RFA_FY22_FMNP Benefit Delivery Modernization Grant_FINAL.pdf

WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Benefit Delivery Modernization Grant

Fiscal Year 2022 Request for Applications (RFA)

Catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.572

Release Date: February 24, 2022 Applications will be accepted, reviewed, and awarded quarterly.

Quarter 2 Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), April 25, 2022 Anticipated Award Date: May 25, 2022

Quarter 3 Application Due Date: 11:59 PM EST, June 24, 2022 Anticipated Award Date: July 25, 2022

Quarter 4 Application Due Date: 11:59 PM EST, August 23, 2022 Anticipated Award Date: September 22, 2022

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 estimated average time required to complete this information collection is 60 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

This Application Checklist provides applicants with a list of the required documents. However, FNS expects that applicants will read the entire RFA prior to the submission of their application and comply with all requirements outlined in the solicitation. The Application Checklist is for applicant use only and should not be submitted as part of the Application Package.

Complete the following at least four weeks prior to submission:

Obtain a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number;

Register the DUNS number in the System for Award Management (SAM); and, Register on Grants.gov.

NOTE: The U.S. government is moving to a new unique entity identifier for Federal awards management. The official UEI for entities registered in SAM is currently the D-U-N-S® number, which is obtained from Dun & Bradstreet outside of the SAM registration process. The D-U-N-S® number UEI (DUNS) will remain the official UEI in SAM until April 3, 2022. The SAM-generated UEI (SAM) will become the official identifier on April 4, 2022.

Until April 3, 2022, entities that are not already registered in SAM.gov and who wish to do business with the federal government need to obtain and/or use a UEI (DUNS) to register their entity on SAM.gov. On and after April 4, entities can register in SAM.gov and will be assigned their Unique Entity ID (SAM) within SAM.gov. Entities will no longer obtain or use a UEI (DUNS) for registration or reporting.

When preparing your application, ensure:

Application format and narrative meet the requirements included in Section IV “Application and

Submission Information.” This includes page limits, priorities outlined in Section IV, and all necessary attachments.

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

All key staff proposed to be paid by this grant.

The percentage of time the Project Director will devote to the project in full-time equivalents

(FTEs).

Your organization’s fringe benefit rate and amount, as well as 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 and the applicant has never been approved for a NICRA, they may charge up to 10% de minimis). If applicant is requesting the de minimis rate or indirect costs are not 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 FNS-906 – Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire (fillable in

Grants.gov) Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (PDF - Upload using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15) http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms.html https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SFLLL_1_2-V1.2.pdf

Table of Contents Application Checklist 3

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 7

Authorizing Legislation and Background

Purpose & Key Objectives

Waivers

Security and Privacy

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 10

Allowable Costs

Unallowable Costs

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 11

Eligible Applicants

Other Eligibility Criteria

Pre-Award Screening Requirements

Acknowledgement of USDA Support

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 12

Content and Form of Application Submission

Submission Date

Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov

Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

Intergovernmental Review

Funding Restrictions

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION 20

Evaluation of Grant Application Criteria

1. REVIEW CRITERIA

2. EVALUATION FACTORS AND CRITERIA

3. Review and Selection Process

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 22

1. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICE

2. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Confidentiality of an Application

Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality of the Review Process

Administrative Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations and Other Government Requirements

3. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Financial Reports

Performance Progress Report (PPR)

Additional Requirements

VII.

FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS 27

VIII.

OTHER INFORMATION 27

Debriefing Requests

APPENDIX 28

RFA Budget Narrative Checklist

FNS-908 Performance Progress Report (PPR) – For Reference Only

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Authorizing Legislation and Background

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) (ARPA) provided the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with $390 million, available through FY 2024, to carry out outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts to increase participation and redemption of benefits for both the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). FNS has developed an administrative framework for the investment of ARPA funds to fulfill two goals: increase WIC enrollment and retention and reduce disparities in program delivery.

Under the authorization and funding provided in section 1106 of ARPA, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is establishing a new grant program for State agencies that administer the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) aimed at modernizing benefit delivery and reducing disparities in program delivery.

Purpose & Key Objectives

The purposes of the WIC FMNP, authorized under Section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (as amended through P.L. 111–296, effective Dec. 13, 2010), are to provide fresh, unprepared, local produce to women, infants, and children via local farmers’ markets; expand the awareness and use of farmers’ markets; and increase sales at such markets.

The primary goal of the grant opportunity is to provide funding to WIC FMNP State agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO) and territories, to implement an available and tested electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution (Solution), which will (1) modernize benefit delivery for WIC FMNP State agencies, participants, farmers and farmers’ markets; and (2) increase benefit utilization at farmers’ markets. For the purposes of this grant, Solution is defined as either a web-based service or installable software; in either case, the Solution must be usable from mobile devices and/or personal computers, and not require a card. WIC FMNP State agencies, participants and farmers and farmers’ markets would like to move toward electronic-based solutions that will streamline benefit transactions.

In the first round of funding, USDA-FNS anticipates providing grants to up to nine (9) State agencies and/or consortiums to implement a Solution. Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis and all current WIC FMNP State agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations (ITO) and territories, are eligible to apply under this announcement.

FNS plans to award grants in no more than three rounds in FY 2022. FNS reserves the right to award a lesser or greater number of awards based on the response to this RFA in any round of funding.

However, there is no limit on the number of awards in a round. Funding may be made available in additional rounds and in subsequent years through the end of FY 2024, pending the availability of funding. FNS will review applications submitted to the grants.gov web portal in response to this RFA on a quarterly basis. FNS may modify this review schedule contingent upon the availability of funds https://www.fns.usda.gov/pl-117-2 and in alignment with the needs and priorities of the Agency. Applications should be submitted after a WIC FMNP State agency identifies a Solution provider and FNS approves the State Plan amendment to implement the Solution. Funding under this announcement must support the implementation of an available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution. Applying States agencies may select only one of the two options:

Option 1: Single State agency project to implement an available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution; or

Option 2: Consortium projects which leverage and implement the same available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution at scale across multiple State agencies during the same time period.

Activities proposed by the grant, regardless of whether submitted by a single State agency or a consortium, must align with the objectives below.

1. Objective 1: Procurement and implementation of an available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution for use by WIC FMNP State agency(s), participants, and farmers/farmers’ markets to deliver, transact, and redeem WIC FMNP benefits.

Although FNS anticipates some applications may require enhancement of an existing Solution, this grant opportunity is not intended to support the development of a new, untested Solution.

The State agency(s) may collaborate or coordinate with a Solution provider to develop additional functionality for an existing Solution.

Successful grant applicants will identify the Solution that will be used and describe how it will successfully implement the Solution in a manner that complies with current WIC FMNP processes outlined in 7 CFR 248 (see Section IV, Project Narrative) and each State agency’s State Plan.

The grantee must demonstrate that a viable Solution is ready for implementation. As noted above, the grantee may have developed the Solution or enter into an agreement with the Solution provider to provide access to the Solution. The Solution must meet Program requirements as specified in 7 CFR 248 and the State agency’s approved State Plan, as amended for waivers of certain regulatory requirements. The agreement between the grantee and Solution provider should specify all costs and terms for receiving access to the Solution.

Under the grant, the cost of procuring and implementing the Solution and any related fees for the Solution will be covered (see allowable costs). The grantee may also work with the Solution provider to enable the processing of transactions for other Federal nutrition programs (i.e., SFMNP, WIC, SNAP) however, cost allocation principles apply.

For purposes of this grant, WIC FMNP Participants/Farmers/Farmers’ Markets as users of the Solution are expected to provide their own device, e.g., computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone, as well as their own Internet services to access the Solution. The applicant is expected to describe how WIC FMNP participants without their own device (e.g., smartphone) will be accommodated. Note: This grant does not cover device and internet service related costs.

2. Objective 2: Training and technical support for participants, farmers, farmers’ markets.

a. As part of the project, funding may be used to support training for participants, farmers, and farmers’ markets on accessing (and installing, if applicable) and using the Solution.

b. Funding also may be used to support the development and implementation of a communications plan to share information with participants, farmers, and farmers’ markets that are using the Solution to ensure that they are aware of any maintenance issues, planned outages, updates to the functionality of the Solution, security issues and other software development and administration issues that may arise.

3. Objective 3: Monitoring progress, including achievements, milestones, risks and issues.

a. The grantee will monitor and track the success of procurement, implementation, and user training of the Solution.

b. The grantee will report on number of WIC FMNP participants and farmer/farmers’ markets Solution users, and dollars of benefits issued and redeemed using the Solution.

Waivers

If the applicant wishes to use a Solution that does not comply with the Program requirements outlined in 7 CFR 248, then the applicant should contact their Regional Office prior to applying for funding. On a case-by-case basis, FNS will consider State agency waiver requests for flexibility in meeting certain WIC FMNP requirements under the authority provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). State agency waiver requests may be submitted as part of the State Plan amendment process.

Security and Privacy

The grantee and Solution must comply with confidentiality requirements outlined in 7 CFR 248.24(c), offer data security, have adequate measures to prevent fraud, comply with credit/debit card industry security standards and protect all Solution users’ privacy. Explicit measures must be outlined and taken to protect personally identifiable information (PII) such as, but not limited to, encryption at rest and encryption in transit. Grantees must comply with any Departmental or Agency guidance issued at the time of the award related to security and privacy. Solutions with web servers receiving a grade of less than B on server tests as available on https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest or the like must provide a timeline and plan for resolution of outstanding items such as, but not limited to, use of insecure transportation security protocols (e.g. SSLv3, TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1).

Cookies

To ensure optimum security for transactions, the Solution should not use cookies. Applicants must identify whether the Solution will use cookies, and if so, whether the cookies will retain PII data and will easily delete or allow a customer to avoid creation of cookies.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.24(c) https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssllabs.com%2Fssltest&data=04%7C01%7C%7C9eb60db7afb545fd3cb508d993f708fc%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637703511500711523%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=m2GMySuAVqUSHhra%2Bz4s%2FMcsgFz8QIx%2Fz07kcMKzndI%3D&reserved=0

Breach Damages

FNS expects the grantee to adequately secure the Solution, network and databases under the control of the grantee or any subcontractor. FNS requires the grantee to agree that, if selected, they will replace all WIC FMNP benefits that are stolen as a result of employee or subcontractor fraud, or external hacking resulting from failure to adequately secure the Solution.

Selling and Sharing of Data

It is common practice among many businesses and non-profit organizations to sell or share subscription data and other data to outside parties. The personal information, e.g., name, address, or email address collected through the Solution under this grant must not be compromised, sold, rented, or given away free to any third party without authorization from FNS.

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

The following information is intended to provide applicants with information to help applicants make informed decisions about proposal submissions.

• Total amount of funding expected to award: $1 to $5 million per round.

• Anticipated number of awards: Up to 9 projects per round.

• Anticipated award announcement date:

o Round 1: May 25, 2022 o Round 2: July 25, 2022 o Round 3: September 22, 2022

• Expected amounts of individual Federal awards: Up to $250,000 for single State agencies, Up to $750,000 for multi-State agency consortium.

• Anticipated start dates and period of performance:

o Round 1: May 25, 2022 (24 months) o Round 2: July 25, 2022 (24 months) o Round 3: September 22, 2022 (24 months)

• Application due dates:

o Round 1: April 25, 2022 o Round 2: June 24, 2022 o Round 3: August 23, 2022

Please note:

• Individual grant awards may vary in amount based on the submitted application.

• Grant awards are subject to the availability of funding and/or appropriations of funds.

• FNS reserves the right to use this solicitation and competition to award additional grants this year or the subsequent fiscal year, should additional funds become available.

Allowable Costs Budgets may include expenses related to personnel, contractors, meeting expenses, travel, and trainings.

Procurement Contracts: Grantees may use grant funds to procure contracts for goods and services.

This includes the procurement and implementation of the grantees chosen electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution. However, as noted above the intention is for applicants to procure existing Solutions that are either user ready or can be modified to meet the applicant’s needs, and not to build or develop a new electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution.

Other Allowable Expenses: FNS anticipates no more than 20% of the funding for the grant project will be used for administrative costs related to the procurement of goods and services under this announcement.

Unallowable Costs

Equipment and Supplies: Expenditures for equipment and supplies are NOT allowable expenses.

For purposes of this grant, WIC FMNP participants, farmers, and farmers’ markets are expected to provide their own device, e.g., computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone, as well as their own Internet services to access the solution. The applicant is expected to describe how participants without their own device (e.g., smartphone) will be accommodated.

Transaction Fees: The grantee will develop a cost structure that ensures that any fees associated with processing WIC FMNP mobile payments, including those accepted by farmers/farmers’ markets utilizing the Solution, are charged to the participating farmer/farmers’ market or are charged to a central administrative account at the State agency. This grant is intended to support the implementation of an available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution, not to cover transaction fees.

Maintenance and Operations: Once the Solution is fully implemented and the grant period ends, all operational costs must be charged to the FMNP administrative grant.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible Applicants

• Only WIC FMNP State agencies are eligible to apply. There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for this program.

Other Eligibility Criteria

Each State agency may only submit one (1) application in response to this grant solicitation per round.

If a State agency is included in a consortium application and also submits an individual application in the same round, then only the consortium application will be considered.

Pre-Award Screening Requirements

In reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, prior to making a Federal award, Federal awarding agencies, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.205, are required to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualifications or financial integrity information. Additionally, Federal awarding agencies are required to have a framework in place for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards.

The FNS review of risk posed by applicants will be based on the following:

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

• FAPIIS, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System that has been established to track contractor misconduct and performance

The evaluation of the information obtained from the designated systems and the risk assessment questionnaire may result in FNS imposing special conditions or additional oversight requirements that correspond to the degree of risk assessed.

Acknowledgement of USDA Support

As outlined in 2 CFR 415.2, grant recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA Food and Nutrition Service support on any publications written or published with grant support and, if feasible, on any publication reporting the results of, or describing, a grant-supported activity. Recipients shall include acknowledgement of USDA Food and Nutrition Service support on any audiovisual which is produced with grant support and which has a direct production cost of over $5,000.

• When acknowledging USDA support, use the following language: "This material is based upon work that is supported by the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.” Grantees should follow the USDA Visual Standards Guide when using the USDA logo.

• Grant recipients may be asked to host USDA officials for a site visit during the course of their grant award. All costs associated with the site visit will be paid for by USDA and are not expected to be included in grant budgets.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Content and Form of Application Submission

FNS strongly encourages eligible applicants interested in applying to this program to adhere to the following applicant format. The proposed project plan should be presented on an 8 ½” x 11” document with white background with at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom. All pages should be single-spaced, in 12-point font. The project narrative with relevant information should be captured on no more than 10 pages, not including the cover sheet, table of contents, letter of commitment, budget narrative(s), appendices, and required forms. All pages, excluding the form pages, must be numbered.

Special Instructions:

• FNS will retrieve applications submitted through Grants.gov by each round’s deadline listed on the cover page of this application package. FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• Applications submitted without the required supporting documents, forms, certification will not be considered.

• Applications missing a written proposal or budget narrative will not be considered.

• FNS reserves the right to request clarification on any application submitted in response to this solicitation.

• Applications not submitted via Grants.gov will not be considered.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through Grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNS will accept the latest application package successfully https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/visual-standards-guide-january-2013.pdf submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

• State agencies applying as a consortium must identify the lead state agency responsible for grant management, report submission, and general project management.

Letter of Commitment or Support The eligible applicant(s) who intends to apply must submit a Letter of Commitment or Support from the chosen Solution contractor, if applicable, with the application submission. State agencies applying as a consortium may submit one letter on behalf of all states participating in the consortium project.

The letter should include the potential contractor’s name and address, telephone number, e-mail address of the primary point of contact, and a brief statement of the project. Upload the letter of commitment as a PDF using the “Add Attachments” button on the SF-424. The same formatting requirements should be used for the letter of commitment/support as for the proposed project plan. The letter of commitment/support does not count towards the page limit for the application.

Table of Contents The Table of Contents should include relevant sections, subsections, and associated page numbers. The Table of Contents does not count towards the page limit for the application.

Project Narrative (no more than 10 pages) The project narrative should clearly identify what the grantee is proposing and how it will procure and implement the available electronic, mobile WIC FMNP Solution, the expected results and/or benefits once the Solution is achieved, and how it will meet the RFA purpose and key objectives. The proposed project methodology should describe the project design, address program specific methodology needs, procedures, timetables, monitoring/oversight, and the organization’s project staffing. Applicants must organize their applications and satisfy the requirements identified in this section. Please respond to each section below in the order presented.

State Agency Description of current WIC FMNP operations and need (200 words or less) Briefly describe the current landscape of the State agency (or agencies if consortium) using FY 2021 (or prior fiscal year) WIC FMNP program data including number of participants, number of authorized farmers/farmers’ markets, and number of local agencies, as well as anticipated WIC FMNP benefit level. Describe the current need for a mobile WIC FMNP solution using at least one relevant data metric.

Project Description (2-5 pages) Describe your proposed Solution. Competitive applicants must have identified a viable model ready for implementation in their State agency or State agencies, if the proposal is submitted by a consortium.

Briefly identify the type of model planned for implementation and address each of the points below:

• The State agency’s or consortium’s procurement strategy, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200, as applicable, and detailed timeline for procurement and implementation;

• How the State agency(s) will ensure compliance with federal regulations in 7 CFR 248 specifically 248.10(f)(3), 248.10(h)(3), 248.10(h), 248.24(c), 248.8(a) or plans to seek a waiver of these requirements through a State Plan amendment;

• The benefit issuance/allocation process using the Solution including:

o How participant/authorized farmer/market data will be captured.

o How it will accommodate participants without smartphones.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.10(f)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.10(h)(3) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.10(h) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.24(c) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.8(a)

• A communications plan including how and when training to authorized farmers/markets and participants will take place;

• A description of the transaction process and benefit redemption/settlement strategy per 248.10(h), including:

o How the Solution will ensure that participants and vendors have the opportunity to cancel or void transactions; and o How the Solution will ensure that participants are made aware of the purchase price of the food items and transaction total before the transaction is completed.

o How it will accommodate participants without smartphones.

• Description of the procedures for split-tender transactions, if not applicable, please indicate;

• Description of relevant interfaces and testing strategies;

• Security measures at each stage of the transaction process;

• How the State agency or agencies will manage issues related to internet access and connectivity;

• How the Solution provider will provide ongoing technical support to the grantee to address necessary changes (i.e., as a result of unforeseen issues and/or new configurations);

• The reporting elements available by the Solution; and

• If known, the potential for scalability and adoption by other State agencies and related programs.

Sustainability Provide information on anticipated annual costs to operate and maintain the Solution for two years after the grant period of performance. Identify funding sources beyond the grant period of performance and explain how the Solution will continue to be used and funded by the grantee. If there are currently any systems in place that would support the mobile technology solution and contribute to rapid deployment and continued success, identify them here. If the implementation of the Solution requires waivers, the State agency must describe which waivers are expected to be longstanding and/or may extend beyond the duration of the grant. The State agency(s) sustainability plan should describe how the State agency will continue to use the Solution when the waivers expire.

Staffing and Partnerships Briefly identify any key staff who will support the project. Ensure that the provider of the Solution is clearly identified. If you are submitting an application with other State agencies as a consortium, please identify the other State agencies participating in your project, who the lead is, and the supporting staff to support project implementation.

Activities/Indicators Tracker Proposed activities and indicators measuring success must be mapped to each of the three Program Objectives (as described in Section I – PROGRAM DESCRIPTION) in the below format (note that additional Activities/Indicators can be added as needed). Note: Indicators are defined as any metric you anticipate will be able to be tracked during the period of performance of the grant.

FNS requires four (4) indicators to be included on every application and at a minimum include:

number of participants and farmer mobile solution users, and dollars of benefits issued and redeemed https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-248#p-248.10(h) using the mobile solution. If awarded, grantees will report their progress on each indicator using the FNS-908 Performance Progress Report. See section VI. for more information.

(Example) Objective # 1 Procurement and implementation of an electronic WIC FMNP Solution for use by State agency(s), participants, farmers/farmers’ markets to administer, transact, and redeem WIC FMNP benefits.

Activity By October 1, 2022, procure Mobile Purchasing Solution.

Indicator(s) Number Procured

Objective # 1 Procurement and implementation of an electronic WIC FMNP Solution for use by State agency(s), participants, farmers/farmers’ markets to administer, transact, and redeem WIC FMNP benefits.

Proposed Activity 1

Indicator 1

Objective # 2 Training and technical support for participants, farmers, farmers’ markets.

Activity 1

Objective # 3 Monitoring progress, including achievements, milestones, and risks and issues.

Activity 1

The grantee will report on number of participants and farmer mobile solution users, dollars of benefits issued and redeemed using the mobile solution

Indicator 1 Number of participant users

Indicator 2 Number of farmer users

Indicator 3 Benefit dollars issued

Indicator 4 Benefit dollars redeemed

Activity 2

Application Budget Narrative (Not to exceed 30 pages) The budget narrative should correspond with the proposed project narrative and application budget submitted on the SF-424A. The narrative must justify and support the bona fide needs of the budget’s direct cost. If the budget includes indirect costs, the applicant must provide a copy of its most recently approved Federal indirect cost rate agreement. All funding requests must be in whole dollars.

Indirect Cost Rate A current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), negotiated with a Federal negotiating agency, should be used to charge indirect costs. Indirect costs may not exceed the negotiated rate. If a NICRA is used, the percentage and base should be indicated. If the applicant does not have, and has never been approved for, a NICRA, they may charge up to 10% de minimis.

In this instance, the applicant must indicate they are requesting the de minimis rate. An applicant may elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for direct costs. If indirect costs are not charged, the phrase "none requested" should be stated in the budget narrative. For questions related to the indirect cost rate, please work with the Grant Officer as noted in Section VII of this RFA.

Required Grant Application Forms

Please refer to the Application Checklist for a list of required grant forms.

Submission Date Complete grant applications must be uploaded to www.grants.gov by 11:59 PM EST on the due date listed on the cover page.

FNS will retrieve applications submitted through Grants.gov by each round’s deadline. FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline.

FNS will make awards up to once each quarter in fiscal year (FY) 2022. Funding may be made available in additional rounds and in subsequent years through the end of FY 2024, contingent upon the availability of funds. Applicants who are unsuccessful in one round may submit an application for the next round. Applicants who receive an award in one round may not apply in a later round. FNS may make fewer awards than expected if all available funding is awarded after fewer than three rounds. Please note:

• Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Mailed, e-mailed or hand-delivered application packages will not be accepted. For further instructions, go here.

• FNS will not consider additions or revisions to applications unless they are submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline. No additions or revisions will be accepted after the deadline.

• If multiple application packages are submitted through Grants.gov by the same applicant in response to this solicitation, FNS will accept the latest application package successfully http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ submitted. All other packages submitted by the applicant will be removed from this competition.

FNS strongly encourages applicants to begin the registration process at least four weeks before the due date and to submit applications to Grants.gov at least one week before the deadline to allow time to troubleshoot any issues, should they arise. Please note that upon submission, Grants.gov may send multiple confirmation notices; applicants should ensure receipt of confirmation that the application was accepted. Applicants experiencing difficulty submitting applications to Grants.gov should contact the Grant Officer noted in the Agency Contacts (Section VII) of this RFA. FNS will evaluate submission issues on a case-by-case basis.

Preparing for Electronic Application Submission through Grants.gov Applicants must register with Grants.gov, Dun and Bradstreet, and SAM.gov in order to submit an application to FNS via Grants.gov, as required. FNS strongly encourages applicants to begin the registration process at least four weeks before the due date.

NOTE: The U.S. government is moving to a new unique entity identifier for Federal awards management. The official UEI for entities registered in SAM is currently the D-U-N-S® number, which is obtained from Dun & Bradstreet outside of the SAM registration process. The D-U-N-S® number UEI (DUNS) will remain the official UEI in SAM until April 3, 2022. The SAM-generated UEI (SAM) will become the official identifier on April 4, 2022.

Until April 3, 2022, entities that are not already registered in SAM.gov and who wish to do business with the federal government need to obtain and/or use a UEI (DUNS) to register their entity on SAM.gov. On and after April 4, entities can register in SAM.gov and will be assigned their Unique Entity ID (SAM) within SAM.gov. Entities will no longer obtain or use a UEI (DUNS) for registration or reporting.

Continue to use the UEI (DUNS) for registration and reporting until April 3, 2022. After that time, UEI (DUNS) will no longer be available and that number will not be maintained in any IAE systems (SAM.gov, CPARS, FAPIIS, eSRS, FSRS, FPDS-NG). Beginning April 4, 2022, organizations must only use the UEI (SAM).

Additional information on the new UEI process and transition is available at: SAM.gov | Duns - Sam UEI

To submit an application, you must:

1. Obtain a DUNS number

• If your organization does not have a DUNS number, or if you are unsure of your organization’s DUNS, contact Dun & Bradstreet at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-888-814-1435, Monday thru Friday, 8am-9pm ET. There is no fee associated with obtaining a DUNS number.

• It may take 2-3 business days to obtain a DUNS number.

2. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

• SAM.gov combines Federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance into one system. For additional information regarding SAM.gov, see the following link: https://www.sam.gov/SAM

• Must have your organization’s DUNS, entity’s Tax ID Number (TIN), and taxpayer name https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/home https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fcontent%2Fduns-uei&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbf991f50be534e400f3a08d9ea5d1fb9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637798507943523781%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wHJq%2Fl0a6AtQb4%2FQ2RpBkGGU0RZ6pTBYgxROJQy6dKk%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov%2Fcontent%2Fduns-uei&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbf991f50be534e400f3a08d9ea5d1fb9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637798507943523781%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=wHJq%2Fl0a6AtQb4%2FQ2RpBkGGU0RZ6pTBYgxROJQy6dKk%3D&reserved=0 https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform https://sam.gov/content/home

(as it appears on last tax return). It may take 3-5 business days to register in SAM.gov;

however, in some instances the SAM process to complete the migration of permissions and/or the renewal of the entity record will require 5-7 days or more.

• All applicants must have current SAM status at the time of application submission and throughout the duration of a Federal Award in accordance with 2 CFR Part 25.

• We strongly encourage applicants to begin the process at least 3 weeks before the due date of the grant solicitation.

3. Create a Grants.gov Account:

The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's UEI (DUNS) or UEI (SAM) number to complete this process.

Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM.gov. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-registration.html

4. Authorize Grants.gov Roles:

After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying them of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview/workspace-roles.html

5. Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview/workspace-roles.html

Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization's AOR that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as an AOR; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

How to Submit an Application via Grants.gov Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA) or RFA, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518- 4726 and email at support@grants.gov. If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview/workspace-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview/workspace-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the Center with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, please contact the Grant Officer noted in the Agency Contacts (Section VII) of this RFA.

Grants.gov Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission All applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on the due date listed on the cover page, as detailed here. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application.

Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission could take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

Additional Information on Grants.gov and the Registration Process:

NOTICE: Special Characters and Naming Conventions All applicants MUST follow Grants.gov guidance on file naming conventions. To avoid submission issues, please follow the guidance provided by Grants.gov (per the Grants.gov Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)):

Are there restrictions on file names for any attachment I include with my application package?

File attachment names longer than approximately 50 characters can cause problems processing packages. Please limit file attachment names. Also, do not use any special characters (examples: & – * % / # ’ -). This includes periods (.) and spacing followed by a dash in the file. To separate words in naming a file, use underscore, as in the following example: Attached_File.pdf.

Please note that if these guidelines are not followed, your application will be rejected. FNS will not accept any application rejected from www.grants.gov portal due to incorrect naming conventions. Additional information and applicant resources are available at:

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

Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity is subject to the requirements of EO 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”. This Executive Order was issued with the desire to foster the intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The Order allows each State to designate an entity to perform this function. If you are located within a State that does not have a State Single Point of Contact (SPOC), you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency.

http://www.grants.gov/applicants/submit_application_faqs.jsp http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

For a list of State Agency contacts, please visit the Office of Management website at: Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List) (whitehouse.gov)

Funding Restrictions See Section II, Allowable Costs for information on funding restrictions.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Evaluation of Grant Application Criteria

1. REVIEW CRITERIA

FNS will pre-screen all applications to ensure the applicants are eligible entities and are in compliance with all Program regulations.

2. EVALUATION FACTORS AND CRITERIA

The selection criteria described below will be used to evaluate applications for this RFA. Note that each section will be evaluated independently, and information in one section will not count/contribute to the score for a separate section. Each section should be clearly identified; if a section is missing, the applicant will receive no points for that section.

Project Description (40 points)

• The applicant describes the proposed Solution and demonstrates that a viable model is ready for implementation by their State agency or State agencies, and identifies the specific model.

• The planned solution satisfactorily addresses each of the following:

o The State agency’s or consortium’s procurement strategy, consistent with 2 CFR Part

200, as applicable, and detailed timeline for procurement and implementation;

o How State agency(s) will ensure compliance with federal regulations in 7 CFR 248 specifically 248.10(f)(3), 248.10(h)(3), 248.10(h), 248.24(c), 248.8(a) or plans to seek a waiver of these requirements through a State Plan amendment;

o The benefit issuance/allocation process using the Solution including:

How participant/authorized farmer/market data will be captured.

How it will accommodate participants without smartphones.

o A communications plan including how and when training to authorized farmers/markets and participants will take place;

o A description of the transaction process and benefit redemption/settlement strategy per 248.10(h), including:

How the solution will ensure that participants and vendors have the opportunity to cancel or void transactions; and How the solution will ensure that participants are made aware of the purchase price of the food items and transaction total before the transaction is completed.

How it will accommodate participants without smartphones.

o Description of the procedures for split-tender transactions, if not applicable please indicate;

o Description of relevant interfaces and testing strategies;

o Security measures at each stage of the transaction process;

o How the State agency(s)will manage issues related to internet access and connectivity;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf o How the Solution provider will provide ongoing technical support to the grantee to address necessary changes (i.e., as a result of unforeseen issues and/or new configurations);

o The reporting elements available by the Solution; and o If known, potential for scalability and adoption by other State agencies and related programs.

Sustainability (20 points)

• Applicant identifies funding sources beyond the grant period of performance and explains how the Solution will remain in place after the grant.

• Applicant clearly identifies if there are any current, existing systems that would support the Solution and contribute to rapid deployment and continued success.

Staffing and Partnerships (20 points)

• Applicant identifies key staff who will support the project.

• If the application is for a consortium, the other participating State agencies are clearly identified.

• The provider of the Solution is clearly identified.

• The applicant includes a letter of commitment or support from the Solution provider.

o The letter of commitment or support includes the potential contractor’s name and address, telephone number, e-mail address of the primary point of contact, and a brief statement of the project.

Activities/Indicators Tracker (10 points)

• The required activity is included.

o Required activity: The grantee will report on number of participant and farmer mobile solution users, dollars of benefits issued and redeemed using the mobile solution.

• Proposed activities align with the objectives in Section I – Program Description.

• The table with activities and indicators is correctly formatted (see Activities/Indicators Tracker section beginning on page 14 of this RFA) and clearly readable.

• Proposed indicators are appropriate, align with proposed activities, and can be tracked during the period of performance of the grant.

Budget Narrative (10 points)

• Each…