FY24-BFRDP-RFA-508-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Beginning Farmer and Rancher

Development Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2024

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Applicable

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 4, 2024

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $24,000,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$49,999 - $750,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-BFR-010413

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.311

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

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

Key Information 1. Key Dates and Deadlines

a) Application Deadline: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, April 4, 2024

b) Letter of Intent: Not Applicable

c) 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 BFRDP 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

This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2024.

Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

This RFA is soliciting applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 funding cycle to support the delivery of education, outreach, and technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories that are entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm and ranch enterprises. The funding amount available for FY 2024 is approximately $24,000,000. No more than $250,000 per year for three years for a maximum total of approximately $750,000 will be available for each Standard and Education Team projects that will be funded in FY 2024. The Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse grant is competed once every three years. One Clearinghouse grant project was funded in FY 2022. This grant type will be due for solicitation in the FY 2025 funding cycle.

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

2024 BFRDP RFA Technical Assistance Webinar The FY 2024 BFRDP RFA Technical Assistance webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time.

Please register here.

For program informational webinars please visit the NIFA Upcoming Events 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://www.nifa.usda.gov/events/technical-assistance-webinar-beginning-farmer-rancher-development-program-bfrdp-rfa https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

KEY INFORMATION

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 D. Submission Dates and Times

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACTS

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

KEY INFORMATION

Key Information 1. Key Dates and Deadlines Key Information 2. Standard Grants Key Information Key Information 3. Education Team Grants Key Information Key Information 4. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Key Information 5. Help and Resources Key Information 6. Key Application Instructions Key Information 7. Program Codes

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

B. Purpose and Priorities The primary goal of BFRDP, under assistance listing number 10.311, is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories enter and/or improve their successes in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands, through support for projects that provide education, outreach, and technical assistance to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability.

The term “farmer” is used in the broadest sense and may be interpreted to include agricultural farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest owners and managers. The term "beginning farmer or rancher" means a person that:

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

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

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

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

BFRDP grants may fund programs or services relating to these priorities:

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

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

3. Entrepreneurship and business training;

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

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

6. Natural resource management and planning;

7. Diversification and marketing strategies;

8. Curriculum development;

9. Mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;

10. Resources and referral;

11. Farm financial benchmarking;

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

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13. Farm safety and awareness;

14. Food safety and recordkeeping; and

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

improved nutritional security; and economic revitalization, particularly in socially disadvantaged communities. Applicants planning to address other similar subject areas not listed in priorities 1-14 are strongly encouraged to confer with the Program Contacts listed in Appendix I of this RFA to discuss the suitability of the topics prior to submitting an application.

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

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

Target Audience. The target audience for BFRDP is farmers and ranchers who have not operated a farm or ranch or have operated a farm or ranch for not more than ten years. The BFRDP projects cover all production systems, including conventional and organic systems.

Applicants must identify as well as define Beginning Farmer and Rancher (BFR) category of trainees to be served. There are five BFR training categories that should be specified based on number of years operating a farm or ranch:

Category I: Has not operated a farm or ranch;

Category II: 1-3 years in farming;

Category III: 4-6 years in farming;

Category IV: 7-10 years in farming; or Category V: planning to serve trainees in all categories listed.

The BFRDP’s goal is to ensure that participants are adequately equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to sustainably own or lease a farm business operation. Individuals would need to meet the following criteria:

1. age 18 or older by the completion of the project funding and;

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

$1000 in production.

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

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

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

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

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

1. Identify the target audience of any of the group(s) identified above and state clearly what percentage of the total project budget will be allocated to serving each group(s).

2. Explain how the beginning farmers and ranchers in the identified target audience will be identified, recruited, and retained.

