FY24-ECDRE-PA-RFA-508-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR PRE-APPLICATIONS

Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE:

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Not Applicable

March 28, 2024

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $21,487,790

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:

$500,000 - $15,000,000

USDA-NIFA-SCRI-010556

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.309

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.309.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, March 28, 2024 Letter of Intent: Not Applicable

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 (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs, and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. and 7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov (email is for comments only). Please use the following subject line: Response to the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE) Request for Pre-applications (RFPA).

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit NIFA’s Center of Excellence (COE) 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://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ185/PLAW-105publ185.pdf https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ185/PLAW-105publ185.pdf 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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This RFPA 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 notice identifies the objectives for Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. NIFA requests pre-applications for the ECDRE program for the fiscal year 2024 to address priorities identified by the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS) of the National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board through projects that integrate research and extension activities and use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches to provide solutions to U.S. citrus growers.

The overarching goals and desired outcomes for the ECDRE program are:

1. To combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its disease complex in order to continue to farm citrus in a financially sustainable way through collaborative approaches and knowledge;

2. Transition from component-focused research to deploying research outcomes and conclusions on farms; and

3. Encourage research teams to bring knowledge together to find grower solutions to combat and prevent HLB infection.

The ECDRE program will address these needs through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, exchange of information, and development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to farm-level solutions for HLB.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding B. Project Types C. 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 Pre-Application C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process B. Evaluation Criteria C. Center of Excellence

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

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 3: Help and Resources Table 4: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority 7 U.S.C. 7632(j) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive research and extension grant program to combat diseases of citrus under which the Secretary awards competitive grants to eligible entities. Section 12605 of Pub. L. 115-334, title XII provides Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund to provide mandatory funding for this program.

B. Purpose and Priorities 7 U.S.C. 7632(j) establishes the following purpose and priorities (program goals and objectives): The Secretary shall establish a competitive research and extension grant program to combat diseases of citrus under which the Secretary awards competitive grants to eligible entities—

1. to conduct scientific research and extension activities, technical assistance, and development activities to combat citrus diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, which pose imminent harm to the United States citrus production and threaten the future viability of the citrus industry, including HLB and the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP); and

2. to provide support for the dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, and technologies discovered pursuant to research and extension activities funded through -

a. the emergency citrus disease research and extension program; or

b. other research and extension projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests.

In FY 2024, the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension (ECDRE) program, under Assistance Listing 10.309, is soliciting proposals to develop effective tactics and strategies to control HLB and its disease complex for financially sustainable citrus production in the United States. All projects funded by the ECDRE program will incorporate collaborative approaches that integrate available knowledge to develop new solutions that can be deployed by growers to manage and prevent HLB infection in the near term.

Proposals funded by the ECDRE program in FY 2024 will provide a plan for addressing one or more of the following priority needs (listed in order of importance to target grower needs with a focus on producer implementation), established in consultation with the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS)1:

1. Development of commercial citrus varieties (rootstocks and scions) for both fresh and processed markets, with genetic resistance or tolerance to HLB using traditional breeding techniques and/or gene editing. These efforts could be focused on the identification of gene-editing targets, the use of CRISPR tools, or large-scale evaluation of resistant breeding lines for horticultural performance, consumer acceptance/marketing, and economics. Proposals that will work on the development of varieties (grapefruit, lemon, mandarin/tangerine, and orange) across a range of markets are highly encouraged.

1The consultation occurred virtually on December 4, 2023. CDS recommendations were provided to NIFA via the NAREEE Board on December 14, 2023. The subcommittees’ FY24 recommendations were incorporated into this Request for Pre-Applications.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7632%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7632)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/statviewer.htm?volume=132&page=5006 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7632%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7632)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

2. Regional management or eradication of ACP on commercial citrus groves and residential plantings; management strategies should incorporate appropriate pesticide resistance management measures.

