FY23 SNAP ET DATA Grant RFA FINAL.pdf 04_27_2023_.pdf

Information Collection: 0584-0512 Expiration date: 07/31/2025

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Fiscal Year 2023 Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants Program

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) Catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.537

Release Date: April 27, 2023

Application Due Date:

June 27, 2023; 11:59 pm, EST Anticipated Award Date: August 2023

OMB BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-0512. The estimated average time required to complete this information collection is 40 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Application Checklist

This Application Checklist provides applicants with a list of the required documents. However, FNS expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application and comply with all requirements outlined in the solicitation. The Application Checklist is for applicant use only and should not be submitted as part of the Application Package.

Complete the following at least four weeks prior to submission:

Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number;

Register the UEI number in the System for Award Management (SAM); and, Register in grants.gov.

When preparing your application, ensure:

Application format and narrative meet the requirements included in Section 4 – Application and

Submission Information. This includes page limits, priorities outlined in Section 5 – Application Review Information, and all necessary attachments.

When preparing your budget, ensure the following information is included:

All key staff proposed to be paid by this grant.

The percentage of time the Project Director will devote to the project in full-time equivalents (FTEs).

Your organization’s fringe benefit rate and amount, as well as the basis for the computation.

The type of fringe benefits to be covered with Federal funds.

Itemized travel expenses (including type of travel), travel justification, and basis for lodging estimate.

Types of equipment and supplies, justifications, and estimates, ensuring that the budget is in line with the project description.

Information for all contracts and justification for any sole-source contracts Justification, description, and an itemized list of all consultant services.

Indirect cost information (either a copy of a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or if no agreement exists and the applicant has never been approved for a NICRA, they may charge up to 10% de minimis). If an applicant is requesting the de minimis rate or indirect costs are not required, please state this in the budget narrative.

When submitting your application, ensure you have submitted the following:

FNS-906 – Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-

424 item #15) Resumes of key staff Letters of support/commitment from key staff and partners Additional attachments as required.

http://www.grants.gov/

Table of Contents

Application Checklist

1. Program Description and Objectives

Program Description

Key Objectives

2. Federal Award Information

Allowable Costs

Unallowable Costs

3. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Ineligible Applicants

Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations

Other Eligibility Criteria

Responsiveness Criteria

Pre-Award Screening Requirements

Acknowledgement of USDA Support

4. Application and Submission Information

Content and Form of Application Submission

Special Instructions

Cover Sheet

Table of Contents

Application Project Summary

Project Narrative

Activities/Indicators Tracker

Application Budget Narrative

Indirect Cost Rate

Required Grant Application Forms

Submission Date

Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Intergovernmental Review

Funding Restrictions

5. Application Review Information

Review Criteria

Soundness or Merit of Project Design (40 Points)

Budget Appropriateness and Economic Efficiency (25 Points)

Organizational Experience, Staff Capability and Management (20 Points)

Implementation and Evaluation (15 Points)

Bonus Points (10 points) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………22

Review and Selection Process

6. Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notice

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Confidentiality of an Application

Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality of the Review Process

Administrative Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations and Other Government Requirements

Reporting Requirements

Financial Reports

Performance Progress Reports (PPR)

7. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

8. Other Information

Debriefing Requests

Appendix

RFA Budget Narrative Checklist

FNS-906 Grant Program Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire

FNS-908 Performance Progress Report (PPR) – For Reference Only

1. Program Description and Objectives

The purpose of the SNAP E&T Data and Technical Assistance (DATA) Grants is to support the development of State SNAP E&T data collection systems and processes, as well as enhance States’ ability to critically review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement. The entities eligible to receive grants under this competition are State and local agencies that administer SNAP.

Program Description

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the cornerstone of USDA's nutrition assistance programs. It began in its modern form in 1961 but has its origins in the Food Stamp Plan to help the poor in the 1930s. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net and provides nutrition assistance benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to millions of low-income people. These benefits help supplement household food budgets so recipients can purchase more healthy food.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), provides approximately $6 million, in discretionary grant funds to support State and local agencies in the development of E&T data collection systems and processes that enhance States’ ability review and analyze program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement, as well as additional funds for technical assistance, so that States can become more effective, data driven E&T providers. FNS is interested in funding projects that further State’s ability to use data to continually advance equity in SNAP E&T programs.

