FY26-AgVets-NOFO-P.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for

Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $2,853,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$300,000-$750,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-011940

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.334

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Competitive Grants Program (AgVets) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.334.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, July 31, 2026 [Ref to Part I, C of this NOFO]

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.

Projects submitted under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (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 NOFO so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments to the https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf extent possible when developing NOFOs and uses comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov. Please use the following subject line: Response to the AgVets NOFO.

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://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

NIFA will use this solicitation to request applications to provide grants to non-profit organizations for programs and services to establish and enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Institutions of higher education are not eligible to apply as lead applicants. The funding amount available is approximately $2,853,000.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

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 II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

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 AgVets program was originally authorized under Section 760 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-31) and reauthorized under the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-37), as incorporated through the Senate Explanatory Statement. This authority provides funds to NIFA for a pilot program to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for programs and services to establish and enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans.

B. Purpose and Priorities The USDA and NIFA continue to take a leadership role in assisting veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, while also supporting military families in rural America. As military members complete their tours of duty or transition to Veteran status, many return to rural America ready to farm, ranch, and start new businesses. Job and career opportunities can be difficult to locate. Connecting interested military veterans with meaningful employment is key.

The AgVets program, under assistance listing 10.334, focuses on military veterans interested in pursuing careers across the food and agricultural sector and equipping them with the necessary skills, training, and experience that leads to meaningful employment opportunities, and in turn, strengthens farm finances and rural economies.

Table 2: Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: AGVETS

Program Code Name: Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans

ALN: 10.334

Project Type: Extension Projects Grant Type: Standard Grants

Application Deadline July 31, 2026 Grant Duration: 24-36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 3-4 Minimum Award Amount: $300,000 Maximum Award Amount: $750,000

The goal of the AgVets Program is to increase veteran participation in agricultural careers. To help achieve the program goal, standard AgVets grants support new and established local and regional projects that will develop training programs with model farms and ranches (see Appendix III for definition). The training programs:

1. Offer training and classroom education that leads to a comprehensive understanding of successful farm/ranch/business operation/management practices aligned to the veteran cohort’s interests.

2. Develop or identify the curriculum to be used for the program, including new technologies and innovations that producers can adopt to help manage their enterprise.

3. Describe the types of education, workshops, tours, and instructor-supervised field experiences offered.

4. Are led and managed by a project team that has experience in one or more areas that include:

a. Veteran engagement in agricultural management and leadership, particularly concerning small and medium-size farms and agribusiness, such as the provision of education and training to veterans and the development of skills leading to job placement and career opportunities in farming and ranching, including access to land, equipment, and capital.

b. On-the-job training and education, apprenticeship, and business development activities for veterans pursuing vocational and entrepreneurial interests that support and grow the domestic food supply chain; and/or

c. Strategies to enhance and increase workforce readiness and employment prospects for service-disabled veterans through volunteer engagement and leadership development efforts that promote earning farm and off-farm income.

5. Are led and managed by a project team that has demonstrated competency to implement a project of comparable size and complexity, demonstrates effective fiscal management, collects data, and prepares reports and other necessary documentation.

6. Provide support for veteran participation. Successful applications will include a sound approach to outreach, selection, and retention of participants.

7. Include outreach to veterans who may have previously participated in projects funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and/or the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program.

8. Align the identified service area with the goals and objectives of AgrAbility, as appropriate.

9. Create alliances and partnerships with academic institutions, Extension Risk Management Education Centers, Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, Regional Rural Development Centers, or other regional entities to meet the requirements of program and project evaluation and dissemination of findings, recommendations, and impacts, including scalability.

10. Evaluate the identified curriculum and participate in cross-program evaluation to assess the collective impact toward shared performance measures and outcome goals through activities that include project team meetings, conference calls, and engagement with federal agency partners as appropriate.

11. Ensure results are disseminated through an effective communication plan.

12. Align education and training goals with USDA programs and resources to increase awareness and engagement with state and local offices of the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and Rural Development, including potential job and career opportunities within the USDA.

13. Collaborate with the Department of Veteran Affairs at the regional, state, or local level to promote referrals, access to healthcare and other benefits to improve the Veteran experience and quality of service to Veterans.

14. Collaborate with the Small Business Administration and its resourced partners at the regional and local level.

15. Collaborate with the Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service; and

16. Generate recommendations at the state and/or federal level that strengthen collaboration on transitioning Service members’ education, training, and apprenticeship programs, including use of GI Bill benefits, to promote the food and agricultural sector as a viable career option.

https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/outreach-assistance-veteran-farmers-ranchers-2501-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/outreach-assistance-veteran-farmers-ranchers-2501-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/agrability https://nifa.usda.gov/program/extension-risk-management-education-program https://nifa.usda.gov/program/extension-risk-management-education-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/farm-ranch-stress-assistance-network-frsan https://rrdc.info/

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

The amount available for AgVets in FY2026 is approximately $2,853,000. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this NOFO. Application for FY2026 is limited to the following application types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this

NOFO and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

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

Project Types. Applicants must propose an Extension Project.

