PKG00250802-instructions.pdf

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Nutrition Paraprofessional Training Project Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Request for Proposals (RFP) Catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.529

Dates:

Release Date: May 8, 2019 Application Due Date: 11:59PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST), July 8, 2019 Anticipated Award Date: September 2019

OMB BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are 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 0584-0512. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 45 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and competing and reviewing the collection of information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On December 31, 2017, Grants.gov officially retired the legacy .PDF application package as a method to apply for a Federal grant. This changed the way many Grants.gov users completed and submitted their grant applications.

For information on Workspace application process, visit:

https://grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

Application Checklist

This application checklist provides a list of the required documents; however FNS expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application.

In order to apply, at least four weeks prior to submission, you must have:

Obtained a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number;

Registered the DUNS number into the System for Award Management (SAM); and, Registered in grants.gov.

When preparing your application, ensure:

Your application format and narrative meet the requirements included in Section IV

“Application and Submission Information,” including page limits, priorities outlined in Section I and all necessary attachments.

When preparing your budget, ensure the following information is included:

All key staff who are paid by this grant.

The percentage of time the project director will devote to the project in full-time equivalents.

Your organization’s fringe benefit amount along with the basis for the computation.

The type of fringe benefits to be covered with Federal funds.

Itemized travel expenses (including type of travel), travel justifications and basis for lodging estimates.

Types of equipment and supplies, justifications, and estimates, ensuring that the budget is in line with the project description.

Information for all contracts and justification for any sole-source contracts.

Justification, description and itemized list of all consultant services.

Indirect cost information (either a copy of a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

(NICRA) or if no agreement exists, the basis of the indirect costs requested). If none requested, please indicate this in the budget narrative.

When submitting your application, ensure you have submitted the following:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-424A – Budget Information and Instruction Form (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-424B – Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (fillable PDF in Grants.gov) SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire (in Section VIII) Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15)

When applicable, application packages are required to include the following documents:

AD-1047 - Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

Primary Covered Transactions AD-1048 - Certification Regarding Department, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion

Lower Tier Covered Transactions

AD-1049 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I – For Grantees Other Than Individuals

AD-1050 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative II – For Grantees Who Are Individuals

AD-1052 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace State and State Agencies, Federal Fiscal Year

AD-3030 – Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants (fillable PDF in Grants.gov).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 6

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 15

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 18

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 19

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 27

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 29

VII. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 34

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION 35

IX. NEW PROGRESS REPORT TEMPLATE 38

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Introduction The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers 15 Federal nutrition assistance programs of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The mission of FNS is to reduce hunger and food insecurity in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and needy people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is one of the programs that FNS administers. For more information visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/food-distribution-program-indian-reservations-fdpir. FDPIR provides USDA Foods to eligible households (participants) living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), because they do not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores. The program is administered locally by either Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) or a State agency (SA.) The FNS National Office establishes policy and provides administrative funds; FNS Regional Offices provide direct operational and fiscal oversight. Currently, there are 276 tribes providing benefits to participants (recipients of foods) under FDPIR through 102 ITOs and 3 State agencies. USDA Foods available to FDPIR participants are selected by FNS based on their alignment with recommendations found in the most recent publication of The Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

FNS issues a guide rate describing specific maximum quantities and combinations of foods that each person may receive each month.

The goal for this project is to develop and deliver a pilot nutrition paraprofessional training project for FDPIR staff working at local program sites. The training tools and resources developed under this grant should support the efforts of FDPIR local staff in conducting nutrition education activities for FDPIR participants who receive USDA foods.

Note that FDPIR local agency staff will be trained as FDPIR nutrition paraprofessionals. In this document they will be referred to as “trainees.” They will provide nutrition education sessions and activities to FDPIR participants. Throughout this document, “participants” are recipients of foods provided by FDPIR.

Legislative Authority Authority for this cooperative agreement is under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111- 296). FDPIR is authorized under Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (as amended in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334). FDPIR is authorized through fiscal year 2023. Federal regulations governing the program can be found at 7 CFR Parts 250, 253 and 254. 7 CFR 253.5 states that ITOs/SAs shall publicize how FDPIR foods may be used to contribute to a nutritious diet and how FDPIR foods may be properly stored by participants. It also states that ITOs/SAs shall encourage the dissemination of food and nutrition information designed to improve the nutrition of households.

