Notice of Funding Opportunity

Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 23, 2026

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: $12,056,672

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-011656

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.500

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) NOFO is listed in the Assistance Listings under 10.500.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5 p.m. Eastern Time, June 23, 2026 Applicant 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.

Projects submitted under this NOFO should align with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078- 020 Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities:

1. Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers

2. Expanding Markets and Creating New Uses of U.S. Agricultural Products

3. Protecting the Integrity of American Agriculture from Invasive Species

4. Promoting Soil Health to Regenerate Long-Term Productivity of Land

5. Improving Human Health through Precision Nutrition and Food Quality

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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 NOFOs and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf 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 AgrAbility NOFO.”

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

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 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence https://www.nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026). The AgrAbility works to increase the likelihood that farmers and ranchers will experience success in agricultural production.

The amount available for grants in FY 2026 is approximately $12,056,672. NIFA anticipates $11,693,237 will be available to support new State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAP) and one National AgrAbility Project (NAP). The remainder of funds will be used to support three active SRAPs through continuation awards.

This NOFO is soliciting applications for new SRAPs and one NAP. Applications for SRAP continuation awards are not included in this solicitation and are completed separately.

For purposes of this funding opportunity, “farm” and “farming” are all-encompassing terms covering all aspects of the agricultural enterprise including land-based agriculture, animal production, aquaculture, fishing, forestry, horticulture, and controlled environments. AgrAbility customers are individuals with disabilities, including veterans, who are engaged in farming ranching, and farm-related occupations and their families.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching 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. Language Access Services

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: National AgrAbility Project Key Table 3: State and Regional AgrAbility Projects Key Information Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 5: Help and Resources Table 6: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority The Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) is authorized at 7 U.S.C. 5933 as amended.

B. Purpose and Priorities The AgrAbility program works to increase the likelihood that individuals with disabilities, including veterans, and their families engaged in the agricultural enterprise (AgrAbility customers) will become more successful. The program supports cooperative demonstration projects at state and regional levels and one technical assistance and training national project.

The AgrAbility supports American rural communities by:

1. Funding cooperative, demonstration State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs) between State Cooperative Extension Services based at either 1862 or 1890 Land-grant Institutions and private, nonprofit community-based disability serving organizations to provide on-the-farm agricultural education and assistance to accommodate farmers with disabilities and their families; and

2. Funding a National AgrAbility Project (NAP) at a national private nonprofit disability organization to provide technical assistance, training, information dissemination, and other activities to support community-based, direct service and on-site rehabilitation and assistive technology programs for farmers (including veterans) with disabilities and their families who are engaged in farming or farm-related occupations or, in the case of veterans, who are pursuing new farming opportunities.

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

1. National AgrAbility Project (NAP)

2. State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs)

To address the specialized needs of AgrAbility customers, the program builds service capacity on national, regional, state, and local levels through education and networking. The program provides direct assistance to individuals with disabilities who engage in farming and farm-related occupations. The form of direct assistance depends on the immediate needs that may be inadequately addressed by health, farm, and government service providers. AgrAbility projects use marketing activities to direct the public to initiatives in AgrAbility-related education, networking, and assistance.

The AgrAbility program funds projects that deliver education, networking, direct assistance, and marketing activities with the following elements:

1. Education

a. Within the context of production agriculture, learning objectives focus on enhancing competencies necessary to accommodate disabilities and avoid secondary injuries in persons with disabilities.

b. Audiences who benefit from education activities include farmers, rural agricultural professionals, rehabilitation and health care providers, vocational counselors, and other service providers to individuals with disabilities and their families who engage in farming or farm-related occupations. This element also https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:5933%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5933)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true applies to veterans with disabilities and their families who engage in farming, farm-related occupations, or are pursuing new farming opportunities.

c. Delivery formats include authoring or adapting printable resources, presentations delivered in person or remotely, and recorded presentations that may encourage audience interaction, and internet presence. Materials must meet or exceed the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended.

d. Projects must have the resources to evaluate AgrAbility educational efforts.

