FY22-SLSNCGP-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Smith-Lever Special Needs

Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 26, 2022

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $462,000

AVERAGE AWARD RANGE: $0 - $150,000 (Where Applicable)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-009104

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.511

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing: The Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.511.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: May 26, 2022, 5:00 P.M. Eastern

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 request 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 use 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 Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) RFA.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP) RFA for fiscal year (FY) 2022 to implement applied programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during, and after a disaster or disaster threat. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2022 SLSNCGP is $462,000.

This notice identifies the objectives for Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

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. Organizational Management Information D. Application Disposition E. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting 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: Program Key Information Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 3(b)(1) of the Smith-Lever Act, Pub. L. No. 63-95 (7 U.S.C. 343) allows the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), to conduct competitive grant programs for State Extension Services at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions to support innovative, education-based approaches to provide cooperative agricultural extension work.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP), Assistance Listing 10.511, is to support innovative, education-based approaches to address disaster preparedness and specific responses related to disasters or disaster threats caused by natural, human-made, or technological hazards, or by other factors that contribute to the exposure or vulnerability of a community. The goals and objectives of SLSNCGP include supporting quality of life in communities across the United States by addressing disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in food and agricultural systems. The SLSNCGP also seeks to continue to provide information and resources to USDA stakeholders and collaborators to improve decision-making before, during, and after disasters.

Grant funds will support innovative extension education initiatives that address risks, hazards, and threats that may lead to disasters. The SLSNCGP enables the Cooperative Extension System (CES) to assist in preparing for, providing an educational response to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters and disaster threats. Some types of hazards and disaster-related programming funded in previous years include uncertainties caused by losses of economic infrastructure, extreme weather or other disasters, security breaches, human disease, volunteerism, local coordination, or high consequence animal diseases and plant pests. The SLSNCGP promotes awareness and capacity building of urban and rural communities’ response to disasters by strengthening individual, family, farm, and small business disaster preparedness, particularly for those who have been historically underserved, through education and collaborations with other agencies/volunteer organizations.

The Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) is aligned with the following USDA Strategic Goals:

Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources, and

Communities

Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous

Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities

USDA Strategic Plan found at (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy- 2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf) https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10296/pdf/COMPS-10296.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:343%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section343)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true 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

NIFA intends to fund SLSNCGP projects to implement applied research, education and extension programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during, and after disaster or disaster threats. Regional, multi-state, or national efforts are prioritized. Highly replicable single-state projects may be considered if they have a strong plan for scalability and transferring successful methods to other states.

The SLSNCGP will also fund the development of educational programs and demonstration activities focusing on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The most competitive proposals will provide educational and communication leadership across an optimized mix of these and other resources.

NIFA welcomes proposals that add new or build upon existing web-based educational materials available through the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Resource Dashboard. In such instances, applicants may contact the EDEN Executive Officers during proposal formulation to solicit guidance on how best to coordinate with EDEN and to secure a letter of support as appropriate.

Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed in the Data Management Plan (DMP) in accordance with the Part IV, Section B of this RFA. If you need help in preparing a data management plan or have questions about what constitutes a data management plan for this role (including questions about data privacy, etc.), please contact the NIFA program contacts listed at the end of this RFA.

NIFA 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.

Global Engagement. NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals.

NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation’s future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world.

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S. (AFRI programs see International Partnerships).

