FY25-FBMB-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Farm Business Management and Benchmarking Competitive Grants

Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $2,000,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-FBMB-011074

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 20, 2025

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.319

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing: The Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the number 10.319.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: Fiscal Year 2025: February 20, 2025 5:00 P.M. Eastern 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 FBMB RFA.

Centers of Excellence. Applicants are encouraged to visit the NIFA’s Centers of Excellence (COE) 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 additional continuing resolutions, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

NIFA will use this solicitation to request applications for the FBMB program for FY 2025 to improve the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers, and maintain the national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. At this time, NIFA requests applications for the FY 2025 funding cycle. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2025 is approximately $2,000,000.

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

Updates for FY 2025

1. Added the Planning Grant type to encourage applicants who are interested in exploring potential collaborations and projects.

2. Revised award maximum amounts.

3. Detailed descriptions of and requirements for Objectives and Strategies for clarity.

4. Revised formatting requirements and descriptions of sections in the Project Narrative

(PN) and added Logic Model and Project Timeline into the PN.

5. Provided additional guidance to the Field 9. Bibliography & References Cited section.

6. Reorganized and outlined the documents that are to be included in Field 12. Add Other

Attachments.

7. Provided additional guidance on the budget and budget narrative requirements in the

R&R Budget section.

8. Streamlined the Evaluation Criteria.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

A. Legislative Authority

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

The program is authorized under Section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990, 7 U.S.C. 5925f, as amended. which authorizes the Secretary, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), to make competitive research and extension grants.

B. Purpose and Priorities Consistent with 7 U.S.C. 5925f, NIFA is soliciting applications for the Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) program to improve the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers by maintaining and expanding a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management.

The FBMB program aims to strongly support innovative extension approaches and collaborative efforts to maintain and expand the publicly available national farm financial management database (FINBIN). Such efforts are needed to meet the challenges facing the nation’s agriculture and food systems. Farm management producers must be educated and prepared to work effectively across disciplines to solve agricultural and educational challenges. Meeting these challenges will require projects that are timely, strategic, creative, and multi-disciplinary.

The FBMB program supports all producers to develop farm management knowledge and skills that are consistent with the agriculture and food systems priorities of the USDA.

Extension projects supported by the FBMB program, to the extent possible, shall be coordinated and delivered in cooperation with similar services or assistance by other federal agencies or programs supporting improved farm management.

The Secretary may give priority to grants that demonstrate an ability to work directly with agricultural producers; collaborate with farm management associations and financial management education programs; address the farm management needs of a variety of crops and regions of the United States; and contribute data to support the national farm financial management database (FINBIN).

The FBMB program supports novel projects that encompass the management of money at the personal, firm, and public levels to support livelihoods and quality of life for agricultural producers and farm communities. The FBMB program also supports projects that incorporate social and behavioral science disciplines, leadership skills development, and decision-making which are important elements to address the many challenges facing agriculture and farm communities. These challenges may include but are not limited to increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health opportunities and outcomes; reducing food loss and waste; and alleviating poverty by creating economic opportunity and supporting workforce development.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:5925f%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5925f)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:5925f%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5925f)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://finbin.umn.edu/ https://finbin.umn.edu/ https://finbin.umn.edu/

The FBMB is aligned with following:

The USDA Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026 goals:

1. Goal 2: Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers to Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World

2. Goal 4: Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development

3. Goal 5: Strengthen the Stewardship of Private Lands Through Technology and

Research The USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023–2026 priorities:

1. Priority 5: Translating Research Into Action

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

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

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

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the United States.

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: FBMB Program Code Name: Farm Business Management and

Benchmarking Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 10.319

Project Type: Extension Grant Type: Standard Grants

Application Deadline February 20, 2025 Grant Duration: Standard Grant: 12-36 months

Planning Grant: 12 months Anticipated # of Awards: Approximately 4-6

Maximum Award Amount: Standard Grant: $450,000 Planning Grant: $50,000

NIFA is soliciting applications for FBMB projects that improve the farm management knowledge and skills of individuals directly involved in production agriculture by addressing at least one of the below listed Objectives and using at least one of the below listed Strategies.