2. Networking

a. Objectives encourage the sharing of information among, and the provision of services, goods, or funds from, individuals or organizations not employed by AgrAbility.

b. Partners include customers, peer support, volunteer groups, university student groups, stakeholders, nonprofits, public institutions, and private funding organizations.

c. Delivery formats include the donation of goods and services of direct benefit to AgrAbility customers.

d. Projects must have the resources to evaluate the economic value of services rendered to AgrAbility and its customers.

3. Direct Assistance

a. Objectives focus on the early identification of farm and rural families who need services related to an individual’s disability and to provide individualized consultative services that increase the likelihood that AgrAbility customers and their farm operations are successful.

b. Audiences include AgrAbility customers, farm workers, and veterans with disabilities and their families who engage in farming, farm-related occupations, or are pursuing new farming opportunities.

c. Delivery formats include assistive technology selection advice, accessibility and ergonomic recommendations to assist in the modification of farm worksites, and guidance to obtain services and financial aid. Assistance may occur in person or remotely.

d. Projects must have the means to appraise success following an intervention.

4. Marketing

a. Objectives focus on initiating public and targeted marketing plans to communicate to key audiences the SRAP services including information on educational opportunities, direct assistance, and promoting networking.

b. Audience includes the general public.

c. Delivery formats include but are not limited to public appearances with displays and the production or distribution of program awareness materials; press releases;

public service announcements; print advertisements; webinars and webpages with content promoting awareness; newsletters; or electronic notices. Materials must meet or exceed the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C.

794(d)), as amended.

d. Projects must show the linkage of marketing activities with registration, requests for information and consultation, or network growth.

All delivery formats, training, and educational materials and products produced using grant funds should acknowledge ric NIFA funding https://www.usda.gov/accessibility-statement https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/acknowledgment-usda-support-nifa

Table 2: National AgrAbility Project Key Information Title Description

Program Code: LQ Program Code Name: AgrAbility

ALN: 10.500

Project Type: Extension Projects

Grant Type: Standard Grant Application Deadline June 23, 2026

Grant Duration: 48 Months Anticipated # of Awards: 1

Maximum Award Amount: Estimated at $530,000 per year

The National AgrAbility Project (NAP) The NAP shall provide technical assistance, training, information dissemination, and other activities to support community-based direct service programs of on-site rural rehabilitation and assistive technology for individuals (including veterans) with disabilities, and their families, who are engaged in farming or farm-related occupations or, in the case of veterans with disabilities, who are pursuing new farming opportunities.

The NAP activities shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Working with community-based direct service programs to identify assistive technology devices and products and rehabilitation services for farmers with disabilities;

2. Supporting SRAPs to find and catalog assistive technology devices, products, and services to improve productivity and quality of life for farmers;

3. Evaluating the program’s impact annually, including measuring both quality of life and cost savings for AgrAbility customers;

4. Offering SRAP-type services in geographic areas without SRAPs to the extent resources are available;

5. Organizing an annual workshop to:

a. orient new program staff

b. develop staff

c. discuss SRAP and NAP updates

d. enhance networking opportunities

e. highlight special topics, and

f. address current issues;

6. Hosting recurring (e.g., monthly, bimonthly, etc.) calls for program staff;

7. Maintaining a website to house educational materials, SRAP directories, a catalog of assistive technology devices, products, and services, event calendars and announcements, quality of life impacts, and cost-savings information, etc.;

8. Monitoring website/webpage analytics;

9. Demonstrating the ability to identify resources to sustain the project beyond the period of performance; and

10. Working with the new National AgrAbility Program project team to ensure a smooth transition (if applicable).

The lead (i.e., primary) organization for the NAP project must be a national private nonprofit disability organization.

