FY25-ANNH-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program

MODIFICATION: This RFA is an updated version of the FY 2024 solicitation. It includes only the references to FY 2025 funding; FY 2024 references have been eliminated.

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 27, 2025

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $5,491,215

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE

$150,000-$1,500,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-AHSI-011115

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.228

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.228.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, March 27, 2025 [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 ANNH RFA.

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025.

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 Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian- Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and extension community development programs. The amount available in FY 2025 is approximately $5,491,215, which includes $4,787,050 of FY 2025 funding and $691,215 of prior year funding.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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: ANNH Eligible Applicants Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) is administered under the provisions of Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 USC 3156).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of this program, under Assistance Listing Number 10.228, is to promote and strengthen the ability of Alaska Native-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined area of Food, Agricultural, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH).

The ANNH is aligned with the following:

USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

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

2. Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 Priorities:

1. Priority 1: Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices

2. Priority 2: Driving Climate-Smart Solutions

3. Priority 3: Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health

4. Priority 4: Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems

5. Priority 5: Translating Research into Action

NIFA is soliciting applications for the ANNH Grants Program that support:

1. Activities of collaborative membership of Alaska Native-Serving or Native Hawaiian- Serving Institutions to enhance educational equity for underrepresented students;

2. Strengthening institutional education capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, to respond to identified state, regional, national, or international educational needs in the FANH sciences;

3. Undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups to prepare them for careers related to the food, agricultural and natural resource systems and sciences and beginning with the mentoring of students from K-12, and continuing with the provision of financial support for students through their attainment of a doctoral degree; and

4. Cooperative initiatives between at least two or more Alaska Native-Serving or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, which may work in cooperation with one or more other entities including units of State government and private sector organizations, to maximize the development and use of resources, such as faculty, facilities, and equipment, to improve FANH education programs.

Applications for the ANNH Grants Program must include activities that:

1. Enhance educational equity for underrepresented students;

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3156%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3156)&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

2. Strengthen institutional educational capacities;

3. Prepare students for careers related to FANH; and

4. Maximize the development and use of resources to improve FANH education programs.

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. ANNH education applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. 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. Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities.

3. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and

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

Incorporation of Social Sciences and Enhancing Impacts. The ANNH Grants Program supports social and behavioral science disciplines. ANNH projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research and related 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.

Traditional ecological knowledge is regarded as a suitable education, extension, or applied research topic for an ANNH-funded project, provided it fits to the program's priorities and goals as described in this RFA.

Metrics. The ANNH Grants Program requires all Project Directors to provide appropriate metrics and describe the expected products and results, outcomes, and their potential impact on strengthening FANH in education, research, and extension. Metrics to assess products, outputs and outcomes are to be clearly delineated in the proposal.

Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award. The ANNH grant program is a covered program of the Justice40 Initiative (Section 223 of Executive Order 14008).

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad).

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: RD

Program Code Name: Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian- Serving Institutions Education Grant Program

(ANNH)

ALN: 10.228

Project Types: Education Projects, Extension Projects, Research Projects, Integrated Research, Extension and Education Projects

Grant Type: Standard and Collaborative Grants Application Deadline FY 2025: March 27, 2025

Grant Duration: 36-48 Months Number of Applications per Lead

Institution:

No limit on Standard Grants Limit of Two on Collaborative Grants

Award Limit per Institution: Up to three awards:

Two Standard and One Collaborative

Maximum Individual Award Amount:

Standard Grants: $150,000 to $500,000 Collaborative Grants: $300,000 to $1,500,000

Program Materials Available on the Internet:

ANNH information will be made available on the NIFA website at Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH).

https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar https://nifa.usda.gov/program/alaska-native-serving-and-native-hawaiian-serving-institutions-education-competitive-grants https://nifa.usda.gov/program/alaska-native-serving-and-native-hawaiian-serving-institutions-education-competitive-grants https://nifa.usda.gov/program/alaska-native-serving-and-native-hawaiian-serving-institutions-education-competitive-grants

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding This RFA is being released prior to the passage of a full appropriations act for FY 2025.

