FY24-MBT-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Methyl Bromide Transition Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 13, 2024

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $1,900,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-ICGP-010334

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.303

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Applicable

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Methyl Bromide Transition (MBT) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the number 10.303.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, February 13, 2024 [Ref to Part I, C of this RFA]

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 (RFA) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service.

NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs, and use comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov . Please use the following subject line: Response to the MBT RFA.

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

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Methyl Bromide Transition (MBT) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024 to support the discovery and implementation of practical pest management alternatives for commodities and uses affected by the methyl bromide phase-out. Traditional ecological knowledge is considered an acceptable topic for projects funded by this RFA.

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 grants in FY 2024 is approximately $1.9 million.

In FY 2024, applications are sought for the following project types:

1. Integrated Projects (Research and Extension only)

2. Extension-Only Projects

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 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 CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3: Methyl Bromide Transition Program Logic Model Template Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority In accordance with Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities.

B. Purpose and Priorities This RFA solicits applications for the Methyl Bromide Transition (MBT) program, Assistance Listing 10.303. Methyl bromide is an odorless, colorless gas that is used as an agricultural soil and structural fumigant to control a wide variety of pests. Methyl bromide depletes the stratospheric ozone layer and is classified as a Class 1 ozone-depleting substance. In accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Clean Air Act (Overview of the Clean Air Act and Air Pollution), the United States government agreed to reduce methyl bromide production and net imports incrementally from the 1991 baseline until the complete phase-out in 2005. Since 2005, the only allowable exemptions are critical use exemptions (CUE) and quarantine and pre-shipment exemptions

(QPS).

The primary goal and objective of the MBT program is to support the discovery and implementation of practical pest management alternatives to methyl bromide. The MBT program seeks to solve pest problems in key agricultural production and post-harvest management systems, processing facilities, and transport systems for which methyl bromide has been withdrawn or withdrawal is imminent.

Proposals may integrate research and extension activities or be extension-only and be designed to provide transitional alternatives that address immediate needs resulting from the loss of availability of methyl bromide. The pressure to completely phase-out methyl bromide has created an urgent need for new economical and effective pest control tactics to control soil-borne and postharvest pests, and pests that need to be controlled by the processing and shipping industries to meet regulatory standards. All proposals must include a description of the economic analysis of costs and efficacy of implementing the new replacement technology.

Applications submitted to the MBT program must incorporate appropriate integrated pest management (IPM) concepts of prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression of pest populations. NIFA anticipates that funded projects will cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective management option. The MBT program solicits applications that address systems solutions or strategic (multi-tactic) approaches, rather than focusing on any single tactic to replace methyl bromide. Consider and evaluate non-fumigant management options where possible. Promising alternatives to methyl bromide must be evaluated under commercial or field-scale conditions for multiple years to ensure that positive results are not due, in part, to low pest pressure following many years of methyl bromide fumigation or variable environmental conditions. A goal of the MBT program is to demonstrate that performance of alternatives is consistent over several production cycles and is technically and economically feasible when scaled-up from research plots to commercial scale. A priority of integrated and extension-only projects is to enhance https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7626%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7626)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview grower/industrial user knowledge and adoption/implementation of appropriate methyl bromide replacement strategies through extension outreach and demonstrations relevant to real-world systems. All applications must include an objective that describes an economic analysis of the costs and efficacy of implementing the new replacement technology, and a description of methods that will be used in the project to complete the economic analysis of the efficacy and affordability of the replacement strategy.

In FY 2024, the MBT program seeks applications for projects to ensure that economically viable and environmentally sound alternatives to methyl bromide are in place and available as soon as possible for commodities that have been impacted by the phase-out of methyl bromide.

Applications also will be accepted to find alternatives for commodities that have current Quarantine and Pre-shipment (QPS) Exemptions. Applications must include an economic analysis of adopting and implementing the alternative methodology and the methods used to evaluate the cost/benefit analysis of the proposed alternative.

Projects supporting the transition to an alternative type of cropping/storage/processing system that avoids the need for disinfestation with methyl bromide (e.g., transition to a covered system using soilless culture) will be considered if the alternative has the potential to serve as a viable short to medium-term solution for operations that are currently dependent on methyl bromide or have been impacted by the phase-out of methyl bromide.

