FY26-NNF-NOFO.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs

Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 15, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $14,000,000

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD RANGE: $78,000 - $705,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-HEP-011737

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.210

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship (NNF) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.210.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, October 15, 2026 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 https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf

Stakeholder Input. NIFA seeks comments on all NOFO so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments to the 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 NNF NOFO.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the NNF program. This competition will use funding from FY 2025 and FY 2026 appropriations to support new graduate students from eligible institutions for meeting the national need to develop citizens, nationals, and permanent residents of the United States with skills and expertise in the food and agricultural sciences to strengthen the Nation’s scientific and professional workforce in these areas. The amount available for grants is approximately $14 million.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards C. Regulatory Information D. Language Access Services

APPENDIX 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 Table 6. Relevant Disciplines

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), codified at 7 U.S.C. 3152, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a program of competitive grants (or grants without regard to any requirement for competition) for all colleges and universities for the purpose of furthering education in the food and agricultural sciences. Specifically, the Secretary may make grants to conduct graduate and postdoctoral fellowship programs to attract highly promising individuals to research or teaching careers in the food and agricultural sciences (7 U.S.C. 3152 (b)(6)).

NIFA administers this Federal assistance competitive grant program specifically designated for graduate degree programs and postgraduate training for the next generation of policymakers, researchers, and educators in the food and agricultural sciences. This program, in collaboration with eligible higher education institutions, is designed to develop the intellectual capital of American students to ensure the preeminence of U.S. food and agricultural systems. This program is subject to federal regulations as outlined in administrative provisions that can be found in 7 CFR 3402—Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Grants Program.

B. Purpose and Priorities The purpose of the NNF program, Assistance Listing 10.210, is to provide funding to support new graduate (master’s, DVM, or doctoral) student training and completion of degree programs to develop human capital to participate in meeting the mission of the USDA to increase the pipeline of domestic agricultural students. The NNF program offers funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. The NNF program awards institutional grants to offer funding for eligible full-time students pursuing graduate studies at the master’s, DVM, and/or doctoral levels within the food and agricultural sciences. Fellows must be new graduate students (‘new’ is defined in Part III A); and citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Awards made by the NNF program are specifically intended to support graduate programs that engage outstanding students who are citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States of America to pursue and complete their degrees in areas where there is a need for the development of scientific and professional expertise in the food and agricultural sciences. NNF awards invest in graduate training and relevant experiential learning for individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the

USDA.

The objectives of the NNF program are to:

1. Support the training of new students at the master’s, DVM, or doctoral levels to fill nationally identified expertise shortage areas in the food and agricultural sciences.

2. Increase the number and quality of students in the food, agricultural, and related sciences by recruiting outstanding students to enter and complete graduate training in these areas.

3. Ensure Fellows build science competencies through research and extension/outreach activities and experience and engagement within areas of focus in the food and agricultural sciences.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3152%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3152)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3152%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3152)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=282c28467c3f29a66c3daae2a6843ff9&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3402&rgn=div5%22%20%5Cl%20%22sp7.15.3402.a https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=282c28467c3f29a66c3daae2a6843ff9&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3402&rgn=div5%22%20%5Cl%20%22sp7.15.3402.a

Funding preference will be given to applications that propose to:

1. Establish innovative and evidence-based frameworks for graduate training;

2. Establish master’s degree or doctoral programs;

3. Increase highly qualified DVM professionals willing to serve in rural areas as food animal veterinarians;

4. Establish multidisciplinary graduate training programs;

5. Partner with teaching/research/extension or across colleges/institutions or public/private sectors;

6. Provide leadership skills opportunities; and/or

7. Develop performance measures for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the graduate training.

The 2025-2030 Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, and the Environment Report indicates possible shortages of graduates specifically in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences disciplines to fill the estimated 104,766 annual openings for individuals with baccalaureate or higher degrees in food, renewable energy, and environmental specialties between 2025 and 2030. The NNF program aligns with the effort to produce graduates from colleges of agriculture and life sciences, forestry and natural resources, and veterinary medicine for careers in the food and agricultural sciences.

The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. NNF applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation. Specific activities may include:

1. Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills; ethics and professionalism;

and working in teams;

2. Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;

3. Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and/or

4. Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.

