OMB No. 0581-0240

Regional Food System Partnerships

Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-26-0006

Publication Date: April 21, 2026

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 5, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Basic Information

1.1 Executive Summary

1.2 2026 Highlights and Changes

1.3 Available Funding

1.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size

1.5 Tips for Applicants

1.6 Timing to Obtain & Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

1.7 Agency Contact Information

1.8 Stakeholder Input

2.0 Eligibility

2.1 Eligible Applicants - Partnerships

2.2 Eligible Entities

2.3 Eligible Partners

2.4 Limit on Number of Awards

2.5 Cost Sharing

3.0 Program Description

3.1 Legislative Authority

3.2 Purpose

3.3 Project Types

3.4 RFSP Partnership Functions

3.5 Projects and Activities Not Eligible for Funding

3.6 Priority Areas

3.7 Performance Measures

3.8 Allowable and Unallowable Cost and Activities

3.9 Indirect Costs

3.10 Subawards

3.11 Coordinator Meeting Travel

4.0 Application Contents and Format

4.1 Application Checklist

4.2 SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

4.3 SF-424 Budget information for Non-Construction Programs

4.4 Project Narrative

4.5 Letters of Verification for Cost Share

4.6 Letters of Commitment From Partners and Collaborators

4.7 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

5.0 Submission Requirements and Deadlines

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements

5.3 Additional Submission Details

5.4 Submission Date and Time

5.5 Intergovernmental Review

6.0 Application Review Information

6.1 Initial Review (Initial Screening)

6.2 Review Criteria (Technical Review)

6.3 Administrative Review (Selection Process and Risk Review)

7.0 Award Notices

7.1 Successful Applicants

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants

8.0 Post-Award Requirements and Administration

8.1 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

8.2 Reporting Requirements

8.3 Acknowledgment of USDA Support

9.0 Other Information

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Civil Rights Obligations/Non-discrimination Statement

9.3 Accessibility Accommodation

9.4 Accommodations and Complaints

9.5 Freedom of Information Act Requests

9.6 Paperwork Reduction

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

Federal Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Funding Opportunity Title: Regional Food System Partnerships

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-26-0006

Assistance Listing Number: 10.177

Type of Federal Assistance: Grant Agreements to provide a federal award to successful applicants.

Type of Application: New applications will be evaluated competitively using the selection process and evaluation criteria described in section 6.0 Application Review Information.

Application Deadline: Monday, June 5, 2026, through Grants.gov at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications for the

2026 Fiscal Year (FY) Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant program. RFSP purpose is to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems.

RFSP is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) umbrella program. AMS welcomes applications that meet LAMP goals (see section 3.1) to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products.

Approximately $4.71 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. In FY2025, AMS funded 7

(6.5%) of the eligible applications received and awarded a total of $4,712,934.

This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for RFSP projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for an RFSP grant. AMS will award these grants competitively to eligible applicants proposing high quality projects that meet the purpose and requirements of the program. All applications will be reviewed using merit and evaluation procedures described in section 6.0.

1.2 2026 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

Below are highlights of major changes to the program since last year.

• The AMS General Terms and Conditions (AMS GT&C) have been updated to reflect changes to the

Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and to align with the USDA General Terms and Conditions (USDA

GT&C) for Federal Awards that were published on December 31, 2025. Both sets of General Terms and

Conditions set out requirements for recipients.

o AMS’ General Terms and Conditions include citations to 2 CFR Part 200 and USDA GT&C citations to ensure recipients are aware of all requirements.

https://sam.gov/fal/ee0f236369f44a1ab6bfaf378c735146/view http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lamp https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions

1.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Anticipated Available Funding: Approximately $4.71 million. Enactment of future legislation may affect the availability or levels of funding for this program. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application, to guarantee minimum funding levels, or to make a specific number of awards.

Anticipated Number of Awards: Approximately 10 awards.

Cost Share Requirement: A 25% cash cost share is required.

1.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required performance period. AMS encourages applicants to use the full performance period to allow enough time to complete projects. However, a project may be completed before the scheduled performance period end date. The applicant must indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”.

Award size varies by project type. Applicants may not request less than or more than the respective minimum/maximum award amounts. Applicants must justify the requested award funding amounts within the

RFSP Project Narrative.

