MGFSP_RFA_FY23_COMPLIANT2.pdf

OMB No. 0581-0320

Micro-Grants for Food Security Program

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-MGFSP-G-23-0008

Publication Date: April 5, 2023

Application Due Date: June 6, 2023 – 11:59 PM Eastern Time

PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Micro-Grants for Food Security Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-MGFSP-G-23-0008

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.179

Dates: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2023, through Grants.gov.

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). The

MGFSP will award grants to eligible agencies or departments of agriculture for the competitive distribution of subawards that increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations in areas of the United States that have significant levels of food insecurity and import a significant quantity of food.

Approximately $7.6 million will be available to fund applications under this solicitation.

This announcement provides information about eligibility criteria for applicants, subaward applicants, and subaward projects, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, historically underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For projects intending to serve these entities, subrecipients should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.

The USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems, including tools to support agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities. AMS encourages applicants to consider including goals and activities related to mitigating or adapting to climate change in their project’s design and implementation.

Stakeholder Input: AMS seeks comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the comments when we develop the next RFA for the program. Email written stakeholder comments within six months of the publication date of this RFA to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting information or forms. In your comments, please state that you are responding to the Micro-Grants RFA.

https://sam.gov/fal/6a33aa97b5f64e9784dcab877c02b0da/view http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

2023 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

• The MGFSP performance measures (outcome and indicators) have been updated and are reflected in the Grant Administration Project Narrative form.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

AMS requests that applicants read the entire RFA prior to submitting their application to ensure they understand the program’s requirements. The application checklist below lists the required and conditionally required documents for an application package.

All application packages must include the following:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (in Grants.gov)

SF-424A – Budget Summary (in Grants.gov)

Project Abstract Summary (in Grants.gov)

Agency or Department of Agriculture’s Grant Administration Project Narrative (PDF Attachment)

If applicable, application packages may also be required to include the following documents:

• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (PDF Attachment)

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using

Grants.gov, you must— o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov, the Government's primary registrant database;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

• Register in Grants.gov and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE

APPLICATION DEADLINE. AMS encourages application submission at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure all certifications are met.

• Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all the instructions.

• Thoroughly review the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance Listing “10.179” and Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-MGFSP-G-23-0008.”

• Ensure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software.

• Limit Application File Size/ File Name Characters (50 or less).

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader).

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

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• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Legislative Authority

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Establishing the Subaward Competitive program

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance

2.2 Type of Applications

2.3 Available Funding and Amount Available to Each Applicant

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Eligible Entities

4.0 Funding Considerations

4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching

4.2 Indirect Costs

4.3 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities

4.4 Coordinator Meeting Travel

5.0 Application and Submission Information

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.4 Application Submission Requirements for Eligible Entities

5.5 Submission Date and Time

5.6 Intergovernmental Review

6.0 Application Review Information

6.1 Award Notices

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.3 Reporting Requirements

6.4 Acknowledgement of USDA support

7.0 Agency Contacts

7.1 Programmatic Questions

7.2 Available Resources

7.3 Grants.gov questions

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Equal Opportunity Statement

8.2 Freedom of Information Act Requests

8.3 Paperwork Reduction

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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) is authorized by section 4206 of the Agriculture

Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115—343), (7 U.S.C. § 7518).

1.2 PURPOSE

MGFSP assists agricultural agencies or departments in Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa, the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Federated

States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations in food insecure communities in areas of the United States that have significant levels of food insecurity and import a significant quantity of foods. The agricultural agencies or departments competitively distribute the funds through subawards to eligible entities, as defined in section 3.2 Eligible Entities.

1.3 ESTABLISHING THE SUBAWARD COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

1.3.1 APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES

Agricultural agencies or state departments are responsible for defining specific details of their subaward programs, ensuring projects are appropriate for the MGFSP, and overseeing the funded projects. This includes announcing the availability of funding, conducting public outreach, administering the subaward competition, monitoring subaward projects, and reporting on program outcomes.

Agricultural agencies or state departments are responsible for administratively overseeing their subrecipients, ensuring that subrecipients maintain appropriate records, and following all applicable

Federal statutes and regulations as well as the Grant Agreement and applicable AMS General Terms and

Conditions, collecting project data, and submitting reports to AMS (see section 6.4 Reporting

Requirements).

1.3.2 COMPETITIVE GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Agricultural agencies or state departments are encouraged to competitively distribute subawards to eligible entities (see section 3.2 Error! Reference source not found.) within the first year of the award.

