FY24-CPPM-RFA-P-MOD1.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program

MODIFICATIONS: 12/14/2023 – This RFA has been modified from the original announcement.

Edits are indicated using track changes and red font so the public/potential applicants can identify the changes within the solicitation.

Edits appear on pages: 20, 26, 27, and 30

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2024

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $14,800,000*

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-CPPM-010315

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.329

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

*The amount available for new ARDP is approximately $4.8 million, for EIP is approximately $10 million, and for RCP continuation awards is approximately $4.15 million.

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.329.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, February 15, 2024

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 Crop Protection and Pest Management RFA.

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit the NIFA’s Centers of Excellence (COE) webpage for information on COE designation process, including COE criteria, and a list of programs offering COE opportunities. A recording of COE outreach and COE implementation webinars are also available.

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 https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024 to address critical state, regional and national integrated pest management (IPM) needs to ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges. The CPPM program supports projects that address these challenges with IPM approaches developed by coordinated state, regional, and national research, and extension efforts. The impact of these research and extension efforts will be increased by the establishment of communication networks and stakeholder participation in setting priorities. In FY 2024, NIFA will only accept competitive applications for funding in the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and the Extension Implementation Program (EIP) areas of CPPM. NIFA will fund current Regional Coordination Program (RCP) area projects through continuation applications.

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 new ARDP and EIP grants competed in FY 2024 is approximately $4.8 million and $10 million, respectively; RCP continuation awards will be funded at approximately $4.15 million.

This notice identifies the objectives for Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. The purpose of CPPM awards is to enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, and sustainable IPM technologies, tactics and strategies that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

C.1 Applied Research and Development Program C.2 Extension Implementation Program

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching C. Centers of Excellence

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. Centers of Excellence D. Organizational Management Information E. 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: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information Table 3: Extension Implementation Program Key Information……………………………… Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions Table 7: Formatting Requirement for Project Narrative and Other Content

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7626) as amended authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The Secretary may award these grants to colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities on a competitive basis for projects that address priorities in United States agriculture and involve integrated research, education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) (see Part III § A of this RFA for more information).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program (Assistance Listing 10.329) is to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The goals and objectives of CPPM are to address high priority issues related to pests including insects, nematodes, pathogens, weeds, and other pests and their management using integrated pest management (IPM) approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure sustainable food production and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. In addition, the CPPM program encourages proposals that develop new IPM strategies and tools to mitigate the effects of existing or new pests becoming more prevalent due to climate change.

Proposals that address management aspects of invasive species are prioritized as well. The CPPM program also addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities.

B.1 Program Areas The CPPM program provides support for research to develop new IPM approaches, extension to disseminate IPM knowledge and improve adoption of IPM practices, and coordination of IPM activities at the regional and national levels to increase the adoption and implementation of IPM practices on a broad scale. The CPPM program provides support for these functions with three linked program areas that emphasize research and development for discovery of IPM knowledge;

extension activities for IPM adoption and implementation; and enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communications among related CPPM programs and awardees. Together the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP), the Extension Implementation Program (EIP), and the Regional Coordination Program (RCP) areas represent a comprehensive approach for developing IPM practices and strategies and extending this new knowledge across many environments through a coordinated national network. It is anticipated that the application of this evidence-based science will have positive outcomes for society.

B.2 Goal Alignment The CPPM program is aligned with the National IPM Roadmap and the USDA Strategic Plan.

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B.2.1. The CPPM program is aligned with the IPM goals identified in the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management. It identifies strategic directions for IPM research, implementation, and impact measures for pests in all settings throughout the nation. In FY 2024, successful CPPM program applicants will develop knowledge and information and improved IPM practices needed for the adoption and implementation of IPM methods that have the following National IPM Roadmap goals:

a) Improve cost-benefit analyses when adopting IPM practices.

b) Reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies.

c) Minimize adverse environmental effects from pests and related management strategies.