Project Type Duration (Months)

Start Date End Date Minimum

Award Maximum

Award

Planning & Design

24 September 30, 2026 September 29, 2028 $100,000 $250,000

Implementation & Expansion

36 September 30, 2026 September 29, 2029 $250,000 $1,000,000

*Dates are approximate. Start dates are set at the time of the award.

1.5 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• To submit your application electronically in Grants.gov, you must:

o Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);

o Be registered in SAM.gov;

o Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and o Maintain an active and current SAM registration.

• Allow time for Registration Completion:

o The organization registration process can take as long as four weeks.

o Complete registration as early as possible to meet all deadlines. See section 5.0 for more information.

• Review of General Terms and Conditions:

o Review the AMS GT&C to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

o Review the USDA GT&C.

• Ensure File Compatibility:

o Use latest version of Adobe Reader that it is compatible with Grants.gov software.

• File Naming and Size:

o Limit file names to 50 characters or fewer.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2026RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html o Avoid special characters in file names (e.g. $, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• Attachment Upload:

o Use the “Add Attachments” button in Grants.gov for upload.

o Do not use the paperclip icon in Adobe Reader.

• File Security and Formatting:

o Do not password-protect files.

o Accept all tracked changes in documents in documents before submission.

• Accurate Data Entry:

o Verify that your UEI number is correctly entered on the SF-424 form cover page.

• Grants.gov Resources for Support:

o Applicant FAQs o Workspace Overview

By following these steps and recommendations, applicants can reduce errors, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with submission requirements.

1.6 TIMING TO OBTAIN & SUBMIT GRANTS.GOV REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov

June 5, 2026 – 11:59 p.m.

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) Up to 4 weeks

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

Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) authorization

Up to 4 weeks

1.7 AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

1.7.1 AMS PROGRAM CONTACTS

After closely reviewing this NOFO in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties that have questions are encouraged to contact the RFSP program staff by e-mail at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

AMS provides resources and information on the RFSP website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp) that may be helpful to applicants, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Descriptions of Funded Projects, and required application forms. AMS staff are available to provide technical assistance related to the application process. Staff cannot provide feedback on the merits of an application.

Regional Food System Partnerships USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 1510-S South Building Stop 0264 Washington, DC 20250-0264 https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.htm https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html mailto:IPPGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025RFSPFAQs_041725.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/awards https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp

1.7.2 GRANTS.GOV CONTACT INFORMATION

All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance or issues must be directed to Applicant Support Center.

Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

1.8 STAKEHOLDER INPUT

AMS seeks comments about this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and considers comments to the extent possible when developing NOFOs. Written comments may be submitted to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this NOFO and not for requesting information or forms. In your email subject line, please state that you are responding to the Regional Food System

Partnerships NOFO.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS - PARTNERSHIPS

Only eligible partnerships may apply to RFSP. A partnership must include at least one eligible entity (see section

2.2) and one or more eligible partners (see section 2.3). The partnership agreement may be documented as a formal agreement, such as a contract or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The application may be submitted by an eligible entity or an eligible partner on behalf of the partnership. The application must specify which organization within the partnership is responsible for receiving and managing the award.

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Tribal Governments.

2.2 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

Eligible entities include:

Entity Type Description

Community Supported

Agriculture (CSA) Network or

Association

Formal groups of farms that work collectively to offer consumers regular

(usually weekly) deliveries of locally grown farm products during one or more harvest season(s), often on a subscription or membership basis. This includes organizations or other businesses that assist, serve, or represent

(CSAs) or CSA networks.

Economic Development

Corporation

Organization whose mission is to improve, maintain, develop, and/or market or promote a specific geographic area.

Farmer or Rancher

Cooperative

A business or service organization (1) that is owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its services and (2) whose benefits

(services received and earnings allocations) are distributed to the user-owners based on how much they use the cooperative.

https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

Entity Type Description

Food Council A food policy council or food and farm system network that represents multiple organizations involved in the production, processing, and consumption of food and local, Tribal, or State governments, that addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within a city, county, State, Tribal region, multicounty region, or other food system network.

Local Government Any unit of government within a State, including a county; borough;

municipality; city; town; township; parish; local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937, or public transportation agency; special district; school district; intrastate district; council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-state, regional, intra-state, or local government.

Majority-Controlled Producer-

Based Business Venture

A business venture in which more than 50 percent of ownership and control is held by one or more producers or one or more entities that are wholly owned and controlled by one or more producers. Entities described here include legal partnerships, limited liability corporations, limited liability partnerships, and corporations.

