Please note that this document refers to FNS forms instead of FNA temporarily, as the agency works towards an official process to update reporting form names.

Information Collection: 0584-0512 Expiration date: 03/31/2029

Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Child Nutrition Technology Innovation Grant for Child and Adult Care Food Program Integrity

Fiscal Year 2026 Request for Applications (RFA) Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 10.541

Release Date: June 25, 2026

Application Due Date: July 31, 2026; 11:59 pm, Eastern Daylight Time

(EDT)

Anticipated Award Date: September 2026

This information is being collected to assist the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) in receiving key information from grant applicants that is needed to evaluate and rank applications, therefore protecting the integrity of the grantee selection process. This is a voluntary collection and FNA will use the information to solicit applications for the 2026 Child Nutrition Technology Innovation Grant for Child and Adult Care Food Program Integrity. This collection does not request any personally identifiable information under the Privacy Act of 1974. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-0512. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration, Office of Policy Support, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250 ATTN: PRA (0584-0512).

Do not return the completed form to this address.

Form RFA 01-2026

Application Checklist

This Application Checklist provides applicants with a list of the required actions and documents that must be completed. However, FNA expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application and comply with all requirements outlined in the solicitation.

The Application Checklist is for applicant use only and should not be submitted as part of the Application Package.

Complete the following at least four weeks prior to submission:

Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number;

Register the UEI number in the System for Award Management (SAM); and, Register in grants.gov.

When preparing your application, ensure:

Application format and narrative meet the requirements included in Section 4 – Application

Content Information. This includes page limits, priorities outlined in Section 5 – Application Review Information, and all necessary attachments.

When preparing your budget, ensure the following information is included:

All key staff proposed to be paid by this grant.

The percentage of time the Project Director will devote to the project in full-time equivalents

(FTEs).

Your organization’s fringe benefit rate and amount, as well as the basis for the computation.

The type of fringe benefits to be covered with Federal funds.

Itemized travel expenses (including type of travel), travel justification, and basis for lodging estimate.

Types of equipment and supplies, justifications, and estimates, ensuring that the budget is in line with the project description.

Information for all contracts and justification for any sole-source contracts Justification, description, and an itemized list of all consultant services.

Indirect cost information. Provide either a copy of a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) or if no agreement exists, the applicant may charge up to 15% de minimis. If an applicant is requesting the de minimis rate or indirect costs are not required, please state this in the budget narrative.

When submitting your application, ensure you have submitted the following:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-424A – Budget Information and Instruction Form (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-424B – Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities FNS-906 – Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire (fillable

PDF in Grants.gov) Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15) Additional attachments as required:

Project Application Checklist Project Narrative Activities/Indicators Tracker Budget Narrative http://www.grants.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_2_0-V2.0.pdf

Table of Contents

1. Program Description and Objectives

Executive Summary Program Description Key Objective

2. Federal Award Information Allowable Costs Unallowable Costs

3. Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations Pre-Award Screening Requirements Acknowledgement of USDA Support

4. Application Content Information Content and Form of Application Submission

Special Instructions:

Cover Sheet Table of Contents Application Project Summary Project Narrative Technical Requirements Project Management Approach Sustainability and Transferability Activities/Indicators Tracker Application Budget Narrative Indirect Cost Rate Required Grant Application Forms

5. Application Review Information Review Criteria

Application Project Summary (10 points) Project Narrative (25 points) Technical Requirements (15 points) Project Management Approach (10 points) Sustainability & Transferability (10 points) Activities/Indicators Tracker (15 points)

Budget Narrative (15 points) Review and Selection Process

6. Application Submission Information Submission Date Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission Intergovernmental Review

7. Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notice Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Confidentiality of an Application Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality of the Review Process Administrative Regulations Code of Federal Regulations and Other Government Requirements

Reporting Requirements Financial Reports Performance Progress Reports (PPR) Final Presentation

8. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

9. Other Information

Debriefing Requests Appendix A: Application Template Appendix B: RFA Budget Narrative Checklist Appendix C: FNS-908 Performance Progress Report (PPR)

1. Program Description and Objectives

Executive Summary

Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting State innovation, developing, and implementing modernized systems, and minimizing instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse. To advance these priorities, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is excited to announce the availability of $8.7 million to provide competitive grants to State agencies to strengthen the integrity of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through the Technology Innovation Grant for CACFP Integrity (TIG-CACFP), as authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4), States will have the opportunity to design and implement modernized information technology (IT) solutions that improve program operations, enhance accountability, and drive lasting improvements in CACFP integrity.

