FY24-RIIA-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas

Agriculture and Food Science Facilities and Equipment Program for Insular Areas

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2024: February 28, 2024 2025: February 13, 2025

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $1,542,521

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-RIGP-010335

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.308

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN):The Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.308.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 2024: February 28, 2024 (5:00 P.M. Eastern Time) 2025: February 13, 2025 (5:00 P.M. Eastern Time)

Letter of Intent: Not Required Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice

(NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes research, education, and extension efforts will have the greatest impacts programs are grounded in DEIA. NIFA is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of programs and encourages individuals, institutions, and organizations from underserved communities to apply to funding opportunities as lead, co-lead, or subaward recipient(s), and to engage as leaders in the peer panel review process to support the development of strong networks and collaborations. NIFA encourages applications that engage diverse communities and have broad impacts through research, education, extension, and integrated activities to address current and future challenges.

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Request for Applications (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service.

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

Response to the Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI)

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 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

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.

NIFA requests applications for the Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) for land-grant colleges and universities in the Insular Areas for fiscal year 2024 to strengthen the capacity to carry out resident instruction, curriculum, and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences as well as to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities, and equipment necessary to conduct tropical and subtropical agricultural research. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2024 is approximately $1,542,521.

This notice identifies the objectives for Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

TABLE OF FIGURES

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

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

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

B. Eligibility Requirements C. 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: Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Key Information Table 3: Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment Key Information Table 4 : Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5 : Help and Resources Table 6 : Key Application Instructions

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Expected Outcomes

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority This Funding Opportunity covers both the Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and the Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) program. The RIIA program is authorized under 7 U.S.C 3363. The AGFEI program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 3222b-2.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the RIIA and AGFEI programs, under the A.L. 10.308, is to promote and strengthen the ability of eligible institutions in the Insular Areas to carry out education within the food and agricultural sciences.

The RIIA and AGFEI programs are 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.

The RIIA and AGFEI programs are aligned with the following USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

2. Priority 1: Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices

3. Priority 2: Driving Climate-Smart Solutions

4. Priority 3: Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health

5. Priority 4: Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

6. Priority 5: Translating Research into Action

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, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the U.S. and Insular Areas.

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

C. Program Area Description Applications are solicited in the following program areas:

1. Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA)

2. Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI)

1. Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas

(RIIA)

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Table 2: Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Key Information

Title Description Program Code: AA-Q

Program Code Name: Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas

ALN: 10.308

Project Type: Education/Teaching Projects Grant Type: Planning Activity and Standard Grants

Application Deadline February 14, 2024 Grant Duration: a. 24-36 months for Planning Activity Grants

b. 36-48 months for a Standard Grant Number of Applications Per Lead

Institution:

a. 2 for Planning Activity Grants

b. 3 for Standard Grants

Maximum Award Amount: a. $30,000 for Planning Activity Grants

b. $200,000 for Standard Grants

RIIA Project Priorities:

The RIIA program seeks to:

1. Strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, to respond to identified State, regional, national, or international education needs in the food and agricultural sciences.

2. Attract and support undergraduate and graduate students to educate them in identified areas of national need in the food and agricultural sciences.

3. Facilitate cooperative initiatives between two or more insular area eligible institutions, or between those institutions and units of State Government or organizations in the private sector, to maximize the development and use of resources such as faculty, facilities, and equipment to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs.

4. Conduct undergraduate scholarship programs to assist in meeting national needs for training food and agricultural scientists.

RIIA activities also support the creation, adaptation of learning materials and teaching strategies to operationalize what we know about how students learn.

RIIA-funded projects shall also focus on imparting both technical knowledge as well as employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

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. RIIA education/teaching applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. Specific activities may include:

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

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

c. Working in team-based environments and projects to develop and build leadership and interpersonal skills.

d. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing.

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

Traditional ecological knowledge and native language preservation are considered acceptable topics of education for projects funded by this RFA.