Purpose This Request for Proposals (RFP) solicits applications from eligible entities to design and develop curriculum, conduct training, and evaluate the results of a project that will prepare staff that administer FDPIR to provide specific basic nutrition education sessions and activities to participants.

Funds will be available from September 2019 through September 2021, contingent upon the availability of funds. FNS may fund this project, in whole or in part, without further competition, in this or the subsequent fiscal year.

Additional purposes of this Request for Proposals (RFP) are to:

Provide background information and context related to the goals of this funding opportunity;

Describe the cooperative agreement and associated responsibilities of the project;

Describe which entities are eligible to apply for grant funds;

Solicit applications from eligible entities;

Describe the requirements for submitting a successful application;

Describe how applications will be reviewed and selected, and Describe the terms and conditions to which the grantee must adhere, including how the funds may be used.

FNS intends to select an accredited public or private Academic Institute of Higher Learning, a research or training institution, a nonprofit organization, or other organization that has successfully implemented training initiatives. Applications that demonstrate that staff and partners have experience training the American Indian and Alaskan Native or FDPIR community may earn bonus points. Applications that demonstrate innovative methods to use while training nutrition education paraprofessionals who are American Indians and Alaskan Native adults may earn bonus points.

FNS expects to fund one cooperative agreement award for a total not to exceed $500,000. FNS anticipates the period of performance for this project will be September 2019 through September 2021.

The selected applicant will work with FNS National Office staff to develop the curriculum, training materials, and evaluation methods and materials. The selected applicant will train selected ITO/SA staff who work at local FDPIR sites, referred to in this document as “trainees”.

Background FDPIR at the local level is shaped by the unique American Indian and Alaskan Native communities that are served, geographic regions that are often remotely located, and staff and participants that are culturally diverse. USDA purchases and ships USDA Foods selected from a list directly to ITOs/SAs that administer the programs locally (https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/fdpir/FDPIR- Foods-Available.pdf ). These administering agencies store and distribute the foods, determine applicant eligibility, and provide nutrition education to participants. Most participants pick up monthly food packages and receive other services such as nutrition education at local program sites.

FNS envisions conducting a training project that instills the basic nutrition knowledge and skills needed to become FDPIR nutrition paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals are persons who do not have formal education, training, or licensure obtained from a college or university in a particular field of study. They are taught by professionals to provide services and information that is supplemented with refresher courses and ongoing educational support. USDA’s nutrition programs have a history of providing this type of programming. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), FNS’ Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and

Children (WIC), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education have trained paraprofessionals or peer educators to support the efforts of professional staff. Our intent is to use these programs as examples by developing paraprofessional training tailored to the cultural and program needs of FDPIR staff working at local program sites.

Currently, FDPIR participants receive USDA Foods and nutrition information from local staff who generally have limited nutrition knowledge. These staff may be their only source for receiving nutrition guidance. Moreover, there are many FDPIR local sites without access to a Registered Dietitian or organizations that can provide information or help with nutrition education. This scarcity of nutrition knowledge and resources limits staff in providing accurate and beneficial nutrition and food information to program participants. Lack of knowledge to deliver accurate nutrition and food knowledge may lead to poor utilization of the USDA Foods distributed to participants and inadequate dietary intake on the part of participants.

FNS has a couple of initiatives aimed at supporting the provision of nutrition education provided to FDPIR participants by local FDPIR staff. Since 2008, FNS has awarded approximately $1 million in funding for nutrition education projects through Food Distribution Program Nutrition Education (FDPNE) grants. ITOs/SAs that are authorized to administer FDPIR are eligible to apply for funds to conduct projects that provide nutrition information and services to FDPIR participants. Due in part to a lack of expertise and professional nutrition staff to conduct nutrition education projects, a small number of programs apply for these funds. On average, approximately 15 ITOs/SAs apply for and receive grant funding each year. See https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/fdpir-nutrition-education-grant-awards for more information. FNS also maintains an online FDPIR Sharing Gallery as a source of inspiration and sharing of nutrition education materials, recipes, photos, news, grant opportunities, and other resources for Indian Tribal Organizations participating in FDPIR. See https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/fdpir-sharing-gallery .

