FY24-MSP-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program

MODIFICATION: This RFA is an updated version of the FY 2023 solicitation. It includes only the references to FY 2024 funding; FY 2023 references have been eliminated.

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2024

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $1,250,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-HEMS-010574

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.220

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing: The Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.220.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, April 1, 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 (RFA) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service.

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 to conduct scholarship programs leading to either baccalaureate degrees within the Food and Agricultural Sciences or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degrees.

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 $1,250,000.

This notice identifies the objectives for MSP 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 and Grant Types D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

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 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: Program Area, Project Duration, and Total Maximum Award Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions Table 7: MSP Discipline Codes Table 8: MSP Program Funding Restrictions Table 9: Activity Amount X# scholars x year - Total

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Legislative authority for this program is contained in section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3152).

USDA/NIFA administers this federal assistance grant program to recruit and support undergraduate students to educate them in national need areas of the food and agricultural sciences and in rural economic, community, and business development. USDA initiated the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program in FY 1994. This program, functioning collaboratively with eligible higher education institutions, is developing intellectual capital to secure the preeminence of U.S. food and agricultural systems.

B. Purpose and Priorities The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is designated as the lead federal agency that supports higher education in food and agricultural sciences. In this context, NIFA has specific responsibility to initiate and support projects to strengthen higher education teaching programs.

The purpose of the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP), Assistance Listing 10.220, is to provide scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training committed multicultural scholars, resulting in either baccalaureate degrees within the food and agricultural science disciplines or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degrees.

The goals and objectives of the scholarships are to encourage outstanding students from groups that are historically underrepresented and underserved to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in food and agricultural sciences, or achieve a D.V.M., that would lead to a diverse and highly skilled work force. This may include the teaching and preservation of traditional ecological knowledge.

Underrepresented/underserved groups are those whose representation among food and agricultural professionals is disproportionately less than their proportion in the general population as indicated in standard statistical references, or as documented on a case-by-case basis by national survey data (e.g., the U.S. Department of Education's Digest of Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Agricultural Education Information Systems, etc.).

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

The MSP is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

1. Strategic Goal 5 - Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Priority 5 – Translating Research into Action https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=7+USC+3152&f=treesort&fq=true&num=4&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title7-section3152 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

The need for this program is supported by the USDA 2020-2025 Employment Opportunities – in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, and the Environment (purdue.edu) report. The report indicates shortages of graduates in the food and agricultural disciplines, and a corresponding need to fill an estimated 57,400 annual openings for individuals with baccalaureate or higher degrees in food, renewable energy, and environmental specialties between 2020 and 2025.

Through scholarships, MSP aims to increase the participation of any group historically underrepresented in USDA mission areas and prepare them for the professional and scientific workforce in the food and agricultural sciences. NIFA is soliciting applications for student education that will:

1. Prepare graduates to meet the demand for highly qualified personnel entering the workforce related to the food and agricultural sciences;

2. Support more undergraduates in transitioning to graduate education in USDA mission sciences;

3. Contribute to the reduction of the disparity among underrepresented and underserved populations entering graduate schools to better reflect the demographics of the U.S. and enable higher education to remain globally competitive;

4. Promote student success within food and agricultural disciplines at the undergraduate/D.V.M. level; and

5. Focus on social support structure, and professional mentoring to ensure entry into food and agricultural science areas and completion of graduate education or high level of competitiveness for the workforce.

In addition to coursework and related experiences that prepare students for graduation, grantee institutions will be expected to identify and develop opportunities through partnerships with food and agricultural research programs at other academic institutions, and cooperate with public and private entities, to ensure MSP scholars are exposed to a wide spectrum of careers in the food and agricultural sciences. Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award.

Global Engagement. NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals.

NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation’s future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world.

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S. (AFRI program see International Partnerships).

