NADPRP 2019 Funding Opportunity FAQ.PDF

Farm Bill Section 12101 National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) 2019 Funding Opportunity: Training and Exercise Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions September 2019

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) announced an open period to apply for 2019 funding for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). Through this funding opportunity, VS is soliciting collaborators who will develop, deliver, conduct and/or provide access to emergency management training and exercises to increase the capabilities, capacity, and readiness of the nation’s animal agriculture sector to quickly and effectively respond to animal pests and disease outbreaks affecting the economic interests of the livestock and related industries of the United States. The following information addresses basic questions regarding the initial phase of NADPRP funding. For more information, visit the NADPRP website.

How much funding is available in the initial phase?

In calendar year 2019, APHIS is making available up to $10M to be divided between NADPRP and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network programs.

Who can apply for funds?

• States (including State departments of agriculture, State animal health officials, and State emergency agencies),

• Universities (including land-grant colleges and universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, tribal colleges, and veterinary colleges),

• Livestock producer organizations,

• Veterinary organizations recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association,

• Tribal councils and organizations, and

• Federal agencies.

The full list is in the funding opportunity announcement.

When are proposal applications due?

VS must receive applications by October 25, 2019, by 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

How do applicants apply for funds?

Applicants are highly encouraged to apply online at www.grants.gov by searching for opportunity number USDA-APHIS-10025-VSCEAH00-20-0001. The funding opportunity announcement provides detailed instructions on how to apply. Applications will also be accepted via e-mail.

What are the funding priorities?

The 2019 NADPRP funding opportunity includes three priorities specific to training and exercises.

1. Develop and /or deliver emergency management training for animal agriculture sector responders. The training events may support the USDA APHIS VS Emergency Preparedness and Response Training/Exercise Strategy and Plan 2019-2021 (VS TEP), other applicable training/exercise strategy and plans, and/or training that addresses lessons learned from recent incidents, outbreaks, and past exercises. Training may be a part of continuous improvement planning as described in the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/!ut/p/z0/fZDNbsIwEISfhmPkdUopHPlrgAaoVLUKvlgLcZJtHTvYBpW3r4EeeupxRqP5RsMEK5gweKYaA1mDOuqdGMgNn2Yw7PM8m884jBej5cviaQCQpWzFRAzk2_6UT94gz55f5zB-364myw2k8PFwbUjderqumegwNAmZyrLCo9xfZIlBsSIFPro6CQxZgYZa1EmjUMcwHgKdKZDySXUyJZn6F_jPogikz-NRjJk4WBPUd4itXUNe3qQJUtPeobv0IK6wJycrezj5m7rT5Z3-1ynJK_RKXte79vZODyp07Z605ikH3gMsk86pDp0qjfI-ccp31ngVXVs7bFn3JXazR13_ACufzx4!/ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/prof_development/downloads/vs-ntep-fy2018-2020.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/prof_development/downloads/vs-ntep-fy2018-2020.pdf https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/documents/1269813/1269861/HSEEP_Revision_Apr13_Final.pdf/65bc7843-1d10-47b7-bc0d-45118a4d21da

Program (HSEEP) and related to, for example, action items contained in After Action Reports (AARs), Improvement Plans (IPs) and corrective action tracking and implementation.

2. Develop, conduct and evaluate emergency management exercises for animal agriculture sector responders that support the VS TEP, other applicable training/exercise strategy and plans, and/or exercises that address lessons learned from recent incidents, outbreaks, and past exercises. Exercises may be a part of continuous improvement planning as described in HSEEP and related to, for example, action items contained in AARs, IPs and corrective action tracking and implementation.

3. Support domestic travel and per diem for animal agriculture sector responders to access and participate in emergency management training and/or exercise events for animal agriculture emergency preparedness and response, including the trainings and exercises described in priorities 1 and 2. This includes, but is not limited to, events hosted by the VS TEP and VS Professional Development Staff.

What types of activities may be considered for the training and exercise events?

The scope of the training and exercise events may include, but is not limited to, the following animal health emergency preparedness and response critical activities. These activities represent a subset of critical activities in the APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Framework, Response Strategies applicable to the NADPRP.

a. Surveillance.

b. Diagnostic sample collection, submission, and reporting.

c. Epidemiological investigation and tracing.

d. Training on existing information management systems.

e. Communication.

f. Health, safety, and security of responders.

g. Biosecurity.

h. Quarantine and movement control.

i. Continuity of business/Secure Food Supply Plans (Non-Infected Premises in

Regulatory Control Areas).

j. Mass depopulation and euthanasia.

k. Disposal (carcass and waste management).

l. Cleaning and disinfection (cost effective agent elimination).

m. Vaccination.

n. Incident Management (Incident Command System, Unified Command System).

o. Incident Management Teams.

p. Incident Coordination, Multi Agency Coordination.

What are some examples of activities that VS might fund for this 2019 opportunity?

Examples of training and exercise activities are posted on the NADPRP website.

What are other funding considerations?

Projects are encouraged to follow the principles and approaches of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Incident Management System (NIMS) and HSEEP. Proposals should describe how the project will leverage existing resources through partnerships with local, State, and/or Federal governments, industry organizations, professional associations, producer groups, and/or non-profit organizations. Applicants should also describe anticipated involvement by VS personnel. VS intends to collaborate with recipients to successfully complete training and exercises that are funded via this opportunity. However, due to limited availability of personnel, https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/documents/1269813/1269861/HSEEP_Revision_Apr13_Final.pdf/65bc7843-1d10-47b7-bc0d-45118a4d21da https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emergency_management/downloads/documents_manuals/fadprep_manual_2.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding-opportunity-ex-of-activities.pdf https://www.fema.gov/nims-doctrine-supporting-guides-tools

VS encourages proposals, where possible, that are not contingent on VS participation during the operational training and exercise events.

Will Farm Bill agreements impact the VS umbrella agreements with States?

No. All VS Farm Bill agreements with States will be distinct and separate from other VS agreements with States that are funded with appropriated funds, such as umbrella agreements.

What is competitive funding and how does it work in a cooperative agreement?

The 2019 NADPRP funding opportunity calls for proposals to be awarded through cooperative / interagency agreements using a competitive funding process.

Competitive funding is a process of proposal selection based on the evaluation by a reviewer or team of reviewers. Funding is based on the merits of the application, and recipients are not pre-determined.

Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity funded by the Federal award.

Interagency agreements define the cooperative work between Federal agencies.

When cooperative agreements are awarded through a competitive process, applicants must submit a complete and polished proposal by the deadline because there is no opportunity for proposal modifications during the review process.

What is the period of performance?

Up to 24 months. Congress provided NADPRP funds as no-year money, allowing us to enter into agreements that extend beyond one year. Project activities are anticipated to begin the first quarter of calendar year 2020 (January-March).

May entities submit or contribute to more than one proposal?

Yes. An entity may contribute to multiple applications and engage on multiple project proposals.

Example: an entity may contribute to group proposal(s) and submit a proposal from their own organization.

What are Group Proposals?

If multiple applicants collaborate and submit one proposal to accomplish a single project and VS establishes separate agreements with multiple contributors of the project, the proposal is considered a group proposal. To submit an application for a group proposal, one applicant identified as the project lead submits the proposal on behalf of the group. The submitting applicant indicates on the work plan that this is a group proposal, and they include information for each contributor. The project lead submits with the application package the proposal application forms from each contributor that anticipates an individual agreement with VS. If the project is awarded, VS would enter into separate agreements with each contributor that submits the proposal application forms. Contributors that do not submit proposal application forms would receive support through the project lead as delineated in the proposal work and financial plans.

Example: A multi-state livestock producer organization is the project lead and submits a group proposal on behalf of its organization, two universities, a state veterinary medical association and two state departments of agriculture for training and exercise events in the multi-state region.

The producer organization has a mechanism in place to enter into sub-agreements with the two universities and the state veterinary medical association, but does not have a mechanism to share funds with the two state departments of agriculture. Therefore, the two state departments of agriculture complete the proposal application forms and the project lead submits these with the proposal. If awarded, VS will enter into agreements with the multi-state livestock producer organization and the two state departments of agriculture (for a total of three agreements).

May a foreign entity submit a proposal?

No. However, a foreign entity may contribute to a domestic entity’s proposal. The proposal should describe the necessity and added value to engage foreign collaborators to accomplish the proposed activities.

Will some entities automatically receive set amounts of funding?

No. The funding process is competitive with funding decisions based on quality of proposals received. High quality proposals are those that strongly support the priorities and address the needs, considerations, and evaluation criteria described in the funding opportunity.

How much funding does VS expect to award to individual applicants?

VS anticipates that most awards for 2019 NADPRP projects will range from $50,000 up to $1,000,000 each.

How are proposals reviewed and who reviews them? Who makes the final decision?

VS will request help from the VS National Training and Exercise Program (NTEP) Working Group to form an ad hoc review panel. This long-standing working group includes experts internal and external to VS. The selection criteria and process are described in detail in the funding opportunity announcement. Final funding decisions are made by the Secretary.

What is the timeline to review the submitted proposals? When will applicants be notified if they were awarded funds, and when will funds be awarded?

VS anticipates completing the review process and provide the Secretary with a draft spending plan by early December. VS will publish the NADPRP 2019 spending plan and notify applicants of their award status promptly after the spending plan is approved by the Secretary. Applicants will be notified through (1) the publication of the 2019 NADPRP spending plan on the NADPRP web site and announcement via GovDelivery, and (2) an e-mail from VS to each applicant notifying them of their award status. VS anticipates that program funds will be made available for project activity to begin the first quarter of the calendar year 2020 (January – March).

Are there limitations on what Farm Bill Section 12101 funds can be used for?

Yes. NADPRP funds cannot be used for construction, international travel, promotional materials, or project activities typically supported through VS umbrella and traceability agreements. See the funding opportunity announcement for the full details.

