FY23-RFAP-RFA-508-MOD1.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Research Facilities Act Program

MODIFICATIONS: 06/27/2023 – This RFA has been modified from the original announcement. Edits are indicated using track changes and red font so the public/potential applicants can identify the changes within the solicitation.

Edits appear on pages: 2, 11, 13 – 15, 17 – 20, and 33

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 7, 2023

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $1,900,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-010063

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.246

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.246.

1.) Key Dates and Deadlines Application Deadline: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, July 7, 2023.

Letter of Intent Deadline: Not Required Applicant Comments Deadline: 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 RFAP 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) is accepting applications for the Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP). This program supports the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the research facility. Proposals must enhance the institution’s long-term impact on food and agricultural research and build on careful strategic planning.

RFAP seeks to strengthen the quality and expand the scope of fundamental and applied research at eligible institutions by providing them with opportunities to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the facility that supports their research and research training goals.

The amount available for support of this program in fiscal year (FY) 2023 is approximately $1,900,000.

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

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Key Information

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. Organization 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

APPENDIX IV: CAPACITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

Key Information

1.) Key Dates and Deadlines 2.) Program Key Information 3.) Project Funding Levels 4.) Steps to Obtain Application Materials 5.) Help and Resources 6.) Resources 7.) Key Application Instructions 8.) Application Components 9.) Project Narrative

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP) is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 390 et seq. to make competitive grants to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities.

B. Purpose and Priorities RFAP is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying institutions for the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities to conduct research in the fields of food and agricultural sciences (as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, see Appendix III for definition).

For purposes of this funding opportunity, 7 U.S.C. 390 provides the following definition: The term "agricultural research facility" means a proposed facility for research in food and agricultural sciences for which Federal funds are requested by an entity eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 6971(f)(1)(C) of this title) to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the facility.

A proposal for an agricultural research facility shall meet the following criteria:

(A) Non-Federal share The proposal shall certify the availability of at least a 50 percent non-Federal share of the cost of the facility. The non-Federal share shall be paid in cash and may include funding from private sources or from units of State or local government.

(B) Nonduplication of facilities The proposal shall demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would be complementary to, and not duplicative of, facilities of colleges, universities, and nonprofit institutions, and facilities of the Agricultural Research Service, within the State and region.

(C) National research priorities (see below) The proposal shall demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would serve-

(i) one or more of the national research policies and priorities set forth in 7.U.S.C. 3101;

and

(ii) national or multistate needs.

(D) Long-term support The proposal shall demonstrate that the recipient entity has the ability and commitment to support the long-term, ongoing operating and maintenance costs of-

(i) the agricultural research facility after the facility is completed; and

(ii) each program to be based at the facility.

7 U.S.C 3101: Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education

1) Enhance the competitiveness of the United States agriculture and food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment;

2) Increase the long-term productivity of the United States agriculture and food industry while maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base on which rural America and the United States agricultural economy depend;

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3101&num=0&edition=prelim

3) Develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities, such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops;

4) Support agricultural research and extension to promote economic opportunity in rural communities and to meet the increasing demand for information and technology transfer throughout the United States agriculture industry;

5) Improve risk management in the United States agriculture industry;

6) Improve the safe production and processing of, and adding of value to, United States food and fiber resources using methods that maintain the balance between yield and environmental soundness;

7) Support higher education in agriculture to give the next generation of Americans the knowledge, technology, and applications necessary to enhance the competitiveness of United States agriculture;

8) Maintain an adequate, nutritious, and safe supply of food to meet human nutritional needs and requirements; and

9) Support international collaboration that leverages resources and advances priority food and agricultural interests of the United States, such as-

a. addressing emerging plant and animal diseases;

b. improving crop varieties and animal breeds; and

c. developing safe, efficient, and nutritious food systems.

The proposed agricultural research facility must enhance the institution’s long-term research impact and must build on careful strategic planning.