Project Goal The overall goal of this project is for the selected applicant to plan, develop, design, deliver and evaluate a culturally relevant training project that uses a multi-component approach. The applicant selected will teach local agency FDPIR staff the basic nutrition knowledge and skills needed to deliver basic nutrition information, on specific topics, to participants who receive foods through

FDPIR.

# GOAL

Plan, develop, design, deliver and evaluate a pilot Nutrition Paraprofessional

Training Project that uses a multi-component approach.

Project Objectives Year One - September 2019-September 2020: Develop training curriculum for face-to face and follow-up training of local agency FDPIR trainees, On-Demand training support, and evaluation methodology to include all materials needed to execute training based on the training topics identified in this RFP.

Create nutrition education content and materials that trainees will use to teach FDPIR participants during nutrition education sessions. Develop simple, innovative evaluation methods and materials for trainees to use to assess the effectiveness of their nutrition education sessions/activities.

Year Two - October 2020-September 2021: The applicant selected will teach trainees who work at local FDPIR sites during in-person sessions at four locations in different geographic areas. The selected applicant will provide follow-up training after in-person training is conducted and will offer access to On-Demand support to trainees.

Below is a list of the Program objectives, which proposed activities should be clearly aligned to in the Activities/Indicators Tracker under Section II:

# Objectives

1. Year One - September 2019-September 2020: Develop training curriculum, including follow-up training, On-Demand training support methods, and evaluation methodology to include all materials needed to execute the training specifically tailored to the training topics identified in the RFP.

2. Year One - September 2019-September 2020: Create nutrition education content and materials that trainees will use to teach FDPIR participants during nutrition education sessions they will conduct at their sites. This must include simple evaluation methods and tools that participants may use to evaluate the nutrition education session they take part in. The content and materials must conform with the specific training topics identified in the RFP.

3. Year Two - October 2020-September 2021: The selected applicant will train an estimated 15-25 trainees (identified by FNS) in-person training sessions over a two day period training period at each of four different geographic locations selected by FNS.

4. Year Two - October 2020-September 2021: The selected applicant will provide a minimum of one follow-up training session, subsequent to in-person training, to trainees using online methods and will offer trainees access to the On-Demand training support system.

5. Year Two - October 2020-September 2021: The selected applicant will complete evaluation procedures and submit an evaluation report to FNS.

Description of Trainees Most FDPIR offices are located in rural communities and are staffed by tribal members, members of other tribes, and non-native people. Staff roles and responsibilities vary depending upon the size of the program, operational budgets, and the number of participants served by the program. In some cases, the director of the program may also serve as the nutrition education contact, or there may be support staff such as eligibility screeners and warehouse workers, who are not trained as nutritionists but are designated to provide food and nutrition information to participants. Many programs employ persons with the title “Nutrition Assistant” or “Nutrition Aide”. These persons have varying types and amounts of formal nutrition training. The FDPIR Nutrition Paraprofessional trainees will use this training to provide nutrition education sessions/activities to participants who receive food through FDPIR.

Project Scope Applicants should submit a plan that includes the design of a pilot project that includes the development of materials needed to train local agency FDPIR staff. The plan should include development of materials needed to train FDPIR local agency staff, materials needed by trainees to provide nutrition education sessions/activities to program participants, how the applicant will prepare trainees to conduct nutrition education session/activities, trainee manuals, and the methodology and materials needed to conduct project evaluation. During October 2019-September 2020 the selected applicant will develop materials needed to teach trainees during face-to face training and follow-up training, materials needed by trainees to subsequently provide nutrition education to FDPIR participants, and evaluation methodology and tools. The selected applicant will develop simple, culturally relevant evaluation methods and materials that trainees use when providing their nutrition education sessions/activities to FDPIR participants. FNS plans to offer one in-person training session at four locations in different geographic areas during October 2020-September 2021, for a total of four training sessions.

FNS expects the selected applicant to conduct the 1st training session in October, 2020. The session should be followed by evaluation of the training and revision, if needed, to training content, materials and methodology. Thereafter, the remaining three in-person training sessions should occur between March, 2021 and August, 2021. The exact dates and exact location for all training sessions will be decided during year one by FNS.

