FY26-STEM-NOFO-P-MOD1.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics Fields

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year (FY) 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 14, 2026

ANTICIPATED PROGRAM FUNDING:

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL AWARD

RANGE:

$1,905,210

$25,000 - $200,000

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: USDA-NIFA-WAMS-011117

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 10.318

ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture

Assistance Listing Number (ALN): The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields (STEM) program is listed in the Assistance Listings under the number 10.318.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, September 14, 2026 Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice

(NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

The use of preferences based solely upon a person’s inclusion in a racial or ethnic group without any showing of a discriminatory act towards such person is not consistent with the opinion issued in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, 600 U.S. 181 (2023). Accordingly, in issuing grants pursuant to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), grants will not be awarded through the use of racial, ethnic, of sex preferences. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not 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 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 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 STEM NOFO.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

NIFA requests applications for the STEM program for FY 2026. The approximate amount available for grants is $1,905,210.

This notice identifies the objectives for projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. NIFA requests applications to support research, extension, and integrated activities. These activities aim to increase the number of individuals from rural areas who will pursue and complete a postsecondary degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The goal is for these individuals to join the agricultural workforce to make contributions in research, education, extension related activities, and other areas.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority B. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

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

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

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

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

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

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

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

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF KEY INFORMATION

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Program Key Information Table 3: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 4: Help and Resources Table 5: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.

5925(d)(7)).

B. Purpose and Priorities The STEM program, under assistance listing number 10.318, will support projects that increase participation from rural areas. NIFA intends for this program to address educational needs through research and extension activities within broadly defined areas of the food and agricultural sciences and their allied disciplines. Projects must focus on an audience of K-14 students (kindergarten through twelfth grade plus two years of postsecondary schooling (e.g., vocational technical institutions or community or junior colleges). NIFA strongly encourages Project Directors to limit student stipends, tuition, or educational costs of the award to citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. This ensures grant supported training activities directly contribute to strengthening the domestic workforce pipeline.

Applications must highlight and emphasize the development of a competent and qualified workforce in the food and agricultural enterprises. Funded projects should improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and Extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations.

Leadership Skills Development. 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. Applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities through their participation in this project. 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

4. Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, and related activities.

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Table 2: Program Key Information Title Description

Program Code: WAMS Program Name: STEM

ALN: 10.318

Project Type: Research

Extension Integrated Research and Extension Projects

Grant Type: Standard Grants Application Deadline: September 14, 2026

Grant Duration: 24-36 Months Anticipated # of Awards/Fiscal Year: 9

Maximum Award Amount: $25,000 to $200,000 total Proposal Submission Limitations: Two applications per eligible institution

C. Program Area Description A proposed project must address one or more Focus Area that addresses extension and research conducted to benefit the communities served, especially that of their students.

1. Focus Areas. Projects must focus on the purpose of one or more of the Focus Areas below.

a. Student Experiential Learning. Furthers the development of student scientific and professional competencies through hands-on experiential learning projects (inside or outside of the classroom) that provide students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of real-world situations. Applications may emphasize but are not limited to: introducing and expanding students’ knowledge of STEM and other technologies supportive of solutions to pressing challenges influencing food and agriculture, creating more and better markets for producers and consumers; and addressing food and nutrition insecurity and food safety. Projects should focus on advancing student decision making and communications skills, data and analytical skills, and improving their interest in STEM disciplines as they relate to the food and agricultural enterprise through extension and research activities. Activities may include, but are not limited to, internships, practicum experiences, and leadership skill development.

b. Student Recruitment, Retention, and Mentoring. Strengthens student recruitment and retention programs to promote the future strength of the Nation’s scientific, professional, and technical workforce in the food and agricultural sciences. Research and extension activities under this need area may include the provision of student financial assistance to support the recruitment and retention of students. Applications may emphasize, but are not limited to:

(1) Initiating new projects or supplementing current efforts to attract and enroll an increased number of students in education programs in STEM disciplines as they relate to food and agricultural sciences. These efforts may provide outreach to students’ families and communities to engage in a robust exchange of ideas on using the full breadth of the Nation’s intellectual resources more effectively.

(2) Developing or supplementing agricultural and science literacy programs at the K- 14 education levels (kindergarten through twelfth grade plus two years of postsecondary schooling (e.g., vocational technical institutions or community or junior colleges)) that attract students to credentialing or degree-granting programs and careers in the food and agricultural sciences; and providing mentoring, hands-on learning enrichment programs, student financial support to attend credentialing or degree-granting programs, or other initiatives for student retention.

c. Curriculum Design and Materials Development. This Focus Area promotes the development of alternative courses of study and degree programs, new and improved curricula and instructional materials, delivery systems, and technology that respond to differences in student learning styles, or increased awareness of the role of STEM disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences. Projects including curriculum development components must be led by or include key personnel with curriculum development credentials to ensure materials produced comply with the most appropriate pedagogy, teaching standards, and other applicable institutional, state, and national accreditation requirements.