NAP applicants may propose projects with budgets not to exceed $530,000 per year for a project duration of 4 years (total funding $2,120,000). NIFA will determine final budget amounts based on technical review of the project and appropriations. The project period should begin approximately September 2026. FY 2026 appropriations will fund the awarded project’s first-year budget. Multi-year continuation funding will depend on the availability of funds and the demonstration of satisfactory annual progress.

Table 3: State and Regional AgrAbility Projects Key Information

Title Description Program Code: LQ

Program Code Name: AgrAbility

ALN: 10.500

Project Type: Extension Projects Grant Type: Standard Grant

Application Deadline June 23, 2026 Grant Duration: 48 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 29 Minimum Award Amount $150,000 per year

Maximum State Award Amount: $180,000 per year Maximum Regional Award Amount: $200,000 per year

State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs) SRAPs operate within a geographic area defined by states or regions. SRAPs within the same state may function independently of each other. States with insufficient potential clientele to merit individual AgrAbility projects or seeking to partner with the Cooperative Extension Service at Land-grant Universities outside their state, may submit regional, multistate proposals.

SRAPs shall provide on-the-farm agricultural support for individuals with disabilities who are engaged in farming and farm-related occupations and their families. Project activities must include activities listed in the authorizing legislation:

1. Providing direct education and assistance to accommodate disabilities in farming;

2. Providing on-the-farm technical advice concerning the design, fabrication, and use of agricultural and related equipment, machinery, and tools, and assisting in the modification of farm worksites, operations, and living arrangements to accommodate individuals with disabilities engaged in farming, farm living, and farm-related tasks;

3. Involving community and health care professionals, including Cooperative Extension Service agents, in the early identification of farm and rural families that need services related to the disability of an individual;

4. Providing specialized education programs to enhance the professional competencies of rural agricultural professionals, rehabilitation and health care providers, vocational counselors, and other service providers to individuals with disabilities and their families engaged in farming or farm-related occupations; and

5. Mobilizing rural volunteer resources and networks, including peer counseling among farmers with disabilities, to accommodate individuals with disabilities with their farming and farm-related activities.

The lead (i.e., primary) institution on a SRAP grant must partner and subcontract to a private nonprofit direct service disability organization.

SRAP applicants may propose projects with budgets not to exceed $200,000 per year for a project duration of four years (total funding up to $800,000). Note applicants from a single state project may request up to $180,000 per year for a project duration of four years (total funding up to $720,000). NIFA will determine final budget amounts based on technical review of the project and appropriations. The project period should begin approximately September 2026. FY 2026 appropriations will fund the awarded project’s first-year budget. Multi-year continuation funding will depend on the availability of funds and the demonstration of satisfactory annual progress.

In addition to delivering education, networking, direct assistance, and marketing activities, SRAP commitments must include:

1. The Project Director (PD) attending the annual training workshop with at least one representative from the nonprofit organization;

2. Supporting farmers to attend the annual workshop;

3. Participating in NIFA’s virtual kickoff meeting for new grantees;

4. Participating in NAP efforts to collect project outcome and quality of life and cost-savings impact data across AgrAbility projects; and

5. Submitting annual and final reports to NIFA.

SRAP applicants may request, within their proposed budgets and budget justification, funds to pay for these commitments.

All SRAPs receive technical assistance and networking support from the National AgrAbility Project (NAP). SRAPs shall submit requested data and activity reports to the NAP. NIFA views the relationship between the SRAPs and the NAP as critical to the success of the AgrAbility program overall. Upon award, SRAP teams must coordinate to learn NAP’s new or existing operating, documentation, and reporting requirements.

The lead applicant on a SRAP proposal must collaborate on the project with, and subcontract part of the work to, a private nonprofit organization providing direct service to individuals with disabilities. The program encourages collaboration within or across state lines on grant applications submitted by Cooperative Extension Services at 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Institutions and non-land-grant institutions. All applications must show that all participants on a SRAP proposal have a substantial involvement throughout the life of the project.

