MPPEP Summary Updates to the RFA 4-7-22.docx

Changes to MPPEP RFA Updated the application deadline date throughout to May 11, 2022.

Section 1.3 Activities Eligible for Funding

· Clarified eligible total project costs

· Clarified that land is an eligible activity for new construction and for purchasing an inoperable facility.

Section 2.4 Eligible Applicants

· Updated to request that the applicant only certify that they are not in the top 4 as applicable for beef, pork, poultry, or turkey processing. There is no public data otherwise.

· Clarified that applicants do not have to certify if they are processing other species (not beef, pork, poultry, or turkey).

· Clarified that multiple projects owned by the same applicant entity may be combined into one application.

Section 2.6 Cost Sharing and Matching

· Clarified that the applicant defines the project.

· Clarified eligible total project costs cannot include existing processing capacity and how to value other funds contributed to the project.

Section 3.2 Application Requirements

· Took reference out to program income as it will be handled in the FAA.

· Clarified how to handle an issue with the form SF-LLL in the grants.gov submission

· Clarified who the letters of support could be addressed to and that they need to be part of the grants.gov submission for consideration.

Section 3.6 Funding Restriction

· Clarified that you cannot pay costs or use the current market value of property or equipment for eligible total project costs that only support existing processing capacity. Reiterating 2.6.

Section 4.1 Evaluation Criteria

· Updated the website reference for AMS’ TA to the USDA.gov/meat site.

Section 5.4 Reporting Requirements

· Clarified that awardees must comply as applicable with tribal or state-based official for project compliance.

· Clarified what the outcome report is and that it is due 60 days after the first full year following the year in which the expansion project was completed.

· Clarified that the Agency will file a Notice of Interest for any real property.

· Added discussion on how grant disbursement works.

Definitions

· Added the definition of Tribal Entities: is expansive and includes all entities falling under the eligible legal structures, including but not limited to: tribal owned corporations, intertribal non-profits and associations, Alaska Native Corporations, Native entities within the State of Alaska recognized by and eligible to receive services from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native Hawaiian organizations including Homestead Associations, State recognized tribes/non-profits, and individually-owned Native American entities.