SNAP participants are expected to seek and accept work if they are able. Participants who are not specifically exempted by statute, such as those who are caring for a dependent child under 6 or who cannot work due to a physical or mental condition, are subject to work requirements as a condition of eligibility. General SNAP work requirements include: registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours, taking a suitable job if offered, and participating in an employment and training program as assigned by the State agency. In addition to these general work requirements, able-bodied adults without dependents are required by statute to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week or participate in workfare in order to receive SNAP benefits for longer than 3 months in a 36-month period.

States are required to operate a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program to help participants gain skills, education, training, and experience that lead to good, stable jobs and greater economic stability. USDA is committed to working with States and interested stakeholders to develop E&T programs that are equitable, data driven, more effective and efficient, and which improve employment and earnings outcomes for all program participants.

Funding Track for Fiscal Year 2023

FNS seeks to fund Fiscal year 2023 DATA Grants covering two tracks:

1. Advancing Equity within SNAP E&T programs; and

2. Improving SNAP E&T Data Validity and Reliability.

State agencies may apply for one or both tracks. All funds are contingent upon the availability of funding.

Advancing Equity within SNAP E&T Programs (Track 1)

In alignment with USDA’s priorities and Executive Order 13985, FNS is committed to promoting equity1 in the SNAP E&T program. Throughout the United States, systemic barriers for historically underserved communities have, historically and to this day, led to significant barriers to education, training, and full participation in the labor market. SNAP E&T programs are primed to be leaders in promoting equitable (i.e. race, gender, geographic, sexual orientation, religion, etc.) access to good jobs and sustained family-supporting wages in high-demand career fields for those from historically underserved groups; as measured by educational attainment, households that participate in the SNAP program are the least well-off in the labor market.2

However, States may not currently have the resources or experience to assess how program policies and operational practices impact the equitable engagement and outcomes of SNAP E&T participants. In addition, many States do not currently collect data that can be used to analyze SNAP E&T program design and external environmental factors impacting equitable program access and success for historically underserved populations.

FNS is seeking to support projects that help States make data-driven decisions to advance equity in SNAP E&T programs. FNS is interested in funding proposals that advance State’s use of data to:

• Look inwardly at State policy and operational decisions to identify if they have impacts on equitable program participation and whether those impacts are positively or negatively impacting equitable outcomes.

• Look outwardly (e.g. labor market data, transportation, housing, education, child care, etc.) to build an understanding of the environment in which SNAP E&T participants and SNAP E&T programs operate that may lead to inequitable outcomes for participants of various identities, backgrounds, and geographic locations.

Proposed projects should ultimately advance the ability of States to use data to continually assess and adapt SNAP E&T policy and operations to improve and maintain equitable access and outcomes of E&T programs for all participants. As equity is a core component of this funding opportunity, applicants submitting proposals for this funding track must demonstrate how their projects have taken equity into consideration as outlined in the Review Criteria section (Page 18) of this funding opportunity.

Improving SNAP E&T Data Validity and Reliability (Track 2)

This RFA will support State proposals to identify, address, and improve State process, training, or system issues that lead to problems with E&T data validity and reliability.

State agencies must collect data on participants in SNAP E&T to fulfill reporting requirements and monitor program operations. The usability of this data to inform program outcomes, improve program functions, and ensure appropriate use of E&T funds is hampered when States lack the tools and resources to ensure data validity and reliability.

