MPPEP_3_Round_2_Application_Template.docx

MPPEP Phase 3 Application Template … continued

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program Phase 3 - Invasive Wild Caught Catfish (MPPEP3) Application Template General Instructions Carefully review the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), Phase 3, Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish Request for Applications Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) before you complete this document. The MPPEP 3 Round 2 NOFO Number is RD-RBS-26-03-MPPEP. You will find additional information about the NOFO on the MPPEP webpage at this link: rd.usda.gov/MPPEP. (Look for the “Grants.gov Posting” button located in the blue area above the navigation tabs.)

· This template is intended to help you, but you do not have to use it in order to submit an application.

· Regardless of whether or not you use the template, you must complete and submit all required federal forms and registrations and include documentation that supports applicant and project eligibility claims.

· You must ensure you provide complete responses to all eligibility and evaluation questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

· Your project narrative must be typed, single-spaced, and in 11-point font. It must not exceed twenty (20) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding the application template and supporting documents listed in Section 4.3 of the MPPEP3 Round 2 NOFO. For example, if the template is 15 pages before you begin entering your project narrative information, your application ultimately may be as much as 35 pages in length (15 template pages plus 20 pages of applicant content).

· Documents must be submitted as directed in Section 4.4 in the MPPEP3 Round 2 NOFO and attached to your application package in Grants.gov (www.grants.gov).

· Certifications, statements, and other standard terms used in this template (examples include “you,” “I,” “we,” “it,” “applicant,” “entity,” “grantee,” among others) refer to the legal entity applying for the MPPEP3 Round 2 grant. By checking, signing, or otherwise acknowledging these elements, you acknowledge they are true and correct.

· If you have questions regarding this template, email MPPEP@usda.gov.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Applicant Information Identifying Information Applicant Organization Name:

Phone Number with area code:

Email:

Facility Address:

Mailing Address:

1. Date your processing facility began operations Enter the two-digit month and four-digit year in the box at right

2. Ownership structure | Describe your business structure. Note if your business model is a cooperative or otherwise shares profits or ownership with producers.

☐ LLC

☐ Other

3. Species | What species of catfish are currently processed at your facility?

3a. What species will be processed upon completion of your project?

4. Current Inspection Status Please select the inspection programs under which your plant currently operates. Be sure to add your applicable license numbers or the anticipated date for obtaining any licenses during the period of performance of this project.

☐ None

☐ FDA Food Facility Registration

☐ State’s Department of Health Food Processing License, or equivalent

☐ USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Grant of Inspection (GOI), including conditional and permanent

5. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Do you currently have a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan for catfish, or plan to revise, and existing plan to include catfish:

6. Does your state currently have an Aquatic Nuisance Species, or Invasive Species, Management Plan:

☐ No

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) Identify the person who will be the main contact for correspondence and who is responsible for signing documentation in the event an MPPEP Phase 3 grant is awarded. This information must match box 21 of the SF-424 family of forms (available at tinyurl.com/28zbcbpx).

Name:

Title:

Phone Number with area code:

Email Address:

Mailing Address:

Section 2: Project Information and Executive Summary Project Title Provide a descriptive project title in 15 words or fewer in the space below. This information must match box 15 of the SF-424 family of forms (available at tinyurl.com/28zbcbpx).

Enter your project title in the space below:

Funding Request In U.S. dollars, enter the total amount of federal funds you are requesting. This must match the total amount requested on Line 18a, “Estimated Federal Funding” of the SF-424 family of forms (available at tinyurl.com/28zbcbpx).

· The total cost share is the sum of Lines 18b – 18f on the SF 424.

· The total project cost is line 18g on the SF-424.

Enter the Total MPPEP3 Funds requested (up to $2 million or 80 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less) in the space below:

Example: A processing project with a total project cost of $2,500,000 can request grant funds of $2,000,000 and would be required to provide $500,000 in cost share.

Total Cost Share (must equal 20 percent or more of the total project cost):

Total Project Cost (must equal 100 percent of total project cost):

Period of performance (The maximum project performance period is 48 months.)

Executive Summary Provide an executive summary that details the proposed project goals and objectives in 500 or fewer words. Please include in the summary:

· Your business model and ownership structure

· The location of the processing facility

· The species you will process

· The proposed size of your operation, including the number of employees at the facility, and the increase in volume of wild, invasive-caught catfish you anticipate processing

· The number of fishers supported and any other impact on the local fishery

· The size of your consumer or community market

· Any other information you would like to convey about your proposed project

Section 3: Land ownership and access Land ownership Describe how the applicant owns or controls the land where the proposed project is located. NOTE: For projects located on Tribal lands in which the applicant is not a Tribal member or entity owned or operated by the Tribe, a Tribal Resolution of Consent is required from the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over the land where the proposed project is located.

Section 4: Performance metrics Quantify your progress toward satisfying the program metrics listed below. If a particular metric does not apply to your project, type “N/A” in the space provided.

Jobs Created-Jobs created refers to the jobs created by the MPPEP III Round 2 applicant that are directly related to, a result of, and attributed to the MPPEP III Round 2 project funded by USDA Rural Development, Jobs created are generally located at the project site.

Jobs Retained- Jobs retained refers to existing jobs (in terms of FTEs) where it can be documented that without MPPEP III project funding, the jobs would have been lost. Not all existing jobs are jobs saved.

NOTE:

· Count 2 part-time jobs at 1 full-time job and count 3 seasonal jobs as 1 full-time job. If part-time and/or seasonal jobs add up to a fraction, round up to the next whole number.

· Your Responses in Section 5: Merit Evaluation must demonstrate how you will achieve these performance metrics.

Project Start Target Amount at Project Completion

Section 5: Merit Evaluation Section 5: Merit Evaluation All eligible, complete applications will be evaluated using the scoring criteria in the MPPEP Phase 3 Round 2 NOFO. In some instances, discretionary points will be added to the total score prior to generating a final score.

Competitive applications will accurately and fully describe project objectives that align with the MPPEP3 Round goals described in Section 1.1 of the NOFO, and with the Performance Metrics in Section 4 of this document. Please be certain your responses are specific to your project, market, and community. A failure to address any of the following questions – or insufficiently communicate relevant project information – will result in a lower score.

1) Alignment and intent (up to 20 points possible) Describe how your proposed project aligns with MPPEP program goals to:

a. The application identifies specific constraints or challenges in Processing Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish, and describes the project’s objectives, including how they will address those issues.

b. The application describes the steps the applicant will take at the Facility to increase Processing capacity and create more opportunities in the sector through higher volumes and other Value-Added activities (if applicable).

c. The application describes the project’s proposed geographic focus area, and the regional market demand versus Processing constraints.

d. The application identifies the estimated numbers of fishers that will benefit from increased Processing capacity.

e. Marine Impact

i. Applicant describes how the project will result in fewer invasive wild-caught species in the marine ecosystems in the area where the Facility is located.

ii. Applicant describes pollution control strategies for managing water quality and solid waste.

2) Market impact and opportunities (up to 20 points possible) Describe the planned impact of your proposed project on fishers, consumers, and other relevant markets, as follows:

a) Fishing Industry Opportunities (Worth 10 of the 20 Criteria Points) Application describes a clear plan for procuring Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish and providing more opportunities for fishers relative to the existing Processing opportunities in their geographic area, including but not limited to:

i. Increase processing volume that results in the procurement of more invasive, wild-caught catfish from fishers.

ii. Increase the number of fishers from which the Facility sources.

iii. The opportunity to diversify income among fishers.

· Enter the number of fishers from which your facility currently sources (prior to project completion):

· Enter the number of fishers from which your facility will source at following MPPEP3 Round 2 project completion):

b) Market Development (Worth 10 of the 20 Criteria Points) Describe the market opportunities that exist and the ability to provide sufficient supply, including:

i. Increase the number and kind of markets, or sales channels, that the facility provides and/or serves, including any new Value-Added products.

ii. Describe how the expanded Processing capacity will meet fisher, buyer, and consumer needs.

3) Financial viability (up to 20 points)

a) Financial Documentation and Commitment (Worth 10 of the 20 Criteria Points)

· Financial Documents. The project will contribute to the ongoing financial viability of the Facility, either through profitability or assurances of ongoing financial support, supported by income and expense projections for three years. Each of the four criteria listed below will be scored up to 5 points:.

i. Description of commitments from fishers to demonstrate reliability of supply;

ii. Description of commitments from potential buyers to demonstrate product demand and robust sales;

iii. Description of the plan and timeline of achieving optimal Processing capacity at the existing Facility; and

iv. Financial viability of the Facility, supported by Current balance sheet and income statements (within 90 days of the application), 3 years of historical financial documents and 2 years projected financial analysis, including, but not limited to balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow analysis, including assumptions. Place in Appendix B.

4) Technical Merit and Achievability: Up to 20 points

a) Budget and Workplan (Up to 10 of the 20 points awarded under this criteria).

The budget and workplan provide a clear description for each budget line item.

i. The budget is consistent and proportional with the size and scope of the project activities.

ii. All budget items are directly linked to project activities and key staff included in the application.

iii. The application presents a clear, well-conceived, complete, and suitable overall Work Plan.

iv. Provide a work plan and budget that shows how your project’s goals will be accomplished within the proposed timeframe. The maximum period of performance for this grant is 48 months. The period of performance should be based upon the complexity of the project. Task descriptions must be sufficiently detailed to give a clear understanding of the general workflow necessary to complete the project. You can describe up to five tasks below. A budget breakdown for each task is required.

Work Plan Timeline

4.

5.

Task Budget Provide the budget for each task listed in your work plan and budget. Include the amount of MPPEP funds you are requesting, the cost share, and the total project cost for each category. Add additional line items as needed.

Activity 1:

In-Kind Total Project Cost

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Equipment

Construction

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Total

Activity Budget Narrative: Provide detailed information about the assumptions used to determine the total project cost for each identified cost category.

Activity 2:

In-Kind Total Project Cost

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Equipment

Construction

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Total

Activity Budget Narrative: Provide detailed information about the assumptions used to determine total project cost for each identified cost category.

v.

Activity 3:

In-Kind Total Project Cost

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Equipment

Construction

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Total

Activity Budget Narrative: Provide detailed information about the assumptions used to determine total project cost for each identified cost category.

Activity 4:

In-Kind Total Project Cost

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Equipment

Construction

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Total

Activity Budget Narrative: Provide detailed information about the assumptions used to determine total project cost for each identified cost category.

Activity 5:

In-Kind Total Project Cost

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Equipment

Construction

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Total

Activity Budget Narrative: Provide detailed information about the assumptions used to determine total project cost for each identified cost category.

b) Achievability (Up to 10 of the 20 points awarded under this criteria).

i. Work plan timeline The application presents a realistic schedule with project milestones and timelines for implementing the proposed project activities during the period of performance as identified in the Work Plan Timeline of section 4.a of this application template.

ii. Key partnerships and collaborations Identify key partnerships and collaborations with aligned local and regional entities that enhance and ensure project success. Provide the name of the partnership or collaboration, number of years the partnership has been active and the relationship to the project.

iii. Identification of Major Risks.

Describe any major risks to the success of the project and note strategies for mitigating them. Examples of major risks include product recalls; violations of state and Federal health and safety laws, regulations, and standards; labor availability; access to operating capital; and other legal risks.

iv. Key Personnel, including contractors and consultants, partners and their relevant experience.

List the key personnel identified in the work plan and budget who will be coordinating, leading, and carrying out activities (including construction management) under this project. Note any relevant experience and their capacity to implement the project and maintain operations after the grant period ends. Further, list any key partnerships or collaborations with aligned local and regional entities that enhance or ensure project success. You can add extra rows if needed. Provide resumes of all key personnel in supporting documents in Appendix C.

v. The applicant has identified all necessary permits and inspections aligned with the stage of the project, including construction permits, where applicable.

5) Labor and Personnel: Up to 10 Describe the company’s workforce policy and how it contributes to the overall viability of the facility. Include:

a) How the project enhances worker conditions and safety through payment of living wages, essential benefits, worker training, and/or promotion of safe working conditions.

b) Disclose the Facilities current or past violations of Federal and state safety and labor laws, regulations and standards, and how such violations were resolved.

6) Community impact and support (up to 10 points) Letters of support To receive points for this section, you must provide letters of support from state or local leadership, or from Tribal leadership, located where your proposed project activities will take place. REMINDER: If the applicant is not a member of the Tribe, or an entity owned or operated by that Tribe, a Tribal Resolution of Consent is required from the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over the land where your proposed project is located. All letters should be placed in Appendix A.

Qualifying leadership includes state, local, and Tribal government officials, associations representing commercial fisheries, and labor unions.

All letters must:

1. Identify the stakeholder providing the letter and explain their connection to proposed project activities.

2. Describe the sustained community impact that will be supported by expansion activities to be carried out under the grant, and

3. Provide additional information relative to the project’s impact on the community’s long-term needs and goals.

Discretionary Points, (up to 15 points) During Administrative Agency Review, up to 15 discretionary points may be assigned by the administrator for projects to maximize diversity among awards on the basis of geography and species, including Apex Predators.

