FY24-AgVets-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATION

Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 11, 2024

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: FY 2024 $2,864,576

FY 2023 $1,298,231

Total Funding Level $4,162,807

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD RANGE: $100,000-$250,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-010793

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.334

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (AgVets) is listed under Assistance Listing number 10.334.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: Fiscal Year 2024: July 11, 2024, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time Letter of Intent: Not Required

Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts when programs are grounded in DEIA. NIFA is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of programs and encourages individuals, institutions, and organizations from underserved communities to apply to funding opportunities as lead, co-lead, or subaward recipient(s), and to engage as leaders in the peer panel review process to support the development of strong networks and collaborations. NIFA encourages applications that engage diverse communities and have broad impacts through research, education, extension, and integrated activities to address current and future challenges.

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Request for Applications (RFA) 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.

Please use the following subject line: Response to the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans RFA.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA will use this solicitation to request applications for the AgVets program for Fiscal Year 2024 to provide grants to non-profit organizations for programs and services to establish and enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Institutions of higher education (i.e., universities, community colleges) are not eligible to apply. At this time, NIFA requests applications for the FY 2024 funding cycle.

The funding amount available for AgVets in FY2024 is approximately $2,864,576. The funding amount available from FY2023 is approximately $1,298,231. The total funding amount for this grant is approximately $4,162,807.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application B. Content and Form of the Application C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Organizational Management Information D. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Limited English Proficiency

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions Table 6: AgVets Project Narrative Summary

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (AgVets) is authorized under P.L. 118-42 Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 , as incorporated through the Senate Explanatory notes. This authority provides funds to NIFA for a pilot program to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for programs and services to establish and enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans.

B. Purpose and Priorities The USDA and NIFA continue to take a leadership role in assisting veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, while also supporting military families in rural America. As military members from diverse backgrounds complete their tours of duty or transition to Veteran status, many return to rural America ready to farm, ranch, and start new businesses. Job and career opportunities can be difficult to locate. Connecting interested military veterans with meaningful employment is key.

The need for workforce development opportunities for Veterans in rural areas corresponds to the need to train a new generation of farmers and ranchers in areas dominated by an aging farm population. Along with higher percentages of rural youth enlisting in the Army when compared to those from more urban areas, America is experiencing demographic changes such as increased numbers of women and minorities serving, and a greater reliance on the National Guard and Reserve in overseas deployments.

The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets) program under assistance listing 10.334, specifically targets military veterans interested in pursuing careers across the food and agricultural sector. Equipping veterans with the necessary skills, training, and experience that lead to meaningful employment opportunities in turn strengthens personal finances and rural economies.

Other NIFA programs that include military veterans among various population groups served include AgrAbility and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. In addition, military veterans and their families are eligible for most USDA programs.

Handling of baseline data and data collection will be addressed per approved project evaluation or performance measures/outcomes.

Program Purpose: The overarching goal of AgVets is to increase the number of military veterans pursuing knowledge and skills development through comprehensive, hands-on and immersive model farm/ranch programs offered locally or regionally that lead to successful careers in the food and agricultural sector (see Definitions in Appendix III).

The AgVets is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

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

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Priority 5: Translating Research Into Action https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.congress.gov%2F118%2Fbills%2Fhr4366%2FBILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C7258f8a1cdb44e8ac39708dc5314cbd3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638476595984561315%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f4Kk2cKviHCpu7L9S5LBPxcgMnCJj4tsAmX0Shz9nqc%3D&reserved=0 https://nifa.usda.gov/program/agrability https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/initiatives/veterans https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf

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.

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

Table 2: Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: AGVETS

Program Code Name: Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans

Assistance Listing Number 10.334 Project Type: Extension Projects only Grant Type: Standard Grants only

Application Deadline Fiscal Year 2024: July 11, 2024 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Maximum Award Amount: Approximately $250,000 per year for up to 3 years for large standard grants;

Approximately $100,000 per year for up to 3 years for small standard grants

C. Program Area Description To help achieve the AgVets Program goals, both small and large standard AgVets grants support new and established local and regional projects that will develop model training programs specifically designed for hands-on farming/ranching/entrepreneurial training for military veterans. These model training programs must:

1. Offer training and classroom education that leads to a comprehensive understanding of successful farm/ranch/business operation/management practices aligned to the veteran cohort’s interests.

