NOFO - Food Safety (002).docx

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Global Programs Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Strengthening Food Safety Systems in Africa

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM at www.sam.gov. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

In addition to obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM, you must also obtain Level 2 eAuthentication to apply for this funding opportunity in ezFedGrants. You must submit an online form requesting access. Normally you will receive an email within 24 hours of your submission, if your request is approved. After this occurs, you will need to schedule an appointment with an LRA. Once you meet with the LRA, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information.

A. Program Description

Background The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) seeks to support the efforts of African Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States (MS) in improving understanding and uniform application of science-based sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards among food safety actors in the region in accordance with International Standard Setting Bodies (ISSBs)

Umbrella policies under the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (AU-DARBE) lead regional SPS efforts. On January 1, 2021 the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement) went into effect to create the largest free trade block in the world, consisting of 54 nations. Implementation of Annex 7 on SPS of the AfCFTA highlights the pressing need to support RECs and MS in strengthening legislation and regulations that are based on science and international standards to facilitate the trade of agricultural products. In 2019, AU-DARBE led in the development of an SPS Policy Framework that was adopted by heads of state in March 2020. The Framework provides an implementation mechanism for the SPS Chapter of the AfCFTA with a clear action plan including objectives, strategies and responsibilities for RECs, MS and other national and international partners to strengthen their SPS/Food Safety regulatory systems. This program seeks to harmonize SPS processes, focusing on food safety, at the continental, regional and bilateral levels.

SPS measures are the foundation for safe trade, as they are critical to protecting human, animal and plant health, and prevent the introduction and spread of pests, and are essential to increase Africa’s ability to export products to regional and global markets. Harmonized SPS measures will achieve goals and commitments under the Malabo Declaration, Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) and Agenda 2063. Insufficient capacity to enforce SPS measures can result in a country’s exclusion from key markets, and poorly applied procedures can result in unnecessary costs, creating inefficiencies in the trading system.

Objectives Implementation of national and regional technical training, research, and outreach programs for RECs and MS to apply international standards; strengthen scientific collaboration; and harmonize SPS standards. These activities will support RECs and MS to meet commitments defined in the WTO’s SPS Agreement, further outlined in the SPS Policy Framework.

The recipient should complement and strengthen linkages to other regional efforts to advance food safety, such as laboratory-based research and education, integrated data collection platforms, and high-level dialogue. The current lack of high-level analytical research and education programming means health authorities are less likely to make informed policy decisions based on science.

FAS anticipates the recipient will deliver structured learning in food safety, undertake collaborative research, and publicize and support scientific findings by:

· Coordinating with the AU and USDA to provide scientific support to develop and implement the AU’s food safety strategy as well as researching approaches and developing policy guidelines to support RECs and MS in the implementation of food safety measures aligned to the AfCFTA’s SPS Annex 7.

· Collaborating with USDA and other USG agencies to educate and train REC and MS technical experts through workshops; virtual meetings; technical assistance; online tools; and other platforms to familiarize Africa regulators with U.S. food safety inspection regulations and procedures.

· Conducting consultative research with agribusinesses to identify priority areas, including border management processes, in which to identify major food safety barriers to trade between RECs and MS.

· Providing technical assistance and training to support SPS notification, inquiry points, and other tools for reporting on trade and SPS-related matters to the WTO and as results under the Comprehensive Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) Framework indicators.

Place of Performance The recipient will work with countries within Africa. Coordination of this work can be conducted within the United States, but foreign travel will be required to implement work with identified countries. Use of an in-country implementing partner may be beneficial due to international travel restrictions. Travel can be replaced by virtual meetings as possible to build the ability of countries to communicate remotely, and to facilitate implementation of the program during Covid 19 related travel restrictions.

Issued By Foreign Agricultural Service, Global Programs, Trade and Regulatory Capacity Building, Multilateral Capacity Building Branch

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number and Title

10.960 Technical Agricultural Assistance.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title Strengthening Food Safety Systems in Africa

NOFO Number

USDA-FAS-10960-0700-10.-21-0019

Authorizing Authority for Program National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, PL 95-113, as amended, 7 USC §§ 3291 and 3319a

Appropriation Authority for Program The FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act (PL 116-260)

Announcement Type New

B. Federal Award Information Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: Up to $1,000,000

The initial award will be up to $300,000; and up to $700,000 of additional funding may be added over the life of the award, subject to the availability of funding.