Section 6: Other Supporting Information Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation through Grants.gov. Please refer to the Tips for Applicants section in the NOFO for a list of acceptable file types and Section 4.3 Application Requirements in the NOFO for specific documentation required for each of the following:

☐ SF-424D, “Assurances for Construction Programs” (for construction projects) Assurances for Construction Projects

Section 7: Affirmations and Certifications By signing and submitting the SF-424 family of forms “Application for Federal Assistance” as a part of your grant application package, you certify and affirm the following statements:

1. I do not have a known relationship or association with a USDA Rural Development employee. (If there is a relationship or relationships, you must identify each known USDA RD employee.)

2. As an applicant, I am a legal entity in good standing and operating in accordance with the laws of the state or states, or Tribe or Tribes, in which you have a place of business. This includes child labor laws.

3. I have not been found – and will not be found –unfit to obtain a grant of federal or state equivalent inspection because of federal or state court convictions of a felony or multiple misdemeanors involving the acquisition, handling, or distribution of adulterated or misbranded meat or poultry products, fraud in connection with transactions in food, or other similar factors.

4. If awarded a grant, I agree I will comply fully with all applicable USDA FSIS standards.

5. I acknowledge I possess a Federal Grant of Inspection, or plan to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection during the period of performance of the award.

6. I certify that the facility is currently operating under all necessary licenses, certifications and inspections for processing seafood, including but not limited to a State’s seafood Department of Health Food Processing license or equivalent

7. I certify that I have disclosed all violations of state and Federal health and safety laws, regulations, and standards. I also certify that I understand that the Agency may use my disclosure as well as any undisclosed information as part of its decision-making process for awards.

8. I certify I have developed a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan that includes catfish – or will revise an existing HACCP plan to include catfish and covers the entire grant period of performance.

9. I certify that I have the necessary certifications in place to ensure regulatory compliance with all food safety measures providing safe products to consumers.

10. I confirm that the state where my processing facility is located has a state aquatic nuisance species or invasive species management plan that includes catfish.

11. I confirm that any equipment required for my project is available or can be procured and delivered within the proposed project development schedule (barring unforeseen supply chain disruptions to availability) and will be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications and design requirements.

12. I have identified the balance of funding necessary (20 percent of total project costs) to complete the project according to the timeline and budget proposed in my application and will provide supporting match documentation if selected for funding.

13. My project will be constructed following all applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards.

14. For projects involving construction, as the applicant, I will include any design and construction documents. If selected for funding, the Agency will follow the construction planning and performing develop regulations at 7 CFR 4280.125 I further acknowledge and certify that:

1. I understand USDA Rural Development will check the Do Not Pay System to verify that – as the applicant – I have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM)

2. I have not been debarred or suspended from participation in federal programs

3. I am not listed on the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System, the U.S. Treasury Offset Program, or on Social Security death records

4. I understand I am responsible for resolving any issues reported in the Do Not Pay System. NOTE: If issues are not resolved by the time USDA Rural Development is prepared to award MPPEP grants, USDA Rural Development may instead award funds to other eligible applicants.

We recommend you use the MPPEP Phase 3 Round 2 Application Checklist (available at this link: tinyurl.com/2s346cmw) to ensure you are aware of all documents needed to ensure you file a complete application.

Section 8: Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Letters of Support and Tribal Consent

Please Letters of Support that are required for points in the Section 5 Merit Evaluation for Community Impact and Support. Also, if applicable, projects on tribal land where the applicant is not a member, attach a Tribal Letter of Consent, from the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over the land where your proposed project is located.

Appendix B: Financial Documents and Business Plan

Financial Documents Provide the following to assist the Agency in determining financial viability of the project: Three years of historical balance sheet and income statements. Applicants with fewer than three years of data should submit what is available, which may include but is not limited to balance sheets, income statements, and other related documentation to demonstrate the financial viability of the venture.

Current balance sheet and income statements (within 90 days of application).

Two years of proforma and projected financial analysis including but not limited to (A) balance sheet, (B) income statement, and (C) cash flow analysis. Include financial projections with assumptions used in development of projections.

Business Plan.

Provide a plan that includes the business goals and objectives, market analysis, and the rationale for the proposed project.

Appendix C: Additional Supporting Documents

Any additional documents that will support the application, including Resumes for key personnel, Design and Construction Documents, and Environmental Information.

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

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

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