SCBGP NOFO_FY26 Final.pdf

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-SCBGP-G-26-0004

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 8, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Basic Information

1.1 Executive Summary

1.2 2026 Highlights and Changes

1.3 Available Funding and Federal Award Period Duration

1.4 Block Grant Amounts Available to Each Applicant

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 Entities

2.2 Funds Not Applied For

2.3 Cost Share

3.0 Program Description

3.1 Legislative Authority

3.2 Purpose

3.3 Project Types

3.4 Development of Proposals

3.5 Performance Measures

3.6 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities

3.7 Indirect Costs

3.8 Coordinator Meeting Travel

4.0 Application Contents and Format

4.1 Application Checklist

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

4.3 SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

4.4 Application Components

5.0 Submission Requirements and Deadlines

5.1 Electronic Application Package

5.2 Grants.gov Application 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 Administrative Review

7.0 Award Notices

7.1 Successful 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 Civil Rights Obligations/Non-Discrimination

9.2 Accessibility Accommodation

9.3 Accommodations and Complaints

9.3 Freedom of Information Act Requests

9.4 Paperwork Reduction

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-SCBGP-G-26-0004

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.170

Type of Federal Assistance: AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide a federal award to successful applicants.

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

Application Deadline: June 8, 2026, through Grants.gov at 11:59pm Eastern time. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) requests applications for the 2026 fiscal year (FY) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The purpose of this program is to award grants to eligible State departments of agriculture to carry out projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.

The amount available for the SCBGP in 2026 is approximately $86.6 million.

This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for SCBGP projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a SCBGP award.

1.2 2026 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

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

• This year’s funding for the SCBGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (formerly known as a Request for Applications, or RFA) has been increased to $86.6 million for FY26. All state/territory allocations have been increased based on the statutory formula.

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

Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and 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 are applicable to and establish requirements for recipients.

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

• FOR NEXT YEAR: Starting in FY2027, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will require a cost share for all subawards. Each subaward will be required to provide a cost share from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions equal to 25% of the amount of Federal funds being requested.

This is NOT a requirement for this current NOFO but will start next year. In addition, beginning in 2027, States will be required to provide up to 10% cost share to supplement and not supplant state funds with the Federal formula grant awards, consistent with the 7 U.S.C. § 1621 note (d)(3). These changes are https://sam.gov/fal/cf97123432a5486a9a50b2f5b66ff185/view http://www.grants.gov/ 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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A7%2520section%3A1621%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1621)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&data=05%7C02%7Cshannon.moon%40usda.gov%7C205b5170f8af497d67f208dd787b79d9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638799193897388418%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RtSciG88cexqqZi%2Fjo6aGTOLoOh0dksPwWKIiBaUXjg%3D&reserved=0 meant to increase the overall investments available to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops across the country at the Federal, State, and local levels.

1.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING AND FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

Funding Type Available Funding Award Period Start Date End Date

Farm Bill Funds

(annual funding) $86.6 million* 3 years

September 30, September 29, *Amounts do not include AMS administrative costs. Enactment of a continuing resolution, appropriations act, or other authorizing legislation may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The applicant must indicate the start and end dates on the SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” in block

17. AMS encourages State departments of agriculture to allow ample time for completion of all projects.

1.4 BLOCK GRANT AMOUNTS AVAILABLE TO EACH APPLICANT

Subject to the amount of available funding as set forth above in section 1.3 Available Funding and Federal

Award Period Duration, each eligible State department of agriculture applicant that submits an application that the AMS reviews and accepts is eligible to receive the available grant allocation as indicated below. Each State department of agriculture is eligible to receive an estimated base grant of approximately $288,736.67 and an amount based on the average of the most recent available value of specialty crop cash receipts in the State

(2024 calendar year estimates) and the acreage of specialty crop production in the State (2022 Census of

Agriculture). The data source for specialty crop cash receipts and acreage is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service and National Agricultural Statistics Service.