The recipient's solicitation or Request for Applications (RFA) must have all the information necessary for eligible entities to develop proposals for the competitive selection process that meet the MGFSP purpose. The recipient may use this subrecipient Project Narrative Form template to collect required information from potential subrecipients. The subrecipient narrative must include all the requested information for each recommended subaward project. Upon completion of the competitive selection process, the recipient must submit a compilation of the requested information for recommended subaward projects to AMS (the “State Plan”) for review and approval. Recipients may contact their https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&path=%2Fprelim%40title7%2Fchapter102&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section7518&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTcvY2hhcHRlcjEwMg%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU3LWNoYXB0ZXIxMDI%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MGFSPProjectNarrativeTemplate.docx

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The period of performance for each subaward shall not exceed three (3) years. Individual applicants may not receive more than $5,000 per year, while all other eligible entities may not receive more than

$10,000 per year. An eligible entity must apply every year it would like to be considered for funding.

The competitive review process should follow state policies and procedures and include the use of an independent review panel of experts or qualified individuals overseen by state officials. All documentation affecting the decision to approve, disapprove, defer, or otherwise not fund an application should be maintained in an accessible, centralized program file. The review process must be free of conflicts and be conducted in a fair and impartial way. All sub applicants must be notified about the outcome of the competitive process as it relates to their application.

Agricultural agencies or state departments may provide subawards to two or more eligible entities to carry out the same project.

Agricultural agencies or state departments will be required to provide a State Plan to AMS regarding their recommended subaward projects once the subaward competition is completed and all subaward applications have undergone a merit review. The State Plan must include information regarding all recommended subaward projects. It can be compiled and submitted by email as a single PDF or MS

Word document. Once submitted, AMS will review the State Plan and provide feedback on the subrecipient applications for final approval. The State Plan must be approved by AMS before the agricultural agencies or state departments can inform the selected subrecipients of their subawards or make any public announcements.

1.3.3 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Agricultural agencies or state departments are encouraged to perform outreach and engage with low-income, historically underserved communities, disadvantaged, and minority individuals to apply and receive funding for projects that would increase the amount and quality of locally produced foods.

1.3.4 SUBAWARD ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Eligible entities must engage in activities that will increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food for food insecure individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities. Activities may include:

• Small-Scale Gardening

An eligible entity may use funds to purchase gardening tools or equipment, soil, soil amendments, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, or other items necessary to grow and store food. Additionally, funds may be used for the purchase or assembly of composting units and towers designed to grow leafy greens. This includes activities associated with extending the growing season, as well as starting or expanding hydroponic and aeroponic farming.

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An eligible entity may also use funds to expand an area under cultivation or engage in other activities necessary to be eligible to apply for funding under the USDA’s Natural Resources and

Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for a high tunnel.

• Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations

An eligible entity may use funds to purchase animals as well as buy, erect, or repair fencing for livestock, poultry, or reindeer. It may also fund activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility approved by the Secretary, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.

• Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security

An eligible entity may use funds to create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities, specialty crops, and meats that are grown by the eligible entity for sale in the local community, or increase the availability of fresh, locally grown, and nutritious food. This includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption or purchase.

It may also fund travel to participate in agricultural education provided by a state cooperative extension service, land-grant college or university, tribal college or university, Alaska Native-serving institution, or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution, or federal or state agency.

1.3.5 SUBAWARD PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

Agricultural agencies or state departments may prioritize subawards to eligible entities that:

• Have not previously received a subaward under this program; or

• Are in a community or region in that state with the highest degree of food insecurity, as determined by the agricultural department or agency of the eligible state.

When defining food insecurity, eligible applicants may use their state definition. For those states or territories for which food insecurity is not defined, applicants should follow the USDA Economic

Research Service (ERS) definition. More information on the measurement of food security is available on the ERS website.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide a federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

New application. All new applications will be reviewed for conformity using the criteria described in section 6.0 Application Review Information.

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2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING AND AMOUNT AVAILABLE TO EACH APPLICANT

AMS anticipates approximately $7.6 million will be available to fund applications in FY 2023. Funding may be contingent on Federal appropriations actions. USDA does not guarantee minimum funding levels or a specific number of awards.

Each eligible state or territory (see section 3.1 Eligible Applicants) is eligible to receive the grant allocation indicated below.