Leadership Skills Development. The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. MSP teaching applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. Specific activities may include but are not limited to:

https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/ https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/ https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/afri-international-partnerships

1. Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills; ethics and professionalism;

and working in teams;

2. Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;

3. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

4. Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts. MSP supports social and behavioral science disciplines as well as projects that integrate social and biological sciences to provide education and experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research, and related community development programs. Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health and reducing obesity by engaging in heathy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

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: KF

Program Code Name: Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP)

Assistance Listing Number 10.220 Project Type: Education/Teaching

Grant Type: Standard Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Grant Duration: 60 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 5 per annum

Maximum Award Amount: $250,000 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 the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) in FY 2024 is approximately $1,250,000.

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

1. Project Types. Applicants may only submit proposals for Single-function Education Projects. Single-function Education Projects develop human capital relevant to overall program goals for U.S. agriculture.

a. Single Function Education: Projects must focus on developing skills necessary for entry- and mid-level technical employment or for entering graduate programs in food and agricultural sciences. Single-function Education Projects must show direct alignment with one of the following:

i. Increasing the number of graduates with the necessary technical skills for entry-level positions in food and agricultural sciences;

ii. Improving the technical competencies needed for the workforce to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains globally competitive; or

iii. Enhancing the diversity of the workforce in food and agricultural sciences.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm

2. Grant Types. Eligible applicants may request MSP funds, or MSP and Special Experiential Learning (SEL) funds. Applicants CANNOT request SEL funds only.

There is no limit to the number of applications an eligible institution may submit; however, an institution may only receive support up to a maximum of $250,000 in awards for the FY 2024 award cycle.

a. Multicultural Scholarship Program Grants (MSP) – MSP supports Scholars through scholarships. Applicants are strongly encouraged to respond to this request with training that will use USDA investments to:

i. Create innovative frameworks, grounded in curricula, for undergraduate and/ or D.V.M. training with collaborative knowledge and technology transfer components that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries in agriculture;

ii. Establish baccalaureate and/or D.V.M. degree programs in which Scholars can pursue related summer research opportunities (especially at other colleges/universities, industry or federal agencies, non-profit enterprises), or other learning opportunities in relevant topics;

iii. Offer professional mentoring in undergraduate degree programs in the food and agricultural sciences and/or D.V.M.

iv. Increase the numbers of students from underrepresented/underserved groups who attain baccalaureate and/or D.V.M. degree level programs with scientific and professional competencies to meet the technologically advanced needs of the 21st century food and agricultural systems workforce;

v. Provide leadership skills opportunities for all projects (required, see above);

vi. Develop performance measures for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the undergraduate and/or D.V.M. training that the Scholars will receive. This includes assessing expertise, with clear demonstration of pipelining to workforce or further educational training in the identified core competencies.

Institutions can support MSP Scholars in the following manner: freshmen (or first-year D.V.M.) can receive support for 4 years, sophomores can receive support for 3 years, and juniors can receive support for 2 years. Institutions may apply for funds to support any combination of two-, three-, and/or four-year scholarships.

Two-year colleges that are legally authorized to offer a two-year or equivalent program of college-level studies, which are creditable toward a baccalaureate degree, may be engaged in an MSP grant in cases where an articulation agreement, bridging agreement, or other type of collaborative arrangement exists between a baccalaureate-level institution(s) and the two-year college. MSP Scholars from 2-year colleges are expected to transfer and complete their baccalaureate degrees in the partner 4-year institution(s). In such instances, the baccalaureate-level institution must be the applicant and is responsible for disbursing grant funds to any MSP Scholars at collaborating two-year institutions. Information on student eligibility to receive scholarships is found in Part III.A.

b. MSP Grants with Special Experiential Learning (SEL) - Optional: SEL funded activities provide opportunities for eligible NEW (i.e. to be recruited) MSP Scholars to participate in: (a) research projects focused on relevant topics at institutions or organizations other than their own; (b) apprenticeships, internships, or similar participatory learning experiences including, but not limited to, practicums for DVM students, internships abroad, or externships in the private or public sector; (c) study abroad programs relevant to their majors; and (d) other relevant activities.