FNS is seeking to support projects that improve the validity and reliability of data that is reported to FNS and used to manage State program operations. FNS is interested in funding proposals that advance the State’s use of data to: 1) support the development of processes, tools, reports or other instruments that will improve

1 The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native

American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

2 https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/45143/40626_err157.pdf?v=0 https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/45143/40626_err157.pdf?v=0 validity and reliability in the collection, cleaning, and analysis of State E&T data; and 2) assist State and local SNAP agencies in developing frameworks, processes, organizational agreements, and/or trainings to improve the reliability and validity of State E&T data. For the purposes of this RFA:

• Validity is defined as E&T data results that measure what they are supposed to measure. For example, if an outcome measure is expected to capture the median wage of individuals 1 month after completion of an E&T component, to be a valid outcome measure the result produced by the State must actually capture the median wage of only E&T participants who have completed the component exactly 1 month after completion.

• Reliability is defined as E&T data results that are reproducible under the same circumstances. For example, if an E&T provider reports to the State agency through the MIS system that 100 E&T participants completed the component in the first quarter of the fiscal year, the State must be able to reproduce the value of 100 participants when examining provider records, including fiscal records, to be a reliable measure of participation.

• State agencies may not produce valid or reliable data for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:

o E&T providers may not be adequately trained on the data they must collect from participants in their program.

o The State may lack common definitions of significant terms used in the description of measurements causing confusion when working across the State and with external providers (e.g. when does an individual become an E&T participant, when does a participant start a component, when does a participant complete a component, is wage data calculated hourly, weekly, or monthly etc.)

o The State may lack efficient data systems to share data between E&T providers and the State resulting in delays and mis-counts.

o The State may not have developed internal protocols to “clean” data submitted by E&T providers to ensure completeness, consistency, and accuracy.

o Internal reports to check validity and reliability may not be properly programmed in the MIS system to fulfill their purpose.

o The E&T MIS system and the SNAP eligibility system may not be able to efficiently or easily share information, resulting in work-arounds that cause data inaccuracies.

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the SNAP E&T Data Grants must serve one or both purposes outlined just below that align with: Advancing racial equity and improving data validity and reliability.

First, FNS is seeking to support projects that help States make data-driven decisions to advance equity in SNAP E&T programs. FNS is interested in funding proposals that advance State’s use of data to: inwardly at State policy and operational decisions to identify if they have impacts on equitable program participation and whether those impacts are positively or negatively impacting equitable outcomes; and 2) look outwardly (e.g.

labor market data, transportation, housing, education, child care, etc.) to build an understanding of the environment in which SNAP E&T participants and SNAP E&T programs operate that may lead to inequitable outcomes for participants of various identities, backgrounds, and geographic locations. Proposed projects should ultimately advance the ability of States to use data to continually assess and adapt SNAP E&T policy and operations to improve and maintain equitable access and outcomes of E&T programs for all participants.

Second, FNS is seeking to support projects that improve the validity and reliability of data that is reported to FNS and used to manage State program operations. FNS is interested in funding proposals that advance the State’s use of data to: 1) support the development of processes, tools, reports or other instruments that will improve validity and reliability in the collection, cleaning, and analysis of State E&T data; and 2) assist State and local SNAP agencies in developing frameworks, processes, organizational agreements, and/or trainings to improve the reliability and validity of State E&T data.

With these purposes and the two tracks outlined earlier in the document, in mind, FNS recognizes that States are at various places in their ability to use data to advance equity in E&T programs or to take steps to improve data validity and reliability. The SNAP E&T DATA grants are intended to support the full range of needs States may have related to making program improvements. The use of funds should be for one or more of the following purposes: 1) project planning; 2) data collection; 3) data analysis; 4) use of data and reporting.

1) Project Planning:

Planning is the first step in the data life cycle. As such, activities that fall under planning include all of the steps necessary for future stages of data projects centered on identifying inequities and improving program outcomes that are useful and ethically sound. Examples of possible activities grant funds may be used for related to planning include, but are not limited to:

• Identifying stakeholders, performing community outreach, convening work groups

• Developing a project plan, including articulating a mission, purpose, and goals of proposed work

• Developing an understanding of local, social, and historical context surrounding the populations that projects seek to serve

• Determining the appropriate data to collect and assessing currently available data

• Developing guidelines for the ethical collection and use of sensitive demographic data

• Developing guidelines and safeguards that prioritize data security and prevent broad access to individual-level linked data