Projected number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance: 24 months

Projected First Budget Period: July 19, 2021 – July 18, 2023

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): July 19, 2021

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): July 18, 2023

Extensions, with or without cost, may be considered; please see Section H.

Pre-Award costs: Not authorized.

Cost Share or Match requirements: A cost match or cost share is not required.

Funding Instrument USDA will enter into a Cost-Reimbursable Agreement under 7 USC, Chapter 64 § 3319a.

Note that indirect costs, by law, cannot exceed 10% of direct costs under this agreement instrument. FAS has no authority to waive this ceiling.

Subawards are allowable under the agreement.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants:

U.S. State Cooperative Institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) MOE is not allowable.

Eligibility Criteria All applicants must have an active registration in the SAM database at https://www.sam.gov – pending or expired registrants are not eligible. This requirement must be met by the closing date of the announcement and will not be waived. Please contact the program officer listed if you have questions about this requirement.

In addition to obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM, you must also obtain Level 2 eAuthentication to apply for this funding opportunity in ezFedGrants (eFG). You must submit an online form requesting access. Normally you will receive an email within 24 hours of your submission, if your request is approved. After this occurs, you will need to schedule an appointment with an LRA. Once you meet with the LRA, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Application Start Date: June 11, 2021

Application Submission Deadline: July 11, 2021 11:59 PM EDT

Anticipated Award Date: July 19, 2021

Address to Request Application Package This NOFO represents the full application information. For additional information or questions, please contact the program officer(s) listed in Section G.

Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must be in Adobe PDF format, accompanied by the following documents in Adobe PDF format. Please ensure that the most current version of each required form is used by following the links or attachments provided.

Required forms and certifications, including:

· SF-424 version 2.1, signed by the applicant

· SF-424A version 1.0, This should be accompanied by a detailed budget and detailed budget narrative for the first budget period (NOTE: A budget narrative for the first budget period must be provided). All line items should be described in sufficient detail to enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations. The cost categories should be explained in this manner:

a. Personnel: Costs of employee salaries and wages. For each staff person, provide the name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded salary.

Do not include the costs of consultants, subgrants, or contractors. Consultants, subgrants, and contractors are to be included under “Contractual.”

b. Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide the method used to calculate the proposed rate amount. If a fringe benefit has been negotiated with, or approved by, a cognizant federal agency, attach a copy of the negotiated fringe benefit agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc. Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses. (Attach the agreement to the application package.) For foreign entities this may not apply.

c. Travel: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization (do not include costs of sub-contractor or consultant travel). For each proposed trip, provide the purpose, number of travelers, travel origin and destination, number of days, and a breakdown of costs for airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals. The basis for the airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals must be provided, such as past trips, current quotations, Federal Travel Regulations, etc.

d. Equipment: Equipment is not an allowable expenditure for this award. Any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or (b) $5000.

NOTE: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, calibration and maintenance services, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.

e. Supplies: Supplies are tangible personal property other than that included in the equipment category if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports the amount requested. A computing device is a supply.

f. Contractual: Costs of all contracts for services and goods that further the work of the project. Sub-contractors, sub-awardees, and/or sub-grantees that do not perform technical work (i.e., landscapers, trash collectors, etc.) belong under other cost categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, other, etc.

Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations. Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is expected to perform work estimated to be $25,000 or more, or 50% of the total work effort, whichever is less.

· Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.

· Provide the following information for each planned subcontract: a brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection; e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder, delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.

· All required flow down provisions in the award must be included in any subcontract.

· In this section also include subgrantees. Provide information for each planned subgrant. Identify each planned subawardee and its total proposed budget. Include a brief description of the work to be performed.

g. Other Direct Costs: Any other items proposed as direct costs that do not fall under the budget categories listed above. Provide an itemized list with costs and state the basis for each proposed item.

h. Indirect Costs: Those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. Please refer to the information on Unallowable Costs for limitations on Indirect Cost rates. This will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 USC § 3319a. University indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements are limited to 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC)

· If applicable, complete and submit the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying.