Is there further clarification on use of Farm Bill Section 12101 funds for personnel costs?

It is not VS’ intent to prescribe an applicant’s approach to satisfying personnel needs to complete activities associated with the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). VS recommends applicants use caution when hiring or funding personnel with NADPRP funds because there is no guarantee of future NADPRP funding beyond the project’s performance period. Funds made available to cooperators via the NADPRP may only be used to support the activities described in the agreement work plan and are only available for the agreement performance period. Work and financial plans should clearly describe the activities to be performed and the time period of the activity for personnel resources.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Fanimal_health%2Fdownloads%2Ffarmbill%2Fnadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf&data=02%7C01%7C%7C29b5254416cd43855cdf08d73c367439%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637044076879360511&sdata=TZCoADiLn8%2ButaVOyULs7PCr9%2B5TRWUi4xrCY97NU4w%3D&reserved=0

Examples: It may be appropriate to fund personnel whose salary is generated from extramural agreements or to fund a portion of an employee’s salary that is only funded to work 9 out of 12 months of the year. It would NOT be appropriate to hire a new position with an intent to support that position with NADPRP funds beyond the agreement performance period.

Is cost-sharing required?

No.

What is the percentage of allowable overhead a cooperator may charge in NADPRP agreements?

Section 12101 of the 2018 Farm Bill restricts indirect costs charged against a cooperative agreement to be the lesser of 10 percent of the total Federal funds provided under this cooperative agreement or the indirect cost rate applicable to the recipient as established by law (this is the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate).

Can an application submitted in the eFG system be modified or amended after it is submitted?

Once a Signatory Official signs and submits an application, it may be modified or amended in eFG prior to the application due date. To modify or amend your application, send an e-mail to VS.SP.Cooperative.Agreements@usda.gov and request your application be “returned”. Once it is returned, only the application creator can edit the application. The application must be resubmitted prior to the application due date in order to be considered in the competitive review.

Can an application submitted in the Grants.gov system be modified or amended after it is submitted?

When signing and submitting an application through Grants.gov, applicants will be asked the question, “Is this a changed/corrected application?” and have an option to select "Yes" or "No".

If an application is being re-submitted using the same workspace, the "Yes" option will be selected by default and the Grant Tracking Number from the previous submission will be listed.

Answering “Yes” to the question will associate the new submission with the previous Grant Tracking Number. Answering “No” will not associate the submission with any other application.

To continue to submit the application package, click the Sign and Submit button to complete the process.

Where are the websites with this information?

• NADPRP web page - includes info about the 2019 funding opportunity.

• APHIS Stakeholder Announcement - 2019 Farm Bill animal health funding opportunities.

• 2019 NADPRP funding opportunity announcement (PDF)

• 2019 NADPRP funding opportunity announcement Work Plan template (WORD)

Whom can applicants talk to regarding questions about NADPRP and the 2019 funding opportunity?

• For questions about the NADPRP 2019 Funding Opportunity, e-mail VS.NADPRP@usda.gov or call Julie Wallin (970-494-7258) or Dr. Lee Myers (240-234-0818).

• For questions about the application process and administration, e-mail VS.SP.Cooperative.Agreements@usda.gov or call Penny Strang (970) 494-7386 or Valorie Martin

(919) 855-7239.

mailto:VS.SP.Cooperative.Agreements@usda.gov https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/!ut/p/z1/xVNNc4IwFPwtHjwyeQkIeETLgN_jB1ZyYWKEmhYCAtr67wtODx0dxZ6aUzazLy-7b4Mo2iAq2Um8sVKkksUV9qkeTHHfAVPDY8d-wWC53cHINXQAh6DXC2E80_q4t4TxbO3qYNkrbzU1cW_QJYg-Uw93lgXP1RswBmKOYOYMXRvm85WznqgO6eLG_mtEEc242CG_w40tN41I0dmOKNqOmAqrdx0NuK4Sxg2N12wuy6zcI59le1EEPJVlKMsgFtuc5ec2FCxIj3kQpfxYXBCTImFxsA9ZXO5_n-xEEbIiDISM0jy5WN6GiOXJVsQxJhjwFfxR-0AOfWzm9bQ0u1dNa2FMbHtAAKvNbtML5d4NLtwQbgPR9MjHLRakgVCp8CuZxl0dZuXDSYSfyJO17TFa_jEDlcphk1PVxxHvhwO1qrzUCfkq0eYfApMlnuclpnoWysfCjia2qlHfarW-ASRA5vc!/?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_animal_disease_information%2Ffarmbill12101%2Fad-preparedness-response-program https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/SA_By_Date/2019/SA-08/animal-health-activities-funding https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/nadprp-farmbill-funding.pdf https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/downloads/farmbill/farmbill-12101-work-plan-tempalte.docx mailto:VS.NADPRP@usda.gov mailto:VS.SP.Cooperative.Agreements@usda.gov