Applications for the RIIA program must do the following:

1. Improve formal postsecondary agricultural sciences education/instruction to ensure a competent and qualified workforce to serve the food and agricultural sciences and meet current and future national food and agricultural science needs.

2. Improve the economic health and viability of rural communities through the development of degree programs emphasizing new and emerging employment opportunities in food and agricultural sciences.

3. Increase the number and diversity of students who will pursue and complete a 2 or 4-year post-secondary education in the food and agricultural sciences, or Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Expected Products and Results. The RIIA program requires all project directors to provide appropriate metrics and describe the expected products and results, outcomes, and their potential impact on strengthening food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences education, research and extension in the United States. Metrics to assess products, outputs and outcomes are to be clearly delineated in the proposal.

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts. The RIIA program supports social and behavioral science disciplines. RIIA projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research, and related community development education programs are encouraged. 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 lifestyles and consuming heathy diets; and alleviating poverty by fostering economic opportunity.

2. Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI)

Table 3: Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment Key Information

Title Description Program Code: AA-Q

Program Code Name: Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment

ALN: 10.308

Project Type: Facilities/Equipment Projects Grant Type: Standard Grants

Application Deadline February 14, 2024 Grant Duration: 36-48 months

Number of Applications Per Lead Institution: 2 Maximum Award Amount: $200,000

Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) Program Priorities:

AGFEI projects seek to:

1. Support activities to acquire, alter or renovate facilities or relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research.

2. Support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.

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

https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or a full appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The amount available for Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) grants in FY 2024 is approximately $1,542,521. In FY 2025, we anticipate $1,542,521 being available for awards.

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 for FY 2024 are limited to the following application types:

a. 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).

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

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

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

Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA)

c. Project Type

The RIIA program will only accept one project type: Education/Teaching. For the purposes of this RFA, an education or teaching activity is defined as formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in the food and agricultural sciences supporting faculty development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

RIIA Education/Teaching projects should focus on one or more of the need areas (see Part 2, b. of this RFA) listed below. Please note that at least one of the need areas must be indicated on the Project Summary (see Part IV, B of this RFA).

Education or Teaching Projects need areas for FY 2024 are:

a. Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources. Promote the development of courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula, and instructional materials and technology. Promote the acquisition of https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm library resources including books and journals relating to the food and agricultural sciences; and stimulate the use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects, including traditional ecological knowledge, new research on teaching and learning theory, and new applications of knowledge.

b. Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching. Advance faculty development in the areas of teaching competency and leadership, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment and advising skills. Examples include: obtaining experience with recent developments and new applications; expanding competence in innovative technologies and new methods of instruction delivery;

developing new skills in a field of science or education including student advising skills; or pursuing graduate-level study in a field related to the food and agricultural sciences.

Each faculty recipient of support for developmental activities must be an “eligible participant.” Please refer to: 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions, for applicable definitions for this NIFA grant program.

c. Instruction Delivery Systems. To encourage the use of alternative methods of delivering instruction to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency of teaching programs. Examples include incorporating alternative instructional methodologies that respond to differences in student learning styles; inter-institutional collaborations that deliver instruction in ways that maximize program quality and reduce unnecessary duplication; and consideration and implementation of innovative instructional techniques, methodologies, and delivery systems in response to advances in knowledge and technology.

d. Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching and Research. To provide students and faculty in science-oriented courses with suitable, up-to-date equipment to involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress. Examples include acquiring new state-of-the-art instructional, laboratory, classroom, and research scientific equipment, upgrading existing equipment, or replacing obsolete equipment.

e. Student Experiential Learning. To develop scientific and professional competencies that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Examples include preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology; enhancing quality of life;

conserving resources; and addressing community and economic development issues. Activities include internships, practicum experiences, study abroad opportunities, and participation with faculty on applied research and related community development projects.

f. Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Equity. To enhance educational equity for under-represented students and strengthen student recruitment and retention programs in the food and agricultural sciences.