The NNF program encourages cooperative initiatives between two or more eligible institutions to maximize the development and use of resources such as faculty, facilities, and equipment to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs, or teaching programs emphasizing rural economic, community, and business development. NNF program proposals must respond to identified state, regional, or national educational needs in the food and agricultural sciences, and/or in rural economic, community, and business development.

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: KK Program Code Name: Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship

ALN: 10.210

Project Type: Education Projects https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/ https://www.purdue.edu/usda/employment/

Grant Type: Standard Grants Application Deadline October 15, 2026

Grant Duration: 60 months Anticipated # of Awards: 28

Minimum Award Amount: $78,000 Maximum Award Amount: $705,000

• Master’s – $78,000 per Fellow, composed of annual amounts of $25,000 salary/stipend and $14,000 institutional allowance. Maximum fellowship support is two years.

• DVM or Doctoral – $141,000 per Fellow, composed of annual amounts of $31,000 salary/stipend and $16,000 institutional allowance. Maximum fellowship support is three years.

• Institutional allowance is provided in lieu of indirect costs and used to pay, in order of precedence: tuition and fees; fringe benefits; and supplies, travel, and publications directly allocable to the training.

• The salary or stipend cannot be carried over from one year to the next.

• Applicants may not request partial fellowships.

For this award cycle, NIFA intends to support graduate fellowship training grants for master’s, DVM, and doctoral levels of study only. Postdoctoral fellowships will not be awarded under this grant announcement. Prospective postdoctoral fellows are directed to the Agriculture and Research Initiative (AFRI) Postdoctoral Fellowships Program within the AFRI Education and Workforce Development NOFO.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for the NNF program in FY 2026 is approximately $14 million. This competition will use funding from FY 2025 and FY 2026 appropriations. 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’s Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this

NOFO.

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

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

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

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

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

1. Project Types Applicants may only submit proposals for Education Projects. Education Projects develop human capital relevant to overall program goals for U.S. agriculture.

a. Education Projects must focus on students entering graduate programs in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Educational activities must show direct alignment with one of the following:

(1) Increasing the number of graduates with the necessary technical skills for entry-level positions in the food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences;

and/or

(2) Improving the technical competencies needed for the workforce to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains globally competitive.

2. Grant Types Applicants may only submit proposals for Standard Grants. A Standard Grant an award instrument by which NIFA agrees to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period without the announced intention of providing additional support at a future date.

A single application to NNF may propose funding under any single area of focus for a maximum of $705,000 per application. Each application may request any combination of DVM, master’s, or doctoral fellowships, not to exceed $705,000 total.

NIFA reserves the right to fund fewer fellows than requested in an application. Applicants may not request partial fellowships.

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

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

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

1. Applicant Eligibility Land-grant Institutions and other colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food and agricultural sciences and confer a graduate degree in at least one discipline or area of food and agricultural sciences are eligible to apply. Institutions offering degrees should be accredited by an agency or association recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Research foundations maintained by an eligible college or university are eligible.

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

Individuals are not eligible to apply for these grants to support their own graduate education.

2. Student Eligibility The awarded institutions develop selection criteria for graduate students in the NNF application, and it is the awarded institution’s responsibility to provide fellowships to high-caliber students in superior academic standing according to the developed criteria.

For individuals to receive fellowship stipend support through the NNF Program, they must:

i. Be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States of America as determined in accordance with Federal law;

ii. Have strong interest, as judged by the institution, in pursuing a degree in food and agriculture-relevant disciplines; are preparing for a career as a food or agricultural or natural resources scientist or professional; and are registered as full-time students; and

iii. Not have completed more than one semester or equivalent hours of full-time study as defined by the institution in the same academic program at the same degree level.

Successful applicants must select and identify fellows and award fellowships within 18 months of the start date of the award. Institutions that fail to meet this deadline will be required to refund monies associated with unawarded fellowships to NIFA. Graduate fellowship appointments must be awarded only to registered students who are pursuing full-time study in graduate programs of the area of focus and at the degree level supported by the award.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants

A Fellow at the master’s degree level who maintains satisfactory progress is eligible to receive fellowship support for a maximum of 24 months during a 30-month period. A Fellow at the DVM/doctoral degree level who maintains satisfactory progress is eligible to receive grant support for a maximum of 36 months within a 42-month period.