Program Description

FNA is investing grant funds to strengthen CACFP integrity and ensure that eligible children and adults who receive care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers receive the full benefit of the program. Recent high-profile fraud cases have demonstrated the urgent need for stronger safeguards to restore and maintain public confidence in CACFP.

Although most program operators seek to comply with program rules in good faith, fraud—even when infrequent—undermines public confidence in government programs and jeopardizes their ability to serve the individuals who are in greatest need of assistance. Accordingly, FNA is committed to supporting State agency efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) authorized funding for grants to States for the purposes of developing, implementing, and improving modernized information technology (IT) systems used to operate and manage the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). In previous years, Technology Innovation Grants (TIGs) have been provided on both a competitive and non-competitive basis. This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is a new initiative specifically for modernizing systems that operate and manage CACFP to improve program integrity and accountability. State agency applicants should review the RFA thoroughly to ensure full understanding of the updated requirements and procedures.

The TIG-CACFP will provide funds to CACFP State agencies for projects to develop, implement, and improve IT systems used to operate and manage CACFP. This grant opportunity is intended to encourage State agencies that administer CACFP to propose innovative technology solutions that improve program integrity, accountability, and efficiencies at both the State and local levels.

Further, FNA encourages applicants to propose projects that will support implementation of the CACFP integrity strategies outlined in the February 11, 2026, letter titled Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Key strategies include:

• Using the onboarding process to help prevent bad actors from participating in CACFP.

• Training for institutions in program integrity.

• Monitoring, investigating, and correcting issues to support effective management of institutions.

• Using the serious deficiency and suspension process as required.

• Reviewing reimbursement claims for signs of program abuse.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968/text?s=3&r=1&q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Public+Law+119-4%22%7D https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968/text?s=3&r=1&q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Public+Law+119-4%22%7D https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter

State agencies administering the CACFP maintain automated systems at the State level that rely on operational data from the local levels including, but not limited to, program applications, eligibility certifications, verification, meal counting and claiming, menu planning, program monitoring, and program reporting. CACFP Sponsoring Organizations (SOs) typically use automated systems, manual systems, or a combination thereof to capture the local program data reported to the State agency. In some States, local agencies may be using 30 or more different software systems to submit program data to the State agency. Others still rely on manual, paper-based methods to capture and report Program data or to receive information from the site level.

These inconsistencies create duplication of effort, increase the risk of errors, and reduce visibility of program operations for monitoring purposes. The TIG-CACFP can be used to bridge such gaps by modernizing automation, improving the integrity of CACFP and minimizing risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.

For example, the funds could be used to support activities such as:

• Enhance automated edit checks to validate data accuracy and consistency across program applications, meal claims, and monitoring reports, reducing errors and strengthening CACFP integrity.

• Develop seamless interfaces that connect SO systems with the State system in such a way that they perform seamlessly without duplicating effort yet remain as separate systems.

• Improve State and SO systems to better comply with USDA/FNA, State, and local requirements by incorporating automated compliance checks, standardized reporting formats, and real-time validation tools.

• Provide sub-grants to SOs for software to implement automated electronic systems for

CACFP.

• Enhance State and/or SO systems to be able to upload documentation for applications and reimbursement claims, bank records, support disaggregated data, review meal claim forms electronically, improve edit checks, improve record keeping.

• Create a virtual statewide training system where the State agency provide SOs/sites access to program modules.

• Expand existing State systems to allow for the routine monthly collection, maintenance, and analysis of facility-level CACFP participation and meal claim records.

FNA will expect grantees to share challenges and successes from their projects broadly, so other State agencies can learn from these innovations and potentially adopt similar solutions to strengthen CACFP integrity. As a final deliverable of the grant project, grantees will be expected to virtually present an overview of their project to FNA and State agencies that operate CACFP, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. This presentation will be shared nationwide and may be posted on Child Nutrition (CN) PartnerWeb.

Key Objective

The Program Objective for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP is to strengthen CACFP integrity by developing, implementing, and improving information technology systems used to operate and manage the program.