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

The amount available for the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) in FY 2025 is approximately $5,491,215, which includes $4,787,050 of FY 2025 funding and $691,215 of prior year funding. 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 2025 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).

3. Renewal application. Renewal applications must contain the same information as required for new applications and must contain a progress report. The progress report must include the implementation of the data management plan (DMP) of the previously funded project. Renewal applications are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Applicants submitting a renewal application must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously approved application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

4. Resubmitted renewal application. Resubmitted renewal applicants must provide a progress report, respond to the previous review’s panel summary, and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. The progress report must include the implementation of the data management plan (DMP) of the previously funded project. Applicants submitting a renewal application must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously approved application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

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

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

1. Project Types. The ANNH Grants Program is soliciting applications for the following project types and need areas:

a. Education/Teaching Projects. Single-function Education/Teaching Projects conduct programs and activities that have formal classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in FANH and may also support faculty development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

Need Areas: ANNH projects must focus on one or more of the need areas listed below. Please note that at least one of these need areas must be indicated in the project summary (See Part IV, B.2).

i. Curricula Design, Materials Development, and Library Resources. To promote the development of courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula, and instructional materials and technology; promote the acquisition of library resources including books and journals relating to FANH;

and stimulate the use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects, new research on teaching and learning theory, and new applications of knowledge.

ii. Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching. To advance faculty development in the areas of teaching competency and leadership, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment and advising skills. Examples include:

1. Obtaining experience with recent developments and new applications,

2. Expanding competence in innovative technologies and instruction delivery,

3. Developing new skills in a field of science or education including student advising skills; pursuing graduate-level study in a field related to FANH.

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.

iii. Instructional 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:

1. Incorporating alternative instructional methodologies that respond to differences in student learning styles,

2. Inter-institutional collaborations that deliver instruction in ways that maximize program quality and reduce unnecessary duplication,

3. Consideration and implementation of innovative instructional techniques, methodologies, and delivery systems in response to advances in knowledge and technology.

iv. 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:

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1. Acquiring new, state-of-the-art instructional, laboratory, classroom, and research scientific equipment.

2. Upgrading existing equipment or replacing non-functional or obsolete equipment.

v. Student Experiential Learning. To further the development of student scientific and professional competencies through experiential learning programs that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Project focus may include:

1. Preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology, enhancing quality of life, conserving resources, and addressing community and economic development issues.

2. Enhancing student decision-making and communication skills and improving real-life technological expertise.

3. Developing internships, practicum experiences, and study abroad opportunities.

4. Participating with faculty on applied research and related community development projects.

vi. Student Recruitment, Retention, and Educational Equity. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance educational equity for underrepresented students, and to strengthen student recruitment and retention programs to promote the future strength of the Nation's scientific, professional, and technical work force in FANH. Examples include:

1. Initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract increased numbers of students from underrepresented groups to attend college.

2. Developing agricultural and science literacy programs at the high school level to attract students to college and careers in FANH.

3. Mentoring programs and other initiatives to improve student retention.

4. Providing student financial support to attend college.

Each student recipient of monetary support for education costs or developmental purposes must be enrolled at an eligible institution and meet the requirement of 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.

b. Extension Projects. Single-function Extension Projects must deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs that lead to practical decision making.

Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or a combination thereof.

Extension Projects may address one or more of the following:

1. Support informal education to increase food and agricultural literacy in youth and adults,

2. Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of FANH data, information, and programs,

3. Build science-based capability to engage audiences and enable informed decision making, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430

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

5. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new ideas and technologies that are appropriate for community development, and or

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

These projects must lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group. In addition, these projects should synthesize and incorporate a wide range of the latest relevant research results.

c. Applied Research Projects. Single-function Research Projects support applied research conducted by individual investigators, or co-investigators within the same discipline, or multidisciplinary teams.

i. Applied research means research that includes expansion of the findings of fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and society.

ii. Multi-disciplinary projects are those in which investigators from two or more disciplines collaborate to address a common problem. These collaborations, where appropriate, may integrate the various disciplines in FANH.

d. Integrated Research, Education and Extension Projects. An Integrated Project includes at least two of the three functions of the agricultural knowledge system (research, education, and extension) within a project. Some Integrated Project applications include all three components of the agricultural knowledge system.

