FY23-BFRDP-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Beginning Farmer and Rancher

Development Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 27, 2023

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $28,000,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$49,000 - $750,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-BFR-009746

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.311

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.311.

Table 1. Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, April 27, 2023 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 (DEIA). National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts when programs are grounded in DEIA. 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. 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 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 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) 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

This request for applications is soliciting applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 funding cycle to support delivery of education, mentoring, and technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories that are entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm and ranch enterprises. The amount available for Standard, Education Team (ET) in FY 2023 is approximately $28,000,000. No more than $250,000 per year for three years for a maximum total of approximately $750,000 will be available for each Standard and Education Team projects that will be funded in FY 2023. The Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse grant is competed once every three years. One Clearinghouse grant project was funded in FY 2022.

This grant type will be due for solicitation in the FY 2025 grant cycle.

This notice identifies the objectives for BFRDP projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

BFRDP 2023 RFA Webinar March 8, 2023, 1-3PM CT Join ZoomGov Meeting https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613552237 Meeting ID: 161 355 2237 One tap mobile +16692545252,,1613552237# US (San Jose) +16468287666,,1613552237# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose) +1 646 828 7666 US (New York) +1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose)

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161.199.138.10 (US West)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BFRDP 2023 RFA Webinar March 8, 2023, 1-3PM CT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

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 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

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. Standard Grants Key Information Table 3. Education Team Grants Key Information Table 4. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5. Help and Resources Table 6. Key Application Instructions Table 7. Reporting Measures Table 8. Project Narrative Components Table 9. BFRDP FY2023 Checklist for Standard Grant Application Table 10. Checklist for Simplified Standard Grant Application Table 11. Program Codes

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2279 (d) as amended requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program or enter into cooperative agreements to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers in the United States; establish beginning farmer and rancher education teams; and establish a curriculum and training clearinghouse for beginning farmers and ranchers.

B. Purpose and Priorities The primary goal of BFRDP, under assistance listing number 10.311, is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories enter and/or improve their successes in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands, through support for projects that provide education, mentoring, and technical assistance to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability. The term “farmer” is used in the broadest sense and may be interpreted to include agricultural farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest owners and managers. The term "beginning farmer or rancher" means a person that

(A)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch; or

(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years; and

(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may establish.

Applications from partnerships and collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and school-based agricultural education organizations (SAEOs) with expertise in agricultural training and outreach for beginning producers will be given priority in funding. According to 7 U.S.C.

2279(d), BFRDP grants may fund programs or services relating to these priorities:

1. Basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming practices.

2. Innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial forest land transfer and succession strategies.

3. Entrepreneurship and business training.

4. Technical assistance to help beginning farmers or ranchers acquire land from retiring farmers and ranchers.

5. Financial and risk management training, including the acquisition and management of agricultural credit.

6. Natural resource management and planning.

7. Diversification and marketing strategies.

8. Curriculum development.

9. Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;

10.Resources and referral;

11.Farm financial benchmarking;

12.Agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veteran farmers and ranchers;

13.Farm safety and awareness;

14.Food safety and recordkeeping, and 15.Other similar subject areas of use to beginning farmers or ranchers such as: projects that address climate change with climate smart agriculture, food, and forestry solutions;

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A2279%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section2279)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A2279%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section2279)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A2279%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section2279)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A2279%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section2279)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A7%20section%3A2279%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section2279)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true improved nutritional security; and economic revitalization, particularly in socially disadvantaged communities. Applicants planning to address other similar subject areas not listed in priorities 1-14 are strongly encouraged to confer with the Program Contacts listed in Appendix I of this RFA to discuss the suitability of the topics prior to submitting an application.

NIFA supports research, education, and extension projects that address key problems of local, regional, national, and global importance. As such, NIFA encourages projects that enhance food and agricultural sciences and their role in human diversity, equity and inclusion, agricultural practices that provide for adaptation to ecological perturbation and mitigate climate change, rural economic development and post-pandemic economic revitalization, nutritional security, open and competitive markets, and other topics responsive to current and emerging needs impacting the U.S. agriculture.

