Notice of Funding Opportunity Research Facilities Act Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 24, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING: $121,127,200

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$100,000 - $30,000,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-OP-011980

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.246

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.246.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, July 24, 2026 [Ref to Part I, B 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 NOFOs 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 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 RFAP 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

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

NIFA is requesting applications for the RFAP to support the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, and/or remodeling of a research facility. Proposals must enhance the institution’s long-term impact on food and agricultural research and build on careful strategic planning.

RFAP seeks to strengthen the quality and expand the scope of fundamental and applied research at eligible institutions by providing them with opportunities to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, and/or remodeling of the facility that supports their research and research training goals.

The amount available for support of this program in FY 2026 is approximately $121,127,200.

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

APPENDIX IV: CAPACITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

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 RFAP is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 390 et seq. to make competitive grants to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities.

B. Purpose and Priorities The RFAP is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.246. RFAP is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying institutions for the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of agricultural research facilities to conduct research in the fields of food and agricultural sciences (as defined in 7 U.S.C. 3103, see Appendix III for definition).

An "agricultural research facility" means a proposed facility for research in food and agricultural sciences for which Federal funds are requested to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the facility (7 U.S.C. 390). For purposes of RFAP, an agricultural research facility refers to a proposed facility or facility enhancement that supports advancing research and training in the food and agricultural sciences and aligns with USDA Research and Development Priorities. This includes spaces and infrastructure that enable basic, applied, and developmental research, as well as extension and teaching activities integral to preparing the next generation of researchers and professionals in these fields.

Facilities may encompass, but are not limited to, a wide range of infrastructure that supports research, research training, and integrated activities in the food and agricultural sciences. Eligible facilities may include single buildings, stand-alone structures, or multi-building complexes, provided they directly enable and enhance agricultural research capacity.

Examples include but are not limited to:

1. Research laboratories designed for experimental, analytical, or applied scientific work.

2. Specimen storage, instrumentation suites, and other specialized spaces for maintaining and utilizing research materials and technologies.

3. Classroom, training, or experiential learning spaces that support hands-on research and research focused instruction.

4. Integrated complexes that co-locate research, extension, and teaching functions to promote innovation and collaboration.

5. Greenhouses, growth chambers, shade houses, screen houses, and other controlled environment facilities.

6. Standalone agricultural research structures, including barns, animal care or husbandry facilities, aquaculture units, or other specialized facilities supporting agricultural research programs.

A proposal for an agricultural research facility must meet all the following criteria:

1. Non-Federal share – The proposal shall certify the availability of at least a 1:1 non-

Federal matching share of the cost of the facility. The non-Federal share shall be paid in https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim cash and may include funding from private sources or from units of State or local government.

2. Nonduplication of facilities – The proposal shall demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would be complementary to, and not duplicative of, facilities of colleges, universities, nonprofit institutions, and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the State and region.

3. National research priorities – The proposal shall demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would:

a. Serve one or more of the purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education set forth in 7 U.S.C. 3101; and

b. Serve national or multistate needs.

4. Long-term support and impact – The proposal shall demonstrate that the recipient entity has the ability and commitment to support the long-term, ongoing operating and maintenance costs of:

a. The agricultural research facility after the facility is completed; and

b. Each program to be based at the facility.

Awards may support the acquisition of real property and fixed equipment and the design, construction, restoration, renovation, and remodeling of buildings or sites of agricultural research facilities or other facilities that house agricultural research experimental samples or specimens.

Awards extend to both on-campus facilities and off-campus experiment stations and research centers.

Acquisition and installation of general‑ and special‑purpose equipment is allowed only when the equipment is permanently affixed to the facility and functions as part of the research facility’s infrastructure. Eligible equipment must be integral to the construction, renovation, or modernization of the agricultural research facility and necessary for the facility to operate as intended. Examples include building‑integrated systems such as fixed environmental controls, permanently installed monitoring or safety systems, and other infrastructure‑embedded equipment essential to supporting research activities. Portable, movable, or non‑affixed equipment (whether general‑purpose or special‑purpose) is not allowable under RFAP.

Applicants seeking support for standalone research equipment that is not permanently attached to the facility should apply to NIFA’s Equipment Grant Program, which provides funding for non‑construction research equipment.

Activities may include but are not limited to:

1. Assessing sites and infrastructure;

2. Planning and conceptual designing for the new, restored, or renovated facility or site;

3. Developing schematics and construction drawings for the new, restored, or renovated facility or site;

4. Constructing, restoring, or renovating of facility or site;

5. Purchasing and installing related permanently affixed equipment for research monitoring and protecting specimens and samples; and/or

6. Purchasing and installing critical building systems, such as electrical, climate control, security, life safety, lighting, utilities, telecommunications, and energy management.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/equipment-grant-program

Applicants are not restricted to a single building, a single site, or a single type of renovation within a proposal. Applicants may request support for construction, renovation, modernization, or expansion across multiple facilities or multiple locations, including outlying experiment stations, as long as all proposed activities are integrated and collectively strengthen agricultural research capacity.

Deliverables may include:

1. Documents determining the feasibility of the planned agricultural research facility(ies) or site(s);

2. Completed design and construction, restoration, or renovation drawings;

3. Completed construction, restoration, or renovation; and/or

4. Completed installation of critical building systems.

Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: RFAP Program Code Name: Research Facilities Act Program

ALN: 10.246

Project Type: Facilities Project Grant Type: Standard Grant

Application Deadline July 24, 2026 Grant Duration: 12-48 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 35-40 Minimum Award Amount: $100,000 Maximum Award Amount: $30,000,000

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for RFAP in FY 2026 is approximately $121,127,200. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards.

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

NOFO.

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

Applications for FY2026 are limited to the following application types:

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

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein.

Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

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

1. Project Types. All RFAP projects will fall under the Facilities Project type.

2. Grant Types. All RFAP projects fall under the Standard Grant type. Applicants must choose to apply to one of four Project Funding Levels: I, II, III, IV. The four project funding levels and accompanying cash-matching sums required are shown below. The project duration is between 12 – 48 months for all four project funding levels.

Level I – Planning Activities

a. NIFA Award Amount $100,000 - $200,000

b. Example Purpose – For advanced planning, feasibility and needs assessments, site surveys, environmental reviews, preliminary architectural and engineering designs, cost estimation and budgeting

Level II – Small Facility Upgrades

a. NIFA Award Amount $250,000 - $2,000,000

b. Example Purpose – Renovations, modernization of labs, small facility upgrades

Level III – Mid-Scale Construction/Expansion

a. NIFA Award Amount $2,000,000 - $ 10,000,000

b. Example Purpose – Expansions, specialized research wings, major retrofits

Level IV – Large-Scale Research Complex

a. NIFA Award Amount $10,000,000 - $30,000,000

b. Example Purpose – Entire new buildings, major research complexes, specialized labs, controlled environment research facilities 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 RFAP must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s About Grants provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Applications may be submitted by:

1. 1994 Land-Grant Institutions

2. State Agricultural Experiment Stations

3. 1862 Land-Grant Institutions

4. Accredited school or college of veterinary medicine or State Agricultural Experiment

Station that conducts animal health and disease research in accordance with section 1433(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195)

5. 1890 Land-Grant Institutions

6. Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACU) as defined in 7

U.S.C. 3103

7. Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) - Institutions satisfying the eligibility requirements for NLGCA designation.

8. Insular Area Institutions-Institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1995 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a).

9. Institutions eligible for "McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act" (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.)

10. Other entities eligible to receive funds under a capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section 6971(f)(1)(C)). See Appendix IV under capacity and infrastructure programs.

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 – An eligible institution may not submit more than one application to this program as a lead institution. This includes applications from subordinate units under a parent institution. Additionally, eligible recipients may only receive funds for one award at a time. Prospective applicants are advised to contact their institutional sponsored projects office regarding processes used to select proposals for submission.

For RFAP purposes, ‘parent institution’ refers to the single, legally distinct institution of higher education that oversees its colleges, schools, and departments. A separate UEI by itself does not automatically make a campus or unit a different institution. Some campuses, divisions, or administrative units within a university system may maintain their own UEIs for grants management purposes while still operating under the governance, accreditation, and legal identity of a single parent institution. In such cases, the parent institution, not the UEI, is the controlling factor in determining the one application limit. The one application limit applies to all subordinate units under the same institution. However, university systems with multiple https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3195%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3195)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3103%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3103)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-21-003-non-land-grant-colleges-agriculture-nlgca-list https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-21-003-non-land-grant-colleges-agriculture-nlgca-list https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1001%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:582a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section582a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:582a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section582a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:6971%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section6971)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/08/2025-08266/improving-the-safety-and-security-of-biological-research independently accredited and governed institutions may submit one application per institution within the system. A multi campus university system may submit more than one application only if each campus is recognized as a distinct institution based on its own independent accreditation, governance structure, and institutional identity.

Institutions that have received congressionally directed funding for research facility projects are not excluded from participation in this program. Such institutions may submit applications and compete for additional projects under this competitive funding opportunity.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Match Required – Applicants MUST provide at minimum a 1:1 matching contribution on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all Federal funds awarded under the RFAP. The non-Federal share must be paid in cash and may include funding from private sources or from units of State or local government. In-kind matching will not be considered. See 7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(A).

The full match amount must be budgeted in the application, with sources of funding clearly disclosed. Recipients may phase matching contributions, potentially synchronized with project construction milestones, or raise additional funds during the project period, provided that the Authorized Representative signs the award, thereby attesting to fulfill all match commitments.

Matching costs must be incurred during the federal award period, align with 2 CFR 200.306 requirements (verifiable, allowable, not double counted, and included in the approved budget), and be properly documented and reported cumulatively via the SF425 Federal Financial Reports throughout and at the conclusion of the project

Consistent with 48 U.S.C. 1469a, notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Northern Mariana Islands, NIFA will waive any requirement for local matching funds under $200,000 (including in-kind contributions).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:390a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section390a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

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

Table 3. Steps to Obtain Application Materials Steps Action

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

Step Two:

Download Adobe

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

Step Three: Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OP-011980, 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.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://grants.gov/applicants/search-for-opportunity-package https://www.grants.gov/support https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ mailto:grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide

Table 5: Key Application Instructions Instruction References

(All references are to the NIFA Grants Application Guide)

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

Part IV

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

Part IV

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part IV

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the

SF-424 R&R.

Part V

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

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 60 days of the application deadline.

N/A

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s). See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

R&R Other Project Information Form. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the RFAP. The summary must not exceed 250 words. List the names and affiliated organizations of all Project Directors/co-PDs, the title of the project, and the project funding level at the top of the page. The summary should be a self-contained, specific description of the activity to be undertaken and should include overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish project goal(s); and relevance of the project to the goals of the RFAP program. A concise, informative Project Summary is critical for successful applications. Name the file as summary.pdf. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN must not exceed 10 1.5 spaced pages of written text, inclusive of figures and tables (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair competition.

Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project.

Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. Name the file as narrative.pdf. Each section of the PN corresponds to Review Criteria. For Project levels II-IV, the PN must 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://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide include all the following (For Level I Planning Activities only include what is applicable, see Part V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS, B. Evaluation Criteria).

a. Cover Page: The PN cover page must include the information below and will not count towards the page limit of the PN;

1) Project Title;

2) Project Director and any Co-Project Director(s) (include institutional affiliation for each);

3) Project Funding Level: Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV;

4) Total Funds Requested: List total Federal funds requested for this application; and

5) Total Cash-Matching funds and source(s)

6) Partners: If applicable, list all partner institutions/organizations

b. Rationale and Significance: Describe your organization’s research purposes and activities in the fields of food and agricultural science and why the proposed facility project is necessary and how it advances your institution’s research mission, infrastructure, and capacity. Discuss how the project addresses critical infrastructure needs, aligns with USDA and national research priorities, and enhances your institution’s ability to deliver impactful research outcomes.. Justify the requested funding level in relation to the project’s scope and anticipated impact. Clearly state how the projects aligns to the USDA Research & Development Priorities and national or multistate research needs. Applicants addressing deferred maintenance across several sites, includes multiple facilities within one location, or includes new construction at multiple locations, these components should be presented as part of a cohesive, well‑justified project including how the group of facilities or sites functions together to advance the research mission and bundling these activities into a single proposal is appropriate and strategically aligned. Applicants may submit a portfolio‑style application, if the activities are integrated, justified, and collectively support the goals of RFAP.

c. Long-term Impact and Institutional Commitment: Describe the expected long-term impact of the proposed project on advancing research and enhancing capacity in food and agricultural sciences, fostering innovation, support for workforce development, and benefits to stakeholder communities. Explain how the project aligns with your institution’s strategic goals and initiatives. Provide details on institutional commitments to sustain operations, maintenance, and programmatic use of facility beyond the grant period. Provide letters of support for commitment from appropriate institutional officials, program partners, constituents, and/or outside experts.

d. Project Planning and Activities: Provide a description of the planning completed and the activities that will occur during the project period. Include major milestones such as design completion, permitting, procurement, construction phases, and commissioning. Explain how the project will meet all applicable compliance requirements (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)) and identify the roles of key personnel and contractors. Describe how these activities will ensure the facility is delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the goals of the RFAP program. Provide additional details in Project Plan, Planning and Design Documents, and Site Conditions.