FNS will determine the four locations where training will take place. Training locations are tentatively planned to take place in or around the cities of Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, and Dallas where FNS Regional Offices are located. The selected applicant must utilize Registered Dietitians to develop the nutrition content for materials and resources needed to train FDPIR staff as nutrition education paraprofessionals during in-person training and online follow-up training. FNS welcomes innovation methods that will execute follow-up training that is not delivered in-person. Registered Dietitians must deliver the training and provide follow-up and ongoing/On-Demand training support. The selected applicant is required to develop and provide culturally relevant initial in-person training, online follow-up courses, evaluation methodology, materials that support the training, and methods for providing the follow-up training and ongoing/on-demand follow-up support. Trainee evaluation results will be used to measure performance, revise content, and improve implementation. FNS will be involved in all aspects of curriculum and evaluation development and training delivery.

FNS will request that trainees commit to using the training to provide two nutrition education sessions/ activities for participants, conduct evaluation of their activities, and report the evaluation results to FNS.

Note that there may be limitations regarding obtaining evaluation feedback from trainees after they have conducted their nutrition education/activity sessions. We expect the cooperative agreement partner to recommend methods that trainees may use to obtain evaluation feedback from participants. The selected applicant will develop evaluation tools for trainees to use for evaluating the sessions they provide. Tools for trainees and participants must be easy-to-read, colorful, and quick to administer. FNS welcomes innovative, community oriented, culturally relevant methods for obtaining valuable evaluation feedback.

Factors that Influence the Focus of the Training

The trainings are to increase trainee knowledge in specific basic nutrition topics and equip them with basic presentation skills needed to conduct nutrition education/activity sessions for their participants. FNS contracted with a research company to conduct a qualitative assessment of need to determine whether there is interest in USDA-funded nutrition education training. For more detailed information and to obtain greater knowledge of the target population the assessment report is available at Grants.gov as part of the RFP package. (Note that FNS is not seeking to conduct a Trainer the Trainer model). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from ITO Directors, ITO staff, and other stakeholders. A final report was submitted in September, 2018. FNS would like to conduct a pilot project incorporating the key findings and recommendations that are listed below. Key findings based on analysis of the data collected are:

o ITOs are interested in a nutrition paraprofessional training project.

o ITOs will allow staff to take the training, however, smaller programs may be challenged with covering staff who attend training.

o Factors that motivate staff to take a nutrition paraprofessional training course include:

To ensure that FDPIR participants receive high-quality, relevant nutrition education and support; and To receive recognition and professional merits such as certificates of completion.

o Training should be delivered to FDPIR staff by a Native American or someone familiar with Native American communities, knowledgeable about FDPIR, and with nutrition expertise.

o The three nutrition training topics found to be most valuable are menu planning and meal preparation using FDPIR foods, storing foods safely, and nutritional quality of FDPIR foods.

Other assessment results, feedback, and recommendations from respondents have influenced our program planning process, including:

o Results indicate that initial training should be in-person training.

o Most respondents prefer regional training locations (for ease of travel) vs. one central training location.

o Length of in-person training should be one to two days, on weekdays.

o The number of trainees per session should be 15–25.

o Respondents recommended follow-up trainings to keep knowledge and skills current. This could be done using online training or tools.

o The Native American perspective in the training is important.

o Respondents were open to an evaluation procedure that effectively collects feedback from

FDPIR participants.

Training Approach

A nutrition paraprofessional training model shall be used to train local agency FDPIR staff;

Usability: Provide tangible training materials that can be used to train local agency FDPIR staff:

Materials must support initial in-person training, follow-up training, and On-Demand training support systems;

Follow-up support training may be provided electronically via webinars, videos or apps or other technology the selected applicant can recommend;

The selected applicant must propose methods for providing On-Demand support for trainees after they have completed initial in-person training;

Materials developed for trainees and the participants they will provide sessions to must be written with easy, common words and preferably, short sentences. Graphics and illustrations that make the material easier to understand is desirable. The layout of materials for trainees and their participants must be formatted in a way that makes it easier to understand the training content;.

Uniformity: Training should be uniform with consistent messaging that aligns with https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ guidance;

Training should also align with the cultural training preferences of the American Indian and Alaskan Native population. Certain modules of the training must include criteria furnished by FNS and must be applied consistently across all sites for evaluation purposes; and

Training Methods: Training tools and approaches should be based on Adult Learning theory, and must be highly interactive and engaging. It is also critical that training tools and delivery approaches use teaching methods that are proven to meet the learning needs of American Indians and Alaskan Native adults who may or may not have education beyond high school.