Target Audience - The target audience for BFRDP is farmers and ranchers who have not operated a farm or ranch or have operated a farm or ranch for not more than ten years.

Applicants must identify as well as define Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) category of trainees to be served. There are five BFR training categories: has not operated a farm or ranch is in category 1, years 1-3 in category 2, years 4-6 in category 3, years 7-10 in category 4, planning to serve trainees in all categories listed--category 5.

BFRDP’s goal is to ensure that all individuals are fully trained after a three-year term of training. These fully trained individuals must be fully equipped with resources to sustainably own or lease a farm business operation. To be fully equipped, these individuals would need to meet the following criteria:

1. need to be age 18 or older by the completion of the project training

2. be able to operate a farm or ranch achieving a minimum annual value of

$1000 in production.

In addition, a portion of BFRDP funding is a targeted set aside for projects that address the needs of two subsets of beginning farmers and ranchers:

1. At least five percent of the program funds available for standard BFRDP projects will be allocated to address the needs of limited resource beginning farmers and ranchers; socially disadvantaged beginning farmers or ranchers; and/or farm workers (including immigrants) desiring to become beginning farmers or ranchers.

2. At least five percent of the program funds available for standard BFRDP projects will be allocated to address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers who are military veterans. A recipient of such a grant may coordinate with a recipient of a grant from the AgrAbility program (www.agrability.org) in addressing the needs of veteran farmers and ranchers with disabilities.

Please note: Not all applications need to address the needs of these two subsets of beginning farmers and ranchers. Inclusion of socially disadvantaged and of veteran beginning farmers or ranchers in the applications will not result in higher proposal scores or ratings, however, priority may be given to applications that address either of the two subsets, if necessary, to achieve the targets, by awarding funding to the highest-ranked proposals that meet the set-aside.

http://www.agrability.org/

For applications to be considered under either of the two subsets, they must:

1. Identify the target audience of any of the groups identified above and state what percentage of the project budget will be allocated to serving these groups.

2. Explain how the beginning farmers and ranchers in the identified target audience will be recruited and provided with appropriate training, education, outreach, and mentoring.

3. Provide evidence of the ability to serve the needs of the identified audience, e.g., involvement of partner(s) with expertise and a strong track record of having previously done so.

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

The BRFDP is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 found at (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf)

Strategic Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources and Communities and specifically addresses Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 1.4.

Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous and specifically addresses Objective 2.2 Strategic Goal 3: Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers and specifically addresses Objective 3.2.

Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food and specifically addresses Objective 4.1 Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities and specifically addresses Objectives 5.1 and 5.4.

NIFA supports research, education, and extension projects that address key problems of local, regional, national, and global importance. As such, NIFA encourages projects that enhance food and agricultural sciences and their role in human diversity, equity and inclusion, agricultural practices that provide for adaptation to ecological perturbation and mitigate climate change, rural economic development and post-pandemic economic revitalization, nutritional security, open and competitive markets, farm safety, and other topics responsive to current and emerging needs impacting U.S. agriculture.

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

To achieve program goals, BFRDP projects will be expected to conduct training and assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers on one or more of the topics listed in Part I § B. items (1-15).

Applicants should carefully consider the topics that will be addressed by the proposed project (i.e., clearly identify the topics in the project narrative and why those topics are the most appropriate for the project’s audience). Evidence of farmer input on topic selection is very important. Applicants should make use of existing curriculum (whether USDA funded or not), including entries in the BFRDP curriculum and training clearinghouse: FarmAnswers.org (https://farmanswers.org). New curriculum should be proposed only if the need can be clearly justified. Applications that seek to develop coursework for credit for four-year degrees at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://farmanswers.org/ colleges and universities are not appropriate for this program and will not be accepted for review.

Applications that seek to educate students for careers in agriculture other than as farmers or ranchers will not be accepted for review. Applications that seek to conduct research will not be accepted for review.

For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA Upcoming Events for dates, event registration, and link.

