FY24-TCEP-SE-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Tribal Colleges Extension Program -

Special Emphasis

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2024

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE:

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Not Applicable

June 28, 2024

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $1,000,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$60,000 - $200,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-010713

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.517

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis (TCEP-SE) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.517.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task

Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, June 28, 2024 [Ref to Part I, C of this RFA]

Letter of Intent:

Not Applicable

Applicants Comments:

Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

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

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

NIFA considers comments to the extent possible when developing RFAs, and 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 Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis RFA.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 to support special emphasis projects in extension at the 1994 Land-Grant institutions. A special emphasis project allows Extension offices to be responsive to community needs through two-year projects that address youth, agriculture, natural resources, economic development, healthy lifestyles, Traditional Ecological Knowledge or other issues important to stakeholders. These projects can be used to supplement Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Capacity Applications (TCEP-CA). The TCEP-SE is intended to be a component of the applicant 1994 institution’s land-grant roadmap or strategic planning process.

This notice identifies the objectives for TCEP-SE projects, deadline dates, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, application forms and associated instructions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

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 No Indirect Cost (IDC). IDC is not authorized for this RFA

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 C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Legislative authority for Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis is contained in section 534(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), as amended by the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7601). This section amends Section 3 of the Act of May 8, 1914 (Smith- Lever Act) (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), as amended. Under this authority, appropriated funds are to be awarded to the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (hereinafter referred to as 1994s) for Extension work and funds are to be distributed on the basis of a competitive application process.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the TCEP-SE is to enable 1994 institutions to deliver science-based, culturally relevant extension education programs designed to address public needs and improve quality of life. The TCEP-SE is intended to be a component of the applicant 1994 institution's land-grant roadmap or strategic planning process. To the extent practicable, priorities should reflect NIFA's national critical needs areas: 1) Development of sustainable energy; 2) Increased global food security; 3) Adaptation of agriculture and natural resources to global climate change; 4) Reduction of childhood and adolescent obesity; and 5) Improved food safety.

The TCEP-SE is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

1. Strategic Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources and Communities

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

3. Strategic Goal 3: Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers

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

5. 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 2: Driving Climate-Smart Solutions

2. Priority 3: Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health

3. Priority 4: Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts. The TCEP-SE supports social and behavioral science disciplines. TCEP-SE projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in community development 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.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:301%20note%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section301%20note)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7601%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7601)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:341%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section341)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true 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

Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Traditional ecological knowledge is regarded as a suitable educational program topic for a TCEP-SE-funded project, provided it fits to the program's priorities and goals as described in this RFA.

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.

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. Specific activities may include:

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. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

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

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: NK Program Code Name: Tribal College Extension Program-Special

Emphasis (TCEP-SE) Assistance Listing Number: 10.517

Project Type: Single Function Extension Projects Grant Type: Standard

Conference Grants Application Deadline June 28, 2024

Grant Duration: 24 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 10

Maximum Award Amount:

Number of Applications Per Lead Institution:

Total Funding Per Institution:

Standard $200,000 Conference Grants $100,000 Two Standard or One Standard and One Conference Grants $400,000

C. Program Area Description The Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis supplements the Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Capacity Applications by supporting special emphasis projects in https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

Extension at 1994 Institutions. Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Special emphasis projects allow Extension offices to be responsive to community needs through short-term projects that address youth, agriculture, natural resources, economic development, healthy lifestyles, Traditional Ecological Knowledge or other issues important to stakeholders. Projects that incorporate social and behavioral science disciplines, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and a Leadership Skills Development component are encouraged.

All research, education, or extension activities using vertebrate animals under the jurisdiction or control of the institution should be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The Project Director (PD) is required to attend one PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for Tribal Colleges Extension Program - Special Emphasis in FY 2024 is approximately $1,000,000. USDA is not committed to fund any application or to make a specific number of awards.

For Standard and Conference Grants an eligible institution may submit a maximum of two applications per eligible institution. NIFA will generally only award any one institution: (1) Up to two Standard awards; (2) One Standard award and one Conference Grants award; or (3) One Conference Grants award. There is generally a limit of two awards total to any one eligible institution in response to this RFA (Refer to Part II, C of this RFA Project and Grant Types).

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Applications for FY 2024 are limited to the following application types:

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

2. Resubmitted application. Resubmitted applications must include the responses 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 Type: Single-Function Extension Projects Single-Function Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or combinations thereof. Extension Projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, in-service training, client recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative instructional methodologies appropriate to informal educational programs.

Single-Function Extension Projects address one or more of the following key strategic actions and should lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group:

a. Support informal education to increase food and agricultural literacy of youth and adults;

b. Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of food and agricultural science data, information, and programs;

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c. Build science-based capability in people to engage audiences and enable informed decision making;

d. Develop new applications of instructional tools and curriculum structures that increase technical competency and ensure global competitiveness;

e. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new audiences at the rate at which new ideas and technologies are tested and/or developed at the community-scale; and

f. Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the nations’ food supply, agricultural productivity, environmental quality, community vitality, and/or public health and well-being.