Format The training format shall rely on a variety of delivery mechanisms, which must include Initial in-person training(s) for all new trainees and one or more of the following approaches to provide follow up training support:

Online, on-demand modules;

Webinars;

Video; and/or Other training methods recommended by the applicant.

Training Topics The training should focus, at a minimum, on:

Nutritional value of FDPIR foods; (See the Foods Available List at https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/fdpir/FDPIR-Foods-Available.pdf ;

Menu planning and meal preparation using FDPIR foods; and Skill building needed for trainees who do not have training experience.

Primary Audience Trainees are FDPIR local agency staff working at local FDPIR sites and may consist of FDPIR directors, support staff such as eligibility screeners, warehouse workers, and nutrition assistants. The selected applicant will develop a curriculum-based training program to teach the trainees. The selected applicant will also teach the trainees the skills needed to provide nutrition education sessions/activities to participants and how to conduct quick and easy evaluation for their sessions. Under this cooperative agreement, the applicant shall consult closely with FNS to develop resources, materials, curricula, and evaluation tools.

Project Deliverables Key activities and/or deliverables may include:

Development of a training program concept that includes an outline for training curricula and recommendations for training delivery formats and methods.

Development of complementary materials best suited for the trainees and topics covered.

Development and design of training curricula intended for the target audience that cover the training topics identified in this RFP.

Development and design of accompanying/supplementary materials, such as PowerPoint slide decks, participant workbooks, instructor’s guide materials, and/or other resources necessary to conduct the training(s).

o FNS may require up to three (3) rounds of drafts and revisions when reviewing training materials and evaluation materials for trainees and participants using an agreed upon timeframe.

o After FNS review and submission of the selected applicant’s revisions, a final product that includes all design and content must be reviewed and approved by FNS based on an agreed timeframe.

o The selected applicant shall provide FNS with three design concepts to select from and approve, including but not limited to: size, color scheme, layout, font(s), and graphics to be used based on an agreed upon timeframe.

o To meet this requirement, the cooperative agreement partner shall schedule a meeting(s) with FNS to review design concepts. Approval of design concept is required by FNS.

o If images of foods are depicted, the food must be on the FDPIR-USDA Foods lists found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fdpir/FDPIR-Foods-Available.pdf.

Develop a training implementation plan which should include recommendations for logistical needs for implementing the training, such as registration, technology needs, and supplies, and a plan for implementing follow-up online training and ongoing On-Demand training support.

Execute the training program:

o Include a pilot project to test effectiveness of training content and materials; FNS will determine training dates by October 2020.

o FNS expects the selected applicant to conduct the 1st training session in October, 2020. The session should be followed by evaluation of the training and revision, if needed, to training content, materials and methodology. Thereafter, the remaining three in-person training sessions should occur between March, 2021 and August, 2021.

o FNS will recruit and identify FDPIR local agency staff to be trained and will provide travel guidance and support to trainees. After recruitment, the selected applicant will work with FNS to develop procedures that the selected applicant will use to register trainees and provide the trainees with all other in-person training attendance information that is needed.

o The selected applicant will be responsible for handling logistics such as technology and supplies.

Marketing Plan: Work with FNS to develop and design marketing materials to promote the training(s) to local agency FDPIR staff that are potential trainees. FNS will disseminate the marketing materials.

Monitoring of training program implementation including tracking of performance measures to describe the reach, implementation, and outcomes of cooperative agreement activities.

Process evaluation measures to describe the reach and implementation of grant- funded activities, which may include:

o Number of trainings and activities offered;

o Number of participants reached via trainings and activities offered; and o Data that determines whether project activities have been implemented as intended and resulted in the intended output.

Develop simple, innovative evaluation methods and materials for trainees to use to assess the effectiveness of the nutrition education sessions/activities that trainees provide to participants.

Outcome measures of trainee’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors before and after exposure to initial and refresher training.

Format The selected applicant will train staff who work at local FDPIR sites to become Nutrition Paraprofessionals. The paraprofessionals will use what they learned to conduct nutrition education sessions at their sites.