NIFA is soliciting applications for SLSNCGP national, regional, multi-state, or state projects under the following areas: 1) Education and technical assistance through inter-disciplinary disaster/threat training programs and demonstration projects for problem solving, especially those which build upon already existing strengths and those that contribute to or expand the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and/or extension educational materials related to disaster preparation, mitigation, response and recovery; 2) Inter-disciplinary education, training, and technical assistance programs and demonstration projects that promote dialogue as a way to address complex issues, societal vulnerabilities, historically underserved audiences, and cultural understanding; 3) Long-range family, farm, and community planning projects that enhance implementation of programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during, and after disasters https://extensiondisaster.net/resource-dashboard/ https://extensiondisaster.net/committee/executive/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ca20ab3b70b594250729308d9b8d16d39%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637744031880128218%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=O1FPITwYnPL9bUoa6KlWT3HGCAodXoe4WabAWYMPwUs%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fconnect.extension.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ca20ab3b70b594250729308d9b8d16d39%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637744031880128218%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=BvJWf0GqWsEOZBxeTIFyE0pVGEuxR95tkXzOccIQKeA%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fextension.org%2Fnational-cooperative-extension-projects%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ca20ab3b70b594250729308d9b8d16d39%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637744031880128218%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=%2BNLyg2ocosC8NESorX3VwJSeDDNnw9IturIgC2JMlNk%3D&reserved=0 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/afri-international-partnerships within impacted states and across impacted regions; and 4) Communication delivery of key information that meets end-users’ needs in a timely fashion with consideration of potentially limited communication channels due to disaster/threat situations.

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

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: MB Program Code Name: ESNP

CFDA Number 10.511 Project Type: Extension Standard, Extension Planning, and

Extension Conference or Training Workshop Grants

Grant Type: Standard, Planning, and Conference or Training Workshop

Application Deadline May 26, 2022 Grant Duration: Standard Grant: 24-36 Months

Planning Grant and Conference or Training Workshop Grant: 12 months

Anticipated # of Awards: N/A Maximum Award Amount: Standard Grant: $150,000

Planning Grant: $15,000 Conference or Training Workshop Grant:

$50,000

To be considered for funding, projects must support extension activities through at least one of the following strategies:

1. Enhance national, regional, multi-state or state networks that support official information by ensuring the content is: a) in a format appropriate to the situation and intended audience; b) delivered in a timely fashion; and c) is science-based.

2. Provide national, regional, multi-state, or state education and communications leadership to develop or add value to current educational materials regarding disaster/threat issues, using outreach methods through EDEN, Extension, Regional Rural Development Centers, related social media, and/or other outlets. This strategy could include materials targeted to historically underserved audiences (i.e., people who speak English as a second language, people with low literacy, limited resource farmers or ranchers, and older adults who lack technology access or literacy).

3. Improve national, regional, multi-state, or state stakeholder partnerships (which might include the public, governments at all levels, non-profit and/or volunteer organizations, academia, and/or industry) to prepare for and respond to disasters/threats through extension education.

4. Deliver extension education to affected people and communities, in one or more states, to address effects of a major declared disaster, widespread disaster conditions, public health emergencies, or social unrest that occurred no more than 12 months prior to the application due date of this RFA.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The anticipated amount available for Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP) in FY 2022 is $462,000.

USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA.

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Application for FY 2022 is limited to the following application types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein.

Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

C. Project and Grant Types The following describes the types of projects or grants that are eligible for funding:

1. Project Types. NIFA is soliciting applications for SLSNCGP national, regional, multi-state, or state projects under the following areas (Applicants must propose one.):

a. Education and technical assistance through inter-disciplinary disaster/threat training programs and demonstration projects for problem solving, especially those which build upon already existing strengths and those that contribute to or expand the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) and/or extension educational materials related to disaster preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery;

b. Inter-disciplinary education, training and technical assistance programs and demonstration projects that promote dialogue as a way to address complex issues, societal vulnerabilities, historically underserved audiences, and cultural understanding;

c. Long-range family, farm, and community planning projects that enhance implementation of programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during, and after disasters within impacted states and across impacted regions; and

d. Communication delivery of key information that meets end-users’ needs in a timely fashion with consideration of potentially limited communication channels due to disaster/threat situations.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm

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

2. Grant Types. Applicants must select the appropriate grant type from below:

a. Standard Grant

Standard awards of federal funds for this grant will not exceed $150,000. The amount requested will vary depending on the geographic scope of the project (national, regional, multi-state, or state) and the urgency of the need(s) being addressed.

