FY25-ODF-RFA-P.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Open Data Framework

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 6, 2025

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $958,410

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:

$958,410

USDA-NIFA-OTHER-011476

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.233

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Open Data Framework (ODF) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.233.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, August 6, 2025 [Ref to Part I § C of this RFA]

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

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

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to the extent permitted by law, will no longer make grants or otherwise fund programs or activities that improperly discriminate on the basis of race or sex, including discrimination in the name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. Instead, USDA will prioritize merit and efficiency. USDA recognizes programs and initiatives will have the greatest impact when these programs and initiatives put American farmers, ranchers, and foresters first by:

• solving the most pressing challenges they face;

• protecting America’s food, fuel, and fiber supply to enhance national security;

• supporting production of healthy and safe food for consumers;

• expanding and developing domestic markets;

• training the next generation of agriculturalists; and

• fueling innovation to keep American farmers at the forefront of productivity.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to advancing these principles and encourages applicants to actively engage farmers, ranchers, and foresters when applying for funding opportunities to ensure relevancy and adherence to them. NIFA also encourages agricultural leaders to engage in the peer review panel process to ensure American producers are better served through research, education, and extension activities.

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all requests 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 (email is for comments only). Please use the following subject line:

Response to the Open Data Framework RFA.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This program invests in data frameworks to create a neutral and secure data repository and cooperative where producers, universities and not-for-profit entities can store and share data to foster agricultural innovation and to support technological progress and production efficiencies.

The program must have clear and complete plans to ensure widespread participation, including all Land-grant University types, growers, and representatives of all relevant data producers and consumer organizations, as appropriate. The program should outline the costs and benefits for all sectors, and with special attention to how barriers will be overcome, and value will be added for farmers.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF TABLES

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 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. Language Access Services

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

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

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Open Data Framework (ODF) is authorized under P.L. 118-42 Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, as referenced in the FY 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act Sec. 757 of Division A of P.L. 117-103.

Section 757 requires NIFA to develop a public-private cooperative framework based on open data standards for neutral data repository solutions to preserve and share the big data generated by technological advancements in the agriculture industry and for the preservation and curation of data in collaboration with Land-grant Universities. The data framework supports the development of advanced technologies and practices to meet the increasingly complex agricultural challenges of farmers and ranchers.

B. Purpose and Priorities ODF, under assistance listing 10.233, builds frameworks to create neutral and secure data repositories and cooperatives where producers, universities and nonprofit entities can store and share data in ways that will foster agricultural innovation, support technological progress, and production efficiencies.

The ODF must have a clear and complete sustainability plan for updates, expansion, and user support beyond the award period. It must delineate principles and examples of specific mechanisms for integration with current and future tool development, cyberinfrastructure facilities, and programs that will support effective use of the data, with detailed information on how data transfer speed and any co-location needs will be addressed.

Proposals must have a feasible and complete plan for serving all participants with assurances of regulatory and legal compliance. For example, a data trust structure may be needed. Standards for metadata should be addressed and appropriate structure for governance and curation of standards explained. Each proposal must have a clear and complete plan to ensure widespread participation and responsible use of the framework. This plan must support stakeholders in developing partnerships that foster innovation and expand the contributors and users of the data frameworks. Plans must include all relevant types of agricultural research institutions, growers, data producers, and consumer organizations with attention to the costs and benefits for all relevant sectors and with special attention to challenges and opportunities for farmers.

Specifically, the 1862, 1890, 1994 Land-grant Institutions, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS), non-Land-grant Institutions, growers, data producers, consumer organizations, and the National Agricultural Library, are expected to be considered during framework development. Public-private partnerships are encouraged.

The proposal should provide details on project plans to ensure that the benefits and incentives of the ODF are fully developed during the project. The plan should further include development framework details related to required security, privacy, accessibility, and governance information.

The project should address Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles. Proposals are expected to focus on the framework’s development from use cases https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr4366/BILLS-118hr4366enr.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ103/PLAW-117publ103.pdf https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ103/PLAW-117publ103.pdf through platform growth and expansion. The management structure should be clear, and the proposal must detail how stakeholder feedback will be fully integrated into the project, and how this feedback will be documented and shared.