SEL funds may be used only to pay living expenses, travel expenses, additional tuition (e.g., practicum credits for courses that would not have been taken if not for this experiential learning activity), and/or a cash stipend for SEL-supported Scholars during SEL-approved experiential learning activities. SEL funds cannot be used to increase annual stipend amounts for MSP Scholars participating in activities that have already been approved and funded by the MSP Programs. MSP grantees can apply and hold one SEL grant in the lifetime of their MSP grant.

Table 3: Program Area, Project Duration, and Total Maximum Award Program Area Project Duration Total Maximum Award

1. MSP 5 years Up to $230,000

2. SEL 1 year Up to $20,000

3. Combined MSP and SEL 5 years Up to $250,000

Each application may request any combination of Multicultural Scholarships and SEL funds, not to exceed $250,000. NIFA reserves the right to fund fewer Scholars than requested in an application, and to partially fund SEL requests.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=442b3bb67a64d91e527071dde1bf8a05&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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP) 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.

Only the following are eligible to apply: Land-Grant Institutions, Colleges and universities having significant minority enrollments, other colleges and universities, and Institutes or research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university. Institutions that have not previously applied are especially encouraged to do so. Applicants must be institutions that confer a bachelor’s or D.V.M. degree in at least one of the disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences.

Awards are made to eligible colleges and universities. Individuals are not eligible to apply for these grants.

Project Directors who have received MSP awards in the last five years may also apply.

However, the respective proposal must differ substantively in scope and objectives from previously funded MSP projects in the last five years by the same Project Director.

Due to statutory restrictions, extensions beyond the five-year period are not allowed. Any eligible institution may, however, apply for a new award with a different scope of work in any fiscal year(s) in which appropriated funds are available for this program. 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.

Student Eligibility as Scholars Awards to Scholars are made by eligible institutions (grantees) receiving funds under this program. Scholars must:

1. Be citizens, national, or permanent residents of the United States as determined in accordance with Federal law;

2. Have been accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, at an institution that was awarded a project grant under this program, or at a two-year institution which has entered into an articulation agreement, bridging agreement, or other type of collaborative arrangement with a baccalaureate-level institution that has been awarded a project grant under this program;

3. Be enrolled as a full-time student, as defined by the institution, in a program of study in the food and agricultural sciences leading to an undergraduate degree or D.V.M. during each semester or quarter that he/she receives MSP support. However, the requirements for formal registration during part of this tenure may be waived if permitted by the policy of https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview the grantee, provided that the MSP Scholar is making satisfactory progress toward degree completion and remains engaged in appropriate full-time scholarship activities such as study abroad experiences or internships;

4. Maintain good academic standing and satisfactory degree progress as determined by their institution;

5. Not have been enrolled previously in an academic program in the food and agricultural sciences at the same degree level; and

6. Have a strong interest, as judged by the institution, in pursuing a career as a food or agricultural scientist or professional.

Within the framework of these guidelines, all decisions with respect to the appointment of MSP Scholars will be made by grantees. Scholars must be identified, and scholarships must be awarded within twelve (12) months of the effective start date of a grant. Grantee must notify and obtain approval from the NIFA Program Office if scholarship funds cannot be allocated within this twelve-month period. Failure to obtain this approval will result in the loss of funding for scholarships that were not awarded.

MSP Scholars who find it necessary to interrupt their program of study because of health, personal, or other reasonable non-academic and non-disciplinary cause(s) must be allowed to resume funded study at any time within 12 months of the interruption, provided there is adequate time remaining before the award expires. MSP Scholars who find it necessary to interrupt their program of study more than one time cannot exceed 12 total months of cumulative leave without forfeiting MSP eligibility.

An MSP Scholar at a two-year institution, who participates in the MSP through an articulation agreement, bridging agreement, or other type of collaborative arrangement with a four-year grantee institution, is subject to the same provisions as an MSP Scholar at the four-year grantee institution.

A replacement MSP Scholar is a student who is recruited into the program to take the place of an MSP Scholar who left the program prior to completion. The tenure of such a replacement MSP Scholar is limited to whatever time is remaining on the grant before it expires; however, an institution may not appoint a replacement MSP Scholar unless there is time for the student to complete at least one semester/quarter of study before the expiration date of the grant.