Extension Projects must conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Program delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or combinations thereof. Extension projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, instructional materials and innovative instructional methods appropriate to informal educational programs.

Extension Projects address one or more of the following key strategic actions:

1. Support non-formal education to increase food and agricultural literacy in adults;

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

3. Build science-based capability in people to engage audiences and allow informed decision making;

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

5. Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new audiences at the rate at which new ideas and technologies are tested and/or developed at the community-scale; and

6. Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the nation’s food supply, agricultural productivity, farm profitability, and the production of food.

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

Grant Types. Applicants must select the Standard Grant Type.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award, that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Applicants for the AgVets program 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.

AgVets applicants must be non-profit organizations. A letter stating the non-profit status should be included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.). Institutions of higher education (i.e., universities, community colleges) are not eligible to apply as lead applicants.

Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirement. Project partners and collaborators need not meet this eligibility requirement. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of the project, subject to NIFA approval.

Applications submitted by individuals are not eligible for consideration under any category applicable to AgVets.

Applicants with current and/or active AgVets awards are ineligible to apply.

USDA will not accept applications for grants and cooperative agreements submitted for dangerous gain-of-function research, as defined in Section 8 of E.O. 14292.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – Duplicate or multiple submissions are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The AgVets program has no matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion. While not required, cost share is encouraged.

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 NOFO electronically; 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 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.

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-OP-011940search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

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

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

Email:

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

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

B. Content and Form of the Application The NIFA Grants Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this NOFO.

The NOFO 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 NOFO. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 5 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.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://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/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/pay-leave/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

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

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must be submitted as a PDF document. The PN must not exceed 16, 1.5 spaced pages of written text and up to three, 1.5 spaced, additional pages for figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly relevant to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to avoid the page limit. Your application will be reviewed and scored according to the quality of your responses to the requirements in Sections A-F detailed below. In developing the Project Narrative section of your application, use the sections headings listed below. Indicate the section letter and number in your response, e.g., type “A.1,” “A.2,” etc., before your response to each question. 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.

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

The PN must include all the following:

a. Introduction: The introduction should include a clear statement of the long-term goal(s) of the proposed project. Justify the need for the program by identifying the target audience and explaining their needs; and by summarizing how the program has and will offer a comprehensive, immersive learning experience that becomes a model for veterans pursuing opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness, and facilitates connections to USDA field offices, and/or other federal entities at the regional, state or local level. Show evidence that the project has a clear plan to recruit and seek qualified referrals to the project to meet the projected number of veterans served. As a pilot, discuss how the project builds upon or relates to other models or systems that support service members transitioning to veteran status. Describe how the program will benefit rural communities and economies. All works cited should be referenced. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section. (Related evaluation criteria [see Part V, Section B (Relevancy)]

b. Objectives and Outcomes: Concisely present the goals, associated objectives, and expected outputs and outcomes of the project in relation to the audience and needs identified in the introduction. Provide the number of veterans that will be served.

Estimate how many of them will attain specific, anticipated knowledge gains or actions (e.g., job placement and career advancement in farming and ranching, vocational and entrepreneurial achievements across the food supply chain; or volunteer and workforce readiness opportunities) and demonstrate how program participants have been informed about and connected with resources that can assist their chosen endeavors. Discuss whether and how this program can be adapted to other regions, communities and/or agricultural systems. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section. (Related evaluation criteria:

Technical merit.)

c. Approach: The activities proposed to achieve each objective must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly described. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately four of the sixteen pages for this section. Specifically, this section must include the following:

i. Description of the activities proposed for each objective.

ii. Timeline of the proposed project, including activities and major outputs and associated outcomes for each year of the project.

iii. How and where the activities will be provided and the appropriateness of the approach for the veteran audience served.

iv. The referral and recruitment process for the veteran audience, including service disabled, and how you will identify possible challenges to your proposed strategy and your plan to address those challenges.

v. Description of the pilot farm/ranch/agribusiness, including acreage, facilities and equipment, spectrum of agricultural activities offered, e.g., row crops, livestock, orchards, gardens, apiaries, commercial kitchens, ag engineering.

vi. Description of any non-formal curriculum, programs, resources, and other materials developed/used.

vii. Description of the outreach and selection process for students who will be provided support to participate in training.