• Performing a risk-benefit analysis of proposed projects

• Developing a plan for data sharing and integration

• Outlining a framework for using data and analysis to improve programs, or improve data validity and reliability

• Performing a needs assessment to determine where data and validity problems arise, identify their root causes, and strategize next steps for improvement

2) Data collection:

• Purchasing, developing, or adapting computer equipment or software critical to data collection and analysis

• Disaggregating demographic data

• Developing systems for collecting information on participant reimbursements and their impacts on participation from an equity perspective

• Developing flexible data systems that adapt to policy, operational, or system changes

• Developing advanced methods of data collection that will allow States to regularly gauge the equity within SNAP E&T programs and develop and measure new strategies designed to improve program equity

• Integrating or sharing preexisting data between and within government agencies (e.g. using public transit data to assess access barriers to E&T providers)

• Including State staff and community stakeholders in defining which data should be collected

• Collaborating with agencies and community partners to generate a shared data development agenda that will advance data collection needs to improve equitable access and outcomes (e.g. working with E&T providers, workforce agencies, or higher education providers to standardize demographic data that is collected.)

• Collecting participant specific E&T component data

• Providing training to E&T providers and/or other State agency counterparts to improve understanding of data collection requirements to improve data validity and reliability

• Creating reports or other instruments to assess data validity and reliability during data collection or shortly after (e.g. reports to assist with data cleaning)

• Convening work groups to implement strategic changes to improve data validity or reliability

• Creating data portals or templates to improve the collection of data from E&T providers

3) Data analysis:

• Analyzing disaggregated demographic data as they relate to SNAP E&T engagement, participation, program services and outcomes

• Analyzing labor market data to understand opportunities or disparities for historically underserved communities

• Critically reviewing program services and outcomes for continuous program improvement

• Developing systems to analyze SNAP E&T participant reimbursement data and other supportive services to understand what supports are most effective and efficient in helping SNAP participants from various backgrounds and identities gain skills, earn industry-linked certificates and credentials, and obtain stable, good jobs

• Incorporating individual, community, political, and historical contexts of race, gender, sexual identity, disability status, geographic location, etc. to inform analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Engaging experts to ensure that data models used are appropriate to examine the specific aspects of E&T programs States would like to understand and improve within local context (e.g., agency staff, caseworkers, data scientists, statisticians)

• Creating reports to identify problematic areas of data collection with regard to data validity and reliability to provide feedback and technical assistance to E&T providers and other State collaborators for improvement.

• Using existing data, identify likely issues with data reliability and validity for project improvement

4) Use of data and reporting:

• Developing appropriate measures that allow States to make accurate and timely decisions related to program policies and operations to advance equity

• Conducting assessments of policies and procedures to identify and understand impacts on equitable participation and outcomes for participants

• Implementing data-driven solutions to improve program quality and equity

• Implementing data-driven solutions to improve data validity and reliability

• Implementing systems for continuous program improvement that allows testing of solutions

• Purchasing, developing, or adapting software for data dissemination and reporting

Key Objectives

Below is a list of Program Objectives. As noted in Section 4, within the “Activities/Indicators Tracker,” (page

15) (example) proposed activities should be clearly aligned to these objectives and their associated activities and indicators. Applicants do not need to address all the objectives below.

# Objectives

1 Support the development of State data systems and processes that advance State and local government use of data to look inwardly at State policy and operational decisions to identify if they have impacts on equitable program participation and whether those impacts are positively or negatively impacting equitable outcomes.

2 Support the development of State data systems and processes that advance State and local government use of data to look outwardly to build an understanding of the environment in which SNAP E&T participants and SNAP E&T programs operate that may lead to inequitable outcomes for participants of various identities, backgrounds, and geographic locations.

2. Federal Award Information

The following information is intended to provide applicants with information to help make informed decisions about proposal submissions.

