FY24-GusNIP-PPR-RFA-508-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Produce Prescription Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2024

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Applicable

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2024

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $5,280,800

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-FINI-010373

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.331

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) Portfolio is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.331.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, February 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 (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 GusNIP - Produce Prescription Program RFA.

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

WHAT’S NEW FOR FY 2024?

1. Clarifies required attendance of the Project Director at a PD meeting each year.

2. Further clarifies that total funding requested under PPR must be less than or equal to

$500,000.

3. Clarifies that institutions of higher education that are local, county, tribal, territory, or state government agencies must provide documentation in support of eligibility as a governmental agency in Field 12 of the grant application. Documentation must clearly identify that the university or Cooperative Extension is designated as an entity within the governmental agency structure, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Public Health, etc.

4. Further clarifies that applicants and their project partner organizations must ensure that no State, Territory, or local tax is collected when produce prescriptions are redeemed.

This must be documented in the grant application in the project narrative and/or letter of support from the appropriate partner organization(s).

5. 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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

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

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

The amount available for grants in fiscal year FY 2024 is approximately $5,280,800. Additional projects submitted under this RFA will be considered should additional funding become available beyond the approximated amounts listed above.

NIFA requests applications for the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program for FY2024 to support projects that aim to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

The GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center’s (GusNIP NTAE Center’s) Nutrition Incentive Hub provides free one-on-one support, group sessions, as well as templates, checklists, webinars, and other resources, to all applicants. These resources are available at https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/resources and the GusNIP NTAE technical assistance team may be reached at ta@nutritionincentivehub.org.

When preparing an application, all applicants are required to have a consultation session of approximately one hour with the GusNIP NTAE Center’s Nutrition Incentive Hub for free group sessions, one-on-one support and to review common mistakes.

This notice identifies the objectives for GusNIP Produce Prescription Program projects, deadline dates, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a GusNIP Produce Prescription Program grant.

https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/resources mailto:ta@nutritionincentivehub.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

WHAT’S NEW FOR FY 2024?

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Produce Prescription (PPR) Key Information Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 7517(c), the Secretary is authorized to administer The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) Produce Prescription Program. This authority is delegated to the Director of NIFA through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE) (see 79 FR 44101 (July 30, 2014)).

B. Purpose and Priorities The GusNIP - Produce Prescription Program, Assistance Listing 10.331, is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

1. Strategic Goal 4 Make Safe, Nutritious Food Available to All Americans.

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Priority 3: Bolstering Nutrition Security & Health. The program prevents or minimizes the impact of diet-related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers) through the food system, prioritizing inclusion, personalized food choices, data transparency, understanding, and impact.

The program presents the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food and healthcare systems and to foster understanding of how prescribing fresh fruits and vegetables might improve the nutrition and health status of participating households. In addition to providing educational opportunities relating to nutrition to participants, the primary goals and objectives of the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program are to demonstrate and evaluate the impact of projects on:

1. the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables;

2. the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and

3. the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

All GusNIP produce prescription project proposals must:

1. include a letter of support from one or more healthcare partners;

2. prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible individuals;

And at least one of the following:

1. provide financial or non-financial incentives for eligible individuals to purchase or procure fresh fruits and vegetables;

2. provide educational resources on nutrition to eligible individuals; and/or

3. establish additional accessible locations for eligible individuals to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

In carrying out a project using a produce prescription grant, an eligible entity shall partner with one or more healthcare partners. Healthcare Partners are defined in Part III.A.2. Full application requirements for the Produce Prescription Program can be found in Part I.C Program Area https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7517%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7517)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2014-07-30/pdf/2014-17352.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

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

NIFA encourages pursuing these priorities through Traditional Ecological Knowledge in collaboration and consultation with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples on projects consistent with the above goals and priorities. Furthermore, NIFA also encourages applicants to highlight proposed project plans that emphasize food and nutrition security, nutritional quality, environmental stewardship (e.g., food loss and waste, climate), culturally sensitive food and/or food practices, and economic and social equity.