Agency or Department of Agriculture Percentage of Allocation Available Grant Allocation

Alaska 40 percent $3,040,000.00

American Samoa 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Federated States of Micronesia 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Guam 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Hawaii 40 percent $3,040,000.00

Northern Mariana Islands 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Puerto Rico 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Republic of the Marshall Islands 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Republic of Palau 2.5 percent $190,000.00

U.S. Virgin Islands 2.5 percent $190,000.00

Unclaimed funds will be redistributed to participating entities according to the formula laid out in the authorizing statute.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

The grant period of performance for agreements between AMS and the eligible applicant is 4 years.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to competitively distribute the funds through subawards to eligible entities within the first year of the award. The grant period of performance must begin no later than

September 30, 2023 and end no later than September 29, 2027.

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required timeframe. It is acceptable to complete a project before the scheduled performance period end date. However, AMS encourages applicants to take the full grant period to allow ample time to complete projects. The applicant must indicate the start and end dates on the SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 17.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are state or territory departments, division, or agencies of agriculture in Alaska, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of

Puerto Rico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Republic of Palau, and the United States Virgin Islands.

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3.2 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

Eligible entities must be physically located in an eligible state or territory listed in section 3.1 Eligible

Applicants and must apply directly to the eligible applicant in order to be considered for a subaward.

Eligible entities are:

• Individuals;

• Indian tribes or Tribal organizations as defined in 25 U.S.C. § 5304;

• Nonprofit organizations that are engaged in increasing food security, including— o Religious organizations;

o Food banks; or o Food pantries;

• Federally funded educational facilities, including— o Head Start programs or an Early Head Start programs;

o Public elementary schools or public secondary schools;

o Public institutions of higher education;

o Tribal Colleges or Universities;

o Job training programs; or

• Local or Tribal governments that may not levy local taxes under State or Federal law.

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

4.1.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are not required to provide a cost share or match for the grant agreement.

4.1.2 COST SHARING AND MATCHING FOR ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

When establishing subawards, the applicant must ensure that the eligible entities provide funds equal to

10 percent of the amount received under the subaward. In-kind contributions, while encouraged, do not count toward the fulfillment of this requirement. The eligible applicants must follow their own policies and procedures for ensuring the cash match. An applicant may waive the matching requirement for an individual sub-applicant who otherwise meets the requirements to receive a subaward by the eligible state or territory. The process for waiving this requirement should align with the state or territory’s existing policies and procedures and account for real or potential conflicts of interest. In addition to a state or territory’s existing policies, or if a state or territory does not have existing policies in place, AMS encourages the consideration of the following criteria when waiving an individual’s matching requirement:

• The project’s alignment with the program’s purpose, activities, and outcomes;

• The project’s budget being reasonable, allowable, and necessary for associated activities; and

• External reviewer feedback resulting from the competitive process.

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Cost sharing for the required match must be in the form of allowable direct costs. Refer to 2 CFR §

200.306 for additional Federal requirements and definitions, including the basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions.

All matching contributions must be committed or in place when the proposal is submitted to the eligible applicant. Additional anticipated matching funds not in place by the time the project commences cannot be counted toward the matching requirement.

Applicants cannot use program income (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.80) or any other Federal funds as a match or cost share.

4.2 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved.

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), any non-Federal grant applicant or recipient that does not have a current, negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and

Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) that may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate. Costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a grant recipient chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply to do at any time.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must use the MTDC as the base.

MTDCs are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval by an applicant’s cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Grant applicants or recipients that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1.

NOTE: Applicants who are individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

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4.2.1 LIMIT ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS

Administrative costs are defined as direct costs under MGFSP and are limited to 3 percent of the total

Federal funds provided under the award per section 4206(d)(3) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of

2018 (Public Law 115—343), (7 U.S.C. § 7518(d)(3)). An eligible applicant that receives funds may not use more than 3 percent of those funds to:

• Administer the competition for providing subawards to eligible entities;

• Provide oversight of the subaward recipients; and

• Collect data and submit annual and final financial and performance reports.

4.3 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions.

4.3.1 FIXED AMOUNT SUBAWARDS

Fixed amounts subawards is defined in 2 CFR § 200.1. Eligible applicants choosing to use Fixed amount awards for individual subrecipients must specify the use of these awards in their application. The application must confirm that the competitive selection process used is applied across all eligible entity types including applications for the fixed amount awards. The eligible applicant must clearly state that a waiver of matching requirements is provided for the individual recipients under the fixed award.

All fixed amount awards must comply with the regulations outlined in2 CFR § 200.333.

4.4 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS sponsored grants management meeting during the project’s period of performance. The proposed budget must include travel funds for the Project Coordinator and any additional key personnel as reasonably determined by their agency and AMS.

To estimate these costs in the budget section, please account for flight, hotel, per diem, and ground transportation expenses for a 3-day, 2-night stay. Location and dates are to be determined with a possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is virtual, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable item.

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications for this RFA will be accepted and must be submitted via Grants.gov. We urge applicants to submit early through the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process, see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.3.1 How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov.

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Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.179” or the Funding

Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-MGFSP-G-23-0008.”

5.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

5.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the Funding Opportunity at Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF-424.

Box Instruction

1 - Type of Submission Select Application.

2 - Type of Application Select New.

8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Enter applicant UEI for the organization submitting the application.

NOTE: Applicants that apply for a grant must be capable of managing and monitoring Federal funds and project activities and outcomes. Recipients cannot transfer the award to another recipient organization once a grant is awarded (you may not apply under one UEI number and switch to another later).

Note: On April 4, 2022, the Federal government stopped using DUNS and start using a Unique Entity Identifier created in SAM.gov. For more information, please visit gsa.gov/entityid.

8.d – Address Enter the State department of agriculture street address as it appears in SAM.gov. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-digit zip code.

10 - Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA

11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (Assistance Listing) Number

Enter 10.179

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-MGFSP-G-23-0008 Ensure you are applying for the correct grant program.

13 - Competition Identification Number Not applicable

14 - Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project.

15 - Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Enter Micro-Grants for Food Security Program Application for [State Agency].

16.a - Congressional Districts for Applicant Enter the Congressional district where your main office is located.

16.b - Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented. Write “All” if the projects will be implemented in more than one location.

17 - Project Start Date and End Date Enter Start Date: September 30, 2023 Enter End date: September 29, 2027

18 - Estimated Funding Enter the total Federal amount requested

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See section 5.6 Intergovernmental Review.

5.2.2 SF 424A BUDGET INFORMATION

Required. SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or adequately explained in the form instructions. However, for https://gsa.gov/entityid

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MGFSP applications the following supplemental instructions must be used for specific boxes on the form. Do not use instructions found on Grants.gov or elsewhere on the internet for the boxes below.

On SF-424A, please complete only Sections A and B. Do not complete Sections C - F.

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “MGFSP – Federal”

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (Assistance Listing Number)

Enter “10.179”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project

Section B – Budget Categories

Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds requested for each Object Class Category.

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in Federal funds for “Supplies”, enter 2000 in Column 1, box 6.e.

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching

Federal award. This is separate from the MGFSP Grant Administration Narrative. The Project Abstract box must include:

• Project purpose

• Activities to be performed

• Deliverables and expected outcomes

• Intended beneficiary(ies): Who will the subaward recipients be? How will they benefit from this program?

5.2.4 GRANT ADMINISTRATION NARRATIVE

Required. The Grant Administration Narrative must be submitted as a PDF and attached to the

Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted. The Narrative must be typed, single-spaced, in an 11- or 12-point font, with 1-inch margins, and on 8.5” x 11” paper.

Prior to submitting an application to Grants.gov, make sure that it is in final form (e.g., if you used the

“track changes” function, accept all changes before submitting so that the mark-up is not visible).

The eligible applicant must submit the content required in the Grant Administration Narrative. The

Grant Administration Narrative must be provided with the application package in Grants.gov. A general line item for subawards should be provided under Contracts in the Budget section of the Grant

Administration Narrative.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/readonly/Project_AbstractSummary-V1.1.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MGFSPGrantAdministrationTemplate.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MGFSPGrantAdministrationTemplate.docx https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MGFSPGrantAdministrationTemplate.docx

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5.2.5 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the eligible applicant has a NICRA. Refer to section 4.2 Indirect Costs for more information.

The NICRA must be in PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add

Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

5.3 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND

REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

The applicant organization registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, complete your registration allowing sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Individual applicants eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

PRIOR TO REGISTERING IN GRANTS.GOV:

1) Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the

UEI number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational UEI" on the SF-424 form. Getting a

UEI number requires validation steps in SAM.gov. Applicants are encouraged to start this process as early as possible.