Examples include initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract increased numbers of students from under-represented groups to enroll in food and agricultural degree programs; mentoring programs and other initiatives for student retention; and the provision of student financial support to attend college.

g. Additional Concerns. The use of students for only routine office, laboratory or fieldwork is not considered education for the purposes of this program. To 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 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&amp%3BSID=2a6f6bfbef4c918616eebe5353d0793c&amp%3Brgn=div5&amp%3Bview=text&amp%3Bnode=7%3A15.1.12.2.13&amp%3Bidno=7&amp%3B7%3A15.1.12.2.13.1.17.2 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 consider a program as education related, students must be actively engaged in the scholarship of research activities.

d. Grant Types. Applicants must select the appropriate planning activity or standard grant.

Planning Activity. Planning Activity Grants support scientific meetings that bring together educators to identify education/teaching needs, update information, or advance an area of education/teaching. Support for a limited number of meetings covering subject matter encompassed by this solicitation will be considered for partial or, if modest, total support. Individual planning activity grants must not exceed $30,000 for up to 36 months and are not renewable. Indirect costs are not permitted on Planning Activity grant awards.

Standard Grant. This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

Eligible institutions may submit a standard project application for project activities undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty and managed primarily by its own personnel. Standard grant applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

Grants awards may differ from the amounts requested in the application, and NIFA requires revised budgets and revised plans of work before making an award.

The standard project period may range from 36 to 48 months.

Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI)

1. Project Type

The AGFEI program will only accept one project type: Facilities and Equipment.

The Facilities and Equipment Projects will focus on the acquisition, repair and remodeling of facilities, laboratories, and other capital facilities (including fixtures and equipment) necessary to conduct activities in tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research.

2. Grant Type

Standard Grant. This is an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

Eligible institutions may submit a standard project application for project activities undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty and managed primarily by its own personnel. Standard grant applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

Grants awards may differ from the amounts requested in the application, and NIFA requires revised budgets and revised plans of work before making an award. The standard project period may range from 36 to 48 months.

Application Submission and Award Limitations An eligible institution may submit no more than three applications to RIIA or two applications to AGFEI. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as described in Part III of this RFA.

Eligible applicants may receive up to two awards for the RIIA program and two awards for the AGFEI program, but no more than three awards total.

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/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-422 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

B. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Resident Instruction Grants for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (RIIA) and Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment (AGFEI) programs 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.

a. Individual Institutions

i. For the purposes of the RIIA program, an eligible institution is an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)); is located at an Insular Area; and has a demonstrable capacity to carry out teaching and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences. All public or non-profit 2-year and 4-year accredited institutions of higher education that offer certificate/degree programs in the food and agricultural sciences are eligible.

ii. For the purposes of the AGFEI program, only individual land-grant colleges and universities, and other institutions that have secured land-grant status through Federal legislation, and which are located at Insular Areas are eligible for awards under this RFA as individual applicants.

The eight Insular Areas are:

i. American Samoa

ii. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

iii. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

iv. The Federated States of Micronesia

v. Guam

vi. The Republic of the Marshall Islands

vii. The Republic of Palau

viii. The United States Virgin Islands

b. Branch Institutions of a Territory University System. For the purposes of the RIIA and AGFEI programs, the individual branches of a territory university system that are separately accredited as degree-granting institutions are treated as separate, individual institutions eligible to apply for and receive awards, provided they otherwise satisfy the definition of “eligible institution” as specified above.

c. Independent Branch Campuses. Independent branch campuses of individual institutions may apply for and receive grant awards under this program, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of “eligible institution” as specified above.

d. Certification of Eligibility. At the time of application, each primary applicant will be required to demonstrate or certify that it is an eligible institution as defined by this RFA.

