FY25-CPPM-RFA-508-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 6, 2025

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $2,450,000*

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-CPPM-011119

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD $200,000 - $325,000

RANGE:

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.329

*The amount available for new ARDP grants competed in FY 2025 is approximately $2,450,000.

EIP and RCP continuation awards will be funded at approximately $11,300,000 and $4,150,000, respectively.

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.329.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, March 6, 2025.

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 Crop Protection and Pest Management RFA.

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

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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.

The amount available for new ARDP grants competed in FY 2025 is approximately $2,450,000.

EIP and RCP continuation awards will be funded at approximately $11,300,000 and $4,150,000, respectively.

NIFA requests applications for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025 to address critical state, regional and national integrated pest management (IPM) needs to ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges. The CPPM program supports projects that address these challenges with IPM approaches developed by coordinated state, regional, and national research, and extension efforts. The impact of these research and extension efforts will be increased by the establishment of communication networks and stakeholder participation in setting priorities. In FY 2025, NIFA will only accept competitive applications for funding in the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) area of CPPM. NIFA will fund current Extension Implementation Program (EIP) and Regional Coordination Program (RCP) area projects through continuation applications.

This notice identifies the objectives for Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. The purpose of CPPM awards is to enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, and sustainable IPM technologies, tactics and strategies that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description C.1 Applied Research and Development Program

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model Table 3: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions Table 7: Formatting Requirement for Project Narrative and Other Content

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7626) as amended authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grants program that provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The Secretary may award these grants to colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities on a competitive basis for projects that address priorities in United States agriculture and involve integrated research, education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) (see Part III § A of this RFA for more information).

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program (Assistance Listing 10.329) is to provide funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. The goals and objectives of CPPM are to address high priority issues related to pests including insects, nematodes, pathogens, weeds, and other pests and their management using integrated pest management (IPM) approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure sustainable food production and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. In addition, the CPPM program encourages proposals that develop new IPM strategies and tools to mitigate the effects of existing or new pests becoming more prevalent due to climate change.

Proposals that address management aspects of invasive species ar e prioritized as well. The CPPM program also addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities.

B.1 Program Areas The CPPM program provides support for research to develop new IPM approaches, extension to disseminate IPM knowledge and improve adoption of IPM practices, and coordination of IPM activities at the regional and national levels to increase the adoption and implementation of IPM practices on a broad scale. The CPPM program provides support for these functions with three linked program areas that emphasize research and development for discovery of IPM knowledge;

extension activities for IPM adoption and implementation; and enhanced coordination, collaboration, and communications among related CPPM programs and awardees. Together the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP), the Extension Implementation Program (EIP), and the Regional Coordination Program (RCP) areas represent a comprehensive approach for developing IPM practices and strategies and extending this new knowledge across many environments through a coordinated national network. It is anticipated that the application of this evidence-based science will have positive outcomes for society.

B.2 Goal Alignment The CPPM program is aligned with the National IPM Roadmap and the USDA Strategic Plan.

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B.2.1. The CPPM program is aligned with the IPM goals identified in the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management. It identifies strategic directions for IPM research, implementation, and impact measures for pests in all settings throughout the nation. In FY 2025 successful CPPM program applicants will develop knowledge and information and improved IPM practices needed for the adoption and implementation of IPM methods that have the following National IPM Roadmap goals:

a) Improve cost-benefit analyses when adopting IPM practices.

b) Reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies.

c) Minimize adverse environmental effects from pests and related management strategies.

B.2.2 USDA Strategic Plan. The CPPM program is aligned with the following USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

Strategic Goal 1: Combat climate change to support America’s working lands, natural resources and communities;

Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s agricultural system is equitable, resilient, and prosperous;

Strategic Goal 3: Foster an equitable and competitive marketplace for all agricultural producers;

Strategic Goal 4: Provide all Americans safe and nutritious food; and Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities.