2. Grant Type:

a. Standard Grant

A Standard Grant ($200,000 maximum) supports targeted original scientific Education/Teaching, Extension, or Integrated Projects. An eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a state system may submit a grant application for project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of its own students or faculty, and to be managed primarily by its own personnel. The applicant executes the project without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

b. Conference Grants ($100,000 maximum) host groups of 1994s, partners and other organizations, and Federal agencies to address the needs of Tribal Communities and help to spur scientific inquiry and advance Extension endeavors. Costs such as airfare, hotel, conference venue, speaker fees, and conference materials can be included in the budget.

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

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PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

Applications for TCEP-SE may only be submitted by the following Tribal Colleges or Universities designated as 1994 Institutions under the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301, as amended):

Aaniiih Nakoda College, Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Chief Dull Knife College, College of the Menominee Nation, College of the Muscogee Nation, Diné College, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Fort Peck Community College, Haskell Indian Nations University, Iḷisaġvik College, Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa University, Leech Lake Tribal College, Little Big Horn College, Little Priest Tribal College, Navajo Technical University, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Oglala Lakota College, Red Lake Nation College, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, Salish Kootenai College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton College, Sitting Bull College, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Stone Child College, Tohono O’odham Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, and White Earth Tribal and Community College.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – submissions of duplicate or predominantly overlapping applications is not allowed. An eligible applicant may submit multiple applications on behalf of multiple project directors as long as they are not essentially duplications of the same project or portions of the same project. 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.

Limits on Submissions - an eligible institution may not submit more than two applications to this program as a lead institution.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The TCEP-SE has no matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

Step One:

Register

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-010713, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035 Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer-based support: Grants.gov iPortal Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except Federal holidays.

Email:

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Key Information: Business hours:

Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except Federal holidays

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

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.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/support 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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 90 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 program goals of the Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Special Emphasis. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates. The summary must include a very concise (approx. 250 word) summary of your project to include intended beneficiaries, how the project goals align the program goals, and potential impact of the project in quantitative and qualitative terms.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 15 pages of written text, inclusive of figures and tables. 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. Formatting shall be one-inch margins, no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1.5 - spaced.

Tables and figures may be single-spaced. The font size for tables should be no smaller than 11-point, Times New Roman. Project narratives that are formatted incorrectly and/or exceed this page limit requirement may not be accepted for review. The PN must include all the following:

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a. Introduction and Justification. Include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) of the proposed project. Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities that substantiate the need for the proposed project. In addition, this section must include in-depth information on the following, where applicable:

i. Discuss how the project complements the existing Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Capacity Applications project including the potential sustainability of the project;

ii. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities that relate to the proposed project including the work of key project personnel;

iii. If the project involves research, education, or extension activities using vertebrate animals under the jurisdiction or control of the institution, outline the process for review and approval by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC);

iv. Include a statement(s) explaining how the project aligns with one or more of the USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 Strategic Goals and USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities and meets the unique needs of the target audience(s).

b. Objectives. All applications must include a statement of specific objectives for the proposed project. Objectives should address the specific, measurable actions needed to move toward the goal(s) of the project. Objectives should be written in clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged terms.

c. Extension Plan and Timetable. The activities proposed to achieve each objective must be clearly stated. Identify the role and responsibilities of all key and other personnel by providing details on who will carry out the work. If key or other personnel must be hired to advance the project, address the timeline for hiring and how the project will progress in the event of delayed hiring. The proposal timetable should include all important activities as a function of time for the entire project and include the key personnel responsible for each task. Provide a timeline to demonstrate the duration and the sequence of project objectives, activities, and personnel for each year of the project. Each objective may have multiple activities. Chart against a quarterly scale, so that the timeline depicts years and quarters.

d. Community and Audience. Provide evidence that the PD and/or Extension Educator have met with Tribal leaders, stakeholders, or an advisory group and understand the needs and concerns of the community.

e. Statement of the Potential for Public Good in Indian Country. The public good describes spillover benefits accrued to the entire community beyond the program participants. Public good can mean that participants are empowered to share the knowledge they gain with others or that participant behavior changes benefit the greater community. Public good can also mean that a project brings resources and technology to a Tribal community resulting in improved agricultural or economic productivity for many. See NIFA Extension for additional information.

f. Collaborative Relationships. Detail any collaborative work or plans for cooperation with a Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program, 1862 cooperative extension office, Tribal outreach office, or other entity.

g. Project Review and Evaluation Plan. The project review is an assessment of the project’s value to stakeholders and should describe how quantitative metrics and https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/extension success stories will be captured to demonstrate the impact of this project on the target audience and Tribal Colleges Extension Program – Capacity Applications award.

Proposals should include a clear internal evaluation plan which describes measures and methods for collecting and analyzing outcomes and impacts to determine the extent to which the stated objectives have been achieved.

h. 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). If you need assistance preparing a data management plan or have questions about what constitutes a data management plan for this project, including questions about data privacy, contact the NIFA National Program leader listed in Appendix I.

i. Response to Previous Review (if applicable). For resubmitted applications, a one-page response that addresses the concerns raised by the previous panel review must 1) be titled “Response to Previous Review”; 2) contain the previous proposal number under the title; and 3) include an explanation of how the resubmitted application has addressed the previous review panel summary. The one-page “Response to Previous Review” does not count against the 15-page limit of the Project Narrative.