Projects are encouraged to explore coordination with existing assistive technology institutions and programs in their state and region to leverage, expand, and enhance access to existing, available statewide assistive technology resources for AgrAbility customers and clients.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for the Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) in FY 2026 is approximately $12,056,672. Of this amount, approximately $11,693,237 will be available to fund new SRAPs and the NAP. Funding may be provided for up to an additional three years as continuation awards provided performance has been satisfactory, funding is available for this purpose, and continued support is in the best interests of the federal government. The remaining FY 2026 funding, approximately $363,435, will fund prior year continuations. 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

NOFO.

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO.

Applications for FY 2026 are limited to the following application types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Renewal application: Renewal applications are not being accepted for this program.

SRAPs with expiring awards should submit their application as a new application.

C. Project and Grant Types The AgrAbility program supports two project types: State and Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs) and the National AgrAbility Project (NAP). NIFA is soliciting applications for new SRAPs and one NAP for FY 2026.

Grant Types Applicants for the NAP must select Standard Grant only and applicants for SRAPs may only submit a Standard Grant.

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 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.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-113publ79/html/PLAW-113publ79.htm?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility) must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. 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 About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the federal awards process.

State and Regional Project (SRAP) applications must be submitted by Cooperative Extension Service representatives at 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Colleges and Universities including the University of the District of Columbia, Tuskegee University, West Virginia State University, and Central State University.

Applicants must partner with private nonprofit organizations providing direct service to individuals with disabilities. Applications must include commitment letters from the nonprofit partner organization(s).

SRAP awardees may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply (such as 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities,) provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Also, the 1862 and 1890 Land-grant Universities may partner with each other and/or other Land-grant Institutions (e.g., 1994 Land-grant Institutions) and non-land-grant institutions within their State or region on joint proposals. Applications proposing such partnerships must include commitment letters from all partnering organizations.

National AgrAbility Project (NAP) applications must be submitted by a national private nonprofit disability organization.

The NAP awardee may subcontract to organizations and institutions not eligible to apply, provided such organizations and institutions are necessary for the conduct of the project.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions. Duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The AgrAbility program has no matching requirement.

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

1. State agricultural experiment stations;

2. Colleges and universities;

3. University research foundations;

4. Other research institutions and organizations;

5. Federal agencies;

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/extension/cooperative-extension-system https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/extension/cooperative-extension-system https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

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).

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this NOFO electronically through Grants.gov; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 4 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. The NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process.

Table 4: Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this Funding Opportunity Number, USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-011656, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 5: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 or Toll-free 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

Please use “AgrAbility - USDA-NIFA-SLBCD- 011656” as the subject line.

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 NOFO. The NOFO overrides the NIFA Grants Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline. Applications that do not meet the requirements or are incomplete will not be reviewed. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this NOFO. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA.

Table 6 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx https://www.grants.gov/applicants https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/iportal https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/

Table 6: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide

All documents and attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format.

Part IV

Check the application and submitted files to verify that the application is complete and the attachments are in the correct format.

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the NOFO guidance and submission instructions.

Part IV

Provide accurate email addresses, where designated, on SF-424 R&R.

Part V

Contact the Grants.gov help desk for technical support, and keep a record of the correspondence.

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not received 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 describe the project and contain a statement of objectives. Review Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN) for National AgrAbility Project only.

The PN must not exceed twenty-five (25), 1.5-spaced pages of written text, figures, and tables.

The font size for narrative text, figures, and tables shall be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman. The page limits outlined here 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 the following:

1. Project Justification and Significance

a. Detail technical assistance, trainings, and other activities you will provide to support community-based direct service programs, SRAPs, and farmers with disabilities.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/partnerships/certified-non-land-grant-colleges-agriculture 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

b. Justify your team’s ability to meet the needs of SRAPs and provide necessary services by detailing accomplishments from similar projects.

c. Justify the need for the project clearly and concisely by describing the SRAP needs and lack of services in geographic areas not served by SRAPs.

d. Describe the SRAPs’ role in defining the NAP’s scope and future project planning.

e. Identify nonprofit disability and Cooperative Extension partners and provide detailed justification for their selection.

f. Identify other project partners and provide justification for their inclusion on the proposed NAP.