B.2.2 USDA Strategic Plan. The CPPM program is aligned with the following strategic goals outlined in the FY2022-2026 USDA Strategic Plan (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf):

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

B.2.3 USDA Science and Research Strategy. The CPPM program is aligned with the following USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices;

2. Driving Climate-Smart Solutions;

3. Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health;

4. Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems; and

5. Translating Research into Action.

The CPPM program, through its three component program areas (ARDP, EIP, and RCP), addresses overall IPM needs in the five following focus areas as funding is available:

a. Plant Protection Tools and Tactics. Need for discovery, development, and introduction of new pest management tactics for use in IPM systems.

b. Diversified IPM Systems. Need for long-term sustainable solutions to pest management problems on a regional or national scale.

c. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity. To develop and maintain key information systems, networks, and decision support tools that provide the knowledge infrastructure needed for early detection and the application of science-based IPM systems for invasive, emerging and high-consequence pests that threaten U.S. agriculture.

d. IPM for Sustainable Communities. Direct application of IPM knowledge and expertise to address pest management challenges in non-traditional settings such as urban structures, landscapes, and gardens, homes, and schools.

e. Development of the Next Generation of IPM Scientists. To develop pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education programs to prepare the next generation of IPM scientists.

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/OPMP/IPM%20Road%20Map%20FINAL.pdf https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf 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

In FY 2024, the CPPM program, through ARDP and EIP, is soliciting new applications to provide funding for the focus areas listed above.

B.3 Logic Model, Data Management Plan, and Additional Requirements

CPPM Logic Model. The CPPM programmatic logic model chart (FIGURE 1) incorporates stakeholder input; anticipated outcomes; appropriate elements from IPM logic models from previously funded NIFA IPM programs; and goals for the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA will use the programmatic logic model chart to guide the evaluation of the proposals, the development of future funding priorities, and to document the impact of investments made by the CPPM program.

All applicants are required to:

a. Submit a project-specific logic model chart as part of each application; and

b. Explain how their project-specific logic model supports the CPPM programmatic logic model chart.

The project-specific logic model must provide details for the: inputs, outputs (activities and participants), and outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project.

The logic model planning process may also be used to develop your project before writing your application. Format this information as a logic model chart as illustrated in FIGURE 1. Note the correct location for these elements as illustrated in FIGURE 1. Refer to the logic model chart in your project description, evaluation plans, and elsewhere, as applicable. Additional information is available on the NIFA and University of Wisconsin web sites:

Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process Logic Model Planning Process Program Development and Evaluation https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/

Figure 1: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model

Inputs Outputs: Participants Outputs: Activities/Products Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Knowledge (Short Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Actions/Behavior (Medium Term)

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Condition (Long Term)

Legislative authority

Annual appropriation

USDA involvement

NIFA intra-agency coordination

Multi-state projects

Program directors

Support staff

Panel Managers

Peer Review Panels

Stakeholder and partner comments

Stakeholders

Commodity associations

Public interest groups

Farmers

Ranchers

General public

NGOs

End Users or Consumers

Underserved individuals or communities

Land-grant university partners

Cooperative Extension

Research, teaching and extension faculty

State agencies

Federal agencies

USDA-NIFA

Other allied state and federal agencies

Regional IPM stakeholders Extension Networks

Public interest groups

Respond to Congressional authorization and appropriation

Publish RFA

Recruit panel managers and peer review panelists

Conduct peer review panel meetings

Award funds to meritorious applications

Support IPM research to address priority IPM needs

Promote collaborative team building through national and regional coordination meetings and activities and broad-based stakeholder participation

Promote the development and implementation of IPM by facilitating coordination and collaboration across states, disciplines, and programs

Establish and maintain pest management information networks

Build partnerships and address challenges and opportunities

Develop notable IPM training programs and foster their sustainability

Review and evaluate impacts of IPM implementation and communicate successes

Communicate positive outcomes to key stakeholders

Manage funding resources effectively Collect program impact data

Increase knowledge and implementation of new IPM tools and tactics in integrated strategies for IPM

Adapt existing science based IPM knowledge to new pest scenarios and foster sound IPM solutions

Engage broadest possible IPM scientific, extension, and education communities in challenges faced by IPM

Engage new stakeholder communities challenged by pest issues who could benefit from IPM

Facilitate production of audience-appropriate information/training materials including mobile, web-based, and other digital, as well as traditional formats

Facilitate communication among the scientific IPM community and among the research, teaching and extension communities, practitioners, stakeholders, and consumers in a proactive communication strategy

Facilitate production of original materials and collaboration with existing or new Extension networks

