priorities.

b. Provide support for key management tools that help foster food security including the Integrated Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) and other high priorities for IPM programs relevant to food security by bringing together needed expertise and organizations, identifying resources, and communicating plans and priorities to appropriate audiences.

https://extension.org/

c. Directly respond, when appropriate, to high priority IPM challenges by methods such as organizing workshops and training programs, developing Pest Alerts, or facilitating further development of IPM tools to facilitate the IPM response to the IPM challenge.

7. Evaluation of IPM Implementation

a. Incorporate assessment and evaluation into IPM center programs to document the impacts and outcomes of IPM research and extension efforts throughout its region, including the aggregation and synthesis of existing information and the generation of new information.

b. Review and evaluate impacts of IPM implementation.

c. Collaborate with the other regional IPM centers to standardize evaluation metrics.

d. Communicate outcomes and success stories to key stakeholders, funding organizations, and policy makers.

C.2.3 Program Area Requirements: RCP applications must address the following requirements:

1. Describe plans to serve as an intra-regional and inter-regional IPM focal point and facilitator including the ability to: a) initiate and foster new collaborations among individuals and institutions and b) provide coordination and direct support to the PDs who receive funding from CPPM through ARDP and EIP. NIFA expects the regional IPM centers to assist NIFA by planning and hosting regional or national PD meetings or opportunities as forums for PDs to present their IPM research and extension work.

2. Describe plans to manage funding resources effectively by establishing processes for: a) managing sub-awards supported by NIFA funding through the regional IPM center award;

b) identifying regional priorities; and ensuring that: c) the center IPM needs identification and prioritization process is kept separate from the regional IPM centers funding process; d) eligible applicants are notified of funding opportunities; and e) funding is distributed in a fair and equitable fashion.

3. All applicants are required to submit a project-specific logic model (see Other Project

Information Form under Part IV § B3).

4. Develop and enhance collaboration with small- or mid-sized accredited colleges and universities, 1890 land-grant institutions, 1994 land-grant institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities, and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, underserved, or hard-to-reach audiences, or international partnerships that contribute to or support U.S. pest management issues.

5. Address the needs of underserved or hard-to-reach audiences; and include support for at least one center team member to attend bi-annual leadership meetings and the International IPM Symposium to report on regional IPM center activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.

Leadership meetings will include a combination of virtual and in-person meetings, as the COVID-19 pandemic dictates, including a meeting in the Spring and the National IPM Coordinating Committee meeting in the Fall of each year, supplemented by continuation of current monthly online meetings.

6. Build on the capacity of universities in the region to support IPM and the expanded responsiveness resulting from past regional IPM center programs.

C.2.4 RCP Optional Project Supplement for an IPM Information System: As part of an RCP proposal, you may include a request for funding to develop and maintain a national IPM information system to serve as a resource for IPM researchers, extension staff, educators, and practitioners. All RCP proposals will be reviewed together by the technical review panel. The technical review panel will first review the proposals for the primary RCP functions and then review the proposal that included an RCP Optional Project Supplement.

The following are requirements for an Optional Project Supplement:

1. Describe plans to deliver state of the art IPM information regionally and nationally to a wide variety of stakeholders and customers through an improved web presence. Include and highlight IPM information produced by NIFA-supported IPM programs in addition to information currently posted at The USDA Regional IPM Centers.

2. Provide a logic model-based reporting software for use in reporting outputs, outcomes and impacts of NIFA-supported IPM research, education, and extension projects. See Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process for definitions of evaluation terms including outputs, outcomes, and changes in knowledge, behavior, and condition.

3. Provide web-based networking tools for IPM research and extension personnel.

4. Collect and synthesize impact information from NIFA-supported projects for incorporation into the interagency IPM Project Database.

5. Serve as a key reference and information support tool for cataloging and setting IPM program priorities.

6. Demonstrate an ability to develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the wide range of IPM research and extension programs supported by NIFA listed in Part I § C and listed in the CPPM programmatic logic model of this RFA.

7. Describe how the proposed objectives and approach for the proposed IPM information system will achieve IPM information objectives and goals as described in Part I § C, of this

RFA.

8. Describe a plan to analyze web information at least quarterly, determine required actions, and delegate responsibilities to update information.

9. Describe a plan to provide for the continuity of current databases and preparation of a transition plan that documents the resources and steps needed to transfer key databases to alternate host sites if funding resources become unavailable for future maintenance of the IPM information system.

10. Submit a separate project-specific logic model chart (this one is in addition to the logic model for the regional IPM center) (see R&R Other Project Information Form in Part IV § B).

The CPPM program welcomes (but does not require) applicants to work with the Extension Foundation for the development and delivery of content for the public and for Extension professionals nationwide through Connect Extension, or a National Cooperative Extension Project website.

https://www.ipmcenters.org/ https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The anticipated amount available for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) programs being competed in FY 2022 is approximately $8.15 million.