3. Optimized detection and surveillance programs for ACP and/or HLB. Detection and surveillance programs should incorporate all effective tools and tactics, including psyllid attractants, predictive models of psyllid movement and dispersal, and early detection of HLB/ CLas (based on an understanding of mechanisms).

4. A cure for HLB-infected trees and strategies for maintaining their productivity. Progress in this area can be made through the development of nutritional materials and their delivery, antimicrobials and their delivery, or commercialization of molecules that improve citrus production and along with large scale field trials.

5. A delivery system for therapeutics, nutrition and other HLB solutions. Most therapies available are not adequately delivered via foliar application. The citrus industry needs an engineered delivery system for phloem to access the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) systemic infection.

6. Consolidation of screening efforts for intervention targets and reduction of candidate lists to include only those most worthy of advanced testing and commercialization. High priority screening efforts are needed to identify: 1) Host plant defense or resistance; 2) Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) suppression, reduced transmission, or behavior modification (e.g., attract and kill); or 3) Pathogen CLas titer reduction, competition, or acquisition/transmission prevention.

7. A reliable technique for culturing CLas bacteria.

8. A better understanding of the HLB/vector/citrus pathosystem, including phloem biology, the movement of CLas and therapy into and through phloem, and the interaction of host, pathogen, and vector (disease triangle).

9. Greater understanding of the ecology and interactions of the citrus production system and the citrus greening disease complex (HLB and ACP). These studies are needed to answer basic questions regarding how climate and other environmental factors in different regions impact tree health and the spread of HLB and ACP.

Projects must address only scientific research and extension activities. The applicant must not propose technical assistance, classified research, or financial assistance to start, create, or expand a company or submit patent applications. Additional information on expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, and data collection will be discussed in the ECDRE full application RFA.

The ECDRE program is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026

1. Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous;

2. Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food.

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices

4. Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

5. Translating Research into Action https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf

For a program informational webinar please visit the NIFA calendar for dates, event registration, and link. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the informational webinars listed, please contact the event host listed no later than 10 days prior to the event.

https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding This RFPA 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 support of this program in FY 2024 is approximately $21,487,790.

The ECDRE pre-application process does not result in award recommendations; however, an estimate of project costs is required. Applicants must use the information in Part II B of this RFPA to develop the cost estimate.

B. Project Types The ECDRE program will support two project types in FY 2024. Applicants should decide which project type is best suited to the objectives of their research and extension project and develop a preliminary budget that fits the objectives. Applicants are discouraged from developing a project (and selecting a project type) based on a budget request target. The two ECDRE project types are:

1. Standard Project (SP)

a. Project Period: Up to three years.

b. Budget: Federal funds will not exceed approximately $1,500,000 for the duration of the project.

c. Purpose: To support targeted problem-solving efforts that are narrower in scope than a

Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). These projects will be aimed at:

i. farm-level implementation or commercialization of proven solutions or

ii. examination of innovative ideas that will address one of the goals identified by the

Citrus Disease Subcommittee.

Applications should bring together research and extension components of the agricultural knowledge system around a problem area or activity.

2. Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP)

a. Project Period: Up to five years.

b. Budget: Federal funds will not exceed approximately $15,000,000 for the duration of the project.

c. Purpose: To address national-scale efforts by coordinating research and extension efforts in one of the following goals identified by the Citrus Disease Subcommittee:

i. Consolidation of screening efforts for intervention targets and reduction of candidate lists to include only those most worthy of advanced testing and commercialization.

ii. A cure for infected trees and strategies for maintaining their productivity.

iii. Regional management or eradication of ACP on commercial citrus groves and residential plantings

iv. Optimized detection and surveillance programs for ACP and/or HLB

v. Development of commercial citrus varieties (rootstocks and scions) with genetic resistance to HLB using traditional breeding techniques and/or gene editing.

CAPs will be awarded to consortia or groups of qualified applicants to coordinate their efforts in addressing one of the goals listed above. CAP applications are expected to demonstrate coherent and complementary integrated activities with the goal of developing a strategy or solution that could be implemented in a defined timeframe, preferably by the end of the project. Successful CAP applications will propose the formation of public-private consortia or other interdisciplinary groups to address one or more of the priority needs identified.