Innovative and diversified IPM systems are adopted on an area-wide or landscape scale

Key information systems, networks, and decision-support tools are adopted for emerging and high-consequence pests and diseases

Enhanced coordination and responsiveness of IPM research, education, and extension effort for critical, priority pest management and food security challenges

New stakeholders are using IPM;

Stakeholders are using more advanced IPM best management practices

Producers and processors adopt newly developed IPM technologies and innovations

Regional and national trans-disciplinary systems approaches are being used to solve IPM problems

A new generation of research and extension scientists capable of and adept at working in effective, trans-disciplinary regional and national teams are in place

Networks improve information flow among IPM components, among stakeholders, and among IPM research, education, and extension communities

Stakeholders can document why IPM was beneficial for them and the environment

Crop protection systems are more profitable with IPM

Agricultural production increased through reduced pest and disease losses

Cost benefit ratios of adopting IPM practices are improved

Sustainable IPM practices are adopted

Human health and environmental risks from managing pests are reduced

U.S. food producers are more competitive globally

Global capacity to meet growing food demand improved

Safe, affordable, and high-quality crops are widely available to consumers

Hunger is reduced through improved food security in vulnerable populations

Effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM strategies are in place to reduce economic, environmental, and societal losses from pests and diseases that affect crops and livestock, human well-being, and community vitality

Coordinated state-based, region-wide, and national research, education, and extension programs function as catalysts for promoting further development and use of new IPM approaches

Project Director Workshop. Successful applicants, or a designee, are required to attend and give a presentation at a Project Director (PD) workshop during the term of their project. The IPM centers or NIFA will organize and conduct these project director workshops. The organizers may hold this workshop in conjunction with another conference or separately from any other meeting. Applicants may contact their regional IPM center for more details on upcoming project director workshops or other appropriate opportunities available for PDs to present their project progress.

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

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

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

Applied Research and Development Program Extension Implementation Program

C.1 Applied Research and Development Program

Table 2: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: ARDP

Program Code Name: Applied Research and Development Area CFDA Number 10.329

Project Type: Applied Research (single function), Research-led, Extension-led

Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline February 15, 2024

Grant Duration: 24-36 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 15

Maximum Award Amount: $200,000 or $325,000

C.1.1 Proposed Budget Requests

a. May not exceed a total of $200,000 for applications with Project Directors (PD) from one state/U.S.

territory. Note: A possible exemption to the $200,000 budget total described below in ‘c’.

b. May not exceed a total of $325,000 for applications with Project Directors (PDs) from more than one state/U.S. territory.

c. A possible exception to the maximum budget of $200,000 may exist when multistate collaboration is not possible because PD(s) are studying a major crop/commodity of regional or national importance that is produced only or predominantly in one state or U.S. territory. Contact the programmatic contact in Appendix I to determine if your project is eligible for this exception and a higher total budget request up to $325,000.

d. Also note the paragraph on Multi-State/U.S. territory and/or Regional/National Involvement located in this section under Program Area Requirements, C.1.3.2.

C.1.2 Program Area Priorities by Project Type

C.1.2a Applied Research (single function) Projects. Research priorities include:

i. Development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, and particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support), and

ii. Increased understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Field-scale experiments over multiple seasons and/or locations are the desired experimental approach for ARDP proposals, where appropriate. The desired outcomes for new IPM practices include reducing initial pest populations, lowering the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for pests, increasing tolerance of hosts to pest injury, and/or providing tools for making management decisions, such as monitoring methods and action thresholds.

Long-term fundamental research is not appropriate for funding in this category. We encourage research on novel, cutting-edge methods, for which data exist to support the likelihood of successful IPM research and adoption. Research outcomes involving chemical pesticides include reducing the amount applied, the frequency of applications, increasing the selectivity, reducing the risks associated with their use, reducing off-target impacts of chemicals, and/or developing novel resistance management strategies. Incorporate minimizing adverse impacts of pesticides on beneficial organisms and limiting buildup of resistant pest populations. Clearly describe: 1) how the tactic or IPM system, once developed, can be incorporated into an existing production or management system, and 2) the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the proposed IPM strategies, and identify ways to overcome constraints to greater adoption of IPM methods by users.

The following are examples of topic areas that could be addressed by Applied Research (single function) proposals. Identification of these topic areas is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other appropriate topic areas.

a. Documenting (measuring) the impacts of IPM adoption.

b. Developing an effective strategy or tactic for a pest problem that currently limits production efficiency in a plant or animal production system, and is recognized by the user community as a key priority.

c. Addressing multiple cycles of pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) over seasons, and/or multiple species and complexes at the landscape or ecosystem level (agricultural production, urban, or natural systems) with consideration of the interactions of the entire system.

d. Promoting biological diversity in pest management systems and integration of multiple pest management tactics.

e. Identifying constraints to greater adoption of IPM strategies and developing approaches to overcome these constraints.

f. Promoting an interdisciplinary, IPM systems approach.

g. Developing effective pest management tactics for invasive pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) in cropping systems and natural and urban areas.

h. Developing projects that enhance the development of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable

IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance.

i. Development of strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on pests' abundance, aggressiveness, and pesticide effectiveness.

C.1.2b Research-led Projects. Research-led projects are appropriate when the completion of the project’s research component will support the addition of an initial Extension component for IPM adoption by stakeholders. The research priorities for the research component are listed below. The extension component is directed toward the initial adoption of individual IPM tools, tactics, or systems developed through the research component of the project. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the Extension priorities listed below. Include a description of how Extension personnel will be involved at the beginning of project planning and how the Extension activities will be conducted concurrently with research activities throughout the life of the project.

Research priorities include:

i. Final development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support), and

ii. Advanced understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Extension priorities include: 1) initial development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, 2) initial pilot implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and 3) initial delivery of IPM extension outreach and training.

C.1.2c Extension-led Projects. Extension priorities include:

i. Development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts,

ii. Implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and

iii. Delivery of IPM extension outreach and training. Documentation of the existence of a research base relevant to the proposed extension effort is required. ARDP funding is not intended to support ongoing extension programmatic efforts. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the research priorities identified for Applied Research (single-functions) projects or research-led projects (listed above).

Identification of these topic areas listed below is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other topic areas appropriate for Extension-led priorities.

i. Providing IPM outreach and training to individuals involved with the production, processing, storage, transporting, and marketing of food and agricultural commodities.

ii. Developing educational materials and information delivery systems that provide IPM personnel in the public and private sectors with timely, state-of-the-art information about effective IPM strategies.

iii. Providing outreach on endangered species protection related to IPM.

iv. Developing IPM programs for urban and natural systems, and addressing human and environmental health issues when appropriate.

v. Enhancing the development and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance.

The ARDP extension-led projects are separate from extension projects funded in the Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) and are generally not as mature, are more narrowly focused, and/or are outside the scope of EIP.

C.1.3 Program Area Requirements All ARDP applications must address the following requirements:

1. Stakeholder-Identified IPM Needs. Include the citation of IPM needs identified by diverse regional and national stakeholders. Include at least one explicit citation that clearly documents the specific stakeholder-identified needs addressed by the proposed project. Clearly reference each identified need with corresponding citations. The citation of stakeholder identified IPM needs is important because it demonstrates that a project is both important to stakeholders and that PDs are engaged with the stakeholder community. Sources of stakeholder-identified needs include, but are not limited to:

a) Needs identified by the regional IPM centers; see:

i. North Central IPM Center

ii. Northeastern IPM Center

iii. Southern IPM Center

iv. Western IPM Center

b) Needs identified in Crop Profiles.

c) Needs identified in Pest Management Strategic Plans.

d) Recommendations or reports from state IPM programs.

e) Recommendations from relevant IPM research and/or extension multi-state committees

f) IPM needs from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE) sub-regional conferences.

g) Recommendations from other IPM stakeholder groups.

h) Other documented IPM needs assessment evaluations.

2. Multi-State/U.S. Territory and/or Regional/National Involvement. Clearly cite regional and/or national IPM priorities and describe multi-state, regional, and national collaborations for purposes of efficiency, economy, and synergy. All applications, including those with PDs from one state or U.S. territory, must clearly describe how the project will provide benefits to more than one state or U.S. territory. Describe the role of everyone on the project team in enough detail to convince peer reviewers of the application that the multi-state/U.S. territory collaboration is meaningful.