Awards may support the purchase of real property or permanent equipment and the design, construction, restoration, or renovation of buildings or sites of agricultural research facilities or other facilities that house agricultural research experimental samples or specimens. Activities may include but are not limited to:

1. Assessing sites and infrastructure

2. Planning and conceptual designing for the new, restored, or renovated facility or site

3. Developing schematics and construction drawings for the new, restored, or renovated facility or site

4. Constructing, restoring, or renovating of facility or site

5. Purchasing and installing related permanently affixed equipment for research monitoring and protecting specimens and samples

6. Purchasing and installing critical building systems, such as electrical, climate control, security, life safety, lighting, utilities, telecommunications, and energy management

Deliverables may include:

1. Documents determining the feasibility of the planned agricultural research facilities or sites

2. Completed design and construction, restoration, or renovation drawings

3. Completed construction, restoration, or renovation

4. Completed installation of critical building systems

Priority will be given to meritorious projects proposing building, modification, acquisition, modernization, refurbishment, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities that are located at or primarily benefit minority-serving institutions (MSI) when making the award.

The RFAP is aligned with the USDA Strategic Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4. The USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 is found at (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022- 2026-strategic-plan.pdf)

1. Strategic Goal 1: Combat climate change to support America’s working lands, natural resources, and communities.

2. Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s agricultural system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous.

3. Strategic Goal 3: Foster an equitable and competitive marketplace for all agricultural producers.

4. Strategic Goal 4: Provide all Americans safe, nutritious food.

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

2.) Program Key Information Program Code: RFAP Program Code Name: Research Facilities Act Program

ALN: 10.246

Project Type: Facilities Project Grant Type: Standard Grant Application Deadline: July 7, 2023 Grant Duration: 24 - 48 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 11 Maximum Award Amount: Level 1–$75,000; Level II–$150,000; Level III–$500,000 Maximum # of Awards Per Institution: 1 Total Funding Per Institution: Up to $500,000

Social and Behavioral Sciences. The RFAP supports agricultural research facilities that include social and behavioral science disciplines. Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources;

improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in heathy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

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 https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The anticipated amount available for RFAP in FY 2023 is $1,900,000. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) 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. Applications for FY 2023 are limited to the following application type:

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 All RFAP projects will fall under the Standard Grant with Facilities Project Type. Applicants must choose to apply to one of three Project Funding Levels: I, II, or III. The three Project Funding Levels and accompanying cash-matching sums required are shown in Table 1.

3.) Project Funding Levels

Title Level I Level II Level III Maximum NIFA Award $75,000 $150,000 $500,000 Minimum Required Third Party Nonfederal gifts (1:1 match ratio for grant requests)

$75,000 $150,000 $500,000

Minimum Total Project Costs $150,000 $300,000 $1,000,000 Project Duration 24 Months 36 Months 48 Months Anticipated number of awards 5 4 2

Application Submission and Award Limitations: An eligible institution may not submit more than one application to this program as a lead institution. This includes applications from subordinate units under a parent institution. No more than one award will be made per lead institution. Prospective applicants/project directors are advised to contact their institutional office of research regarding processes used to select proposals for submission.

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 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 documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the RFAP must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Applicants must be eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program as program (as defined in section 7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)). 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. 1994 Institutions

2. State Agricultural Experiment Stations

3. 1862 Land-Grant Universities

4. Accredited school or college of veterinary medicine or State Agricultural Experiment

Station that conducts animal health and disease research in accordance with section with section 1433(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195)

5. 1890 Land-grant Universities

6. Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103

7. Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) - Institutions satisfying the eligibility requirements for NLGCA designation.

8. Insular Area Institutions-Institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))

9. Institutions eligible for "McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act" (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.)

10. Other entities eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 6971(f)(1)(C)). See Appendix IV under capacity and infrastructure programs

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – Duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. If your institution duplicates or submits multiple applications (including submitting to the wrong funding opportunity or making corrections/updates), NIFA will accept only the last validated submission prior to the deadline under the correct Grants.gov funding opportunity.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required – Applicants MUST provide at least 100% matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the Research Facilities Act Program. The non-Federal share must be paid in cash and may include funding from private sources or from units of State or local government. In-kind matching will not be considered.