State Department of Agriculture Available Grant Allocation

Alabama $663,879.37

Alaska $304,579.82

American Samoa $307,954.07

Arizona $1,581,448.02

Arkansas $432,612.12

California $28,956,253.95

Colorado $930,201.00

Connecticut $506,847.11

Delaware $402,128.63

District of Columbia $288,736.67

Florida $4,366,348.64

Georgia $1,782,664.36

Guam $293,307.17

Hawaii $618,260.68

Idaho $2,275,457.66

Illinois $796,255.11

Indiana $635,414.60

Iowa $435,734.12

State Department of Agriculture Available Grant Allocation

Kansas $383,242.73

Kentucky $413,908.66

Louisiana $461,475.63

Maine $770,908.84

Maryland $589,279.11

Massachusetts $537,491.83

Michigan $2,640,404.94

Minnesota $1,772,402.74

Mississippi $500,554.70

Missouri $507,607.96

Montana $3,259,379.87

Nebraska $851,946.25

Nevada $375,103.80

New Hampshire $352,181.56

New Jersey $1,023,883.78

New Mexico $732,277.47

New York $1,572,161.20

North Carolina $1,508,325.38

North Dakota $3,020,369.05

Northern Mariana Islands $290,301.36

Ohio $808,305.58

Oklahoma $752,330.88

Oregon $2,763,505.69

Pennsylvania $1,182,709.99

Puerto Rico $529,174.55

Rhode Island $334,155.37

South Carolina $819,616.51

South Dakota $386,539.51

Tennessee $666,053.16

Texas $2,019,228.98

U.S. Virgin Islands $292,767.29

Utah $449,467.64

Vermont $384,347.87

Virginia $722,070.36

Washington $5,166,261.86

West Virginia $360,145.60

Wisconsin $1,500,033.33

Wyoming $342,995.86

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 Submission

Requirements and Deadlines for more information.

• Review 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.

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 Avoid password-protecting files.

o Accept all tracked changes in documents in document 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.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://sam.gov/ 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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.html https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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 8, 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) Over 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

Over 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 are encouraged to contact the SCBGP staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at SCBlockGrants@usda.gov.

AMS provides resources and information on the SCBGP website (https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp) that may be helpful to applicants, including webinar information, descriptions of funded projects, and required application forms. AMS staff are available to provide timely technical assistance.

For additional information, please visit the SCBGP Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 1510-S

Stop 0264

Washington, DC 20250-0269

1.7.2 GRANTS.GOV CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Applicants may also call the 24/7 (excluding federal holidays) 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). AMS considers comments to the extent possible when developing the next NOFO for the program. 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

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program NOFO.

mailto:SCBlockGrants@usda.gov https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/awards https://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:AMSGrants@usda.gov

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

2.1 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

Eligible applicants are State departments of agriculture in the 50 States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the

United States Virgin Islands. The term “State,” when used in this NOFO, is as it is defined in the statute, which includes states and territories. A State department of agriculture is the agency, commission, or department of a

State government responsible for agriculture within the State.

2.1.1 ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SPECIALTY CROPS

Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. See the SCBGP website for a definition of specialty crops and processed products, including a list of eligible specialty crops and ineligible commodities.

2.1.2 BENEFIT MORE THAN ONE PRODUCT OR ORGANIZATION

Applications for grant funds should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.

AMS will not award grant funds for projects whose products or services promote or provide profit that solely benefits a single organization, institution, or individual. In addition, recipients and subrecipients cannot use grant funds to compete unfairly with companies that provide equivalent products or services. Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.

Examples of Acceptable Projects:

• A non-profit organization requests funds to demonstrate the viability of organic small fruit production and partners with Cooperative Extension to publicize the working model of diversification to other regional growers.

• A single farmer implements food safety practices or models on his/her property to meet food safety requirements and conducts a field day and training services to encourage other small family farmers to adopt the methods.

Examples of Unacceptable Projects:

• A company requests grant funds to purchase starter plants or equipment used to plant, cultivate, and grow a specialty crop to make a profit or to expand production of a single business or organization.

• A single specialty crop organization requests grant funds to market its organization so that it can increase its membership.

2.2 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

Eligible State departments of agriculture that do not apply for or do not request all available funding during the time the grant application period is open will forfeit the portion of available funding not requested. AMS will allocate funds not applied for, by a date determined by AMS, pro rata to the State departments of agriculture that submitted applications while the application period was open for use to carry out projects that were previously approved in the State plan of any state receiving reallocated funds.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop

2.3 COST SHARE

This funding opportunity does not have a Federal cost-sharing requirement. Applicants should not include this content in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports. Starting in FY2027 (next year), the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will require a cost share for all subawards. Each subaward will be required to provide a cost share from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or in-kind contributions equal to 25% of the amount of Federal funds being requested. This is NOT a requirement for this current NOFO but will start next year. In addition, beginning in 2027, States will be required to provide up to 10% cost share to supplement and not supplant state funds with the Federal formula grant awards, consistent with the 7 U.S.C. §

1621 note (d)(3). These changes are meant to increase the overall investments available to enhance to competitiveness of specialty crops across the country at the Federal, State, and local levels.