· A narrative description of the proposed activities, no longer than (7) seven pages how it will be administered, the role(s) of proposed personnel, and how it fits in with the recipient’s broader programs.

The SF-424 and SF-424A can be completed within the ezFedGrants platform. However, the other required forms must be downloaded from the Forms sections on Grants.gov or will be sent to you upon request to the program officer(s) named in Section G.

Please be aware that OMB Memorandum 18-24: Strategies to Reduce Grant Recipient Reporting Burden has been approved. Various required forms needed to apply for Federal Financial Assistance no longer are required to be completed individually at time of application. They are covered in the Financial Assistance Certifications Report.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Financial Assistance Certifications are a common set of certifications and representations required by Federal statutes or regulations in accordance with the grants guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.208 Certifications and Representations). Those non-Federal entities who intend to apply for, or are already recipients of Federal grants or agreements, must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. Registrants who reply yes to the question in the SAM portal are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

FAS will verify in SAM.gov that the proper certifications are completed, and if they have not been, you will be contacted and directed to do so. Your award will not be issued until the proper forms are completed within the SAM.gov portal.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant is required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM (https://www.sam.gov) before submitting an application;

(ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times, during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

The Federal awarding agency may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

FAS is using ezFedGrants, which is an electronic grants management system. Applicant(s) with electronic access are required to submit their applications electronically through the ezFedGrants portal.

Before you can apply, you must have a DUNS number, be registered in SAM, and have access to the ezFedGrants website at: https://grants.fms.usda.gov

Applicants are encouraged to register early. The registration process can take approximately four weeks to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

DUNS number. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website: http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the Standard Forms (SF)-424 forms submitted as part of this application.

System for Award Management. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying electronically through ezFedGrants must register with SAM. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found here:

www.sam.gov

Failure to register with SAM will result in your application being rejected during the submissions process.

Electronic Signatures FAS accepts electronic signatures on all proposal and award documents. FAS will use only electronic signatures on award documents unless the proposal specifically states that institutional policy precludes the use of electronic signatures.

ezFedGrants System Access and Electronic Signature

Level 2 eAuthentication. The next step in the registration process is to obtain a Level 2 eAuthentication account that will allow access to the ezFedGrants system. Instructions for getting a Level 2 eAuthentication account can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov

If you experience any issues with self-registration or have eAuthentication-related questions, please contact the eAuthenticationHelpDesk for assistance:

By email to eAuthHelpDesk@usda.gov

Requesting a role in ezFedGrants. After obtaining eAuthentication, users will need a role in the system. Descriptions of the roles available and instructions on how to request a role can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants@cfo.usda.gov Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through ezFedGrants constitute a submission as electronically signed applications. When you submit the application through ezFedGrants, the name of your Signatory Official on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please email the Helpdesk at ezFedGrants@cfo.usda.gov

The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicant(s) must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the State’s process under Executive Order 12372 (https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html) Name and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at the Office of Management and Budget’s home page at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

Funding Restrictions Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by 2 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR Part 400 or this funding opportunity notice.

Compensation for personal services (whether classified as personnel, contractual services, or any other form) may not exceed the pro-rated equivalent of Step III of the Executive Schedule. For calendar year 2019, this is $176,900 per year; $680.38 per day; or $85.05 per hour. Non-monetized fringe benefits are generally excluded from this ceiling, however, a federally negotiated fringe benefits rate agreement may be required if fringe benefits appear to be unusually high.

FAS agreement funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

These funds cannot be used for construction purposes, general purpose equipment (no particular scientific, technical, or programmatic purpose), scientific equipment exceeding $5,000 or more, entertainment, capital improvements, thank you gifts, or other expenses not directly related to the project.

In addition, this will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 U.S.C. 3319a; therefore, University indirect costs are limited to 10% of the direct costs.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs:

M&A costs are not allowable.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs Indirect F&A costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. By statute, indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements cannot exceed 10% of direct costs.

Other Submission Requirements All applications must be submitted electronically as indicated above.

