Q&A Document_TradIndigFoods_rev3.pdf

Updated March 19, 2024

Questions and Answers on the Supporting the Use of Traditional Indigenous Foods in the Child Nutrition Programs Cooperative Agreement Request for Applications

Please refer to the Request for Applications and watch the recorded Informational Webinar for more detailed information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFINITIONS

ELIGIBILITY

DATES, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES

PERSONNEL, STAFFING, AND PARTNERSHIPS

FUNDING AND BUDGET

APPLICATION

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

DEFINITIONS

Please refer to Appendix A – Defini�ons (page 41-44 of the Request for Applica�ons) for a full list of defini�ons.

Q: What is a “School Food Authority (SFA)?”

A: An SFA is the governing body that is responsible for the administra�on of one or more schools and has the legal authority to operate Federal school meal programs therein or is otherwise approved by USDA Food and Nutri�on Service to operate Federal school meal programs. In most states, the SFAs are school districts. Contact your state agency at htps://www.fns.usda.gov/fns-contacts to find your local SFAs. If the Lead Applicant en�ty is not an SFA, they must partner with one or more SFAs to increase the use of tradi�onal Indigenous foods in Child Nutri�on Programs.

Q: What is a “coopera�ve agreement?”

A: A coopera�ve agreement is federal assistance, in the form of money or property, authorized by federal law to support programs with a public purpose that the government wishes to encourage. A coopera�ve agreement includes substan�al programma�c involvement on the part of the agency, which in this case is USDA Food and Nutri�on Service.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/cn-supporting-indigenous-foods-cooperative-agreement https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/cn-supporting-indigenous-foods-cooperative-agreement https://www.fns.usda.gov/fns-contacts

Q: What is “crediting?”

A: Credi�ng refers to how a food item contributes toward the meal patern requirements in Child Nutri�on Programs. There are requirements by law that meals served as part of the Na�onal School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program must contain various food components (e.g., vegetables, fruits, grains) in specified amounts and that certain nutri�onal standards (e.g., amount of fat, saturated fat, and sodium) must be met. When a meal is served that meets all the requirements, the School Food Authority (see defini�on below) receives a per-meal reimbursement from USDA. When we refer to how a food “credits” within the meal patern requirements, we are referring to which food component it provides and how it contributes to the nutri�onal standards. The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutri�on Programs is the primary technical assistance resource used to assist in determining the specific contribu�on a food item makes toward the meal patern requirements. This is necessary to ensure that meals provide balanced nourishment and meet program requirements for reimbursement.

Q: Which tribes cons�tute the “Federally Recognized Tribes?”

A: There are a total of 347 Federally Recognized Tribes within the con�guous 48 states and 227 federally recognized tribal en��es within the state of Alaska that comprise the 574 Federally Recognized Tribes of the United States. The Indian en��es are recognized to have the immuni�es and privileges available to Federally Recognized Tribes by virtue of their Government-to-Government rela�onship with the United States as well as the responsibili�es, powers, limita�ons, and obliga�ons of such Indian Tribes.

Q: Who is a “Na�ve Hawaiian?”

A: A Na�ve Hawaiian is any individual who is a descendant of the aboriginal people who, prior to 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now cons�tutes the State of Hawaii.

Q: What is “tradi�onal Indigenous food?”

A: As per the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2014 (25 U.S.C. 1685(b)(5)) the term ‘‘tradi�onal food’’ means food that has tradi�onally been prepared and consumed by an Indian Tribe. The term ‘‘tradi�onal food’’ includes — wild game meat, fish, seafood, marine mammals, plants, and berries. In general, tradi�onal Indigenous foods are local, seasonal, nutri�ous, and environmentally friendly, and include herbs and medicinal plants. Certain tradi�onal Indigenous foods are not only seen as nourishment but also as a connec�on to Mother Earth and to ancestral knowledge. It is important to recognize that there are many dis�nct cultural groups in different geographic regions across the na�on and every na�on sees themselves as an independent na�on with their own language, culture, and customs.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/food-buying-guide-for-child-nutrition-programs https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title25/pdf/USCODE-2022-title25-chap18-subchapVI-sec1685.pdf

Q: What is meant by a “regional approach?”