Replacement MSP Scholars must meet all the eligibility criteria and other requirements established for MSP Scholar selection and are subject to the same provisions as other MSP Scholars during their tenure in the program.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The MSP has NO matching requirement. 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 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-HEMS-010574 , 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://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://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/snow-dismissal-procedures/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 receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 45 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 MSP, the program area (see Table 3) and one to three relevant disciplines codes from Table 7. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

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

Table 7: MSP Discipline Codes Discipline

Code Description

G General Food, agricultural and human sciences (includes multidisciplinary projects) M Agribusiness (includes Management, Marketing, and Agricultural Economics) E Agricultural/Biological Engineering S Agricultural Social Sciences (includes Agricultural Education, Agricultural

Communications, and Rural Sociology) A Animal Sciences Q Aquaculture C Conservation and Renewable Natural Resources (includes Forestry) J Entomology – Animal T Entomology – Plant L Environmental Sciences/Management F Food Science/Technology and Manufacturing N Human Nutrition H Human Sciences/Family and Consumer Sciences (excludes Human Nutrition) I International Education/Research (enhancement of U.S. programs) P Plant Sciences and Horticulture B Related Biological Sciences (includes General/Basic Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology) D Soil Sciences V Veterinary Medicine/Science W Water Science O Other (Describe only if not listed above)

2. Field 8 Project Narrative (PN). The PN shall not exceed 20 pages of written text, inclusive of figures and tables. We have established this maximum (20 total pages) to 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. Formatting shall be one-inch margins, no smaller than 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar), and DOUBLE-SPACED. Project narratives that are formatted incorrectly and/or exceed this page limit requirement will not be accepted for review.

3. The PN must include all the following:

Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP)

a. Rationale and Significance:

i. Describe the specific relationship of the project’s objectives to one or more of the program purposes and priorities (Part I. B.); and

ii. Provide measurable objective(s) of how the proposed training project addresses workforce demand, broadens awareness about the proposed area of training, will impact the institution, and will reverse low enrollment, retention rates, and completion of baccalaureate or D.V.M. degrees by multicultural students in the food and agricultural sciences.

b. Approach. Describe the proposed training and how it will support Scholars to achieve competence in food and agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine. Please include:

i. A recruitment and selection plan that identifies the time frame, demographics of target, and entry requirements;

ii. Curricula that offer relevant and rigorous (provide number of credits and describe common core and specialization) courses as well as hands-on and on-site instructional approaches;

iii. Experiential, interdisciplinary or capstone opportunities;

iv. Mentoring plan- (Please see and upload under Field 12 as a separate attachment;

this will not count as part of the PN page limit).

v. Integration of evidence-based "best practices" and special features into student support services and academic training activities;

vi. Plans for developing Scholars’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills;

vii. Dissemination of information, service learning, and/or other opportunities that reach broad audiences and broaden the engagement and communication skills of scholars;

viii. Opportunities for professionalization including participation in workshops and professional meetings (while budgets should account for this travel, virtual or hybrid meetings may be considered based on local and national conditions);

ix. A management plan with a timeline for deliverables and rigorous academic and project review.

c. Quality of Education. Using the 2018-2019 academic year as the baseline, provide complete and accurate annual data (to the best of the institution’s ability) organized by first-generation college, gender, and racial/ethnic group (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native) for institution, relevant College/Department; and relevant Program/ Major level in the following categories:

i. Total enrollment;

ii. Total baccalaureate or D.V.M. degrees conferred;

iii. Retention from Year 1 through Year 2;

iv. Years to degree completion;

v. Student participation in service learning, internship, experiential research, extension and/or outreach; and

vi. Participation by faculty, staff, and students in opportunities to develop multicultural competency.