2. Develop or identify the curriculum to be used for the program, including new technologies and innovations, that producers can adopt to help manage their enterprise.

3. Describe the kinds of education, workshops, tours, and instructor-supervised field experiences offered.

4. Be led and managed by a project team that has experience in one or more areas that include:

a. Veteran engagement in agricultural management and leadership, particularly concerning small and medium-size farms and agribusiness, such as the provision of education and training to veterans and the development of skills leading to job placement and career opportunities in farming and ranching, including access to land, equipment, and capital.

b. On-the-job training and education, apprenticeship, and business development activities for veterans pursuing vocational and entrepreneurial interests that support and grow the food supply chain; and/or

c. Strategies to enhance and increase workforce readiness and employment prospects for service-disabled veterans through volunteer engagement and leadership development efforts that promote nature-based reintegration, civic ecology, and earning farm and https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar off-farm income.

5. Be led and managed by a project team that has demonstrated competency to implement a project of comparable size and complexity, demonstrates effective fiscal management, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation.

6. Provide support for veteran participation with a focus on diverse and underrepresented groups. Successful applications will include a sound approach to outreach, selection, and retention of participants.

7. Include outreach to veterans who may have previously participated in projects funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and/or the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Grant Program

8. Align the identified service area with the goals and objectives of AgrAbility, as appropriate.

9. Create alliances and partnerships with academic institutions (including minority-serving and tribal colleges and universities), Extension Risk Management Education Centers (ERMEs), the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs), or other regional entities to meet the requirements of program and project evaluation and dissemination of findings, recommendations and impacts, including scalability

10. Evaluate the identified curriculum and participate in cross-program evaluation to assess the collective impact toward shared performance measures and outcome goals through activities that include Project Team meetings, conference calls, and engagement with federal agency partners as appropriate.

11. Ensure results are disseminated through an effective communication plan.

12. Align education and training goals with USDA programs and resources to increase awareness and engagement with state and local offices of the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), and Rural Development (RD), including potential job and career opportunities within the Department.

13. Collaborate with the Department of Veteran Affairs at the regional, state, or local level to promote referrals, access to healthcare and other benefits to improve the Veteran experience and quality of service to Veterans.

14. Collaborate with the Small Business Administration and its resourced partners at the regional and local level such as Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program;

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Center (WBCs), and the Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program

15. Collaborate with the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service

16. Contribute program information and resources to Farm Answers; and

17. Generate recommendations at the state and/or federal level that strengthen collaboration on transitioning Service members’ education, training, and apprenticeship programs, including use of GI Bill benefits, to promote the food and agricultural sector as a viable career option.

Small and large standard grants will be reviewed by the same panel, and funding can be requested for a three-year project duration. Both small and large standard grant proposals will be evaluated using the same evaluation criteria (see Part V). The expectations for smaller projects, however, will be commensurate with their size (e.g., smaller audiences, more limited geographic https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/socially-disadvantaged-farmers-and-ranchers https://nifa.usda.gov/program/extension-risk-management-education-program https://nifa.usda.gov/program/extension-risk-management-education-program https://rrdc.info/ https://rrdc.info/ https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/vboc https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/wbc https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets https://farmanswers.org/Programs?au=Veterans reach, less complex collaborative arrangements) and provide an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration. Traditional ecological knowledge may or may not be a topic to satisfy the above-mentioned objectives.

For program informational webinars 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.

https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The funding amount available for AgVets in FY2024 is approximately $2,864,576. The funding amount available from FY2023 is approximately $1,298,231. The total funding amount is approximately $4,162,807. USDA is not committed to fund any application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. All applications for FY 2024 should request September 1, 2024, project starting dates on all applications. Applications for FY 2024 are limited to the following application types:

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

Entities with current, active AgVets awards are ineligible to apply.

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

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

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

1. Project Types. Applicants must propose an extension project.

Extension Projects must conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or combinations thereof.

