UAIP Frequently Asked Questions_updated as of 7-19-2021.pdf

Updated as of July 19, 2021

Fiscal Year (FY) 2021

Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program Frequently Asked Questions Document

Table of Contents General

Grant Types: Planning Project and Implementation Project

Target Area(s)

Partnerships

Food Access

Eligibility

Terms defined by the Common Data Element Repository (CDER) Library

Budget

Matching Funds

Grants.gov Information

Application

Priority Consideration

Evaluation and Notification

General

Q: What support will USDA be able to offer applicants during the application process?

A: USDA is happy to field any general, high-level inquiries that grantees may have regarding the application process. However, USDA is unable to offer specific guidance or advice on how to craft, structure or write one’s proposal. In an effort to provide unbiased support to all those interested in the funding opportunity, USDA will refrain from providing advice that cannot otherwise be obtained through the resources that have been made publicly available through the funding opportunity on Grants.gov.

Q: I am searching for the link to the FY 2021 funding opportunity webinar and cannot find

it. Where is it located?

A: To ensure that applicants are not referring to a webinar recording from a previous funding year, links to the recorded webinars have been taken down. Please refer to this updated Frequently Asked Questions document, if you have questions regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding opportunity.

Q: Where can I get more help if I still have questions about the Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production Competitive (UAIP) Grants Program or application?

A: The period to submit questions about this funding opportunity closed on July 14, 2021. This Frequently Asked Questions document have been updated.

Q: What are the legislative authorities guiding this program?

A: Section 12302 (codified at 7 U.S.C. 6923) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 also referred to as the 2018 Farm Bill, established the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production to assist eligible entities through grants to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production.

Q: Who is the awarding agency for this grant program?

A: USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the awarding agency for this grant opportunity and is leading the USDA-wide Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

Q: What is the mission of OUAIP?

A: The Office’s mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including -https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=UAIP

• community gardens and farms;

• rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and green walls;

• indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech vertical technology farms;

• hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities; and

• other innovations in agricultural production.

Q: What is the purpose of this grant program?

A: UAIP supports the development of urban agriculture and innovative production activities by funding Planning Projects (PP) and Implementation Projects (IP) led by nonprofit organizations, local or Tribal governments, and schools that serve any of the grades K-12 in areas of the United States.

Q: What are the program priorities?

A: Projects – whether Planning Projects or Implementation Projects – should target a single or multiple areas in the United States where access to fresh foods is limited or unavailable and should include one or more partner organizations to achieve project goals within the target area(s).

Q: Does this grant pertain to the landscape, ornamental or cut flower industry?

A: UAIP grants fund urban agriculture and innovative production activities that increase access to fresh food in communities across the United States. Projects will be evaluated on their consistency with UAIP’s purpose and priorities.

Q: Is this a one-time funding opportunity or will there be future opportunities for this program?

A: NRCS cannot provide an answer regarding funding beyond fiscal year 2021 at this time.

Approximately $4 million is available for UAIP grants in fiscal year 2021.

Grant Types: Planning Project and Implementation Project

Q: What is the purpose of a Planning Project (PP) grant?

A: Planning Projects support the development of projects that will either initiate, build upon or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in communities where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable. PPs may be designed to develop recommendations; facilitate assessments; or support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, strategies, and municipal planning that consider policies and zoning.

Q: What is the purpose of an Implementation Project (IP) grant?

A: Implementation Projects accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor, and other agricultural practices and improve access to local food. IPs may be designed to offer needed resources, such as job training, land, equipment, mentoring, and other business development assistance; increase food production; train students for careers in agriculture; or expand operations of community gardens or nonprofit farms.

Q: Can you highlight the specific difference between planning versus implementation grants?

A: The biggest difference between the project types is the project phase. PP grants are early stage investments and IP grants accelerate or expand existing work.

Q: Do you have examples of projects that have been funded under this grant?

A: Yes. UAIP award recipients from last year are on the website at farmers.gov/urban .

Q: Can a planning project actually implement a project?

A: No. An applicant should not include implementation activities in a Planning Project grant proposal.

Q: Can I submit an application for more than one type of grant (Planning and Implementation) in the same funding cycle?

A: No. Applicants must choose between submitting a grant application for a Planning Project or Implementation Project. An applicant organization may not submit more than one application. If more than one is received, only the first submission will be considered.