A: There are 574 Federally Recognized Tribes of the United States and nearly a quarter of Hawaiian residents are Na�ve Hawaiian. Each community has its own rich and diverse culture and food tradi�ons; thus, a local/regional approach will ensure that the needs of the specific tribes being served are addressed through the projects funded under this Request for Applica�on. Eligible applicants must propose a project that supports School Food Authori�es serving students from Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians from a specified region of the con�guous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii (regions may, but are not required to, correspond to USDA FNS regions). Approaches serving mul�ple tribes are encouraged, and applicants are encouraged to serve high numbers of tribal students.

Q: What is meant by “leadership staff?”

A: The Request for Applica�on (RFA) refers to the “leadership and staff” of the Lead Applicant en�ty, not the "leadership staff.” The organiza�on that is applying as the Lead Applicant en�ty, must be led and primarily staffed by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians. The RFA does not specify which staff members must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians. The primary focus is that the Lead Applicant en�ty is led and primarily (more than 50%) staffed by members of the men�oned groups.

Q: What is a “school nutri�on subject mater expert?”

A: A school nutri�on subject mater expert is any person with knowledge of and/or experience in delivering the Na�onal School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program

(SBP).

In every School Food Authority (SFA), the individual supervising the NSLP and/or SBP, regardless of their job title or qualifications, is recognized as a school nutrition subject matter expert. This individual doesn’t necessarily have to be a “nutritionist” or “dietitian.”

Furthermore, any person who holds the position of a Director or Manager in a school nutrition program and has completed 12 or 10 hours of training respectively to comply with the USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs, is also considered a school nutrition subject matter expert.

School nutri�on subject mater experts may also work at outside of SFAs, for example at non-profit organiza�ons, at farms, or within the food industry.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-professional-standards-school-nutrition-programs https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/guide-professional-standards-school-nutrition-programs

ELIGIBILITY

Q: If an en�ty has a current or past record of receiving USDA Grants, can they apply for this coopera�ve agreement?

A: Past or current funding from USDA does not preclude you from applying for this coopera�ve agreement. Funds awarded for this coopera�ve agreement may not support ac�vi�es that are funded through another funding source. All project ac�vi�es must be unique to this coopera�ve agreement.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for this coopera�ve agreement as the Lead Applicant en�ty?

A: Lead applicant en��es must meet criteria A, B, and C below:

A) En�ty must be one of the following en�ty types:

• 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza�on

• School Food Authority that par�cipates in the Na�onal School Lunch Program

• Tribal government owned en�ty, arm, or instrumentality

• Na�ve Hawaiian Organiza�on as recognized by the Department of the Interior

• Other non-governmental en�ty including Tribal Colleges & Universi�es

• Fiscal sponsor of any of the above eligible en��es

AND

B) The leadership and staff of the en�ty must be predominantly (more than 50%) members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians. (In the case of a fiscal sponsorship, this provision applies to the fiscally sponsored en�ty. In the case of partnerships, this provision applies to the Lead Applicant en�ty, but the Lead Applicant en�ty may have non-qualifying partners).

AND

C) The en�ty must demonstrate exis�ng rela�onships, experience and exper�se in training, technical assistance, school nutri�on, Indigenous foods, and nutri�on educa�on.

Please refer to Sec�on 3.1 – Eligible Applicants (pages 18-19 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: Who is eligible to be a partner (not the Lead Applicant en�ty) in this coopera�ve agreement?

A: The en�ty types listed in Criteria A above can serve as partners. Criteria B does not apply to partners.

Please refer to Sec�on 3.2 - Partnerships (page 19 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: Can en��es in the U.S. Territories apply for the coopera�ve agreement?

A: No. En��es in the U.S. Territories are not eligible. The project must support School Food Authori�es serving students from Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians in the con�guous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. Please refer to Sec�on 3.1 – Eligible Applicants (pages 18-19 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: The Request for Applica�ons states that in order to apply, a School Food Authority (SFA) must provide a leter sta�ng that they are in good standing with their State agency. What does this mean?

A: SFAs that par�cipate in the Na�onal School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are subject to Administra�ve Reviews of their opera�ons by their State agency to ensure compliance with all applicable program regula�ons. A�er the Administra�ve Review is conducted and any findings are rec�fied, the Stage agency will provide the SFA with a leter indica�ng that they are in good standing which is valid un�l their next Administra�ve Review.

Q: Are principals able to apply for this grant or does it have to go through the Child Nutri�on Program?

A: The Lead Applicant en�ty must be a School Food Authority (SFA), not an individual school.

Whether the SFA is the Lead Applicant en�ty or a partner, the coopera�ve agreement ac�vi�es will be carried out within the schools that are part of that SFA.

Q: To be the Lead Applicant for this coopera�ve agreement, is it necessary for more than 50% of the leadership and staff of the organiza�on to be “enrolled” members of a Federally Recognized Tribe?

A: No.

Q: For Objec�ve #4, can you clarify whether the requirement that nutri�on educa�on be delivered predominantly by (50% of more) members of the Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiian applies to all staff within an individual school?

Objective #4: Develop culturally relevant nutrition education materials for students to accompany the traditional Indigenous foods that are served as part of their meals; train school nutrition professionals and other school staff on providing culturally relevant nutrition education to students; and ensure that nutrition education is delivered to students. 50% or more of those providing nutrition education directly to students must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians.

A: USDA understands that in many schools serving tribal communi�es, all the staff may not be from those communi�es.

While we encourage School Food Authori�es/schools to strive for the 50% or more threshold, if the Lead Applicant en�ty and/or partners (50% of more from Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiian) provide training to school staff on delivering nutri�on educa�on, and those staff then deliver the nutri�on educa�on directly to students – there is some flexibility on the 50% or more threshold for school level staff.

We encourage applicants to think crea�vely about ways to achieve the 50% or more threshold such as grouping schools together for nutri�on educa�on ac�vi�es; u�lizing virtual pla�orms for nutri�on educa�on led by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians;

or implemen�ng a combined approached whereby member(s) of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians provide virtual instruc�on in conjunc�on with an on-site classroom teacher.

Q: What types of indigenous groups or associa�ons are eligible to apply.

A: Any organiza�on that is a 501C3 nonprofit; a tribal government owned en�ty, arm or Instrumentality; a na�ve Hawaiian organiza�on, as recognized by the Department of the Interior; or other non-governmental en�ty, including tribal colleges and universi�es, are eligible to apply.

Q: Can the State agency be a fiscal sponsor?

A: No.

DATES, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES

Q: What are the important dates to be aware of?

A: Below is a list of important dates:

• Leter of Intent (op�onal) due date: 11:59 pm EST on February 19, 2024

• Applica�on due date: 11:59 pm EST on April 8, 2024

• An�cipated award announcement date: May/June 2024

• An�cipated period of performance (start and end date of the award): June 1, 2024 - May

31, 2026

Please refer to Sec�on 2 - Federal Award Informa�on (page 13 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: What is the purpose of this cooperative agreement?

A: The purpose of this coopera�ve agreement is to provide tailored training and technical assistance (TA) to School Food Authori�es that serve tribal communi�es and par�cipate in the Na�onal School Lunch Program (NSLP). Funds may be used to provide training, TA, and nutri�on educa�on to support the use of tradi�onal Indigenous foods in the NSLP, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Seamless Summer Op�on, and/or Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk A�erschool Meals. The cooperators, with USDA Food and Nutri�on Service guidance and approval, will also develop culturally relevant nutri�on educa�on materials for students to accompany the tradi�onal Indigenous foods that are served, and the cooperators will train school nutri�on professionals and other school staff on providing nutri�on educa�on to students. Please refer to Sec�on 1.2 – Program Descrip�on (pages 6-8 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: What are the key objec�ves of this funding opportunity?

A: Objec�ves are goals to be obtained. There are six key objec�ves that must be met as part of this coopera�ve agreement. The seventh objec�ve is op�onal.

1. Gather informa�on on barriers to including tradi�onal Indigenous foods in Child Nutri�on Programs (CNP) and strengths and challenges related to training and technical assistance (TA) (using past feedback obtained through consulta�on and other channels, to the extent possible), provide a report to USDA Food and Nutri�on Service (FNS), and u�lize informa�on gained to inform project implementa�on.

2. Provide culturally appropriate training and TA to meet the unique needs of school nutri�on professionals who procure, prepare, and serve meals for tribal communi�es – drawing on the exper�se of school nutri�on professionals and others from the tribal communi�es being served. 50% or more of those providing training and TA for staff must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians.

3. Market and distribute cooperator and FNS-developed resources, tools, and trainings through culturally appropriate avenues.

4. Develop culturally relevant nutri�on educa�on materials for students to accompany the tradi�onal Indigenous foods that are served as part of their meals; train school nutri�on professionals and other school staff on providing culturally relevant nutri�on educa�on to students; and ensure that nutri�on educa�on is delivered to students. 50% or more of those providing nutri�on educa�on directly to students must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians.

5. Support the establishment of new procurement rela�onships; supply chain development/coordina�on; development, standardizing, and tes�ng of new recipes;

and/or increased engagement of students and their parents/caregivers, school nutri�on professionals, other school staff, and tribal partners in increasing tradi�onal Indigenous foods in the meals served through the CNP.

6. Facilitate a regional Community of Prac�ce of school nutri�on professionals from tribal serving schools to share best prac�ces, collaborate, and learn from each other.

7. (OPTIONAL) Provide funding in the form of sub-grants to School Food Authori�es par�cipa�ng in the Na�onal School Lunch Program to support them in the implementa�on of concepts learned through training and TA.

Please refer to Sec�on 1.2 – Key Objec�ves (pages 9-10 of the Request for Applica�ons) for detailed informa�on.

Q: Can this funding be utilized to support the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)?

A: This funding is specifically designated to support School Food Authorities (SFA) that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Funds cannot be used to support the CACFP offered through child care centers or family child care homes. However, if an SFA that participates in NSLP also participates in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals (CACFP At-Risk) program, the funds may be used to support the inclusion of traditional Indigenous foods in meals or snacks provided through the CACFP At-Risk program.

Q: Can this coopera�ve agreement be used to support the inclusion of tradi�onal Indigenous foods in university dining services?

A: No. This funding is specifically designated to support School Food Authori�es that par�cipate in the Na�onal School Lunch Program.

Q: Who may receive training and technical assistance under this cooperative agreement?

A: Staff of any School Food Authority (SFA) that serves students from Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians, regardless of location (on or off reservation) or management structure (tribally controlled, run by the Bureau of Indian Education, or run as an independent school district), may receive training and technical assistance under this agreement. The SFAs that are supported through this cooperative agreement must participate in the National School Lunch Program.

Q: If a tribal government wishes to apply for this grant, is it a requirement for the tribe to be par�cipa�ng in the Na�onal School Lunch Program (NSLP)?

A: The tribe does not need to par�cipate in the NSLP. School Food Authori�es to be supported under the coopera�ve agreement must par�cipate in NSLP.

PERSONNEL, STAFFING, AND PARTNERSHIPS

Q: Can en��es include subcontractors in their applica�on?

A: While the Lead Applicant en�ty will be responsible for managing the programma�c and financial aspects of the coopera�ve agreement, the Lead Applicant en�ty may u�lize subcontractors to complete some por�on of the work. However, at least 50% of those delivering training or technical assistance to staff and nutri�on educa�on to students must be members of the Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians.

Q: Can en��es include partners in their applica�on?

A: The Lead Applicant en�ty may involve partners to accomplish the ac�vi�es outlined in this Request for Applica�on. The USDA FNS recognizes the poten�al benefits of leveraging the strengths and capaci�es of different en��es through partnerships. In the applica�on, the applying en�ty should describe any planned or exis�ng partnerships that will contribute to the coopera�ve agreement. However, at least 50% of those delivering training or technical assistance to staff and nutri�on educa�on to students must be members of the Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians.

Q: Can a Lead Applicant en�ty serve as a partner on another en�ty’s applica�on?

A: Yes. The Lead Applicant en�ty may serve as a partner on another en�ty’s applica�on;

however, their work on the partner applica�on must be en�rely dis�nct from the project for which they are the Lead Applicant en�ty. En��es cannot receive funding from more than one funding source for the same exact work.

Q: Can an en�ty serve as a partner on more than one applica�on?

A: Yes. An en�ty may serve as a partner on more than one applica�on; however, they may not receive funding through more than one applica�on for the exact same work.

Q: How many partners must the Lead Applicant en�ty have?

A: There is no minimum or maximum requirement for the number of partners the Lead Applicant en�ty must have. If the Lead Applicant en�ty is not a School Food Authority (SFA), they must partner with one or more SFAs to increase the use of tradi�onal Indigenous foods in the Child Nutri�on Programs.

Q: Are the partners required to be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Na�ve Hawaiians?

A: The partners do not have to be members of a Federally Recognized Tribe and/or Na�ve Hawaiian. This requirement applies only to the Lead Applicant en�ty.

Q: Will there be a list of school nutri�on programs that require training, or is it necessary to conduct outreach to iden�fy them?

A: No, a list of school nutri�on programs that require training will not be provided. Applicants are expected to have exis�ng rela�onships or form partnerships with school nutri�on programs in their communi�es. Outreach efforts may be necessary to iden�fy school nutri�on programs in need of training.

Q: Can a School Food Authority (SFA) that par�cipates in the Na�onal School Lunch Program (NSLP) partner with an SFA that does not par�cipate to carry out ac�vi�es under this coopera�ve agreement?

A: No. All SFA’s to be served through this coopera�ve agreement (whether as the Lead Applicant en�ty or as a partner) must par�cipate in the NSLP. While we encourage partnerships between SFAs, funds from this coopera�ve agreement may only support ac�vi�es at SFAs that par�cipate in NSLP.

Q: Is it required that the Project Director be on staff at the �me of applica�on?

A: No. The Project Director does not have to be on staff at the �me of the applica�on. If the Project Director is already hired, the applicant should include their resume in the appendices. If the Project Director has not been hired, the applicant should include a job descrip�on in the appendices and must hire the Project Director within six months of the beginning of the period of performance. Please refer to page 23 of the Request for Applica�ons for detailed informa�on.

Q: Is it required that the Project Director be an employee of the Lead Applicant en�ty?

A: No. The Project Director must meet all the requirements listed within the Request for Applica�ons; however, they do not need to be an employee of the Lead Applicant en�ty.

Q: To which entity(ies) does the requirement for the leadership and staff of the entity to be predominantly members of the Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians apply?

A: The requirement that the entity be led and primarily staffed by members of the Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians applies to the Lead Applicant entity. Partner entities do not have to meet this requirement. Eligible applicants must propose a project that supports School Food Authorities serving students from Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians from a specified region of the contiguous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. The requirement that the entity be led and primarily staffed by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians does not apply to the School Food Authorities (SFA) to be supported through this cooperative agreement. The funding may be used to support SFAs that operate the National School Lunch Program regardless of location (on or off reservation) or management structure (tribally controlled, run by the Bureau of Indian Education, or run as an independent school district).

Q: Will a list of applicants who submited a Leter of Intent (LOI) be published for others to seek poten�al partnerships for this coopera�ve agreement?

A: No. The list of applicants who submited a LOI will not be published for others to seek poten�al partnerships.

Q: Do we need to have a documented agreement with the school or School Food Authority (SFA) if we are providing training in schools?

A: We strongly encourage you to submit a Leter of Support (LOS) from any SFA that you plan to work with. Each SFA may have different documenta�on requirements to work with the schools.

Q: For the requirement that at least 50% of those providing training and technical assistance to school nutri�on professionals or nutri�on educa�on to students be part of a Federally Recognized Tribe and/or Na�ve Hawaiian, must they be “enrolled” members of a Federally Recognized Tribe?

A: No.

Q: Can the State agency be a partner in the coopera�ve agreement or provide a Leter of Support (LOS)?

A: Yes, the State agency can provide a LOS for an applica�on for the coopera�ve agreement.

If the Lead Applicant en�ty is a School Food Authority (SFA) they must include a leter from the State agency indica�ng that they are in good standing. SFAs that par�cipate in the Na�onal School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are subject to Administra�ve Reviews of their opera�ons by their State agency to ensure compliance with all applicable program regula�ons. A�er the Administra�ve Review is conducted and any findings are rec�fied, the

Stage agency will provide the SFA with a leter indica�ng that they are in good standing which is valid un�l their next Administra�ve Review.

While State agencies cannot receive funding through the coopera�ve agreement (they already receive funding from USDA to support SFAs in implemen�ng the Child Nutri�on Programs), they are allowed to contribute support cooperators by providing training, technical assistance, and resources.

Q: Are applicants required to submit a Leter of Support (LOS) from each School Food Authority (SFA) that they plan to work with?

A: No, applicants are not required to submit a LOS from each SFA that they plan to work with.

We strongly recommend that applicants include an LOS from at least one of the SFAs that they plan to work with. As we allow no more than three LOS to be submited, it may not be possible to include a LOS from every SFA that an applicant is planning to work with. Another op�on would be to submit one LOS that is signed by all of the SFAs that you plan to work with.

Q: How formal does the Leter of Support (LOS) from a School Food Authority (SFA) need to be and is there a template leter?

A: No, there is no template leter for the LOS. The LOS can be brief, simply indica�ng the intent of the SFA to work with the applicant on the project and should be signed by someone who has the authority to agree to such ac�vi�es. This person may differ among SFAs and may include the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Food Service Director, and other district level staff such as a Health and Wellness Coordinator.

Q: Is there a minimum number of Leters of Support (LOS) that must be provided?

A: We did not specify a minimum number of LOS. However, we would strongly recommend including an LOS from the SFA(s) that you plan to work with as part of your project. LOS provide support for your applica�on and demonstrate that partners and SFA are willing to work with you on the project.

Q: Are applicants required to have a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each School Food Authority (SFA) that they plan to work with?

A: No, USDA does not require that applicants provide a signed MOU with the SFAs that they plan to work with, though we recommend including a Leter of Support (LOS) from at least one of these SFAs. SFAs may require different types of documenta�on to acknowledge a partnership.

Q: Should all partners be described in the “Applicant Informa�on” sec�on of the applica�on?

A: Yes, all partners should be described in the “Applicant Informa�on” sec�on (page 22 of the Request for Applica�ons). The Applicant Informa�on sec�on must provide a narra�ve descrip�on of the Lead Applicant’s organiza�onal structure and capacity to complete ac�vi�es outlined in this RFA. Must include a descrip�on of exis�ng rela�onships, experience, and exper�se in Indian Country in the areas of training, school nutri�on, Indigenous foods, and nutri�on educa�on. This sec�on should include a descrip�on of any en��es to be funded under the coopera�ve agreement, including their role in the project and qualifica�ons to complete the proposed work. Leters of Support documen�ng these commitments should be included in the appendices.

Q: We are planning to assign a temporary Project Director at the beginning of the period of performance, and then hire someone to fulfill that role on a permanent basis. Should we include both the resume of the temporary Project Director and the job descrip�on for the new hire with our applica�on?

A. Yes.

FUNDING AND BUDGET

Q: Can an en�ty request less than $250,000 or more than $500,000 in funding?

A: No. An en�ty may only request between $250,000 and $500,000.

Q: Can the Lead Applicant en�ty receive more than one award?

A: No. The Lead Applicant en�ty may not receive more than one award. If mul�ple applica�on packages are submited through Grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicita�on, FNS will accept the latest applica�on package successfully submited. All other packages submited by the applicant will be removed from this compe��on.

Q: Will this be funding opportunity be offered in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 as well?

A: This funding opportunity is currently only available in FY2024. FNS’ commitment to con�nua�on of awards will be condi�oned on the availability of funds and the determina�on that con�nued funding is in the best interest of the Federal government.

Q: Is food an allowable expense?

A: Yes. Food is an allowable expense. However, food costs may not exceed ten (10) percent of the requested funds. Food purchases must only be for training purposes, including culinary or food safety trainings for school nutri�on professionals, recipe development, recipe tes�ng, or student engagement ac�vi�es such as taste tests.

Food purchases cannot be used for:

• foods used to prepare a meal for which reimbursement will be provided under the FNS nutri�on assistance programs.

• foods used as an incen�ve or prize for a nutri�on educa�on event.

• foods provided directly to students and families to prepare and eat at home such as groceries or supplemental food.

• meal sized por�ons or complete meal service.

• alcoholic beverages.

• meals or snacks for training or mee�ng atendees, unless approved in advance in accordance with 2 CFR 200.432 - Conferences.

Please refer to page 16 of the Request for Applica�ons for detailed informa�on.

Q: Is equipment (>$5000) an allowable expense?

A: No. Equipment (>$5000) is not an allowable expense under this coopera�ve agreement.

Supplies (<$5,000) necessary for food storage, prepara�on, produc�on, and display of food prepared for training purposes or taste tests, including, but not limited to, food storage containers, pots/pans, mixing bowls, knives, utensils, measuring cups, and tabletop cooking devices (e.g., food processor, stand mixer) are allowable expenses.

Q: Can the funds from this coopera�ve agreement be u�lized to conduct in-house yield studies?

A: Yes, funds can be used to conduct in-house yield studies.

When traditional Indigenous foods that contribute toward the meal pattern requirements are not listed and are not similar to another food in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG), in-house yields may be developed and used. Instructions for developing in-house yields are available online in the “About the Food Buying Guide” section on the home page of the FBG at https://foodbuyingguide.fns.usda.gov.

Funds from this cooperative agreement may be used to conduct in-house yield studies.

However, please note that food costs may not exceed ten (10) percent of the requested funds.

APPLICATION

Q: What should be included in the applica�on?

A: The requirements for the applica�on are described fully in the Request for Applica�ons (RFA).

If you are unsure about something, review the RFA and this Q&A to find the answer to your ques�on. The RFA is the guiding document regarding what to include in your applica�on.

Q: What should be included in the Project Narra�ve sec�on of the applica�on.

A: Pages 22-24 in the Request for Applica�ons describe in detail what should be included in the Project Narra�ve sec�on of the applica�on. Applicants should read this sec�on carefully and ensure that all items men�oned on these pages are included in their applica�on. The Project Narra�ve is the part of the applica�on in which the applicant will describe their ra�onale for the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.432 https://foodbuyingguide.fns.usda.gov/ project, their ability to carry out the project, their proposed ac�vi�es, and how those ac�vi�es will meet the required objec�ves.

The Project Narra�ve must include informa�on about exis�ng rela�onships and exper�se; the region to be served; how a community needs assessment will be conducted; how training, technical assistance, and nutri�on educa�on will be developed, marketed, and delivered;

procurement and/or student engagement approaches; staffing; and evalua�on and monitoring the progress of the project. Please see pages 22-24 in the Request for Applica�ons for a full descrip�on.

Q: What is the Ac�vi�es and Indicators Tracker?

A: The Ac�vi�es and Indicators Tracker is described on pages 24-25 of the Request for Applica�ons. For each of the six required objec�ves (and objec�ve 7 if the applicant is intending to provide sub-grants) applicants must have ac�vi�es (at least one per objec�ve) to achieve the objec�ves. The Ac�vi�es and Indicators Tracker should be used to iden�fy these ac�vi�es and provide the indicators that will be used to measure whether the ac�vity was carried out successfully. The format shown below should be used.

Example One Objective #2

Provide culturally appropriate training and TA to meet the unique needs of school nutrition professionals who procure, prepare, and serve meals for tribal communities – drawing on the expertise of school nutrition professionals and others from the tribal communities being served. 50% or more of those providing training and TA for staff must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians.

Activity TA sessions.

Indicator(s) Number of TA sessions conducted.

Indicator(s) Percent of school nutrition professionals receiving TA that indicate that the information would help them incorporate more traditional Indigenous foods into meals (utilizing an end of session evaluation).

Q: Who is considered the “Lead Applicant en�ty?”

A: The Lead Applicant en�ty is the organiza�on that submits the applica�on for the coopera�ve agreement. If the Lead Applicant en�ty is not a School Food Authority (SFA), they must partner with one or more SFAs to increase the use of tradi�onal Indigenous foods in the Child Nutri�on Programs.

Q: Can I email or mail my applica�on?

A: No. Applica�ons must be submited online through Grants.gov, the official federal e-grant website, which has all the required forms and instruc�ons posted for this announcement.

Applica�ons received via mail or email will not be accepted.

Q: Is there guidance on using Grants.gov to apply?

A: Guidance on using Grants.gov to apply is included on pages 28-30 of the Request for Applica�ons. For addi�onal resources, including video tutorials, visit grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training.

Q: Our Unique En�ty Iden�fier (UEI) is associated with our school district. Is that considered the Lead Applicant en�ty, or could it be our Food Services Department?

A: The school district would be the Lead Applicant en�ty, not the Food Services Department.

The Food Services Department does not have a unique UEI.

Q: Is the Leter of Intent (LOI) required?

A: No. The LOI is op�onal. It is intended to provide USDA FNS with an es�mate of the number of poten�al applicants for planning purposes. You are not required to submit a LOI to apply and submi�ng one does not obligate you to apply. Please refer to page 27 of the Request for Applica�ons for detailed informa�on.

Q: What should be included in the Leter of Intent (LOI?)

A. There is an LOI template within the Request for Applica�ons and available on Grants.gov under the Related Documents tab. Applicants must u�lize this template for their LOI.

Q: In the Request for Applica�ons, the instruc�ons are to include certain components of the applica�on as atachments and/or appendices. Should all the atachments and/or appendices be submited separately from the on Grants.gov?

A: Grants.gov will allow you to upload mul�ple documents when you submit your applica�on.

However, we would prefer for you to combine all the documents into one PDF file to make it easier for the Grants Officer to download and share your applica�on with Grant Reviewers.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Q: Is a recording of the informa�onal webinar available?

A: Yes. The recording of the informa�onal webinar is posted on the Team Nutri�on website at htps://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/cn-suppor�ng-indigenous-foods-coopera�ve-agreement. It can also be accessed under the Related Documents tab in Grants.gov.

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351870 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351870 https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/cn-supporting-indigenous-foods-cooperative-agreement https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351870

Q: Is there technical assistance available for poten�al applicants?

A: Yes. You may contact the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Technical Assistance Network for technical assistance with your applica�on. Please reach out to Ashley Gervais at ashley@indianag.org or (406) 214-6242.

Q: What type of support is offered by the Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Technical Assistance Network (ITAN)?

A: ITAN can provide support to poten�al applicants with designing their projects, connec�ng with partners, and composing applica�ons. ITAN will not write applica�ons for other en��es.

Q: If a new vendor of Indigenous foods wants to access the current prices offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) to distributors, to assess poten�al profitability and the ability to cover the cost of goods sold, can those item price lists be shared?

A: No, the price lists will not be shared. The price of produce delivered through USDA DoD Fresh is based on a long-term contract (3-5 years). The price includes the vendor’s distribu�on costs to provide up to weekly deliveries to all par�cipa�ng schools, Indian Tribal Organiza�ons, and military customers in that state. The contract requires the vendor have a Perishable Agricultural Commodi�es Act license, be able to offer a full line of U.S. grown produce items that meet U.S.

No. 1 or beter specifica�ons, and food safety requirement (Good Agricultural Prac�ces, Good Manufacturing Principles, Defense logis�cs Agency Produce Quality Audit).

Consider using the commercial price a school pays for produce they procure from a distributor or local farmer. This price more accurately reflects the market price to analyze the profit and cost of goods sold to use as a basis of a business decision. Another helpful resource to obtain current market prices of produce is USDA Market News htps://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/

Q: Some of the tradi�onal Indigenous foods that our community eats are not included in the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutri�on Programs (FBG). Can we s�ll serve these foods as part of the Child Nutri�on Programs?

A: The Food Buying Guide for Child Nutri�on Programs is the primary technical assistance resource used to assist in determining the specific contribu�on a food item makes toward the meal patern requirements. This process is referred to as “credi�ng” (please see defini�on of “credi�ng” in the Defini�ons sec�on).

While the FBG provides a relatively comprehensive list of foods commonly served in CNP, it does not include yield information for every possible food served in reimbursable meals.

Crediting of traditional Indigenous foods that contribute to the meal pattern requirements but are not listed in the FBG may be determined using either of these methods: 1) using yield information of a similar food; or 2) conducting an in-house yield study.

https://www.indianag.org/technicalassistance mailto:ashley@indianag.org https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmymarketnews.ams.usda.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7CNancy.Katz%40usda.gov%7Cb5e350a2d0584a4b240308dc2e2d3ca2%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638436019034962147%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UFG64ry2zj9r8jwmQVuLsEn4H65iv1yelUIXQ0AbOmo%3D&reserved=0 https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/food-buying-guide-for-child-nutrition-programs

1. In these occurrences, traditional Indigenous food may credit like similar products found in the FBG, as discussed in TA-01 2024: Crediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs. For example, the FBG contains yield information for canned and pouched non-smoked salmon, the same yield may be used to determine the credit for red (sockeye) salmon.

2. When traditional Indigenous foods that contribute toward the meal pattern requirements are not listed and are not similar to another food in the FBG, in-house yields may be developed and used. Instructions for developing in-house yields are available online in the “About the Food Buying Guide” section on the home page of the FBG at https://foodbuyingguide.fns.usda.gov.

Q: For Objective #4, can you clarify whether the cooperators must create new material or if it is ok for them to use existing material that they have?

Objective #4: Develop culturally relevant nutrition education materials for students to accompany the traditional Indigenous foods that are served as part of their meals; train school nutrition professionals and other school staff on providing culturally relevant nutrition education to students; and ensure that nutrition education is delivered to students. 50% or more of those providing nutrition education directly to students must be members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians.

A: No, all materials do not have to be created by the cooperators. Cooperators may use existing materials, develop new materials, or adapt materials created by other organizations such as

USDA.

Q: What is the difference between a School Food Authority (SFA) and a school district?

A: When USDA refers to an SFA, we are referring to the entity that oversees the implementation of the Child Nutrition Programs (CNP). In most cases, an SFA is a school district.

If a school district is implementing the CNP, then they are considered an SFA. There are school districts across the nation that do not offer the CNP, and thus they are not considered SFAs.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/crediting-traditional-indigenous-foods https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/crediting-traditional-indigenous-foods https://foodbuyingguide.fns.usda.gov/