Consistent with 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d) and 1469a note, notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, NIFA will waive any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:6971%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section6971)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3195%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3195)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-21-003-non-land-grant-colleges-agriculture-nlgca-list https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-21-003-non-land-grant-colleges-agriculture-nlgca-list https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1001%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:582a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section582a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:582a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section582a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:6971%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section6971)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1494a&num=0&edition=prelim

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. Steps to Obtain Application Materials 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.

4.) Steps to Obtain Application Materials

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

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

3. Find Application. Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OP-010063, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

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

5.) Help and Resources Grants.gov Support

1. Online

2. Telephone: 800-518-4726 toll-free or 606-545-5035

3. Email: support@grants.gov

4. Self-service: Grants.gov iPortal

5. Hours: Customer service available 24/7, except federal holidays.

6.) Resources

1. Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

2. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5p.m. Eastern, 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 applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Key Application Instructions outlines other key instructions for applicants.

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/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/ 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

7.) Key Application Instructions (All references are from the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

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

IV)

3. Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission (Part IV)

4. Follow the submission instructions (Part IV)

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

6. Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 60 days of the application deadline

The application components must conform to the following formatting requirements, unless otherwise indicated:

1. Pages no larger than standard letter (8 ½” x 11”)

2. At least one-inch margins on all sides for all pages

3. A font no smaller than 11 points https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

8.) Application Components Application Forms and Attachments

File Name Designation Page limit

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet

N/A Required N/A

SF 424 R&R

Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form

N/A Required N/A

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded).

N/A Required N/A

R&R Personal Data N/A Recommended N/A SF-424C (Budget Information for Construction Projects)

N/A Required N/A

Attachment 1: Project Summary summary.pdf N/A 250 words

Attachment 2: Narrative narrative.pdf Required 15 pages (mandatory) Attachment 3: Budget justification justification.pdf Required N/A

Attachment 4: Project plan projectplan.pdf Required 3 pages (suggested)

Attachment 5:

Institutional profile profile.pdf Required 5 pages (suggested)

Attachment 6:

Biographical sketch (BS); Current and Pending Support for key personnel keypersonnel.pdf Required 2 pages per BS (suggested)

Attachment 7. Letters of commitment or support letters.pdf Required N/A

Attachment 8: Planning and design documents design.pdf Recommended 10 pages (suggested)

Attachment 9: Site conditions site.pdf Conditionally required.

N/A

Attachment 10:

Additional supporting documentation documentation.pdf Recommended 10 pages (suggested)

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.

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

Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract (Attachment 1). The summary must not exceed approximately 250 words. List the names and affiliated organizations of all Project Directors/co- PDs, the title of the project, and the project funding level at the top of the page. The summary should be a self-contained, specific description of the activity to be undertaken and should include overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goal(s);

and relevance of the project to the goals of the RFAP program. A concise, informative Project Summary is critical for successful applications. Name the file as Summary.pdf. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested Templates.

Field 8. Attach Project Narrative (Attachment 2). Name the file Narrative.pdf. Provide a thorough description of the proposal idea. To ensure that peer reviewers can grasp the proposed project, the project narrative (PN) should be brief, orderly, and free of technical phrases and jargon.

The PN shall not exceed 15 pages of written text, inclusive of figures and tables. We have established this maximum (15 total pages) to 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.) Formatting shall be one-inch margins, no smaller than 11-point font, (Times New Roman or similar), and 1.5-spaced. Tables and figures may be single-spaced. Project narratives that are formatted incorrectly and/or exceed this page limit requirement may not be accepted for review.

Organize your narrative using the following seven section headings. Each section aligns with the Review Criteria NIFA will use to evaluate the proposal.