Proposals that address integrated pest management issues in commodities not affected by the phase-out of methyl bromide and research-only proposals may be more appropriate for the Applied Research and Development program area of the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program.

Applications submitted to the MBT program must address one or more of the following questions:

1. How can non-fumigant management options be developed and/or improved as part of a systems-based integrated pest management strategy?

2. What integrated strategies could be used to improve soil health, resulting in improved pest management in crops impacted by the loss of methyl bromide in the pre-harvest environment? Examples include altering the microbial community of the soil to favor beneficial microorganisms that could inhibit pests and pathogens; soil amendments to reduce pests; and use of cover crops and rotations to reduce pest populations.

3. What strategies could be used in a systems-based integrated pest management approach to improve pest management in the post-harvest environments impacted by the loss of methyl bromide?

4. How can current methyl bromide alternatives be improved or combined to improve their effectiveness and economic viability?

Traditional ecological knowledge is considered an acceptable topic of research, education, and extension for projects funded by this RFA, in pursuit to answers of the aforementioned questions.

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.

https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/crop-protection-and-pest-management https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/crop-protection-and-pest-management

The MBT program is aligned with the following USDA Strategic Plan FY2022-2026 goal:

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

Prosperous.

The MBT program is aligned with the following USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023– 2026 priority:

1. Priority 4: Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

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.

Table 2: Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: 112.C

Program Code Name: Methyl Bromide Transition CFDA Number 10.303

Project Type: Integrated, Extension-Only Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline February 13, 2024 Grant Duration: 24-36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 3-4 Maximum Award Amount: $630,000 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 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

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 grants in FY 2024 is anticipated to be approximately $1.9 million. USDA is not committed to funding 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. Applications for FY 2024 are limited to the following application types:

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

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include a 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. Project Types The following describes the two types of projects that are eligible for funding. Applicants must propose one of the following project types:

1. Integrated projects focus on research for new alternatives and extension to encourage adoption and implementation of methyl bromide alternatives.

Integrated project applications must identify and incorporate both research and extension goals into the proposed project. As a general guideline, no more than two thirds of the project’s budget should be devoted to either function. Extension efforts, such as field demonstrations, grower trials, workshops, and distributed information, should result in commercial awareness, understanding, and adoption of new technology and alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation. Economic analysis of the proposed new strategy must be an integral part of the project.

2. Extension-Only projects increase levels of adoption and implementation of pest management strategies by producers and growers.

Extension-only projects facilitate the adoption and implementation of practices that will result in effective management of pests without the use of methyl bromide and will lead to measurable behavior changes in the identified audience or stakeholder group. Project proposals may include development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, conducting field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, or delivery of IPM extension outreach, and training. Document the existence of a research base relevant to the extension effort. Include an economic analysis of the proposed new https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm strategy as an integral part of the project. Analyses of target population risk perception and economic constraints to adoption are required for all extension-only projects.

Requirements for all project type submissions:

a. Scalability. Research on alternatives must be at the commercial or field-scale over multiple season/cycles. Large-scale trials will be a key component of successful proposals, as they may identify variability, technical problems, and pest relationships pertinent to marketable yields that may not be evident in small plot trials. Extension-only projects must be conducted at the commercial or field scale.

b. Economic Analysis. Integrated and Extension-only projects must include an economic analysis with direct comparison of cost effectiveness of proposed methyl bromide alternatives to no treatment. Additionally, the following is required:

1. Analysis of the overall transition cost to a new technology, from acquisition of materials and knowledge to efficacy metrics.

2. Analyses of profit margins including information on the cost calculation, the cost/amount of the new technology and the value of the labor used, and any equipment needed for the application.

3. Changes in revenues (e.g., changes in the commodity price or more importantly, changes in quantity of the available commodity for marketing).

4. The appropriate expertise of the team submitting the application to conduct the economic analysis.

c. Justification. Provide a justification statement in the Project Narrative (see Part IV for more information): (1) to explain the issues and economic losses faced by the commodity since the phase-out of methyl bromide and (2) on how the proposed project could result in economically feasible methyl bromide alternatives.

d. Extension. Clearly identify Extension personnel involved in the project. Clearly delineate formal extension programs to expedite adoption and implementation of proposed alternatives in the proposal and clearly outline funding for these activities in the Budget Narrative.

e. Timeline. Explicitly describe timelines for completion of the major objectives in the application for the entire project period, which may range from one to three years from the start date. NIFA expects experiments to be replicated in at least two separate trials and results to be presented to the relevant user community within the time period of the project.

f. Data Management Plan. Applicants should clearly articulate how the PD and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this RFA, Part V.320 of the NIFA Grants Application Guide and NIFA’s Data Management Plan)

g. Logic Model. All applicants are required to: (1) submit a project-specific logic model as part of each application and (2) explain how the proposed work supports the programmatic logic model provided in Table 3. Include in the logic model all the following: inputs, outputs (participants and activities), outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project. The pages for the logic model do not count toward the 18-page limit for the project narrative. See Project Types (Part II, C) and Content and Form of the Application (Part IV, B) for specific requirements for the inclusion of the logic model within the application including formatting requirements and limitations. More information and resources related to the https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects logic model planning process are provided at: Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process and IPM Planning and Evaluation.

h. Project Director Meeting. For all funded projects, at least one member of the project team is required to attend the annual International Methyl Bromide Alternatives Outreach Conference (MBAO) (www.mbao.org) starting with the second year of funding, or another relevant conference as applicable. For the purposes of budget development, applicants are required to request funds to support participation in at least one MBAO conference or an alternative conference approved by NIFA. Please identify your requests for funds for project director meetings in the budget and budget narrative of the application.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://logicmodels.ipmcenters.org/ http://www.mbao.org/

Please note: The programmatic logic model for the MBT program (Table 3) incorporates stakeholder input, anticipated outcomes, and all appropriate elements. NIFA will use the programmatic logic model to guide the development of future funding priorities and to document the impact of investments made by the MBT program.

Table 3: Methyl Bromide Transition Program Logic Model Template

Inputs

Outputs: Participants

Outputs:

Activities/Products

Outcomes/Impacts:

Change in Knowledge

(Short Term)

Outcomes/Impacts:

Change in Actions/Behavior

(Medium Term)

Outcomes/Impacts:

Change in Condition

(Long Term)

Annual appropriation

USDA coordination

USDA intra-agency coordination

U.S. government interagency coordination

Program Directors

Support Staff

Panel Managers

Review Panels members

Stakeholder and partner comments

Stakeholders Producers and processors

Commodity groups General public Colleges and universities

Cooperative Extension

University scientists and Extension specialists

State agencies

Federal agencies

USDA NIFA

Respond to authorization and appropriation

Publish RFA

Recruit panel managers and peer review panelists

Conduct peer review panel meetings

Award funds to meritorious applications

Promote the development of alternatives to methyl bromide

Communicate positive outcomes to key stakeholders

Collect and communicate impact data

Gap analysis reveals research needs

New options for management of commodity pests developed

Existing knowledge adapted to commodity systems

Current knowledge is applied to a strategic plan to eliminate methyl bromide between commodity producer and processors and researchers

Best management practices available for Extension to communicate to stakeholders

New knowledge applied to an evolving strategic plan

New alternatives to methyl bromide both chemical and nonchemical, increasing in usage

Best management practices for integrated pest management adopted

New technologies and innovations for producers and processors being implemented

Economic feasibility and effective methyl bromide alternatives in use

Pests are controlled economically without the use of methyl bromide, complying with the Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act

No further Critical Use Nominations (CUNs) or Critical Use Exemptions (CUEs) are needed

Increased production due to reduced pest losses

Reduced environmental risks from environmentally damaging pest control methods

Continued production of safe, affordable, and high-quality commodities

U.S. production practices adopt and implement appropriate alternatives to methyl bromide, assuring U.S. producers a competitive place in the global marketplace

Logic Model Supporting Information:

Assumptions:

Proposals will address commodities and industries negatively impacted by the phase-out of methyl bromide Multidisciplinary teams include economic analysis of the tested alterative Integrated projects provide best management practices to producers and processors

External Factors:

Congressional funding/appropriations EPA Pesticide Registration Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee (MBTOC) decisions

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

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PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities (as defined by Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.

3103)), as amended, Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities, and 1994 Institutions (7 U.S.C. 301 note).