All finalized files and associated design files will be provided electronically to FNS and will become property of FNS. The applicant shall submit deliverables to FNS electronically using MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, or Adobe PDF. The selected applicant must not use MS Access or MS Publisher. Other forms of files that may be required must be approved by FNS prior to using and submitting to FNS. This is important because trainees may not have computer operating systems or networks that allow them to access files other than those identified here. The applicant shall provide a schedule of deliverables (approved by FNS), and will work with FNS to allow a minimum of three weeks for FNS to return comments to the cooperative agreement partner.

For project and training content materials such as marketing materials, registration materials, lesson plans, materials used to teach trainees, and evaluation materials, FNS requires submission of up to three (3) rounds of drafts to review and a final product. The applicant shall incorporate FNS comments into all final deliverables. The applicant shall also provide electronic copies of all references cited in the final deliverables. For all training materials, evaluation materials, and promotional materials, the applicant shall submit the final deliverables electronically using MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, or Adobe PDF.

Data/Document Rights The Government has unlimited rights to all programs/documents/materials produced under this cooperative agreement. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this cooperative agreement shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the applicant without written permission from the USDA Grants Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights. Duplication or disclosure of the data and other information to which the Applicant may have access as a result of this cooperative agreement is prohibited by Public Law. Additional information and requirements will be contained within the Terms and Conditions of the award.

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Cooperative Agreement This award will be issued in the form of a cooperative agreement. This agreement is a legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal government and the Applicant. Cooperative agreements are assistance mechanisms and subject to the same administrative requirements as grants; however, they are different from a grant or a contract. Cooperative agreements allow more involvement and collaboration by FNS in the project compared to a grant, and they provide greater flexibility in direction of project activities than a contract. The roles and responsibilities of both the Applicant and FNS will be clearly stated in the cooperative agreement. FNS’s involvement in this cooperative agreement will include, but is not limited to, reviewing and providing feedback on proposed deliverables and other sources of dissemination of best practices learned from implementation and training efforts, such as proposed publications and proposed presentation materials.

This cooperative agreement will be awarded and administered in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3318(b) and applicable documents can be found in Terms and Conditions of Award. The electronic Code of Federal Regulations can be found at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse.

For a copy of the general Terms and Conditions, please contact the FNS grants Officer at:

Kimberly Shields, Grants Officer Grants and Fiscal Policy Division U.S. Department of Agriculture, FNS 3101 Park Center Drive Room 740 Alexandra, VA22301 kimberly.shields@usda.gov

Use of Funding The cooperative agreement will be awarded in September 2019 on a competitive basis, and the total amount of funds to be awarded are not to exceed $500,000, contingent on the availability of Federal funds. Funding of the award will be provided through the Grant Award/Letter of Credit. The submission of an application does not guarantee funding. This award is contingent upon the availability of funds. FNS may fund this project, in whole or in part, without further competition, in this or subsequent fiscal years. FNS may provide additional funds for grant award, should funds become available, without further competition in this or subsequent fiscal years.

FNS will ONLY accept one application package per applicant and may elect to fund an organization’s application in its entirety or only a portion of the submitted application contained within an application, and/or may negotiate with proposed applicants to stay within available funding.

Applicants are encouraged to identify partners with expertise in training local level nutrition and health program providers, training American Indian/Alaskan Native persons and developing curricula that is based on adult learning theory, easy-to-read materials, and culturally oriented for the target paraprofessional trainees described.

Allowable Use of Funds All costs must be considered as allowable, allocable, necessary, and reasonable in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, as appropriate. Allowable use of funds includes, but is not limited to: personnel costs, office and research supplies, travel for data collection, and technology (both hardware and software) necessary for operating the training.

Funds must be used by the applicant to provide training for the program as described in the RFP.

Expenditures must conform to the project design and budget identified in the Applicant’s approved proposal. Funds expended by the Applicant may be used to pay sub-contractors for specific elements of the project, as described in the approved proposal. Sub-contractors are also subject to the applicable cost principles and uniform administrative regulations.

Unallowable Use of Funds Cooperative agreements provided through this RFP are intended to provide training to FDPIR local agency staff working at food distribution sites. A project’s proposed budget cannot include:

Any pre-award cost as defined in 2 CFR 200.458;or Payments to contracted sub-contractors not directly specified by the Applicant or associated with the project goals described in this RFP.