E. Application Review Information Application Evaluation Criteria Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Factor 1: Technical Approach and Feasibility (30 points)

i. The overall program plan and design should be relevant to the specified objectives outlined in the program objectives section of this NOFO. The program plan should be thorough, well thought out, and will achieve the desired post-program deliverables. Site visits and meetings should be meaningful to the content of the program.

ii. The applicant’s proposal must describe a realistic, effective and sound approach, including a description of high-quality methods and analytical rigor for achieving the project’s requirements.

iii. The applicant’s proposal must contain specific outputs, outcomes, and a proposed timeline, favorably providing output and outcome indicators to track progress of work.

iv. The applicant’s proposal must address how they will approach logistical hurdles of planning and implementing activities in sub Saharan Africa.

Factor 2: Experience and Expertise (30 points)

i. The Principal Investigator must be able to provide trainers/subject matter experts with the appropriate technical background to provide the desired activities. Subject matter experts must have significant experience in their related field and scope of the specific activity. As these activities are geared towards the African countries and Regional Communities that cover SPS issues, access to subject matter experts who have significant familiarity with sanitary and phytosanitary measures, food safety, International Standard Setting Bodies, and cross border SPS trade issues, and an ability to gather data for policy documents, and convey this experience to interested parties. The trainers must also be able to offer expert technical guidance on international sanitary and phytosanitary measures and an in-depth understanding of the policies and regulations provided by USDA and other federal agencies, or state or international equivalents. Experience working with Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States, and U.S. regulatory agencies. The proposal should indicate how the applicant can provide such technical services, preferably in both English and French.

ii.Evidence of prior work or implementation of similar programs with regulatory capacity building, especially in relation to food safety harmonization. Experience working with the African Union and/or African Regional Economic Communities and Member States, especially providing/facilitating training to members of regional economic communities and developing policy documents.

Factor 3: Cost effectiveness (20 points) The agency will consider the “value for money” in its evaluation of the program. This factor does not consider the cost alone, but rather the cost relative to the value for the work to be performed. Note that the agency’s available funding may not exceed the amount shown in part B.

Review and Selection Process In all cases, the Program Manager will conduct an initial responsiveness review of all applications submitted to determine if the submission is complete and followed the rules outlined in this announcement. This review will ensure the following: 1) the application was submitted on time as specified in this announcement (See Section D. Application and Submission Information), 2) the applicant is eligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information), 3) all the required forms and documents are submitted timely as outlined (See Section D. Application and Submission Information, Content and Form of Application Submission). If an applicant is determined to be ineligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information) or an application is determined to be non-responsive, FAS will notify the applicant.

In addition, FAS conducts a two-part application review process. If the Agency determines your application to be responsive, the application will be reviewed by a review panel.

0. FAS will assemble reviewers which may include both federal and non-federal reviewers to review the eligible applications. Reviews of submitted applications will be conducted either on site or by remote review.

0. Technical reviewers will review each eligible application against the evaluation criteria. The reviewers will ensure that the organization is capable of delivering the programs/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative. The reviewers will assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified above. Evaluation Criteria: the evaluation criteria must be directly related to key aspects of the project. The criteria must be measurable with an associated point range. It is a best practice, but not required, that the entire review criteria score range should be out of 100. From the scoring process, a recommendation list may be composed and sent to the FAS Administrator, or his/her designee.

0. An application may be selected for a post-review quality control and possible rescoring if it received significantly diverging scores and comments from reviewers.

The second part of the application review process includes an internal review panel consisting of FAS staff, and the Administrator, or his/her designee, reviewing the recommendation list which will display the highest ranked applications. From this list this internal review panel will make final funding recommendations. The internal review panel may take applications out of rank order in consideration of: 1) strategic program priorities, 2) geographical distribution or 3) the incorporation of minority serving institutions.

0. FAS will perform an additional review of the applicant organization which may include reviewing any and/or its key personnel. This review will include reviewing audit reports, publicly available materials and/or government databases and may have a bearing on award outcome. FAS may request additional materials from the applicant as part of this review, including:

· The summary letter from the applicant’s most recent audit report; and

· Documentation of previous grant award completion that includes the name of the grantor, amount awarded, and whether the grant recipient sufficiently completed the requirements of the grant award (e.g., a final close-out report, certification of grant award completion, etc.)

0. After the technical review and before making final funding decisions, FAS may contact the highest ranking applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a sub-awardee, FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.