Nonprofit Corporation Any organization or institution, including nonprofit with State or IRS 501 (c) status and accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the organization or institution’s net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Producer An owner-operator or tenant that produces an agricultural crop or handles livestock and is entitled to a share of the farm income.

Producer Network or

Association

A producer group- or member-owned organizations or businesses that provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or services through a common distribution system for the mutual member benefit of the owners, including organizations that assist, represent, or serve producers or producer networks.

Public Benefit Corporation A corporation organized to construct or operate a public improvement, where the profits inure to the benefit of one or more State or to the people therein.

Regional Farmers Market

Authority

An entity that establishes and enforces State, regional, or county policies and jurisdiction over State, regional, or county farmers markets. State agencies are eligible if their State’s regulatory statutes identify the specific

State agency as a regional farmers market authority.

Entity Type Description

Tribal Government A governing body or governmental agency of an Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community (including any native village as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688

(43 U.S.C. § 1602)) certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and services provided through the Bureau of Indian

Affairs.

2.3 ELIGIBLE PARTNERS

Eligible partners include:

Entity Type Description

Commercial, Federal or Farm Credit System Lending Institution

An accredited financial organization such as a bank, credit union, or finance company that makes agriculture loans and may or may not also be a depository institution.

Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Educational institutions that meet the requirements specified at 20 U.S.C. § 1001.

Philanthropic Organization An independent, corporate, or private foundation established to support charitable activities serving the common welfare, primarily through grantmaking.

Private Corporation A privately held company owned by one person or a small group of people (e.g. a family-owned business), whose shares are available only to specific individuals and are not traded on a stock market.

State Agencies or Regional Authority Planning commissions, councils of governments, regional economic development organizations/districts, and similar organizations.

2.4 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF AWARDS

Applicants may submit more than one application to RFSP in this round of funding. If an applicant is selected as a finalist for more than one award, that applicant is still limited to receiving one RFSP award per funding cycle.

AMS staff may contact the applicant to discuss which application they would like to complete.

Applicants with an active RFSP award must close out the award to be eligible to receive a new RFSP award. For example, a recipient of a Planning & Design award must close out that award prior to receiving an

Implementation & Expansion award. The applicant must submit all required close out documentation by the application due date mentioned in section 5.4. Please refer to the applicable General Terms and Conditions, available on the “Grant Terms and Conditions” webpage, for closeout instructions.

2.5 COST SHARING

This funding opportunity requires recipients to fund their projects, in part, with cost share funds from non-

Federal sources in the form of cash contributions equal to or greater than 25% of the amount of Federal funds being requested. Per the statutory priorities for this program (section 3.6), AMS will prioritize applications that https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:43%20section:1602%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title43-section1602)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title20/html/USCODE-2011-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1001.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title20/html/USCODE-2011-title20-chap28-subchapI-partA-sec1001.htm https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions use significant non-Federal financial and technical resources and work together with other local, State, Tribal, or national efforts. Any cost share provided above and beyond the cost share requirement can help support the application.

If an applicant voluntarily pledges cost sharing above the required 25%, the additional cost share becomes a binding requirement of the Federal award once the award is issued. It may also count toward meeting the

Priority Area for using significant non-Federal financial and technical resources (see section 3.6). Cost share contributions above the minimum 25% cash requirement may be in the form of cash or in-kind resources, such as a partner’s cash contribution to the project or professional volunteer services as described in 2 CFR § 200.306.

Cash contributions are generally defined as an actual cash contribution (not the ‘value’ of someone’s time/effort) from the applicant’s general revenue/reserves/savings/line of credit, 3rd-party partner(s), or other non-Federal grants. The applicant must be able to track and show the source of the cost share and that the funding source was dedicated entirely to the grant project and produce records to that effect (for example, taking the cash cost share in your accounting system, or from your partner, and placing it into a special ‘grant project’ account).

In-kind contributions are generally defined as the value of goods or services provided by the contributor for the benefit of the grant project, where no funds transferred hands. For example, a partner, such as a Tribal community member, may volunteer their professional expertise as an in-kind cost share contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e).

Cost sharing must be in the form of allowable direct costs. Applicants electing the 15% de minis rate indirect costs may not use indirect cost as cost share. Only applicants with a valid Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA) may use indirect costs as an in-kind contribution, but not as a cash contribution (see section

3.9.1).

All cost sharing contributions must be committed or secured at the time an applicant is selected for an award.

An award will not be issued unless all cost share funding over the life of the grant is secured. Additional anticipated cost share funds not in place by the time the project starts cannot be counted toward the cost sharing requirement.

Cost share contributions (either cash or in-kind) cannot be used for this program if they are already being used toward satisfying a cost share requirement under any other Federal grant agreement.

Applicants may not use Federal funds of any kind (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.306(b)(5)) or program income as cost share. Program income is defined as income directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the Federal award during the period of performance (2 CFR § 200.1). Unless otherwise stated in the Notice of

Award (NOA) provisions section, AMS authorizes the use of program income through the additive method (2 CFR

§ 200.307(b)(2)). Any program income generated during the grant period must be used to further the objectives of the project and under the conditions of the award.

Applicants must indicate the total cost share amount and how it will specifically align with their requested funding when completing the fiscal plan and resources sections of the RFSP Project Narrative (see section 4.4.

Additionally, applicants must submit signed letter(s) verifying the cost share for EACH cash and in-kind resource

(see section 4.5).

Refer to 2 CFR § 200.306 for additional Federal requirements and definitions, including the basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.306#p-200.306(b)(5) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Program%20income) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.307#p-200.307(b)(2) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.307#p-200.307(b)(2) https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2026RFSPNarrativeForm.docx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

3.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) is authorized by subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of

1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1627c), as amended. LAMP supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals are to:

• Connect the regional food economy by bringing farmers, businesses, and communities together.

• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.

• Strengthen the capacity and development of regional food system through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains.

• Improve income and job opportunities for producers and food businesses.

• Simplify the application processes and reporting processes for the program.

The Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food

Promotion Program (FLPP), and Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) Program are implemented under LAMP.

FMPP, LFPP, and RFSP are administered by AMS and VAPG is administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative

Service under Rural Development. This NOFO is for RFSP.

3.2 PURPOSE

RFSP projects help connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The

RFSP focuses on making local or regional food economies stronger and more resilient.

Applicants must partner to promote the development of local or regional food systems. The partners will work together to set priorities, connect resources and services, and track progress towards shared goals.

Partnerships receiving a grant may:

• Define the size, scope, and geographic focus of the local or regional food system where their project goals and activities will take place.

• Coordinate, as appropriate, with AMS to receive technical assistance.

• Conduct outreach and education to engage partners and participants to eligible activities.

Partnerships must bring a variety of innovative financial and technical capabilities, show they can work effectively and collaboratively with both public and private groups across sectors, and present sustainable and measurable ways to achieve the project’s goals.

Partnerships may apply for other LAMP programs on behalf of eligible entities that wish to participate in eligible activities under the RFSP partnership agreement.

3.3 PROJECT TYPES

RFSP offers two project types: Planning and Design and Implementation and Expansion https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=7+U.S.C.+%EF%BF%BD+1627c&f=treesort&fq=true&num=0&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title7-section1627c

3.3.1 PLANNING AND DESIGN PROJECTS

Planning and Design projects support partnerships in the early stages of development by bringing together people and organizations, to plan, coordinate, and design strategies for strengthening local or regional food systems. Specifically, these projects focus on building connections between public and private groups in their regions. This allows the region to discover and promote opportunities for collaboration within the food system. Applicants are encouraged to engage partners that operate across the regional food economy and can access diverse financial and technical resources beyond just federal funding. Examples of eligible project activities for these partnerships include but are not limited to:

• Bringing together partners to define the scope and structure of the regional food system, share opportunities and challenges, and develop engaged approaches to address challenges and improve connection and success across the regional food system.

• Conducting feasibility studies and data-driven implementation plans that achieve measurable goals for the partnership’s work in developing the regional food system.

• Researching specific market, mid-tier value chain, or infrastructure investments (including studies analyzing the capital needs or gaps of the regional food system) to help prioritize next steps at the local, regional, state, or tribal government level.

• Connecting food value chain entities with partners and funders to collaborate and engage in activities that strengthen the regional food system.

• Developing metrics and benchmarks to measure and evaluate the partnership’s early development work for achieving partnership goals.

3.3.2 IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPANSION PROJECTS

Implementation and Expansion projects support partnerships that build on previous or ongoing efforts within a local or regional food system. These partnerships have already completed most or all the activities discussed for Planning and Design projects. Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed project builds on previous efforts and how project goals, objectives, and activities advance the regional food system. They should also show they will engage entities that share a commitment to the regional food system and maintain a diverse network of public-private partners to further develop the food system. Examples of eligible project activities for these partnerships include but are not limited to:

• Creating value chains where producers, manufacturers, buyers, and other related actors form collaborative, transparent partnerships share a commitment to operational values and social mission goals.

• Developing systems or processes for ongoing community and business engagement including information sharing to provide a forum for ideas, concerns, and updates across the regional food system.

• Analyzing regional capital needs and gaps and identifying resources to support implementation activities.

• Helping food system enterprises find resources, providing technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, and applying for programs and resources that align with regional food system efforts, including other LAMP programs or capital investments.

3.4 RFSP PARTNERSHIP FUNCTIONS

RFSP is designed to support partnerships that aim to improve planning, coordination, and decision making in local and regional food systems. The program builds the capacity of these partners to access additional resources, plan their directions, and carry out related activities. The partnership and their member organizations are expected to use other funding sources to cover the costs of implementation where such other resources exist. RFSP partnerships are encouraged to focus on activities not typically funded by other USDA programs. This includes but is not limited to, value chain coordination, bringing together partners and stakeholders for strategic planning, grant-writing, and exploring new program ideas on behalf of the partners.

AMS recognizes that some businesses may source or market some of their food products outside of the defined locality or region. These businesses can still participate in RFSP projects as long as they meet the eligibility requirements in (see section 2.0). However, Federal funds awarded through RFSP can only be used to build the capacity of businesses to develop, improve, and/or expand supply chain activities within their local and regional food systems. Funds cannot be used to support supply chain activities for food items originating from or being sold to areas outside the defined locality or region.

3.5 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities:

• Are not related to local and regional food system activities.

• Are for agricultural production-related expenses, like growing crops or buying farm equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and other related costs.

• Include training, labor, or other activities related to agricultural production, including harvesting, crop rotation, and planting techniques.

• Benefit only one agricultural producer, vendor, entity, or individual. Applicants must collaborate with others to benefit the larger community.

• Are to buy land, or for construction of a building or structure.

• Are to buy general purpose equipment; general purpose equipment can be leased but not leased-to-own or purchased. See section 3.8.

• Depend upon the completion of another project or the receipt of another grant.

• Include legal fees and other costs associated with establishing a business or organization.

• Duplicate activities that are already being funded by another Federal award program.

• Provide capital for revolving loan funds or seed equity funds.

For additional information on allowable and unallowable activities please refer to the AMS GT&C, USDA GT&C, as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing these documents should contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 1.7.1.

3.6 PRIORITY AREAS

AMS will give priority consideration to applications that demonstrate one or more of the following:

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions

• Use significant non-Federal financial and technical resources and work together with other local, State, Tribal, or national efforts. Any cost share provided above and beyond the cost share requirement (see section 2.5) can help support the application.

• Serve areas that include distressed low-income rural or urban communities with persistent poverty.

These areas should have significant opportunities for high impact investment, as demonstrated by a

“distressed “or “at-risk” score on the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) developed by the Economic

Innovation Group.

• Involve multiple entities and partners, even if such partners are not located within the defined region of the partnership.

Applicants are not required to meet these priorities to be eligible to apply or receive grant funds. AMS will review the applicant’s Project Narrative responses and consider these priorities during the administrative review process (see section 6.3). When possible, AMS will ensure geographical diversity in selecting partnership grant recipients from high-scoring applications.

3.7 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To evaluate and report on the outcomes of the RFSP program on a national scale, AMS collects information on performance measures. Each project submitted must include target numbers for at least one outcome and at least one of the indicators under the selected outcome(s) in the Achievability section of the Project Narrative

(see section 4.4).

Recipients must report progress on the selected outcomes and indicators in the Annual Performance Report and provide final results in the Final Performance Report. Please refer to the Grant Performance Measures for more information.

3.8 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COST AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the AMS GT&C and USDA GT&C.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this document should contact

AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 1.7.

3.9 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. Applicants that do not have a current NICRA may elect to charge a de minimis rate up to 15% of Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).

Applicants with a NICRA must apply their approved NICRA rate. For more information on indirect costs for recipients and subrecipients, refer to section 4.5 of the USDA General T&C and 2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 200.414.

3.9.1 USING INDIRECT COSTS FOR COST SHARING

Applicants with a valid NICRA may use all or a portion of the indirect cost as cost share, consistent with 2 CFR §

200.306(c). The maximum indirect costs allowed for a project may be included in different ways:

1. They can be part of the Federal portion of the budget. For example, if the maximum indirect cost is

$8,000, the applicant can include the full amount in the federal part of the budget.

https://eig.org/dci-hub/ https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306

2. Alternatively, the full $8,000 may be offered as an in-kind cost share contribution if no indirect costs are requested on the Federal portion of the budget. The applicant cannot include the maximum allowable indirect cost as both.

3. The applicant may split the indirect cost allocation between the Federal and non-Federal portions of the budget only if the total amount of indirect costs does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowed.

For example, they could include $4,000 in the Federal budget and $4,000 as an in-kind contribution.

Alternatively, the applicant may request any other combination that, when combined, does not exceed the maximum indirect costs allowable.

Applicants that elect to use the de minimis indirect cost rate may not use indirect costs as cost share. Refer to 2

CFR §§ 200.413 and 200.414 for additional information on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

Note: For this program, indirect costs can only be used as an in-kind contribution, not to meet the required 25% cash cost share.

3.10 SUBAWARDS

The applicant can work with eligible partners through a subaward and/or contractors (2 CFR § 200.331) to complete the proposed project.

The applicant is not allowed to use Federal grant funds to create its own smaller grant programs (or re-grant/mini grant) to give money to other groups. The applicant also cannot use Federal grant funds for activities not related to the project or for costs that are unknown at the time of application. However, the applicant may use its cost share funds to offer mini-grants if so desired, as long as they help achieve the project’s purposes, are for program-eligible activities, and comply with Federal cost share requirements at 2 CFR § 200.306. If the applicant chooses to offer mini grants with non-Federal funds that do not comply with these regulations, those funds should not be included as part of the required cost share for this grant. For more information, refer to section 2.5.

3.11 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS sponsored grant management meeting during the project’s period of performance. The proposed budget must include travel funds for an individual identified in the Key Staff section of the Project Narrative. In addition, the application may include travel costs for a second staff member.

Estimate the cost of travel including flight, hotel, per diem, ground transportation to a major city for 3-day, 2-night stay. For previous year, an example of this estimate can be around $1,700 per individual. Location and dates are to be determined with possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is virtual, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable item.

4.0 APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Applicants MUST submit the required documentation in the appropriate format as listed in this section.

Applications that do not comply with the requirements may be deemed incomplete and ineligible for review.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

4.1 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Before submitting an application, applicants must read the NOFO in its entirety to fully understand the program requirements. The application checklist below identifies the mandatory and, where applicable, additional documents required for an application package.

Mandatory Documents:

SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov)

SF-424A – Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Grants.gov)

Project Narrative Form (section 4.4)

Must use required template

Executive Summary is no more than 250 words

Ensure it does not exceed the page limit

Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 3.8

Signed Letter(s) of Verification for Cost Share for each cost share resource per section 4.5

Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from Partners and Collaborators per section 4.6

If applicable, packages may also be required to include the following document:

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) per section 4.7

AMS strongly recommends submitting applications at least two weeks before the deadline to account for any issues.

4.2 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following supplemental instructions to properly fill the SF-424.

Box Instructions

1 - Type of Submission Select Application

2 - Type of Application Select New

8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Enter applicant UEI number for the organization submitting the application. The UEI must match the active registration in SAM.gov.

8.d – Address Enter the organization street address as it appears in SAM.gov. P.O.

Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-digit zip code

10 - Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA

11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (Assistance Listing Number)

Enter 10.177

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-RFSP-G-26-0006

13 - Competition Identification Number Not applicable

14 - Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project

15 - Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project

Provide a short descriptive title of the project

16a - Congressional Districts for Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where the applicant is located

16b - Congressional Districts for Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will be implemented, or “All” if the project will be implemented in more than one location

Box Instructions

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Planning and Design Projects:

Enter Start Date: September 30, 2026* Enter End date: No later than September 29, 2028* Implementation & Expansion Projects:

Enter Start Date: September 30, 2026* Enter End date: No later than September 29, 2029* *Dates are approximate. Start dates are set at the time of the award.

18.a - Estimated Funding - Federal Enter the total Federal amount requested

18.b – 18.f Estimated Funding – Applicant

Enter the total amount from the applicant organization and/or other partners

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See section 5.5 Intergovernmental Review.

4.3 SF-424 BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required. The SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. The blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or easily explained in the instruction of the form. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific boxes on form SF-424.

Please complete only Sections A, B, and C. Do not complete Sections D, E, F.

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “RFSP – Federal”

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter “10.177”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for the project

1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total cost share contribution amount provided for the project

Section B – Budget Categories

Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds requested for each Object Class Category. Do not include cost share funding.

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in Federal funds for “Travel”, enter 2000 in Column 1, box 6.c

Section C – Non-Federal Resources

Box Instructions

8.a – Grant Program Should auto-populate from Section A, Box 1. a

8.b – 8.d Enter the cost share amount being provided from each source (Applicant, State, or Other) for the project

4.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants MUST prepare and submit a narrative using the RFSP Project Narrative form. The Project

Narrative must describe: 1) the partners involved in the project, 2) how the region (actual or potential) is https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2026RFSPNarrativeForm.docx defined 3) goals and objectives 4) types and order of project activities 5) strategies for monitoring and evaluating the proposed activities, 6) how the applicant will manage the project.

The Project Narrative must be typed and single-spaced in an 11-point font. It MUST NOT exceed fifteen (15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding existing Project Narrative content). For example, if the form is 15 pages before you begin entering your project information, your form may be up to 30 pages in length when completed (15 original form pages + 15 pages of applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative form or delete or change any text in it. Evaluation points will be deducted if the form is modified. Before submitting the application to Grants.gov, please make sure no tracked changes, mark-up edits or comments are visible.

Handwritten applications or applications submitted in MS Word will not be accepted.

Applicants must submit the RFSP Project Narrative form as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form”. Applications not submitted in the required narrative template and missing critical information could be disqualified.

The supporting documents listed in sections 4.5 through 4.7 do not count toward the 30-page limit.

4.5 LETTERS OF VERIFICATION FOR COST SHARE

Required: Applicants MUST provide written proof of the cost share commitment from every party, including the applicant, who will contribute cash or in-kind cost share contribution to the project.

Submit one letter of verification for EACH cash or in-kind resource that is being contributed. The letter must be signed by the cost sharing contributor organization. For example, if the contribution will be provided by the applicant and two partner organizations are providing cost share funds, a total of 3 cost share verification letters are required.

AMS has posted a Letter of Verification For Cost Share Template on the grant program’s application website.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to use this template. If an applicant does not use this template, the cost share verification document must include the following:

• Project Applicant Name

• Project Title

• Cash Commitment per year (if applicable) and Total Cash Contribution

• In-kind Contribution per year (if applicable) and Total In-kind. Break down items into categories as applicable:

o Salaries (employee name, title, duties, pay rate/hour, amount contributed per year) o Items/Activities (fair market value per unit, how value determined, and amount contributed per year)

• Explanation of how each type of contribution aligns to the budget or be used by the applicant.

• Signature of Contributing Organization Representative with typed name and title

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Verification for Cost Share: Submit Letters of Verification for Cost Share on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly say at the top of the documents that they are LETTERS OF VERIFICATION FOR COST SHARE. Letters must be attached to the

Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under Form SF-424 item #15. AMS will not accept unsigned letters or letters emailed separately.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/VerificationofCostShareTemplateLetter.docx

4.6 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Required: Applicants MUST provide letters of commitment, not just letters of support, from all project partners at the time of application. More information can be found on project partners in section 2.3.

AMS has posted a Letter of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Template on the grant program’s application website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use this template. If an applicant does not use this template, the Letters of Commitment must include the following information:

• Project Applicant Name

• Project Title

• A brief description of the partner entity’s mission and its reason(s) for joining the project

• What the organization commits to participating in and supporting

• The time period of the partnership

• The specific role(s) and responsibilities the participating individuals or partner organizations, as applicable, and any individual time commitment

• A statement that these individuals and the organization(s) agree to abide by the management plan contained in the application.

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Commitment: Submit letters on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly say at the top that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT.

Letters must be signed by the partner and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add

Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15. AMS will not accept unsigned letters or letters emailed separately.

PLEASE NOTE: The program does not require Congressional letters of support, and such letters do not carry any weight during the evaluation process.

4.7 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA. Applicants must submit a copy of the current, approved NICRA. Refer to section 3.9. for more information. The NICRA must be in PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply for this program electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is accepted.

AMS urges applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. The How to Apply for Grants Grants.gov webpage gives an overview of the application process. This NOFO has all the information needed to complete the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through

Grants.gov can be found in section 5.2.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.177,” or the…