Extension projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, instructional materials and innovative instructional methods appropriate to informal educational programs.

Extension Projects address one or more of the following key strategic actions:

a. Support non-formal education to increase food and agricultural literacy in adults;

b. Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of food and agricultural science data, information, and programs;

c. Build science-based capability in people to engage audiences and enable informed decision making;

d. Develop new applications of instructional tools and curriculum structures that increase technical competency and ensure global competitiveness;

e. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new audiences at the rate at which new ideas and technologies are tested and/or developed at the community-scale; and

f. Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the nation’s food supply, agricultural productivity, https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm environmental quality, community vitality, and/or public health and well-being.

2. Grant Types. Applicants must select the standard grant type.

This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date. The maximum award for a standard grant is approximately $250,000 per year for three (3) years. The program will also accept applications for smaller grants of no more than $100,000 per year for three (3) years of project duration.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5 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 AgVets must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

AgVets applicants must be non-profit organizations (see Definitions in Appendix III). A letter stating the non-profit status should be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.). Institutions of higher education (i.e., universities, community colleges) are not eligible to apply as lead applicants.

Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirement. Project partners and collaborators need not meet the eligibility requirement. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of the project. Applications submitted by individuals are not eligible for consideration under any category applicable to AgVets.

Fiscal Agent:

If an applicant cannot accept Federal funds directly, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds must be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter should include the fiscal agent’s point of contact, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This letter is to be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV, Section B). In the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant or institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management information (see Part V, Section D).

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - AgVets has NO matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OP-010793, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

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

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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

B. Content and Form of the Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-grantsgov-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants 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.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

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

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

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

The Summary/Abstract is limited to 250 words and must be single-spaced.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN – PDF Format is Required). For Small and Large Standard Grants, the PN must not exceed 16 1.5 spaced pages of written text, including figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman).

The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit.

Your application will be reviewed and scored according to the quality of your responses to the requirements in Sections A-F detailed below. In developing the Project Narrative section of your application, use the sections headings listed below. Indicate the Section https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide letter and number in your response, e.g., type “A.1,” “A.2,” etc., before your response to each question. Please do not combine two or more questions or refer to another section of the Project Narrative in your response, such as indicating that the response for B.2 is in C.7.

The Project Narrative must include all the following:

a. Introduction:

The introduction should include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) of the proposed project. Justify the need for the program by identifying the target audience and explaining their needs (military and veteran population, service disability, region, workforce opportunity: as defined by the Economic Research Service as being farm dependent, primarily based on industry wage and employment, or have employment in agriculture or other natural resource-based industries that is above the national average, structure of the particular industry being targeted and associated job skills/training needed, critical barriers such as access to land, equipment, and capital, etc.); and by briefly summarizing, as appropriate to the respective scope of work proposed, how the program has and will offer a comprehensive, immersive learning experience that becomes a model for veterans pursuing opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness, and facilitates connections to USDA field offices, including Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Rural Development, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, the Small Business Administration and/or other federal entities at the regional, state or local level. If necessary, provide a map or schematic of the model farm/ranch or business training facility, including its geographic reach (See Appendix III, Definitions). Show evidence that the project has a clear plan to recruit and seek qualified referrals to the project to meet the projected number of veterans served. As a pilot, discuss how the project builds upon or relates to other models or systems that support Service Members transitioning to veteran status. Describe how the program will benefit rural communities and economies. All works cited should be referenced.

Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section. (Related evaluation criteria [see Part V, Section B (Relevancy)]

b. Objectives and Outcomes:

Concisely present the goals, associated objectives, and expected outputs and outcomes of the project in relation to the audience and needs identified in the introduction. Provide the number of veterans that will be served. Estimate how many of them will attain specific, anticipated knowledge gains or actions (e.g., job placement and career advancement in farming and ranching, vocational and entrepreneurial achievements across the food supply chain; or volunteer and workforce readiness opportunities for service-disabled veterans) and demonstrate how program participants have been informed about and connected with resources that can assist their chosen endeavors. Discuss whether and how this program can be adapted to other regions, communities and/or agricultural systems. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Technical merit.)