2. Expected Products and Results. The program requires appropriate metrics and expected products and results, outcomes, and their potential impact on strengthening food and agricultural science education, research and Extension in the United States. Metrics to assess products, outputs, and outcomes are to be clearly delineated in the proposal. Metrics to be captured include, but are not limited to, the number of scholarships provided, internships and fellowships completed, participants in career development activities, and training opportunities. Please be as specific as possible in describing the linkages among activities, outputs, and different types of outcomes (e.g., changes in: (1) participant knowledge and awareness of careers in agriculture and training, (2) technical and leadership skills, or (3) participant statistics supportive of this program’s goals;

(recruitment, retention, graduation, and placement rates; partnerships formed) and the relevance and potential impact on successfully preparing and supporting students and other communities of learners to enter the food and agricultural workforce.

3. Evaluation Plan. All projects must have a plan that includes both a strategy for monitoring the project as it evolves (to provide feedback to guide these efforts), as well as a strategy for evaluating the project’s effectiveness in achieving its goals and for identifying positive and negative findings when the project is completed. The complexity of the evaluation will depend on the project’s scope. NIFA encourages grantees to obtain an independent evaluation to secure appropriate documentation of the project’s outputs and outcomes.

Such efforts should be led by knowledgeable and experienced individuals. As a guide, up to 10% of the grant funds may be used to support this purpose.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The amount available for the program in FY 2026 is approximately $1,905,210. USDA is not committed to funding any particular application or to making 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 FY 2026 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 of this NOFO for definition).

2. Resubmitted application. Resubmitted applications must include responses to the previous review panel summary within a 1-page limit in addition to the allowed project narrative length 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 of this NOFO for definition).

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

1. Project Types. Applicants must propose one of the following:

a. Extension Projects. Single-function Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal lesson programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Extension Projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, in-service training, client recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative instructional methodologies appropriate to informal lesson programs.

b. Research Projects. Single-function Research Projects support applied research conducted by individual investigators, co-investigators within the same discipline, or multidisciplinary teams.

Applied research means research that includes expansion of the findings of fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and society. Multi-disciplinary research projects are those in which investigators from two or more food, agriculture, human, and natural resource science disciplines collaborate closely to address a common problem.

c. Integrated Research and Extension Projects. For this program, an integrated project includes research and extension functions (components) within the project.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/REE-NIFA-RFA/RFADocSet/Women%20and%20Minorities%20in%20Science,%20Technology,%20Engineering,%20and%20Mathematics-358/FY26-WAMS-NOFO.docx#PartVApplicationReview https://usdagcc.sharepoint.com/sites/REE-NIFA-RFA/RFADocSet/Women%20and%20Minorities%20in%20Science,%20Technology,%20Engineering,%20and%20Mathematics-358/FY26-WAMS-NOFO.docx#_APPENDIX_III:_DEFINITIONS

Functions should be focused on the problem or issue and should be interwoven throughout the life of the project to complement and reinforce one another. The research and extension functions should be interdependent and necessary for the success of the project, and no more than two-thirds of the project’s budget may be focused on a single function.

Integrated project applicants are encouraged to review NIFA’s Integrated Programs Application Information webpage for additional information on Integrated programs, including tips for writing Integrated project applications and an example of an Integrated application.

2. Grant Types. Standard grant is the grant instrument for this NOFO. This is 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.

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 the 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.

E. Proposal Submission Limitations For FY 2026, an eligible applicant may not submit more than two applications to this program as a lead institution/applicant and no more than one award will be made per lead institution /applicant. Prospective project directors are advised to contact their institutional office of sponsored programs (or similar, if applicable) regarding institutional processes used to select proposals for submission.

https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/integrated-programs-application-information http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/integrated/integrated.html 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 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 Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

As contained in Section 7204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub.

L. 110-246 which amends Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925)), applications may only be submitted by the following eligible applicants:

(a) State agricultural experiment stations

(b) Colleges and universities

(c) University research foundations

(d) Other research institutions and organizations

(e) Federal agencies

(f) National laboratories

(g) Private organizations or corporations

(h) Individuals or any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (a) through (h).

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. Submissions of duplicate (other than revisions) or predominantly overlapping applications are not allowed. An eligible applicant may submit up to two applications whereas they are not essentially duplications of the same project or portions of the same project to multiple programs. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate submissions. For additional information or clarification, please contact the NIFA point of contact (POC) listed in this NOFO.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 5925(a)(2)(A) the grant recipient is required to match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and/or in-kind contributions (see Part IV of this NOFO, R&R Budget. 3. for details).

NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if NIFA determines that: (1) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (2) the project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

Please reach out to the program contact listed in Appendix I of this NOFO with any questions regarding possible cost sharing or match requirements to your specific project.