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: ODF Program Code Name: Open Data Framework

CFDA Number 10.233 Project Type: Research Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline August 6, 2025 Grant Duration: 24 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 1 Maximum Award Amount: $958,410

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for ODF in FY 2025 is approximately $958,410. This is a competitive program, and the award will be issued as a grant. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA. Applications for FY 2025 are limited to the following application types:

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

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include a one-page response to the previous reviews with a clear heading. The response to previous reviews will not count as part of the 15-page Project Narrative page limit and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Applicants resubmitting must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

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

1. Project Types. Applicants must propose Research projects only.

2. Grant Types. Only Standard grants are applicable.

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.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the ODF must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Eligible applicants are organizations. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration, or may preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s About Grants provides information about grants and other resources about the Federal awards process.

USDA will not accept competitive applications for grants and cooperative agreements submitted for due dates after June 20, 2025, and/or research and development (R&D) contract proposals submitted to solicitations issued after June 20, 2025, for dangerous gain-of-function research, as defined in Section 8 of E.O. 14292.

Duplicate Submissions – Duplicate submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate submissions to different NIFA programs within the same RFA fiscal year cycle.

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

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/08/2025-08266/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

Step One:

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OTHER-011476, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

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

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

Email:

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, except federal holidays

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

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/support 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/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

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

Part V

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

N/A

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

N/A

Check the application for completeness. The application should include:

1. Project Summary/Abstract

2. Project Narrative

3. Bibliography & References Cited

4. Data Management Plan

5. Mentoring Plan

6. Facilities & Other Resources

7. Biographical Sketch

8. Conflict of Interest Lists

9. Current and Pending Support

10. Budget

11. Budget Justification

This is not an exhaustive list of items; it serves to highlight items that may be overlooked.

Failure to include any of the four critical required documents as PDF attachments will result in the application not being reviewed or considered for NIFA funding. The required documents are the Project Summary/Abstract, Project Narrative, Bibliography & References Cited, and Data Management Plan.

NIFA sends email correspondence to the AR about the status of submitted applications. NIFA strongly encourages applicants to provide correct email addresses on the SF-424 R&R Application for Federal Assistance.

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

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

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 15 1.5-spaced pages of written text, including figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). Page limits ensure fair competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all of the following:

a. Introduction

b. Rationale and significance

c. Objectives

d. Approach

e. Project timeline

f. Project management plan

3. Field 9: Attach Bibliography & References Cited. Provide a bibliography of references cited in the Project Narrative. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for further instructions.

4. Field 11: Attach Equipment. List major items of equipment available for this project and, if appropriate, identify location and pertinent capabilities. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions.

5. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide The Data Management Plan must be attached in the format described in Part V.

a. Data Management Plan (DMP): Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs will manage and disseminate project data. This will be considered during the merit review process. The DMP should detail how project data will be curated and made available after project completion. The DMP should not exceed two pages. (Note: The DMP is in addition to the page limit for the Project Narrative.)

b. Mentoring Plan (MP): A one-page MP is strongly recommended for all proposals requesting stipends or wages to support undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars. Mentoring Plans for undergraduate students should be separate and distinct from mentoring plans for graduate students. Mentoring Plans should speak to research mentoring for the students and how they will be mentored to achieve the next level in their academic or professional careers. Provide Mentoring Plan(s) as a supplementary document/s.

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.

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 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

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.

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

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 Open Data

Framework (ODF) and the program code ODF. Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions 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:

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

2. Thirty 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://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)). Currently the Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. Budgets for indirect costs will be increased accordingly if the recipient selects the de minimis indirect cost recovery option. 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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.403 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/indirect-cost-additional-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/nifa-19-009-indirect-cost-chart https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/nifa-19-009-indirect-cost-chart

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

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

Scientific Peer Review Process:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B. Evaluation Criteria NIFA will use the following criteria to evaluate applications to this program, considering each of equal weight:

1. Scientific Merit of the Application

• Clarity and delineation of objectives.

• Adequacy of the description of the undertaking.

• Suitability and feasibility of methodology and data management plan.

• Clarity and feasibility of sustainability plan.

• Comprehensiveness, clarity, and consequential nature of stakeholder interaction plan.

• Demonstration of feasibility through preliminary data.

• Probability of success of the project.

2. Qualifications of Project Personnel, Adequacy of Facilities, and Project Management

• Qualifications of applicant (individual or team) to conduct the proposed project, including performance record and potential for future accomplishments.