In addition, the following applies:

i. Prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold as defined by 48 CFR § 2.101, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS).

ii. An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

iii. will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR §200.205 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Technical and cost proposals submitted under this funding opportunity will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. FAS may use one or more support contractors in the logistical processing of proposals. However, funding recommendations and final award decisions are solely the responsibility of FAS personnel.

FAS screens all technical reviewers for potential conflicts of interest. To determine possible conflicts of interest, FAS requires potential reviewers to complete and sign conflicts of interest and nondisclosure forms. FAS will keep the names of submitting institutions and individuals as well as the substance of the applications confidential except to reviewers and FAS staff involved in the award process. FAS will destroy any unsuccessful applications after three years following the funding decision.

F. Federal Award Administration Information Notice of Award Notice of award will be given to the institution via email. This email is not an authorization to begin performance. The notice of Federal award signed by the grants officer (or equivalent) is the authorizing document through electronic means. It should also indicate if there are any pass-through obligations that successful applicants are required to meet upon receiving award funds, including specific timeline requirements.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements All successful applicants are required to comply with Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions, available online at:

https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants/general_terms_and_conditions/default.asp The applicable Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions will be for the last year specified at that URL, unless the application is to continue an award first awarded in an earlier year. In that event, the terms and conditions that apply will be those in effect for the year in which the award was originally made unless explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent mutually-agreed amendments to the award.

Before accepting the award, the Recipient should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any Special Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Reporting

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR), as known as the SF-425, must be submitted for each quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Reporting must be filed by 30 days after the end of each reporting period, and within 90 days of the end of the agreement. The required form is available online at: https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786

Program Performance Reporting Requirements Performance Progress Reporting is required for each quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Reporting must be filed by 30 days after the end of each reporting period and within 90 days of the end of the agreement and should include details the activities undertaken, and progress made during the reporting period

Monitoring FAS, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, FAS will review grant recipients’ files related to the funded program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit FAS, upon reasonable notice, to review related records and to interview the organization’s staff and clients regarding the program, and to respond in a timely and accurate manner to FAS requests for information relating to their program.

Close Out Reporting Requirements Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

Acceptance of final reports by the agency constitutes a closeout of the award with no further notice or obligation to either party. This acceptance will indicate the period of performance has expired, and any remaining funds will be deobligated. Records must be retained for a minimum of three years after the final reports are submitted, as described in 2 CFR 200.333

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

G. Awarding Agency Contact Information Contact and Resource Information The designated agency points of contact for this agreement are:

Mary Ensch Phone: 202.791.8483 Email: mary.ensch@usda.gov

Carrie Johnson Phone: 202-772-4841 Email: carrie.johnson2@usda.gov

1400 Independence Ave, SW Room 3844; Stop 1032 Washington, DC 20250-1032

Hours of Operation: 8:00AM – 4:30PM EST

Inquiries will be returned within 24 working hours (3 business days). All questions must be received no later than 16 working hours (2 working days) prior to submission deadline, except the point of contact will confirm receipt of proposals upon request

H. Additional Information

1. Extensions Extensions to this program are allowed. Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval.

2. Prior Approval The Recipient shall not incur costs or obligate funds for any purpose pertaining to the operation of the project, program, or activities prior to the approved Budget Period/Performance Period.

3. Budget Revisions

a. Transfers of funds between direct cost categories in the approved budget when such cumulative transfers among those direct cost categories exceed ten percent of the total budget approved in this Award require prior written approval.

b. The Recipient shall obtain prior written approval for any budget revision that would result in the need for additional resources/funds.

c. The Recipient is not authorized at any time to transfer amounts budgeted for direct costs to the indirect costs line item or vice versa, without prior written approval.

4. Post-award program income In the event program income becomes available to the recipient post-award, it is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the FAS Program Manager to explain how that development occurred, as part of their request for guidance and/or approval. The Program Manager will review approval requests for program income on a case-by-case basis; approval is not automatic. Consistent with the policy and processes outlined in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, pertinent guidance and options, as determined by the type of recipient and circumstances involved, may be approved by the Grant Officer. If approval is granted, an award modification will be issued with an explanatory note in the remarks section of the face page concerning guidance and/or options pertaining to the recipient’s approved recipient’s approved request. All instances of program income shall be listed in the progress and financial reports.

Strengthening Food Safety Systems in Africa