• Total amount of funding expected to award: $6,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 8

• Minimum individual award amount (award floor): $50,000

• Maximum individual award amount (award ceiling): $6,000,000

• Anticipated award announcement date: August 2023

• Anticipated period of performance (start and end date of the award): September 1, 2023 to September

30, 2026

• Application due date: June 27, 2023

Please note:

• Grant awards are subject to the availability of funding and/or appropriations of funds.

• FNS reserves the right to use this solicitation and competition to award additional grants this year or the subsequent fiscal year, should additional funds become available.

Allowable Costs

All costs proposed in the budget and detailed in the budget narrative must be allowable, reasonable, necessary, and allocable. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles for a detailed description of all allowable and unallowable costs.

The SNAP E&T DATA grants are intended to support the full range of needs States may have related to the two funding tracks: Advancing Equity within SNAP E&T programs and data validity and reliability. The use of funds should be for one or more of the following purposes: 1) project planning; 2) data collection; 3) data analysis; 4) use of data and reporting.

Funds can be used for one or both tracks and for more than one purpose, but applicants should clearly state the purpose(s) for which the funds will be used. Among other costs, budgets may include expenses related to personnel, contractors, equipment and supplies, meeting expenses, travel, and trainings.

Equipment and Supplies: Expenditures for both equipment (i.e., items of personal property having a useful life of more than one year and a cost of $5,000 or more) and supplies are allowable expenses with prior approval https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E by FNS. While these expenditures are allowable, FNS reserves the right to approve/disapprove these expenditures based upon the needs of the Agency and the proposed project.

Unallowable Costs

Funds from this RFA shall not be used for the ongoing cost of carrying out an existing project (supplanting) .

Also, FNS reserves the right to request information on all contractual awards and costs after the award of the grantee’s contract. Furthermore, projects predicated on waiving SNAP regulations are not allowable and will not be considered for funding. However, if after the grant is awarded, a State agency determines a waiver is needed, the State may apply for one but there is no guarantee FNS will approve the waiver.

Entertainment: Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable, unless there is a programmatic purpose and prior approval is granted by

FNS.

3. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Any of the 53 State agencies that administer SNAP (50 States and the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) may apply for a grant. If a County in a County-administrated State wishes to apply, the State agency must submit a letter of support on behalf of the County. State agencies may submit more than one application. For example, a State agency may submit applications on behalf of several County-administered agencies. However, State agencies should thoroughly review the grant proposals prior to submission to ensure projects are appropriate and in-line with State policies and procedures.

Entities not meeting the eligibility definitions will be deemed ineligible and removed from competition without further consideration.

The entities eligible to receive grants under this competition are State and local agencies that administer

SNAP.

State or local agencies without the internal capacity may choose to partner with an external entity (such as a research university or organizations with subject matter expertise) to create systems, policies, and culture to make data-driven decisions to address inequities in SNAP E&T programs and develop, maintain, and use necessary data systems as outlined in proposals. State or local agencies may also choose to partner with an external entity to assist with developing systems, processes, or training that will improve data validity and reliability. If an agency chooses to partner with another entity, the following must be considered in the development of the partnership model:

• The entity must have authentic and demonstrated experience assisting or leading projects related to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting sensitive disaggregated demographic data; entity must be able to demonstrate their concern and understanding of the personal safety related to collecting data from historically underserved populations and those who may feel unsafe sharing data related to race, ethnicity, disability status, gender, etc.

• If the entity will be assisting in the collection, reporting, analysis and use of disaggregated demographic data the entity must have a demonstrated capacity to assist in the collection, reporting, analysis and use of disaggregated demographic data; and

• If the entity will be assisting in the collection, reporting, analysis and use of data the entity must be able to ensure that the data collected will be stored, accessed, and used in accordance with local, State, and Federal confidentiality and personally identifiable information (PII) protective provisions.

Ineligible Applicants

• Any entity other than the 53 State agencies that administer SNAP (i.e., 50 States and the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) is ineligible to participate in this competition or to apply for a grant.

• International (non-U.S. or non-U.S. territories) entities are not eligible to apply.

Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations

• There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for this award.