Q: How many projects can I lead or participate in?

A: An eligible applicant can serve as the lead on only one Planning Project or Implementation Project grant application. You may be listed as a partner on more than one application.

Q: Can you receive a Planning Project and an Implementation Project together?

A: No.

Q: What is the expected funding amount for Planning Project grants?

A: For Planning Project grants, the minimum grant amount for the Federal share per award is $50,000 and the maximum grant amount for the Federal share per award is $200,000. These numbers refer to the total award amount, not any specific budget period.

Q: What is the expected funding amount for Implementation Project grants?

https://www.farmers.gov/urban

A: For Implementation Project grants, the minimum grant amount for the Federal share per award is $50,000 and the maximum grant amount for the Federal share per award is $300,000.

These numbers refer to the total award amount, not any specific budget period.

Q: Can we apply for a one-year Planning Project grant that has a budget of $150,000?

A: Yes. In FY 2020 the limit per year for a planning project was $50,000. This year the limitation was removed. An applicant may only request a minimum budget amount of $50,000 or up to a maximum budget amount of $200,000.

Q: Can we apply for a one-year Implementation Project grant that has a budget of $50,000?

A: Yes. In FY 2020 the limit per year for a planning project was $100,000. This year the limitation was removed. An applicant may only request a minimum budget amount of $50,000 or up to maximum budget amount of $300,000.

Q: Is the minimum funding an organization can request $50,000 for PP grants and $50,000 for IP grants?

A: Yes. The budget range for Planning Project grants is $50,000 to $200,000. The budget range for Implementation Project grants is $50,000 to $300,000.

Q: What is the time period for execution of Planning Project grants?

A: Projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 36 months (one to three years). Applicants should expect the grant life cycle to include start up activities, execution, and close out activities (final financial and program reports, accounting, etc.). Applicants are expected to plan accordingly in order to achieve project deliverables within the grant period specified.

Q: What is the time period for execution of Implementation Project grants?

A: Projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 36 months (one to three years). Applicants should expect the grant life cycle to include start up activities, execution, and close out activities (final financial and program reports, accounting, etc.). Applicants are expected to plan accordingly in order to achieve project deliverables within the grant period specified.

Q: What should I put as my project’s start and end date on the SF 424?

A: The Notice of Funding Opportunity states that applicants should plan their project based on an estimated start date of October 1, 2021. Use October 1, 2021 as your funding period start date on your Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424). The end date depends on your project’s length and the period of performance on the executed grant, which would be one to three years after October 1, 2021.

Q: If we successfully complete the Planning Project grant, will we get an Implementation Project grant in the next round of funding?

A: While you will be encouraged to apply through the competitive process for an Implementation Project grant upon successful completion and close out of a Planning Project grant, there are no guarantees that this grant program will be funded beyond fiscal year 2021.

Q: Can I subaward to another entity?

A: Subawards are allowed ONLY if an eligible entity subawards to another eligible entity as defined by authorizing legislative language. Subawards can be included in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Other on the form SF-424A and include the detailed subaward budget and scope in the Budget Narrative.

Q: Can I subaward to a partner?

A: Partners that are not eligible to receive a UAIP grant cannot receive subawards. However, a project partner that is essential to the proposed project may be included in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Contractual on the form SF-424A or receive a stipend in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Other on the form SF-424A. Remember to include details about the contractor and/or stipend budget and scope in the Budget Narrative. USDA will review applicant’s budgets to ensure that all costs are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, and necessary.

Q: If UAIP is awarded to a local government agency, can other local government agencies in that city be awarded subawards?

A: Yes. Only eligible entities can receive a UAIP grant and/or subaward. Eligible entities are nonprofit organizations, local or Tribal governments, and schools that serve any of the grades K- 12 in areas of the United States as defined by authorizing legislative language.

Q: What rules apply to subawards?

A: NRCS does not require subawards to be awarded through a competitive process. Subawards must be managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.331.

Q: Is hemp or marijuana cultivation an allowable project activity?

A: In FY 2020 activities related to hemp or any activity related to growing marijuana was prohibited. In FY 2021 any application related to hemp production must be reviewed and approved by USDA’s Office of the General Counsel and the Office of the Secretary.

Target Area(s)

Q: What is the project location requirement for UAIP?