Applications are expected to take advantage of results from previously funded projects on this topic as well as recent advances in biological, physical, and social and economic sciences and to translate basic knowledge rapidly to practical applications for solving the priority needs of affected citrus industries. Applications are also expected to demonstrate the potential to develop a national strategy or solution as a goal; this would include the intent to promote collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information and development of resources that accelerate the application of scientific discovery and technology to address the needs of the citrus industry. As such, the applications for CAP should aim to reduce duplication of efforts and integrate activities among individuals, institutions, states, and regions. CAPs are likely to support large-scale efforts for trials, demonstrations, coordinated testing across environments, and screening.

CAPs require efforts that are larger in scope and complexity than those required for standard projects and require coordinated efforts of multi-state/multi-institutional teams of biological, physical, and social scientists. Collaboration with cooperative extension and ongoing grower efforts is highly encouraged. Although not required in the pre-applications, invited full CAP applications will include a business plan for deliverables (e.g., commercialization, regulatory approvals, etc.), an advisory committee, and plans for documenting project impacts and communicating results to citrus producers and the public.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d9d182af41c6dd9ce852a9f753215f55&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5%22%20%5Ch 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 Pre-applications for the ECDRE may only be submitted by Federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, research institutions and organizations, private organizations or corporations, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, Cooperative Extension Services, individuals, or groups consisting of two or more of these entities.

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.

Duplicate or Multiple Submission. Duplicate or multiple submissions with the same lead PD are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. However, an applicant may act as a Co-PD on multiple unique submissions as well as submit a single unique application as the Lead PD in the same fiscal year. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching In accordance with Section 1492 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3371), as amended by section 7614 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, for grants awarded after December 22, 2018, the recipient of an award from the ECDRE program must provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of both, from sources other than funds provided through such grant in an amount that is at least equal to the amount awarded by NIFA.

The matching requirement for ECDRE awards has been waived for FY 2024 using authority granted by The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328, General Provision 744), which states:

“The Secretary of Agriculture may waive the matching funds requirement under Section 412(g) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(g)).” This means that no matching funds will be required of FY 2024 applicants or awardees, and applicants will not need to submit a waiver request with their application.

Changes to match requirements or match waivers may apply at the time of award, when required or allowed by law, such as in the annual appropriations act that provides funding for the program.

C. Centers of Excellence Centers of Excellence cannot be requested in the pre-application phase.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/nar77.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/nar77.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3371%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3371)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2/text https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2/text

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this Request for Pre-Application (RFPA) electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFPA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 2 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package, or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Table 2. Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-SCRI-010556 search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 3. Help and Resources

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

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

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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

*If you have trouble submitting a pre-application to Grants.gov, you should FIRST contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any problems. Keep a record of any such correspondence.

B. Content and Form of the Pre-Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA.

The RFA overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding 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.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/register https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?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 with NIFA. Table 4 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 4. Key Application Instructions

Instruction References (All references are to the NIFA Grants

Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 (modify this number as necessary) days of the application deadline.

N/A

A Stakeholder Relevance Statement (SRS) is required for all project types. The SRS cannot exceed three pages in length. The SRS must be formatted with margins no less than 1-inch on all sides. Text must be 12-point or larger and must be left justified. Detailed budgets and budget narratives ARE NOT required in the SRS.

Content of the Stakeholder Relevance Statement for all Projects

1. Title of the project: (the title should be preceded by “SP:” or “CAP:” to indicate the type of project)

2. Budget: Estimated amount of funding to be requested (detailed budget is not necessary)

3. Significance and Benefit:

a. Economic/environmental/social significance of the problem being addressed;

b. Potential deliverables for the citrus industry at the end of project and specific milestones during the project;

c. How information developed during project will be translated into actionable recommendations or products and delivered to end-users.