B.2.3 USDA Science and Research Strategy. The CPPM program is aligned with the following USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Accelerating Innovative Technologies and Practices;

2. Driving Climate-Smart Solutions;

3. Bolstering Nutrition Security and Health;

4. Cultivating Resilient Ecosystems; and

5. Translating Research into Action.

The CPPM program, through its three component program areas (ARDP, EIP, and RCP), addresses overall IPM needs in the five following focus areas as funding is available:

a. Plant Protection Tools and Tactics. Need for discovery, development, and introduction of new pest management tactics for use in IPM systems.

b. Diversified IPM Systems. Need for long-term sustainable solutions to pest management problems on a regional or national scale.

c. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity. To develop and maintain key information systems, networks, and decision support tools that provide the knowledge infrastructure needed for early detection and the application of science-based IPM systems for invasive, emerging and high-consequence pests that threaten U.S. agriculture.

d. IPM for Sustainable Communities. Direct application of IPM knowledge and expertise to address pest management challenges in non-traditional settings such as urban structures, landscapes, and gardens, homes, and schools.

e. Development of the Next Generation of IPM Scientists. To develop pre-doctoral and post-doctoral education programs to prepare the next generation of IPM scientists.

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/OPMP/IPM%20Road%20Map%20FINAL.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf 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

In FY 2025, the CPPM program, through ARDP, is soliciting new applications to provide funding for the focus areas listed above.

B.3 Logic Model, Data Management Plan, and Additional Requirements

CPPM Logic Model. The CPPM programmatic logic model chart (TABLE 2) incorporates stakeholder input; anticipated outcomes; appropriate elements from IPM logic models from previously funded NIFA IPM programs; and goals for the National IPM Roadmap. NIFA will use the programmatic logic model chart to guide the evaluation of the proposals, the development of future funding priorities, and to document the impact of investments made by the CPPM program.

All applicants are required to:

a. Submit a project-specific logic model chart as part of each application; and

b. Explain how their project-specific logic model supports the CPPM programmatic logic model chart.

The project-specific logic model must provide details for the: inputs, outputs (activities and participants), and outcomes, situation, assumptions, and external factors of the proposed project.

The logic model planning process may also be used to develop your project before writing your application. Format this information as a logic model chart as illustrated in TABLE 2. Note the correct location for these elements as illustrated in TABLE 2. Refer to the logic model chart in your project description, evaluation plans, and elsewhere, as applicable. Additional information is available on the NIFA and University of Wisconsin web sites:

Integrated Programs' Logic Model Planning Process Logic Model Planning Process Program Development and Evaluation https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/logic-model-planning-process https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/

Table 2: Crop Protection and Pest Management Program Logic Model Inputs Outputs:

Participants Outputs:

Activities/Products

Outcomes/Impacts:

Change in Knowledge (Short Term)

Outcomes/Impacts:

Change in Actions/Behavior (Medium

Outcomes/Impacts: Change in Condition (Long Term)

Legislative Stakeholders Respond to Congressional Increase knowledge and Innovative and diversified Crop protection systems are authority

Commodity authorization and appropriation implementation of new IPM tools and tactics in

IPM systems are adopted on an area-wide or landscape more profitable with IPM

Annual appropriation associations

Public interest Publish RFA integrated strategies for

IPM

scale

Key information systems, Agricultural production increased through reduced pest and disease losses

USDA

groups Recruit panel managers and peer review panelists Adapt existing science based IPM knowledge to networks, and decision-support tools are adopted for Cost benefit ratios of adopting involvement Farmers Ranchers Conduct peer review panel new pest scenarios and foster sound IPM emerging and high-consequence pests and

IPM practices are improved

NIFA intra-agency meetings solutions diseases Sustainable IPM practices are coordination General public

Award funds to meritorious Engage broadest possible Enhanced coordination and adopted

Multi-state NGOs applications IPM scientific, extension, responsiveness of IPM Human health and projects

End Users or Support IPM research to and education communities in challenges research, education, and extension effort for critical, environmental risks from managing pests are reduced

Program directors Consumers

Underserved address priority IPM needs

Promote collaborative team faced by IPM

Engage new stakeholder priority pest management and food security challenges U.S. food producers are more competitive globally Support staff individuals or communities building through national and regional coordination communities challenged by pest issues who could

New stakeholders are using IPM; Stakeholders are using Global capacity to meet

Panel Managers Land-grant meetings and activities and broad-based stakeholder benefit from IPM more advanced IPM best management practices growing food demand improved