The intent of this program is that graduate fellows pursue full-time uninterrupted study. Graduate fellows are entitled to the normal student holidays observed by the institution. The time between academic semesters or quarters is to be utilized as an active part of the award period. During the period of support, Fellows, at the discretion of their institutions, may accept additional supplemental employment that would positively contribute to their training or research and would make them eligible for tuition waivers (e.g., full or partial tuition waivers with research or teaching assignments).

A Fellow who finds it necessary to interrupt his/her program of study because of health, personal, or other reasonable non-academic and non-disciplinary cause(s) must be allowed to resume funded study at any time within six months of the interruption, provided there is adequate time remaining before the award expires (i.e., within the 30-month total funding period for a master’s fellow, and 42-month total funding period for a doctoral fellow). A Fellow who finds it necessary to interrupt his/her program of study more than one time cannot exceed six total months of cumulative leave without forfeiting NNF eligibility.

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 – There is no limit to the number of applications an eligible institution may submit; however, an institution may only receive support up to a maximum of $1,410,000 in cumulative award totals for this award competition.

Proposals submitted in response to this NOFO must differ substantively in scope and objectives from previously funded NNF projects in the last five years in which this cycle’s Project Director (PD) substantively participated. In summary, NNF will not extend existing NNF awards or recycle previously funded awards.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching No Match Required - The NNF program has no matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

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

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to this NOFO electronically; no other method or response is accepted.

The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 3 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. The NIFA Grants Application Guide is contained in the specific funding opportunity package or a sample of the guide can be found here. When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.

Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-HEP-011737, 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.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/learn-grants/grants-101/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/

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 45 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. (Required Attachment – Must be in PDF format). The Project Summary/Abstract must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the NNF and is limited to two pages. Project Summary/Abstract that are formatted incorrectly and/or exceed this page limit requirement may not be accepted for review. Title the attachment as ‘Project Summary’ in the document header and save file as ‘ProjectSummary.’ The Project Summary should:

a. List the proposal title.

b. List the names of the PD(s) and institution(s).

c. Identify the major field of study, and/or academic program, and discipline(s) being addressed (see Table 6); applicants may indicate single or multiple disciplines.

d. Clearly indicate the number of fellows and degree level(s) to be supported under the application.

e. Total funds requested 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

f. Include an abstract of no more than 250 words that is a clear description of the project proposed, succinctly providing information about its major features and a specific description of the activities to be undertaken.

1. State the overall project goal(s) and measurable objectives;

2. Give a concise overview of training plans to accomplish project goal(s) for the area of focus; include measurable targets, in a specified timeline, to meet proposed objectives.

3. State the relevance of the project to the NNF Program goals.

4. State the anticipated, measurable national impact(s) on the field of study or discipline.

Table 6. Relevant Disciplines

Relevant Disciplines this Funding Cycle Code

Animal Science A Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology B Plant Sciences and Horticulture (includes Turf Grass/Weed Science/Plant Breeding)

P

Conservation and Renewable Natural Resources (including Forestry, Parks & Recreation, Biofuels, or Biobased Products)

C

Soil Sciences (includes Soil Quality, Processes) D Water Sciences/Resources (includes Water Quality) W Agricultural/Biological Engineering (includes Rangeland, Rural Technology) E Agricultural Marketing and Management (includes Agricultural Economics) M Food Science/Technology/Manufacturing/Safety F Human Nutrition (includes Obesity and Relevance to USDA Research and Development Goals)

N

Agricultural Social Sciences (includes Rural Sociology) S Veterinary Medicine (graduate degree training) V Interdisciplinary, Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, and Economics Graduate Degree Programs

G

Agricultural Biosecurity X Other (Describe only if not listed above) O

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The project narrative shall not exceed 20 pages of written text, inclusive of figures and tables. We have established this maximum (20 total pages) to ensure fair competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit.

Formatting shall be 1-inch margins, no smaller than 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar), and double-spaced. PN that are formatted incorrectly and/or exceed this page limit requirement may not be accepted for review. The PN must include and be organized into the four sections identified below. A description of the information that must be included in each section is also provided.