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – submission of duplicate or predominantly overlapping applications is not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits multiple applications that are duplicative or substantially overlapping to NIFA programs within 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 Match Required – Applicants MUST provide matching contributions at minimum on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the MBT. By statute, match may include funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information programs. Non- Federal matching funds may include in-kind support.

NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if one of the following applies:

1. The results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or

2. The project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

C. Centers of Excellence (COE) Pursuant to Section 7214 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5926), NIFA will recognize and prioritize COE applicants that carry out research, extension, and education activities that relate to the food and agricultural sciences. A COE is composed of one or more of the following entities that provide financial or in-kind support to the COE.

1. State agricultural experiment stations;

2. Colleges and universities;

3. University research foundations;

4. Other research institutions and organizations;

5. Federal agencies;

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6. National laboratories;

7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations;

8. Individuals; or

9. Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in (1) through (8).

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 4 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 4: 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-ICGP-010334, 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 5: 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 6 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/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 6: 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 received correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

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

Please note the start date for FY 2024 MBT awards can be no later than September 1, 2024.

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 list the names and institutions of the

Project Director (PD) and co-PDs. In the first line of the summary, state the type of project you are submitting; for example, “This is an integrated project” or “This is an extension-only project.” The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the MBT program. 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 18 1.5 spaced pages of written text including figures and tables. The font size should be no smaller than 12 points Times New Roman. The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition.

Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include the following:

a. Response to Previous Review (if applicable): The response to previous review must not exceed two pages of 1.5 spaced text. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN.

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b. Introduction:

i. State the project type (Integrated, Extension-Only).

ii. Include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and list the objectives of the proposed project.

iii. Summarize the body of knowledge or past activities that substantiate the need for the proposed project including information about or reference to the specific critical issue pest management strategy or similar document with identifiable stakeholder input.

iv. Describe ongoing or recently completed activities significant to the proposed project including the work of key project personnel. Include preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed project. Reference all works cited [see Bibliography & References Cited (Part IV B)].

c. Rationale and Significance:

i. Concisely present the rationale behind the proposed project. Provide a justification statement to explain: (1) the issues and economic losses faced by the commodity since the phase-out of methyl bromide; (2) how the proposed project could result in economically feasible methyl bromide alternatives; (3) any novel ideas or contributions that the proposed project offers.

ii. Include the economic and yield losses faced by the commodity or industry due to the loss of methyl bromide.

iii. Present a clear and concise cost/benefit analysis of new approaches. For Extension projects: What is the value of adopting the new technology?

d. Objectives:

i. Provide clear, concise descriptions of the specific objectives of the proposed project. Clearly number the objectives.

ii. Include the description of the appropriate economic analysis for the respective project type. Include the methodology and design for the economic analysis.

e. Approach: Clearly state the activities proposed or problems addressed and clearly describe the approaches applied. Specifically include in this section:

i. A description of the activities proposed and the sequence in which the activities are to be performed.

ii. Methods to be used in carrying out the proposed project, including the feasibility of the methods.

iii. Expected outcomes. Provide milestones and verifiable indicators to measure impact across a broad range of criteria (e.g., a timeline for grower adoption of techniques that lead to production, economic, and environmental benefits).

iv. Means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or interpreted. Describe plans to evaluate the outreach component, including means by which data will be analyzed and interpreted, and details of plans to communicate results to stakeholders and the public.

v. Describe pitfalls that may be encountered.

vi. Describe limitations to proposed procedures.

vii. Describe stakeholder involvement in identification of project priorities, their implementation, and adoption.

f. Project Timeline: Provide a timeline for attainment of objectives and for production of deliverables that includes annual milestones with specific, measurable outcomes.

Outline all-important phases as a function of time, year by year, for the entire project, including periods beyond the grant-funding period. Proposals that are non-compliant with the requirement for a timeline will be at risk of being excluded from NIFA review.

g. Cooperation and Institutional Involvement: Cooperative, multi-institutional and multidisciplinary applications are encouraged. Where applicable, identify each institutional unit contributing to the project and designate the lead institution or institutional unit. Clearly define the programmatic roles, responsibilities, and budget for each institutional partner.

h. Data Management Plan: Two-Page Limit. The pages for the Data Management Plan (DMP) do not count toward the 18-page limit for the project narrative. All applications require submission of a DMP. Applicants should clearly articulate how the PD and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project.