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

1. Standard Grants

2. Education Team Grants

Standard Grants

Table 2. Standard Grants Key Information Title Description

Program Code: BFRDP Program Code Name: Beginning Farmer and Rancher

Development Program, Standard

ALN: 10.311

Project Type: Training and Technical Assistance Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline April 27, 2023 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 45 awards annually Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $250,000 per year for up to

36 months

Maximum Award: Approximately $250,000 per year for up to three years for large standard grants; Approximately $175,000 per year for up to three years for medium standard grants;

Approximately $100,000 per year for up to three years for small standard grants and $49,999 or less for a simplified standard grant application process for one year.

Both small, medium, and large standard BFRDP projects support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers, on the priority topics listed in Part I § B. items (1-15). The difference in type would be directly related to the scale of the project. Most BFRDP funding will be directed to Standard Grants. The primary goal of Standard Grants is to increase the number of beginning farmers and ranchers and enhance their successes and sustainability by providing them and their families with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions. Standard Grant applications are expected to identify the audience of beginning farmers and ranchers they aim to serve; describe their characteristics and needs; demonstrate knowledge and experience in education and assistance methods that are appropriate and effective in engaging the audience and meeting their needs; and propose an ambitious yet achievable plan of work that will accomplish meaningful and measurable success in enhancing the number and success of beginning farmers https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar and ranchers. Most successful standard grant applicants provide training and assistance with business and financial management, as well as production and marketing topics aligned with the priority list in Part I, B of this RFA (1 - 15).

Small, medium, and large standard grants will be reviewed independently, and funding requests can be for a project duration up to three years; applications will be discussed by three different groups and ranked separately within each group to provide an equitable evaluation. Small grants are a standard grant of up to approximately $100,000 per year for three-year project duration.

Medium grants are a standard grant of up to approximately $175,000 per year for three-year project duration. Large grants are a standard grant of up to approximately $250,000 per year for three-year project duration. We will also offer simplified standard grants of $49,999 or less for applicants with limited capacity to enhance their abilities to create and sustain beginning farmers and ranchers.

Any requests of, and including $49,999, or less would be considered a simplified standard grant.

Evaluation criteria for reviewing the simplified standard grants will be different from those utilized for reviewing small, medium, and large standard grants. Priority for funding under the simplified standard grants will be given to applicants who have not received grant funding in the past. This priority does not exclude previous grant recipients from being funded. Simplified grant is not a planning grant, but a very small standard grant strictly designed for new applicants without much experience in coordinating education and technical training.

Both small, medium, and large standard grant proposals will be evaluated using the same evaluation criteria (see Part V, B of this RFA), including priority for partnership and collaborations that are led by or include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or school-based agricultural education organizations (SAEOs) with expertise in beginning agricultural producer training and outreach. The expectations for smaller projects, however, will be commensurate with their size (e.g., smaller audiences, more limited geographic reach, less complex collaborative arrangements) and provide an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration. The federal funds requested should be commensurate with the scope of work. Those with higher award requests will be expected to undertake larger-scale projects, in terms of numbers reached, intensity of training and other services to be provided, and geographic service areas – e.g., being more statewide, regional or even national in scale. Examples of lower level requests would include local initiatives working with small numbers of farmers. The award level per farmer served should be appropriate and not excessive.

Under the authority at 7 U.S.C. 2279(e), NIFA is offering simplified standard grants that can be utilized to develop action plans to address societal challenges; strengthen program ideas to develop a full proposal; curriculum development; develop apprenticeship programs and hands-on materials; as well as develop an advisory committee to strengthen future program activities.

Simplified standard grant is not designed to be a planning grant. Educating and training a small group of individuals to become farmers and ranchers is a requirement.

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BFRDP encourages the creation of partnerships among its extension programs to assist urban agricultural production in food insecure and nutrient short communities across the country.

NIFA encourages applications that include addressing climate change with climate smart agriculture, food and forestry solutions including, but not limited to Conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental concerns; Efficient and renewable energy practices; Building resilience to climate change; Coordination is encouraged in working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Cooperative Extension services to include training on conservation practices, farming principles and practices that increase biodiversity, enrich soils, land, improve watersheds, and enhance ecosystem services. Projects that focus on increasing equitable participation in USDA’s programs and services are also encouraged.