As noted in Section 4, within the “Activities/Indicators Tracker,” proposed activities should be clearly aligned to this objective and their associated activities and indicators. Note that if awarded, grantees will be required to report on progress towards activities aligned with the required objective and must use the FNS-908 Performance Progress Report. Carefully considering proposed activities and indicators will prepare grantees for their progress reporting requirements if awarded.

Examples of project activities that could be supported by FY 2026 TIG-CACFP funds and support the required objective include, but are not limited to:

• System planning activities that support implementation of system project within the grant period, such as:

o Current IT systems evaluations, including internal reviews and/or hiring a contractor or university student to conduct a review and recommend solutions;

o Feasibility studies, including business analysis, requirements analysis, alternative analysis, and cost benefit analysis to plan for an implementation of the system project;

o Hiring a staff member, such as a project manager, to oversee planning and implementation activities;

o Establishing a project management plan and/or risk management plan;

o Preparing a functional requirements specification or document;

o Consulting with stakeholders; and/or o Assessing current system training and oversight capabilities, needs, and effective system training.

• System implementation activities, such as:

o Building a custom system or implementing a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product to support CACFP integrity;

o Packaging and transferring system code from another State agency;

o Purchasing web-based software;

o Creating uniform interfaces between diverse systems;

o Creating interfaces to improve automation between State and local agencies, including sub-grant awards to SOs;

o Purchasing technology equipment and/or software;

o Implementing other innovative solutions to improve program operation accountability, monitoring, data accuracy, and overall program integrity at the State and local levels;

o Hiring contractors such as a business analyst, project manager, and/or program developer;

o Testing, including unit testing, integration testing, performance testing, end-to-end testing, user acceptance testing, and regression testing;

o Training for staff and/or local SOs on new technology module(s) or equipment;

and/or o Purchasing hardware to implement changes accordingly.

Note that while planning activities are allowed, the focus of the project should be to implement an innovative technology solution to support improved CACFP integrity efforts. Planning focused projects will not receive full scores, in accordance with the scoring criteria (See Section 4 – Application Content Information). Routine maintenance and ongoing operations activities are not an allowable cost for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP.

Additionally, all grantees are required to include the following activity in their Activities/Indicators Tracker (see Section 4 – Application Content Information):

• Deliver final project overview presentation. This presentation must be conducted virtually, shared nationwide, and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb.

2. Federal Award Information The following information is intended to provide applicants with information to help make informed decisions about proposal submissions.

• Total amount of funding expected to award: $8.7 million

• Anticipated number of awards: 5-10

• Minimum award amount (award floor): $100,000

• Maximum award amount (award ceiling): $2 million

• Anticipated award announcement date: September 2026

• Anticipated period of performance (start and end date of the award): September 2026 –

September 2029

• Application due date: July 31, 2026

• Type of Federal Financial Assistance: Grant

• Subawards may also be awarded under this grant

Please note:

• Grant awards are subject to the availability of funding and/or appropriations of funds.

• FNA reserves the right to use this solicitation and the results of this competition to award additional grants this year or the subsequent fiscal year, should additional funds become available.

• Applications, and all proposed activities, must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. FNA reserves the right to exclude from consideration any applications proposing activities in contradiction of these requirements.

Allowable Costs

Among other costs, budgets may include expenses related to personnel, contractors, equipment and supplies, meeting expenses, travel, and trainings.

Please refer to the general guidance under the Cost Principles found at 2 CFR 200.

As with all Federal grant funds, procurement regulations at 7 CFR Part 210.21, 220.16, 225.17, and 226.22, and 2 CFR Part 200.317-326 apply, and technology needs competitively procured using these grant funds must be necessary, reasonable, and allocable. State agencies must follow all Federal and State procurement laws when purchasing equipment with these grant awards.

Equipment and Supplies: Expenditures for equipment (i.e., items of personal property having a useful life of more than one year and a cost of $10,000 or more) are allowable expenses with prior approval by FNA. FNA reserves the right to approve/disapprove these expenditures based on needs as expressed by the proposed project. Supplies do not require a separate specific prior approval outside of the budget/proposal approval process.

All costs proposed in the budget and detailed in the budget narrative must be allowable, reasonable, necessary, and allocable. Refer to 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles for a detailed description of all allowable and unallowable costs.