Section 1: Progress Report (if applicable) and Institutional Data and Profile

a. Progress Report (if applicable, maximum of two pages, and does not count against the 20-page limit for the PN): If the application is from a PD who has substantively participated in NNF awards in the last five years (e.g., as PD, co-PD, or other key personnel), include a clearly marked progress report (no longer than two pages) describing results to date from the previous award. The progress report must contain the following information:

(1) The Award Number (xxxx-38420-xxxxx) from the NIFA Award Face Sheet and role of this proposal’s PD, and as applicable, this proposal’s key personnel, if substantive contributions were made on the cited prior award

(2) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the objectives established for the previous award

(3) The reasons established objectives were not met, if applicable

(4) A listing of any graduated Fellows, new curricula, service-learning, or other outputs, including those outputs identified in the project logic model resulting from the award

(5) An explanation of how the current proposal differs substantively in scope and objectives from previously funded NNF projects where the PD has participated in the last five years (e.g., as PD, co-PD, or other key personnel).

b. Institutional Profile

(1) Discuss the quality of education for all students in the graduate program.

Describe aligned data, accountability, and knowledge management to support graduate training program development for improvement in practice, policy, and strategy to increase achievement, graduation, and postgraduation success in the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/ or discipline. Provide supporting data with numbers, demographics, and results from Program Quality Review(s). Describe curriculum and instructional approaches, the availability of research training opportunities, and strategies or activities for developing the leadership, management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of students or unique mentoring experiences that may assist in preparing students for placement following graduation.

(2) Present evidence that the overall academic program has an established record that recognizes and addresses current trends and future needs and prepares students for the major field of study of the application and successful careers in the food and agricultural sciences’ professional and scientific workplaces.

(3) Discuss current or planned programs at the institution designed to engage outstanding graduate students to pursue and complete further graduate/professional studies as a pipeline into the workforce, filling areas of management and leadership in food and agricultural sciences disciplines and how these programs will be synergistic or augment the current application.

(4) Substantiate clearly, with data indicating prior graduate training success in the major field of study, the quality of graduate training and/or experiential learning available through the institution's graduate teaching, research and experiential program(s) in the food and agricultural sciences in the discipline(s) for which fellows are being recruited.

(5) Demonstrate the likelihood that the proposed program of graduate study will result in the development of outstanding graduates with effective leadership and communication skills and the technical and functional competence to meet the future needs of an interconnected, technologically advanced, rapidly changing, and stakeholder-driven American food and agricultural industry.

Section 2: Proposed Activities Describe in detail the proposed activities and strategies that will be employed to carry out the following:

a. Recruitment and Selection of Fellows

(1) Describe the plans for the recruitment of outstanding fellows, including a brief justification for focused recruitment efforts. If recruiting from specific colleges and universities, include institutional letters of support from them. The rationale for using proposed strategies and procedures should be provided.

(2) Discuss the strategies and procedures for recruitment and selection of students committed to the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) as participants in the fellowship program, including selection criteria for choosing outstanding fellows who are considered likely to pursue degrees in national major field of study.

b. Academic Advising, Research Training, Professional Counseling, Mentoring, Pipelining

(1) Describe the organization and philosophy of the proposed graduate training program relative to the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s). Identify the core competencies that each fellow will be expected to attain and how these will be evaluated as part of the fellowship outcome measures.

(2) Describe plans and procedures for assessing, monitoring, counseling, guiding, and sustaining fellows’ commitment and progress toward securing an education with the core competencies to be attained in preparation for a career that meets the need of the national major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s).

(3) Describe the nature of professional mentoring to be provided to fellows (note that there is also a ‘Mentoring Plan’ attachment under Field 12) and the subsequent follow-up on their graduation and further training or entry into the workforce. Identify the specific type(s) of workforce positions the NNF students are being trained for.

(4) Provide evidence-based research, published materials, and common practices that support the effectiveness of proposed strategies.

c. Experiential Learning: Hands-on Research, Extension, Teaching, and Other Activities

(1) Discuss the plans that will allow the fellows to be engaged in experiential learning—such as hands-on research, teaching practicum, Extension/outreach experiences, written and oral communication skills, leadership training, service learning, and others—that will enhance the academic experience of the fellows.

Develop activities that are feasible, effective (based on studies or common practices), and realistic based on the resources available at the institution(s).

(2) Describe plans for mentorship and scholarship during the experiential learning opportunity.