Objectives: Objectives provide clarity on what the project will achieve. FBMB projects must address at least one of these Objectives:

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-fy-2022-2026-strategic-plan.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-research-strategy.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/calendar

1. Maintain and expand the already established national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management knowledge and skills for producers of a variety of crops and livestock throughout multiple regions of the United States.

2. Establish or expand outreach-based, collaborative farm management educational programs with farm organizations or associations that will contribute data to the existing national farm financial management database (FINBIN) to improve the farm management knowledge and skills of all agricultural producers.

Strategies: Strategies represent the plans of action and implementation methods used to reach and engage target audiences and stakeholders or to conduct applied research activities.

FBMB projects must address at least one of these Strategies:

1. Advance data collection and conducting research on financial ratios related to farm production cost, farm profitability management effectiveness and the effects farm policy.

2. Develop and/or expand cooperation and data sharing among existing farm management associations and business management education programs across the nation to structure farm financial analyses into a uniform information system.

3. Provide training, technical assistance, and software to states with farm management associations to facilitate uniform financial procedures and software.

4. Improve the profitability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized farms and ranches by providing access to high quality, uniform farm business management benchmarking information; or

5. Improve producers’ abilities to successfully manage their agricultural operations through periods of high degrees of uncertainty including supply and demand risk, price volatility, and financial stress.

Applicants are encouraged to approach Objectives and Strategies in their projects by providing evidence of the following elements:

1. Expand or establish a farm management program that works directly with agricultural producers to contribute data to the national farm management and benchmarking database.

2. Address the farm management needs of a variety of crops and regions of the United States.

3. Establish and collaborate with more than five farm management education programs or associations that are representative of agricultural diversity in multiple regions of the United States.

4. Maintain farm financial analysis software applicable to the production and management of a wide range of crop and livestock agricultural commodities, including organic and specialty crop commodities.

5. Establish procedures that enable producers to (i) benchmark their farms against peer groups; and (ii) to query the benchmarking database by location, farm type, farm size, and commodity at all overall business and individual enterprise levels.

6. Increase the numbers producers whose benchmarking activities identified an improvement financial performance.

7. Contribute data to the national farm financial management database; and

8. Provide public online access to farm and ranch financial benchmarking databases.

FBMB supports Extension projects, which conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal education programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Examples of extension activities include but are not limited to outreach programs that support agricultural literacy, adoption of new practices, and informed decision making; creation and/or enhancement of resource materials like factsheets, circulars, and guides; new applications of instructional tools and curricula; train-the-trainer, certification programs, and other capacity-building efforts; and application of innovative instructional methodologies. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or hybrid approaches.

As such, FBMB projects must be able to lead to measurable, documented changes in learning, actions, or conditions in an identified audience or stakeholder group and such projects should synthesize and incorporate a wide range of the latest relevant research results.

All FBMB awards will be made based on the merit of the proposed project and supporting documents. USDA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with applicants recommended for awards. 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.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/events/

A. Available Funding

B. Application Restrictions

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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 act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The amount available for Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) program in FY 2025 is approximately $2,000,000. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

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 definition).

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

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

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).

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

1. Project Types. NIFA is soliciting applications for FBMB proposals under the Extension Project type. Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions.

2. Grant Types. Applicants must select the appropriate grant type below:

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

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

a. Extension Standard awards of Federal funds for this grant will not exceed $450,000.

b. Project periods for Extension Standard grants range from 12-36 months.