A complete listing of selected items of costs is located at 2 CFR 200.420 – 200.476.

Subawards: Applicants that provide subawards are expected to:

• Ensure that funds support the grant objective.

• Clearly describe their process for awarding subawards in the project narrative, to include subaward objectives, allowable costs, and plans for management and oversight of subawards.

• Provide oversight to subaward recipients to ensure that expenditures authorized under the subawards are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

• Ensure that all expenditures are consistent with all local, State, and Federal policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Ensure that expenditures do not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under similar circumstances and would qualify as a sound business practice.

Please note that all costs allowed for subawards must be allowable costs per this RFA. For example, if a cost is unallowable per this RFA and associated regulations, it is also unallowable for subawards.

Please refer to 2 CFR 200 for complete information on requirements for subawards, primarily 2 CFR 200.331 and 2 CFR 200.332.

Use of advanced automation technologies: Any potential use or development of advanced automation technologies—including robotic process automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Systems or Generative AI—in Child Nutrition Programs (including eligibility determinations, Statewide applications, etc.) must be reviewed and/or approved prior to expending FNA administrative or grant funding. Selection for award does not constitute approval of the use of advanced automation technologies for determining eligibility. USDA/FNA may request a demonstration to verify accuracy before issuing final approval.

Unallowable Costs

The following funding restrictions apply to the TIG-CACFP:

Maintenance costs: For the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP, costs for routine maintenance and ongoing operations—such as recurring license renewals, system hosting, and regular payments for existing software fixes and support are not allowed.

Other CNPs: In addition, funds cannot be used for technology systems that do not manage CACFP.

Funds can be used for technology systems that manage other CNPs in addition to CACFP, as long as the project improves the integrity of CACFP.

Pre-award costs: Pre-award costs will not be awarded for this grant project.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.332

3. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

In FY 2026, 57 State agencies are administering CACFP and, therefore, are eligible to apply for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP. The term State agency means 1) the State educational agency; and 2) any other agency of the State which has been designated by the Governor or other appropriate executive or legislative authority of the State and approved by USDA to administer CACFP. In States with more than one State agency, the State agency operating CACFP may coordinate with another agency within their State that operates the CNPs, but the CACFP agency must be the primary. The CACFP agency will be responsible for submitting an application and meeting grant requirements, if awarded.

Entities that do not meet the eligibility definition will be deemed ineligible and removed from competition without further consideration.

Note: Those applicants who fail to submit any required documents or forms will be deemed nonresponsive and therefore will be ineligible to participate in the competition and removed from further consideration.

Cost Sharing or Matching Considerations

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for this award. Cost sharing or matching will not be considered in the review process.

Pre-Award Screening Requirements

In reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, prior to making a Federal award, Federal awarding agencies, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.206, are required to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualifications or financial integrity information. Additionally, Federal awarding agencies are required to have a framework in place for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards. The FNA review of risk posed by applicants will be based on the following:

• SAM.gov, the System for Award Management, the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, EPLS, and FAPIIS.

• FNA Risk Assessment Questionnaire (FNS-906) o Applicants must complete the Grant Program Accounting System & Financial

Capability Questionnaire that allows FNA to evaluate aspects of the applicant’s financial stability, quality of management systems, and history of performance, reports, and findings from audits. The questionnaire contains a number of questions that may be an indicator of potential risk.

The evaluation of the information obtained from the designated systems and the risk assessment questionnaire may result in FNA imposing special conditions or additional oversight requirements that correspond to the degree of risk assessed.

Acknowledgement of USDA Support

As required in 2 CFR 415.2, the recipient must have an acknowledgement of the USDA awarding agency support placed on any information dissemination products with any Federal financial assistance support, including those which report the results of, or describe, a Federal financial assistance-supported activity. Grant recipients may be asked to host USDA officials for a site visit during the course of their grant award. All costs associated with the site visit will be paid for by USDA and are not expected to be included in grant budgets.

4. Application Content Information

Content and Form of Application Submission

FNA strongly encourages eligible applicants interested in applying to this program to use the application template (See Appendix A). However, use of the template is not required to apply to this grant. Applicants who do not wish to use the application template must adhere to the following applicant format:

• The proposed project plan should be presented on 8 ½” x 11” white paper with at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom.

