Notice of Funding Opportunity Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk

Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 1, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $1,519,113

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$1,519,113

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-012078

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.521

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program (CYFAR-PDTA) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.521.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, September 1, 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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html the 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 CYFAR-PDTA NOFO.

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

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the CYFAR-PDTA for FY 2026 to support youth at-risk programming. The anticipated amount available for new awards is 1,519,113.00. This notice identifies the objectives for CYFAR-PDTA projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and 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 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: 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 Funding for the CYFAR-PDTA is authorized under section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act of May 8, 1914, as amended (7 U.S.C. 341, et seq.). Section 7609 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334) added the 1994 Land-grant Institutions (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-grant Status Act of 1994) (7 U.S.C. 301 note) as eligible to compete for and receive CYFAR funding. Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (FCEA) of 2008 amended section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 (7 U.S.C. 343(d)) in regard to eligibility. The eligibility to compete for CYFAR funding was broadened to include 1890 Land-grant Colleges and Universities, including Tuskegee University, West Virginia State University, and Central State University. Eligibility was also provided to the University of the District of Columbia per Section 208 of the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act. U.S. Code (e.g., Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA), Pub. L. No. 105-185 (7 U.S.C.

7626)).

B. Purpose and Priorities CYFAR-PDTA, under assistance listing 10.521, partners with universities to build connections, competency, and capacity to help CYFAR Supportable Community sites develop holistic program support. The CYFAR-PDTA awardee will provide professional development and technical assistance to CYFAR Supportable Community Projects (SCP) to ensure continued development and implementation of the CYFAR-SCP. These projects provide youth with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. The professional development and technical assistance will be provided to the successful CYFAR-SCP recipients.

CYFAR-PDTA, collaboratively through the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), will provide the components of programming, evaluation, technology, and technical assistancehttps://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/CYFAR Guiding_Principles- 2026.pdfs.

The CYFAR Program has two strategic objectives:

1. To support community educational programs for at-risk, low-income children, youth, and families which are based on locally identified needs, grounded in research, and which lead to the accomplishment of one of four CYFAR National Outcomes (Early Childhood, School Age, Teen, and Parent and Family); and

2. To integrate CYFAR programming into ongoing CES programs for children, youth, and families.

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Smith-Lever%20Act.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Smith-Lever%20Act.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects?req=(title:7%20section:341%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section341)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:301%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section301)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/2419 https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/2419 mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov?req=(title:7%20section:343%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section343)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-federal-assistance-policy-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-federal-assistance-policy-guide https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300/appendix-Appendix%20IX%20to%20Part%20300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300/appendix-Appendix%20IX%20to%20Part%20300

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: MC Program Code Name: Youth at Risk

ALN: 10.521

Project Type: Extension Project Grant Type: Regular

Application Deadline September 1, 2026 Grant Duration: 12 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 1 Minimum Award Amount: $ 1,360,000 Maximum Award Amount: $ 1,360,000

C. Program Area Description The goal of the CYFAR-PDTA is to provide state-of-the-art support for CYFAR-SCP community sites. The CYFAR-PDTA recipient will leverage CES and the Land-grant University system to provide programming, evaluation, technical assistance, and an integrated approach to ensure technology is incorporated throughout. CYFAR-PDTA supports the following national outcomes for the target audiences, as indicated:

1. Early Childhood: Children will have their basic physical, emotional, and intellectual needs met. Babies will be born healthy.

2. School Age (K-8): School-age youth will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior necessary for fulfilling, contributing lives (the capacity to move beyond one’s individual self-interest and to be committed to the well-being of some larger group).

3. Teen: Teens will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior necessary for fulfilling, contributing lives (the capacity to move beyond one’s individual self-interest and to be committed to the well-being of some larger group).

4. Parent/Family: Parents will take primary responsibility for meeting their children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. Families will promote positive, productive, and contributing lives for all family members.

The successful recipient must think broadly to create products that will not only benefit the CYFAR-SCP exclusively, but the broader CES as well.

CYFAR Professional Development and Technical Assistance (CYFAR-PDTA) Goals The grant proposal must address technology to support the CYFAR-SCP, program evaluation, and technology through:

1. Internet Technology The project must integrate Internet technology to expedite collaboration across institutions and to ensure that professional development and technical assistance support is available to the recipients and the CES where feasible.

2. Training The project will:

a. Develop and implement a communication and training plan that may include local, regional, and national training for Land-grant stakeholders. The training must relate to issues surrounding cross-disciplinary networks and seamless access to program, evaluation, technology resources, and technical assistance for all children, youth, and families at risk;

b. Coordinate and implement an annual professional development session for all CYFAR recipients and an orientation for new recipients with consideration for engaging multiple states. At least once during the four-year period during the annual professional development session, former/current program participants will be invited to share program impacts in their individual program participations;

c. Develop and implement evaluation training for SCP sites.

3. Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting The project will:

a. Identify common issues and needs across CYFAR recipients;

b. Develop the CYFAR Annual Report based on SCP outcomes, ensuring Section 508 compliance.

c. Assess effectiveness of PDTA practices to share with CES;

d. Develop, create, and/or maintain data collection and reporting system for the CYFAR

Annual Reporting System. Any new systems or databases resulting from this award must be created so that they are integrated into the existing CYFAR PDTA system, with accompanying code developed with open access for system users. Should transfer of the information and data systems become necessary, created CYFAR- PDTA systems, user interfaces, databased, webpages and code will be transferred to a new Project Director to maintain consistency of the CYFAR-PDTA Program.

e. Develop measures/tools that are science-based, use appropriate data collection practices, consider outcomes for CYFAR Recipients.

f. Create or build upon existing CYFAR common measures.

g. Conduct one capacity-building session annually to engage institutions in increasing engagement in CYFAR.

4. Technical Assistance Successful projects will provide technical assistance to CYFAR-SCPs at both state and community levels, which should include review and feedback on annual reports, response to program inquiries, and visits to universities/institutions and community sites for a programmatic and administrative review and on-going communication with CYFAR-SCP sites.

One-third (1/3) of all SCP sites will have one physical site visit annually. Site visits will include observations, interviews, and assessment of site progress toward implementation, outcomes, supportability, community, and technology, as defined below:

a. Evaluation of leadership competence, strategic funding, staff involvement, and integration. This work should provide evidence on whether the project is worthy of further support.

b. Adherence to community involvement that is based on community needs and assets, connectedness and collaboration with multiple groups of stakeholders, and understands factors that influence create changes in behavior and systems.

c. Ability to provide an adequate technology infrastructure, professional development for staff, and training for adults and youth on the latest technology.

This support must show professional development and technical assistance for the following CES regions: North Central Region, Northeast Region, Southern Region, Western Region, 1890 Land-grant Colleges, and 1994 Land-grant Tribal Colleges.

Technical assistance provided by designated subawardees should include 1890 Institutions or one from an 1890 Institution and one from a 1994 Institution for the duration of the grant.

Subawardees The CYFAR-PDTA recipient is expected to leverage subawards to other Land-grant institutions for program, evaluation, technical, or technology expertise as needed for this multi-state program. The subawardee(s) should be highly qualified, credentialed, and skilled.

A subaward may be used for the CYFAR Professional Development Workshop (limit at $50,000 annually) to partially support a meeting that brings together practitioners and researchers to disseminate research, education, Extension findings that advances the CYFAR mission. Indirect costs are not permitted on the workshop subaward. Subawardee must provide a Learning Outcome Evaluation Report of the annual Professional Development Workshop to the NIFA NPL or designee responsible for the CYFAR program.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for CYFAR-PDTA in FY 2026 is approximately 1,519,113.00 Of this amount, approximately 1,519,113 will be available to fund the first year of new projects as competitive awards. Similar funding levels may be awarded for a second year as a continuation award provided performance has been satisfactory, funding is available for this purpose, and continued support is in the best interests of the Federal government and the public. 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).

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

1. Project Types. Applicants must propose an Extension Project. Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Extension Projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, in-service training, client recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative instructional methodologies appropriate to informal educational programs.

2. Grant Types. 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 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 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/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the CYFAR-PDTA 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.

Applications may only be submitted by Cooperative Extension at 1890 Land-grant Institutions, including Tuskegee University, Central State University, and West Virginia State University;

1862 Land-grant Colleges and Universities; the University of the District of Columbia; and 1994 Land-grant Institutions.

Only one application per Institution will be accepted.

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

USDA will not accept competitive 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 CYFAR-PDTA 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.

C. Centers of Excellence

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

1. State agricultural experiment stations.

2. Colleges and universities.

3. University research foundations.

4. Other research institutions and organizations.

5. Federal agencies.

6. National laboratories.

7. Private organizations, foundations, or corporations.

8. Individuals; or

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

https://www.grants.gov/ https://nifa.usda.gov/federal-regulations?req=(title:7%20section:5926%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section5926)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application

Applicants must apply to this 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-SLBCD-012078, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four: Assess Readiness

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

Table 4: Help and Resources

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

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

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

Email:

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 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.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ mailto:awards@usda.gov https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/08/2025-08266/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/10/29/2018-23552/submission-for-omb-review-comment-request https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.congress.gov/bill/103rd-congress/house-bill/4806/text https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.reginfo.gov/public/reginfo/pra.pdf mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the

SF-424 R&R.