2. Work Plan

a. The NAP must provide technical assistance, training, information dissemination, and other activities to support community-based, direct service, and on-site rehabilitation and assistive technology programs. The NAP must maintain the NAP website;

provide technical support, networking, and training for SRAPs; organize and host/co-host the annual workshop; and evaluate the level of outreach, outcomes, and impacts of SRAPs and the NAP. To the extent resources are available, the NAP should provide SRAP-type services in geographic areas without SRAPs. Use an outline format for this section, with the following goals as primary headings: Education, Networking, Direct Assistance, Marketing, Evaluation, and Sustainability.

b. Under each goal, organize proposed objectives and related activities in a logical sequence, the sum of which must comprise an attainable project. The sum of activities under each objective must lead to completion of objectives within the four-year maximum project duration.

c. Under each activity, list expected outcomes and desired impacts and describe the proposed means of monitoring and measuring outcomes. The plan should allow evaluation results to refine and adjust objectives and activities while informing future plans.

d. Use a summary table at the end of this section to show the relationships between goals, objectives, the activities designed to attain the objectives, expected outcomes, desired impacts, and the data sources which will inform evaluations.

e. Objectives should have measurable outcomes with quantitative and qualitative evaluation plans.

f. Activities under the Evaluation goal must address, at a minimum:

i. How client data will be collected from SRAPs and stored, analyzed, and reported by the NAP;

ii. Proposed plans for assessment and reporting of traffic on the AgrAbility website;

iii. Interfacing with SRAPs and what methodology the NAP evaluation team will use to continue to administer, analyze, and report results from quality of life and cost-savings surveys;

iv. Opportunities for SRAPs’ staff to receive training on their evaluation interface with NAP and, to the extent possible, technical assistance on evaluation-related issues; and

v. Opportunities for program staff at NIFA, SRAPs’ PDs and co-PDs, and the NAP staff to engage in joint dialogue about AgrAbility projects’ evaluation implementation challenges and needs, evaluation results analyses, and reporting needs and opportunities.

g. Summarize the steps you will take toward the project’s sustainability beyond the life of the NAP grant. For example, identify opportunities (i.e., partnerships, collaborations, funding streams) you plan to explore/develop/enhance during the project’s period of performance to help you sustain project operations after NIFA funding has expired.

h. NAP applicants should, in their plans, account for the time and engagement necessary to make a successful transition to new NAP leadership. Briefly describe challenges that might be encountered, limitations to proposed methodology, and how you plan to address them.

3. Division of Labor The national private nonprofit disability organization and partners may jointly or individually provide leadership for different objectives. Define the responsibilities of the respective organizations under each objective. For each activity, include time frames, personnel, and their roles. Composition and roles of the NAP evaluation team should be addressed in this section as well.

4. Management Plan

a. Provide an explanation of how the relationship between the lead organization and each of the partnering entities will be managed.

b. Describe the fiscal and administrative oversight provided by the lead organization.

c. Briefly explain the applicant’s funds management strategy for funded projects. The funds management outlined in the Management Plan for the NAP must comply with all administrative and national policy requirements listed in Part VI, B of this NOFO.

d. Provide timelines or Gantt charts to demonstrate the duration and sequence of project activities. Chart against a quarterly scale, so that a schedule should depict no more than 16 quarters.

5. Project Communication and Dissemination

a. Briefly describe how results/updates from this project will be communicated to all partners on the proposed project; SRAPs; state, regional, and national stakeholders;

and the public.

b. Include your main project communication and dissemination activities in the proposal Timeline/Gantt chart.

6. Center of Excellence Justification (if applicable) For consideration as a COE, you must provide a brief justification statement, as part of your Project Narrative and within the page limits provided, which describes how you meet the standards of a COE based on the following criteria:

a. The ability of the COE to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in the research, teaching, and Extension/outreach activities outlined in this application;

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

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

d. 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 that either support or result from the implementation of the proposed research and/or extension or outreach activity outlined in this application.

