PKG00254260-instructions.docx

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit applications online using the Grants.gov website https://www.grants.gov/ or the USDA grants and agreements system ezFedGrants website https://nfc.usda.gov/FSS/clientservices/ezFedGrants/index.php. Recipients receiving an award must ultimately use the ezFedGrants system for reporting. Applicants must complete the required forms listed under Section D. 5 and submit them through either the Grants.gov or the ezFedGrants online systems. Please note that the forms attached to the application packet in either online system must be physically signed. Electronic or typed signatures will not be accepted. The Project Proposal Work Plan and Project Proposal Detailed Financial Plan should be uploaded in either online system as attachments.

First time Grants.gov users should go to the “Get Started” icon on the Grants.gov home page and carefully read and follow the steps listed in order to apply. The applicant organization will first need to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). In order to register with the SAM, the applicant organization will also need a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number. Refer to the DUNS and SAM information below for more details. To begin the application process in Grants.gov, the applicant should click on the “Search Grants” tab and search by opportunity number USDA-APHIS-10025-VSCEAH00-20-0001. For help with the Grants.gov system, applicants may click on the “support” tab on the top bar of the Grants.gov home page.

Applicants new to ezFedGrants should review the Job Aids by clicking on the Training icon on the ezFedGrants Client Services Landing Page. The USDA eFG External User Onboarding Quick Reference Job Aid in the Training Section under Frequently Asked Questions, Onboarding and Accessing ezFedGrants summarizes the process for users to gain access to the ezFedGrants external portal. The ezFedGrants system requires each applicant to have a minimum of at least one Grants Administrative Officer (GAO) and one Signatory Official (SO). To begin creating an application, the applicant must access the “Search Opportunities” screen and search for opportunity number USDA-APHIS-10025-VSCEAH00-20-0001. For help with the ezFedGrants system, applicants may contact the ezFedGrants help desk at ezFedGrants@cfo.usda.gov.

In order to launch an ezFedGrants application from the ezFedGrants Client Services Landing Page, applicants must have a USDA level 2 eAuthentication account. USDA eAuthentication is the system used by USDA agencies to enable customers to obtain accounts that will allow them to access USDA Web applications and services via the Internet. Please note that USDA will only accept eAuthentication Accounts from individuals. An individual in the applicant organization may apply for a USDA eAuthentication Account by visiting the Create an Account – Getting Started page. For help with eAuthentication accounts or passwords, contact the eAuthentication help desk at eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov.

Applications submitted online either through the Grants.gov or the ezFedGrants websites will be accepted.

Email Submission: Applicants may also submit applications through email by sending all content of the application package to the following email address and point of contact.

E-Mail: VS.SP.Cooperative.Agreements@usda.gov Point of contact: Penny Strang, USDA APHIS VS, Phone: (970) 494-7386

All Federal agency applicants are to submit applications using the same email address above. Following submission of the application, the Federal agency will receive further communication from VS on the additional requirements and processes required for Interagency Agreements.