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 90 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 CYFAR-PDTA . See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 20 1.5 spaced pages of written text and up to 25 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. The PN must include all the following:

a. Introduction. A statement of the long-term goal(s) and supporting activities of the proposed CYFAR-PDTA project. Include estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance of CYFAR-PDTA to SCP sites.

b. Project Details:

Project Goals;

Project Activities; and Description of the Work of Key Personnel.

c. Program Implementation Strategies. Clearly describe the procedures or program implementation strategies to be applied to the CYFAR-PDTA. This section must include but not necessarily be limited to:

mailto:Policy@usda.gov

• A description of the proposed activities in the sequence in which they will be carried out; include innovative product development; and

• Methods for project evaluation.

• The CYFAR-PDTA collaboration plan to be employed. Which includes details of the roles and responsibilities of subawardees. Include time commitments, goals, and objectives of each subawardee.

d. Timetable. The proposal must outline all important phases as a function of time, year by year, for the entire 3-year period.

e. Data management plan (DMP, 2 page limit). 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).

f. Logic model. The proposal must include a comprehensive CYFAR-PDTA Logic Model.

g. Centers of Excellence Justification. Applicants requesting consideration of COE status must include their justification at the end of their Project Narratives and within the page limits provided for the project narratives; and Summary of previous work.

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

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

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

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

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 “Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program/CYFAR-PDTA” and the program code “MC”. Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions No Indirect Costs (IDC). IDC is not authorized for this NOFO.

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 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/lifecycle/pre-award/data-management-plans https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/lifecycle/pre-award/data-management-plans 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 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. Additionally, projects must ensure that they are in adherence to Secretary’s Memorandum (SM) 1078-014 and are not using unallowable 3-D printers which can be found at National Security and Unallowable Costs.

https://www.usda.gov/directives/sm-1078-014 https://www.usda.gov/directives/sm-1078-014 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/national-security-and-unallowable-costs https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/national-security-and-unallowable-costs

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:

NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

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

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

3. The need to include other experts (e.g., 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 unfavorable review.

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

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review 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 criteria to evaluate applications to this program:

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

1. Potential for Advancing the Mission of the CYFAR Program (20%):

The impact that the proposed work will have on advancing the quality of educational programs that equip youth who are at risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. Performance measures that track the extent to which the project has improved the lives of the youth at risk should also be included (i.e., tracking improved educational outcomes or better school attendance).

2. Evidenced Capability to Implement Innovative Training, Professional Development, and Technical Assistance (20%): The proposed grantee’s ability to provide support for co-collaboration for the CYFAR Annual Workshop and New Grantee Orientation. Included is the recipient’s capability to create effective training opportunities to meet the needs of CYFAR recipient. This includes the capability to assess, implement and evaluate training and programs on a large scale at the regional and national levels. The proposed recipient’s ability to provide professional development, technical assistance, and training to community-, state-, regional-, and national-level programs that serve CYFAR audiences through different formats (online, one-to-one, telephone, workshops, etc.)

3. Evidenced Capability to Provide Technological Support (20 %): The applicants capability to create and maintain multiple databases. The project’s ability to interpret large-scale data and disseminate it in a readable format for reporting purposes. This includes but is not limited to common measures, educational web resources, the CYFAR Reporting System, as well as web support and maintenance.

4. Evidenced Capability to Manage Staff across Multiple Sites (10%): The proposed recipient’s ability to work with staff in non-formal settings across multiple states. This criterion also includes experience working with different types of colleges and universities with consideration for various groups in relation to university mission subject matter areas for the success of this project.

5. Experience with Working and Managing Multiple Audiences for Success (10%): The project’s evidence of successful management of subawarding to the various subject-matter areas and demonstration of ability to manage multiple audiences across different types of colleges and universities. This includes adequate management of budgetary resources amongst subawardees.

6. Experience/Expertise In Conducting Site Visits, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods/Assessment and Evaluation (10%): The grantee’s ability to conduct and/or manage quality site visits with CYFAR-SCP recipients and provide quality feedback.

Demonstrated capabilities to conduct formative and summative evaluation as it relates to programming, including large data sets using quantitative and qualitative methods.

7. The inclusion of a comprehensive CYFAR-PDTA Logic Model (5%).

8. Suitability and feasibility of the Data Management Plan (5%).

C. Centers of Excellence In addition to evaluating applicants using the criterion listed in Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA will use the COE standards described in this NOFO to evaluate applicants that rank highly meritorious and requested to be considered as a COE. In instances where applicants are found to be equally meritorious with the application of a non-COE applicant, NIFA will prioritize the COE applicant meeting the COE criteria. NIFA will effectively use the COE prioritization as a “tie breaker.” Applicants that rank highly meritorious but who did not request consideration as a COE or who are not deemed to have met the COE standards may still receive funding.

Applicants that meet the COE requirements will have the COE designation in their notice of award. Entities recognized as COE will maintain that distinction for the duration of their period of performance or as identified in the terms and conditions of that award.

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

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General

Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this NOFO. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as the effective date of the grant must be no later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period.

All funds granted by NIFA under this NOFO may be used only for the purpose for which they are granted in accordance with the program-specific laws and regulations, NIFA General Awards Administrative Provisions (7 CFR part 3430, subparts A through E), USDA Regulations for Grants and Agreements (2 CFR Chapter IV), Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 CFR part 200), NIFA-specific terms and conditions, USDA General Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards, and approved budget and project plans.

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

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

Output and reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. If there are any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the Award Notice.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-7%2Fsubtitle-B%2Fchapter-XXXIV%2Fpart-3430&data=05%7C02%7CHeidi.Vanegas%40usda.gov%7Ccf09fec1b2b14d68ea5208de9639ecdd%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639113373170390923%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0AXIn5NJoNQGdjcHaiPL4gOS6XS5xa2cCCX5fUwYvoU%3D&reserved=0 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/CYFAR%20Guiding_Principles-2026.pdf?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-B%2Fchapter-IV&data=05%7C02%7CHeidi.Vanegas%40usda.gov%7Ccf09fec1b2b14d68ea5208de9639ecdd%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639113373170408912%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=B2ppu3Rse9dGzXgf6kjcGHnjy7V16zlW5wg6dzoQV94%3D&reserved=0 https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-II%2Fpart-200%3Ftoc%3D1&data=05%7C02%7CHeidi.Vanegas%40usda.gov%7Ccf09fec1b2b14d68ea5208de9639ecdd%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639113373170423663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FTkggP%2FKF0nXKxHC3G%2Ff7drKSDdMtqO1CC9cMWqjgec%3D&reserved=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nifa.usda.gov%2Fgrants%2Fregulations-and-guidelines%2Fterms-conditions&data=05%7C02%7CHeidi.Vanegas%40usda.gov%7Ccf09fec1b2b14d68ea5208de9639ecdd%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639113373170437467%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UJBeP5Evi%2BG8A5tPPVGZMfGXTbz5VapfxQAJU47qhBI%3D&reserved=0 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://nifa.usda.gov/centers-excellence?gp=&SID=c44a1f8f16917d78ba5ba676eac5fdc3&mc=true&r=SECTION&n=se2.1.200_1211 mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.nifa.usda.gov/equal-opportunity-civil-rights/language-access-services https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/terms-conditions

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Cost Principles), or 2 CFR Part 300 Appendix IX, (Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Awards and Contracts with Hospitals), or 48 CFR, unless waived by the Federal awarding agency, 48 CFR Part 31, Contract Cost Principles and Procedures;

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

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

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

8. The need for additional Federal funds to complete the project;

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

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

11. Transferring funds between the construction and non-construction work under a Federal award; and

12. A no-cost extension (meaning, an extension of time that does not require the obligation of additional Federal funds) of the period of performance, other than any one-time extension authorized by the Federal agency in accordance with paragraph 2 CFR 200.308(g)(2). All requests for no-cost extensions should be submitted at least 10 calendar days before the https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?SID=3af89506559b05297e7d0334cb283e24&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1308&rgn=div8 https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2/text?SID=dc069d42776cd3451f66232d56026057&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2/text?SID=dc069d42776cd3451f66232d56026057&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-88/pdf/STATUTE-88-Pg1423.pdf?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title48/48tab_02.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&node=pt48.1.31&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=4d9d83a5cef52c19c5ff83421fa48a4b&mc=true&node=pt48.1.31&rgn=div5 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf?SID=875f7422535a157681c65d5ff44deb32&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1456 https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package?SID=9eaf9554e1f32bf0d83aca55646e9b7e&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1333 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opm.gov%2Fpolicy-data-oversight%2Fpay-leave%2Fsalaries-wages%2F&data=05%7C02%7CLaura.Givens%40usda.gov%7Cdeb3e53caa114ee7d1a108dd60bd4858%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638773088259963200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XW1kkL%2FSWAS%2BkEsB9JFwdXkIoOoY%2Fvug8KTs1QJIi1o%3D&reserved=0 conclusion of the period of performance. The Federal agency may approve multiple no-cost extensions under a Federal award if not prohibited by Federal statute or regulation.

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of NIFA transaction records, which are available to the public. Information that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law.