Planning Grant: Supports early-stage investment in a new, startup project that is aligned with the purpose and priorities of the grant program. Planning grants provide projects with opportunities to convene potential and planned partners, explore ideas and implementation strategies, and design projects that can be scaled.

a. Extension Planning awards of Federal funds for this grant will not exceed $50,000 and are not renewable. The budget for the planning grant may include an appropriate amount for travel and subsistence costs for participants and other related costs.

b. Project periods for planning grants are 12 months.

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#422.2 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) 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 be submitted by numerous entities. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C.

3157(b)(7), eligible applicant means:

1. State agricultural experiment station;

2. College and universities;

3. University research foundation;

4. Other research institutions and organizations;

5. Federal agencies;

6. National laboratories;

7. Private organizations or corporations;

8. Individuals; or

9. Any group consisting of two (2) or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (H).

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.

No Match Required. The FBMB program has NO matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

C. Centers of Excellence Pursuant to Section 7214 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), NIFA will recognize and prioritize Centers of Excellence (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 codified in (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)(7)) 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).

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PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 3 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package. Table 4 provides contact information for applicants who need Grants.gov support or NIFA support.

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 USDA-NIFA-FBMB-011074, 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 Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays

Email: grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Key Information: Business hours:

Monday through Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

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

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

Table 5. Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 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 show how the project goals align with the project goals of the FBMB program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the provided templates to ensure submission and organization of accurate information in the system.

The body of the PS must include the following 1) a brief description (250 words or less) of the project that aligns with at least one of the Objectives and one of the Strategies listed under Part I, C of this RFA; 2) total funding amount requested; 3) proposal type (New, Resubmitted, or Renewal); and 4) grant type (Extension Standard or Extension Planning).

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 10 pages; this page limit includes the Logic Model, Project Timeline, and any tables and figures. The page limit ensures fair and equitable competition. The PN must be formatted using 1-inch margins, single line spacing (i.e., no more than six lines per vertical inch), and 12-point, Times New Roman font.

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

A one-page Table of Contents is permitted and does not count towards the PN’s 10-page limit. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. In the PN, do not link to external references; proposals must be self-contained.

To ensure fair and equitable competition, applications exceeding the applicable page limitation will not be accepted for review. Additionally, applications will not be accepted for review if they exceed the maximum federal budget request for the Project Type proposed; if proposed objectives or approaches do not fit with the purpose and priorities of the FBMB program; and if documents are not submitted in portable document format (pdf).

Applicants must organize the PN using the sections listed below and are strongly encouraged to use the below header titles as prompts for each section.

a. Introduction: Describe the current problem or situation to be addressed and explain why it is important. Estimate the magnitude of the problem or situation and its relevance to stakeholders. If applicable, describe the geographic area to be served. Describe the potential benefit of the proposed project to the population group or the community served.

b. Rationale and Significance: Clearly identify which (one or more) of the Objectives the project will address. Objectives are listed under Part I, C of this RFA. Clearly identify which (one or more) of the Strategies this project will address. Strategies are listed under Part I, C of this RFA. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of agricultural producers for farm management benchmarking capabilities and make connections to the established national farm financial management database (FINBIN), where possible. Describe how the project will complement or enhance resources currently available to stakeholders.

Explain any actions that have already been taken to address the problem or situation and describe any gaps that remain; clearly describe the novel, innovative approaches that are being proposed. Provide a summary of previous work, if applicable.

c. Project Goals, Objectives, and Intended Outcomes: Describe the goals, objectives, and intended outcomes of the project. Outcomes must describe specific changes or results that will occur because of the project and that will constitute “success” for the initiative. These may include benefits derived from

d. Institutional Capacity, Roles, and Responsibilities: Describe capability and proficiency in administering a database, highlighting relevant past activities, if applicable. Provide evidence and discussion of experience and compliance with Federal reporting requirements. Describe roles and responsibilities for key staff, including percent of time each will dedicate to the project. Describe the fiscal and administrative oversight for the project. Explain the role of stakeholders in problem identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation, as appropriate.