(3) Identify the goals of the experiential learning opportunity and their relevance to the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) and overall objectives of the training project.

d. Measuring Performance Outcomes

(1) Use the mean of two years prior to project start as the baseline data and demonstrate how the training project will help increase the number and/or percentage of students graduating with master’s or doctoral degrees in food and agricultural sciences versus the normal outcome without a grant award.

i. Include plans for achieving a completion rate greater than the institutional average for the specific graduate program of study. Completion rate is computed as number of fellows graduated divided by number of fellows recruited, expressed as a percentage.

ii. Describe the institution's mentoring and other support services and how they promote and achieve successful college graduate student retention through graduation and pipelining to further graduate training or the workforce.

iii. Detail the plans and procedures to measure and report performance outcomes and impacts. Describe ongoing evaluation of the graduate training project implementation and effectiveness, measuring program outcomes and impacts (e.g., technical competence, scholarly contributions), pipelining, and tracking fellows' accomplishments up to five years after graduation. Provide details of how the proposed graduate training will lead to achieving the goals of the NNF grants program. The applicant should project a goal for tracking (e.g., expressed as a less than 10 percent “unable-to-contact” rate during the 60-month postgraduation follow-up phase). As an example, the Unable-to-Track Rate is computed as the number of “unable-to-contact” graduated Fellows divided by the number of graduated fellows, expressed as a percentage. An escalating unable-to-contact rate is of considerable concern.

(2) The project evaluation should describe a plan for assessment of outcomes and impacts for the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) that includes: entry of fellow(s) into a specific major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s); assessment if the training is well-tailored for the fellow and should lead to expected outcomes, as well as meeting the needs of the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s); determination of measurable change due to the training; and the accrued changes in the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) due to the proposed training program.. Describe the strategy or approach that will be used to evaluate project implementation and how success will be measured. Include a discussion of how evaluation findings would be used to modify and improve future opportunities for fellows.

e. Dissemination of Results and/or Impacts Wide dissemination of results and/or impacts of the graduate training program, including student achievements, should be provided to NIFA and other interested parties including the general public. Make clear what specific avenues will be used and identify the expected impacts. Include plans for:

(1) Output and outcomes reporting, including impacts of experiential learning activities, of fellowship recipients

(2) Disseminating project outcomes, impacts, and achievements, and the relevance to meeting the program purpose and goals of the funding agency, to a wide audience, and how that dissemination will be broadened.

Section 3: Institutional Resources, Support, and Commitment Substantiate clearly, with supporting documentation:

a. The applicant institution’s business processes; facilities and equipment; instructional, professional mentoring, and research support resources; and other attributes (e.g., professional ranking of department, other funding sources, and NIFA program evaluation) are excellent for providing outstanding teaching, research, and/or Extension/outreach at the forefront of science and technology related to the chosen discipline for major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s).

b. Fellowship recipients will be provided with curricula and experiential learning opportunities, including travel activities, that are relevant to their course of study to prepare graduates to gain expertise and meet the national need.

c. Commensurate with institutional capacity, demonstrate the applicant institution’s commitment to supporting the fellows’ education and research over and beyond the funds provided by USDA. Such support beyond the USDA funding should be documented with signed letters of support.

d. Describe support to matriculate knowledge experts and indicate plans to challenge the Fellows in problem solving and critical thinking in a broader context beyond the major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s).

Section 4: Other Supporting Information Identify practices and innovations in training and learning that have shown substantial achievement gains in knowledge, skills, and competencies in the major field of study.

Describe any innovative and special features of the proposed project that will be available to Fellows or required as a part of their degree programs. Such features may include:

a. Developing intellectual capital—increase in knowledge and skills—for advancement in higher education, development of a creative and innovative workforce, and informed participation in civic life; specifically identify experiences and expected qualitative and quantitative outcomes from fellows

b. Holistic concepts and analytical tools from a variety of disciplines to address sciences (environmental, social, and economic) for sustainability and increase USDA mission science content in cyberlearning materials—based on how students learn—with deeper study of statistics and data analysis to ensure rigorous learning to advance STEM achievement of K-12 students; specifically identify experiences and expected qualitative and quantitative outcomes from Fellows

c. Providing intentional leadership, management, and communication experiences for fellows that enhance the skills of the emerging professional to contribute to areas of national major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) and advance America’s competitiveness; specifically identify experiences and expected qualitative and quantitative outcomes from fellows

d. Describing the wider array of resources (such as private-sector companies, K-12 educational systems, consulting firms, or universities) that will be leveraged to increase educational assets and expand fellows' professional development and intellectual capacity to impact major field of study, and/or academic program, and/or discipline area(s) as creative and innovative thinkers; specifically identify experiences and expected qualitative and quantitative outcomes from Fellows