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

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. Match – Not required.

2. Indirect costs (IDC) – Not Permitted.

3. Budget – Submit a budget for all years of the grant award including a cumulative budget.

4. Budget Justification – A detailed budget narrative should be provided for each project year.

5. Travel Costs - The Project Director (PD) is required to attend one PD meeting during the performance period of the award. Reasonable travel expenses must be included as part of the project budget.

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 TCEP-SE and the program code NK. Accurate entry of the program code is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions No Indirect Costs (IDC). IDC is not authorized for this RFA.

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PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this RFA. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review.

Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

Scientific Peer Review Process:

NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

1. The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities.

2. The need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields.

3. The need to include other experts (e.g., producers, range, or forest managers/operators, researchers, public health practitioners, educators, consumers, and commercial reviews) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs.

4. The need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations.

5. The need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to race, ethnicity, gender representation, and an equitable age distribution.

6. The need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available funds or declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or the submitting organization or institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level, period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.

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

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

B. Evaluation Criteria A reviewer’s written evaluation entails two levels of assessment. First, the reviewer summarizes how well the application addressed each evaluation criterion. After the application has been assessed for strengths and weaknesses of each criterion, the reviewer then evaluates the overall likelihood that the project will have significant outcome and impact. These written reviews are used to begin panel discussions with other reviewers serving on the peer review panel. Through these discussions, peer review panelists come to consensus on the final rating and ranking of proposals. A complete description of NIFA’s peer review process can be found at the NIFA website: NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications.

NIFA will use the following criteria to review applications submitted in response to this RFA.

The criteria below are not equal in merit but are listed in descending order of importance.

Applications are evaluated primarily for overall merit, with emphasis placed on the proposed approach to advance the quality of outreach extension using sound program management and strong cooperative linkages in order to build institutional capacity:

1. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Outreach/Extension. This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project will have an impact upon and advance the quality of food and agricultural sciences by strengthening institutional capacities to meet clearly delineated needs. Elements considered include institutional long-range goals, identification of a problem or opportunity to be addressed, justification for the project, innovation, advancing multidisciplinary and/or problem-based focus, and potential for adoption by other institutions and contribution to current body of knowledge in areas addressed. The proposed project must also show how it will contribute to the legislatively authorized purpose of this program. Potential project impacts must be stated. Providing information regarding how the project will enhance Extension opportunities at 1994 institutions is required.

2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages. This criterion is used to assess the soundness of and alignment between the proposed objectives, activities, collaborations and partnerships, outcomes, project evaluation, dissemination plan, and timeline as they relate to the successful development and delivery of the proposed project. Factors include those identified in the project narrative. The project evaluation plan will be reviewed to determine the appropriateness of the methodologies to be used in assessing the accomplishment of stated products, results, and measurable outcomes from the project including the potential cooperative linkages with the community likely to evolve as a result of this project and the potential for project sustainability in conjunction with the current TCEP-CA award. The application will also be reviewed to assess the effectiveness in addressing any perceived pitfalls and alternative strategies or approaches.

3. Institutional Capability and Capacity-Building. This criterion relates to the institution's capacity to perform the project and the degree to which the project will strengthen its outreach/extension capacity. Elements considered include the institution’s commitment to the project, the adequacy of institutional resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials) available to carry out the project, potential for academic enhancement, plans for project continuation or expansion beyond the period of USDA support. Does the institution have the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or IACUC authorizations in place, if applicable?

4. Key Personnel. This criterion relates to the adequacy of the number, qualifications, and expertise of key persons who will develop and carryout the project and provide for the assessment of project results and impacts and the dissemination of these findings.

5. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness. This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget adequately supports the project and is cost effective. Elements considered include the necessity and reasonableness of costs to carryout project activities and achieve project objectives; the appropriateness of budget allocations between the applicant and any collaborating institution(s); the adequacy of time committed to the project by key project personnel; and the degree to which the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, leverages additional funds, and focuses expertise and activity on high-priority outreach/extension activities.

C. Organizational Management Information Applicants must submit specific management information prior to an award and update the information as needed. Applicants may only need to provide an update if there was a change in previously provided information under this or another NIFA program. NIFA provides the requisite forms during the pre-award process. Although an applicant may be eligible for award under this program, there are factors that may exclude an applicant from receiving federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual, or a determination that an applicant is not responsible).

D. Application Disposition Applicants may withdraw at any time before NIFA makes a final funding decision. NIFA will retain all applications, including withdrawn applications and unfunded applications.

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

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

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

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

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

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PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense (2 CFR 200.456 Participant support costs);

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

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

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

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

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

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

(443) 386-9488.

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

Program Contacts Janyce Woodard National Program Leader Institute of Youth, Family and Community – IYFC National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Janyce.Woodard@usda.gov

Ara Staab Program Specialist Institute of Youth, Family and Community – IYFC National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S Department of Agriculture Ara.Staab@usda.gov

For administrative questions related to;

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

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

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

U.S. Postal Mailing Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O.