4. Stakeholder engagement:

a. How stakeholders were engaged in defining the problem being addressed and determining project objectives;

b. How stakeholders will continue to be engaged in project development and evaluation.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/support

5. Project outline: (one-page maximum)

a. List of project objectives. Please note: Because the scientific merit review panel that examines subsequent full applications will help verify that the pre-application and full-application projects are essentially identical, the list of project objectives identified here must carry forward to a full application and the estimated budget in “2” above should be commensurate with those objectives;

b. Outline of methodology to be used to achieve project goals.

6. Experience of Project Director (PD) and key co-investigators (maximum of four co-PDs for

CAP projects and two co-PDs for standard projects):

Provide a description of the project team’s experience working with the specific stakeholder community and with the problem that will be addressed by the project; a bio of up to 100 words can be included for each. You will be able to list additional co-investigators in the full application if you are invited to submit one.

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances. The following are additional instructions:

1. Field 1. Type of Submission. Click the “Pre-application” box.

2. Field 15. Enter Estimated Project Funding. Enter the estimated amount of funding to be requested.

3. Field 20. Pre-application. Click on “Add Attachment” to attach the Stakeholder Relevance

Statement.

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

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

1. Field 2. Enter the program code name “Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program” and the program code “ECDRE”. Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions Indirect Cost (IDC) not to exceed 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) of the recipient. Section 1462(a) and (c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3310(a) and (c)) limits IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) under a research, education, or extension grant.

The maximum IDC rate allowed under the award is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

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

2. 30 percent of TFFA.

The maximum allowable IDC rate under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the two rates above.

If the result of number one above is the lesser of the two rates, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards would be 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://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3310%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3310)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC rate charged under the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

If number two above is the lesser of the two rates, then the maximum IDC rate allowed for the overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the

IDC of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

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

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

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect the De Minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de Minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total indirect costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

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

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PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process ECDRE has instituted a two-phase review process. The first phase of the review process is the Industry Relevance Review of pre-applications. Each Pre-Application containing a Stakeholder Relevance Statement (SRS) will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, each SRS will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this RFPA. Administrative requirements include meeting the application deadline; meeting eligibility requirements; satisfying program intent; inclusion of all required sections of the SRS package; and adherence to guidelines.

Subsequently, an SRS that meets these requirements will be evaluated for relevance by a panel of industry reviewers representing the US citrus industry. The panel will recommend which applications to invite for submission of a full application (second phase). Invited applicants will be sent instructions on how to access the full RFA via email once the relevance review is completed.

NIFA will send copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary of the panel comments to the PD after the review process has been completed.

NIFA selects reviewers for the ECDRE relevance review based upon the crops and/or issues represented by the pre-applications. Industry reviewers will be selected from persons directly involved in the growing, handling and processing of citrus crops; or persons representing those interests through trade organizations or other professional associations.

Conflicts of interest. NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications).

B. Evaluation Criteria The evaluation criteria herein, with relative weights in parentheses, will be used to review pre-applications submitted in response to this RFPA.

Criteria for Industry Relevance Review for all Projects

1. The issues/challenges addressed are relevant to the CDS approved ranked research priorities. (30 points)

2. The described research and extension approach will result in impacts/outcomes that are important to the target stakeholders. (20 points)

3. Stakeholders are involved in identifying and developing project goals and objectives and will be involved during the project. (20 points)

4. Information developed by the project team will be delivered to stakeholders that will allow them to implement new and/or improved solutions to HLB by the end of project period. (20 points)

5. Project team has members who have worked with the target stakeholders in the past and have experience with the described research and extension approach. (10 points)

C. Center of Excellence Pre-applications to the ECDRE program cannot request Center of Excellence designation.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as the effective date of the grant must be no later than September 30 of the federal fiscal year in which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period. All funds granted by NIFA under this RFA may be used only for the purpose for which they are granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and conditions of the award, applicable federal cost principles, USDA assistance regulations, and NIFA General Awards Administration Provisions, 7 CFR Part 3430, subparts A through E.

Award Notice. The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information as described in 2 CFR 200.211 (see NIFA’s Terms and Conditions).

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Several federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications and the projects outlined in this RFA (some are listed here: Federal Regulations). Unless specifically noted by statue or award-specific requirements, NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide applies to all NIFA awards.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements Output and reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. If there are any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the Award Notice.

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PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget Delegation of fiscal responsibility. Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, awardees may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of award funds.

Changes in Budget or Project Plans. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.308, awardees must request prior approval from NIFA for the following program or budget-related reasons (the awardee is subject to the terms and conditions identified in the award):

1. Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program without prior written approval (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring).

2. Change in a key person specified in the application or the federal award.

3. Disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project.

4. Inclusion of costs that require prior approval in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E (Cost

Principles), or 45 CFR Part 75 Appendix IX, (Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Awards and Contracts with Hospitals), or 48 CFR, unless waived by the federal awarding agency, 48 CFR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures;

5. Transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense.

(2 CFR 200.456 Participant support costs);

6. Sub-awarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under a federal award, including fixed amount sub-awards (see 2 CFR 200.333, Fixed Amount Sub-awards), unless described in the application and funded in the approved federal awards. This provision does not apply to the acquisition of supplies, material, equipment, or general support services.

7. Changes in the approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the non-federal entity; and

8. The need for additional federal funds to complete the project.

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of NIFA transaction records, which are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the application they wish to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action thereon.

C. Regulatory Information This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in this notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

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D. Limited English Proficiency NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, free of charge. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA Language Access Services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/civil-rights/language-access-services mailto:Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACTS

Program Contacts Erica Kistner-Thomas Erica.Kistnerthomas@usda.gov 816-894-9283

Emmanuel Byamukama Emmanuel.Byamukama@usda.gov 605-864-7808

For administrative questions related to;

1) Grants.gov, see Part IV of this RFA.

2) Other RFA or application questions, please email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

3) Awards under this RFA, please email awards@usda.gov

U.S. Postal Mailing Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Courier/Package Delivery Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture 2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 mailto:erica.kistnerthomas@usda.gov mailto:Emmanuel.byamukama@usda.gov mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov mailto:awards@usda.gov

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Glossary of Terms Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 – AREERA Asian Citrus Psyllid – ACP Assistance Listing Number– ALN Authorized Representative – AR Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus – CLas Center of Excellence – COE Citrus Disease Subcommittee – CDS Coordinated Agricultural Project – CAP Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program – ECDRE Huanglongbing – HLB Indirect Cost – IDC National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 – NARETPA National Institute of Food and Agriculture – NIFA Project Director – PD Request for Application – RFA Request for Pre-application – RFPA Research, Education, and Economics – REE Stakeholder Relevance Statement – SRS Standard Project – SP Total Federal Funds Awarded – TFFA United States Department of Agriculture – USDA

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

Refer to 7 CFR 3430 Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions for additional definitions.

Definitions Director:

The Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and any other officer or employee of NIFA to whom the authority involved is delegated.

Matching:

The process through which a grant recipient match awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The matching funds must derive from non- Federal sources.

Project Director:

“PD” means the single individual designated by the grantee in the grant application, who is responsible for the direction and management of the project and who is approved by the Authorized Departmental Officer. By extension of this definition, then, all project personnel listed as Co-PDs on an application are assumed to be approved by the grantee institution as ready and able to fulfill the role of PD in the event that the PD can no longer serve in that capacity. All other project personnel should be identified as co-principal investigators or key personnel.

Systems Approach:

Any process of estimating or inferring how local policies, actions, or changes influence the state of the neighboring universe. It is a framework that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system can best be understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather than in isolation.

Trans-disciplinary:

A multi-discipline approach that brings biological and physical scientists together with economists and social scientists to address challenges in a holistic manner.

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