FY23-FAEIS-RFA-508-F.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Food and Agricultural Education

Information System

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2023

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $1,100,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD $1,100,000 (one award)

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-009753

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.200

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) is listed in the Assistance Listings under 10.200.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, June 1, 2023 [Ref to Part I, C of this RFA]

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). The 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 Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) 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

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for the Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS) program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to maintain a national food and agricultural education information system that contains information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty, employment placement, and other similar information in the food and agricultural sciences. The potential total funding for this award is approximately $1,100,000. The amount available for this award in FY 2023 is approximately $220,000. This agreement will be awarded on a continuation basis at approximately $220,000 each year for an additional four years based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.

This notice identifies the objectives for the FAEIS 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

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 D. Limited English Proficiency

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 This project is authorized by section 1417(e) of the National Agricultural Research Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended (7 U.S.C 3152(e)), which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain a national food and agricultural education information system that contains:

1) Information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty, employment placement in the food and agricultural sciences; and

2) Such other similar information as the Secretary considers appropriate.

B. Purpose and Priorities The Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS), under assistance listing number 10.200, is a comprehensive database that gathers information, on a voluntary basis, from degree granting institutions of higher education on student enrollment in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH), degrees awarded, and graduate placement at all degree levels and by gender, race, and other relevant categories. In addition, data is collected on faculty salaries by rank and discipline.

The FAEIS program is aligned with the following:

1. USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 found at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf), specifically addressing Strategic Goal No. 2, Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous, and Strategic Goal No. 3, Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers.

Funding under this authority provides funds to administer the FAEIS database. The applicant will:

1. Collect and maintain an accurate, verified and validated set of data, with a focus on FANH sciences from institutions of higher education in the United States. This includes but is not limited to:

a. Determining the parameters of data to be collected, taking into account existing data fields, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes, ability to capture trends over time, and other relevant factors;

b. Adapting survey tools to improve ease in data entry and data accuracy;

c. Developing survey methodologies and outreach activities that encourage participation from diverse institutions including 1994, 1890, Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACU), other Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), and other non-land grant, insular area, and non-land grant certified institutions with FANH science degrees;

d. Collaborating with USDA, higher education organizations such as APLU, and their partners to develop means of data collection and to ensure that FAEIS provides relevant information that meets the needs of all end users;

e. Implementing quality assurance measures and procedures https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/nar77.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/nar77.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=7+U.S.C.+3152&f=treesort&fq=true&num=3&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title7-section3152 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf

f. Integrating and/or comparing FAEIS data with the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS);

g. Implementing a mechanism to capture, report, and analyze data, both qualitative and quantitative, that does not fit into standard survey questions (for example:

new majors, termination of a program, transferring from a 2-year to a 4-year program).

2. Maintain and enhance an online platform offering user-friendly access to the data for students, institutions, industry, Federal agencies, and the public at large. This includes:

a. Assessing existing data and potential for migrating it from the current website https://faeis.cals.vt.edu/, to a new host (if a new institution is awarded the grant);

b. Designing and/ or providing access to report builders, data visualization tools and other mechanisms for users to interpret the data in a manner that allows members of the public with disabilities to have the same level of access as those without disabilities;

c. Maintaining updated and working links to NIFA programs, relevant reports and opportunities.

3. Facilitate outreach and dissemination of information on both FAEIS itself and outcomes from FAEIS data to NIFA, contributors of the data, and other users of data. This includes:

a. Quarterly newsletters that highlight, based on FAEIS data, issues in the FANH sciences education realm that effect workforce development;

b. Summary reports of data collected by year (institution type; college, etc.) in an Excel format similar to those published by IPEDS and SED (Survey of Earned Doctorates);

c. Webinars for outreach to institutions on submitting data to FAEIS;

d. Webinars for researchers and institutions on how to use the FAEIS website to access data;

e. Participation in conferences and other workshops or meetings to promote institutional participation and end-user use of FAEIS; and

f. A plan for institutional transfer of database and related materials

For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA calendar for dates, event registration, and links. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event.

https://faeis.cals.vt.edu/ https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: FF-L Program Code Name: Food and Agricultural Education

Information System

ALN: 10.200

Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline June 1, 2023

Grant Duration: 5 years Anticipated # of Awards: 1

Maximum Award Amount: $1,100,000 ($220,000 per year)

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for FAEIS in FY2023, FY2024, FY2025, FY2026, and FY2027 is approximately $220,000 per year, for a total of approximately $1,100,000, based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. 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 FY2023 is limited to the following application type:

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).

C. Project and Grant Types

1. Grant Type -The following is the available grant type under this RFA.

a. Standard. This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

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 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://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 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 FAEIS 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 be submitted by:

1. U.S. public or private nonprofit colleges and universities offering a baccalaureate or first professional degree in at least one discipline or area of the food and agricultural sciences;

2. land-grant colleges and universities;

3. colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to develop and maintain a comprehensive database for the food and agricultural sciences.