Education Team Grants

Table 3. Education Team Grants Key Information

Title Description Program Code: BFRDP

Program Code Name: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Education

ALN: 10.311

Project Type: Education Team Grant Type: Training

Application Deadline April 27, 2023 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: Two awards annually Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $250,000 per year for up to three years

The purpose of an Education Team (ET) grant is to enhance beginning farmer efforts based on a particular topic, region, or audience. ET applications must support development of curricula and conduct education programs and workshops for beginning farmers or ranchers in diverse geographical areas of the United States or provide training and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers or for trainers and service providers that work with beginning farmers or ranchers. Such applications should complement previously funded ETs, which have addressed environmental management and leadership, regional networks, farmer-to-farmer curricula, financial management, as well as currently active ETs, which are addressing immigrant farming incubators, land access, women farmers, apprenticeships, alternative energy, and the Farm Beginnings curriculum. Education Teams should involve teams of experts with diverse backgrounds (e.g., NGO, CBO, SAEO, farmers, university, and government) to do the following:

1. Identify, collect, and assess existing curricula and programs.

2. Identify gaps, develop, and deliver curricula and train-the-trainer programs to fill the identified gaps; and

3. Collaborate with the BFRDP Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse https://farmanswers.org) and beginning farmers and ranchers’ education providers to enhance successful use of the ET curricula and programs.

https://farmanswers.org/

Applicants interested in applying for all grant types are strongly encouraged to confer with the Programmatic Contacts listed in Part VII to discuss the suitability of the topic prior to submitting an application.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) grants is approximately $28,000,000 in FY 2023. 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. All applications for FY 2023 should state September 15 project starting dates on all applications. In FY 2023, applications may be submitted to BFRDP as one of the following types of requests:

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 of this RFA for definition). This is a project application that has not been previously submitted to BFRDP or an application from a previously funded BFRDP project that has completed its project work and is applying for a continuation or starting a completely new project. We will review all new applications competitively using the screening for administrative requirements, review panel evaluation of proposals using evaluation criteria, and selection process described in Part V—Application Review Requirements. Applications from previously funded and terminated BFRDP projects seeking grant funds to start new BFRDP projects are also considered new applications. The new applications from a Project Director (PD) who has received a prior BFRDP award must contain the same information as required for new applications; they also must contain an additional one-page “Accomplishment-Based” narrative (see Project Narrative, Part IV). All previously funded and terminated BFRDP project applications must be received by the relevant due date, will be evaluated in competition with other pending applications in the area to which they are assigned, and will be reviewed according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications, plus based on performance during the previous BFRDP grant(s) and adequacy of plans for continuous improvement. Evaluation of performance during the previous BFRDP grant(s) will include the outcomes achieved and (where appropriate) contributions to the BFRDP Clearinghouse and Project Directors’ Annual Meeting.

While budgets should account for this travel, virtual or hybrid meetings may be considered based on local and national pandemic conditions.

2. In order to meet the legislative requirement for geographical distribution to achieve regional balance, Project Directors (PDs) of active BFRDP awards are strongly discouraged from applying, unless the active award is in its final year of project work.

3. Resubmitted application. Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel comments and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applications 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 of this RFA for definition). This is an application that had previously been submitted to BFRDP but not funded. Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review panel comments (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV).

Resubmitted applications must be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm competition with other pending applications in appropriate area to which they are assigned, and will be reviewed according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications. Addressing previous comments is important, but since each year is a new competition, resubmitting applicants should strengthen their proposals in every way possible.

C. Project and Grant Types Applications will be accepted for two project types in FY 2023:

1. Standard BFRDP Projects consisting of large, medium, small, and simplified standard grants

2. Education Team (ET) Projects

1. Standard BFRDP Projects and Simplified Standard Grants:

a. Standard BFRDP Projects: The long-term goals of the Standard BFRDP projects are to enhance the sustainability of beginning farmers and ranchers through education, training, mentoring and outreach programs that enhance self-employment in farming, ranching and forestry opportunities. The maximum award for a large standard grant is approximately $250,000 per year for up to three years; medium standard grants of no more than $175,000 per year for up to three years of project duration; small standard grants of no more than $100,000 per year for up to three years of project duration and simplified standard grants of $49,999 or less for one year of project duration. All work must be completed within three years, except simplified standard grants. A no cost extension may be requested for up to 12 months. Please see NIFA Policy Guide for additional details.

b. Simplified Standard Grants: Simplified Standard Grants are intended to assist organizations: 1) to sustain and enhance important collaborations and innovative activities relevant to beginning farmer and rancher programs; and 2) to initiate and develop beginning farmer and rancher project ideas to lead to future program success or success in obtaining other grants for beginning farmer and rancher education.