Peer Review university partners participation Facilitate production of Panels

Cooperative Promote the development audience-appropriate information/training

Producers and processors adopt newly developed IPM

Safe, affordable, and high-quality crops are widely

Stakeholder and partner comments

Extension

Research, teaching and implementation of IPM by facilitating coordination and materials including mobile, web-based, and other digital, as well as technologies and innovations

Regional and national trans-available to consumers

Hunger is reduced through and extension faculty

State agencies collaboration across states, disciplines, and programs

Establish and maintain pest management information traditional formats

Facilitate communication among the scientific IPM community and among the disciplinary systems approaches are being used to solve IPM problems

A new generation of improved food security in vulnerable populations

Effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM

Project Director Workshop. Successful applicants, or a designee, are required to attend and give a presentation at a Project Director (PD) workshop during the term of their project. The IPM centers or NIFA will organize and conduct these project director workshops. The organizers may hold this workshop in conjunction with another conference or separately from any other meeting.

Applicants may contact their regional IPM center for more details on upcoming project director workshops or other appropriate opportunities available for PDs to present their project progress.

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

Additional requirements on expected performance goals, indicators and targets may be required as a condition of award.

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

C. Program Area Description NIFA is soliciting applications under the following program areas:

Applied Research and Development Program

C.1 Applied Research and Development Program

Table 3: Applied Research and Development Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: ARDP Program Code Name: Applied Research and Development Area

ALN: 10.329

Project Type: Applied Research (single function), Research-led, Extension-led Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline March 6, 2025 Grant Duration: 24-36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 8 Minimum Award Amount: $200,000 Maximum Award Amount: $325,000

C.1.1 Proposed Budget Requests

a. May not exceed a total of $200,000 for applications with Project Directors (PD) from one state/U.S. territory. Note: A possible exemption to the $200,000 budget total is described below in ‘c’.

b. May not exceed a total of $325,000 for applications with Project Directors (PDs) from more than one state/U.S. territory.

c. A possible exception to the maximum budget of $200,000 may exist when multistate collaboration is not possible because PD(s) are studying a major crop/commodity of regional https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar or national importance that is produced only or predominantly in one state or U.S.

territory. Contact the programmatic contact in Appendix I to determine if your project is eligible for this exception and a higher total budget request up to $325,000.

d. Also note the paragraph on multi-state/U.S. territory and/or Regional/National Involvement located in this section under Program Area Requirements, C.1.3.2.

C.1.2 Program Area Priorities by Project Type

C.1.2a Applied Research (single function) Projects. Research priorities include:

i. Development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, and particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support), and

ii. Increased understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Field-scale experiments over multiple seasons and/or locations are the desired experimental approach for ARDP proposals, where appropriate. The desired outcomes for new IPM practices include reducing initial pest populations, lowering the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for pests, increasing tolerance of hosts to pest injury, and/or providing tools for making management decisions, such as monitoring methods and action thresholds.

Long-term fundamental research is not appropriate for funding in this category. We encourage research on novel, cutting-edge methods, for which data exist to support the likelihood of successful IPM research and adoption. Research outcomes involving chemical pesticides include reducing the amount applied, the frequency of applications, increasing the selectivity, reducing the risks associated with their use, reducing off-target impacts of chemicals, and/or developing novel resistance management strategies. Incorporate minimizing adverse impacts of pesticides on beneficial organisms and limiting buildup of resistant pest populations. Clearly describe: 1) how the tactic or IPM system, once developed, can be incorporated into an existing production or management system, and 2) the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the proposed IPM strategies, and identify ways to overcome constraints to greater adoption of IPM methods by users.

The following are examples of topic areas that could be addressed by Applied Research (single function) proposals. Identification of these topic areas is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other appropriate topic areas.

a. Documenting (measuring) the impacts of IPM adoption.

b. Developing an effective strategy or tactic for a pest problem that currently limits production efficiency in a plant or animal production system and is recognized by the user community as a key priority.

c. Addressing multiple cycles of pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) over seasons, and/or multiple species and complexes at the landscape or ecosystem level (agricultural production, urban, or natural systems) with consideration of the interactions of the entire system.

d. Promoting biological diversity in pest management systems and integration of multiple pest management tactics.