3. Provided descriptions of what appropriate training, education, outreach, and mentoring will be provided.

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

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

The BFRDP is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

Strategic Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources and Communities Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous Strategic Goal 3: Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities http://www.agrability.org/ https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

Priority 1: Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices Priority 2: Driving Climate-Smart Solutions

Please note: research projects are unallowable under the BFRDP

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

To achieve program goals, BFRDP projects will be expected to conduct education, training, outreach and technical assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers on one or more of the topics listed in Part I, B (1-15). Applicants should carefully consider the topics that will be addressed by the proposed project (i.e., clearly identify the topics in the project narrative and why those topics are the most appropriate for the project’s audience). Evidence of farmer input on topic selection is very important. Applicants should make use of existing curriculum (whether USDA funded or not), including entries in the BFRDP curriculum and training clearinghouse:

www.farmanswers.org. The following applications will not be accepted for review if:

a. applications seek to develop coursework for credit for four-year degrees at colleges and universities;

b. applications seek to educate students for careers in agriculture other than as farmers or ranchers; or

c. applications seek to conduct research.

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

1. Standard Grants (Small, Medium, Large and Simplified Standard)

2. Education Team Grants

Standard Grants Key Information 1. Standard Grants Key Information

Program Code: BFRDA Program Code Name: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Standard Assistance Listing Number: 10.311 Project Type: Training and Technical Assistance Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline: FY 2024: April 4, 2024, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time Grant Duration: 12-36 months Anticipated Number of Awards: 45 Maximum Award Amount: $750,000

Maximum Total Award

Large Standard: No more than $250,000 per year for three years, for a maximum of $750,000;

Medium Standard: No more than $175,000 per year for three years, for a maximum of $525,000;

Small Standard: No more than $100,000 per year for three years, for a maximum of $300,000; and Simplified Standard: No more than $49,999 for one year for a simplified standard grant.

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf http://www.farmanswers.org/

Small, medium, and large standard BFRDP projects support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers, on the priority topics listed in Part I, B (1-15). The primary goal of Standard Grants is to increase the number of beginning farmers and ranchers and enhance their success and sustainability by providing them with knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions. Standard Grant applications are expected to:

1. Identify the audience of beginning farmers and ranchers they aim to serve describing their characteristics and unique needs;

2. Document the applicant’s knowledge and experience in education and assistance methods to be used that are appropriate and effective in engaging the audience and meeting their needs; and

3. Propose an ambitious yet achievable plan of work that will accomplish meaningful and measurable success in enhancing the number and success of beginning farmers and ranchers.

Small, medium, and large standard grant proposals will be evaluated using the same evaluation criteria (see Part V, B of this RFA), including priority for partnership and collaborations that are led by or include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), or school-based agricultural education organizations (SAEOs) with expertise in beginning agricultural producer training and outreach. Smaller projects’ scope of work are expected to have smaller audiences, limited geographic reach, and less complex collaborative arrangements. This provides an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration. Those with larger award requests will be expected to undertake larger-scale projects, in terms of numbers reached, intensity of training, other services to be provided, and geographic service areas (e.g., statewide, regional, or even national in scale). All standard grant proposals for federal funds requested should be commensurate with the scope of work.

Successful grant applicants provide training and assistance with business and financial management, as well as production and marketing topics that align with the priority list in Part I, B (1-15) of this RFA.

Simplified standard BFRDP projects develop action plans to address societal challenges;

strengthen program ideas to develop a full proposal; curriculum development; develop apprenticeship programs and hands-on materials; as well as develop an advisory committee to strengthen future program activities. Educating and training a small group of individuals to become farmers and ranchers is required.

Simplified standard grants are for applicants with limited capacity to enhance their abilities to create and sustain beginning farmers and ranchers. These grants are designed for new applicants without much experience in coordinating education and technical training.

Simplified Standard grants are intended to assist organizations:

1. Develop and enhance important collaborations and innovative activities relevant to beginning farmer and rancher programs; and

2. Initiate and develop beginning farmer and rancher project ideas to lead to future program success or success in obtaining other grants for beginning farmer and rancher education.