viii. Demonstration of engagement with federal agency partners at the regional, state, and/or local level.

ix. How will the project, and its partnerships and collaborations be sustained beyond the life of the grant (e.g., plans for eventual self-support or institutionalization or other sources of support)? If there are no plans to sustain the effort, explain why not, and how the impact of the project will be lasting.

x. What makes this pilot unique or different from existing similar efforts if any.

xi. Barriers that may be encountered and limitations to proposed procedures, and how you will address them. (Related evaluation criteria: Technical merit:

Achievability.)

d. Personnel and Resources: Describe in detail the Key Personnel’s experience working with military veterans and the ability to provide effective education, training, outreach, and mentoring programs through a comprehensive, immersive farm/ranch field experience. Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project, and how they promoted workforce development in the agricultural sector. This information may include: the years and locations of prior activities;

number of training assistance or education activities previously carried out; number of participants and graduates from the program; success rate in completing the program;

percentage of graduates who are still engaged in agricultural production and related fields; and/or percentages of those who improved their operations. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages (of the Project Narrative) for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Expertise and track record; Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel.)

e. Plan for Outcome Based Reporting: Third-party evaluators are required. Be sure the budget reflects work to be completed by professional evaluators. Participatory evaluation, and formative as well as summative evaluation, are encouraged. All projects must describe methods and resources for documenting and evaluating their outcomes and impacts. Clearly identify a minimum of two expected outcomes within the life of the project and explain the plan to document and evaluate these outcomes.

At a minimum, the plan should include:

i. A completed logic model or alternative schematic that illustrates the causal linkages between planned activities and desired outcomes. A logic model template and explanation of its components can be located at Integrated Programs’ Logic Model Planning Process.

ii. A description of anticipated outcomes, their significance, and potential beneficiaries.

iii. A list and description of project performance measures (also referred to as indicators of success) by which your progress will be measured and success determined.

iv. Identify who will be responsible for overseeing and measuring performance for the project and link to the overall project plan and timeline for completion.

v. Indicate the amount of funding that will be set aside for monitoring and performance measurement.

vi. Applicants are encouraged to use approximately four of the sixteen pages (of the PN) for this section. (Related evaluation criteria: Adequacy of plans for the participatory evaluation process.)

f. Management, Collaboration and Partnership Plan: A clear management plan must be provided that describes the roles and functions of all partnerships, collaborators, and organizations, involved in the proposed project. Strong partnerships among complementary organizations with shared leadership are essential to successful and sustainable projects, see “Definitions” (See Appendix III, Definitions) for definitions of https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-logic-model-planning-process

Partnership and Collaborator. Include time allocated by each partner for attainment of objectives; key roles of each partner and collaborator; and plan for administration of the proposed project and its maintenance and partnerships. Describe the plans for coordination, communication, data-sharing and reporting among members of the project team and stakeholder groups. Describe the commitment of the project team to this project;

and how the partnership and its impact will be sustained beyond the period of the award.

Applicants are encouraged to use approximately two of the sixteen pages for this section.

In addition, letters of commitment signed by the authorized representative of the partnering organization demonstrating that the partners involved have agreed to abide by the Management Plan must be provided. (Related evaluation criteria: Partnerships and collaboration; Achievability.)

g. Response to previous review: The response to previous review for resubmitted applications must not exceed one, 1.5 spaced page titled: “Response To Previous Review” and saved as: “ResponsetoPreviousReview”. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN. Applicants should provide a clear statement acknowledging comments from the previous review, indicating revisions, rebuttals, etc. This response is a critical part of the screening criteria. Furthermore, the revised application should clearly indicate the changes that have been made to the project. If more than one page is needed, additional responses/pages are counted as part of the 16-page limit of the Project Narrative.

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

a. Commitment Letters. PDF attachment(s). No page limit. Letters of commitment from all partners (signed by the AR of the partnering organization) stating that the partners involved have agreed to their stated roles in the project and have agreed to abide by the Management Plan. Letters from other organizations or people whose participation is important to the success of the project, committing those collaborators and partners to specific roles, are also encouraged. Title the attachment(s) as ‘Letter of Commitment – Organization Name’ in the document header and save file as ‘LetterofCommitmentOrganizationName.’ Other more general letters of support (i.e., from those who are not committing to a specific role in the project) are not needed and should not be included.

b. Fiscal Agent Letter. See Part III, A. If it is necessary to include a fiscal agent letter, then title the attachment as ‘Fiscal Agent’ in the document header and save file as ‘FiscalAgent.’

c. Non-profit Status Letter. See Part III, A.

d. Data management plan (DMP). A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA’s Data Management Plan). The DMP must be submitted as Other Attachments and not part of PN.