3.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

3.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is authorized under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness

Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. § 1621 note), as amended (Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act).

3.2 PURPOSE

The SCBGP assists State departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by:

(1) leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

(2) assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

(3) expanding availability and access to specialty crops;

(4) addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers; and

(5) for such other purposes determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with specialty crop stakeholders and relevant State departments of agriculture.

Specialty crops are fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Additional information on specialty crops, including a table of examples of the most common commodities, is available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.

3.3 PROJECT TYPES

States are encouraged to develop projects addressing the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• Enhancing food safety;

• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (21 U.S.C. Chapter 27), for example, developing

“Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems (including USDA GroupGAP) for small farmers, packers, and processors;

• Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;

• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A7%2520section%3A1621%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1621)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&data=05%7C02%7Cshannon.moon%40usda.gov%7C205b5170f8af497d67f208dd787b79d9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638799193897388418%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RtSciG88cexqqZi%2Fjo6aGTOLoOh0dksPwWKIiBaUXjg%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A7%2520section%3A1621%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title7-section1621)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&data=05%7C02%7Cshannon.moon%40usda.gov%7C205b5170f8af497d67f208dd787b79d9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638799193897388418%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RtSciG88cexqqZi%2Fjo6aGTOLoOh0dksPwWKIiBaUXjg%3D&reserved=0 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:1621%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section1621)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title21/chapter27&edition=prelim

• Pest and disease control;

• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;

• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; and

• Sustainability.

3.3.1 PROJECTS MORE RELEVANT FOR OTHER FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS

Entities that engage in projects that support the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables in the

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase and/or include technologies for benefit redemption systems should consider submitting those projects to the Gus

Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program.

Entities that engage in projects that support domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities, and local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products should consider submitting those projects to the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) Program.

Entities that engage in projects that support biobased products and bioenergy and energy programs, including biofuels and other alternative uses for agricultural and forestry commodities (development of biobased products), should see the USDA energy website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs for information on how to submit those projects for consideration to the energy programs supported by USDA.

3.4 DEVELOPMENT OF PROPOSALS

3.4.1 STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

State departments of agriculture are responsible for developing proposals and overseeing funded projects. This includes ensuring that subrecipients maintain appropriate records and comply with all applicable Federal statutes and regulations as well as the Grant Agreement and AMS GT&C and the USDA GT&C.

State departments of agriculture must ensure that proposals are appropriate for the SCBGP by reviewing section

3.2 Purpose. Contact a specialist listed in section 1.7 Agency Contact Information if there is any question about whether a project qualifies for SCBGP.

3.4.2 OUTREACH TO IDENTIFY FUNDING PRIORITIES

State departments of agriculture are encouraged to consult with and perform outreach to interested parties, including specialty crop growers, processors, and/or distributors, prior to the development and release of the

State’s request for applications or proposals, through a transparent process of receiving and considering public comment to identify State SCBGP funding priorities. The State departments of agriculture should conduct this outreach to ensure that the grant applications it submits to the SCBGP have been developed with proven and justified public support.

https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/hunger-food-security-programs/gus-schumacher-nutrition-incentive-program https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/hunger-food-security-programs/gus-schumacher-nutrition-incentive-program http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs 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

3.4.3 COMPETITIVE GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

State departments of agriculture are encouraged to develop their State Plans through a competitive review process to ensure maximum public input and benefit. The competitive review process should follow State policies and procedures and include the use of an independent review panel of experts or qualified individuals, overseen by State officials. This review should include the factors and reasons for selecting an applicant and any changes in project proposal ranks/scores that may occur during the review process. All documentation affecting the decision to approve, disapprove, defer, or otherwise not fund an application should be maintained in an accessible, centralized program file.

State departments of agriculture must abide by 2 CFR § 400.2. Review panel members must be free from conflicts of interest and conduct fair and impartial reviews.

In addition, the SCBGP encourages State departments of agriculture to notify successful and unsuccessful sub-applicants about the outcome of the competitive process as it relates to their proposals.

Finally, the SCBGP encourages State departments of agriculture during their competitive review process to examine funding requests carefully for previously funded activities to ensure:

• The projects are likely to become self-sustaining and not indefinitely dependent upon publicly and privately granted funds;

• Funding decisions are based on the sub-applicant’s/subrecipient’s past performance; and

• Specialty crop stakeholders, other than the sub-applicant, individuals, and organizations involved in the project, support the continuation of the project.

3.4.4 DEFINITION OF A PROJECT

A project is a set of interrelated tasks with a cohesive, distinct, specified, and defined goal. It follows a planned, organized approach over a fixed period of time and within specific limitations (cost, performance/quality, etc.).

Additionally, it uses resources that are specifically allocated to the work of the project and usually involves a team of people.

Projects are different from other ongoing operations in an organization because, unlike operations, projects have a definitive beginning and end – they have a limited duration. A project has an overarching goal that the applicant wants to accomplish through a series of individual activities or tasks. Examples of projects include:

• Researching new cultivars;

• Providing outreach opportunities on specialty crops to youth, families, seniors, and the overall community; and/or

• Marketing specified specialty crops through a targeted promotional campaign.

Activities or tasks that could be a part of such projects might include:

• Hiring personnel;

• Purchasing special purpose equipment: defined in section 8.2 of the AMS GT&C as equipment used only for research, scientific, or technical activities;

• Holding an educational workshop;

• Planting specialty crops; and/or

• Distributing product promotional materials.

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3.4.5 MULTI-STATE PARTNERSHIPS

A multi-state partnership is a project that implements activities with measurable outcomes that benefit two or more states. Multi-state partnerships are encouraged and should provide solutions to problems that cross state boundaries including, but not limited to, food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. State departments of agriculture with multi-state partnership projects can also consider submitting those projects to the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

(SCMP).

3.5 PERFORMANCE MEASURES

To evaluate and report on the outcomes of the program on a national scale, AMS collects information on performance measures. Each project submitted in the State Plan must include target numbers for at least one of the seven outcomes listed in the Specialty Crop Block Grant and Multi-State Programs performance measures and at least one of the indicators listed in the selected outcome(s). The progress of the one or more outcomes and indicators selected will need to be reported in the Annual Performance Report, and the results will be reported in the Final Performance Report. Please refer to the Performance Measures for more information.

3.6 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the applicable laws, federal cost principles, USDA regulations, and the AMS GT&C and the USDA T&C.

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 Agency Contact Information.

3.7 INDIRECT COSTS

3.7.1 LIMIT ON ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS

Administrative costs are defined as indirect costs and are limited to 8 percent of the total Federal funds provided under the award per section 101(k)(2) of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. §

1621 note), as amended. The State department of agriculture must notify sub-applicants of the limit on indirect costs in its request for proposals/applications so that indirect costs requested by sub-applicants plus indirect administrative costs requested by the State department of agriculture do not exceed 8 percent of the State’s grant request. Negotiated indirect cost rates above the 8 percent threshold, including the 15 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, cannot be used under this grant. If the State department of agriculture does not take the full 8 percent of indirect costs, individual sub-applicants may claim the remaining portion of these costs at the discretion of the State. State-approved indirect costs in sub-applicant projects may not exceed 8 percent of that project’s budget. See the information below on presenting direct and indirect costs consistently.

Presenting Direct and Indirect Costs Consistently

Applicants are responsible for presenting direct and indirect costs appropriately and consistently and must not include costs associated with their organization’s indirect cost rate agreement as direct costs. In addition, a cost may not be allocated as an indirect cost if it also incurred as a direct cost for the same purpose and vice versa.

Direct costs are costs that can be identified specifically with a particular award, project or program, service, or other organizational activity or that can be directly assigned to such an activity relatively easily with a high http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scmp https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/SCBGPPerformanceMeasures.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/performance-measures https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-financial-officer/federal-financial-assistance-policy/usda-general-terms-and-conditions degree of accuracy. Typically, direct costs include, but are not limited to, compensation of employees who work directly on the award to include salaries and fringe benefits, travel, equipment, and supplies directly benefiting the grant-supported project or program.

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. Refer to

2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 414 for additional information on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should typically be treated as indirect costs. However, charging these costs as direct costs may be appropriate when all the following conditions are met:

1. administrative or clerical services are integral to a project or activity;

2. individuals involved can be specifically identified with the project or activity;

3. such costs are explicitly included in the budget or have the prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency; and

4. the costs are not also recovered as indirect costs.

Typical Indirect Costs by Organization Type

Type of Organization Typical Indirect Costs

Non-Profits

General administration and general expenses, such as the salaries and expenses of executive officers, personnel administration, and accounting, depreciation or use allowances on buildings and equipment, and the costs of operating and maintaining facilities.

Colleges and Universities

Equipment and capital improvements, operation and maintenance expenses, library expenses, general administration and general expenses, departmental administration, sponsored projects administration, student administration and services, depreciation and use allowances, and interest on debt associated with certain buildings.

State and Local Governments

State/local-wide central service costs, general administration of the applicant department or agency, accounting and personnel services performed within the applicant department or agency, depreciation or use allowances on buildings and equipment, and the costs of operating and maintaining facilities.

Benefit of Using Indirect Costs for Grant Administration

AMS encourages all grant applicants to include the grant administrative funds, up to 8 percent of their total

Federal award, in their budget narrative, which can be used for costs such as monitoring subrecipients, ensuring grant recipient and subrecipient compliance with regulations and requirements, and grant management training. Grant recipients are encouraged to conduct periodic site visits to review project accomplishments and monitor progress, to review financial and performance records, organizational procedures, and financial control systems, and to provide technical assistance to subrecipients as required. These recommended site visits are meant to support accountability, compliance with regulations and requirements, and achievements of subrecipients.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.413 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

It is imperative that States consider the capacity of support staff to manage these grant funds to not only ensure that subrecipients are paid in a timely way, but also that Federal funds are managed appropriately.

3.7.2 SUPPLANTING

Funds must supplement the expenditure of State funds in support of specialty crops grown in that State, rather than replace State funds. Additionally, Federal funding may not replace State funding that is required under section 101(d)(3) of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act. In instances where a question of supplanting arises, the applicant or recipient will be required to substantiate that the reduction in non-Federal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of Federal funds.

General Supplanting Definition. A State organization reduces State funds for an activity specifically because

Federal funds are available (or expected to be available) to fund that same activity.

Example: State funds are appropriated for a stated purpose and Federal funds are awarded for that same purpose. (If a State has $50.00 budgeted for a specialty crop program and the Federal government awards a

$100.00 grant for the same specialty crop program, the total project must expend $150.00 – the State cannot remove the original $50.00 and use it for something else).

3.8 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS sponsored grants management meeting during the project’s period of performance. The Grant Administration Budget Narrative (proposed budget) must include travel funds for the

Project Coordinator and any additional key personnel as reasonably determined by the recipient and AMS.

To estimate these costs in the budget section, please account for flight, hotel, per diem, and ground transportation expenses for a 3-day, 2-night stay. 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

4.1 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

AMS requests that applicants read the entire NOFO prior to submitting their application to ensure that they understand the program’s requirements. The application checklist below lists the required and conditionally required documents for an application package.

This program requires that all application packages include the following:

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

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

Grant Administration Narrative (section 4.4.1) o Must use required template.

o Executive Summary is no more than 250 words.

Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 3.6 Allowable and

Unallowable Costs and Activities.

Ensure the federal funds requested do not exceed the maximum or minimum award amount per section

1.4 Block Grant Amounts Available to Each Applicant.

https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ465/PLAW-108publ465.pdf

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the application package at Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or explained in the instructions. However, applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on form SF-424.

Block Instruction

1 - Type of Submission Select Application

2 - Type of Application Select New

4 through 7 Not required

8.c - Organizational Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Enter applicant UEI for the organization submitting the application.

For more information, please visit gsa.gov/entityid.

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)

10.170

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-SCBGP-G-26-0004

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 description 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. Write “All” if the projects will be implemented in more than one location.

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Enter Start Date: September 30, 2026.

End date: September 29, 2029. The project period cannot be more than 36 months (3 years) in length.

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

18.b - 18.f Estimated Funding – Applicant Enter the total cost share amount from the applicant organization and/or other partners, or ‘N/A’ if not applicable.

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

See section 5.5 Intergovernmental Review.

4.3 SF-424A BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Required: SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the required form are either self-explanatory or adequately explained in the form instructions. The following are supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF-424A.

Please fill in only sections A and B. Do not complete sections C - F.

https://gsa.gov/entityid

Section A – Budget Summary

SECTION A – BUDGET SUMMARY Instruction

1.a - Grant Program Function or Activity

Insert each of the applicable expense types in the boxes for this section: 1) Project totals. This will be the total for all proposed projects from the State Plan Budget Summary. 2) Grant Administration. This will be the Grant Administration total (from the State Plan Budget Summary.

1.b - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (10.170).

1.c and 1.d - Estimated Unobligated Funds

Leave blank.

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

1.f – Non-Federal N/A

Totals (column (g) and row 5):

Calculate the totals of columns (e) and (f) for each expense type. Please note the Grants.gov form will auto calculate this total.

Section B – Budget Categories

SECTION B – BUDGET CATEGORIES Instruction

Object Class Categories

Enter the same expense types in the column headings for section 6. Please note the Grants.gov form will auto fill these headers. For 1) Project totals, enter the total for all proposed projects under “contractual”. For 2) Grant Administration, enter the total expenses for each class category (e.g., Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, etc.) and sum the amounts in column 5 and row K. Note that totals will also auto fill when using the Grants.gov form.

Please note that the State department of agriculture will fill out this form at the state level, to describe the budget for its overall request. All projects, which are considered subawards, should be combined under the

Contractual cost category for the State department of agriculture’s request.

4.4 APPLICATION COMPONENTS

4.4.1 STATE PLAN NARRATIVE

Required. The applicant must submit a State Plan that includes the content required in the Grant Administration

Template and Project Profile Template. The Grant Administration Template and Project Abstract will be included once at the beginning of the State Plan; the applicant will use the Project Profile Template for each project submitted through the State Plan. Applications must be submitted as a PDF Portfolio.

Page sizes for both the Grant Administration Template and Project Profile Template must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches. The acceptable font size is 11 or 12 point with all margins at 1 inch. Each State Plan should include a series of project profiles that detail the information necessary to fulfill the objectives and outcomes of the project. For examples of acceptable formats, please see Grant Administration Template, Project Profile

Template, and the Sample State Plan. To view these documents, please download the files and open them from your computer, rather than the web browser.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/GrantAdministrationTemplate.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/GrantAdministrationTemplate.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Application_ProjectProfile_Template.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/GrantAdministrationTemplate.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Application_ProjectProfile_Template.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/GrantAdministrationTemplate.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Application_ProjectProfile_Template.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Application_ProjectProfile_Template.pdf https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/SCBGPSampleStatePlan.pdf

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply to this NOFO electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is accepted.

AMS urges applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application process, see Grants.gov’s How to Apply for Grants webpage. This NOFO contains the information needed to obtain and complete the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.2 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt

Procedures and Requirements.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.170” or the SCBGP Funding

Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-SCBGP-G-26-0004.”

5.2 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY

Applicants MUST have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an active SAM.gov account, and a Grants.gov account to submit an application. AMS recommends that applicants start the registration process in these systems immediately to allow enough time to meet application submission deadlines. Registration in these systems collectively may take more than four weeks to complete. The steps below provide details on how to complete each registration.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/help/register/organizations

1. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a UEI from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled

"Organizational UEI" on the SF-424. Getting a UEI requires validation steps in SAM.gov. Applicants are encouraged to start this process as early as possible, and, if applicable, this includes providing guidance to sub-applicants on getting their own UEI.

2. Register with the System for Award Management (SAM): In addition to having a UEI number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with SAM. Current SAM registrants have already been assigned their UEI and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register with

SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through

Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be renewed annually, and your organization must have an active

SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov. Organizations must maintain an active

SAM registration with current information throughout the application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

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 organization's E-Business

Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the

Authorized Organization Role (AOR).

https://www.grants.gov/help/register/organizations https://gsa.gov/entityid https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.grants.gov/register

a. Watch the video on how to Register in Grants.gov and create an institutional profile. Applicants are required to use Login.gov to sign into Grants.gov. See the Grants.gov help article for more information on logging in with Login.gov credentials. The Grants.gov validation process also includes a check for an active SAM.gov registration. Applicants without a current SAM.gov registration will be rejected.

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.

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 organization'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.

5.2.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO AMS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants can apply using Grants.gov Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different web forms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.

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

8. 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 AMS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, and then accessed through Adobe Reader. NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe

Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov 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.

9. Submit a Workspace: Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your…