C.1.2b Research-led Projects.

e. Identifying constraints to greater adoption of IPM strategies and developing approaches to overcome these constraints.

f. Promoting an interdisciplinary, IPM systems approach.

g. Developing effective pest management tactics for invasive pests (arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, pathogens, or weeds) in cropping systems and natural and urban areas.

h. Developing projects that enhance the development of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance.

i. Developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on pests' abundance, aggressiveness, and pesticide effectiveness.

Research-led projects are appropriate when the completion of the project’s research component will support the addition of an initial Extension component for IPM adoption by stakeholders. The research priorities for the research component are listed below. The extension component is directed toward the initial adoption of individual IPM tools, tactics, or systems developed through the research component of the project. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the Extension priorities listed below. Include a description of how Extension personnel will be involved at the beginning of project planning and how the Extension activities will be conducted concurrently with research activities throughout the life of the project.

Research priorities include:

i. Final development of individual tools and tactics needed for pest management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural/physical/mechanical control, host plant resistance, particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision support), and

ii. Advanced understanding of how interactions among tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural, recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. Extension priorities include: 1) initial development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts, 2) initial pilot implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and 3) initial delivery of IPM extension outreach and training.

C.1.2c Extension-led Projects. Extension priorities include:

i. Development of extension materials and information delivery systems for outreach efforts,

ii. Implementation of field-scale or on-farm demonstrations, and

iii. Delivery of IPM extension outreach and training. Documentation of the existence of a research base relevant to the proposed extension effort is required. ARDP funding is not intended to support ongoing extension programmatic efforts. At least 20 percent of project effort must be focused on the research priorities identified for Applied Research (single-functions) projects or research-led projects (listed above).

Identification of these topic areas listed below is illustrative and is not intended to be exclusionary or a deterrent for submission of applications that address other topic areas appropriate for Extension-led priorities.

i. Providing IPM outreach and training to individuals involved with the production, processing, storage, transporting, and marketing of food and agricultural commodities.

ii. Developing educational materials and information delivery systems that provide IPM personnel in the public and private sectors with timely, state-of-the-art information about effective IPM strategies.

iii. Providing outreach on endangered species protection related to IPM.

iv. Developing IPM programs for urban and natural systems and addressing human and environmental health issues when appropriate.

v. Enhancing the development and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems for current and/or emerging pests of national importance.

The ARDP extension-led projects are separate from extension projects funded in the Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) and are generally not as mature, are more narrowly focused, and/or are outside the scope of EIP.

C.1.3 Program Area Requirements All ARDP applications must address the following requirements:

1. Stakeholder-Identified IPM Needs. Include the citation of IPM needs identified by diverse regional and national stakeholders. Include at least one explicit citation that clearly documents the specific stakeholder-identified needs addressed by the proposed project. Clearly reference each identified need with corresponding citations. The citation of stakeholder identified IPM needs is important because it demonstrates that a project is both important to stakeholders and that PDs are engaged with the stakeholder community. Sources of stakeholder-identified needs include, but are not limited to:

a) Needs identified by the regional IPM centers; see:

i. North Central IPM Center

ii. Northeastern IPM Center

iii. Southern IPM Center

iv. Western IPM Center

b) Needs identified in Crop Profiles.

c) Needs identified in Pest Management Strategic Plans.

d) Recommendations or reports from state IPM programs.

e) Recommendations from relevant IPM research and/or extension multi-state committees

f) IPM needs from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE) sub-regional conferences.

g) Recommendations from other IPM stakeholder groups.

h) Other documented IPM needs assessment evaluations.

2. Multi-State/U.S. Territory and/or Regional/National Involvement. Clearly cite regional and/or national IPM priorities and describe multi-state, regional, and national collaborations for purposes of efficiency, economy, and synergy. All applications, including those with PDs from one state or U.S. territory, must clearly describe how the project will provide benefits to more than one state or U.S. territory. Describe the role of everyone on the project team in enough detail to convince peer reviewers of the application that the multi-state/U.S. territory collaboration is meaningful. When a proposal involves a crop/commodity that is of regional or national importance and is produced predominately in one state or U.S. territory, include https://www.ncipmc.org/about/stakeholder-priorities/ https://www.northeastipm.org/grant-programs/regional-priorities/ https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ http://westernipm.org/index.cfm/center-grants/priorities/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ https://ipmdata.ipmcenters.org/ documentation that the crop/commodity is grown predominately in one state/U.S. territory and describe why multistate collaboration is impractical. See Program Area Requirement,

7. Coordination, below for further information on participation in the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities, other relevant research multi-state p rojects, and the respective regional IPM center.