d. Evaluation and Assessment. Include a plan, with a timeline, to extensively evaluate the project to help inform future modifications to the student support services and strategies that demonstrate how the program is contributing to MSP goals. Include:

i. Descriptions of expected outcomes and outcome measures;

ii. A matrix identifying expected outcomes and measurable performance indicators for activities described in the approach;

iii. A plan for incorporating outcome measures into program performance; and

iv. A plan for longitudinal tracking of the Scholars for up to three years after completion or exit of the program; if employed, where? And if pursuing graduate training, what institution? What level? What area of study?

e. Institutional Support. Describe the institutional climate for the proposed training, specifically addressing:

i. Recruitment of multicultural students to higher education programs and careers in food and agricultural sciences;

ii. Support and mentoring of students by faculty, upper-level students and other professionals;

iii. Academic support services and programming such as tutoring, study-groups, or supplemental instruction;

iv. Community-building and student development/social support for MSP Scholars within the institution; and

v. Ability to support MSP scholars if they should need more time to complete their degree after federal funding is exhausted.

f. Key Personnel. Describe the plan for leadership and support of the proposed project.

Indicate the responsible parties, their roles, and responsibilities, as well as any cooperating institutions and their personnel.

Special Experiential Learning (SEL) All applications which include SEL activities must include the following in the narrative:

a. A description of the SEL, including the objectives of the program, how it will contribute to the Scholars program of study, timeline, specific activities, and location;

b. Measurable objectives and expected student learning and performance outcomes relating to the SEL;

c. Identification of personnel for the SEL activity and the nature of support to be provided to ensure success of the Scholars’ learning experience;

d. The rationale for incorporating an SEL into the program.

Response to previous review. This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Applications as described in Part II, B. The Project Narrative attachment is to include two components:

i. a one-page response to the previous review (containing the previous proposal number in the first line) titled “Response to Previous Review” as the first page of the attachment and,

ii. The one-page “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the 20-page limit of the Project Narrative.

Progress Report (if applicable) If the project director is submitting a proposal AND has held an MSP award in the last five years, the proposal must include a progress report on that award. The Progress Report (maximum of two pages) does not count against the page limit of the Project Narrative (20 pages). The report should include:

i. A comparison of actual accomplishments with the objectives established for the previous award;

ii. The reasons established objectives were not met, if applicable;

iii. A listing of any graduated MSP Scholars, new curricula, or other outputs;

iv. The Grant Number (xxxx-38420-xxxxx) for the award; and

v. An explanation of how the current proposal differs substantively in scope and objectives from previously funded MSP projects in the last five years by the same Project Director.

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

a. Appendices to Project Narrative – PDF Attachment. Title the attachment as ‘Appendices’ in the document header and save file as ‘Appendices’. Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if they are germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables page limitations.

b. Mentoring Plan - PDF Attachment: Title the attachment as ‘Mentoring Plan’ in the document header and save file as ‘Mentoring Plan Undergraduate Students or Mentoring Plan D.V.M. Students as applicable. The proposal must include a Mentoring Plan (MP) that does not exceed two pages. If the applicant intends to work with both undergraduate and D.V.M. student scholars, please provide separate mentoring plans for each educational or professional group (i.e., undergraduate students, D.V.M. students.). The Mentoring Plan should incorporate:

i. the roles and responsibilities of the Project Director and Co-Project Directors in managing the mentoring process;

ii. training for and/or credentials of individuals who will serve as mentors (i.e., mentor training). Mentors may be experienced mentors from academia, industry, or government, or student peers at various levels who are expected to provide guidance, cultural support, and sense of community with the activities and facilitate the amplification of program-specific perspectives and accomplishments of the mentees;

iii. 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; please incorporate these activities into the overall project timeline;

iv. a description of processes to ensure reasonable accommodations for program participants with disabilities or challenges with accessing program activities.