Other Eligibility Criteria

Any of the 53 State agencies that administer SNAP (50 States and the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) may apply for a grant. If a County in a County-administrated State wishes to apply, the State agency must submit a letter of support on behalf of the County. State agencies may submit more than one application. For example, a State agency may submit applications on behalf of several County-administered agencies. However, State agencies should thoroughly review the grant proposals prior to submittal to ensure projects are appropriate and in-line with State policies and procedures.

If the grant proposal is submitted by a County agency, the State agency must provide a Letter of Support to attest that it will support and cooperate with the local agency in implementing the grant. It must be provided on the State agency’s letterhead and be signed by an authorized individual.

Responsiveness Criteria

The complete application must be uploaded to www.grants.gov by 11:59pm, Eastern Standard Time, on the application due date (June 27, 2023) listed on the cover page of this RFA. Applications received after the deadline date will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed or considered. USDA will not consider any additions or revisions to an application once it is received. USDA will not accept mailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications.

Pre-Award Screening Requirements

In reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, prior to making a Federal award, Federal awarding agencies, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.205, are required to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualifications or financial integrity information. Additionally, Federal awarding agencies are required to have a framework in place for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards. The FNS review of risk posed by applicants will be based on the following:

• SAM.gov, the System for Award Management, the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS

• FAPIIS, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System that has been established to track contractor misconduct and performance

• FNS Risk Assessment Questionnaire o Applicants must complete the Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability

Questionnaire that allows FNS to evaluate aspects of the applicant’s financial stability, quality of management systems, and history of performance, reports, and findings from audits. The questionnaire contains a number of questions that may be an indicator of potential risk.

http://www.grants.gov/

The evaluation of the information obtained from the designated systems and the risk assessment questionnaire may result in FNS imposing special conditions or additional oversight requirements that correspond to the degree of risk assessed.

Acknowledgement of USDA Support

As outlined in 2 CFR 415.2, grant recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA Food and Nutrition Service support on any publications written or published with grant support and, if feasible, on any publication reporting the results of, or describing, a grant-supported activity. Recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA Food and Nutrition Service support on any audiovisual which is produced with grant support, and which has a direct production cost of over $5,000.

• When acknowledging USDA support, use the following language: "This material is based upon work that is supported by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.” Grantees should follow the USDA Visual Standards Guide when using the USDA logo.

• Grant recipients may be asked to host USDA officials for a site visit during the course of their grant award. All costs associated with the site visit will be paid for by USDA and are not expected to be included in grant budgets.

4. Application and Submission Information

Content and Form of Application Submission

FNS strongly encourages eligible applicants interested in applying to this program to adhere to the following applicant format. The proposed project plan should be presented on 8 ½” x 11” white paper with at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom. All pages should be single-spaced in 12-point font. The project description with relevant information should be captured on no more than 10 pages, not including the cover sheet, table of content, resumes, letter(s) of commitment, endorsement letter(s), budget narrative(s), appendices, and required forms. All pages, excluding form pages, must be numbered.

Special Instructions:

• Late application submission will not be considered in this competition. FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• Letters of support must be submitted with the application through grants.gov. Letters submitted via email will not be considered.

• Applications submitted without the required supporting documents, forms, certification will not be considered.

• Applications missing a written proposal or budget narrative will not be considered and deemed nonresponsive.

• FNS reserves the right to request clarification on any application submitted in response to this solicitation.

• Applications not submitted via Grants.gov will not be considered.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through Grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNS will accept the latest application package successfully submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

Cover Sheet The cover page should include, at a minimum:

• Applicant’s name and mailing address

• Primary contact’s name, job title, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address

• Grant program title and subprogram title (if applicable) https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/visual-standards-guide-january-2013.pdf

Table of Contents The Table of Contents should include relevant sections, subsections and associated page numbers.

Application Project Summary The application should clearly describe the proposed project activities and anticipated outcomes that would result if the proposal were to be funded.

Project Narrative The project narrative should clearly identify what the applicant is proposing and how it will address a solution, the expected results and/or benefits once the solution is achieved, and how it will meet the RFA program scope and objectives. The proposed project methodology should describe the project design, address program specific methodology needs, procedures, timetables, monitoring/oversight, and the organization’s project staffing.