Project periods range from 24 to 36 months. Only applications that address one or more of the following five key target areas will be considered for funding: Education and technical assistance; 2) Collaboration; 3) Long-range family, farm, community, and planning projects; 4) Communication delivery; and/or 5) Dissemination of credible, science-based information.

b. Planning Grant

The budget for the planning grant, which has a maximum of 12 months duration, may include an appropriate amount for transportation and subsistence costs for participants and other related costs. Planning awards of federal funds for this grant will not exceed $15,000 and are not renewable. Include an itemized breakdown of all support requested in the Budget Justification (Field K. of the R&R Budget Fed/NonFed).

c. Conference or Training Workshop Grant

The Conference Grant may support a meeting that brings together scientists, educators, and community stakeholders to address a critical issue(s) and update information to advance disaster/threat preparedness, mitigation, response, and/or recovery. This support should be for a new initiative that addresses a critical or emerging issue, i.e., promoting cultural understanding. These activities should be recognized as integral parts of scientific efforts. The Conference Grant should result in a final report with recommendations for next steps. In addition, the Conference Grant may be used for training to scale up an already successful effort. The project must have demonstrated impact at the local, state, or regional level and be viable for a national scale up to expand the program. Individual Conference Grants may be awarded up to $50,000 for one year and are not renewable. The effort must be evaluated to report outcomes. Include an itemized breakdown of all support requested in the Budget Justification (Field K. of the R&R Budget Fed/NonFed).

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the for the SLSNCGP (Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program) must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Applications may only be submitted by 1862 land-grant institutions in the 50 states and the U.S.

territories, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. The 1862 land-grant institutions may partner with each other as well as with other land-grant institutions (e.g., 1890s and 1994s), non-land-grant institutions, and non-governmental organizations within their state or their region on joint proposals.

Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – Duplicate or multiple submissions is not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Match Required – Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the SLSNCGP. Pursuant to rules and policies governing Section 3(b) & (c) of the Smith–Lever Act as amended, “no allotment shall be made to a State under subsection (b) or (c), and no payments from the allotment shall be made to a State, in excess of the amount that the State makes available out of non-federal funds for cooperative extension work.”

To comply with the matching requirements of the SLSNCGP, applicants are required to provide 100% matching funds from non-federal sources for all proposed federal funds sought in the application. In-kind and third-party contributions are not allowed for this program; thus, all matching funds must come from the applicant institution (sub-awards/partner match would be considered third party).

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview

No match is required for 1994 land-grant institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Only 50% matching funds are required for Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands; NIFA may consider waiver of match for these territories. Additionally, consistent with 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d) and 1469a note, notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, NIFA will waive any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions).

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 3 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package, or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

Step One: Register New Users to Grants.gov must register early with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application (Register Here).

Step Two:

Download Adobe

Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements).

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-009104 search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

Contact an AR prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Table 4: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035 Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer-based support:

Grants.gov iPortal grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays.

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Key Information: Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

B. Content and Form of the Application The application guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the application guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline. However, applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-grantsgov-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the Application Guide)

Attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format.

Part IV

Check the manifest of submitted files to verify attachments are in the correct format.

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part V

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R.

Part V

Contact the Grants.gov helpdesk for technical support and keep a record of the correspondence.

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet. See Part V of the Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s). See Part V of the Application Guide.

R&R Other Project Information Form. See Part V of the Application Guide.

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program (SLSNCGP). See Part V of the Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

The Project Summary should provide the following information, in the order listed:

1) Project title; 2) List of Project Directors (PDs) and Co-PDs and their institutions/organizations; 3) A concise (250 words or less) description of the project;

4) Funding amount requested, per year and in total; 5) Proposal type: New Submission or Resubmission; 6) Project type: Standard, Planning, or Conference/Training Workshop Grant.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 12 1.5 spaced pages of written text (1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font) and up to 5 1.5 spaced additional pages for figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than Times New Roman 12-point font) for a total of no more than 17 pages. The page limits and parameters outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all the following:

a. Introduction;

b. Rationale and significance;

c. Objectives;

d. Approach;

e. Global engagement, if applicable;

f. Project timeline;

g. Cooperation and institutional involvement;

h. Data management plan (DMP);

i. Logic model;

j. Summary of previous work, if applicable;

k. Response to previous review, if applicable. The response to previous review must not exceed [1] 1.5 spaced page. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN.

Please include a one-page Table of Contents in the project narrative, which will not count towards the Project Narrative’s 17-page limitation.

Response to Previous Review (if applicable) This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Applications or Resubmitted Renewal Applications as described in Part II, Section B. The Project Narrative attachment is to include two components: 1) a one-page response to the previous review (containing the previous proposal number in the first line) titled “Response to Previous Review” as the first page of the attachment and 2) the 17-page Project Narrative, as required (see Part IV, Section B, above). The one-page “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the 17-page limit of the Project Narrative.

In developing the Project Narrative section of your application, use the sections headings listed below. Indicate the Section letter and number in your response, e.g., type “A.1”, “A.2”, etc., before your response to each question. Please do not combine two or more questions or refer to another section of the Project Narrative in your response, such as indicating that the response for B.2 is in C.5.

Section A: Introduction:

1. Provide background information on and describe the disaster education problem that the project proposes to address. Provide references for data. Explain and substantiate any assumptions made.

i. Describe the targeted issue to be addressed and why it is important.

ii. What is the current problem or situation?

iii. Who is affected by the problem and the approximate size of the population affected?

iv. How long has the problem existed?

v. What will happen if the problem is not addressed?

vi. Describe the potential benefit to the population group or community served.

vii. If the project will support the Extension Disaster Education Network, briefly describe how.

viii. If the project seeks to contribute to Extension and/or the Regional Rural

Development

a. Centers, briefly describe how it will complement or enhance resources currently available to extension professionals and/or the public.

ix. If proposing a planning project, briefly articulate the project steps beyond the planning period and indicate how the SLSNCGP will enable the project to become competitive for future funding.

2. Provide information on the scope of the proposed project.

i. Concisely state which of the five program areas the project will address (Enhance national, regional, multi-state, or state networks; Provide national, regional, multi-state, and/or state education and communications leadership; Improve national, regional, multi-state, or state stakeholder partnerships; and/or provide national, regional, multi-state, or state educational leadership as a result of a declared disaster).

ii. What geographic area(s) is/are served? Provide relevant national, regional, multi-state, or state statistics and other data to document the need for this issue to be addressed in the target community.

iii. Identify what has already been done and where gaps remain.

iv. Centers, briefly describe how it will complement or enhance resources currently available to Extension professionals and/or the public.

3. Concisely state the overall goal(s) of the proposed project, and

Describe how this project will build upon or expand related work or programs.

Section B: Objectives:

Objectives must be realistic and answer the questions of “Whom,” “What,” and “To What Extent.” Each objective needs a specific action plan describing a reasonable scope of activities that can be accomplished within the resource and time constraints of the grant. Be sure to:

1. Define the target audience and/or end users of project deliverables. Support for identifying these specific groups must be clearly reflected in the data provided for the state(s) in which the proposed project will operate; and

2. Present a clear, concise set of project objectives.

Section C: Methods:

Describe the procedures for the proposed effort, including:

1. Techniques and methods, including their feasibility and rationale for their use in this project, and how they accomplish stated objectives;

2. A description of the proposed project activities related to the objectives provided and in the sequence in which it is planned. A project timeline should include education/extension/planning activities with milestones, partners’/collaborators’ roles (if appropriate) and verifiable indicators, which demonstrate progress;