Evaluation criteria for reviewing the simplified standard grants (see Part V, B of this RFA) are different from those utilized for reviewing small, medium, and large standard grants. Priority for funding under the simplified standard grants will be given to applicants who have not received BFRDP grant funding in the past. This priority does not exclude previous grant recipients from being funded.

Education Team Grants Key Information 2. Education Team Grants Key Information

Program Code: BFRDB Program Code Name: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Education Team Assistance Listing Number: 10.311 Project Type: Training Grant Type: Education Team Application Deadline: FY 2024: April 4, 2024, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time Grant Duration: 36 Months Anticipated Number of Awards: 2 Maximum Award Amount: $750,000

Maximum Total Award Approximately $250,000 per year for up to three years, for a maximum of $750,000.

Education Team (ET) BFRDP projects identify gaps in beginning farmer and rancher training by evaluating existing programs, and by developing and conducting train-the-trainer projects to address these gaps. Additionally, ET projects enhance beginning farmer and rancher efforts based on a particular topic, region, or audience.

ET applications must support the development of curricula and the delivery of education programs and workshops for beginning farmers or ranchers in diverse geographical areas of the United States and its territories; or provide training for trainers and service providers that improve and amplify their work with beginning farmers or ranchers. ET applications should complement previously funded ET projects. Education Teams should involve teams of experts with diverse backgrounds (e.g., NGO, CBO, SAEO, farmers, university, and government) to do the following:

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

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

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

https://farmanswers.org/

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2024.

Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The amount available for Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) grants is approximately $24,000,000 in FY 2024. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. All applications for FY 2024 should state September 15 project starting dates on all applications. In FY 2024, applications may be submitted to BFRDP as one of the following types of requests:

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

This is a project application that has not been previously submitted to BFRDP or an application from a previously funded BFRDP project that has completed its project work and is starting a completely new project.

The new applications from a Project Director (PD) who has received a prior BFRDP award must contain the same information as required for new applications; they also must contain an additional one-page “Accomplishment-Based” narrative (see Part IV B.), including adequacy of plans for continuous improvement. Evaluation of performance during the previous BFRDP grant(s) will include the outcomes achieved and, where appropriate, contributions to the BFRDP Clearinghouse and Project Directors’ Annual Meeting.

Note: During the review process, NIFA seeks to meet legislative requirements for geographical distribution to achieve regional balance. To avoid chances of Project Directors providing oversight on two BFRDP grants concurrently, Project Directors of active awards can apply for new BFRDP awards when they are in their final year of project work.

2. Resubmitted application. Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel comments and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applications must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

This is an application that has previously been submitted to BFRDP but not funded.

Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review panel comments; they must include an additional one-page “Response to Previous Review” narrative (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV). Resubmitted applications must be received by the relevant due dates and will be evaluated in competition with other pending applications in the appropriate area to which they are assigned. These applications will be reviewed https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications. Addressing previous comments is important as each year is a new competition. Resubmitting applicants should strengthen their proposals in every way possible.

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

1. Project Types. Applicants must propose a Training and/or Technical Assistance project as described in Part I, C of this RFA. Only Training and/or Technical Assistance projects described in Part I, C of this RFA will be considered for review.

2. Grant Types. Applicants must select either the Standard or Education Team grant described in Part I, C of this RFA. Only Standard or Education Team grants described in Part I, C of this RFA will be considered for review.

Please note that research is unallowable in BFRDP.

BFRDP applications may not request more than the maximum annual award amount listed for the grant type being applied to with a project period not to exceed 12 months for Simplified Standard or 36 months for Small, Medium, or Large Standard and Education Team. Proposal requests exceeding these limits will be excluded from review.

FY 2024 Suggested Project Start and Ending Timeline:

For Simplified Standard: September 15, 2024, through September 15, 2025 For Small, Medium, or Large Standard and Education Team: September 15, 2024, through September 15, 2027

After the award is made, a no cost extension may be requested for up to 12 months. Please see the NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide for additional details.