1. Introduction: Briefly describe your organization’s research purposes and activities in the fields of food and agricultural science. Connect those purposes and activities explicitly to the proposed research facility or, if applicable, to the specific part of a larger research facility that RFAP funds will support. Identify the factors or circumstances which led to your institution’s need for the specific construction, renovation, and/or acquisition activities being proposed. State how the project and its outcomes will enhance the institution’s food and agricultural science research infrastructure and capacity. Explain how the organization plans to sustain the outcomes and benefits of the project and for how long.

Describe how the project's significance and impact on food and agricultural science research justifies the funding amount you are requesting. If you are asking for a Level III award, explain why the project's significance and impact in the field of food and agriculture warrants funding at the one-million-dollar project level. For a Level III award, for instance, describe why the project's significance and impact on the food and agricultural sciences justifies funding at the level of one million dollars.

2. Significance and Target Audience: Describe your institution's governance system, organization, location, collections, activities, and/or programs. Provide a clear argument for their significance to the food and agricultural sciences on a local, national, or international level. Refer to the institutional profile in Attachment 5 and provide examples and links to online resources to demonstrate the institution’s research programs http://nifa.usda.gov/resource/application-support-templates and activities in the fields of food and agricultural sciences. Describe the research program's target audience and demographics (including their estimated annual size).

Explain how the research facilities project will benefit these stakeholders directly and indirectly, over the short term as well as the long term. Describe how the institution currently serves minority groups. Explain the organization's efforts to recruit and engage new or diverse audiences, if applicable.

3. Long-term Impact and Institutional Commitment: Describe how the proposed project will impact the institution’s research capacity in the fields of food and agricultural sciences. Explain how it aligns with institutional strategic plans, and whether it is part of a larger initiative. Describe how the project will directly and indirectly achieve the institution’s long-term goals for its research work in the fields of food and agricultural sciences. Provide letters of support and commitment from appropriate institutional officials, program partners, constituents, and/or outside experts in the field in Attachment 7.

Funds may only be used for cost-share proportionate to the part of space and programming that is or will be expressly assigned to research materials or activities at facilities intended for multiple uses (research, education, and extension). If you are asking for funding for this kind of facility, you must explain how the project will affect research in the food and agricultural sciences while making clear the percentage of time or resources that are or will be devoted only to research-related materials or activities.

4. Project Planning and Activities: Describe the activities the Research Facilities RFAP Grant will support (in alignment with the project plan in Attachment 4. Explain the history of the project’s development and any pre-planning work to date. Describe how you plan to bring the project into compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for historic preservation, and NEPA where applicable (in alignment with the site conditions in Attachment 9. A selection of planning and/or design supplemental documents may be provided in Attachment 8.

5. Financial Capacity and Fundraising: Demonstrate your institution’s long-term financial stability and its history of fundraising, resources, leadership, and experience that will enable it to conduct a successful fundraising campaign for the matching fund required. If the NIFA-supported project is partially a component of a larger agricultural facility, briefly explain how you intend to finance the entire plan. Describe the fundraising strategy and timeline for the proposed project in alignment with the project plan in Attachment 4 and your requested period of performance. Identify potential sources of eligible third-party, nonfederal gifts to meet the matching requirement. If applicable, detail funds raised to date and plans for soliciting the balance.

6. Project Team: Identify the project team and describe their roles. Indicate if there are collaborators outside of the organization, such as community partners or advisors.

Explain the involvement of specialist consultants and contractors (e.g., architects, engineers, owner’s representatives) and whether they are already engaged or need to be hired. Describe how the institution has or will obtain the appropriate knowledge, resources, and capacity to successfully plan for or execute the agricultural research facilities act project (e.g., prior experience, project management expertise). Identify the staff and consultants responsible for fundraising and financial management of the project and indicate their competency for their roles and responsibilities.

7. Deliverables, Outcomes, and Sustainability: Describe your anticipated deliverables and outcomes. Explain how the institution, through its mission, personnel, governance, agricultural research facilities, and resources, will sustain them over the long term. For example, how will the feasibility of the proposed research facilities project be assessed?

What are the staffing plans for the new or renovated space? How will it be maintained?

What is the expected lifespan of purchased furnishings or equipment?

9.) Project Narrative Each Section of the Project Narrative Corresponds to Review Criteria.

Project Narrative Section

Review Criteria

Introduction (1) Agricultural research facility significance and target audience

Significance and target audience (1) Agricultural research facility significance and target audience

Long-term impact and institutional commitment

(2) Long-term impact and institutional commitment

Project Planning and Activities (3) Project feasibility Financial capacity and fundraising (4) Fundraising plans Project Team (5) Project key personnel and team

Deliverables, outcomes, and sustainability (6) Project outcomes and their sustainability

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

Attachments for this field include the following: the Project Plan (Attachment 4), the Institutional Profile (Attachment 5), the Letters of Commitment or Support (Attachment 7), the Planning and Design Documents (Attachment 8), the Site Conditions (Attachment 9) and Additional Supporting Documentation (Attachment 10). Brief guidelines on what should be in each component are provided below.

1. Attachment 4. Project Planning and Activities (required):

Provide a project plan that includes a chronology of important project milestones listed in the narrative, any actions you have already performed, and the project's activity calendar.

A mix of the two formats, a chart, or a narrative with headings can be used to present the project plan. Provide a timetable that details the projected start and end dates as well as the number of months for each of the following significant accomplishments during the award's performance period: Planning actions; facility or land purchases; construction planning and design; construction documents, permits, and/or variances; compliance with federal environmental and historic preservation requirements; contract acquisition; site work, foundation, fabrication, material shipments, utilities and systems, fit-out, millwork, and casework; purchase and installation.

Verify that the dates and milestones in your project plan correspond to your performance period and fundraising timetable. Your work schedule should allow enough time to accommodate an assessment of historic preservation and the environment. The length of time needed will vary depending on the project's intricacy and other site-specific elements. The project plan has a suggested length of three (3) pages. Name the file projectplan.pdf.

2. Attachment 5. Institutional Profile (required):

Provide the institution’s URL and the following in an outline:

a. Informational facts and figures regarding the institution, such as its:

i. History, Mission Statement, Governance, Administrative Structure, and Physical Infrastructure

ii. The sizes and makeup of the research working group/staff in food and agricultural sciences (including the percentage of all staff who work in the food and agricultural sciences)

iii. Existing research facilities of agriculture and food sciences (including the percentage of all research facilities that are in the food and agricultural sciences)

iv. Affiliation or accreditation (if applicable)

b. Data on recent food and agricultural sciences program activities, including:

i. Types and numbers of enrollments, programs, courses, and degrees awarded in the past two years.

ii. Percentage of total offerings that are in the food and agricultural sciences.

iii. Size and nature of audience or population served, or participant figures.

iv. Cost to participants (if any)

v. Evidence for the success of these food and agricultural sciences activities

vi. If available, provide a URL for the institution’s latest annual report.

The institutional profile has a suggested length of five (5) pages. Name the file profile.pdf.

3. Attachment 7. Letters of Commitment or Support (required):

Include letters of commitment or support from appropriate officials confirming the institution’s commitment to the proposed agricultural research facilities activities and to meeting the requirements of the RFAP. You may include other letters of support, such as from scholars in the field, community leaders, and participants in or beneficiaries of the agricultural research facilities, as appropriate. Letters of commitment should refer to the application for NIFA support and must be signed and dated. Elected government officials, and NIFA staff, may not serve as letter writers. Name the file letters.pdf.

4. Attachment 8. Planning and Design Documents (recommended):

Include a selection of planning and design documents such as renderings and line drawings, and other pertinent materials that inform and guide the proposed research facility and activities. Drawings should clearly identify the proposed project components.

Crop or reformat renderings and line drawings to fit the standard letter size (8 ½” x 11”).

The selection of planning and design documents has a suggested limit of 10 pages. Name the file design.pdf.