• All pages should be single-spaced in 12-point font.

• The project description with relevant information should be captured on no more than 10 pages, not including the cover sheet, table of content, resumes, letter(s) of commitment, endorsement letter(s), budget narrative(s), appendices, and required forms.

• All pages, excluding form pages, must be numbered.

Special Instructions:

• Late application submission will not be considered in this competition. FNA will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• Applications submitted without the required supporting documents, forms, certification will not be considered.

• Applications missing a written proposal or budget narrative will not be considered and will be deemed non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

• FNA reserves the right to request clarification on any application submitted in response to this solicitation.

• Applications not submitted via Grants.gov will not be considered.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through Grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNA will accept the latest application package successfully submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

Cover Sheet The cover page should include, at a minimum:

• State Agency name and mailing address

• Agency Administrator name, job title, and contact information (telephone and email)

• Project Contact name, job title, and contact information (telephone and email)

Table of Contents The Table of Contents should include relevant sections, subsections and associated page numbers. A Table of Contents is not required if the applicant uses the application template.

Application Project Summary The application project summary should clearly describe the proposed project activities and anticipated outcomes that would result if the proposal were to be funded. This section should include:

• The project scope and a statement explaining how the proposed scope fulfills the key objective of TIG-CACFP: to strengthen CACFP integrity by developing, implementing, and improving information technology systems used to operate and manage the program.

• A brief description of the current status of CACFP and the need for the project.

• A brief description of the proposed activities and the anticipated outcome and/or benefits.

Project Narrative The project narrative should clearly identify what the applicant is proposing and how the project will provide a CACFP integrity system solution, the expected outcome and/or benefits once the solution is achieved, and how it will meet the RFA program scope and objectives. The proposed project methodology should describe the system project design, address program specific development methodology needs, procedures, estimated timeline, monitoring/oversight, and the organization’s project staffing.

This section should include:

• A detailed description of the proposed activities and the expected outcome and/or benefits

• The metrics by which success will be evaluated (e.g. number of sub-grants awarded, amount of time saved, number of processes automated)

• Personnel who will manage and/or be funded by the grant, including current employees, potential hires, and/or contractors. Include:

o their specific responsibilities in the project o their relevant qualifications and/or experience (For potential hires, provide the qualifications that will be included in the position description.)

o what percentage of the person’s time will be spent managing the grant

• State agency executive leaders supporting the project

• Whether other funding sources will be used to supplement project work. For example, if

State agencies are also utilizing State Administrative Expense (SAE) funds for a project, be specific about what costs will be charged to the TIG-CACFP versus SAE.

• Sub-Grant information: If the project involves providing sub-grants to SOs, the applicant should describe the plan for awarding and monitoring local-level sub-grants. This description should include the staff, potential hires, and/or contractors responsible for sub-grants and monitoring, as well as the State agency’s plan for allowable costs, oversight, and monitoring sub-grant awards.

• Advanced automation technologies: If the project involves use of advanced automation technologies, including use of robotic process automation and AI, in Child Nutrition Programs, the applicant should include the following details in their proposal:

o Scope and use of advanced automation technologies, including any AI model being used, Child Nutrition Programs impacted, and expected outcome.

o Name, title, and qualifications of staff responsible for overseeing data input and any resulting outputs used for eligibility determinations, program operations, reporting, or other functional decision-making. The proposed process for ensuring data accuracy, system security, and compliance with civil rights, privacy, and USDA/FNA policy changes.

o Note: USDA/FNA must review and approve the final use of AI. Receipt of a grant award does not constitute approval to implement AI or make it operational.

Technical Requirements This section should include:

• A description of the project technology solution and planned approach

• Any IT modules the State agency’s project will address:

Sponsor Application and Record Management Financial Management (including CACFP Audit Funds & SAE Funds) SO Reviews SO Claims and Reimbursement SO Seriously Deficient Federal Reporting Other (please specify)

• If utilizing contractors or consultants, include:

o The name of potential or contracted vendors o The associated contract timelines o A detailed description of contractor/consultant responsibilities, anticipated tasks, and a reasonable estimate of contractual/consultant costs

Project Management Approach This section should include a detailed description of the planned project management approach.