2) Register with the System of Award Management (SAM): In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the SAM. Current SAM.gov registrants have already been assigned a UEI and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register with SAM to apply online in Grants.gov. Failure to register with SAM.gov will prevent your organization from being able to apply through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov registration to submit your application to Grants.gov.

REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV:

1) Create an account with Grants.gov: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's UEI number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need to assign an individual to the Authorized Organization

Representative (AOR) role.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

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2) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notification of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to

Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after the individual assigned the AOR role has been approved as an AOR.

3) Track Role Status: After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

4) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR who submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

5.3.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO AMS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants may use the Grants.gov Workspace, a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, you can create individual instances of a Workspace.

1) Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the Workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms, you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or AMS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, and then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader

Software.

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit a Workspace: Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and

Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

17 | P a g e submitting the application package at least 24 to 48 hours prior to the due date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

SPECIAL NOTE: Grants.gov does not check for AMS required attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in section 5.2 Content and Form of

Application Submission are included.

4) Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a Workspace package, Grants.gov automatically assigns a Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) to the package, which will be listed on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides additional training resources, including video tutorials.

Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726, or email support@grants.gov. Grants.gov will issue a ticket number to which you and Grants.gov can refer if the issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, use the contact information described in section 7.0 Agency Contacts.

5.4 APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

AMS will not consider any applications received after the deadline, any applications submitted by fax, email, or postal mail and any applications not responsive to the requirements of this RFA (eligibility, incomplete application, missing required attachments documents, etc.). See AMS’ Late Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures Policy.

Ensure that all components are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application process, as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. AMS encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov using an electronic date/time stamp generated when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov.

Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections: Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting their application to Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via email to the applicant AOR.

5.5 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2023. AMS cannot consider applications received after this deadline. See AMS’ Policy on Late Applications.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMSPolicyonConsiderationofLateNonresponsiveApplications.pdf

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5.6 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials.

6.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

AMS will review grant applications to ensure that the application meets the statutory purpose of the program, all application criteria are fulfilled in accordance with section 5.0 Application and Submission

Information, and that all costs are allowable.

AMS will notify the individual listed on the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 8f. if additional information is required after the initial review of the application. Award Administration

Information

6.1 AWARD NOTICES

Upon announcement of the Federal awards, AMS will prepare and send a Notice of Award (NOA) to each recipient for signature by the appropriate official. The NOA will be signed by AMS and the AOR.

The NOA will provide pertinent instructions and information including, at a minimum, the information described in 2 CFR § 200.211 and reference to the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions.

6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the NOA, all AMS recipients must abide by the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions, which reference applicable Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

6.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Reporting and award closeout requirements are included in the applicable AMS General Terms and

Conditions. If there are any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the award.

6.4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT

Proper acknowledgement of your USDA-AMS funding in published solicitations (e.g., for state competitions), presentations, press releases, and other communications is critical for the success of our agency’s programs. Grantees must meet the acknowledgement requirements outlined in the applicable

AMS General Terms and Conditions.

7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS

7.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS

After closely reviewing this RFA in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the MGFSP staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9ee115b5d47e416c2361ef067f9bef58&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1211&rgn=div8 https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/administer mailto:IPPGrants@usda.gov

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7.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the MGFSP website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/mgfsp) that may be helpful to applicants, including webinar information, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), descriptions of funded projects, and required application forms. AMS staff is available to provide timely technical assistance.

7.3 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Grants.gov’s Applicant

Support.

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

8.2 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966 (5 U.S.C. § 552) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. §

552a), as implemented by USDA’s regulations (7 CFR § 1, Subpart A), govern the release or withholding of information to the public in connection with this Federal award. The release of information under these laws and regulations applies only to records held by AMS and imposes no requirement on the recipient or any subrecipient to permit or deny public access to their records.

FOIA requests for records relating to this Federal award may be directed to USDA, Agricultural

Marketing Service, FOIA/PA Officer, Room 2055-S, Stop 0201, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-0201, Telephone: (202) 302-0650; or email: AMS.FOIA@usda.gov.

8.3 PAPERWORK REDUCTION

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. § 3501 et seq), 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 0581-0240.

The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 4 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.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/mgfsp https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/mgfsp/faqs http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=552&f=treesort&fq=true&num=20&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title5-section552 http://www.justice.gov/opcl/privstat.htm http://www.justice.gov/opcl/privstat.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1 mailto:AMS.FOIA@usda.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-104s244enr/pdf/BILLS-104s244enr.pdf