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.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/policy-guide https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

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

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

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

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

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

Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, if reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

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

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions. NIFA will accept the most recent application if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required –For FY 2024, BFRDP awardees must provide a match from non-Federal sources in the form of cash or in-kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by the grant or cooperative agreement. However, NIFA may waive or reduce the matching requirement if NIFA determines such a wavier or modification is necessary to effectively reach an underserved area or population.

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

“This applicant plans to serve an underserved area or population and would like to request the 25% match waiver.” Or “Match modification” whichever applies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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. See Steps to Obtain Application Materials below for instructions on how to obtain 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.

Key Information 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Step One: Register or renew entity (annually) at SAM.gov to obtain Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), a 12-digit alphanumeric identifier required to conduct business with the Federal government. Registration can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

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

Step Three: Download Adobe. Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements).

Step Four: Find Request for Application (RFA). Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-BFR-010413, search for RFA here: Opportunity Package.

Step 5: Assess Readiness. Contact an Authorized Organizational Representative (AR) prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Key Information 5. Help and Resources Grants.gov 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.

NIFA Support 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. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline. However, applicants that do not meet the application requirements, including 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 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ 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://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Key Application Instructions below outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Key Information 6. Key Application Instructions All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide;

a) Attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format. (Part IV.200)

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

(Part VI.100 Option 2)

c) Follow the submission instructions. (Part IV.300)

d) Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R. (Part V.100

Field 5)

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

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

Note the attachment requirements (e.g., PDF) in Part IV.200 of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Any proposals that are non-compliant with the requirements (e.g., content format, PDF file format, file name restrictions, and no password protected files) will be at risk of being excluded from the NIFA review. Grants.gov does not check for NIFA required attachments or whether attachments are in PDF format; see Part VI.100 Option 2 of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for how to check the manifest of submitted files. Partial applications will be excluded from NIFA review.

BFRDP FY2024 Sample Checklist for Standard & Educational Team Grant Applications

-*SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet -*SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s) -R&R Other Project Information Form Project Summary (PDF) Project Narrative (PDF)

Logic Model (see logic model template) Bibliography & Cited References (PDF) Facilities and Other Resources (PDF) Equipment Documentation (PDF) Other Attachments

Data Management Plan (PDF) Commitment Letters (PDF)

Supplemental Information Form Conflict of Interest List (PDF)

-R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Biographical Sketch(es) (PDF) Current & Pending Support (PDF)

-R&R Personal Data -R&R Budget Match Indirect Costs Budget Justification (PDF) https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/application-support-templates https://www.nifa.usda.gov/logic-model-planning-process https://www.nifa.usda.gov/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-education-extension-projects https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-16-004-bfrdp-sample-commitment-pledge-letters https://www.nifa.usda.gov/application-support-templates

R&R Sub-Award Budget(s)

-*SF 424 R&R: Forms in the Application Package – see instructions in the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

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

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

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

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the BFRDP. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates. The PS is limited to 250 words with font size no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman and should use NIFA’s Project Summary Application Template. The PS should be attached as PDF.

The PS must include a description of the problem or opportunity, project objectives, and a description of the effort.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to review the attachment for the 250-word limit and PDF compliance before submission. NIFA will not review applications that exceed the required 250-word limit. The PS must include all the following:

a. Project Title;

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

c. Project objectives and projected outcomes;

d. List of all other collaborating institutions/organizations/farmer and rancher groups;

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

f. If applicable, percent of budget allocated to serving military veterans; and/or percent of budget allocated to serving socially disadvantaged, limited resource, or farmworker audiences; and

g. List of any previous or current BFRDP projects that PD has been a part of leading (list project director and award number 20XX-XXXXX-XXXXX).

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN).