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-020.pdf https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/build-america-buy-america-baba-act https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/build-america-buy-america-baba-act

e. Financial Capacity and Fundraising: Provide a detailed explanation of your institution’s financial capacity to successfully complete the proposed project and meet the required non-federal cash match. Include a description of your fundraising strategy, anticipated sources of matching funds, and timelines for securing commitments. Discuss any funds already pledged or raised and provide evidence of institutional financial stability. Explain how your institution will sustain the facility’s operations and maintenance beyond the grant period. If the NIFA-supported project is partially a component of a larger agricultural facility, briefly explain how you intend to finance the entire plan. See 2 CFR 200.306 for requirements related to match and cost share.

f. Project Team: Identify the project team and describe the roles and responsibilities of each member. Include the Project Director and other key personnel, as well as external partners or consultants who will contribute to planning, design, construction, or compliance activities. Provide a summary of relevant qualifications and experience that demonstrate the team’s ability to successfully complete the proposed project and manage federal funds. Explain how the team will coordinate to ensure timely execution, regulatory compliance, and achievement of project goals.

g. Deliverables, Outcomes, and Long-Term Viability: Provide a clear description of the deliverables that will result from the proposed project (e.g., completed facility components, installed systems, commissioning documentation). Explain the expected outcomes for research and how these outcomes will advance food and agricultural sciences. Describe your institution’s plan for sustaining the facility and its programs beyond the grant period, including operations, maintenance, and long-term funding strategies. Discuss how the project will provide lasting benefits and remain aligned with future research priorities.

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

a. Project Plan (Required, except for Level I Planning Activities): Provide a phase mapped Project Execution Plan (PEP) for delivering the facility with critical milestones. The PEP is a governing document for scope, schedule, cost, risk, compliance, and controls and is updated at each phase gate (planning, design, construction, and commissioning). Recommend including a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) summary, timeline with milestones, Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB), Basis of Estimate (BOE), risk register, compliance path (NEPA, NHPA, BABA), and governance/change control approach. Page limit: 10 pages.

Name file as projectplan.pdf.

b. Planning and Design Documents (Required, optional for Level I Planning Activities):

Include site and design documentation that demonstrates readiness and technical rigor including: design basis, schematics, codes/standards, permitting strategy, and technical specifications needed to start and complete the project safely and compliantly. At a minimum include: site conditions; design criteria; schematics;

permitting and environmental steps; supply-chain/domestic content (BABA) plan.

Page limit: 10 pages. Name file as design.pdf.

c. Budget Justification (Required): Page limit: 5 Pages. Align justifications clearly with budget categories. Name the file as justification.pdf.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306

1) An estimation of the overall project expenditures for each year of the performance period for the funding level selected, matching funds from a third-party, non-Federal contributions that will be obtained, and the amount of requested NIFA funds.

2) A detailed and concise justification that further breaks down cost items under each category of form SF-424C. The budget justification should clearly describe the purpose of expenditures and align with the proposed project as described in the narrative. Identify the names of key personnel that will be supported with NIFA funds, and their roles and responsibilities on the project. The budget justification should show quantities, unit prices and total cost, as applicable. The budget justification should be an extension of the Project Narrative. Construction estimates may be provided to supplement the budget justification.

3) Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B of this NOFO must list the matching sources, the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions.”

d. Institutional Profile (required): Provide the institution’s URL and the following in an outline, name file as profile.pdf:

1) Informational facts and figures regarding the institution, such as its:

i. History, Mission Statement, Governance, Administrative Structure, and Physical Infrastructure

ii. The sizes and makeup of the research working group/staff in food and agricultural sciences (including the percentage of all staff who work in the food and agricultural sciences)

iii. Existing research facilities of agriculture and food sciences (including the percentage of all research facilities that are in the food and agricultural sciences)

iv. Affiliation or accreditation (if applicable)

2) Data on recent food and agricultural sciences program activities, including:

i. Types and numbers of enrollments, programs, courses, and degrees awarded in the past two years

ii. Percentage of total offerings that are in the food and agricultural sciences

iii. Size and nature of audience or population served, or participant figures

iv. Cost to participants (if any)

v. Evidence for the success of these food and agricultural sciences activities

vi. If available, provide a URL for the institution’s latest annual report Page limit: 3 pages

e. Letters of Commitment or Support (required): Include letters of commitment or support from appropriate officials confirming the institution’s commitment to the proposed agricultural research facilities activities and to meeting the requirements of the RFAP. You may include other letters of support, such as from scholars in the https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 field, community leaders, and participants in or beneficiaries of the agricultural research facilities, as appropriate. Letters of commitment should refer to the application for NIFA support and must be signed and dated. Neither elected government officials nor NIFA staff, may serve as letter writers. Name file as letters.pdf.

f. Site Conditions (conditionally required): Include a description of the site, the project, and any potential expected effects on the environment and historic preservation for NIFA to review if the project entails the development of final design or construction documents, the execution of new construction, expansion, alteration, renovation, repair, rehabilitation, or ground disturbing activities. Applicants must show ownership or legal rights to use the land prior to award execution. Acceptable documents include deed or title, fully executed purchase agreement, or lease agreement. Also include, if applicable, any easements or access agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partners if site is shared. Name file as site.pdf. If it is proposed to renovate leased property, a copy of the existing or proposed long-term lease agreement (the lease must extend at least five (5) years past the end of the proposed period of performance), the landlord or lessor’s consent to the renovation, and the landlord or lessor’s agreement to the period of federal interest of five (5) years past the period of performance end date and to file a Notice of Federal Interest (as applicable) must be submitted. Also include, if applicable, utility service agreements, confirming capacity and availability to support the new facility.

g. Additional Supporting Documentation (recommended): Include other relevant documents to support the application, including materials that illustrate agricultural research activities, such as programming and/or organizational brochures or evaluation materials (metrics or survey documents). Your application may include links or URLs to relevant documents, webpages, or other materials. Page Limit: 5 pages. Name file as documentation.pdf.

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. Page Limit: 2 pages. Name file as keypersonnel.pdf.

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

SF-424C Budget Information for Construction Programs. For guidance, see the SF-424C Instructions and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide.

1. Applicants requesting support for a Level I Planning Activities grant must complete the SF424C (Budget Information for Construction Programs) to reflect only those costs necessary to conduct planning activities. When preparing the SF424C, applicants should categorize personnel and administrative costs, including salaries, fringe benefits, and institutional administrative or legal services, under Administrative and Legal Expenses.

Expenses associated with site evaluations, feasibility analyses, or appraisals should be entered under Land, Structures, RightsofWay, Appraisals. Costs for architectural and engineering planning services, concept designs, and technical environmental or facility assessments must be included under the appropriate Architectural and Engineering Fees lines. Travel, supplies, stakeholder engagement activities, software or minor equipment https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/r-r-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/r-r-family essential to planning, and other allowable planning related expenses should be recorded under Miscellaneous or Equipment as applicable. All costs entered on the SF424C must be supported by the budget justification submitted as part of the budget documentation.

2. Provide the total Federal and non-Federal (match) cost of each budget category listed.

3. Match – Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III, B of this NOFO must list in their budget justification the matching sources, the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing, and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions.” If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part III, B of this NOFO is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the budget justification. NIFA will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.

4. Indirect costs (IDC) – See Part IV, C of this NOFO for funding restrictions regarding IDC, and Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for additional information.

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

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name

“Research Facilities Act Program” and the program code “RFAP.” Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions

1. Legislative Mandated Indirect Cost (IDC). Section 7 U.S.C. §390d(b) of the Research

Facilities Act states, “Not more than 3 percent of the funds made available for any project for an agricultural research facility shall be available for administration of the project.”

Therefore, when preparing budgets, applicants must limit their requests for recovery of administrative costs to three (3) percent of the total funds requested.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1a74011311d649ff6313ca273791b131&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-22-001-nifa-grants-application-guide https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-chapter14-subchapter3&saved=%7CKHRpdGxlOjcgc2VjdGlvbjozOTBhIGVkaXRpb246cHJlbGltKQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim 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…