Letters of reference or any additional application materials not submitted with the application package by the application deadline is considered late and will not be accepted for consideration.

2. Education Team Projects:

The long-term goals of Education Team (ET) projects are to identify gaps in beginning farmer and rancher training by evaluating all existing programs, and to develop and conduct train-the-trainer projects to address these gaps. The maximum award for an ET project is approximately $250,000 per year for up to three years. A no cost extension may be requested for up to 12 months. Please see NIFA Policy Guide for additional details.

Applications that include requests for annual project budgets in excess of the maximum annual project budgets established above, or that propose project periods outside the acceptable project ranges above, will be excluded from NIFA review.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 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 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. Please note that research is unallowable in BFRDP.

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 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) 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 a collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally based network or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities. These collaborations may include the following entities: State Cooperative Extension Services; Federal, State, municipal or tribal agencies; community-based organizations (CBOs); nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); junior and four-year colleges or universities or foundations maintained by a college or university; and private for-profit organizations.

Application submission of a project effort that is a duplicate of a current beginning farmer project will not be accepted for review under this program.

Inclusions of beginning and/or non-beginning farmers and ranchers as part of the collaborative group is strongly encouraged.

Applications submitted by individuals, or by organizations that do not involve other entities in a network or partnership, are not eligible for consideration under any category applicable to the BFRDP and will be excluded from review.

To meet geographical diversity, multiple awards will not be made to the same organization, institution, or Project Director in the same calendar year. Further, organizations and institutions that have received a regular, standard, or education team grant in the last two funding cycles (FY 2021 or FY 2022) are ineligible to apply. Since simplified standard grants are awarded for one year only, recipients of these grants that were awarded in FY 2022 may apply for grants in FY 2023. Please do not apply for another simplified standard grant if you have previously received a simplified standard grant award in BFRDP. Simplified standard grants are designed for new trainers who have never received grants nor gained more than three years of experience in assisting with the development of beginning farmers and ranchers.

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. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.

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.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required –For FY 2023, BFRDP awardees must provide a match from non-Federal sources in the form of cash or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by the grant or cooperative agreement. However, NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if NIFA determines that such a waiver or modification is necessary to effectively reach an underserved area or population.

If you plan to serve an underserved area or population and would like to request the 25% match waiver, please enter the statement below, at the top of your budget justification form.

“This applicant plans to serve an underserved area or population, and would like to request the 25% match waiver”

See Part IV, B of this RFA, R&R Budget Federal and Non-Federal, for details on requesting a match- waiver.

The matching funds must be from non-Federal sources except when authorized by statute.

An award will not be issued unless all matching funds over the life of the grant are secured with match support documentation, which will be requested of applicants at the time they are recommended for an award. There can be no contingencies on the matching amount.

The Budget Justification must list matching sources along with the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match as well as the total dollar amount being pledged. ). However, you are still subject to documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, etc. as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non- Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions,” and program-specific regulations, as applicable. In instances where match is required, any resulting award will require the signature of an Authorized Representative (AR).

Only when NIFA receives the award signed by the AR will award funds be released and available for draw down.

The applicant must establish the value of matching contributions in accordance with applicable cost principles. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,” for further guidance and other requirements relating to matching and allowable costs.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d75dffedf5ba98a96a7afd30a4ba93fe&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d75dffedf5ba98a96a7afd30a4ba93fe&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d75dffedf5ba98a96a7afd30a4ba93fe&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d75dffedf5ba98a96a7afd30a4ba93fe&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d75dffedf5ba98a96a7afd30a4ba93fe&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76ea83ad01487d50f0c6d653d96a56cb&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fa728cb15efc8baf5b0a0a5d514d2010&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fa728cb15efc8baf5b0a0a5d514d2010&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fa728cb15efc8baf5b0a0a5d514d2010&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fa728cb15efc8baf5b0a0a5d514d2010&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

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 4 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 4. 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-BFR-009746, 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 5. 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 Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays.