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/2/200.331

A: Projects should target a single or multiple areas where limited access to heathy affordable food is an issue as listed in the USDA Food Access Research Atlas.

Q: Can project activities take place outside of the United States?

A: No.

Q: How is “urban” or “suburbs” defined?

A: USDA is specifically not defining “urban agriculture,” “urban areas,” “suburbs,” “suburban areas,” and “urban clusters” to create broad parameters for UAIP grants in fiscal year 2021.

Q: Are rural areas excluded from this grant program?

A: No. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the FY 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity. Projects should target a single or multiple areas where limited access to heathy affordable food is an issue as listed in the USDA Food Access Research Atlas.

Q: Can a project be multistate?

A: Yes. A project could work in a single or multiple target area(s) in any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

Q: May a school district propose a project that serves multiple schools?

A: Yes. An eligible entity like a school district could apply with a project that operates at various schools or sites where limited access to heathy affordable food is an issue.

Q: Can project activities take place at homes? Would a private home be considered an eligible site?

A: No. Individuals are not eligible beneficiaries under this program.

Partnerships

Q: If the project is geared towards an urban community, can you work with a non-profit or farm partner in a rural community?

A: Yes. A project partner does not have to be an eligible entity and can be located in a rural, suburban or urban area.

Q: What is the partnership requirement for UAIP?

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/ https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/

A: Eligible entities should collaborate with one or more partner organizations to achieve project goals within the target area(s). Partners may be eligible and/or non-eligible entities.

Q: Do I need to partner with others?

A: Applicants who partner with one or more partner organizations working in the project target area(s) will be given higher consideration during evaluation.

Q: Who can be a partner?

A: Applicants are encouraged to seek and create partnerships with public or private, nonprofit or for-profit entities including farms, institutions of higher education (IHEs), academic institutions (including minority-serving colleges and universities), cooperative extension, public and private schools, and/or other appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and Federal, state, local and Tribal government entities to achieve project objectives and outcomes. Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for a UAIP grant. Eligible and non-eligible entities may be partners on a project.

Q: Can you clarify how “partnership” is defined?

A: The eligible entity that submits the application to the Natural Resources Conservation Service is responsible for receiving and managing the award, if selected. Applicants that apply as “partnerships” or other similar groupings must clearly describe the relationship between the applicant and the “partner” parties in the Project Narrative. Each award will ONLY be made to a single entity.

Q: What documentation does NRCS need about the Partnership?

A: Applicants must include information about project partner(s) within the narrative of their Project Narrative. The Notice of Funding Opportunity includes the required headings, supporting narrative required content, and format including page limits, structure, font type, and font size of the Project Narrative. More detailed information about this requirement is included in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.

Q: In addition to the narrative, is an MOU or other documentation required to verify the partnership?

A: No. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the applicant and partner(s) is not required. Letters of intent or support from partners are not required either. However, if an applicant wishes to include them, simply attach the MOU or letters to the application in Grants.gov. There is no competitive advantage for an applicant to provide supporting documentation from partners. This documentation is considered voluntary, does not count towards page limits, and does not need to follow a specific format or structure.

Q: If I’d like to include a letter, who should the letters of intent or support be addressed to?

https://www.grants.gov/

A: Write a letter addressed to Louis Aspey, Interim Director, Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

Q: My project partner would like to mail their letter of support to USDA directly, what is the mailing address?

A: Attach a copy of the letter(s) to your application in Grants.gov. Do not send a letter by postal mail or email.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of partners that can collaborate on a project?

A: There is no limit. Priority will be given to an applicant that collaborates with one or more partners on their UAIP Planning Project or Implementation Project. The number of partners (whether one or 10) does not constitute a competitive advantage.

Q: How might I find others to partner with?

A: USDA recommends reaching out to public or private, nonprofit or for-profit entities, including academic institutions and/or other appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and government entities in your area of the United States. The USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement may have useful tools and information to assist with partnership development. You can find more information at www.usda.gov/partnerships.

Food Access

Q: What is the food access criteria/requirement for UAIP?

A: Access to fresh foods should be limited or unavailable in the project target area(s).

Q: How do I identify areas where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable?

A: Eligible applicants should have experience serving communities where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable. The USDA Economic Research Service provides a definition for food access and tools like the USDA Food Access Research Atlas to measure food access.

Q: If you have access to grocery stores in the target area, would that disqualify your project from consideration?

A: No.

Q: Regarding the food access requirement, does serving low-income people living within a high-income community qualify? There are many markets and stores available but we're serving individuals experiencing homelessness in this high rent city.

A: There are many ways to measure food access for individuals and for neighborhoods, and many ways to define which areas are food deserts—neighborhoods that lack healthy food https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.usda.gov/partnerships https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/documentation/#definitions https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/documentation/#definitions https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/ sources. Most measures and definitions take into account at least some of the following indicators of access. Applicants can use any of these measures or others to measure access to fresh foods in their project’s target area(s).

• Accessibility to sources of healthy food, as measured by distance to a store or by the number of stores in an area.

• Individual-level resources that may affect accessibility, such as family income or vehicle availability.

• Neighborhood-level indicators of resources, such as the average income of the neighborhood and the availability of public transportation.

Q: If we have other metrics to demonstrate food insecurity, may we use those in addition to or instead of USDA developed resources?

A: Yes. Applicants are not required to use tools developed by USDA’s Economic Research Service such as the USDA Food Access Research Atlas (Formerly referred to as the Food Desert Locator) or the Food Environment Atlas to measure access to fresh foods in the target area(s).

However, these data and mapping tools are available and free to use online. You can go to www.ers.usda.gov and search “Food Access” in the upper right corner to find a list of resources.

Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: The following entities in any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) are eligible to apply for either a Planning Project grant or Implementation Project grant:

• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized);

• Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized);

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education);

• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education);

• A unit of local government; and

• Any school that serves any of the grades kindergarten through grade 12.

Q: Is a description of the eligible applicant types available?

A: The following terms for local government, nonprofit organization and Tribal government are from the Common Data Element Repository (CDER) Library. The CDER Library is the authoritative, Federal-wide source of financial and business terms, which is based on the Office https://www.ers.usda.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-eligibility.html of Management and Budget's (OMB) Uniform Grants Guidance and the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act).

Terms defined by the Common Data Element Repository (CDER) Library

Entity Type Description

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 (50 Stat. 888 (P.L. 75—412); 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, or intra-state or local government.

Nonprofit organization

Any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization, not including IHEs, that: (a) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest; (b) Is not organized primarily for profit; and (c) Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operations of the organization.

Tribal Government

Governing bodies or governmental agencies of any 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.

Q: Are private, elementary schools eligible?

A: Yes. Any school – public or private – that serves any of the grades kindergarten through grade 12 are eligible.

Q: Are soil and water conservation districts eligible for UAIP?

A: Yes.

Q: Are 501(c)(4) eligible for these grants?

A: Yes. Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS are eligible for UAIP grants, which includes nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(4) status such as social welfare organizations and local associations of employees.

Q: Who is not eligible to apply?

A: Individual such as a farmer or gardener, for-profit organizations and small businesses, Federal agencies, state governments, Institutions of Higher Education including extension programs, and foreign applicants are not eligible to apply for UAIP grants. It is important to note that non-eligible entities can be partners on a project.

Q: Can Individuals apply?

A: No. Individuals such as a farmer, gardener, etc. are not eligible to apply for the UAIP Competitive Grants Program. USDA offers a variety of funding opportunities to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners finance their businesses. Please visit farmers.gov/fund for information about programs that individuals are eligible for.

Q: I'm an individual; however, I have my EIN and DUNS number. Does that make me eligible?

A: No. Individuals are not eligible applicants for this opportunity. However, individuals can be a partner.

Q: I am a for‐profit entity, am I eligible for this grant?

A: No. For-profit organizations and small businesses are not eligible to receive a UAIP grant.

However, for-profit organizations and small businesses can be partners.

Q: Can Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) apply for this funding opportunity?

A: No. IHEs as defined at 20 U.S.C. 1001 are not eligible. However, IHEs can be a partner.

Q: If an institution of higher learning or extension program is considered a non-profit 501(c)(3); can they apply as a non-profit?

A: No.

Q: If an institution of higher learning or extension program is considered a state or local agency; can they apply as a state or local agency?

A: No.

Q: Can a fiscal agent/sponsor apply on my behalf?

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopici03.pdf https://www.farmers.gov/fund https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001&num=0&edition=prelim

A: The fiscal agent or sponsor would need to be an eligible entity to apply for and receive UAIP grant funds as defined by authorizing legislative language and an active participant/partner on project activities. The fiscal agent or sponsor cannot provide a subgrant to a non-eligible entity.

Q: As a non‐profit applying for a UAIP grant, do I have to have an audited financial statement?

A: No.

Q: My non-profit has never been audited; are we eligible to apply as the lead organization?

A: Applicants are not required to have received an audit prior to being selected for a UAIP grant.

However, as required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements, all U.S. states, local governments, Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System.

Q: If we have received an audit, do we need to attach our Single Audit report to the application or provide documentation that it has been uploaded into the Federal Audit Clearinghouse?

A: No.

Budget

Q: Is the purchase of water shares or water rights an allowable cost under UAIP?

A: Yes.

Q: What does UAIP fund?

A: Project activities that may be funded under this grant include the following:

• Production-related expenses such as materials, supplies and other costs related to community gardens and farms; rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and green walls; indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech vertical technology farms; hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities; and other innovations in agricultural production.

• Purchase, lease or rental of special purchase equipment, vehicles, land, and building space.

• Activities that encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices.

• Construction such as building a permanent or a non-permanent, temporary or moveable structure such as fencing.

• Contractual costs including labor such as a consultant, architect or other professional service.

• Personnel costs.

Q: What can I include in my budget?

A: Budget expenses can include personnel and fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractors, construction, other (direct costs), and indirect charges.

Q: What should I include in the Budget Narrative?

A: In a separate narrative titled Budget Narrative justify all budget items and costs. Detail how the totals on the form SF 424A and SF 424C (if applicable) were determined and provide a description for every allowable cost line item. Descriptions should demonstrate a clear connection between the costs and the proposed project. For example, the narrative should describe the positions, related duties, rates, and the percentage of time to be spent on the project, the number of travel trips, rates, and the average cost per trip, the types of supplies to be purchased, the specific equipment to be purchased, contractor tasks, etc.

Q: Does the Budget Narrative have a specific page length?

A: No. The Notice of Funding Opportunity does not have a length for the Budget Narrative.

Q: Does the page limit also include the Budget Narrative?

A: No. NRCS includes instructions for completing the Budget Narrative in the funding opportunity under the “Related Documents” tab in Grants.gov.

Q: Are there any mandatory costs not mentioned in the Notice of Funding Opportunity that should be added to the project proposal such as mandatory grantee training or gatherings?

A: No.

Q: If the project includes construction costs such as the building of a greenhouse should we submit both the form SF-424A and form SF-424C?

A: Construction-Related Projects are to include construction costs in Section B. line 6.g. of the SF-424A. In addition, the applicant must submit an itemized breakdown of that amount in a construction budget with engineering, architectural and/or site work type costs using the form SF 424C, Budget Information – Construction Programs. See Instructions for Completing SF- 424C located in the Related Documents on Grants.gov.

Q: Can you provide examples of allowable supplies?

A: Production-related supplies such as soil, plants, seeds, shovels, gardening tools, tillers, fish, livestock, bees, hoop houses, irrigation, fencing, greenhouse covering, growing containers, walk-in cooler, wash station, or other items necessary to grow, harvest and store food are allowable.

Supplies and materials needed to host a workshop or training including nutrition education or cooking classes are allowable. This list is not exhaustive.

Q: What is the maximum allowable amount for supplies?

A: The per unit cost of each supply item requested in the project budget must be below $5,000 dollars. Any item with a per unit cost of $5,000 dollars or above and having a useful life of more than one year is considered equipment under 2 CFR § 200.33 and not a supply.

Q: Can a project budget include equipment like a tractor or greenhouse? Is there a maximum allowable amount for equipment?

A: Yes. The purchase, lease or rental of special purpose equipment is allowable and there is no maximum threshold. The purchase, lease or rental of general purpose equipment is unallowable.

Q: What type of equipment is considered “general purpose equipment”?

A: General purpose equipment means equipment which is not limited to research, medical, scientific or other technical activities under 2 CFR § 200.48. Examples include office equipment and furnishings, modular offices, telephone networks, information technology equipment and systems, air conditioning equipment, reproduction and printing equipment, and motor vehicle.

Q: How is "special purpose equipment" defined?

A: Special purpose equipment is defined as equipment that is used only for research, medical, scientific, or other technical activity under 2 CFR § 200.89.

Q: Can land or building space be purchased under a UAIP grant?

A: Yes. However, an applicant that submits a budget that includes the rental or lease of land or building space during the length of the grant (instead of purchase) will be given higher consideration as listed under the Application Review Information section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Q: Is it true that equipment must be leased or rented and not purchased?

A: No. An applicant may include the purchase of special purpose equipment in their project budget. However, an applicant that submits a budget that includes the rental or lease of special purpose equipment during the length of the grant (instead of purchase) will be given higher consideration as listed under the Application Review Information section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Q: Can an applicant rent equipment and lease land from a project partner?

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/2/200.48 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/2/200.89

A: Yes. An applicant can rent or lease equipment, building space, greenhouses, or land from a project partner and/or other. The cost of rental or lease can be included in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Contractual.

Q: If we are to rent a facility, equipment, etc. are we expected to terminate those contracts when the grant is over?

A: Yes. Any lease or rental agreement must terminate at the end of the award period.

Q: What if land is donated?

A: Project activities may occur on donated land. Please be clear in your submission who is donating the land and for what length and purpose.

Q: Why will Projects that include the lease or rental of vehicles, land, building space, and special purchase equipment receive higher consideration?

A: Each project proposal will be evaluated on its fiscal plan and resources. As part of the administrative review process, USDA will review applicants’ budgets to ensure that all costs are reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary. Due to the high demand and limited ability of NRCS to manage the acquisition and disposition of real property, applications with budgets that include the rental or lease of land, special purpose equipment, building space, and vehicles will receive higher consideration.

Q: Will a project be negatively scored if it does not include the rental or purchase of vehicles, land, building space, and special purchase equipment in its budget?

A: No. Projects that do not include the purchase of or lease or rental of special purpose equipment, land, building space, or vehicles will not weigh lower under the Application Review Information section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Q: Can this grant cover insurance expenses as a part of the budget?

A: Yes. The cost of insurance can be included in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Other (direct costs).

Q: Are pre-award costs allowable such as paying for a grant writer?

A: No. Any pre-award costs incurred will not be reimbursed.

Q: Would breeding activities be eligible under UAIP grants?

A: Activities that encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices are allowable and may include food production, outreach activities, hosting trainings and educational workshops, conducting assessments and surveys, technology and software development, and research such as breeding activities. This list is not exhaustive.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/2/200.311

Q: Can I use grant funds to purchase food?

A: The goal of funded projects should be to increase access to fresh foods. Purchasing local products should not be a primary use of grant funds. Food purchases should be limited to costs related to incidental food and refreshments for participants at workshops or trainings.

Q: Is construction an allowable cost?

A: Yes. Grant funds may be used to construct, alter, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property. Erecting a building or making substantial changes to the footprint of a building would be considered a construction project.

Q: Is building a greenhouse or permanent structure an allowable cost?

A: Building a non-permanent, temporary or movable structure is an allowable cost. Building a permanent structure, which may include, but not limited to, pouring concrete, laying asphalt or installing plumbing is also an allowable cost.

Q: Is revitalizing a greenhouse an allowable cost?

A: UAIP funds can be used to expand or improve current operations of an existing greenhouse.

Q: Does this grant allow for funding of an architect or consulting firm for a Planning Project?

A: Yes. Contractual costs such as hiring a consultant or labor can be included in an applicant’s budget as a line item under Contractual. Contractual costs are expenses associated with purchasing goods and/or procuring services performed by an individual or organization other than the applicant in the form of a procurement relationship.

Q: Would the UAIP funds provide funding for personnel for nutrition, education, or cooking classes that encourage or teach the use of foods grown in an urban garden?

A: Yes. It is allowable to fund personnel whose time and effort can be specifically identified and easily and accurately traced to project activities.

Q: Is the creation of a new position for project coordination an allowable cost?

A: Grant funds may be used for personnel whose time and effort can be specifically identified and easily and accurately traced to project activities.

Q: How do I determine where to input salary costs on the SF-424A?

A: Salaries for personnel that are employed by the applicant would go on the Personnel line and all other labor costs from sources outside the organization would go under the Contractual section. Any associated fringe benefits should be separated from personnel costs on the SF- 424A.

Q: What rate should I use for indirect costs?

A: To be eligible to recover any indirect cost under a Federal award, recipients must either 1) have a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a Federal agency that has not expired; 2) have an existing De Minimis Agreement; or 3) qualify for use of the De Minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f). If requesting indirect costs, use the rate and base specified in your organization’s NICRA or existing De Minimis Agreement. The NICRA or De Minimis Agreement must be in PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package.

Applicants requesting indirect costs who do not have a NICRA or De Minimis Agreement can use an indirect cost rate of 10% with a base of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). Such applicants selected for an award will be required to execute the 10% De Minimis Agreement with NRCS, which constitutes establishing an approved rate. Recipients who do not request indirect costs are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award.

Q: Can food grown with a UAIP grant be sold?

A: Yes. Program income is the gross revenue generated by a Federally funded activity earned during the length of the award. Program income may be earned by recipients from fees charged for conference or workshop attendance, from rental fees earned from real property or equipment acquired with Federal funds, or from the sale of commodities or items developed under the grant.

Any program income generated during the grant period must be used to further the objectives of the project. All program income must be recorded on the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for the period in which it was earned. Recipients are not accountable for program income earned after the grant period.

Q: Can food grown with a UAIP grant be donated or grown for personal use?

A: Food grown with grant funds can be donated to non-profits such as food banks. Food cannot be grown for personal use or profit.

Matching Funds

Q: Are matching funds required?

A: There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity.

Q: While there is no cost sharing requirements, is preference given to proposals who can and are willing to provide a match?

A: There is no competitive advantage to applicants who voluntarily provide a match.

Grants.gov Information

Q: How do I find the UAIP funding opportunity on Grants.gov?

A: You can find and download the Notice of Funding Opportunity and related documents by going directly to Grants.gov and either 1) conduct a keyword search for the program acronym “UAIP”; 2) enter the Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-21- NOFO0001110 or 3) search the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

10.935.

Q: Is the UAIP Notice of Funding Opportunity available in Spanish?

A: Not at this time.

Q: If I have problems with Grants.gov, will USDA staff help me submit or accept my application package?

A: No. USDA cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts or provide applicants technical assistance with the Grants.gov system. The Grants.gov technical support center can be reached at 1-800‐518‐4726 or support@Grants.gov.

Q: Do I have to register with Grants.gov before submitting an application through Grants.gov?

A: Yes. The applicant must be registered with Grants.gov. There is a free, one-time registration for using Grants.gov, regardless of the Federal agency you may be submitting an application to through Grants.gov. Information about how to register is included on the Grants.gov registration page.

Q: What is involved in the Grants.gov registration process?

A: More detailed information is included on the Grants.gov registration page and the Grants.gov On-line User Guide. The following information is a general overview.

1. Obtain a TIN/EIN from the IRS (if your organization does not have one).

2. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier/DUNS number (if your organization does not have one).

3. Register with SAM.gov (if your organization does not have an active account)

4. Create a Grants.gov username and password. You will need to create a Grants.gov user profile by visiting the Get Registered section of the website.

5. The E-Business Point of Contact (POC) at your organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov and login at Grants.gov to authorize you as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Note there can be more than one AOR for an organization.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/GetStarted/GetStarted.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/GetStarted/GetStarted.htm https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/

6. At any time, you can track your AOR status by going to the Applicant Login with your username and password.

Important Note: These steps are a general overview and include the main steps a new organization or organizations that have never applied for a Federal grant before must complete outside of Grants.gov prior to submitting an application through Grants.gov.

Q: Does USDA have any helpful tips when seeking assistance on registration steps?

A: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply at Grants.gov. Keep a record of any correspondence with Grants.gov or other helpdesks, including any ID or case numbers provided.

Q: How long does the registration process take?

A: The time it takes to complete each step varies. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete the steps listed above. The Grants.gov registration process must be completed prior to submission of an application. You should allow two full weeks to register with Grants.gov, but additional time may be required.

Q: Who should I contact for help if I need assistance or have technical difficulties while trying to complete any of the registration steps?

A: These systems are not owned or managed by USDA. You must contact the applications directly for assistance.

1. IRS TIN/EIN issues or questions: Businesses: 1-800-829-4933 and Non-profit taxes: 1-877- 829-5500

2. DUNS Number issues or questions: 1-866-705-5711 (U.S. Only) or SAMHelp@dnb.com

3. SAM.gov assistance and user guides: Go to the Help tab on the SAM.gov website

4. Grants.gov support: 1-800-518-4726 or support@Grants.gov

Q: Can you get an EIN within minutes through IRS.gov?

A: Please send issues or questions regarding an Employer Identification Number (EIN) also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) to the Internal Revenue Service.

Q: Is there a cost to use the System for Award Management (SAM)?

A: No. SAM.gov is an official website of the U.S. government. There is no cost to use SAM.

You can use the site for free to register to do business with the U.S. government; update or renew your entity registration; check status of an entity registration; and search for entity registration and exclusion records. More detailed information on how to use SAM is included on the SAM.gov Help page.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@Grants.gov https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/help/samQUserGuides.jsf

Q: Why does my organization need to register with SAM.gov?

A: Registering with the System for Award Management (SAM) is a required step in order for your organization to be able to apply for Federal grants. The registration process is free. In order to register for a SAM account, you must have either EIN, TIN or a DUNS number. If you don't have a DUNS, you cannot register in SAM. If your organization previously registered in SAM and has received Federal grants in the past, check to make sure your organization’s SAM account is active.

Q: What website is free for the Unique Entity Identifier/DUNS number?

A: A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. Obtaining a DUNS number is free for anyone required to register with the Federal government. There are a lot of scam websites that charge a fee to help you obtain your DUNS number. Go to the DUN & Bradstreet website to obtain a DUNS number.

Application

Q: Will all the specifics for submitting a UAIP grant application be on the website?

A: All instructions and requirements for this funding opportunity are posted on Grants.gov under the Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-21-NOFO0001110. Once you click on the opportunity, there are four tabs. The very first tab on the left is the “Synopsis” tab, which is an overall view and summary of the grant opportunity. The main information is located under the “Related Documents” tab – where you can find and download the full Notice of Funding Opportunity with details and instructions along with the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF), General Terms and Conditions, supporting documents and forms, and other instructions.

When ready to apply, select the “Package” tab and click on apply.

Q: What do I need to include in my grant application?

A: Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity under the “Related Documents” tab in the Notice of Funding Opportunity at Grants.gov.

Q: Is the application downloadable before logging into Grants.Gov?

A: Yes. You do not need to be logged into Grants.gov to find and download the Notice of Funding Opportunity and related documents.

Q: Can you start the application, save and go back in to work on it in Grants.gov?

A: Yes. You can start the application at Grants.gov and return to work on it within the workspace feature.

Q: Where can I find instructions for the Project Narrative?

https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333854 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333854

A: Please refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information of the Notice of Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov for the content and format of the application submission, which includes page limits, fonts, structure, and the project narrative headings.

Q: Does the grant require specific headings in the Project Narrative?

A: Yes. Please refer to Section D 3. Application and Submission Information of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the content and format of the Project Narrative, which includes headings for both Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. Each grant type has different required headings.

Q: Is there a Project Narrative template required or provided?

A: Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to use the provided Project Narrative Template when submitting an application. Find the Project Narrative Template located in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity on Grants.gov. A template is not provided for the Budget Narrative.

Q: Is it okay to use a 10-point font for tables, charts, and footnotes?

A: No. The text of the proposal must be single spaced and typed in a standard typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Courier) with no smaller than 12-point font, and must not exceed 15 pages. The proposal should not exceed 10 pages of written text, and up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables. We have established this maximum (15 pages) to ensure fair and equitable competition. This page limit only applies to the Project Narrative.

Q: Will NRCS accept applications that do not follow the required format?

A: No. Proposals that fail to comply with the required content and format will not be considered for funding. Material exceeding stated page limits and/or formatting structure will not be considered. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will not be considered.

Q: When are applications due by for UAIP?

A: USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (i.e.

8:59 P.M. Pacific Time) on Friday, July 30, 2021.

Q: Can I apply through the mail instead of electronically?

A: No. Only applications submitted through the electronic Grants.gov system will be considered.

Q: Will applications submitted after the deadline be reviewed?

A: No. Applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on July 30, 2021 through Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered.

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

Q: How will the agency know if my application was submitted on time?

A: NRCS will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation to determine whether applications meet the submission…