The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this RFA, Part V.320 of the NIFA Grants Application Guide and NIFA’s Data Management Plan).Title the attachment as ‘Data Management Plan’ and save file as ‘Data Management Plan’. Other Attachments.

i. Logic Model: Three-Page Limit. The pages for the Logic Model (LM) do not count toward the 18-page limit for the project narrative. All applications require submission of a LM. See the specific requirements for the LM in Part II, C. The project-specific LM must provide details for the: inputs, outputs (activities and participants), and outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project. The LM planning process may also be used to develop your project before writing your application. Refer to the Logic Model in your project description, evaluation plans, and elsewhere, as applicable. Title the attachment as ‘Logic Model’ and save file as ‘Logic Model’. Other Attachments. The font for the Logic Model may be smaller than the 12-point font required for the project narrative. Proposals that are non-compliant with the requirements for a Logic Model will be at risk of being excluded from NIFA review. For samples and templates see IPM Planning and Evaluation; additional information is available on the NIFA web sites: Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process and Logic Model Planning Process.

Please note: The programmatic Logic Model for the MBT program (Table 3) incorporates stakeholder input, anticipated outcomes, and all appropriate elements.

NIFA will use the programmatic logic model to guide the development of future funding priorities and to document the impact of investments made by the MBT program.

j. Summary of Previous Work on Methyl Bromide Alternatives: Provide a summary of your work on methyl bromide alternatives that was previously funded from all sources (if applicable), progress toward completion, general conclusions, and remaining funds balances.

k. Centers of Excellence Justification: Applicants requesting consideration for COE status for their project must include their justification at the end of their Project Narratives and within the page limits provided for the project narrative.

For consideration as a COE, you must provide a brief justification statement, as part of your Project Narrative and within the page limits provided, which describes how the project meets the standards of a COE, based on the following criteria:

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1. The ability of the COE to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in the research, teaching, and extension activities outlined in this application;

2. In addition to any applicable matching requirements, the ability of the COE to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the federal government in the proposed research and/or extension activities outlined in this application. Resources leveraged should be commensurate with the size of the award;

3. The planned scope and capability of the COE to implement teaching initiatives that increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities of the proposed research and/or extension activity outlined in this application;

4. The ability or capacity of the COE to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues in support of and from the implementation of the proposed research and/or extension activity outlined in this application.

Additionally, where practicable (not required), COE applicants should describe proposed efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant colleges and universities, cooperating forestry schools, and certified Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA).

3. Field 9. Bibliography & References Cited: Required. All applications must have a Bibliography and References Cited document. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide

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

a. Mentoring Plan (MP): A MP is strongly recommended if the proposal requests funding for student or postdoctoral support, including scholarships or fellowships. If various tiers of students or scholars are represented in the proposal, please provide separate MP for each educational or professional level targeted (e.g., undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows). The MP should not exceed a maximum of two pages for each educational level and for all recipients (including subawards). The MP will not count against the limit of the project narrative. The MP should incorporate the following as appropriate: a) the roles and responsibilities of the Project Director and Co-Project Directors in managing the mentoring process; b) a description of mentoring activities that may include, but are not limited to, peer mentoring or layered mentoring, whereby a set of mentees are progressively mentored by others at a higher level in their careers; c) a description of processes to ensure reasonable accommodations for program participants with disabilities or challenges with accessing program activities. Please incorporate mentoring activities into the overall project timeline.

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

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

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

1. Match – If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part III, B of this RFA is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the budget justification. NIFA will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.

Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B of this RFA must list in their budget justification the matching sources, the identification of the entity/entities providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions.”

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

3. Project Director Meeting. MBT awardees are required to have at least one member of the project team attend the annual International Methyl Bromide Alternatives Outreach Conference starting with the second year of funding, or another relevant conference if applicable. Funds must be included in the budget with details included in the budget narrative. See Part II, C of this RFA.

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

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name “Methyl

Bromide Transition” and the program code “112.C.” Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs (IDC) not to exceed 30 percent of total Federal funds awarded (TFFA). Section 1462(a) and (c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310(a) and (c)) limits IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of 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 subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its 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.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430 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 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…