c. Approach:

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

i. Description of the activities proposed for each objective.

ii. Timeline of the proposed project, including activities and major outputs and associated outcomes for each year of the project.

iii. How and where the activities will be provided and the appropriateness of the approach for the veteran audience served.

iv. The referral and recruitment process for the veteran audience, including past and prospective focus on disabled, diverse, and underrepresented groups as well as how you will identify possible challenges to your proposed strategy and your plan to address those challenges.

v. Description of the pilot farm/ranch/agribusiness, including acreage, facilities and equipment, spectrum of agricultural activities offered, e.g., row crops, livestock, orchards, gardens, apiaries, commercial kitchens, ag engineering.

vi. Description of any non-formal curriculum, programs, resources, and other materials developed/used.

vii. Description of the outreach and selection process for students who will be provided support to participate in training.

viii. Demonstration of engagement with federal agency partners at the regional, state, and/or local level.

ix. How will the project, and its partnerships and collaborations be sustained beyond the life of the grant (e.g., plans for eventual self-support or institutionalization or other sources of support)? If there are no plans to sustain the effort, explain why not, and how the impact of the project will be lasting.

x. What makes this pilot unique or different from existing similar efforts if any.

xi. Barriers that may be encountered and limitations to proposed procedures, and how you will address them. (Related evaluation criteria: Technical merit: Achievability

d. Personnel and Resources:

Describe in detail the Key Personnel’s experience working with military veterans and the ability to provide effective education, training, outreach, and mentoring programs through a comprehensive, immersive farm/ranch field experience. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project, and how they promoted workforce development in the agricultural sector. This information may include: the years and locations of prior activities; number of training assistance or education activities previously carried out; number of participants and graduates from the program, including special populations; success rate in completing the program; percentage of graduates who are still engaged in agricultural production and related fields; and/or percentages of those who improved their operations. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages (of the Project Narrative) for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Expertise and track record;

Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel.)

e. Plan for Outcome Based Reporting:

Third-party evaluators are required. Be sure the budget reflects work to be completed by professional evaluators. Participatory evaluation, and formative as well as summative evaluation, are encouraged. All projects must describe methods and resources for documenting and evaluating their outcomes and impacts. Clearly identify a minimum of two expected outcomes within the life of the project and explain the plan to document and evaluate these outcomes. At a minimum, the plan should include:

i. A completed logic model or alternative schematic that illustrates the causal linkages between planned activities and desired outcomes. A logic model template and explanation of its components can be located at Integrated Programs’ Logic Model Planning Process.

ii. A description of anticipated outcomes, their significance, and potential beneficiaries.

iii. A list and description of project performance measures (also referred to as indicators of success) by which your progress will be measured and success determined. Applicants for Standard grants that include instruction in farm financial management are also strongly encouraged to employ the applicable evaluation instruments available in the Farm & Ranch Business Health Assessment as individuals enter and exit the respective pilot programs (see Other Resources).

iv. Identify who will be responsible for overseeing and measuring performance for the project and link to the overall project plan and timeline for completion.

v. Indicate the amount of funding that will be set aside for monitoring and performance measurement.

Applicants are encouraged to use approximately four of the sixteen pages (of the Project Narrative) for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process.

f. Management, Collaboration and Partnership Plan:

A clear management plan must be provided that describes the roles and functions of all partnerships, collaborators, and organizations, involved in the proposed project.

Strong partnerships among complementary organizations with shared leadership are essential to successful and sustainable projects, see “Definitions” (See Appendix III, Definitions) for definitions of Partnership and Collaborator. Include time allocated by each partner for attainment of objectives; key roles of each partner and collaborator;

and plan for administration of the proposed project and its maintenance and partnerships. Describe the plans for coordination, communication, data-sharing and reporting among members of the project team and stakeholder groups. Describe the commitment of the project team to this project; and how the partnership and its impact will be sustained beyond the period of the award. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section. In addition, letters of commitment signed by the AR of the partnering organization demonstrating that the partners involved have agreed to abide by the Management Plan must be provided (see “Other Attachments” below). (Related evaluation criteria: Partnerships and collaboration; Achievability.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/program/enhancing-agricultural-opportunities-military-veterans-agvets https://nifa.usda.gov/program/enhancing-agricultural-opportunities-military-veterans-agvets