Additionally, NIFA will prioritize the following types of projects for award in accordance with the program area evaluation criteria in Sec. V.B: (1) serve underrepresented communities, such as tribal communities, communities of color, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, Veterans, rural and remote communities, insular areas, or communities with residents predominantly living under the Federal poverty line and/or (2) serve underrepresented GusNIP Produce Prescription Program geographies, such as Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Delaware, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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

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.

C. Program Area Description The Produce Prescription Program will only support standard grants of up to $500,000 total budget and a duration of up to three (3) years.

Table 2: Produce Prescription (PPR) Key Information

Title Description Program Code: PPR

Program Code Name: Produce Prescription (PPR)

ALN: 10.331

Project Type: Standard Projects Application Deadline 5:00 P.M. Eastern, February 28, 2024

Grant Duration: Up to 3 years Anticipated # of Awards: 11

Maximum Award Amount: $500,000

Produce Prescription Standard Projects (PPR) support the development and evaluation of tribal, county, district, multi-county, territory, or state-wide projects that prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible individuals; and at least one of the following 1) provide financial or non-financial incentives for eligible individuals to purchase or procure fresh fruits and vegetables; 2) https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar provide educational resources on nutrition to eligible individuals; and/or 3) establish additional accessible locations for eligible individuals to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

Individuals are eligible to participate in a PPR project if they are eligible for the following: (1) benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or (2) medical assistance under a State plan or a waiver of such a plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and enrolled under such plan or waiver; and (3) a member of a low-income household that suffers from, or is at risk of developing, a diet-related health condition.

Amounts requested under PPR must be less than or equal to $500,000 total budget. The expectations for standard projects, however, will be commensurate with their size, and provide an opportunity for smaller or less experienced organizations to propose projects that have smaller budgets and less complex administration. PPR grant proposals will be evaluated based on community needs, objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the Produce Prescription Program’s primary purpose and priorities as described in Part I. B.

Applicants must identify one or more healthcare partners with which the applicant is partnering.

Applicant organizations that meet the definition of eligible entity (see Part III. A. 1) and Healthcare Partner (see Part III A. 2) may fulfill both roles in the grant application. The required letter of support from a Healthcare Partner must be provided in the grant application and specify the role in implementing and evaluating the project. Applicants must also include a description of the methods by which they will:

1. Screen and verify eligibility for individuals to participate in a produce prescription project. This may be a one- or two-part verification process.

2. Implement an effective produce prescription project, including the role of each healthcare partner in implementing the project, such as screening and referring potential participants, verifying potential participants are eligible individuals who may participate in a produce prescription project, tracking health outcomes, and/or reporting healthcare utilization and healthcare costs.

3. Evaluate individuals participating in a produce prescription project with respect to the impact of the project participation on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use and associated costs.

4. Provide educational opportunities relating to nutrition to eligible individuals participating in a produce prescription program.

5. Inform eligible individuals of the availability of produce prescription program, including locations at which produce prescriptions may be redeemed.

6. Describe any additional non-profit or emergency feeding organizations that shall be involved in the project and the role of each in implementing and evaluating an effective PPR project.

7. Include a letter of support as documentation of a partnership agreement to evaluate the effectiveness of the produce prescription project in reducing healthcare use and associated costs. Appropriate partners include State Medicaid Agency, hospital, hospital, or clinic operated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, federally qualified health center, or healthcare provider group.

8. Collect core participant-level and firm-level metrics, cooperate with, and contribute core participant-level and firm-level data to the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2011%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2011)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:1396%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section1396)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim

Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE) evaluation report;

and

9. Attest that your organization agrees to share information and core data with the Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers (NTAE).

D. Program Policy This section deals with certain aspects of GusNIP policy as it pertains to the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program. Questions regarding the policies discussed below may be directed to sm.fn.GusNIP@usda.gov.

1. Definition of Incentive.

The term “incentive” means any financial or non-financial encouragement for eligible individuals to purchase or procure fresh fruits and vegetables.

a. Examples of allowable financial incentives include prescriptions redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables.

b. Examples of unallowable incentives include, but are not limited to, giveaways of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and lottery tickets.