When a proposal involves a crop/commodity that is of regional or national importance and is produced predominately in one state or U.S. territory, include documentation that the crop/commodity is grown predominately in one state/U.S. territory and describe why multistate collaboration is impractical. See Program Area Requirement, 7. Coordination, below for further information on participation in the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities, other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center.

3. Multi-Disciplinary and Systems-Oriented. Describe how the project will promote cooperative efforts across appropriate disciplines, linkages between research and extension, and the improvement of existing or emerging integrated pest management systems. Describe the role of each member of the multi-disciplinary team and their responsibilities on the project.

https://www.ncipmc.org/about/stakeholder-priorities/ https://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/regional-priorities/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ http://westernipm.org/index.cfm/center-grants/priorities/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/

4. Systems Approach. Describe how the proposal will enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems. ARDP seeks applications for developing IPM strategies: 1) with the potential to significantly enhance and protect environmental quality, reduce the risk of health problems and other problems associated with pest control practices, promote biological diversity in pest management systems, and integrate multiple pest management tactics, and 2) with the primary emphasis on enhancing productivity and profitability while addressing critical environmental quality and human health issues. Examples of areas that proposals may address include major acreage agricultural production systems, high value crops such as key fruit and vegetable systems, animal production systems, urban systems, or other agro-ecosystems including natural areas. For ARDP applications submitted for projects in agricultural settings, IPM projects in both conventional and organic production systems are appropriate.

5. Implementation Plan. Describe, as appropriate, in the project narrative for each project type: 1) how the project will implement results generated by the project with stakeholders, and 2) how the project will measure and assess adoption, implementation, and potential impacts by stakeholders using cost-effective approaches and criteria.

6. Timeline. Include a detailed timeline in the project narrative with key milestones for the project’s objectives and other important project tasks.

7. Coordination. Describe the project team’s plans to participate in the appropriate regional Hatch

Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities (e.g., NCERA-222, NEERA-1604, SERA-03, and WERA-1017), other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center. See the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) for information on these Hatch Multistate projects. See Regional IPM Centers for contacts and the regional programmatic efforts that they coordinate. The purpose of these coordination opportunities is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation on IPM projects, move research results to actual application through IPM adoption and implementation, and achieve CPPM program outcomes.

8. Partnerships. Describe plans to develop and enhance partnerships that include collaboration with small- or mid-sized, accredited colleges and universities; 1890 land-grant institutions; 1994 land-grant institutions; Hispanic-serving institutions; Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs); and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, under-represented, or hard-to-reach audiences.

9. Logic Model. Three-Page Limit. This attachment does not count against the 18-page limit for project narratives.

10. National IPM Roadmap. Address in the project narrative and the project-specific logic model chart applicable goals identified by the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management (see National IPM Roadmap).

https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18823 https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18301 https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18284 https://www.nimss.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/

C.2 Extension Implementation Program

Table 3: Extension Implementation Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: EIP

Program Code Name: Extension Implementation Program CFDA Number 10.329

Project Type: N/A Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline February 15, 2024 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 52 Maximum Award Amount: $300,000 per year

C.2.1 Proposed Budget Requests Budgets must not exceed $300,000 per year and $900,000 per project. This program area is limited to one application per institution. For details see: Part IV. B.

The program will support an extension IPM coordination project at eligible institutions.

Applications submitted to EIP should describe institution-based programs that are extension-led but may include research-demonstration components. Any research activities must be directly related to the extension program. No more than 20 percent of a project’s activities may be research-led.

C.2.2 EIP Program Area Priorities

EIP applications must address three or more of the following priorities:

• IPM Implementation in Agronomic and/or Specialty Crops.

• IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture.

• IPM Implementation in Communities including Housing and Schools.

• IPM for Pollinator Health.

• IPM for Pesticide Applicators.

• IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities.

• IPM in Public Health.

• Other state-specific IPM needs.

EIP proposals must adhere to yearly funding cap. Proposals may support any combination of at least three program area priorities. Please provide a justification statement if selecting less than three priorities. The list of priorities above does not represent any order of preference. Each priority will carry equal weight in the ranking of an application during the peer review process. Including more priorities will not positively impact the review ranking of the proposal.