5. Attachment 9. Site Conditions (conditionally required):

You must include a description of the site, the project, and any potential expected effects on the environment and historic preservation for NIFA to review if your project entails the development of final design or construction documents, the execution of new construction, expansion, alteration, renovation, repair, rehabilitation, or ground disturbing activities.

6. Attachment 10. Additional Supporting Documentation (recommended):

You may include other relevant documents to support the application, including materials that illustrate agricultural research activities, such as programming and/or, organizational brochures, or evaluation materials (metrics or survey documents). Your application may include links or URLs to relevant documents, webpages, or other materials.

If you propose to renovate leased property, you must submit a copy of the existing or proposed long-term lease agreement (the lease must extend at least five (5) years from the end of the proposed period of performance), the landlord or lessor’s consent to the renovation, and the landlord or lessor’s agreement to the period of federal interest of five

(5) years from the period of performance end date and to file a Notice of Federal Interest (as applicable).

If a Hispanic-Serving Institution of higher education is unable to verify its status as an HSI by consulting the most recent Eligibility Matrix, include a PDF of a 2022 or 2023 letter or other document from the Department of Education, certifying Title III and Title V eligibility.

Additional supporting documentation has a suggested limit of 10 pages. Merge all relevant materials into a single, flattened PDF and name the file documentation.pdf.

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.

Field 2, Add Attachment 6: Biographical sketch (BS) and Current and Pending Support for key personnels. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

Biographical sketch (BS) and Current and Pending Support for key personnel (required)

Include brief biographical sketches for the project director and other staff with major responsibilities for the project. Include persons listed in the budget justification, as well as key consultants to the project. List job or position descriptions for any staff who will be hired specifically to work on the project. Limit the length for résumés to two pages per person. Name the file keypersonnel.pdf.

Field 3: Attach Current and Pending Support (required). See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. A suggested template is available through NIFA's Application Template Resource.

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

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

SF-424C Budget Information for Construction Programs. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

1. Provide the total Federal and non-Federal (match) cost of each budget category listed.

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

III, B of this RFA is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the Budget Narrative. 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.

3. Indirect costs (IDC) – Applicants may request IDC using the lesser of: (a) the negotiated rate or (b) the maximum statutory rate. Include total funds requested for IDC in Field 11.

Miscellaneous. See Part IV, C of this RFA for funding restrictions regarding IDC and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.

Budget Narrative Attachment Form (Attachment 3).

Use the Budget Narrative to provide additional information in each budget category identified and any other information to support the budget request. The Budget Narrative detail should follow the same order as the budget. Only one file may be attached.

The Budget Narrative must include:

1. An estimation of the overall project expenditures for each year of the performance period for the funding level you selected, a matching fund from third-party, nonfederal contributions that will be obtained, and the amount of requested NIFA funds.

2. A detailed and concise justification that further breaks down cost items under each category of the SF-424C. The budget justification should clearly describe the purpose of expenditures and align with the proposed project as described in the narrative. Identify the names of key personnel that will be supported with NIFA funds, and their roles and responsibilities on the project. The budget justification should show quantities, unit prices and total cost, as applicable. The budget justification should be an extension of the project narrative. You may provide construction estimates to supplement the budget justification.

3. Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B of this RFA must list 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.”

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 ‘Research

Facilities Act Program’ and the program code RFAP. Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions

Legislative mandated Indirect Cost (IDC). Section 7 U.S.C. §390d(b) of the Research Facilities Act states, “Not more than 3 percent of the funds made available for any project for an agricultural research facility shall be available for administration of the project.” Therefore, when preparing budgets, applicants must limit their requests for recovery of indirect costs to three (3) percent of the total funds requested.

If the applicant does not have a negotiated IDC (Indirect Cost) rate, and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant must calculate an IDC rate in order to request IDC. Applicants are not required to complete the IDC package during the application process. Applicants need only to calculate an IDC rate to serve as a basis for requesting IDC, please see National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov) for additional resources. If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a complete IDC proposal package to obtain a negotiated rate. The legislative limit would apply to the proposed calculated rate.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim

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…