3. Multi-Disciplinary and Systems-Oriented. Describe how the project will promote cooperative efforts across appropriate disciplines, linkages between research and extension, and the improvement of existing or emerging integrated pest management systems. Describe the role of each member of the multi-disciplinary team and their responsibilities on the project.

4. Systems Approach. Describe how the proposal will enhance the development, adoption, and implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems.

ARDP seeks applications for developing IPM strategies: 1) with the potential to significantly enhance and protect environmental quality, reduce the risk of health problems and other problems associated with pest control practices, promote biological diversity in pest management systems, and integrate multiple pest management tactics, and 2) with the primary emphasis on enhancing productivity and profitability while addressing critical environmental quality and human health issues. Examples of areas that proposals may address include major acreage agricultural production systems, high value crops such as key fruit and vegetable systems, animal production systems, urban systems, or other agro-ecosystems including natural areas. For ARDP applications submitted for projects in agricultural settings, IPM projects in both conventional and organic production systems are appropriate.

5. Implementation Plan. Describe, as appropriate, in the project narrative for each project type:

1) how the project will implement results generated by the project with stakeholders, and 2) how the project will measure and assess adoption, implementation, and potential impacts by stakeholders using cost-effective approaches and criteria.

6. Timeline. Include a detailed timeline in the project narrative with key milestones for the project’s objectives and other important project tasks.

7. Coordination. Describe the project team’s plans to participate in the appropriate regional Hatch Multistate IPM Education/Extension and Research Activities (e.g., NCERA-222, NEERA-1604, SERA-03, and WERA-1017), other relevant research multi-state projects, and the respective regional IPM center. See the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) for information on these Hatch Multistate projects. See Regional IPM Centers for contacts and the regional programmatic efforts that they coordinate. The purpose of these coordination opportunities is to facilitate collaboration and cooperation on IPM projects, move research results to actual application through IPM adoption and implementation, and achieve CPPM program outcomes.

8. Partnerships. Describe plans to develop and enhance partnerships that include collaboration with small- or mid-sized, accredited colleges and universities; 1890 land-grant institutions;

1994 land-grant institutions; Hispanic-serving institutions; Hispanic-serving Agricultural https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18823 https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18301 https://southernipm.org/partners/sera3/ https://www.nimss.org/projects/view/mrp/outline/18284 https://www.nimss.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/ http://www.ipmcenters.org/

Colleges and Universities (HSACUs); and/or other institutions that serve high-risk, under-represented, or hard-to-reach audiences.

9. Logic Model. Three-Page Limit. This attachment does not count against the 18-page limit for project narratives.

10. National IPM Roadmap. Address in the project narrative and the project-specific logic model chart applicable goals identified by the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management (see National IPM Roadmap).

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/OPMP/IPM%20Road%20Map%20FINAL.pdf

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 a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The amount available for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program’s ARDP grants being competed in FY 2025 is approximately $2,450,000. The amount available to fund EIP and RCP continuation awards in FY 2025 is approximately $11,300,000 and $4,150,000, respectively.

All funds for ARDP awards will be provided in year one of the project. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any application or to make a specific number of awards.

The Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), 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 of this RFA for definitions).

2. Resubmitted application (ARDP): Resubmitted applications must include a response to major concerns raised in previous reviews 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 of this RFA for definitions).

C. Project Types The following describes the types of ARDP projects that are eligible for funding.

Applicants must propose one of these project types:

a) Applied research (single function) projects develop innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM technologies, tactics, strategies, and systems that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.

b) Research-led projects enhance the adoption of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems.

c) Extension-led projects extend implementation of innovative, ecologically based, sustainable IPM strategies and systems by IPM practitioners and growers. Extension-led projects enhance outreach efforts and maximize opportunities to build strategic alliances with stakeholders to expand their active participation in increasing the implementation of IPM methods.