Include detailed information on how the agency will monitor project scope, track schedules/costs/resources, monitor quality assurance, submit progress reports to FNA, and implement the plan for sustainability. Identify the staff, potential hires, and/or contractors responsible for project management.

Sustainability and Transferability This section should include:

• A description of the plans to maintain the overall project, system and/or software and how the State will keep the system in operation beyond the grant period.

• A description of how the project outcomes and information will produce knowledge that is transferable to other State agencies for similar improvement projects.

Activities/Indicators Tracker Applicants are required to complete an Activities/Indicators Tracker that identifies specific activities that the applicant will pursue to complete the project proposed in the narrative. The timeline should ensure that all project deliverables are completed and funds obligated in advance of September 30, 2029.

Note: As stated in the Section 1, grantees are expected to virtually present an overview of their project to FNA and State agencies that operate CACFP. Applicants must include this final presentation as an activity in their Activities/Indicators Tracker (see Example Activity/Indicator Tracker below).

Proposed Activities and indicators measuring success must align with the Key Objective (see Section 1 – Program Description and Objectives) and must be presented in the below format (see Example Activity/Indicator Tracker below). Note that additional Activities/Indicators can be added as needed.

Note: Indicators are defined as any metric you anticipate will be able to be tracked during the period of performance of the grant. Some examples include: Number of Sub-Grants Awarded, Amount of Time Saved, or Number of Processes Automated.

This table may be formatted in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Example Activity/Indicator Tracker Activity Indicator(s) and

Target Number Anticipated Start Date (Month, Year)

Anticipated Completion Date (Month, Year)

Example: Award subgrants to Sponsoring Organizations to develop automated CACFP systems

Number of subgrants awarded Target: 15

January 2027 March 2027

Example: Train staff on enhanced CACFP interface

Number of trainings conducted Target: 3 trainings

Number of staff trained Target: 5 staff

September 2027 December 2027

Example: Deliver final project overview presentation (Note:

This is a required activity.)

Presentation delivered Target: 1

Number of Presenters Target: 1

August 2029 September 2029

Application Budget Narrative Eligible applicants are encouraged to use the attached Budget Narrative Template (see Appendix A). The budget narrative should give the item-by-item breakdown for each category and show the calculations used to derive the costs. The budget narrative serves two purposes: it explains how the costs were estimated, and it justifies the need for the cost. The budget and budget narrative must be in line with the proposed project description; there should be no items listed in the budget narrative that are not described in the project proposal. Proposed costs must be necessary, reasonable, and allocable to carry out the project's goals and objectives.

The budget narrative must include:

• Categories that align with the SF-424A form.

• The amount of Federal funds requested, listed in whole dollars

• A narrative description of the Federal funds requested

• Calculations detailing how these funds were derived

• Note: If the budget includes indirect costs, the applicant must provide a copy of their most recently approved Federal indirect cost rate agreement

If the budget narrative is not formatted as a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel), then it must be accompanied by a spreadsheet with all costs listed and which aligns to the categories on the SF-

424. The budget table must be formatted to fit on an 8.5 x 11-inch page, with a font no smaller than 11-point.

Note that if a discrepancy exists between the total funding request (submitted on SF-424, SF- 424A, and budget narrative) within the application package in response to this solicitation, FNA will only consider and evaluate the estimated funding request contained on the SF-424.

Indirect Cost Rate

A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), negotiated with a cognizant Federal agency, should be used to charge indirect costs. Indirect costs may not exceed the negotiated rate. If a NICRA is used, the percentage and base should be indicated in the budget narrative and a copy of the agreement must be submitted with your application. If the applicant does not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) they may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC).

In this instance, the applicant must indicate they are requesting the de minimis rate. An applicant may elect not to charge indirect costs and instead use all grant funds for direct costs.

If indirect costs are not charged, the phrase “none requested” should be stated in the budget narrative. For questions related to the indirect cost rate, please work with the Grant Officer as noted in Section 8 of this RFA.

Note: Each organization is assigned to a single federal agency (by the Office of Management and Budget) that acts on behalf of all federal agencies in indirect cost rate negotiations and is referred to as the “cognizant agency.”

Required Grant Application Forms The required grants.gov forms may be previewed at grants.gov/web/grants/forms/forms-repository.html. These forms are part of the grants.gov Workspace application.