Applicants should consult the program area description in Table 2 of the RFA for their specific requirements of the program area to which they are applying.

i. The functions addressed in the project must be focused on the problem or issue and must be interwoven throughout the life of the project to complement and reinforce one another. While the functions can be interdependent and necessary for the success of the project, resource allocation between the functions needs to be balanced.

ii. Integrated Projects aim to resolve today’s problems through the application of science-based knowledge and address needs identified by stakeholders.

Integrated Projects clearly identify anticipated outcomes and have a plan for evaluating and documenting the success of the project. These projects will lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group.

iii. Integrated Project applications are required to include a Logic Model.

Failure to include this component may result in the application not being accepted by the program for evaluation.

Integrated Project applicants are encouraged to review Integrated Programs Application Information for additional information on integrated programs, including tips for writing Integrated Project applications and an example of an integrated application. Those interested in submitting Integrated Project applications are https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information encouraged to contact the program contact(s) listed in Appendix I of this RFA to discuss the anticipated project parameters and outcomes to ensure the application content appropriately meets the requirements of an Integrated Project.

2. Grant Types. The following is a list of available grant types under this RFA:

a. Standard Grant: Supports targeted, original projects. Applicants must be an eligible

ANNH institution (two or 4-year independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system) with project activities to be undertaken principally on behalf of and for the benefit of the lead applicant. Applicants may partner with other ANNH or non-ANNH institutions without the requirement of sharing grant funds with other project partners.

b. Collaborative Grant: Supports projects with at least one additional ANNH partner or a multi-partner approach to enhance education, extension, research, or integrated programs. Collaborative Grants build linkages to generate a critical mass of expertise, skill, and technology to address education/teaching, extension, research, or integrated programs related to the food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences.

These grants will reduce duplication of efforts and build capacity and must be organized and led by a strong applicant with documented project management knowledge and skills to organize and carry out the initiative. The partners must share grant funds (see explanation of required funds distribution percentage among partners in the definition in Appendix III). The amount of funds awarded to collaborative members as sub-grantees does NOT have to be the same for each sub-grantee. All collaborators must have a substantive role in the collaboration that is reflected in the budget allocation to partners.

The project period may range from 36 to 48 months for both Standard and Collaborative grants. The project start date must not occur after September 30, 2025, for FY 2025.

Grant awards may differ from the amounts requested in the application and revised budgets and revised plans of work may be required by NIFA before an award is made.

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

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) 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.

For the purpose of ANNH, an eligible institution means an individual public or private, nonprofit Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions of higher education that meet the definitions of Alaska-Serving Institutions or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution established in Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1059d).

Table 2: ANNH Eligible Applicants

Branch Institutions of a State System

For the purpose of this program, the individual branches of a state university system or public system of higher education that are separately accredited as degree granting institutions are treated as separate, individual institutions, eligible to apply for and receive awards, provided that they otherwise satisfy the definition of Alaska Native-Serving Institution or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution as specified above.

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 Alaska Native-Serving Institution or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution as specified above. An “independent branch campus” means a unit of a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education that is geographically apart from the main campus, is permanent in nature, offers courses for credit and programs leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, and is autonomous to the extent that it has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization and its own budgetary and hiring authority.

Collaborative Arrangements

Two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a state system may form a collaboration to carry out education, applied research, and extension programs in FANH. In addition to the individual eligible institutions (or independent branch campuses, etc.), such a collaboration also may include units of State government and private sector entities.

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An existing collaboration consisting of at least two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions of a state system, which demonstrates its ability to carry out allowed activities and its commitment to the goals of the ANNH Grants Program, also may apply for and receive a Collaborative Grant.

Certification of Eligibility. Eligibility documentation must be submitted with the application.

At the time of application, each primary applicant will be required to demonstrate or certify that it is an eligible institution under the ANNH Grants Program. If the applicant is a new or existing collaborative project, each member of the collaborative must demonstrate or certify that they are an eligible individual institution, independent branch campus, or a branch institution of a state system.