Applicants who intend for partners to implement portions of their proposed projects must describe each partner’s roles and responsibilities. If applicable, describe relevant work that demonstrate each partner’s ability to successfully execute the proposed project. Partners may jointly or individually provide leadership for different objectives or activities. If applicable, describe the roles of partners’ key staff on the proposed project and percent of time each will dedicate to the project.

e. Project Sustainability: A successful project should be able to endure and outlive the one-time infusion of federal funds. Describe steps that will be taken toward the project’s sustainability beyond the life of the FBMB grant. For example, identify opportunities (such as resources, trainings, partnerships, collaborations, funding streams) that will be explored, develop, and/or enhanced during the life of the proposed project to help sustain project operations after the NIFA funding has expired. If planning to sustain only certain aspects of the project beyond NIFA funding, clearly identify them.

If proposing a planning project, applicants must briefly articulate the project steps beyond the planning period to become competitive for future funding.

f. Logic Model: A logic model must be included and is included in the 10-page PN page limit. The logic model is a conceptual tool for planning and evaluation. It displays the sequence of actions that describe what project inputs, outputs, and outcomes. There are many variations on the specific composition of a logic model. NIFA has developed a resource called the Logic Model Planning Process.

g. Project Timeline: A project timeline must be included and is counted in the 10-page PN page limit. Illustrate the progress and successful implementation of the project over the award period. Describe all important phases as a function of time, year by year, for the entire project, including periods beyond the grant funding period, if appropriate. Include main project sustainability activities in the project timeline.

h. Centers of Excellence Justification. If not pursuing a Centers of Excellence status, applicants must indicate their intent in this section.

For applicants who desire to be considered for Centers of Excellence (COE) status, provide a brief justification statement, as part of the PN and within the 10-page PN page limit, which describes how the standards of a COE are met based on the following criteria:

1. The ability of the COE to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in research, teaching, and extension activities outlined in this application.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process

2. In addition to any applicable matching requirements, the ability of the COE to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, and the federal government in the proposed research and/or extension activities outlined in this application. Resources leveraged should be commensurate with the size of the award.

3. The planned scope and capability of the COE to implement teaching initiatives that increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities of the proposed research and/or extension activity outlined in this application; and

4. The ability or capacity of the COE to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues in support of and as a result of the implementation of the proposed research and/or extension activity outlined in this application.

Additionally, where practicable (not required), COE applicants should describe proposed efforts to improve teaching capacity and infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-grant colleges and universities, cooperating forestry schools, certified Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) (list of certified NLGCA is available at NLGCA list and schools of veterinary medicine).

3. Field 9. Bibliography & References Cited. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Title the attachment as “Bibliography & References Cited” in the document header and save the file as Bibliography.

There is no page limit for the Bibliography. All work cited in the proposal should be referenced in this section of the application. All references must be complete and include titles and all co-authors, conform to an acceptable journal format, and be listed in alphabetical order using the last name of the first author or listed by number in the order of citation.

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

a. Response to Previous Review. This requirement only applies to Resubmitted

Applications or Resubmitted Renewal Applications as described in Part II, B of this RFA. Applicants must respond to the previous review summary, and it must not exceed one page and does not count towards the 10-page limit for the PN. The formatting requirements for the PN apply to this attachment. Title the attachment as “Response to Previous Review Proposal XXXX-XXXXX” in the document header and save the file as Response.

b. Progress Report. This requirement only applies to a Renewal application or Resubmitted Renewal application (see Part II, B of this RFA). These applications must include a progress report, and it does not count toward the 10-page PN page limit.

c. Data Management Plan (DMP). A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nlgca-list https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this RFA, NIFA’s Data Management Plan) and is not to exceed 2 pages. Title the attachment as “Data Management Plan” in the document header and save the file as DMP.

d. Appendices to the PN. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. Title the attachment as “Appendices to the Project Narrative” in the document header and save the file as Appendices.

e. Key Organization Support. Attach signed letters from key organizations involved in the project acknowledging their support, contributions, and/or commitment.