Period and Place of Performance FNS anticipates awarding a cooperative agreement to an accredited public or private academic institute of higher learning, a research or training institution, a nonprofit organization, or other qualified organization by September 2019. The anticipated period of performance of the cooperative agreement will be from September 2019 through September 2021.

The initial in-person training will take place at four locations accessible to selected FDPIR local agency staff, at a time that is convenient for FNS, trainees, and the selected applicant. The selected applicant will utilize Registered Dietitians to develop nutrition education materials and conduct the trainings at all locations. FNS may serve as technical advisors as appropriate.

The applicant is expected to perform occasional travel, as related to specific project needs, and is expected to meet in-person with FNS staff once per performance year and participate in conference calls at least once per month to provide project updates as well as furnish quarterly reports. These meetings and associated costs should be documented within the proposed timeline and funding request.

Roles and Responsibilities

Applicant Responsibilities: At a minimum, the applicant of this cooperative agreement is expected to work collaboratively with FNS through the planning, development, and implementation phases of this training initiative. Specifically, the applicant will:

Incorporate the key findings of the FDPIR Nutrition Paraprofessional Assessment that are identified in this RFP. For your information and to provide greater knowledge, the assessment report is available at Grants.gov as part of the RFP package.

Develop all applicable tools, resources, materials, and programs (deliverables of the training initiative, including follow-up training) that will address the specific needs of trainees at the time of training, with input from FNS;

Determine training initiative implementation (format/delivery mechanism) to address the specific needs of trainees at the time of training, with input from FNS;

Execute training initiative as specified in the project requirements with input from FNS;

Provide in-person training to an estimated 15-25 participants at each of four locations in different areas of the country;

Manage and monitor the progress of the cooperative project activities and report on progress to

FNS using an agreed-upon timeframe;

Manage the cooperative agreement budget;

Manage cooperative agreement staff and/or consultants;

Evaluate trainee knowledge and skills, before and after exposure to training initiative activities. Non-traditional methods for evaluation should be recommended by the applicant. It is important to use methods appropriate for adult learners and culturally relevant to American Indian and Alaskan Native audiences;

Share evaluation results with FNS at the conclusion of each training and determine whether improvements can be made;

Develop easy to use evaluation methods that participants use to evaluate the sessions provided to them by trainees. FNS expects to collect this participant evaluation data from trainees;

The applicant is expected to perform occasional travel as related to specific meetings and training dates needed to execute the training; and

The applicant is expected to meet with FNS staff in-person at least once, and participate in monthly conference calls during the development period to provide project updates.

FNS Responsibilities: Substantive involvement by FNS is inherent in the cooperative agreement award. At a minimum, FNS will assist in developing applicable tools, resources, materials, and programs of the training initiative. Specifically, FNS will:

Provide overall administration of the planning and monitoring process proposed by the applicant;

Review and approve deliverables of the training initiative;

Review and approve suggested curricula, resources, and format/delivery mechanisms of the training initiative; initiate progress meetings to discuss accomplishments, difficulties, assistance needed from FNS on technical issues, and major planned activities;

Determine the training schedule and consult with the cooperative agreement partner to finalize the schedule;

Coordinate outreach and marketing procedures to ITOs/SAs regarding the training. Disseminate marketing materials to trainee organizations;

Recruit and identify trainees;

Provide contact information for trainees selected to the selected applicant so that the selected applicant may provide trainees with all training session information.

Provide input on suggested strategies for implementing the training in the four locations identified by FNS; and Discuss evaluation results with applicant at the conclusion of each training.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

This is a competitive, limited solicitation. The cooperative agreement is only open to accredited public or private academic institutes of higher education, research or training institutions, or nonprofit organizations.

This cooperative agreement will be made on a competitive basis. However, the applicants may sub award, by contract or sub-grant, tasks to other organizations in order to complete or provide aspects of the development of the curricula and training.

Letters of Commitment Any known sub-contractor must submit a Letter of Commitment to the applicant, for inclusion with the application, which describes its role in this project, the amount of time it intends to commit to this project, and an affirmation that it will cooperate with the applicant in implementing this project.

The Letters of Commitment should be on the respective companies or organization’s letterhead and should be addressed to the prospective applicant.

Application Screening Requirements

In reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, Federal Awarding Agencies, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.400, are required, prior to making a Federal award, to review information available through various OMB-designated repositories for eligibility qualification or financial integrity, and to have in place a framework for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards. The evaluation of the information obtained from the designated repository systems and the risk assessment may result in FNS imposing special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed. The Federal repository systems FNS will include:

1. SAM, the System for Award Management, the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS;

2. FAPIIS, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, is a database that has been established to track contractor misconduct and performance;

3. Dun and Bradstreet, the system where applicants establish a DUNS number which is used by the Federal government to better identify related organizations that are receiving funding under grants and cooperative agreements, and to provide consistent name and address data for electronic grant application systems. The Federal government requires that all applicants for Federal grants and cooperative agreements with the exception of individuals other than sole proprietors have a DUNS number.

4. U.S. Department of Agriculture, AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.

Applicants must also respond to the application assessment questions at the end of this solicitation to allow FNS to evaluate aspects of the applicant’s financial stability, quality of management systems, and history of performance, reports and findings from audits. A questionnaire containing these questions has been provided to facilitate the process. Applicants must answer all of the pre-application questions. The consideration and evaluation of these questions is only an indicator of potential risk and may result in additional oversight requirements or special conditions should an award be made.

Decisions regarding additional oversight requirements will take into consideration the total number of risks identified.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application Format and Requirements

Applications should meet the following formatting guidelines:

Typed on 8 ½” X 11” white paper with at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom;

12 point Times New Roman font size (smaller font may be used in tables, charts and graphs as long as they are clearly readable);

Singled–spaced;

Include a table of contents (not counted towards any page limit);

The project narrative with relevant information should be captured on no more than 15 pages, not including the cover sheet, table of contents, resumes, endorsement letter(s), budget narrative(s), appendices, and required forms.

All pages, excluding the form pages, must be numbered.

Required Standard Application Forms

All applicants must complete the following forms:

The following grants.gov forms are required of grant applicants. They are located at http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aforms_repository_information.jsp:

Non-Construction Grant Projects Forms: SF-424 Family

Application and Instruction for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Budget Information and Instruction (SF-424A) SF LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities): Indicate on the form whether your organization intends to conduct lobbying activities. If your organization does not intend to lobby, write “Not Applicable.”

Optional Form (submit as appropriate)

1. AD-1047 - Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions

2. AD-1048 - Certification Regarding Department, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions

3. AD-1049 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I – For Grantees Other Than Individuals

4. AD-1050 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative II – For Grantees Who Are Individuals

5. AD-1052 - Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace State and State Agencies, Federal Fiscal Year

6. AD-3030, Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. (To be completed by all corporate organizations/for-profit applicants)

Application Content Requirements

Cover Sheet The cover page should include, at a minimum:

Applicant’s name and mailing address Primary contact’s name, job title, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address Grant program title and subprogram title (if applicable)

Table of Contents Include the title and page number of each application section.

Project Summary Include a concise description of the project proposal, including the target audience(s), key strategies and activities (design, implementation, monitoring/oversight) and anticipated outcomes that would result if the proposal is funded.

Project Narrative The project narrative should clearly identify the activities necessary to meet the goals and objectives of this RFP, specifically how the applicant proposes to plan, develop, design, promote, implement, and evaluate a training initiative for FDPIR local agency staff working at local FDPIR sites. Applicants should also include a proposal for evaluation of the efficacy of the training, and the expected results and/or benefits once the training is delivered. In no more than 25 pages, the proposal should address how the proposed project will fulfill the RFA program scope and objectives, as well as the specificities of the development, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of the FDPIR Nutrition Paraprofessional training project, management plan, budget and staffing needs, and subgrantee selection process (where applicable), and expected results and/or benefits upon grant completion. In preparing your proposal narrative, provide the information requested below, in the order presented below:

Introduction: Provide background information and a clear description of previous experience and performance in paraprofessional or similar training related to USDA’s FDPIR, SNAP-Ed, EFNEP, and WIC programs. Cite past experience with grant management, sub-grantee selection, and partnerships across fields. Specifically describe your experience working with ITOs/SAs. The description of past performance should contain at least one relevant project completed within the past five years. Include samples of content and materials the applicant has developed and delivered in the past.

Approach and Program Plan: Provide details on the project design and deliverables (such as recommendations and plans for training curricula design/development, delivery…