• Non-Construction Grant Projects Forms: SF-424 Family o Application and Instruction for Federal Assistance (SF-424) o Budget Information and Instructions (SF-424A) o Assurance-Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF LLL) o Indicate on your form whether your organization intends to conduct lobbying activities. If you organization does not intend to lobby, write “Not Applicable” in boxes required to be completed.

• FNS-906 (Grant Program Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire)

• Additional Required Information o Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. Please see Section 6 for further information https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family o SAM registration. Please see Section 6 for further information.

5. Application Review Information

Review Criteria

FNA will pre-screen all applications to ensure the applicants are eligible entities and are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. FNA will not approve any waivers from Program regulations for any projects submitted in response to this solicitation.

Application Project Summary (10 points)

• The applicant includes each of the required elements:

o The project scope and a statement explaining how the proposed scope fulfills the key objective of the TIG-CACFP o A brief description of the current status of CACFP and the need for the project, and o A brief description of the proposed activities and the anticipated outcome and/or benefits.

• The proposed project is clear and appropriately aligns with objective of the TIG-CACFP.

• The proposed project is innovative and addresses the need identified by the applicant.

Project Narrative (25 points)

• The applicant includes each of the required elements:

o A detailed description of the proposed activities and the expected outcome and/or benefits.

o The metrics by which success will be evaluated.

o Personnel who will manage and/or be funded by the grant (including current employees, potential hires, and/or contractors) and their specific responsibilities in the project, relevant qualifications and/or experience, and what percentage of the person’s time will be spent managing the grant.

o State agency executive leaders supporting the project.

o Whether other funding sources will be used to supplement project work.

• The applicant presents a clear and well-designed project that aligns with the objective of the TIG-CACFP. Success metrics identified are realistic, measurable, and clearly defined.

• The project is focused on achievable implementation activities, not planning or maintenance.

• The responsibilities among personnel are clearly outlined. The experience and qualifications of the personnel reflect the expertise necessary to carry out their responsibilities.

• If the applicant proposes subgrants: Applicant provides a clear and appropriate plan for managing subgrants and ensuring compliance. Applicant’s plan includes the staff, potential hires, and/or contractors responsible for awarding and monitoring sub-grants, as well as the State agency’s plan for allowable costs, oversight, and monitoring sub-grant awards.

• If the applicant’s proposal includes use of advanced automation technologies, including use of robotic process automation and AI, in Child Nutrition Programs: Applicant’s plan to use advanced automation technologies is clear, reasonable, and includes each of the required elements:

o Scope of use of advanced automation technologies, including any AI model being used, Child Nutrition Programs impacted, and expected outcome.

o Name, title, and qualifications of staff responsible for overseeing data input and any resulting outputs used for eligibility determinations, program operations, reporting, or other functional decision-making..

o The proposed process for ensuring data accuracy, system security, and compliance with civil rights, privacy, and USDA/FNA policy changes.

Technical Requirements (15 points) o A description of the project technology solution and planned approach.

o Any IT modules the State agency’s project will address.

o If the applicant is utilizing contractors or consultants: Applicant includes the name of potential or contracted vendors, the associated contract timelines, and a detailed description of contractor/consultant responsibilities, anticipated tasks, and a reasonable estimate of contractual/consultant costs.

• The proposed solution is clearly outlined, addresses the need identified by the applicant, and aligns with the objective of the TIG-CACFP.

Project Management Approach (10 points) o Detailed information on how the agency will monitor project scope, track schedules/costs/resources, monitor quality assurance, submit progress reports to FNA, and implement the plan for sustainability.

o The staff, potential hires, and/or contractors responsible for project management.

• The applicant’s project management approach is clear and indicates the applicant has the capacity to manage and execute the proposed project.

Sustainability & Transferability (10 points)

• The applicant includes each of the required elements:

o A description of the plans to maintain the overall project, system, and/or software and how the State will keep the system in operation beyond the grant period.

o A description of how the project outcomes and information will produce knowledge that is transferable to other State agencies for similar improvement projects.

• The applicant’s plan for sustainability and transferability is clear and appropriate.

• The proposed project is likely to produce outcomes and information that will aid the grantee State agency in accomplishing program improvements and will produce knowledge that is transferable to other State agencies for similar projects.

• The applicant demonstrates that the State agency has the capacity to implement and sustain program improvements after grant funding ends.