Institutions must certify their eligibility by one of three methods:

1. If an institution has received a “Designation as an Eligible Institution” letter for FY 2024 funding under the Title III, Part A, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions Program, or the Native Hawaiian- Serving Institutions Program from the U.S. Department of Education, the institution must submit a copy of the letter along with its application to satisfy the demonstration of eligibility requirement.

2. If an institution currently has a Title III, Part A Grant from the U.S. Department of Education that does not end prior to September 30, 2025, the institution must submit a copy of the “Notice of Award” letter for that grant along with its application to satisfy the demonstration of eligibility requirement.

3. Otherwise, an institution must submit a letter, signed by the institution’s Authorized Representative, (AR) certifying that it meets the requirements of an Alaska Native- Serving Institution or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution as defined above. The AR must certify that:

a. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is legally authorized by the state in which it is located to provide an educational program for which it awards an associate or bachelor’s degree, or that it is a junior or community college.

b. The institution, or parent institution in the case of an independent branch campus, is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary of Education to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or making reasonable progress toward such accreditation.

c. At least 50 percent of enrolled degree students are receiving need-based assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, or that a substantial percentage of students are receiving Pell Grants in comparison with the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants at all similar institutions (institution of higher education, or junior or community college).

d. Unless waived by the Secretary of Education, the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student are low in comparison with the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent student at institutions that offer similar instruction; and

e. For an Alaska Native-Serving Institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 20 percent Alaska Native students (where the term “Alaska Native” has the meaning given the term in Section 7306 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

7546); or

f. For a Native Hawaiian-Serving Institution, at the time of application, it has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native Hawaiian students (where the term “Native Hawaiian” has the meaning given the term in section 7207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

7517).

Fiscal Agent (if applicable):

If an applicant uses a fiscal agent, a letter must be included in the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds will be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter must include the fiscal agent’s point of contact, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This letter is to be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV, B 3c). In the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant or institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management information (see Part V, D).

Please note: the collaboration may designate fiscal agents as members of the collaborative arrangement and allocate funds among them.

Examples of fiscal agent arrangements include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:

1. A state university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of an eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution in the State. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institution under a Standard Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

2. A research foundation or other, similar foundation established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally funded grant awards may apply on behalf of its eligible, parent institution. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible, individual institution under a Standard Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

3. A state university system or a public system of higher education may apply on behalf of two or more eligible, individual institutions, independent branch campuses, or branch institutions in its State under a Collaborative Grant arrangement. In such cases, the State system will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

4. A research foundation, or other similar foundation, established and maintained by an eligible, individual institution to facilitate the application and management of externally-funded grant awards, may apply on behalf of its parent institution and at least one additional eligible, individual institution, independent branch campus, or branch institution of a State system under a collaborative arrangement. In such cases, the foundation will act as fiscal agent for the eligible institutions under a Collaborative Grant award to advance the purposes of the ANNH Grants Program.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:7546%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section7546)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:7546%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section7546)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:7517%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section7517)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:7517%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section7517)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

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

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions –NIFA will not fund efforts that duplicate or overlap substantially with efforts already funded. The submission of duplicate or substantially similar applications concurrently for review for more than one program in the same funding cycle will result in the exclusion of the redundant application from NIFA consideration. Duplicate applications are not allowed for the same program and only one application will be accepted for peer-review. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

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

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 4 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Table 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 numberUSDA-NIFA-AHSI-011115, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

Grants.gov iPortal Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline. However, 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/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-grantsgov-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/register https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package 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 6: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA 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. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the ANNH Grants Program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 23 double-spaced pages of written text, 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. The PN must include all the following:

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

i. Identification of Educational Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state: (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 FANH education.

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

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, C.1) will be of value at the state, regional, national, or international level(s), and where applicable, how it will improve FANH capabilities of students.

Describe any previously funded projects that are 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 FANH 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 FANH 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 FANH education. 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 percent higher average test scores of those students who both attended class and used the supplemental, web-based course materials”.

iv. Evaluation Plan. All ANNH 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. As a guide, up to 10 percent of the grant funds may be used to support this purpose.

v. Dissemination Plans. The application 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 ANNH Project Directors’ Meeting.

Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization.