FY26-ECDRE-PA-NOFO-P.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Emergency Citrus Disease Research and

Extension Pre-Applications

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 2, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $46,237,828

FY25: $23,148,972

FY26: $23,088,858

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$500,000 to $15,000,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-SCRI-012018

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.309

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (ECDRE) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.309.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, November 2, 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.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf 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 Emergency Citrus Research and Extension NOFO.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for ECDRE projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. NIFA requests pre-applications for the ECDRE program for FY 2026 to address priorities identified by the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS) of the National Agricultural Research, Education, Extension and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board through projects that integrate research and extension activities and use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches to provide solutions to U.S. citrus growers.

The overarching goals and desired outcomes for the ECDRE program are:

1. To combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its disease complex in order to continue to farm citrus in a financially sustainable way through collaborative approaches and knowledge;

2. Transition from component-focused research (specific basic research) to deploying research outcomes and conclusions on farms; and

3. Encourage research teams to bring knowledge together to find grower solutions to combat and prevent HLB infection.

The ECDRE program will address these needs through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, exchange of information, and development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to farm-level solutions for HLB.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

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 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 The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to administer a competitive research and extension grants program to combat diseases of citrus (7 U.S.C. 7632(j)). Section 12605 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 established an Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund to provide mandatory funding to carry out this program.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of ECDRE is to:

1. conduct scientific research and extension activities, technical assistance, and development activities to combat citrus diseases and pests, both domestic and invasive, which pose imminent harm to the United States citrus production and threaten the future viability of the citrus industry, including HLB and the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP); and

2. provide support for the dissemination and commercialization of relevant information, techniques, and technologies discovered pursuant to research and extension activities funded through -

a. the emergency citrus disease research and extension program; or

b. other research and extension projects intended to solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and invasive pests.

In FY 2026, the ECDRE program, under Assistance Listing 10.309, is soliciting proposals to develop effective tactics and strategies to control HLB and its disease complex for financially sustainable citrus production in the United States. All projects funded by the ECDRE program will incorporate collaborative approaches that integrate available knowledge to develop new solutions that can be deployed by growers to manage and prevent HLB infection in the near term.

Proposals funded by the ECDRE program in FY 2026 will provide a plan for addressing one or more of the following priority needs (listed in order of importance to target grower needs with a focus on producer implementation), established in consultation with the Citrus Disease Subcommittee (CDS):

1. Development of commercial citrus varieties (rootstocks and scions) for both fresh and processed markets, with genetic resistance or tolerance to HLB using traditional breeding techniques and/or gene editing. These efforts could be focused on the identification of gene-editing targets, the use of CRISPR tools, or large-scale evaluation of resistant breeding lines for horticultural performance, consumer acceptance/marketing, and economics. Proposals that will work on the development of varieties (grapefruit, lemon, mandarin/tangerine, and orange) across a range of markets are highly encouraged.

2. Regional management or eradication of ACP on commercial citrus groves and residential plantings; management strategies should incorporate appropriate pesticide resistance management measures.

3. Optimized detection and surveillance programs for ACP and/or HLB. Detection and surveillance programs should incorporate all effective tools and tactics, including psyllid attractants, predictive models of psyllid movement and dispersal, and early detection of HLB/ CLas, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, (based on an understanding of mechanisms).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7632%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7632)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

4. A cure for HLB-infected trees and strategies for maintaining their productivity. Progress in this area can be made through the development of nutritional materials and their delivery, antimicrobials and their delivery, or commercialization of molecules that improve citrus production and along with large scale field trials.

5. A delivery system for therapeutics, nutrition and other HLB solutions. Most therapies available are not adequately delivered via foliar application. The citrus industry needs an engineered delivery system for phloem to access the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) systemic infection.

6. Consolidation of screening efforts for intervention targets and reduction of candidate lists to include only those most worthy of advanced testing and commercialization. High priority screening efforts are needed to identify: 1) Host plant defense or resistance; 2) Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) suppression, reduced transmission, or behavior modification (e.g., attract and kill); or 3) Pathogen CLas titer reduction, competition, or acquisition/transmission prevention.

7. A reliable technique for culturing CLas bacteria.

8. A better understanding of the HLB/vector/citrus pathosystem, including phloem biology, the movement of CLas and therapy into and through phloem, and the interaction of host, pathogen, and vector (disease triangle).

9. Greater understanding of the ecology and interactions of the citrus production system and the citrus greening disease complex (HLB and ACP). These studies are needed to answer basic questions regarding how abiotic factors in different regions impact tree health and the spread of HLB and ACP.

Projects must address only scientific research and extension activities. The applicant must not propose technical assistance, classified research, or financial assistance to start, create, or expand a company or submit patent applications. Additional information on expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, and data collection will be discussed in the ECDRE full application NOFO.

Table 2: Program Key Information

Title Description Program Code: ECDRE

Program Code Name: Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension

ALN: 10.309

Project Type: a. Standard Project,

b. Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP)

Grant Type: Standard Grants only Application Deadline November 2, 2026

Grant Duration: a. 24-36 months for Standard Projects

b. 36-60 months for CAP Projects

Anticipated # of Awards: 15 Minimum Award Amount: $500,000 Maximum Award Amount: $15,000,000

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for ECDRE in FY 2026 is approximately $46,237,828; comprised of the $23,148,972 FY25 funds and the $23,088,856 FY26 funds. The ECDRE pre-application process does not result in award recommendations; however, an estimate of project costs is required.

Applicants must use the information in Part II B of this NOFO to develop the cost estimate.

B. Application Restrictions criteria described in Part V of this NOFO and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

1. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted pre-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 ECDRE program will support two Integrated Project types in FY 2026. For purposes of ECDRE, Integrated Project applications should bring together research and extension components of the agricultural knowledge system around a problem area or activity.

Applicants should decide which Grant Type is best suited to the objectives of their Integrated Project and develop a preliminary budget that fits the objectives. Applicants are discouraged from developing a grant type based on a budget request target. The two ECDRE Grant Types are:

1. Standard Project (SP) Grant

a. Project Period: Up to three years.

b. Budget: Federal funds will not exceed approximately $1,500,000 for the duration of the project.

c. Purpose: To support targeted problem-solving efforts that are narrower in scope than a Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). These projects will be aimed at:

i. farm-level implementation or commercialization of proven solutions or

ii. examination of innovative ideas that will address one of the goals identified by the Citrus Disease Subcommittee.

2. Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) Grant

a. Project Period: Up to five years.

b. Budget: Federal funds will not exceed approximately $15,000,000 for the duration of the project.

c. Purpose: To address national-scale efforts by coordinating research and extension efforts in one of the following goals identified by the Citrus Disease Subcommittee:

i. Consolidation of screening efforts for intervention targets and reduction of candidate lists to include only those most worthy of advanced testing and commercialization.

ii. A cure for infected trees and strategies for maintaining their productivity.

iii. Regional management or eradication of ACP on commercial citrus groves and residential plantings

iv. Optimized detection and surveillance programs for ACP and/or HLB https://gbc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/wordeditorframe.aspx?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&wopisrc=https%3A%2F%2Fusdagcc.sharepoint.com%2Fsites%2FREE-NIFA-PSProt-ECDRE%2F_vti_bin%2Fwopi.ashx%2Ffiles%2F75d7ea985f1442598f933e94f6e4569a&wdenableroaming=1&mscc=1&hid=D842EDA1-50EB-B000-279B-0F9FF8BDB12C.0&uih=sharepointcom&wdlcid=en-US&jsapi=1&jsapiver=v2&corrid=2ae6e90e-5d91-c280-1253-1cf705e0800d&usid=2ae6e90e-5d91-c280-1253-1cf705e0800d&newsession=1&sftc=1&uihit=docaspx&muv=1&ats=PairwiseBroker&cac=1&sams=1&mtf=1&sfp=1&sdp=1&hch=1&hwfh=1&dchat=1&sc=%7B%22pmo%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fusdagcc.sharepoint.com%22%2C%22pmshare%22%3Atrue%7D&ctp=LeastProtected&rct=Normal&wdorigin=ItemsView&wdhostclicktime=1768486385312&csiro=1&instantedit=1&wopicomplete=1&wdredirectionreason=Unified_SingleFlush#B._Project_Types bookmark://_PART_V._APPLICATION/ bookmark://_APPENDIX_III:_DEFINITIONS/