See Part I § C.1.2a-c of this RFA.

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

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?toc=1 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award.

For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities, as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, 1994 Institutions, and Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required – Applicants for the ARDP areas MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the CPPM program. By statute, match may include funds from an agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information programs. Non-Federal matching funds may include in-kind support.

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

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

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

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

1. State agricultural experiment stations;

2. Colleges and universities;

3. University research foundations;

4. Other research institutions and organizations;

5. Federal agencies;

6. National laboratories;

7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations;

8. Individuals; or

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

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:5926%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5926)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants

101. Table 4 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-CPPM-011119, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 5: Help and Resources Grants.gov Support NIFA Support

Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll- Free or 606-545-5035

Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer-based support:

Grants.gov iPortal

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. 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://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ 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/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/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 6: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

1. Project Summary /Abstract The Project Summary must list the names and institutions of the PD and co-PDs and indicate which specific FY 2025 program area and/or project type the proposed project addresses.

The Project Summary must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the CPPM.

See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide or instructions and suggested templates.

For Applied Research and Development Program Area (ARDP) Applications:

a) The first line of your Project Summary should state the type of project you are submitting, for example, “This is an ARDP applied research (single function) project”.

b) List which of the CPPM focus area(s) your proposal addresses:

i. Plant Protection Tools and Tactics

ii. Enhancing Agricultural Biosecurity

iii. IPM for Sustainable Communities 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

Table 7: Formatting Requirement for Project Narrative and Other Content Maximum No. of Pages single sided Content of Application 11 Points, 1.5 spaced, Times New Roman 18 Project Narrative including COE justification, tables, and figures Yes

Excluding:

2 Response to Previous Review (If

Applicable) Yes

3 Logic Model No Restriction 2 Data Management Plan Yes

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 18 1.5 spaced pages of written text, figures, and tables (the font size should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. We may subject the Project Narrative to a page test if the pagination circumvents the page limit by using reduced font size. Only the first 18 pages that count towards the page limit will be reviewed in case your application is found to exceed the limit. The Project Narrative must include all the following:

a. Response to Previous Review (if applicable): This requirement only applies to resubmitted applications as described in Part II § B of this RFA. The response to previous review must not exceed two 1.5 spaced pages. This does not count towards the page limit for the project narrative.

The project narrative attachment must include two components: 1) a two-page response (with the previous proposal number in the first line) entitled "Response to Previous Review" and 2) the 18-page project narrative, as required.

b. Problem, Background, and Justification:

ii. Project type. Include in the initial sentence the project type (Applied Research

(single-function), Research-led, or Extension-led) and the amount of the request.

iii. Problem. Describe, in simple terms, the problem. Consider including the economic importance of the crop or problem, the importance of the pests, and the reason for your study (e.g., conventional pest-control strategies no longer work; beneficial insects are being harmed by available pest-control options;

there is a lack of training or implementation of new IPM tactics).

iv. Background. Provide the explicit citation that documents the specific stakeholder-identified need(s) addressed by the proposed project and describe how the project addresses those needs. Demonstrate that you are engaged with stakeholders and that your project addresses their needs. See Part I § B of this RFA for more information about stakeholder identified needs. General letters of support do not satisfy this requirement.

v. Review and reference of relevant completed or ongoing work (local/ regional/ national). Describe how previous research contributes to the proposed project.

vi. Justification. Identify who will benefit from your project in multistate/U.S.

territory, regional, and/or national terms. Consider environmental, human health, and/or economic benefits. Describe why current technologies and practices are inadequate and explain how the proposed approach will: (1) help improve or implement existing pest management systems; and (2) address the specific needs identified in the application. Discuss the potential applicability of the proposed approach to other states/U.S. territories or regions and the relevance of the project to the ARDP priorities (see Part I § B of this RFA).

Clearly describe how the project will provide benefit(s) to more than one state or U.S. territory.

c. Objectives and Anticipated Impacts: Provide clear, concise, and logically numbered statements of the specific aims of the proposed effort. If you are writing a Research-led or an Extension-led proposal, identify each objective as either a research or extension objective.

Describe the anticipated impacts that could be associated with the fulfillment of your…