The cost of incentives must be allowable under the applicable cost principles in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E.

2. Treatment of Incentives The value of any benefit provided to a participant will be treated as supplemental nutrition benefits under section 8(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2017 (b)).

Each State/Territory must ensure that no State, Territory, or local tax is collected on a purchase of food with assistance provided under Produce Prescription grants.

Produce Prescription Program grants cannot be used to carry out any project that limits the use of benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) or any other Federal nutrition law.

Assistance provided under Produce Prescription Program grants to households receiving benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program must not:

a. be considered part of the supplemental nutrition benefits of the household; or

b. be used in the collection or disposition of claims under section 13 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2022).

3. Definition of fresh fruits and vegetables The definition of fresh fruits and vegetables includes any variety of fresh whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats or oils, and salt (i.e., sodium).

4. Grantee Noncompliance with Program Policy Grantees and their participating firms are expected to comply with all policies and requirements laid out in this RFA document as well as any GusNIP policies or requirements mailto:sm.fn.GusNIP@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2017%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2017)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2011%20et%20seq%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2011%20et%20seq)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:2022%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section2022)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true further clarified in Q&As, memoranda, or other relevant USDA documents. The NTAE technical assistance team, program advisors, and reporting advisers are available to guide applicants and grantees in addition to NIFA program staff and grants management staff to avoid instances of noncompliance. Grantees will be notified in writing of instances of noncompliance and will face serious repercussions for repeated instances of noncompliance.

Examples of such noncompliance include, but are not limited to, failure to provide required evaluation data to Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (NTAE), incentivizing ineligible products, or exchanging produce prescriptions for cash.

5. Considering a History of Noncompliance during Application Evaluation A history of noncompliance with GusNIP or any other USDA grant policies and requirements will be considered during the grant application evaluation process as detailed in Part V. B: Evaluation Criteria.

6. Allowable Forms of Project Outreach and Promotion Grantees may promote or advertise their produce prescription projects using Federal funds using any mass media (e.g., television, radio, billboards, and geographically targeted online social media advertisements). Such mass media advertisement will only be allowable as described under 2 CFR 200.421.

7. Required Consultation with the GusNIP Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Center (GusNIP NTAE Center).

All applicants are required to have a consultation session of approximately one hour with the GusNIP NTAE Center for free one-on-one support or group sessions to review common mistakes. To document completion of this consultation, all applicants must upload the verification letter from the GusNIP NTAE Center to Field 12 of their proposal. See Part IV.

B for more information.

8. Required Comprehensive GusNIP Program Evaluation and Evaluation Reporting.

The evaluation is based on a cluster evaluation model that builds on the collaboration and coordination of individual project assessments and an overall program evaluation. It consists of four components: a process analysis to describe project implementation and support future replication of successful approaches; an outcome analysis to assess the effectiveness of each PPR grantee project; a comparative analysis to integrate results across sites and approaches, attempting to answer the question of what works best (and when or where); and technical assistance to support consistent implementation of evaluation protocols used by grantees/researchers/evaluators.

All PPR grantees will be required to cooperate with the NTAE center by:

1. Supporting implementation of evaluation requirements;

2. Meeting periodically with staff from NIFA, FNS, the NTAE centers, and other

GusNIP grantees to review project plans, evaluation objectives and methods, data collection and reporting requirements, and analysis and reporting of results;

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.421

3. Facilitating access to or providing documentation of project implementation, operations, costs, and outcomes; and

4. Facilitating site visits and interviews with project staff, partners, and program participants if necessary.

PPR grantees will be required to periodically provide the NTAE centers a core program data set to ensure common program tracking and enable meaningful comparisons across all projects. At a minimum, this dataset will include participant-level and firm-level metrics as well as an evaluation of the impact of a grantee’s project on healthcare use and associated costs. For additional information on the core program data set for firm-level and participant-level metrics, visit the GusNIP Application Resources page. See Part IV.B.2. of this RFA for details regarding project evaluation. To provide the participant-level metrics, pre- and post-surveys are required to be collected from a subsample of project participants for each active grant year of a grantee’s project. The sample size for participant-level data collection is powered to be able to detect a ¼ cup change in fruit and vegetable consumption using the 10-item fruit and vegetable intake Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). Typically, the sample size ranges from 100 to 130 participants completing pre- and post-surveys. Post-award, the NTAE will work with each grantee on an individual basis to determine the sample size and sampling plan.

To provide data for the firm-level metrics, grantees are required to have a Data Use Agreement or a MOU with each firm or sub-grantee that guarantees each firm will provide information required for the core program data set and to complete an outlet survey of firms to be conducted by the NTAE centers.

1. All GusNIP PPR grant applications with a project design that involves SNAP/NAP transactions must submit a SNAP/NAP Implementing Agency letter of support, work through SNAP/NAP authorized firms, and follow the SNAP/NAP firm MOU process.

All GusNIP PPR projects with a design that involves SNAP or NAP transactions will be reviewed by a USDA, Food and Nutrition Service SNAP/NAP Policy Analyst for adherence to SNAP/NAP program rules and regulations. Final award determination is subject to Food and Nutrition Service approval of a grant application’s adherence to SNAP/NAP program rules and regulations. More information about SNAP/NAP policy as it relates to GusNIP can be found on the GusNIP Frequently Asked Questions page, specifically the SNAP/NAP Frequently Asked Questions.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/gusnip-request-applications-resources-ppr https://www.nifa.usda.gov/gusnip-faqs

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

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

The amount available for NIFA to support this program is approximately $5,280,800 in FY 2024. Should additional funding become available beyond the approximated amounts listed above, projects submitted under this RFA and not recommended for the initial round of funding will be considered.

The funding mechanism for the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program funds will be awarded through grants. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Application for FY2024 is limited to the following application types:

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

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

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

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.

NIFA recognizes that data sharing may be complicated or limited, in some cases, by organizational policies; local and tribal Institutional Review Board (IRB) rules; and local, tribal, state, and Federal laws and regulations. The rights and privacy of individuals who participate in NIFA-sponsored research must be protected at all times. This includes annual human subject’s assurance statements that the project has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or determined exempt from review.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=605b03c6e3d8b98a6b6c12e7245429c3&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

Thus, data intended for broader use should be free of identifiers that would permit linkages to individual research participants and variables that could lead to deductive disclosure of the identity of individual subjects.

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in 7 U.S.C. 7517 and as discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

1. Eligible Entity Eligibility to receive a Produce Prescription Program grant is limited to governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. Institutions of higher education that are local, county, tribal, territory, or state government agencies must provide documentation in support of eligibility as a governmental agency. Documentation must clearly identify that the university or Cooperative Extension is designated as an entity within the governmental structure, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Public Health, etc. Veterans’ Health Administration and various components of its healthcare system, such as hospitals or clinics are eligible governmental agencies.

2. Partners and Collaborators The required healthcare partner(s) may include (1) a hospital, (2) Federally qualified health center, (3) hospital or clinic operated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or (4) a healthcare provider group. Applicants must include a statement specifying the eligibility of the healthcare partner(s) under one of the four categories.

Organizations that meet the definitions of eligible entity and healthcare partner may fulfill both roles in the grant application. The required letter of support from a healthcare partner must be provided in the grant application and specify the role in implementing and evaluating the project. If the lead applicant will also be the healthcare partner, the letter of support from a healthcare partner is still required. The purpose of the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program is to bring together stakeholders from various parts of the food and healthcare systems. GusNIP projects help foster understanding to improve the health and nutrition status of participating households prescribed fresh fruits and vegetables.

Applicants for Produce Prescription Program grants are encouraged to seek and create partnerships with public or private, non-profit or for-profit entities, including links with academic institutions (including minority-serving colleges and universities and tribal colleges and universities) and/or other appropriate professionals; community-based organizations; tribal nations and local government entities; Tribal health centers, public health departments, pharmacies, school nurses, or private and public health insurance agencies and/or partnering entities for the purposes of providing additional resources and strengthening historical failure in underserved communities.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7517%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7517)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview

Produce Prescription Program applicants may partner with or make subgrants to, public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit entities, including an emergency feeding organization; an agricultural cooperative; a producer network or association; a community health organization; a public benefit corporation; an economic development corporation; a farmers market; a community-supported agriculture program; a buying club; retail food store participating in SNAP/NAP; and a Tribal, State, Territory, or local agency.

Only the applicant must meet the requirements specified above for grant eligibility.

Project partners and collaborators need not meet the eligibility requirements. When planning collaborations, award recipients may sub-award to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of the project. See Part IV.C Funding Restrictions of this RFA.

3. Fiscal Agent If a non-profit organization cannot accept Federal funds directly, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds must be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter must include the fiscal agent’s point of contact, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This letter is to be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.3.c.) of the application. In the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management information (see Part V. D). Include documents showing the organization’s non-profit status when responding to this request.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The Produce Prescription Program has NO matching requirements.

NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-FINI-010373 search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

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

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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

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

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

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R.

Part V

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

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

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

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program. Basic project components should be included in the PS, such as the number of participants to be served; produce prescription amount and duration; and the educational opportunity/ies related to nutrition. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 15 pages, 1.5 spaced including written text, figures, and tables with 1-inch margins. The font size for text and tables should be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman. The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Organizing your proposal, clearly labeling each section, and sequencing them as indicated below will help reviewers find the information to evaluate your proposal. Applications exceeding these limits may be administratively declined without review. The PN must include all the following:

a. Introduction to Community(ies) to be involved in the Project and the Benefit to the Community(ies);

b. Personnel and Resources of the Organizations and Communities Involved in the Project;

c. Project Goals, Intended Outcomes, and Relationship to GusNIP Produce Prescription Program Purpose and Priorities;

d. Activities to Achieve the Goals;

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

e. Evaluation;

f. Sustainability;

g. non-supplantation;

h. (If applicable) Response to Previous Review.

a. Introduction to the Community(ies) involved in the Project and the Benefit to the

Community(ies). Identify and succinctly describe the critical elements and needs of the local food and healthcare economy or food and healthcare system, including demographics, income, and geographic characteristics of the area or community(ies) to be served. Beyond a recitation of statistics, applications should describe local capabilities and assets, such as those identified in a community needs assessment, and the involvement of historically underserved communities in the context of project activities and operations, such as human centered design or community advisory board.

Address how the project team will verify participants in the produce prescription program according to eligibility and the primary health issues of the audience to be served, and how these relate to project goals and objectives. Note the eligible individuals or beneficiaries of the project and the community/health needs and opportunities being addressed should directly relate to project goals and the objectives. Describe how the community(ies) will benefit from a Produce Prescription project.

b. Personnel and Resources of the Organizations and Communities Involved in the Project. List the organizations and communities to be involved in carrying out the proposed project. Include a summary description of the relevant previous work and experience of each community group, organization, or healthcare entity, including the applicant organization that will be involved, and any related project history. For historically underserved communities, it is very important to have partner(s) who have knowledge and experience working with such audiences, are members of the community(ies) the project serves, and that such partner(s) be involved in the leadership of the project. Proposals should demonstrate community linkages and coalitions as appropriate.

The qualifications of staff involved with the proposed project and/or organizational leadership should reflect the expertise necessary to carry out the proposed project activities or similar types of activities. Specify the degree to which paid, and volunteer staff will be utilized. Experience in and connections with the community will be considered as important as academic or professional credentials in this regard.