3. A brief description of participant recruitment strategy(ies) to be used;

4. Project development and implementation challenges that may be encountered and how you plan to address those challenges; and

5. Limitations to proposed procedures and how you plan to address the limitations.

Section D: Project Performance Assessment:

Project performance assessment plans allow projects to review outcomes achieved and to use results to inform, refine and adjust future project plans as needed. Applicants to SLSNCGP need to submit a plan for monitoring and measuring performance of their projects. The plan must include the following elements:

1. A Logic Model or alternative schematic such as theory of change that illustrates the causal linkages between planned activities and desired outcomes. A logic model template and explanation of its components can be located at the Logic Model Planning Process. The logic model is required for Extension Standard Grant only.

2. A Timeline to demonstrate the duration and the sequence of project activities, as well as division of labor. The Timeline should depict project quarters by project years.

3. Indicate the amount of funding that will be set aside for monitoring performance of your project.

4. Indicate who on the team will provide the project performance assessment oversight.

NIFA strongly encourages, but does not require, applicants to include on their team’s colleagues skilled in project performance measurement or evaluation who can help develop the monitoring plan and, if feasible, participate in carrying out the plan.

Section E: Project Management Plan

1. If the proposed SLSNCGP project represents collaboration between two or more land-grant institutions or other organizations, provide an explanation of how the relationship and communication will be managed.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process

2. Describe how the relationship and communication between the State Cooperative Extension System and the non-land-grant partners will be managed, if applicable.

3. Describe the fiscal and administrative oversight for the project.

Section F: Partner Roles

1. State Cooperative Extension System and non-Land Grant partners may jointly or individually provide leadership for different objectives/activities. Briefly describe roles of key staff on the proposed SLSNCGP project and percent of time each will be dedicating to the project.

2. Land-grant institutions submitting joint applications must demonstrate that the institutions’ roles and responsibilities align with the main aspects of project development and implementation. Describe institutions’ relevant work that demonstrate its ability to successfully execute the proposed project.

Please be as specific as possible in describing the linkages among activities, outputs, and different types of outcomes (e.g., changes in participant knowledge, awareness, competency, behavior, or changes in condition). Also, indicate who on the team will provide the lead and oversight for design and conduct of project outcomes evaluation. We highly recommend involving on your proposed project a faculty/professional with expertise/strong experience in developing and implementing program evaluations to lead the design and conduct of your SLSNCGP project’s outcome evaluation.

1. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the Application Guide.

a. Commitment Letters. No page limit. Letters of commitment from all partners (signed by the Authorized Representative (AR) of the partnering organization) stating that the partners involved have agreed to their stated roles in the project and have agreed to abide by the Management Plan. Letters from other organizations or people whose participation is important to the success of the project, committing those collaborators and partners to specific roles, are also encouraged. Title the attachment(s) as ‘Letter of CommitmentOrganization Name’ in the document header and save file‘LetterofCommitment_OrganizationName’.Other more general letters of support (i.e., from those who are not committing to a specific role in the project) are not needed and should not be included. See Part VIII, Section E for an example of a commitment letter.

b. Bibliography. No page limit. Title the attachment as “BibliographyReferencesCited.” All work cited in the proposal should be referenced in this section of the application. All references must be complete, include titles and all co-authors, conform to an acceptable journal format, and be listed in alphabetical order using the last name of the first author or listed by number in the order of citation.

Do not add any other attachments not specifically requested in this RFA. Specifically, do not attach examples of curricula or other appendices. Attaching additional narrative or figures or tables other than those specifically requested in this RFA will result in disqualification from review.

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded). See Part V of the Application Guide for profile requirements, details about the biographical sketch, and suggested support templates.

R&R Personal Data. This information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award (see Part V of the Application Guide).

R&R Budget. See Part V of the Application Guide.

2. Match – If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part III

§ B of this RFA is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the budget justification. NIFA will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.

Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III § B of this RFA must list in their budget justification the matching sources, the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions.”