Necessary parts of the narrative, which will be reviewed and evaluated, include : 1) Soundness or Merit of Project Design, 2) Budget Appropriateness and Economic Efficiency, 3) Organizational Experience, Staff Capability and Management, 4) Implementation and Evaluation. The detailed description of this criteria is found in section Application Review Information under Evaluation Factors and Criteria, Page 19.

In addition to the above-mentioned sections of the project narrative, applicants should consider the following guiding questions, particularly if you are submitting a proposal under Advancing Racial Equity (Track 1).

Applicants are not required to submit explicit answers to these questions, they are only meant to assist in crafting meaningful applications.

Guiding Questions for Consideration (For Track 1 Applicants Only):

1. How is your organization’s view on racial equity and inclusion incorporated in this project proposal?

2. What forms of diversity (racial, gender, cultural, citizenship status, linguistic, etc.) does this project seek to focus on? Does your organization’s leadership and/or project management team reflect this diversity?

3. How will your project recognize and address intersecting forms of marginalized identities (i.e.

individuals that identify or fall into more than one marginalized category)?

4. How do you propose to draw upon diverse perspectives in the community or field that the proposed work will serve? Did your project design include consultation with members of the group your project intends to serve? What type of consultation?

5. Has your organization had prior success in improving program participation for an underserved community? If so, how can lessons learned be applied to this proposal?

6. What racial equity and inclusion challenges does your organization face?

7. What policies or technologies are in place that may be barriers to meeting the needs of underserved populations in your project area?

8. How will you measure the impact of your proposal on promoting equity in specific communities?

What data collection methodologies will be used? Are the data collection methodologies sensitive to the needs of the community they intend to serve?

9. How will the project reduce racial/ethnic disparities in participation and outcomes of SNAP E&T programming? How will the project promote equity?

10. How will racial equity and inclusion efforts extend beyond the project’s period of performance?

Activities/Indicators Tracker

Proposed Activities and indicators measuring success must be mapped to Program Objectives (as described in Section 1 – Program Description on page 4) in the below format (note that additional Activities/Indicators can be added as needed).

Note: Indicators are defined as any metric you anticipate will be able to be tracked during the period of performance of the grant. Common examples include Number of People Attended, Number of People Impacted, Number of Conferences Delivered, Number of Materials Created, Number of Trainings, Number of People Trained.

Example Objective # 1. Support the development of State data systems and processes that advance State and local government use of data to look inwardly at State policy and operational decisions to identify if they have impacts on equitable program participation and whether those impacts are positively or negatively impacting equitable outcomes.

Activity Grant-funded activities

Indicator(s) Data system development progress

Objective #

Activity

Indicator(s)

Objective #

Activity

Indicator(s)

Application Budget Narrative The budget narrative, formatted as a table, should correspond with the proposed project narrative and application budget. The narrative must justify and support the bona fide needs of the budget’s direct cost. If the budget includes indirect costs, the applicant must provide a copy of its most recently approved Federal indirect cost rate agreement. Budget categories in this table must match those listed on the SF-424A form. If the budget table is created in a spreadsheet, it must be formatted to fit on an 8.5 x 11-inch page, with a font no smaller than 11-point Times New Roman. All funding requests must be in whole dollars.

Indirect Cost Rate A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency, should be used to charge indirect costs. Indirect costs may not exceed the negotiated rate. If a NICRA is used, the percentage and base should be indicated. If the applicant does not have, and has never been approved for, a NICRA, they may charge up to 10% de minimis. In this instance, the applicant must indicate they are requesting the de minimis rate. An applicant may elect not to charge indirect costs and instead use all grant funds for direct costs. If indirect costs are not charged, the phrase “none requested” should be stated in the budget narrative. For questions related to the indirect cost rate, please work with the Grant Officer as noted in Section 7 of this RFA.

Required Grant Application Forms The required grants.gov forms are located at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html.