v. Development of commercial citrus varieties (rootstocks and scions) with genetic resistance to HLB using traditional breeding techniques and/or gene editing. CAPs will be awarded to consortia or groups of qualified applicants to coordinate their efforts in addressing one of the goals listed above. CAP applications are expected to demonstrate coherent and complementary integrated activities with the goal of developing a strategy or solution that could be implemented in a defined timeframe, preferably by the end of the project. Successful CAP applications will propose the formation of public-private consortia or other interdisciplinary groups to address one or more of the priority needs identified.

Applications are expected to take advantage of results from previously funded HLB projects on this topic as well as recent advances in biological, physical, and social and economic sciences and to translate basic knowledge rapidly to practical applications for solving the priority needs of affected citrus industries. Applications are also expected to demonstrate the potential to develop a national strategy or solution as a goal; this would include the intent to promote collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information and development of resources that accelerate the application of scientific discovery and technology to address the needs of the citrus industry. As such, the applications for CAP should aim to reduce duplication of efforts and integrate activities among individuals, institutions, states, and regions. CAPs are likely to support large-scale efforts for trials, demonstrations, coordinated testing across environments, and screening.

CAPs require efforts that are larger in scope and complexity than those required for standard projects and require coordinated efforts of multi-state/multi-institutional teams of biological, physical, and social scientists. Collaboration with the Cooperative Extension System and ongoing grower efforts is highly encouraged. Although not required in the pre-applications, invited full CAP applications will include a business plan for deliverables (e.g., commercialization, regulatory approvals, etc.), an advisory committee, and plans for documenting project impacts and communicating results to citrus producers and the public.

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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide?SID=3f96ab05cf1fc2d2713e5e46755e7696&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5#se2.1.422_12 https://www.reginfo.gov/public/reginfo/pra.pdf https://www.reginfo.gov/public/reginfo/pra.pdf

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements Pre-applicants for the ECDRE 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 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.

Pre-applications for the ECDRE may only be submitted by Federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, research institutions and organizations, private organizations or corporations, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, the Cooperative Extension Service, individuals, or groups consisting of two or more of these entities.

Duplicate or Multiple Submission. Duplicate or multiple submissions with the same lead PD are not allowed. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. However, an applicant may act as a Co-PD on multiple unique submissions as well as submit a single unique application as the Lead PD in the same fiscal year.

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

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required – Applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the ECDRE.

Section 738 of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-37) provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may waive the matching funds requirement under Section 412(g) of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(g)).

Therefore, NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if one of the following applies:

1. The results of the grant are of a particular benefit to a specific specialty crop, but such results are likely to be applicable to specialty crops or agricultural commodities, generally; or

2. The grant involves a minor commodity, deals with scientifically important research, and the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

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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 5 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-SCRI-012018, 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 7 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ 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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-federal-assistance-policy-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://nifa.usda.gov/terms-and-conditions https://www.grants.gov/ https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/terms-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?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.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300/appendix-Appendix%20IX%20to%20Part%20300

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. The following are additional instructions:

1. Field 1. Type of Submission. Click the “Pre-application” box.

2. Field 15. Enter Estimated Project Funding. Enter the estimated amount of funding to be requested.

3. Field 20. Pre-application. Click on “Add Attachment” to attach the Stakeholder

Relevance Statement.