Matching is required for this program, so the R&R Budget (Federal and Non-Federal) form is mandatory. Grant awards cannot be issued until all required matching has been documented and verified. To comply with the matching requirements, the applicant institution is required to provide 100% matching funds from non-federal sources for all proposed federal funds sought in the application. Third party in-kind contributions are not allowed for this program.

3. Indirect costs (IDC) – See Part IV § C of this RFA for funding restrictions regarding indirect cost, and Part V of the Application Guide for additional information.

Data Management Plan. A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V § B of this RFA, NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

Supplemental Information Form. See Part V of the Application Guide.

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name “Smith-

Lever Special Needs Competitive Grant Program/SLSNCGP” and the program code “MB”. Accurate entry is critical.

2. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. See Part V of the Application Guide.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. This is required for corporate applicants. See Part VI § 2 of the Application Guide for a description of the term, “corporation.”

C. Funding Restrictions

No Indirect Cost (IDC). IDC is not authorized for this RFA.

Pursuant to Section 1473 of the National Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, 7 USC 3319, indirect costs and tuition remission are not allowable costs under Section 3(b) & (c) of the Smith–Lever Act projects, and no funds will be approved for this purpose. Further, costs that are a part of an institution's indirect cost pool (e.g., administrative, or clerical salaries) may not be reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making them allowable.

Successful applicants must not use grant funds awarded under the authority of this RFA to renovate or refurbish research, education, or extension space; purchase or install fixed equipment in such space; or to plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct buildings or facilities.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10296/pdf/COMPS-10296.pdf

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this RFA. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review.

Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

Scientific Peer Review Process:

NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

1. the level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities.

2. the need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields.

3. the need to include other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs.

4. the need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations.

5. the need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and

6. the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available funds or declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or the submitting organization or institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level, period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.

Conflicts of interest. NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications).

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/NIFA-Peer-Review-Process-for-Competitive-Grant-Applications_0.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications

B. Evaluation Criteria

NIFA will use the following criteria, weighted equally, to evaluate this RFA:

1. Potential for Advancing Education about Disaster/Threat Preparedness and Response; Significance of the Problem This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project will increase knowledge and skills of disaster preparedness and response. Elements considered include institutional goals, USDA’s Goals, identification of a problem or opportunity to be addressed, body of knowledge and data, justification for the project, innovation, advancing educational equity, multidisciplinary and/or problem-based focus, potential for enhancing extension’s reach of providing innovative, education-based approaches to addressing disaster preparedness and specific responses related to disasters and the potential for adoption by others.

2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach including objectives, methodology, plan of operation, timetable, logic model, scope of the project to produce expected outcomes/changes in knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and/or behaviors in targeted population, expected products and results, evaluation, and dissemination plans.

Emphasis is placed on the educational support provided to the applicant institution through its partnerships and collaborative initiatives, and on the potential cooperative linkages likely to evolve as a result of this project. Proposed approach should be one that can be implemented at regional or national level and utilized via existing electronic distribution media such as the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), Extension, and/or the Regional Rural Development Centers.

3. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

This criterion relates to the institution's capability to perform the project and the degree to which the project will strengthen its extension capacity. Elements include the institution’s commitment to the project, the adequacy of institutional resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials) available to carry out the project and plans for project continuation or expansion beyond the period of USDA support.

4. Key Personnel

This criterion relates to the adequacy of the number and qualifications of key persons, who will develop and carry out the project, and the qualifications of project personnel, who will provide for the assessment of project results and impacts and dissemination of these findings.

5. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness

This criterion relates to how well the total budget supports the project and is cost effective. Elements considered include the necessity and reasonableness of costs to carry out project activities and achieve project objectives; matching funding, the appropriateness of budget allocations between the applicant and any collaborating institution(s); the adequacy of time committed to the project by key project personnel;

and the degree to which the project maximizes the use of limited…