An institution eligible to receive an award under this program includes a research foundation maintained by an eligible college or university. Institutional accreditation must be maintained by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

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 No Match Required - The FAEIS program has NO matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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

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-OP-009753 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 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 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 5: 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 proposal goals align with the project goals of the FAEIS program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed fifteen [15] 1.5 spaced pages of written text and up to five [5] 1.5 spaced additional pages for figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits 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; A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and supporting objectives of the proposed activities. Briefly describe the technology that will be used to operate 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 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide the online platform and the applicant’s experience in developing and maintaining such a system. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities that relate to the proposed project including the work of key project personnel.

b. Objectives and Outcomes. Present the goals, objectives and expected outputs and outcomes of the project in relation to the needs identified in the introduction and in the program priorities in Section I. B.

c. Body of Knowledge. A short discussion of the relevant Body of Knowledge sufficient to demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of agricultural education data, FAEIS, and its uses.

d. Approach. A thorough description of the activities proposed to achieve each objective, the approaches being applied, and a justification for these actions.

Specifically, this section must include:

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

ii. A timeline of the proposed projects, including activities and expected measurable outputs and outcomes for each year of the five year project;

iii. Any novel ideas or contributions of the proposed project;

iv. Pitfalls that may be encountered and limitations to proposed procedures;

v. An evaluation Plan, including performance and the means by which outcomes will be analyzed, assessed, or interpreted each year and at the end of the project

e. Personnel and Resources.

i. Describe in detail the key project personnel’s experience in data collection, management, user friendly platforms, analysis, and outreach.

ii. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project.

iii. Provide other personnel needs, assignments, and the division of labor anticipated to carry out the project.

iv. Discuss collaborating organizations and their role in the project.

v. Include a description of facilities necessary to house and maintain FAEIS.

3. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

Appendices to Project Narrative – PDF Attachment. Title the attachment as “Appendices” in the document header and save file as “Appendices.” Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices may not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables page limitations.

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).

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded). See Part V of the NIFA Grants 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 NIFA Grants Application Guide).

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

1. 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.”

2. Indirect cost (IDC) – Not required.

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

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name (FAEIS) and the program code (FF-L). Accurate entry is critical.

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

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

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-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

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, researchers, public health practitioners, educators, consumers, and commercial reviews) 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 race, ethnicity, gender representation, and an equitable age distribution.

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/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 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications

B. Evaluation Criteria A reviewer’s written evaluation entails two levels of assessment. First, the reviewer summarizes how well the application addressed each evaluation criterion. After the application has been assessed for strengths and weaknesses of each criterion, the reviewer then evaluates the overall likelihood that the project will have significant outcome and impact. These written reviews are used to begin panel discussions with other reviewers serving on the peer review panel. Through these discussions, peer review panelists come to consensus on the final rating and ranking of proposals. A complete description of NIFA’s peer review process can be found at the NIFA website.

NIFA will use the following criteria to evaluate this RFA. The criteria below are not equal in merit but are listed in descending order of importance. Applications are evaluated primarily for organizational effectiveness in operating an electronic database of agricultural education data with emphasis placed on overall clarity and delineation of objectives, activities, and outcomes, and outreach and collaboration plans:

1. Organizational Effectiveness in Operating an Electronic Database of Agricultural Education Data including:

a. Ability to identify, gather, organize, and make available relevant data;

b. Clear rationale for types of data collected and organization of the data for analysis;

c. Plan for systematically engaging external data sources, like IPEDS, with the

FAEIS data;

d. Successful multi-year experience with data collection and/or management and/or user interfaces;

e. Management and organizational capacity to provide support to database users;

f. Knowledge and expertise to compile, analyze, and continuously improve outcomes-based measures and reporting; and

g. Capacity to provide communications materials to enhance the impacts of FAEIS.

2. Clarity and Delineation of Objectives, Activities and Outcomes

a. Conceptual adequacy of the proposed activities to meet the needs of users including suitability and feasibility of the approach;

b. Innovative plan to improve data quality and accessibility related to FANH science education;

c. Clear timeline of activities, including necessary backend programming and data transfer (if relevant) and schedule for outreach activities;

d. Reasonableness of the budget for planned activities. (While the size of the budget is not an evaluation criterion, the reviewers will be asked to comment whether it matches logically with the program described in the narrative.);

e. Probability of success of the project given the level of originality, target audience and budget for each activity; and

f. Achievability of expected outcomes and the performance targets as indicated in the evaluation plan.

3. Outreach Plan and Collaborative Arrangements

a. Plan for outreach to users, participants, partners, and other collaborative efforts;

b. Time allotted to these activities;

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/NIFA-Peer-Review-Process-for-Competitive-Grant-Applications_0.pdf

c. Approach to integrating stakeholder activities and collaborative efforts into data collection, management, and outcomes reporting; and

d. Potential to transform the FAEIS database usability and importance through collaborative relationships and outreach activities.