Letters are limited to no more than two pages per key organization. Combine all letters into one file and save the file as Letters. Other more general letters of support (i.e., from those who are not committing to a specific role in the project) are not needed and should not be included.

Do not add any other attachments not specifically requested in this RFA. For example, do not attach examples of curricula or other appendices. Attaching additional narrative or figures or tables other than those specifically requested in this RFA will result in disqualification from review.

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded). See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for profile requirements, details about the biographical sketch, and suggested support templates.

R&R Personal Data. This information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award (see Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide).

R&R Budget. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide. A budget and budget narrative are required for this program.

1. Indirect Costs (IDC): See Part IV, C of this RFA for funding restrictions regarding indirect cost, and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.

2. Project Directors Meetings: For the duration of an awarded project, PDs are strongly encouraged to attend an annual PD meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss their projects, opportunities for collaborative efforts, and enhance dissemination of exemplary end products/results. Reasonable travel expenses to attend this meeting may be included in the application’s budget under travel expenses.

3. Other Budget Considerations: There should be a direct relationship between the items in the budget and budget narrative and a direct relationship between the budget narrative and the activities described in the PN. Every item in the budget must be justified in the proposal. In the budget narrative, the amount of detail depends on the nature of the project and the breakdown of costs, and costs (e.g., personnel, materials, travel, etc.) are to be broken down and itemized rather than shown as lump sums. While budgets should account for necessary travel, virtual or hybrid meetings may be considered to implement the project.

Proposed budgets must not exceed $450,000 for a Standard Grant and $50,000 for a Planning Grant. A budget breakdown and budget narrative should be provided for each https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

C. Funding Restrictions project year: Year 1, and Year 2 and Year 3, as applicable. For FY 2025 applications with a one-year period of performance (Planning Grants and applicable Standard Grants), the project start date must be September 1, 2025, and the end date must be August 31, 2026.

For a two-year period of performance, the project start date must be September 1, 2025, and the end date must be August 31, 2027. For a three-year period of performance, the project start date must be September 1, 2025, and the end date must be August 31, 2028.

Supplemental Information Form. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name Farm

Business Management and Benchmarking and the program code FBMB. Accurate entry is critical.

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

Indirect Cost (IDC) is not to exceed 30 percent of the recipient’s Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA). 7 U.S.C. 3310 limits the recovery of IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of the TFFA under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum allowable IDC amount recoverable under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the following and is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

a. the sum of an institution’s negotiated indirect cost rate, and the indirect cost rate charged by sub-awardees, if any; or

b. 30 percent of TFFA.

If the result of number one is the lesser of the two amounts, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards would be subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC amount charged under the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the

TFFA.

If the result of number two is the lesser of the two amounts, then the maximum IDC allowed for the overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the IDC of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum indirect cost allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining IDC for the Federal portion (i.e., prime and sub-awardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing. Amounts exceeding the maximum allowable IDC are considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.

If the applicant does not have a negotiated rate and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant may request an IDC rate. Applicants are not required to complete the IDC package during the application process and need only to calculate a rate to serve as a basis for requesting IDC. If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a complete IDC proposal package to obtain a negotiated rate.

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://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3310%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3310)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1408 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1410 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect the de minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414(f)). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total indirect costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

See NIFA Indirect Costs for information including additional resources and NIFA Indirect Cost Guidance Chart.

Paragraphs (4), (7), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of 7 USC section 3157 shall apply with respect to the making of grants under section 5925f paragraph (c). That is funds made available for grants under this subsection (7 USC §3157 (b) shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).

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PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, program staff screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this RFA. All administrative requirements must be met for the application to proceed to the next level of review. Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

Scientific Peer Review Process: NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, considering the following factors:

1. The level of relevant experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant activities.

2. The need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant fields.

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

4. The need to include experts from a variety of organizational…