• Institutional experience and competence in subject area.

• Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel, facilities, and instrumentation; and planning and administration of the proposed project, including time allocated for systematic attainment of objectives; planned administration of the proposed project and its maintenance; partnerships and collaborative efforts; and the planned dissemination of information for multi-institutional projects over the duration of the project.

3. Project Relevance Documentation that the research aims to develop a framework to create a neutral and secure data repository and cooperative to accelerate progress toward the productivity, economic, and environmental viability of U.S. agriculture.

4. Data Management Plan Detailed Data Management Plan is appropriate, clearly described, and feasible. It describes the expected data type, format, storage and preservation, sharing, protection and public access, and roles and responsibilities.

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

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

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

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

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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=c44a1f8f16917d78ba5ba676eac5fdc3&mc=true&r=SECTION&n=se2.1.200_1211 https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions https://nifa.usda.gov/federal-regulations https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-federal-assistance-policy-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/terms-conditions

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Salary rates of pay exceeding an Executive Level IV salary range (see “Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule” under the “Executive & Senior Level Employee Pay Tables” header at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/) require prior NIFA approval. This rate does not include any fringe benefits, general and administrative (G&A), overhead, or other expenses. Requests for approval must include the salary rate of pay and a justification for the rate and be sent to the Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) to awards@usda.gov.

10. No more than 50 percent of the total dollars of this award may be subcontracted to another party(ies) without prior written approval of the ADO, except subcontracts to Federal agencies.

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards When an application results in an award, it becomes part of NIFA transaction records, which are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the application they wish to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=3af89506559b05297e7d0334cb283e24&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1308&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=dc069d42776cd3451f66232d56026057&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=dc069d42776cd3451f66232d56026057&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt45.1.75#ap45.1.75_1521.ix https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt45.1.75#ap45.1.75_1521.ix https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt45.1.75#ap45.1.75_1521.ix https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&node=pt48.1.31&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&node=pt48.1.31&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=875f7422535a157681c65d5ff44deb32&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1456 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9eaf9554e1f32bf0d83aca55646e9b7e&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1333 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opm.gov%2Fpolicy-data-oversight%2Fpay-leave%2Fsalaries-wages%2F&data=05%7C02%7CLaura.Givens%40usda.gov%7Cdeb3e53caa114ee7d1a108dd60bd4858%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638773088259963200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XW1kkL%2FSWAS%2BkEsB9JFwdXkIoOoY%2Fvug8KTs1QJIi1o%3D&reserved=0 mailto:awards@usda.gov retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action.

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

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

(443) 386-9488.

https://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf https://www.reginfo.gov/public/reginfo/pra.pdf http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title44/chapter35&edition=prelim https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/29/2018-23552/submission-for-omb-review-comment-request https://www.nifa.usda.gov/civil-rights/language-access-services https://www.nifa.usda.gov/civil-rights/language-access-services mailto:Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

Program Contacts Rachel Seman-Varner National Program Leader Rachel.seman-varner@usda.gov

Iesha McGruder Program Specialist Iesha.mcgruder@usda.gov

For administrative questions related to;

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

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

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

U.S. Postal Mailing Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Courier/Package Delivery Address:

National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture 2312 East Bannister Road, MS 10000 Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 mailto:Rachel.seman-varner@usda.gov mailto:Iesha.mcgruder@usda.gov mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov mailto:awards@usda.gov

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Glossary of Terms Assistance Listing Number – ALN Authorized Representative – AR Authorized Departmental Officer – ADO Data Management Plan – DMP Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable – FAIR Fiscal Year – FY Indirect Costs – IDC Mentoring Plan – MP Modified Total Direct Costs – MTDC National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 – NARETPA National Institute of Food and Agriculture – NIFA Open Data Framework – ODF Portable Document Format – PDF Project Director – PD Principal Investigator – PI Project Narrative – PN Project Summary – PS Request for Application – RFA Total Federal Funds Awarded – TFFA United States Department of Agriculture – USDA

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

Refer to 7 CFR 3430 Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions for additional definitions.

Definitions Matching:

The process through which a grant recipient match awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The matching funds must derive from non-Federal sources.

New Application:

An application not previously submitted to a program.

Resubmitted Application:

A project application that was previously submitted to a program, but the application was not funded.

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