To the extent practicable, ensure that residents are involved in planning; in particular, describe how the communities being served (particularly the participants, residents, and organizations) have been or will be involved in planning the project and will be engaged in its implementation and evaluation processes. Please reference planning activities, assessments, meetings, or other activities that demonstrate community and healthcare entity input into key decision-making.

c. Project Goals, Intended Outcomes, and Relationship to GusNIP Produce Prescription Program Purpose and Priorities. Concisely present the goals, associated objectives and expected outputs and outcomes of the project in relation to the needs identified in the introduction, such as the numbers served, anticipated knowledge gains, change in action or change in condition (e.g., behavior change, improved HbA1c, BP, etc.). Educational opportunity/ies related to nutrition; such as nutrition counselling or nutrition education curriculum/intervention and their evidence-base should be described in this section. Applicants need to describe the range of fresh fruits and vegetables to be offered to project participants as well as how the project team will ensure no tax is collected on the fresh fruit and vegetable prescription. Applicants must clearly present the rationale for the amount and duration of the produce prescription. NIFA recognizes that food supply and food system disruptions may hinder the ability to access fresh fruits and vegetables. If the community involved in the proposed project continues to face such disruptions as a result of the public health emergency include a thorough description and justification. NIFA also encourages applicants to propose projects that emphasize culturally sensitive food and/or food practices. If this impacts the range of fresh fruits and vegetables that will be prescribed, or the educational opportunity/ies related to nutrition, provide a through description and justification.

Outcomes should describe specific changes in knowledge, action, or condition that will occur because of the project and that will constitute “success” for the initiative. Outcomes should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Concisely present how the proposed project and its intended outcomes will address the primary goals of the GusNIP Produce Prescription Program as described in Part I. B of the RFA. Discuss the specific changes in knowledge, action, or condition.

d. Activities to Achieve the Goals. The activities proposed to achieve each objective must be clearly stated and cover items 1-9 described in Part I.C. Discuss how the proposed project outcomes will be realized by providing a systematic description of how the most important steps or milestones will be accomplished. Particular attention should be given to existing technical capabilities and any technical solutions that must be developed for project goals and intended outcomes to be achieved.

In addition to these descriptions, it is recommended that a table be provided with implementation details for these activities, including: (a) specific steps and achievements in planning, implementing, and evaluating; (b) timetables for milestones; and, as relevant,

(c) expected numbers of participants involved in each step of the process. Most relevant is that the description of all required items includes an explanation of why the applicant and its partners selected the activities proposed in the application.

e. Evaluation. Describe the method(s) of evaluating success developing a viable produce prescription project. Clearly describe the metrics that will be used to evaluate the impact of the proposed project on (1) the improvement of dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) the reduction of individual and household food insecurity; and (3) the reduction in healthcare use (e.g., hospital admissions, emergency room (ER)/emergency department (ED) visits, regular office visits, urgent care visits, etc.) and associated costs. The description of evaluation methods must include (1) a process assessment that documents the process, challenges, and success of implementation and operations and (2) an outcome assessment that documents the project’s effectiveness in (a) improving dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables; (b) reducing individual and household food insecurity; and (c) reducing healthcare use and associated costs among eligible participants. A menu of potential healthcare utilization and healthcare cost metrics can be found via the GusNIP Produce Prescription request for applications resource page. Outcome assessment requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. Project process assessment results must be provided to the NTAE center annually. At a minimum, the outcome assessment must include collecting core firm-level and participant-level metrics, measures of healthcare use and associated costs, cooperating with, and contributing core data to the NTAE center. The core participant-level data collection is an annual pre- and post-survey. The sample size for participant-level data collection is powered to be able to detect a ¼ cup change in fruit and vegetable consumption using the 10-item fruit and vegetable intake Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). Typically, the sample size ranges from 100 to 130 participants completing pre- and post-surveys. Beyond the minimum evaluation requirements, applicants are encouraged to design evaluation plans that advance our understanding of the most effective dosage, duration, and complementary supports (e.g., nutrition education) of produce prescription projects.

Applicants should discuss any opportunities and challenges with IRB review and the GusNIP Comprehensive Program Evaluation requirements described in Part I.D.8 of the RFA and how they will be addressed to meet the minimum evaluation requirements.

Proposals should also describe any previous process, outcome, and impact evaluation experience with the participants to be served or other related food programs.