7. Data Management Plan (DMP).

A DMP is required for AgrAbility projects. Applicants should clearly articulate how the PD and partners plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project.

The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide and NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

Field 8. Project Narrative (PN) for State and Regional AgrAbility Projects only.

The PN must not exceed twenty (20) 1.5-line spaced pages of written text, figures, and tables.

The font size for narrative text, figures, and tables shall be no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman. The page limits ensure fair competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly relevant to the proposed project. For example, letters of commitment or support may be collected in the Appendix. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. In formatting the PN, indicate the section letter and number in your response, e.g., type “a.1”, “a.2”, etc., before your response to each prompt/question. Please do not combine two or more questions or refer to another section of the Project Narrative in your response, such as indicating that the response for b.2 is in c.7. The PN must include all the following:

1. Project Justification and Significance Describe the need and significance of the proposed SRAP. Discuss the nature and magnitude of the issue your SRAP is seeking to address. Provide the most recent relevant data for the state/region in which your proposed SRAP will be implemented, including data on the incidence of injuries and health issues among the farming population and associated expenses. Provide references for data. Explain and substantiate any assumptions made.

a. Briefly describe ongoing or recently completed programs available to farmers with disabilities in the state(s) in which your proposed SRAP will operate.

b. Describe how your proposed SRAP fits within the context of other State-level or regional activities. Will your SRAP be duplicating/adding to/enhancing any existing efforts with farmers? What is the expected public value/state or regional significance of what you are proposing to do?

c. Prior AgrAbility Accomplishments: If the PD and/or Co-PDs are involved/have been involved in leading SRAPs currently/previously funded by NIFA’s AgrAbility program, add a subheading “Prior AgrAbility Accomplishments” and in no more than two (2) pages provide the following:

i. A brief description of the project(s), focusing on project accomplishments in the areas of direct assistance, education, marketing, and networking;

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/lifecycle/pre-award/data-management-plans

A brief description of what was learned from the past project(s), what can be improved upon, and how those lessons and improvements are being incorporated into the current application to make the project more effective and successful at meeting program goals;

ii. A description of efforts to contribute to NAP-led national evaluation of SRAPs’ outcomes and impacts (i.e., client data,quality of life studies, cost-savings, and/or income earned). If the SRAP was unable to make such contributions to date, briefly describe challenges faced and how those challenges will be addressed should your proposal be recommended for funding in FY 2026; and

iii. If your SRAP had a gap in funding from NIFA, explain how and at what level the SRAP was funded since it last received funding from NIFA.

2. Proposed Approach

a. Provide an estimate for how many new and how many returning farmers with disabilities the project expects to serve directly during each year of the proposed project.

b. Indicate how farmers with disabilities will be identified and how they will be recruited to receive direct assistance from your SRAP.

c. Provide a clear description of the activities you are proposing to undertake for each of the four (4) program goals (i.e., Direct Assistance, Education, Networking, and Marketing). All activities listed under an objective must be grouped by project year (FY 2026, FY 2027, FY 2028, and FY 2029) in the sequence to be performed. The sum of activities under each objective must lead to completion of that objective within the four-year maximum project duration. In addition, for each activity, indicate the following:

i. What are the expected/desired result(s)/outcome(s) of the activity?

ii. How will the outcomes, deliverables, and impact be monitored, captured, and measured?

iii. How will the results be used and by whom?

iv. What are the possible limitations to the proposed approach, and what is the contingency plan to mitigate them?

d. Describe how your project will measure the effectiveness of educational efforts; the successes experienced following intervention; the economic value of services to the AgrAbility program and its customers; cost-savings to the customers; and the impact of marketing activities on registration, requests for information and consultation, and networking.

e. Show how your activities will support the National AgrAbility Project, such as:

submission of data to assess national outreach of the AgrAbility program; routine contributions to program newsletters; participating in NAP-administered quality of life and cost-savings surveys; and attending the annual AgrAbility workshop.

f. Briefly describe how results/updates from this project will be communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Show how your activities funding by USDA NIFA would advance USDA goals, particularly focused on addressing alignment with USDA Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-020 Directive on Departmental Research and Development Priorities.