Program Priorities Descriptions

Priorities:

IPM Implementation in Agronomic and/or Specialty Crops. This priority includes extension training, outreach programs, and materials development and delivery to increase adoption of IPM practices in agronomic and/or specialty crops. Agronomic crops include grain and oilseed crops such as wheat, corn, cotton, soybean, rice cultivated forages, mixed rangeland forages, and other crops traditionally viewed as agronomic. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural and nursery crops (including floriculture). Input costs, intensiveness of labor or production, or return on investment are typically greater for specialty crops than for agronomic crops. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the funding request based on the economic significance of the crop and the need for IPM in the crop as defined by statewide agricultural receipts, planted acres, the potential for addressing environmental or health risks, stakeholder input, and/or the importance of the pest in a local cropping system.

IPM Implementation in Animal Agriculture. Extension training, outreach programs, and materials development to increase adoption of IPM practices in livestock production and other areas of animal agriculture is included in this priority. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the scope and significance of the industry and opportunities for adoption of

IPM.

IPM in Communities including Housing and Schools. This priority includes extension training programs and materials development and delivery to increase adoption of IPM practices by private citizens in the home landscape, lawn care companies, garden centers, urban foresters, and similar practitioners. [Note: Programming for commercial nursery and greenhouse production should be included in the priority listed above, “IPM Implementation for Agronomic and/or Specialty Crops”. Home horticulture is included in the IPM in Communities priority.] NIFA strongly encourages significant linkages with state and/or county Extension Master Gardener programs for this priority. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the funding request based on the local risk from the pests described in the proposal, the level of service provided to the public, and the economic significance of the pest to the communities.

The Housing component includes extension training programs, and materials development and delivery, to increase adoption of IPM practices in housing and to address resident exposure to pest-related allergens and pesticide residues. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the number of housing units to be served and the need for IPM in the facilities. Applications may target public housing, housing on tribal lands, or other types of housing, particularly when addressing underserved audiences in collaboration with county social services or other entities that make housing affordable and accessible (e.g., Habitat for Humanity). The School priority includes extension training, outreach programs, and materials development to increase adoption of IPM practices in schools to address childhood exposure to pest related allergens and pesticide residues in the PreK-12 school environment. Additional activities may include development and/or delivery of Extension IPM education programs.

Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the number of school districts to be served, the need for IPM in the educational environment, or a demonstrated need for IPM in the district served.

IPM for Pollinator Health. This priority includes extension projects that support Pollinator Health. Projects could include:

a. Implementation of outreach and extension strategies to reduce declines of pollinators in agroecosystems and/or surrounding landscapes caused by one or more factors such as habitat changes or loss, nutritional imbalances, pathogens, pests, pesticides, toxins, genetic factors, or management practices;

b. Implementation of successful habitat restoration systems that maximize conservation of pollinators and integrate with management of other components of agricultural systems, including, but not limited to, invasive plants and other pests and diseases;

c. Implementation of improved best management practices for protection and conservation of pollinators and coordination with pest management practitioners using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework to ensure that pests and diseases are effectively managed; or

d. If an educational component is included, projects may incorporate curriculum development, novel experiential learning opportunities, online educational resources, citizen science, apps and/or educational games.

For these projects, partnerships between public and private entities are encouraged, such as universities, government agencies (e.g., USDA’s APHIS, ARS, FS, FSA, NRCS; USEPA;

USGS; and/or State programs), beekeepers, crop producers, farm advisors, IPM practitioners, land managers, private industries, or non-profit organizations. The specific contribution(s) of these entities to the project (e.g., outreach coordination, leveraging additional funds and other resources, sharing data and information, and/or citizen engagement) must be specified in the application.

IPM Support for Pest Diagnostic Facilities. Accurate and timely identification of the pest or pest injury is fundamental to IPM strategies. Applicants must provide justification for the size of the request based on the defined need and existing support for diagnostic facilities.