4. Field 10. Facilities & Other Resources - (Optional Attachment – Must be PDF format). Describe the types, location, and availability of instrumentation and physical facilities necessary to carry out the work proposed. If special academic, private, or government laboratories or facilities are being used, include a letter in the application from the authorized representative of the facility describing the proposed arrangements and availability. Any such letter shall be included as a part of Other Attachments. See Field 12 below.

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

The following instructions are in addition to those noted in Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

a. Response to Previous Review – PDF Attachment. One-page limit.

Title the attachment as ‘Response to Previous Review’ in the document header and save file as ‘ResponsetoPreviousReview.’ This requirement only applies to “Resubmitted Applications” as described under Part II, B., “Types of Applications.”

PDs must respond to the panel summary provided from the previous review. If desired, additional comments may be included in the text of the Project Narrative, subject to the page limitations of that section.

b. Mentoring Plan – PDF Attachment. Two-page limit.

Title the attachment as “Mentoring Plan” in the document header and save file as “Mentoring PlanMasters[or]DVM/DoctoralStudents.” The Mentoring Plan should incorporate:

(a) Roles and responsibilities of the PD and co-PDs in managing the mentoring process

(b) Training for and/or credentials of individuals who will serve as mentors (i.e.

mentor training); mentors may be experienced mentors from academia, industry, or government, or student peers at various levels who are expected to provide guidance, support, and sense of community with the activities; and facilitate the amplification of program-specific perspectives and accomplishments of the mentees

(c) A description of mentoring activities that may include, but are not limited to, peer mentoring or layered mentoring

(d) A description of processes to ensure reasonable accommodation for program participants with disabilities or challenges with accessing program activities

c. Appendices to Project Narrative – PDF Attachment.

Title the attachment as ‘Appendices’ in the document header and save file as ‘Appendices’. Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables page limitations.

d. Institutional Profile – PDF Attachment. No Page Limit.

Title the attachment as ‘Appendices: Institutional Profile.’ Supportive information may include the following institutional data and should be presented in table format:

(a) Student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for the past five years

(b) Mean standardized college entrance exam scores of students admitted to the institution(s) for the past five years

(c) Placement of graduates during the past five years

(d) Enrollment, graduation rates, and placement of students and/or past fellows

e. Collaborative Arrangements – PDF Attachment. No Page Limit.

Title the attachment as ‘Collaborative Arrangements’ in the document header and save file as ‘CollaborativeArrangement.’ If it is necessary to enter into formal consulting or collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) are known at the time of the application, a vita or resume should be provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter of support signed by the AR of the consultant/collaborating organization) should be provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of the application.

f. Data Management Plan (DMP). PDF attachment. Two Page Limit.

Title the attachment “Data Management Plan” in the document header and save file as “DataManagementPlan.” A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the PD and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project, including participating fellows’ data. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA’s Data Management Plan). If you need help in preparing a data management plan or have questions about what constitutes a data management plan for this role (including questions about data privacy, etc.), please contact the NIFA program contacts listed at the end of this NOFO.

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.

1. Match – Not required.

2. Indirect Costs (IDC) – Not permitted on the NNF. See Part IV, C of this NOFO for funding restrictions regarding IDC, and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.

3. Funding Requirements – Funding requests are restricted to student stipends and institutional allowances. Funding amounts per student must be adhered to.

Supplemental Information Form. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

1. Field 2. Program to which you are applying. Enter the program name “NNF” and the program code “KK”. Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions

1. No Indirect Cost (IDC). IDC is not authorized for NNF program.

If funds remain as a result of Fellows completing their studies early (less than 24 months for a master’s degree or less than 36 months for a doctoral degree) or fellowships being terminated prematurely, such funds may be used, within the time remaining on the award, to support: (1) pursuit of a doctoral degree in a major field of study in the food and agricultural sciences by a master’s degree level fellow at the grantee institution, or (2) a replacement…