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).

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

R&R Budget. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

Indirect Costs (IDC) – See Part IV, C of this NOFO 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 “ Enhancing

Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AgVets) Competitive Grants Program” and the program code “AGVET”. 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. 30 percent of TFFA.

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

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

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

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

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect the de minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414(f)). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If elected, this methodology 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://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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-II%2Fpart-200%2Fsubpart-E%2Fsubject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455%2Fsection-200.414%23p-200.414(f)&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C4f531cc06d7f48f95a8a08dccd0e89c9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638610709532095655%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vu%2F%2FohVj6S7x%2FdBdkkEwUrTcaLw%2FQICuOPF4zAWEHZY%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-II%2Fpart-200%2Fsubpart-E%2Fsubject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53%2Fsection-200.403&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C4f531cc06d7f48f95a8a08dccd0e89c9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638610709532106512%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nOEhOJNeD%2FmcJDd3qZDCHUWeUAqnnWfjatzM8MSop2o%3D&reserved=0 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.

NIFA awards may not be used to support the procurement of unmanned aircraft systems to process, store, or transmit Federal information (as defined in OMB Circular A-130) unless the grant is specifically available for procurement of such equipment and grantees describe in their application how they will comply with the information security requirements outlined in Appendix B of M-26-02 Ensuring Government Use of Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Supporting United States Producers and develop a risk-based approach to applying those requirements to procurement solicitations to potential vendors under the resulting Federal award. This information, if provided, will be evaluated by NIFA as part of its evaluation process. If such procurement is approved, specific information security requirements may be included in the terms and conditions of the grant to ensure that the grantees will incorporate those requirements in procurement solicitations of unmanned aircraft systems under the Federal award.

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 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbidenwhitehouse.archives.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Flegacy_drupal_files%2Fomb%2Fcirculars%2FA130%2Fa130revised.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383127728%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g4K1IW83Ceb%2BekljWWsYOH3DEtu0VIZqjLgw0u4TDXA%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FM-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383151603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rYV8tDrTd6thPn3qNUCmkJF8yotJ8eumoDLVZy8jccY%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FM-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383151603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rYV8tDrTd6thPn3qNUCmkJF8yotJ8eumoDLVZy8jccY%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FM-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383151603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rYV8tDrTd6thPn3qNUCmkJF8yotJ8eumoDLVZy8jccY%3D&reserved=0

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 NOFO. 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 a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

Scientific Peer Review Process:

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., agricultural producers, range or forest managers/operators, researchers, educators, evaluators, and consumers) 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 the reviewer's area of expertise, geographic area, and entity type, as appropriate.

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

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, 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 review results.

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 panel 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).

B. Evaluation Criteria NIFA will use the following equally weighted criteria to evaluate applications to this program:

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

1. Partnerships and Collaborations will be reviewed to determine to what extent the application represents a substantial and effective collaborative network or partnership of public and/or private entities. Reviewers will evaluate whether or not the proposal includes the necessary partnerships to meet the training and workforce development needs of veterans, and whether the project makes appropriate use of the expertise and other strengths of each of the partners. In addition, these partner organizations must have been involved and played an important role in the project design and development.

Projects must also employ an equitable and appropriate decision-making and oversight process that includes all partners.

2. Relevancy will be evaluated based on the explanation and relevant documentation that demonstrate that the project is directed toward increasing the numbers of veterans seeking and securing educational, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the food and agriculture sector. In addition, the relevancy will be evaluated by the description of the necessity of the project based on the needs identified for the audience, the inclusion of veterans in the conceptualization and development of project activities, and the degree to which the project builds upon past or current work or partnerships examining veteran workforce needs.

3. Technical merit will be evaluated on the basis of:

a. Clarity and explanation of objectives, activities, and outcomes

b. Conceptual adequacy of the proposed activities to meet the needs of the targeted audience including suitability and feasibility of the approach

c. Innovation and originality of objectives and activities

d. Expected performance targets, outcomes and impacts as indicated in the Plan for

Outcome Based Reporting

e. Adaptability to other locations, communities, and/or agricultural products and technologies

f. Sustainability of the project partnerships and collaborations beyond the life of the grant, or a compelling explanation of how the project impact will be lasting if the collaboration itself is not sustained; and

g. Reasonableness of the budget for planned activities (i.e., whether the budget matches logically with the program described in the narrative)

4. Achievability is based on the review of the probability of success of the project. The probability of success includes the appropriate level of originality, target audience and budget for each activity. The extent to which the applicant identifies potential pitfalls and how they will be addressed is also included. There should be sufficient time commitment of all project directors and co-directors for the stated project activities, including project management.