IPM Education for Pesticide Applicators. IPM principles may be an integral part of many pesticide applicator-training activities. This training often takes place as part of topic-specific training for certification/recertification category credits. However, general IPM principles are also incorporated into core credit education delivered to all types of applicators. You must provide a justification for the size of the funding request based on the training outputs to be achieved and their corresponding outcomes. NIFA will give priority to educational activities with the highest likelihood of achieving positive and measurable impacts toward the goals articulated in the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA expects proposals that address this priority to include information necessary to demonstrate strong linkages with the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) or other existing applicator education programs. However, only activities specifically providing IPM education for pesticide applicators are eligible for funding; proposals that provide general support for related extension programs will not be considered for funding.

IPM in Public Health. This priority supports extension training programs (including material development) to increase adoption of IPM practices for management of ticks and lice, mosquitoes, and similar pests of humans, particularly those that may vector disease.

Applicants must provide a justification for the size of the request based on the local risk from the described pests. Because risks from pests of humans may be highly regional, evidence of incidence of disease or frequency of pest incidence in a locale are valid justifications for importance of a local pest problem. Partnerships may involve entities outside the university community such as city or county public health services, federal service agencies, and non-governmental entities. However, these IPM partners may not originate a proposal.

State-specific IPM priority: It is recognized that certain states may have a specific IPM priority that is unique to them and is not listed above. In such a scenario, please provide additional justification for this priority.

C.2.3 Program Area Requirements All EIP applications must address the following requirements:

1. Include an administrative coordination plan for project activities and a description of project activities with expected outcomes for the priorities included in your application. Most applicants will describe this section separately and budget for the associated costs.

2. Explain why the priorities included in the application are appropriate based on identified need and stakeholder input.

3. Specifically describe plans/design to implement the project by delivering and coordinating extension/outreach programs within the audiences and geography served by the institution. Include short, medium and long-range outcomes that show measurable advances in knowledge of IPM, understanding/attitudes about IPM, and adoption of increasingly higher level IPM strategies in the priorities.

4. Specify project activities that may include informal and non-formal educational approaches (see definitions in Appendix III). In these cases, describe how the project will:

a. Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting to build understanding when clients are most receptive to instruction.

b. Develop materials to assist in program delivery that could include printed manuals and fact sheets, media productions, internet resources, decision support guidance and other teaching aids.

c. Maintain programs addressing the management of endemic, established pests of economic and social concern that aid in the implementation across appropriate geographic areas.

d. Respond to emerging pests of economic and social concern and aid in IPM implementation across appropriate geographic areas.

e. Use participatory and demonstration research techniques to engage practitioners and stakeholders in IPM systems that employ novel tactics.

f. Coordinate with current researchers in appropriate disciplines, incorporate new IPM tactics into educational programs, and measure the improvements resulting from the application or implementation of those enhanced IPM strategies. Any application that includes research activities must clearly describe how the research is directly connected to the extension effort and how it will contribute to applied outcomes. No more than 20 percent of the described project and budget should be devoted to research.

g. Train key clientele (agents/educators, consultants, pesticide applicators, scouts, growers, and others) to enhance understanding of pest management tactics and strategies.

5. Build collaborative teams with other CPPM programs in the region and nation (Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activity, currently labeled NEERA1604, NCERA222, SERA3, and WERA1017) to leverage resources, expertise, and coordination with your regional IPM center. They will also address the desired outcome of multiple regional and national team building efforts, active communication networks, and enhanced stakeholder participation.

6. Partner, engage, and involve diverse audiences in building collaborative teams. NIFA strongly encourages collaboration with small- or mid-sized accredited colleges and universities; 1994 land-grant institutions; insular areas; Hispanic-serving institutions;

Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs); and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, under-served, or hard-to-reach audiences.

7. Engage stakeholders to assure a shared vision of the advantages of IPM implementation and seek their involvement in establishing program priorities and evaluation of program successes.

8. Apply appropriate guidance provided in the National IPM Roadmap.

9. Measure and evaluate program successes by implementing an integrated plan for education, implementation, and assessment of outcomes and impact. A successful program will include indicators and measures of program success, reflecting outcomes addressing issues critical to clientele that will lead to high level outcomes and impacts.

10. Submit a logic model chart in your application. The logic model will explain the situation and how inputs and outputs will result in outcomes that are in line with the CPPM programmatic logic model (Figure 2 1; also see Application and Submission Information Part IV, § B). For each of the project priorities, the logic model chart must describe the activities, participants, outputs, and outcomes.

Other EIP Program Area Information It is important to recognize that EIP is an…