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 Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Stakeholder Relevancy Statement. The SRS must not exceed three 1.5 spaced pages of written text. The SRS must be formatted with margins no less than 1-inch on all sides.

Text must be 12-point or larger and must be left justified, Times New Roman. The font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman. Detailed budgets and budget narratives ARE NOT required in the SRS. The page limits outlined here ensure fair competition. The SRS must include all the following:

a. Title of the project: (the title should be preceded by “SP:” or “CAP:” to indicate the type of project) https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/support https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XXXIV/part-3430

b. Budget: Estimated amount of funding to be requested (detailed budget is not necessary)

c. Significance and Benefit:

i. Significance of the problem being addressed;

ii. Potential deliverables for the citrus industry at the end of project and specific milestones during the project;

iii. How information developed during project will be translated into actionable recommendations or products and delivered to end-users.

d. Stakeholder engagement:

i. How stakeholders were engaged in defining the problem and determining project objectives;

ii. How stakeholders will continue to be engaged in project development and evaluation.

e. Project outline: (one-page maximum)

i. List of project objectives. Please note: Because the scientific merit review panel that examines subsequent full applications will help verify that the pre-application and full-application projects are consistently, the list of project objectives identified here must carry forward to a full application and the estimated budget in “2” above should be commensurate with those objectives;

ii. Outline of methodology to be used to achieve project goals.

f. Experience of Project Director (PD) and key co-investigators (maximum of four co-

PDs for CAP projects and two co-PDs for standard projects):

Provide a description of the project team’s experience working with the specific stakeholder community and with the problem that will be addressed by the project;

a bio of up to 100 words can be included for each. You will be able to list additional co-investigators in the full application if you are invited to submit one.

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

“Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension” and the program code “(ECDRE)”.

Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions

1. Indirect Cost (IDC) is not to exceed 30 percent of the recipient’s Total Federal

Funds Awarded (TFFA). 7 U.S.C. 3310 limits the recovery of IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of the TFFA under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum allowable IDC amount recoverable under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the following and is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

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

b. 30 percent of TFFA.

If the result of number one is the lesser of the two amounts, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.fws.gov/policy/library/rgeo12372.pdf 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 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 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.

2. 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. 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.

mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1408 https://www.grants.gov/?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1410 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide?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://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/nifa-19-009-indirect-cost-chart?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 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov 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://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 ECDRE evaluates each pre-application in a two-part process. First, we screen each pre-application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this NOFO. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the pre-application to proceed to the next level of review. Second, a pre-application that meets these requirements will be evaluated for relevance by a panel of industry reviewers representing the US citrus industry. The panel will recommend which applications to invite for submission of a full application. Invited applicants will be sent instructions on how to access the full NOFO via email once the relevance review is completed. NIFA will send copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary of the panel comments to the PD after the review process has been completed.

NIFA selects reviewers for the ECDRE relevance review based upon the crops and/or issues represented by the pre-applications. Industry reviewers will be selected from persons directly involved in the growing, handling and processing of citrus crops; or persons representing those interests through trade organizations or other professional associations. 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 pre-applications to this program:

1. The issues/challenges addressed are relevant to the CDS approved ranked research priorities.

2. The described research and extension approach will result in impacts/outcomes that are important to the target stakeholders, and the outcomes are measurable.

3. Stakeholders are involved in identifying and developing project goals and objectives and will be involved during the project.

4. Information developed by the project team will be delivered to stakeholders that will allow them to implement new and/or improved solutions to HLB by the end of project period.

5. Project team has members who have worked with the target stakeholders in the past and have experience with the described research and extension approach.

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

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

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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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. Therefore, applicants should clearly mark any information within the application they wish to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary. NIFA will retain a copy of an application that does not result in an award for three years. Such an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An applicant may withdraw at any time prior to the final action thereon.

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

D. Language Access Services NIFA offers language access services, such as interpretation and translation of vital information, free of charge. If you need interpretation or translation services, please visit NIFA Language Access Services.

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