Project Narrative for Small, Medium and Large Standard Grants, and Education Team Grant Applications. The PN must not exceed 20 pages of written text including all figures and tables with line spacing set at 1.5 and at least 1-inch margins with font size no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman (the font size for tables and figures should be no smaller than 11-point Times New Roman). The only exception to the page limit requirement will be found in the directions as noted below under (a) Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions; (b) Prior BFRDP accomplishments; and (f) logic model. The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. It is 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://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 encouraged to include a one-page table of contents in the PN, which will not count towards the page limit for the PN. The PN must include all the following:

a. Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions – The response to previous review must not exceed 1 page with line spacing set at 1.5 and at least 1-inch margins with font size no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN. Use the subheading “Response to Previous Review”.

b. Prior BFRDP Accomplishments – If the Project Director (PD) has been involved in leading prior BFRDP project(s), briefly describe lessons learned, what can be improved, and how those lessons and improvements are being incorporated into the current application to ensure effective and successful program goals. The prior BFRDP accomplishments must not exceed 1 page with line spacing set at 1.5 and at least 1-inch margins with font size no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN. Use the subheading “Prior BFRDP Accomplishments”.

c. Responsiveness to USDA BFRDP Program Priorities – Please indicate if the application has a connection to the BFRDP priorities, Part I, B (1-15). Provide a brief explanation of how the application is related to the area(s) indicated.

d. Background and Rationale – Indicate the overall background, technical approach, and need for the project. Include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) of the proposed project. Identify the target audience and their needs (size, region, value of sales, structure of the industry (number of small, medium, and large farms), critical barriers, etc.). If helpful, provide a map of the target region. Summarize any similar beginning farmer and rancher education and training programs that are available for the identified target audience, including all programs at www.farmanswers.org.

If the project is Education Team, include rationale for the geographic area, topic, or other appropriate focus of the team and team composition.

Farmer Input: Include evidence that beginning farmers and ranchers were involved in conceptualizing the project design and activities.

If the project is Education Team, include the rationale for the geographic area, topic, or other appropriate focus of the team and team composition.

All works cited must be referenced in the “Bibliography & Cited References” in this section but will not count towards the page limit for the PN.

Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two (2) of the 20 pages for this section. Related evaluation criteria (see Part V, B of this RFA): Relevancy.

e. 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. Provide the number of beginning farmers and ranchers that will be served by category as described in Part 1.b. above. Estimate how many beginning farmers and ranchers will attain specified, anticipated knowledge gains or actions (e.g., starting farming; improving production practices; entering new markets). How many are projected to qualify as beginning farmers by the end of the project? Project the expected impacts of the knowledge gains and actions on the success of the beginning farmer and rancher operations. Discuss whether and how this program can be adapted to other regions, communities and/or agricultural systems.

Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two (2) of the 20 pages for this section. Related evaluation criteria (see Part V, B of this RFA): Technical merit.

f. Approach – Clearly state the proposed activities and approaches to achieve each objective.

Specifically, this section must include:

i. Description of the activities proposed for each objective.

ii. Timeline of the proposed project. The timeline should include activities, and major outputs and associated outcomes for each year of the project.

iii. Discuss how and where the activities will be provided and the approach, as appropriate for the target audience.

iv. Describe how the project, including its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained beyond the life of the grant (e.g., plans for self-support or institutionalization, or other resources of support). If there are no plans to sustain the effort, explain how the impact of the project will be lasting.

v. For Standard projects describe how participants will be recruited for training.

Specify their prior farming experience, and whether they are already beginning farmers and ranchers or not yet at that level.

vi. For Education Team projects describe how beginning farmer and rancher curricula and programs will be identified and evaluated. Detail how curriculum will be developed and delivered in future years.

vii. Detail novel ideas or contributions of the proposed project.

viii. Describe any procedural limitations or expected obstacles, and how they will be addressed. For Standard projects, identify possible challenges of your proposed strategy for participant recruitment and plans to address those challenges.

ix. Develop and include a logic model to guide program planning, implementation, and evaluation.