A non-Land Grant institution must submit a letter signed by the institution’s Authorized Representative (AR) certifying that it meets the requirements of an “eligible institution” as defined above. The AR must also certify the institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus.

i. Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title%3A20%20section%3A1001%20edition%3Aprelim)%20OR%20(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1001%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1001%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true certificate.

ii. Is legally authorized by the Territory in which it is located to provide a program of education beyond secondary education.

iii. Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor’s degree or provides not less than a 2-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree.

iv. Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary for the granting of pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary has determined that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a reasonable time.

Eligibility documentation should be submitted as part of the applicant’s Project Narrative. See Part IV, B of this RFA.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. 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.

C. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required – The RIIA and AGFEI programs have 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

B. Content and Form of the Application

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-RIGP-010335, 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

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

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 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

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

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

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

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must not exceed 250 words and must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the RIIA and AGFEI programs. 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 17 one and a half (1.5) spaced pages, including all figures and tables. Font size for written text must be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman. Font size for figures and tables must be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman and can be single-spaced. 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. Applications will not be accepted for review if the project narrative is not included, exceeds 17 one-and-a-half (1.5) spaced pages, or is not in PDF format.

a. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem

i. Identification of Educational Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state the following: (1) the specific instructional problem/challenge (or opportunity) to be addressed; (2) the anticipated project audience; and (3) the project’s target objectives (what change in education is proposed?) and its anticipated, overall impact on improving the quality of food and agricultural sciences education.

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ii. Project Justification. Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Discuss how the project’s Educational Need Area (Part II, B of this RFA will be of value at the State, regional, national, or international level(s), and where applicable, how it will improve the food and agricultural science capabilities of students. Describe any previously funded projects, ongoing or recently completed, that are related to the proposed project.

iii. Institutional Long-range Goals. Explain how the project will help satisfy the institution/organization's high-priority objectives, or how the project is linked to and supported by the institution/organization's strategic plan.

iv. Innovation. Describe the proposal’s creative approach to improving the quality of food and agricultural sciences education, solving an educational problem, or promoting programs that advance equal opportunity for all students. Using either actual experiences or literature background information, show why this approach was chosen.

v. Multidisciplinary and/or Problem-based Focus. Indicate how the project is relevant to multiple disciplines in food and agricultural sciences education and how the project will enhance students’ understanding of complex agricultural systems. Also, discuss whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a model for other institutions.

b. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

i. Plan of Operation and Methodology. Describe procedures for accomplishing the objectives of the project. Describe plans for management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

ii. Timetable. Identify all important project milestones (performance targets that indicate when project goals will be met) and dates as they relate to project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and closeout.

iii. Products, Results, and Measurable Outputs. Outline the expected products, results, measurable outputs, and their outcome (impact) on strengthening food and agricultural sciences education. This is optional for Planning Activity grant applications.

iv. Note: Make sure to differentiate among the three terms: (1) “Products” may be actual items or services acquired with funds, e.g., “…developed three, new Web-based courses”; (2) “Results” are accomplishments related to the products, e.g., “...additional course materials now available online to reinforce student learning during non-classroom hours”; and (3) “Impacts” are the benefits to your audience. Impacts are the consequences of your project and the most critical elements in your Evaluation Plan. They are a measure of the results by comparison to what might have happened in the absence of the funded project, e.g., “…an observed, overall increase in student learning based upon 8% higher average test scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, Web-based course materials”.

v. Evaluation Plan. All RIIA projects must have an Evaluation Plan that includes both a strategy for monitoring the project as it evolves (to provide feedback to guide these efforts), as well as a strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of the project. Grantees are encouraged to obtain an independent evaluator to secure appropriate documentation of the project’s outcomes and impacts. This is not required for AGFEI grants.

vi. Dissemination Plans. All RIIA Standard grants must document how project accomplishments (products, results and impacts…etc.) will be published or otherwise disseminated to the broadest extent throughout the academic community. This may include educational journals or other professional discipline publications, and presentations at regional or international conferences and workshops, including the RIIA Project Directors’ Meeting.

Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization. Identify target audiences and explain methods of communication. This is optional for Planning Activity grant applications and not required for AGFEI projects.

vii. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts. Explain how the project will maximize partnership and collaborative efforts to strengthen food and agricultural sciences education (e.g., involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, or cooperative activities with business or industry). Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved in the partnership or collaborative arrangement.

c. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

i. Institutional/Organizational Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to this project and has the capability to ensure its completion.

ii. Institutional/Organizational Resources. Document the necessary institutional/organizational resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials), and other appropriate resources, that will be made available to the project. Demonstrate how these resources, when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project.

iii. Academic Enhancement. Document how this project will improve and strengthen teaching at the institution (including any partner institutions/organizations). Include how any project performance target(s) identified above (2.b., Timetable) will be incorporated into academic instruction at the institution. Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend the applicant institution/organization or the grant period.

iv. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the period of USDA support. Describe how the institution’s/organization's long-range budget or academic plan provides for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the grant period ends. Explain the plans for eventual self-support built into the project, and the plans to institutionalize the program if it is successful. Describe any indications of other continuing non- Federal support. Provide details of the expected outcomes, and the targeted audience that would benefit from the continuation of this project. This is optional for RIIA Planning Activity grant applications.

d. Key Personnel. Discuss the adequacy and specific attributes and project responsibilities of each key person associated with the project. Also include the background and qualifications of those personnel who will be responsible for assessing project results and administering the project evaluation and reporting process.

e. Budget and Cost-effectiveness

i. Budget. In addition to the separate, required budget forms and budget justification, discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. Explain how such budget items as professional or technical staff time and salary, travel, equipment, etc., are necessary and reasonable to achieve project objectives. If travel is part of your budget, virtual or hybrid meetings may be considered based on local and national pandemic conditions. Justify that all funds requested from USDA are allocated adequately between the applicant and any collaborating institution/organization(s) and will be appropriate to carry out the activities of the project. If the application addresses more than one Educational Need Area (see Part II, B of this RFA) you must include estimates of the proportion of the funds requested from USDA that will support each respective area.

ii. Cost-effectiveness. Justify the project's cost-effectiveness. Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, or leverages additional funds.

For example, discuss how the project has the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and activity focused on a need area.

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

a. Mentoring Plan (MP) for RIIA projects. A MP describing peer mentoring, layered mentoring, or similar mentoring activities is required for this RFA if professional development for faculty, students, or other community participants is included in grant activities. If various education levels of students or scholars are represented in the application, the MP must address how mentoring will be different and targeted to the specific education level (youth, Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate, etc.), as appropriate. The MP 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 and how these activities are incorporated 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).

The MP has a 2-Page Limit that does not count against the project narrative page limit. Title the attachment as ‘Mentoring Plan’ and save file as ‘MentoringPlan’.

b. Response to Previous Review – PDF Attachment. 1 Page Limit. Title the attachment as ‘Response to Previous Review’ in the document header and save file as ‘ResponsetoPreviousReview’. This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Applications as described under Part II, B of this RFA “Types of Applications”. PDs must respond to the previous review panel summary on no more than one page. This page does not count towards the Project Narrative page limit.

c. Expected Outcomes – PDF Attachment. For RIIA projects, title the attachment “Expected Outcomes” in the document header and save file as “ExpectedOutcomes.” Please use a format, similar to what is provided below, to submit expected outcomes and attach it as the last page of the application. This data will be requested when a grant is recommended for an award. A PDF version of this document can be also found at Format for Submitting Expected Outcomes.

This is not required for AGFEI projects.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/recommended-format-submitting-expected-impacts

Figure 1: Expected Outcomes

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.

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. 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.

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Data Management Plan. 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).

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 Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas, and the program code (i.e., “AA-Q”).