4. Personnel Expertise and Track Record

a. Staff, consultant, and collaborator expertise in successful multi-year database projects that includes survey design, statistics, data collection, data management, and user-friendly digital platforms.

5. Available or Obtainable Facilities and Instrumentation

a. Adequacy of the facilities and equipment to maintain the database and facilitate organized data collection.

C. Organizational Management Information Applicants must submit specific management information prior to an award and update the information as needed. Applicants may only need to provide an update if there was a change in previously provided information under this or another NIFA program. NIFA provides the requisite forms during the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible for award under this program, there are factors that may exclude an applicant from receiving federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual, or a determination that an applicant is not responsible).

D. Application Disposition Applicants may withdraw at any time before NIFA makes a final funding decision. NIFA will retain all applications, including withdrawn applications and unfunded applications.

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as the effective date of the grant must be no later than September 30 of the federal fiscal year in which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period. All funds granted by NIFA under this RFA may be used only for the purpose for which they are granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the award, applicable federal cost principles, USDA assistance regulations, and NIFA General Awards Administration Provisions, 7 CFR Part 3430, subparts A through E.

Award Notice. The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information as described in 2 CFR 200.211 (see NIFA’s Terms and Conditions).

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Several federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications and the projects outlined in this RFA (some are listed here: Federal Regulations). Unless specifically noted by statue or award-specific requirements, NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide applies to all NIFA awards.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements Include this subpart if the program has specific award terms. Highlight any special reporting requirements that differ from the norm (e.g., by report type, frequency, form/format, or circumstances for use). The NIFA Director of Information Policy, Planning, and Training must approve all special requirements. When forwarding applications for award, Program must alert NIFA’s Award Management Division (AMD) via the “Competitive or non-competitive proposal recommendation sheet” that the special reporting requirements need to be included as part of the provisions of award.

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PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget Delegation of fiscal responsibility. Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, awardees may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of award funds.

Changes in Budget or Project Plans. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.308, awardees must request prior approval from NIFA for the following program or budget-related reasons (the awardee is subject to the terms and conditions identified in the award):

1. Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program without prior written approval (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring).

2. Change in a key person specified in the application or the federal award.

3. Disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project.

4. Inclusion of costs that require prior approval in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E

(Cost Principles), or 45 CFR Part 75 Appendix IX, (Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Awards and Contracts with Hospitals), or 48 CFR, unless waived by the federal awarding agency,

5. 48 CFR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures;

6. Transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense

(2 CFR 200.456 Participant support costs);

7. Sub-awarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under a federal award, including fixed amount sub-awards (see 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed Amount Sub-awards), unless described in the application and funded in the approved federal awards. This provision does not apply to the acquisition of supplies, material, equipment, or general support services.

8. Changes in the approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the non-federal entity; and

9. The need for additional federal funds to complete the project.

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of NIFA transaction records, which are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the application they wish to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action thereon.

C. Regulatory Information This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in this notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524- 0039.

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D. Limited English Proficiency NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, free of charge. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA Language Access Services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or

(443) 386-9488.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/civil-rights/language-access-services https://www.nifa.usda.gov/civil-rights/language-access-services mailto:Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

Program Contacts

National Program Leader:

Michelle Schelske-Santos Michelle.schelske-santos@usda.gov 757-378-8380

Program Specialist:

Donaven McLaurin Donaven.mclaurin@usda.gov 601-577-5672

For administrative questions related to:

1. Grants.gov, see Part IV of this RFA

2. Other RFA or application questions, please email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

3. Awards under this RFA, please email awards@usda.gov

U.S. Postal Mailing Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Courier/Package Delivery Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture 2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 mailto:Michelle.schelske-santos@usda.gov mailto:Donaven.mclaurin@usda.gov mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov mailto:awards@usda.gov

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Glossary of Terms Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – AFRI Authorized Representative – AR Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 – AREERA Coordinated Agricultural Project – CAP Assistance Listing Number – ALN Data Management Plan – DMP Indirect Cost – IDC National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 – NARETPA Institute of Food and Agriculture – NIFA Project Director – PD Project Narrative – PN Project Summary – PS Request for Application – RFA Research, Education, and Economics – REE United States Department of Agriculture – USDA

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

Refer to 7 CFR 3430 Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions for additional definitions.

Definitions

Continuation Award:

An award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined period of time with a statement of intention to provide additional support at a future date, provided that performance has been satisfactory, appropriations are available for this purpose, and continued support would be in the best interest of the federal government and the public.

Matching:

The process through which a grant recipient match awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The matching funds must derive from non-Federal sources.

New Application:

An application not previously submitted to a program.

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