3. Institutional Capacity, Division of Labor, and Management Plan

a. Briefly describe the ability of your institution and team to meet the gaps and limitations in services by detailing your accomplishments from similar projects and your experience serving the identified farmer audience.

b. Identify your nonprofit direct service disability organization partner and provide a justification for their selection. Clearly state the organization’s previous and current work that make it a good fit for the proposed project. If the nonprofit organization has worked with/served farming communities in the past, in general, and farmers with disabilities, in particular, please indicate so and describe how the organization’s past experiences and successes will be used to ensure quality service for your SRAP customers.

c. Identify other proposed project partners and briefly indicate past experiences and impacts that will contribute to the success of your proposed SRAP.

d. Describe the fiscal and administrative oversight to be provided by the applicant and the nonprofit disability organization partner.

e. Provide a summary of key staff that will manage the proposed SRAP, their individual roles on the project, and the percentage of time they will be dedicating to the project. If the percentages are expected to change in Years 2, 3, or 4 of the project, please indicate and provide a brief explanation.

f. Describe how the relationship between the Cooperative Extension System and the nonprofit disability organization partner will be managed. If the proposed SRAP represents a collaboration between multiple partners, provide an explanation for managing the relationship.

4. Project Performance Assessment Plan Project performance assessment plans allow projects to annually review outcomes to inform, refine, and adjust future project plans as needed. Applicants to the AgrAbility program must submit a plan for monitoring and measuring performance, which must include the following elements:

a. Logic Model. A logic model, a theory of change or alternative schematic that illustrates the causal linkages between planned activities and desired outcomes. Visit the NIFA website for an example of a logic model template that includes an explanation of its components.

b. Timeline. The timeline shows the duration and sequence of project activities and division of labor. Each objective might have multiple activities. Chart against a quarterly scale, so that the timeline depicts 4 years and 16 quarters.

c. Performance Assessment. Indicate the team member who will oversee the project performance assessment. NIFA encourages SRAPs to include an expert or evaluator who can help design the monitoring plan and conduct outcomes reporting. Indicate the amount of funding that will be set aside for monitoring, performance measurement, and outcomes reporting.

5. Project Sustainability Plan

a. Identify opportunities (e.g., resources, trainings, and collaborations) that may be leveraged or enhanced that will help sustain program operations after NIFA funding has expired. Include the activities in the timeline.

b. Describe the process to track project sustainability.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/grant-training/logic-model-planning-process

6. Centers of Excellence Justification (if applicable) For consideration as a COE, please provide a brief justification statement, as part of your Project Narrative and within the page limits, which describes how you meet the criteria of a

COE:

a. The ability to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts in the research, teaching, and extension activities;

b. The ability to leverage available resources by using public-private partnerships among agricultural industry groups, institutions of higher education, or local/state/federal government in the proposed research and/or extension activities;

c. The planned scope and capability to implement teaching initiatives that increase awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target audiences through extension activities; and

d. The ability or capacity to increase the economic returns to rural communities by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-priority agricultural issues that either support or result from the implementation of the AgrAbility project.

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

7. Data Management Plan (DMP) A DMP is required for AgrAbility projects. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide and NIFA’s Data Management Plan.)

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

Commitment letters. PDF attachments(s). No page limit. Letters of commitment from all key collaborators/partners (signed by the Authorized Representative (AR) of the organization/institution) stating that the partners involved have agreed to their stated roles in the project. Letters from organizations/institutions or people whose participation is important to the success of the project.

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 and Budget Justification. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

1. Match – No Match Required

2. Indirect costs (IDC) – Not allowed.

3. There should be a direct…