Scholarship programs should include plans to accommodate scholarship recipients who find it necessary to interrupt their program of study because of health, personal, or other reasonable non-academic and non-disciplinary cause(s).

c. Collaborative Arrangements – PDF Attachment. No Page Limit. Title the attachment as ‘Collaborative Arrangements’ in the document header and save file as ‘Collaborative Arrangement’. If it is necessary to enter into formal consulting or collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) are known at the time of the application, a vitae or resume should be provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter of support signed by the Authorized Representative (AR) of the consultant/collaborating organization) should be provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of the application.

d. Leadership Support- PDF Attachment. Provide signed documentation (not to exceed two pages per supporting enterprise) from senior leadership of the College/Department at the institution to demonstrate support for the proposed training project.

e. Expected Outcomes – PDF Attachment. Title the attachment “Expected Outcomes” in the document header and save file as “Expected Outcomes.” Please use a format, similar to what is provided in Figure 1, to submit expected impacts and attach it as the last page of the application. This data will be requested when a grant is recommended for an award. A fillable version of this document can be found at Recommended Format for Submitting Expected Outcomes.

f. Data management plan (DMP); A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (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, NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

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Figure 1: Primary Project Functions

R&R S 1 underrepresented = those whose representation among food and agricultural professionals is disproportionately less than their proportion in the general population as indicated in standard statistical references, or as documented on a case-by-case basis by national survey data (e.g., the U.S. Department of Education's Digest of Education Statistics, U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s Food and Agricultural Education Information Systems, etc.).

Note:

1. Please provide your best estimate based on past experiences, graduation rates, retention rates, etc.

2. Number of underrepresented students to be supported during the grant period (questions #2 and #4) should be less than or equal to total number of students supported by the grant (questions #1 and #3).

3. Response to question #5 should be the sum of 5-A through 5-E.

4. Response to question #6 should be the sum of 6-A and 6-B.

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.

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(ies) 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) – Not Allowable

3. Funding Requirements

a. Funding requests for this program are restricted to student scholarships, cost of education allowance, and/or Special Experiential Learning funds. Review Table 8 for maximum award amounts. Applicants must adhere to funding amounts per student.

b. Scholarship support must not exceed $9,000 per student per year for up to 4 years.

Cost-of-Education support must not exceed $2,500 per student per year for up to 4 years. The one-time SEL award support may not exceed $4,000 per student. Table 9 is for illustrative purposes only; applicants determine the appropriate cohort size and SEL participation.

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Table 8: MSP Program Funding Restrictions Program Funding Amounts Multicultural Scholarship Program Grants

(MSP)

Each applicant may request funding for a maximum of $230,000 for scholarship support and cost-of education allowance for a cohort of students. An institution may request:

Up to $9,000 in scholarship support per Scholar per year for up to four years. MSP scholarships should be used by the grantee to pay, in order of precedence: (1) MSP Scholars' tuition and mandatory fees; (2) on-campus room and board; (3) off-campus room and board; (4) books and supplies;

(5) other aligned broader context activities; and (6) other student educational expenses. Any remaining scholarship funds shall be paid by the grantee to the Scholar as a stipend according to standard institutional procedures. NOTE: In Section E (Participant/Trainee Support Costs), the scholarship amount is placed on Line 2 “Stipends.”

Up to $2,500 per Scholar per year for up to four years as a cost-of-education institutional allowance (in lieu of indirect costs, which are not allowed). NOTE: The cost-of-education allowance should appear on Line 5 “Other.”

The cost-of-education allowance should be used to:

a. Support travel for the Project Directors (along with eligible USDA MSP Scholars) to attend at least one mandatory NIFA-sponsored Project Directors and Beneficiaries Meeting, held during the performance period of the grant.

b. Defray program-related expenses including, but not limited to, program evaluation costs, student retention and mentoring programs, Scholar travel to attend professional meetings, publications, or salaries of project personnel, and/or to conduct research, laboratory fees and educational expenses (e.g., books and supplies). An institution may elect to apply the allowance to a Scholar’s tuition and fees.

Special Experiential Learning (SEL)

An Institution submitting a new or resubmitted MSP proposal can request the SEL component. This is a one-time award of up to $4,000 for each eligible NEW (i.e., to-be-recruited) MSP Scholar that may be used only for approved activities (Part I, C, b, (1)), over the active period of the award.

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