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PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

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

The electronic application for this NOFO and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 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 (Register Here).

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-WAMS- 011117, 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

Key Information: 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://www.grants.gov/register https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/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/ 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).

Part IV

Check the manifest of submitted files to verify that 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. – The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the STEM Program. See Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates. In the Project Summary please include the following information:

a. Focus Area(s) Supported

b. Project Partners, if applicable

c. Location of the Rural Area Involved (See Appendix III of this NOFO for definition)

d. Number of Students Supported

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN).—The PN must not exceed 10 single-spaced (46 lines per page) pages of written text, including figures and tables. The font size should be no smaller than 12 points, Times New Roman, and the page margins no smaller than 1 inch.

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. The PN must include all the following:

a. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem

i. Identification of Problem and Project Impact. Briefly state: (1) the specific instructional problem/challenge (or opportunity) to be addressed; (2) the https://www.grants.gov/support anticipated project audience; and (3) the project’s objectives and its anticipated, overall impact on improving the quality of food and agricultural sciences .

Clearly identify and explain how the proposed project will address your Focus Area(s) described in Part I.

ii. Project Justification. Summarize the body of knowledge justifying the need for the proposed project. Describe any ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project for which funding was received under a previous program awards or other sources.

iii. Institutional Goals. Demonstrate how the project will: (1) contribute to the achievement of the institution/organization’s long-term (5- to 10-year) goals; (2) help satisfy the institution’s high-priority objectives; and (3) be linked to/supported by the institution's strategic plan.

Innovation. Describe the proposal’s creative approach to improving the quality of food and agricultural sciences and solving a problem for eligible individuals.

Using either actual experiences or literature background information, show why you selected this approach.

b. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages

i. Plan of Operation and Methodology. Describe procedures for accomplishing the objectives of the project. Describe plans for the management of the project to ensure its proper and efficient administration. Describe the way in which resources and personnel will be used to conduct the project.

ii. Timetable. Identify all important project milestones and dates as they relate to project startup, execution, evaluation, and closeout.

iii. Products, Results, Measurable Outcomes and Impacts. Outline the expected products/results and their outcome and impact on strengthening access to food and agricultural sciences for eligible individuals in the United States. Make sure to differentiate among the terms and provide metrics to be tracked.

iv. Evaluation Plans. State the methodologies to be used in assessing the accomplishment of the project’s stated products, results, and measurable impacts.

Discuss the strategies and metrics for evaluating progress toward meeting the Program Goals from Part I. Describe any data to be collected and analyzed. This section shall clearly indicate how you plan to measure impacts.

v. Dissemination Plans. The application must document how project accomplishments will be disseminated to the broadest extent throughout the community. Discuss the institution/organization’s commitment to disseminate project results and products and the potential for institutionalization. Identify audiences and explain methods of communication.

vi. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts (if applicable). Explain how the project will maximize partnership and collaborative efforts to strengthen food and agricultural sciences education. It is highly encouraged for applicants to provide evidence via letters of support from the parties involved in the partnership or collaborative arrangement.

c. Institutional Capability and Capacity Building

i. Institutional/Organizational Commitment and Capability. Demonstrate that the program administration is committed to this project and has the capability to ensure its completion.

ii. Institutional/Organizational Resources. Document that necessary institutional/organizational resources (administrative, facilities, equipment, and management of generated data and/or materials), and other appropriate resources, will be made available to the project. Demonstrate how the institutional/organizational resources will be made available to the project, and when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to carry out the project’s activities.

iii. Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or specific plans for, the project’s continuation or expansion beyond the period of USDA support. For example, detail whether: (1) the institution’s/organization's long-range budget or academic plan provides for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative undertaken by this project after the grant period ends; (2) plans for eventual self- support are built into the project; (3) plans are being made to institutionalize the program if it meets with success; and/or (4) there are indications of other continuing non-Federal support.

iv. Key Personnel. Discuss the adequacy and specific attributes and project responsibilities of each key person associated with the project. Include the background and qualifications of those personnel who will be responsible for assessing project results and administering the project evaluation and reporting process.

d. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness

i. Budget. In addition to the required budget forms and budget justification, discuss how the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities.

Explain how such budget items as professional or technical staff time and salary, participant support costs, travel, equipment, etc., are necessary and reasonable to achieve project objectives. If applicable, justify that the total budget is allocated adequately between the applicant and any collaborating institution/organization(s) and will be appropriate to carry out the activities of the project.

ii. Cost-Effectiveness. Justify the project's cost-effectiveness. Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, or leverages additional funds.

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

a. Data Management Plan (DMP); 2-page limit. A DMP is required for this program.

Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V, B of this NOFO, NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

b. Response to Previous Review (1-page limit). Title the attachment “Response to Previous Review” in the document header and save file as “Response to Previous Review.” This requirement only applies to “Resubmitted Applications” as described under Part II, B of this NOFO. PDs must respond to the previous review panel summary on no more than 1 page. If desired, additional comments may be included in the text of the PN, subject to the page limitations of that section.

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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 not a precondition of the award (see Part V of the NIFA Grants Application Guide).

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

1. Match – If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part III, B of this NOFO are 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.

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.”

2. 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.

3. During the tenure of a grant, PDs must attend one National PD Meeting/Conference, if offered, in Kansas City, Missouri, or any other announced location. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss project and grant management, opportunities for collaborative efforts, future directions for education reform, and opportunities to enhance dissemination of exemplary end products/results of the projects. Reasonable travel expenses to attend this meeting may be included in the application’s budget under travel expenses. While budgets should account for this travel, NIFA may consider virtual or hybrid meetings.

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

1. Field 2. The program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name, “STEM” and the program code “WAMS.” Accurate entry is critical.

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

C. Funding Restrictions

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

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

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

b. 30 percent of TFFA.

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

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

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

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

Organizations that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect the de minimis rate (2 CFR 200.414(f)). The Uniform Guidance offers the option of electing to charge a de minimis rate of 15 percent of modified total indirect costs (MTDC), which may be used indefinitely. As described above and in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be charged consistently as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double-charged or inconsistently charged as both. If selected, this methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which it may do at any time.

See NIFA Indirect Costs for information including additional resources and NIFA Indirect Cost Guidance Chart.

2. NIFA awards may not be used to support the procurement of unmanned aircraft systems to process, store, or transmit Federal information (as defined in OMB Circular A-130) unless the grant is specifically available for procurement of such equipment and grantees describe in their application how they will comply with the information security requirements outlined in Appendix B of M-26-02 Ensuring Government Use of Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Supporting United States Producers and develop a risk-https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1408 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1410 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=99b0d2f1cf782a71783f992ece47bb5a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-II%2Fpart-200%2Fsubpart-E%2Fsubject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455%2Fsection-200.414%23p-200.414(f)&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C4f531cc06d7f48f95a8a08dccd0e89c9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638610709532095655%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vu%2F%2FohVj6S7x%2FdBdkkEwUrTcaLw%2FQICuOPF4zAWEHZY%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecfr.gov%2Fcurrent%2Ftitle-2%2Fsubtitle-A%2Fchapter-II%2Fpart-200%2Fsubpart-E%2Fsubject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53%2Fsection-200.403&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C4f531cc06d7f48f95a8a08dccd0e89c9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638610709532106512%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nOEhOJNeD%2FmcJDd3qZDCHUWeUAqnnWfjatzM8MSop2o%3D&reserved=0 https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/indirect-cost-additional-resources https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/nifa-19-009-indirect-cost-chart https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/regulations-and-guidelines/indirect-costs/nifa-19-009-indirect-cost-chart https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbidenwhitehouse.archives.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Flegacy_drupal_files%2Fomb%2Fcirculars%2FA130%2Fa130revised.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383127728%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=g4K1IW83Ceb%2BekljWWsYOH3DEtu0VIZqjLgw0u4TDXA%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FM-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383151603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rYV8tDrTd6thPn3qNUCmkJF8yotJ8eumoDLVZy8jccY%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2FM-26-02-Ensuring-Government-Use-of-Secure-Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-and-Supporting-United-States-Producers.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cjoseph.perez2%40usda.gov%7C2fd05fdc31df40138ca308dec7f6e548%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639168060383151603%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rYV8tDrTd6thPn3qNUCmkJF8yotJ8eumoDLVZy8jccY%3D&reserved=0 based approach to applying those requirements to procurement solicitations to potential vendors under the resulting Federal award. This information, if provided, will be evaluated by NIFA as part of its evaluation process. If such procurement is approved, specific information security requirements may be included in the terms and conditions of the grant to ensure that the grantees will incorporate those requirements in procurement solicitations of unmanned aircraft systems under the Federal award. Additionally, projects must ensure that they are in adherence to Secretary’s Memorandum (SM) 1078- 014 and are not using unallowable 3-D printers which can be found at National Security and Unallowable Costs.

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PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in this NOFO. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review.

Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process).

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

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

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

3. The need to include other experts (e.g., agricultural producers, range or forest managers/operators, researchers, educators, evaluators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to audiences and to program needs.

4. The need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations.

5. The need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to the reviewer's area of expertise, geographic area, and entity type, as appropriate.

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

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available funds or declined due to insufficient funds or review results.

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

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.

Conflicts of interest.—NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications).

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B. Evaluation Criteria NIFA will use the following criteria, listed in order of importance, to evaluate applications to this program:

1. Potential for Advancing Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem. This criterion is used to assess if the research/extension project will have an impact upon and advance the quality of the food and agricultural…