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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

B. Content and Form of the Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html/ https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-grantsgov-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-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 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ 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/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 6 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 6. Key Application Instructions

Instruction References (All references are to the NIFA Grants

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 IV

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 NIFA Grants Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

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

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

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the BFRDP. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

a. Project Title

b. List of Project Directors (PDs) and Co-PDs and their institutions/organizations.

c. Concise (250 words or less) description of the project.

d. Project summary must include objectives to carry out project work as well as anticipated project outcomes.

e. List of other collaborating institutions/organizations/farmer and rancher groups.

f. Percent of total federal funds requested that are allocated to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and school-based agricultural education organizations (SAEOs).

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

g. For applications to be considered under either of the target audience set asides:

h. Percent of budget allocated to serving military veterans; and/or Percent of budget allocated to serving socially disadvantaged, limited resource, or farmworker audiences; and

i. List of any previous or current BFRDP projects that PD has been a part of leading (list project director and award number 20XX-XXXXX-XXXXX); see Abstracts of BFRDP Projects from Fiscal Years 2009-2022 for the full list of abstracts of previously funded projects).

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN).

Project Narrative for Small, Medium and Large Standard Grants, and Education Team Grants Applications.

Note: The PN shall not exceed 20 pages of written text (see Table 8 of this RFA for suggestions), regardless of whether it is single- or double-spaced, using font no smaller than 12 point and with at least 1-inch margins. This total includes figures and tables. We have established this maximum (20 pages) to ensure fair and equitable competition.

Organizing your proposal, clearly labeling each section, and sequencing them as indicated below, will help reviewers find the information to evaluate your proposal. It is encouraged that you include a one-page table of contents in the project narrative, which will not count towards the narrative’s 20-page limitation. The PN must include all the following clearly defined sections.

a. Introduction. The introduction should include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) of the proposed project. Justify the need for the program by identifying the target audience and explaining their needs (size, region, value of sales, structure of the industry (the number of small, medium and large farms), critical barriers, etc.);

and by briefly summarizing any similar beginning farmer and rancher education and training programs that are available for the identified target audience, including all programs at www.FarmAnswers.org. If necessary, provide a map of the region. Show evidence that beginning farmers and ranchers were involved in conceptualizing the project and designing the activities. If the project type is Education Team, present the rationale for the geographic, topic or other appropriate focus of the Team and the Team’s composition. All works cited must be referenced (see 7(i) Bibliography & References Cited in this section). Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the 20 pages for this section (Related evaluation criteria (see Part V, B of this RFA): Relevancy.)

b. Objectives and Outcomes. Concisely present the goals, associated objectives and expected outputs and outcomes of the project in relation to the audience and needs identified in the introduction. Provide numbers of beginning farmers and ranchers that will be served. Estimate how many of them will attain specific, anticipated knowledge gains or actions (e.g., starting farming; improving production practices;

entering new markets) and project the expected resulting impacts of those gains and actions on the success of their operations. Discuss whether and how this program can be adapted to other regions, communities and/or agricultural systems. Applicants are https://cris.nifa.usda.gov/cgi-bin/starfinder/0?path=fastlink1.txt&id=anon&pass=&search=(GC=BFRDP;BFRDA;BFRDB;BFRDC)&format=WEBTITLESGIY https://cris.nifa.usda.gov/cgi-bin/starfinder/0?path=fastlink1.txt&id=anon&pass=&search=(GC=BFRDP;BFRDA;BFRDB;BFRDC)&format=WEBTITLESGIY http://www.farmanswers.org/ encouraged to use approximately two of the 20 pages for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Technical merit.)

c. Approach.

The activities proposed to achieve each objective must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly described. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately six of the 20 pages for this section. Specifically, this section must include:

i. A description of the activities proposed for each objective.

ii. A timeline of the proposed project. The timeline should include activities and major outputs and…