The following summarizes the sections of the Project Narrative for AgVets applications, suggests an approximate number of pages to allocate to each section, and shows the evaluation criteria most relevant to each section:

Table 6: AgVets Project Narrative Summary Narrative Section Suggested Number of

Pages Related Evaluation Criteria (see Part V, Section B. of this RFA) Introduction 2 Relevancy Objectives and Outcomes

2 Technical merit

Approach 4 Technical merit; Achievability Personnel and Resources

2 Expertise and track record of the applicants; Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel, facilities, and instrumentation

Plan for Outcome Based Reporting

4 Adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process, outcome-based reporting, and the communication of findings, logic model and results beyond the immediate target audience

Management and Collaboration Plan

2 Partnerships and collaboration;

Achievability

Total Narrative Sixteen total pages N/A Response to Previous Review (if resubmission)

One additional Responsiveness to previous comments and recommendations by reviewers

g. Response to previous review: The response to previous review must not exceed one single-spaced page. This does not count towards the 16-page limit for the PN.

Applicants should provide a clear statement acknowledging comments from the previous review, indicating revisions, rebuttals, etc. This response is a critical part of the screening criteria. Furthermore, the revised application should clearly indicate the changes that have been made in the project. If more than one page is required, additional responses/pages are counted as part of the 16-page limit of the Project Narrative.

Applications will not be accepted for review if they do any of the following:

i. Exceed the maximum federal budget request for the type of application proposed ($250,000 per year for three (3) years for large standard grants;

$100,000 per year for three (3) years for small standard grants);

ii. Propose objectives or approach that does not fit the purpose and scope of the AGVETS Program;

iii. Exceed the maximum pages allowed for the Project Narrative;

iv. Failure to submit documents in portable document format (pdf); and

v. Failure to include any of the following items:

a. Introduction;

b. Objectives and Outcomes;

c. Approach;

d. Personnel and Resources;

e. Plan for Outcome Based Reporting; and

f. Management, Collaboration, and Partnership Plan

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

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

b. Fiscal Agent Letter. See Part III.A. If it is necessary to include a fiscal agent letter, then title the attachment as ‘Fiscal Agent’ in the document header and save file as ‘FiscalAgent.’

c. Non-profit Status Letter. See Part III.A.

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

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

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

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

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

Data Management Plan. A Data Management Plan (DMP) is required for this program.

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

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

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name “Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets) Competitive Grants Program” and the program code “AGVET.” Accurate entry is critical.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/AgVets-Sample-2018-10-04.pdf 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 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

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

C. Funding Restrictions Indirect Cost (IDC) is not to exceed 30 percent of the recipient’s Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA). 7 U.S.C. 3310 limits the recovery of IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of the TFFA under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum allowable IDC amount recoverable under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the following and is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

a. the sum of an institution’s negotiated indirect cost rate and the indirect cost rate charged by sub-awardees, if any; or

b. 30 percent of TFFA.

If the result of number one is the lesser of the two amounts, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards would be subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC amount charged under the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

If the result of number two is the lesser of the two amounts, then the maximum IDC allowed for the overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the IDC of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum indirect cost allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining IDC for the Federal portion (i.e., prime and sub-awardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing. Amounts exceeding the maximum allowable IDC are considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.

If the applicant does not have a negotiated rate and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant may request an IDC rate. Applicants are not required to complete the IDC package during the application process and need only to calculate a rate to serve as a basis for requesting IDC. If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a complete IDC proposal package to obtain a negotiated rate.

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect the de minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414(f)). Currently the Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total indirect costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. OMB has updated the 2 CFR allowing an indirect cost de minimis rate increase from 10 to 15 percent effective October 1, 2024. Budgets for indirect costs will be increased accordingly if the recipient selects the de minimis indirect cost recovery option. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

See NIFA Indirect Costs for information including additional resources and NIFA Indirect Cost Guidance Chart.

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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…