Activities/Indicators Tracker (15 points)

• The Activities/Indicators Tracker is formatted correctly, including columns with the same headers in the same order as the instructions provided (in Section 4 – Application Content Information) and only one activity on each row. Overall, the table is readable.

• Activities are completed within the grant period (September 2026 – September 2029).

• The final presentation to FNA and State that operate CACFP (a grant requirement) is included as an activity within the Activities/Indicators Tracker. This presentation will be conducted virtually, shared nationwide, and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb.

• Activities and indicators proposed are specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timebound. The indicators align with their associated activity. Each activity and indicator aligns with the Key Objective (see Section 1 – Program Description and Objectives).

• Overall, the timeline proposed is realistic.

• The activities listed align with the other sections of the application. No activities have been selected that are not explained in the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative.

Budget Narrative (15 points)

• Budget narrative was provided and includes categories that align with the SF-424A form.

• Budget narrative includes an item-by-item breakdown (line item) for each category, shows the calculations used to derive the costs, and includes a narrative explanation for each cost. Costs listed are in whole dollars.

• The costs listed align with the other sections of the application. No costs have been listed that are not explained in the Project Narrative and Activities/Indicators Tracker.

• Proposed costs are necessary, reasonable, and allocable to carry out the project's goals and objectives. The total funding amount requested is appropriate for the scope of the project.

• If indirect costs are included, the applicant agency's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with a Federal agency is provided and the indirect cost rate is applied correctly to allowable direct costs.

• The budget narrative is formatted as a spreadsheet (or accompanied by a spreadsheet) and meets the formatting criteria provided in Section 4.

Total Points Available: 100

Review and Selection Process

Following the initial screening process, FNA will assemble a panel group to review and determine the technical merits of each application. The panel will evaluate the proposals based on how well they address the required application components and array the applications from highest to lowest score. The panel members will recommend applications for consideration for a grant award based on the evaluation scoring. FNA may request information from the applicant not clearly addressed in their proposal. The Selecting Official reserves the right to accept the panel’s recommendation or to select an application for funding out of order to meet agency priorities or geographical representation. FNA reserves the right to use this solicitation and results of this competition to award additional grants in the next fiscal year should additional funds be made available.

6. Application Submission Information

Submission Date

Complete grant applications must be uploaded to grants.gov by 11:59 PM EDT on the due date listed on the cover page.

http://www.grants.gov/

• Applications must be submitted via grants.gov. Mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered application packages will not be accepted. For further instructions, see the “Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov” below.

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• FNA will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNA will accept the latest application package successfully submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

• Those applicants who fail to submit any required documents or forms will be deemed nonresponsive and therefore will be ineligible to participate in the competition and removed from further consideration.

FNA strongly encourages applicants to begin the registration process at least four weeks before the due date and to submit applications to grants.gov at least one week before the deadline to allow time to troubleshoot any issues should they arise. Please note that upon submission, grants.gov may send multiple confirmation notices. Applicants should ensure receipt of confirmation that the application was accepted.

FNA will not accept applications outside of grants.gov. Applicants experiencing difficulty submitting applications through grants.gov should contact applicant support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. This service is available 24/7.

Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov

Applicants must register with grants.gov and SAM.gov in order to submit an application to FNA via grants.gov as required.

In order to submit an application, you must:

1. Obtain a UEI number

What is a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)?

A UEI is a unique number assigned to all entities (public and private companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations) who register to do business with the federal government. For more information, visit https://sam.gov/entity-registration.

Note: Entities can register in SAM.gov and will be assigned their “SAM UEI.” For additional information on the UEI process, please visit SAM.gov.

2. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)

• On April 4, 2022, the UEI used across the federal government changed from the DUNS number to the UEI (generated by SAM.gov).

• SAM combines federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one system. Visit SAM.gov for additional information.

• To register, you must have your organization’s UEI, the organization’s Tax ID Number (TIN), and taxpayer name (as it appears on the last tax return). It may mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home take up to 5 to 7 business days or more to register and/or complete the migration of permissions and/or the renewal of an entity record.

• All applicants must have current SAM status at the time of application submission and throughout the duration of a Federal Award in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25.

• FNA strongly encourages applicants to begin this process at least 3 weeks before the due date of the…