• Non-Construction Grant Projects Forms: SF-424 Family o Application and Instruction for Federal Assistance (SF-424) o Budget Information and Instructions (SF-424A) o Assurance-Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html

• SF LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) o Indicate on your form whether your organization intends to conduct lobbying activities. If you organization does not intend to lobby, write “Not Applicable” in boxes required to be completed.

• Additional Required Forms and Information o Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. Please see below for further information o SAM registration. Please see below for further information.

Submission Date

Complete grant applications must be uploaded to www.grants.gov by 11:59 PM EDT on the due date (June 27, 2023) also listed on the cover page.

• Applications must be submitted via grants.gov. Mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered application packages will not be accepted. For further instructions, see the section “Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov” below.

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through www.grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNS will accept the latest application package successfully submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

FNS strongly encourages applicants to begin the registration process at least four weeks before the due date and to submit applications to grants.gov at least one week before the deadline to allow time to troubleshoot any issues should they arise. Please note that upon submission, grants.gov may send multiple confirmation notices. Applicants should ensure receipt of confirmation that the application was accepted.

FNS will not accept applications outside of grants.gov. Applicants experiencing difficulty submitting applications through grants.gov should contact applicant support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. This service is available 24/7.

Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov

Applicants must register with www.grants.gov and SAM.gov in order to submit an application to FNS via grants.gov as required.

In order to submit an application, you must:

1. Obtain a UEI number

What is a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)?

A UEI is a unique number assigned to all entities (public and private companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations) who register to do business with the federal government. For more information, visit the U.S. General Services Administration website.

Where do I go to learn more about the UEI?

The U.S. General Services Administration Unique Entity Identifier Update page contains the most up-to-date information about the UEI.

Note: After April 4, 2022, entities can register in SAM.gov and will be assigned their “SAM UEI.” They will no longer obtain or use a “DUNS UEI” for entity registration or reporting. For additional information on the UEI process, please visit SAM.gov.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/technology-transformation-services/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update?gsaredirect=entityid https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/technology-transformation-services/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update?gsaredirect=entityid https://sam.gov/content/home

2. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)

• On April 4, 2022, the UEI used across the federal government changed from the DUNS number to the UEI (generated by SAM.gov).

• SAM combines federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one system. Visit SAM.gov for additional information.

• To register, you must have your organization’s UEI, the organization’s Tax ID Number (TIN), and taxpayer name (as it appears on the last tax return). It may take up to 5 to 7 business days or more to register and/or complete the migration of permissions and/or the renewal of an entity record.

• All applicants must have current SAM status at the time of application submission and throughout the duration of a Federal Award in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25.

• FNS strongly encourages applicants to begin this process at least 3 weeks before the due date of the grant solicitation.

3. Create a Grants.gov Account

The next step in the registration process is to create an account with grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to complete this process. For more detailed instruction about creating a profile on grants.gov, visit:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

Applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement or RFA, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, visit www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to contact grants.gov support and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the Center with tracking your issue.

For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, please contact the Grant Officer noted in Section 7 – Federal Awarding Agency Contacts of this RFA.

NOTICE: Special Characters and Naming Conventions All applicants must follow grants.gov guidance on file naming conventions. To avoid submission issues, please follow the guidance provided by grants.gov (per the grants.gov Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ).

Are there restrictions on file names for any attachment I include with my application package?

File attachment names longer than approximately 50 characters can cause problems processing packages.

Please limit file attachment names. Also, do not use any special characters (e.g., ! @ # $ % ^ & * - ‘). This includes periods (.) and spacing followed by a dash in the file. To separate words in naming a file, use underscore (_). For example, Attached_File.pdf.

If these guidelines for file names are not followed, your application will be rejected. FNS will not accept any application rejected from the grants.gov portal due to incorrect naming conventions.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

Additional information can be found at www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html#attachments

Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

All applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on the due date (June 27, 2023) also listed on the cover page, as detailed in Section 4 – Submission Date. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (e.g., GRANTXXXXXXXX) from grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and a grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When FNS successfully retrieves the application from grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgement of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for FNS funding.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware…