RFA MPPEP3 Catfish FY25 2025 08 06 FInal.pdf

OMB No. 0570‐0079

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)—Phase 3

Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish

Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Funding Opportunity Number: RD‐RBS‐25‐03‐MPPEP

Publication Date: August 6, 2025 Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 6, 2025

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program ‐ Phase 3 ‐ Invasive, Wild‐

Caught Catfish

Funding Opportunity Number: RD‐RBS‐25‐03‐MPPEP

Announcement Type: Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Assistance Listing Number: 10.381

Submission Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on October 6, 2025, through Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for evaluation or funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural

Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), requests applications for the Meat and Poultry

Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) ‐ Phase 3 ‐ Invasive, Wild‐Caught Catfish. MPPEP is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides funding to make

“loans and grants and provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Funding in the aggregate amount of $6 million is being made available as authorized by

Section 755 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law No. 118‐42), and Section 1101 of the Full‐Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law No. 119‐4).

Pursuant to this authority, USDA is making competitive grant funding for purchase of equipment, including improvements, upgrades, renovations or retrofits to an existing Facility, needed to install the equipment to increase processing capacity of invasive, Wild‐Caught catfish and overall volume of

Processing. This will not only scale capacity and efficiency at Processing facilities, but also help to reduce

Invasive Species populations that are decimating marine ecosystems and threatening the economy of the fishing industry.

Eligible applicants include for‐profit and nonprofit entities, producer‐owned Cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribes and Tribal Entities, State or local government entities, and other business types (regardless of legal structure). Private entities must be Independently

Owned and Operated, and all entities must be Domestically Owned. Additionally, the applicants’

Processing facilities must be physically located and operating in the United States (U.S.) or its territories.

Applicants must also:

(1) Currently process seafood or Wild-Caught catfish for commercial markets and been in business http://www.grants.gov./

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(2) Operate or plan to operate under a Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) grant of inspection from USDA to process invasive, Wild-Caught catfish subject to the Federal Meat

Inspection Act (FMIA),

(3) Plan to increase processing capacity for invasive, Wild-Caught catfish, at their existing Facility, and

(4) Have a State Aquatic Nuisance Species, or Invasive Species, management plan that specifically identifies catfish as an Invasive or Aquatic Nuisance Species in the State where the Facility operates.

The maximum award is $1 million or 50 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. The minimum award is $250,000. A cost share of 50 percent of the total project cost is required. Applicants will be required to identify sources and amounts that will make up the 50 percent cost share in the application.

The Agency may also consider geography, species, business model, and environmental impacts to maximize diversity among awards.

This NOFO provides eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, details on cost share requirements, and the forms and instructions required to apply for an award.

USDA is offering technical assistance to help applicants prepare grant applications. Please see

Section 2.6 for more information.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

The application must include all the information in the checklist located below. Failure to submit all required information with an application will result in the application being ineligible for the grant Program.

Please see Section 4.2 for more information and details on the required documents and supporting information.

Document Details ☐ SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Maximum period of performance is 24 months

☐ SF-424A, Budget Form – Non-Construction Programs

Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

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Document Details

☐ SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

Assurances for Non-Construction Projects

☐ AD-2106 – Form to Assist in Assessment of USDA Compliance with Civil Rights Laws

Voluntary; not required

☐ Project Narrative Application Grant Purpose and Project Details. Narrative is limited to 20 pages, not including application template and Supporting Documents.

☐ Environmental Information Environmental checklist, or information covered in the checklist

☐Business Plan Business Plan including rationale for proposed project

☐Financial Documents Income Statement, Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Projections for the Facility

☐Resumes Resumes of key personnel

☐Letters of Support Evidence of community support for the project

☐Tribal Resolution of Consent – if applicable For projects on Tribal lands

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using

Grants.gov, you must — o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management), the Government's primary registrant database;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, throughout the life of the award.

• Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION

DEADLINE.

• Thoroughly read this NOFO and follow all the instructions.

• Thoroughly review the guidelines and policies as outlined in this NOFO to ensure the application is received and eligible for consideration, and to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/

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Apply for the correct grant Program (Assistance Listing number “10.381” and Funding Opportunity Number

“USDA- RD‐RBS‐25-03‐MPPEP”).

• Make sure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and higher.

• Limit Application File Name Characters (50 or fewer).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” icon in Adobe Reader). Acceptable file types include .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx.

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• Input the correct UEI number on the SF-424 cover page.

• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides:

o grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs o grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview

Timing to Obtain and Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

☐ Submitting Application.

The RBCS deadline to receive all applications and supporting materials through Grants.gov

October 6, 2025, by 11:59 pm Eastern Time

☐ Obtaining your organization’s UEI number (if you do not already have one).

7 - 10 Business Days

☐ Establishing an active SAM.gov account (if you do not already have one).

7 - 10 Business Days

☐ Obtaining a TIN/EIN (if you do not already have one). Up to 2 weeks

☐ Creating your Grants.gov profile. Up to 2 weeks http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description

1.1 Legislative Authority

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Project Activities Eligible For Funding

1.4 Project Activities Not Eligible For Funding

1.5 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

1.6 Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)

2.0 Award Information

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance

2.2 Available Funding and Award Size

2.3 Federal Award Period of Performance

2.4 Eligible Applicants

2.5 Applicants Not Eligible For Funding

2.6 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & RESOURCES

3.0 Funding Considerations

3.1 Cost Sharing

4.0 Application and Submission Information

4.1 Electronic Application Package

4.2 Application Requirements

4.3 Submitted Application Qualification

4.4 Submission Date and Time

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

4.6 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.0 Application Review Information

5.1 Merit Evaluation Criteria

5.2 Review and Selection Process

6.0 Award Administration Information

6.1 Award Notices

6.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

6.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.4 Reporting Requirements, Accountability and Grant Disbursement

6.5 PAYMENTS AND GRANT DISBURSEMENTS

6.6 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF USDA SUPPORT

7.0 Agency Contacts

7.1 Programmatic Questions

7.2 Grants.gov Questions

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Definitions

8.2 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

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8.3 Non-discrimination Statement

8.4 Paperwork Reduction Act

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The MPPEP is authorized by Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Pub. L.

No. 117-2). This section provides funding “to make loans and grants and provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Funding specifically for MPPEP- 3 -

Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish in the aggregate amount of $6 million is being made available as authorized by Section 755 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, (Public Law No. 118-42), and

Section 1101 of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law No. 119-

4). The MPPEP grants are administered by RD’s RBCS.

1.2 PURPOSE

The primary purpose of MPPEP has been to provide new, better and more Processing options to

Meat and poultry producers, in the applicant’s market. It has been part of the broader USDA initiative to improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. The goal for this NOFO is to specifically support

Processors of invasive, Wild-Caught catfish species by increasing Processing capacity and providing greater opportunity in this sector. Strategies that can fulfill the goal of the NOFO and ensure lasting impacts include projects to increase Processing capacity; increase Processing volume; elevate incomes for both fishers and Processors; and to provide fair wages, and new, stable and safe job opportunities at

Processing facilities to keep profits circulating in rural communities.

USDA is interested in supporting MPPEP projects that are technically feasible, financially viable, and have already identified other sources of funding (e.g., Federal, State, Tribe or intertribal, local funding, or private funding) to complete projects.

1.3 PROJECT ACTIVITIES ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Grant funds must be used for the purchase of equipment, including improvements, upgrades, renovations or retrofits to an existing Facility needed to install the equipment, that will be used to increase Processing capacity of invasive, Wild-Caught catfish and overall volume of Processing.

The applicant is responsible for defining the MPPEP project which is limited to activities and costs associated with increasing Processing capacity. MPPEP grant funds may only support costs incurred during the period of performance of the award. The period of performance starts when a Financial

Assistance Agreement, Form RD 4280‐2, between the applicant and RBCS is executed. The maximum period of performance is 24 months. When defining your project, you should consider what expenses you will be incurring after September 30, 2025, the anticipated award date.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319

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Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Purchasing or upgrading Processing and manufacturing equipment (including cutting, skinning, de-scaling, and de-boning equipment, mixers, grinders, pipes, motors, pumps, and valves);

• Developing, customizing, and installing equipment, devices, and technology that automates Processing functions to improve worker conditions and safety;

• Upgrading equipment to ensure food safety;

• Developing, customizing, and installing equipment that reduces emissions, increases efficient water use, and improves air and/or water quality to help lower operating costs at the Facility;

• Purchasing or upgrading composting equipment;

• Purchasing or upgrading packaging and labeling equipment;

• Making internal or minimal external improvements, upgrades, renovations or retrofits to an existing Facility needed to install the equipment;

• Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements under applicable law;

including revising existing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans to include catfish; and

• Paying staffing or operational costs, including training specifically tied to implementing the proposed project.

1.4 PROJECT ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

All RBCS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the Financial Assistance Agreement, Form RD 4280‐2. In addition, MPPEP grant funds may not be used for:

• Purchase or lease of land, or purchase of facilities that are either currently in operation or inoperable.

• New Facility construction or expansion of existing facilities that would increase the footprint of the Facility and require breaking ground during construction.

• Purchase of personal or other vehicles.

• Solely supporting Further Processing activities that do not include expanding Primary

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Processing capacity at the applicant’s Facility.

• Projects that fund routine maintenance and repair of an organization’s buildings and operational facilities.

• Paying for costs and activities that only support existing Processing capacity.

• Paying for technical assistance to support the Facility or the proposed project.

• Project planning, feasibility study expenses or research and development.

• Expenses or activities that have been or will be reimbursed under any federal, State, or local government funding.

• Paying for costs incurred prior to the date the Financial Assistance Agreement, Form RD

4280‐2, is executed. Reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred 90 days prior to award may be allowed with Agency approval.

• Paying for indirect project costs.

• Subawards.

• Paying for costs that have been or will be reimbursed by a third party.

• Paying for costs that support or oppose union organizing.

• Support of an application (project) that has a proposed period of performance longer than

24 months.

• Support of an application (project) that has a grant request exceeding $1 million or exceeding 50 percent of total project costs, whichever is less.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this section should contact RD staff using the contact information listed under Section 7.0 Agency Contacts.

1.5 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA)

All activities funded under this NOFO must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) and related applicable Agency regulations at 7 CFR part 1970 and related instructions, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), other applicable Federal laws and regulations, and any applicable State, local, or Tribal laws or regulations.

The Agency will review each grant application to determine its compliance with 7 CFR part 1970.

Activities such as purchase of equipment, including improvements, upgrades, renovations or retrofits to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVIII/subchapter-H/part-1970

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1.6 BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA ACT (BABAA)

Awardees that are Non-Federal Entities, defined by 2 CFR 200.1 as any State, local government, Indian Tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit organization, shall be governed by the requirements of Section 70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) within the Infrastructure

Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58), and its implementing regulations at 2 CFR part 184.

Any request for waiver of these requirements must be submitted pursuant to USDA’s guidance available online at usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistancepolicy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

MPPEP provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity, which create new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. RBCS will use a Financial

Assistance Agreement, Form RD 4280‐2, to provide a Federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 AVAILABLE FUNDING AND AWARD SIZE

Approximately $6 million is available to fund projects. The maximum award amount is $1 million or

50 percent of the total project costs, whichever is less. The minimum award is $250,000. A cost share of 50 percent of the total project cost is required. Applicants will be required to identify sources and amounts that will make up the 50 percent cost share in the application. USDA does not guarantee minimum funding levels or a specific number of awards. Partial awards may be offered by the Agency. If partial awards are offered, a new Work Plan and budget will be negotiated for final total project costs.

2.3 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The maximum period of performance for this grant is 24 months.

2.4 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include Tribes and Tribal Entities, for-profit and nonprofit entities, corporations, producer-owned Cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, State or local government entities, and other entities (regardless of legal structure). Applicants must:

(1) Currently process seafood or Wild-Caught catfish for commercial markets and have been in business for more than one year,

(2) Operate or plan to operate under a grant of inspection from USDA to process invasive, Wild-https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/section-1970.53 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.usda.gov/ocfo/federal-financial-assistance-policy/USDABuyAmericaWaiver

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Caught catfish subject to the FMIA,

(3) Plan to increase Processing capacity for invasive, Wild-Caught catfish, at their existing Facility and

(4) Have a State Aquatic Nuisance Species or Invasive Species management plan that includes catfish.

Private entities must be Independently Owned and Operated. All entities must be Domestically

Owned, and their Processing facilities must be physically located and operated within the U.S. or its territories. There is no rural area requirement for the Program.

Applicants that engage or propose to engage in Further Processing may be eligible provided that the project increases demand for invasive, Wild-Caught catfish and improves the viability of an existing

Processing operation. Additionally, the inputs for Further Processing must include the products of

Primary Processing by the applicant.

Eligible applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at time of application and must maintain annual SAM registration while an application is active and through the term of an award. Please refer to Section 4.6.1 for instructions on how to register your entity in the

SAM.

2.5 APPLICANTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Applicants are not eligible for MPPEP funding if they:

• Do not currently, or do not plan to, process invasive, Wild-Caught catfish under a Federal

Grant of Inspection.

• Do not have a State Aquatic Nuisance Species or Invasive Species management plan that includes catfish.

• Propose to, or engage in, Further Processing that does not expand Primary Processing capacity of invasive, Wild-Caught catfish at the applicant’s Facility.

• Submit multiple applications from separate applicant entities with identical or greater than 75 percent common ownership, or from a parent, subsidiary, or affiliated organization (with

‘‘affiliation’’ defined by Small Business Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or successor regulation).

• Have facilities that are exclusively for non-commercial use.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-121.103

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2.6 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & RESOURCES

RBCS provides resources and information on its website (rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program) that may be helpful to applicants, including

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), required application forms and Agency contact information. RBCS staff is available to provide timely responses to questions emailed to mppep@usda.gov.

3.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 COST SHARING

The applicant is required to cost share at least 50 percent of the total project cost. Evidence of the cost share percentage will be verified by the Agency at the time of award. If the applicant cannot verify cost share within the time frame specified in the letter of conditions for the award, the Agency may offer funding to the next highest ranked project.

The applicant is responsible for defining the total project costs of the MPPEP expansion project.

Financial contributions must support expanding Processing capacity as described in the application.

Costs and activities that support existing Processing capacity are not eligible. In-kind donations cannot be used to meet the cost sharing requirement. If Program income is expected during the period as result of Project activities, it is subject to the requirements of 2 CFR 200.307 and must be managed and reported accordingly. Program Income will be documented at time of award.

Expenses must be incurred between the date of execution of the Financial Assistance Agreement, Form RD 4280‐2, and the end date of the Period of Performance, or 24 months, whichever is earlier.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this NOFO. We urge applicants to submit applications early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process, see the Grants.gov How to Apply for Grants webpage found at grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants. This NOFO contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and RD‐specific attachments.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Applicants should submit applications well before the deadline to avoid last minute technical issues. See Section 4.6 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements for additional application instructions.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number 10.381 or the Funding https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program mailto:mppep@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.307 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/grant-applications/how-to-apply-for-grants

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Opportunity Number “RD‐RBS‐25‐03‐MPPEP.”

4.2 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

4.2.1 REQUIRED FORMS

(1) Form SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance

(2) Form SF 424A, Budget Information‐ Non-Construction Programs

(3) Form SF 424B, Assurances ‐ Non-Construction Programs

(4) Form AD‐2106, Questionnaire to Assist in the Assessment of USDA Compliance with Civil Rights

Laws. Submission of this form is optional.

4.2.2 PROJECT NARRATIVE & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Required. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a project narrative and are encouraged to use the provided Application Template available at rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program. Applicants are not required to use the template, but they are required to answer all the questions contained in the template.

The project narrative and all supporting documents must be submitted as one of the following file types: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx. and attached to the Grants.gov application package.

Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

The project narrative must be typed, single-spaced, and in an 11-point font, not to exceed twenty (20) 8.5 x 11” pages, not including the Application Template or supporting documents, as listed in Section 4.2.2(1)-(2). For example, if the application template is 15 pages before you begin entering your project narrative information, your application may be up to 35 pages in length when completed (15 page application template + 20 pages of applicant content).

Prior to submitting an application to Grants.gov, make sure that it is in final form (e.g., if the

“track changes” function was used, accept all changes before submitting so that the mark-up is not visible in the submitted application).

The forms, financials and all supporting documents in the subsequent sections do not count against the 20-page limit for the project narrative.

(1) Application Template. Applicants are encouraged to use the provided Application Template located at rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program for the project narrative, to ensure all the following topics are addressed.

https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program

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Sections in the template include:

(a) Applicant and Project information. Provide applicant, project, and Facility information as described in the Application Template. Please refer to Section 2.4 for a description of eligible applicants.

(b) Project Information and Executive Summary. Provide a summary detailing project goals and objectives in 500 words or fewer.

(c) Land Ownership and Access. Applicants must describe who owns and controls or has access to the land where the project is located.

(d) Performance Metrics. Applicants must track progress towards goals to demonstrate success. Applicants must provide baseline data for the following metrics:

(i) Processing volume increased (number of pounds or tons at the Facility).

(ii) New Value‐Added products developed by the Facility.

(iii) Increase in number of fishers and/or vessels served by the Facility.

(iv) Number of new sales channels accessed by the Facility.

(v) Number of jobs created and retained at the Facility.

(e) Merit Evaluation. The application must be responsive to each evaluation criterion in

Section 5.1. Your proposal should identify how your project will provide more Processing capacity and increase overall Processing volume in your market, create more Processing opportunities for fishers and is supported by community stakeholders. Applicants must describe their proposed project and how the Processing Facility will achieve financial viability, technical merit and achievability and address sourcing strategy, labor standards, and marine and community impacts.

Applicants must provide a Work Plan and budget that includes all key staff and activities performed within the proposed Period of Performance by task, associated costs, and proposed timeframe for completion. Please provide sufficient detail to allow the Agency to determine project eligibility, including all other funding that is needed to complete the project. Refer to Section 1.3 for a list of project activities eligible for funding. Project activities not eligible for funding are listed in Section 1.4.

Applicants should note that while a letter of support from a community leader is not required for a Complete Application, it is required for the application to receive points in the

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Community Impact & Support Section 5.1.7 below. Letters of support must be submitted with the application in Grants.gov to be considered.

(f) Tribal Resolution of Consent. For a project located on Tribal Lands where the applicant is not a member of the Tribe nor an entity owned or operated by that Tribe, a Tribe’s Resolution of

Consent must be provided. Other documentation such as a Letter of Support from the Tribal

Council for the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over the Tribal Lands where the project is located (if applicable) is also an acceptable acknowledgement of Tribal consent.

Any applicant that fails to provide a Tribal Resolution or Letter of Consent from the Tribe will not be considered for funding.

(2) Other Supporting Information. Applicants are required to submit the following supporting information. Please refer to the Tips for Applicants section for a list of acceptable file types.

(a) Business Plan. Provide a plan that includes the business goals and objectives, market analysis, and the rationale for the proposed project.

(b) Financial Documents. Provide the following to assist the Agency in determining financial viability of the project:

(i) Three years of historical balance sheet and income statements. Applicants with fewer than three years of data should submit what is available, which may include but is not limited to balance sheets, income statements, and other related documentation to demonstrate the financial viability of the venture.

(ii) Current balance sheet and income statements (within 90 days of application).

(iii) Two years of proforma and projected financial analysis including but not limited to (A) balance sheet, (B) income statement, and (C) cash flow analysis. Include financial projections with assumptions used in development of projections.

(c) Resumes. Provide resumes of key personnel at the Facility and on the management team for the proposed project.

(3) Applicant certifications. By signing and submitting the SF-424, Application for Federal

Assistance, as a part of the grant application package, applicants are certifying that they agree to the following statements:

(a) The applicant does not have a known relationship or association with an Agency employee. If there is a known relationship, the applicant must identify each Agency

17 | P a g e employee with whom the applicant has a known relationship.

(b) The applicant is a legal entity in good standing and operating in accordance with the laws of the State(s) or Tribe(s) where the applicant has a place of business, including child labor laws.

(c) The applicant has not been found or may be found to be unfit to obtain a grant of Federal or State equivalent inspection because of convictions, in a Federal or State court, of a felony, or multiple misdemeanors involving the acquisition, handling, or distribution of adulterated or misbranded Meat or fraud in connection with transactions in food, or other factors.

(d) The applicant who receives an award must comply with FSIS standards and must possess or plan to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection during the period of performance for the

MPPEP grant. In addition, if inspection services have been suspended in the past five years, the applicant must disclose the reasons for the suspension and how the action was resolved.

(e) The applicant has disclosed all of its violations of Federal and state health, safety and labor laws, regulations and standards that occurred up to 5 years prior to the date of the application, including any remedial actions that have been taken by the applicant to rectify such violations, and whether the applicant is currently in compliance with such laws, regulations and standards.

(f) The applicant has developed a HACCP plan or will revise a HACCP plan to include invasive, Wild-Caught catfish.

(g) The applicant has the necessary certifications in place to ensure regulatory compliance with all food safety measures providing safe products to consumers.

(h) The State where the Processing Facility is located has a State Aquatic Nuisance Species or

Invasive Species management plan that includes catfish.

(i) Any equipment required for the project is available, can be procured and delivered within the proposed project development schedule, barring any unforeseen supply chain disruptions to availability, and will be installed in conformance with manufacturer’s specifications and design requirements.

(j) The applicant has identified the balance of funding necessary (50 percent of total project costs) to complete the project in accordance with the timeline and budget

18 | P a g e proposed in its MPPEP application. Evidence of cost share will be verified at the time of award.

(k) The project will be constructed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards.

(l) The applicant entity has an active entity registration in the System for Award Management;

has not been debarred or suspended from participating in USDA covered transactions; is not listed on the Credit Alert Verification Reporting System; and is not listed on the Treasury

Offset Program;

(m) The applicant entity principals have not been debarred or suspended from participating in USDA covered transactions; and

(n) The applicant is responsible for resolving any issues that are reported in the Do Not Pay

System. If issues are not resolved by the time the Agency makes Program awards, the

Agency may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants.

4.3 SUBMITTED APPLICATION QUALIFICATION

Your application will not be reviewed or be considered for funding if it is:

• Received after the application submission deadline.

• Submitted via any method other than through Grants.gov.

• Submitted to the wrong grant program.

• Not responsive to the requirements of this NOFO (eligibility, incomplete application, not providing all required documents, etc. as required in Section 4.2).

4.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Ensure that all components of the application are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application process as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. RBCS encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

Only applications submitted and validated by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 6, 2025, on

Grants.gov will be accepted.

https://www.grants.gov/

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4.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

Intergovernmental Review under Executive Order 12372 is not required in this Program.

4.6 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND

REQUIREMENTS

4.6.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, complete your registration allowing sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Instructions for entities interested in applying for this grant funding opportunity can be found here: grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration. If further assistance is needed, MPPTA providers can assist, please see Section 2.6 for details.

(1) Obtain a UEI. All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI from SAM.gov. Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at sam.gov/content/entity-registration. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF‐424 form.

(2) Register with the SAM. In addition to having a UEI number, entities applying online through

Grants.gov must register with SAM.gov. Each current SAM.gov registrant has already been assigned a UEI number and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register with

SAM.gov to apply for a grant. Failure to register with the SAM.gov will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov.

(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 number to complete this process.

Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the entity’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 designation as the Authorized Organization Role (AOR).

(4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles. After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying him or her of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including 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.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

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(5) Track Role Status. After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

(6) Electronic Signature. When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the entity’s AOR who 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 to act as an AOR; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

4.6.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO RBCS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants may use the grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html, a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, an applicant creates a new project workspace.

(1) Create a Workspace. This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

(2) Complete a Workspace. Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

(a) Adobe Reader. If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other

Standard or RD forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through

Adobe Reader.

NOTE. You may need to visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov at grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility to download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader Software.

(b) Mandatory Fields in Forms. Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.

(c) Complete SF‐424 Fields First. The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant’s name, address, and UEI number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF‐424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

(3) Submit a Workspace. Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

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Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24‐48 hours prior to the application deadline to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may prevent application submission.

SPECIAL NOTE. Grants.gov does not check for RBCS’s required attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in Section 4.2 are included.

(4) Track a Workspace. After successfully submitting a workspace package, Grants.gov automatically assigns a Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) to the package, which will be listed on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

(5) Applicant Support. Additional training and support can be found on the Grants.gov website at grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll‐free support number 1‐800‐518‐4726, or email support@grants.gov. Grants.gov will issue a ticket number to which you and Grants.gov can refer to if the issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, refer to section 7.0 Agency Contacts.

4.6.3 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

All applications must be received by the due date established in Section 4.4. Submission

Date and Time. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov using an electronic date/time stamp generated when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov.

The applicant AOR will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number

(GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov. 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.

When RBCS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will electronically acknowledge receipt of the application to the applicant AOR’s email address. Applications will be deemed to have been received at the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

RBCS will not accept application packages by fax, email, or postal mail. Applications received after the established due date for the Program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by RBCS. Supplemental information will not be accepted as part of the application package for competitive review after the application deadline.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR APPLICANTS WITH SLOW INTERNET CONNECTIONS. Applicants using slow https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training mailto:support@grants.gov

22 | P a g e internet, such as dial‐up connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting applications via Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via email to the applicant AOR.

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

5.1 MERIT EVALUATION CRITERIA

Every complete and eligible application will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria below.

Discretionary points may be added to the total score to generate the final score. The most competitive applications will describe project objectives that align with the NOFO goals as described under Section 1.2 and that are specific to the applicant’s project, market, and community. Failure to address all or part of a criterion, or to insufficiently communicate relevant project information, will result in a lower score.

Notwithstanding the high score of an application, the Agency reserves the right not to make an award to an applicant if the applicant’s health, safety or labor law violations are deemed unsatisfactory, as determined by the Agency.

The maximum number of points for the core categories is 115 points.

(1) Alignment and Intent, Up to 10 Points.

(a) The application identifies specific constraints or challenges in Processing invasive, Wild-

Caught catfish, and describes the project’s objectives, including how they will address those issues.

(b) The application describes the steps the applicant will take at the Facility to increase

Processing capacity and create more opportunities in the sector through higher volumes and other Value-Added activities (if applicable).

(c) The application describes the project’s proposed geographic focus area, and the regional market demand versus Processing constraints.

(d) The application identifies the estimated numbers of fishers that will benefit from increased Processing capacity.

(e) The application complies with all written instructions and requirements described within the NOFO and Project Narrative Template.

(2) Market Impact & Opportunities, Up to 20 points.

(a) Animal Procurement. Application describes a clear plan for procuring invasive, Wild-Caught

23 | P a g e catfish and providing more opportunities for fishers relative to the existing Processing opportunities in their geographic area, including but not limited to:

(i) The increase in Processing volume that results in procurement of more invasive Wild-

Caught catfish from fishers.

(ii) The increase in the number of fishers from which the Facility sources.

(iii) The opportunity to diversify income among fishers.

(b) Market Development. Application describes the market opportunities that exist and the ability to provide sufficient supply, including:

(i) The Increase in the number and kind of markets or sales channels that the Facility provides and/or serves, including any new Value-Added products.

(ii) Applications describe how the expanded Processing capacity will meet producer, buyer, and consumer needs.

(3) Financial Viability, Up to 20 Points.

(a) The project will contribute to the ongoing financial viability of the Facility, either through profitability or assurances of ongoing financial support, supported by income and expense projections for three years.

(i) Description of commitments from fishers to demonstrate reliability of supply.

(ii) Description of commitments from potential buyers to demonstrate product demand and robust sales.

(iii) Description of the plan and timeline of achieving optimal Processing capacity at the existing Facility.

(4) Technical Merit and Achievability, Up to 20 Points.

(a) The application presents a clear, well-conceived, complete, and suitable overall Work Plan.

(b) The application presents a realistic schedule with project milestones and timelines for implementing the proposed project activities during the period of performance.

(c) The budget provides a clear, detailed description for each budget line item, and is directly linked to project activities and key staff.

(d) The proposed activities and budget are relevant for the scale and scope of the project including how each activity contributes to achieving the outcome.

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(e) Key staff have the experience and capacity to implement the project and maintain expanded operations after the period of performance ends.

(f) The project is comprised of key partnerships and collaborations with aligned local and regional entities that enhance and ensure project success.

(g) The application identifies major risks (e.g., product recall; current and past and current violations of Federal and state health and safety laws, regulations and standards; labor risks;

access to operating capital risk; and other legal risks) and appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

(5) Labor and Personnel, Up to 10 Points.

The application describes how the project enhances worker conditions and safety through payment of living wages, essential benefits, worker training, and/or promotion of safe working conditions. The application should disclose the Facility’s current or past violations of Federal and state safety and labor laws, regulations and standards, and how and when any such violations were resolved.

(6) Marine Impact, Up to 10 Points.

(a) Applicant describes how the project will result in fewer invasive Wild-Caught catfish species in the marine ecosystem in the area where the Facility is located.

(b) Applicant describes pollution control strategies for managing water quality and solid waste.

(7) Community Impact & Support, Up to 10 points.

To receive points for this section, applicants must provide letters of support from State or local leadership or the Tribe where the proposed project will take place. For a project located on

Tribal Lands where the applicant is not a member of the Tribe nor an entity owned or operated by that Tribe, a Tribal Resolution of Consent must be provided. Other documentation such as a

Letter of Support from the Tribal Council for the governing body of the Tribe with jurisdiction over the Tribal Lands where the project is located (if applicable) is also an acceptable acknowledgement of Tribal consent. Any applicant that fails to provide a Tribal Resolution or

Letter of Consent from the Tribe will not…