USDA-FAS-10960-0200-10.-21-0004.pdf

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Global Programs

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR QUANTIFYING AND ANALYSING NON-

TARIFF MEASURES

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS

Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM at www.sam.gov. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM. Detailed information regarding DUNS and SAM is also provided in Section

D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application Submission.

In addition to obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM, you must also obtain

Level 2 eAuthentication to apply for this funding opportunity in ezFedGrants. You must submit an online form requesting access. Normally you will receive an email within 24 hours of your submission, if your request is approved. After this occurs, you will need to schedule an appointment with an LRA. Once you meet with the LRA, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information.

A. Program Description

Program Overview

International trade is very important to United States agriculture, with 20 percent of all US farm products exported. U.S. agriculture and food industries produce and export a diverse array of products. In 2020, U.S. agricultural exports reached $150 billion compared to imports of $146 billion. All administrations have emphasized the need for open foreign market opportunities to expand U.S. exports for U.S. agricultural communities.

The ability of the U.S. to remain competitive in global agricultural markets depends not only preferential tariffs negotiated through trade agreements, but increasingly on non-tariff measures (NTMs), examples of which include non-automatic licenses, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures such as veterinary drug standards, maximum residue limits, and phytosanitary protocols, food safety and regulatory standards (i.e., maximum limits (MLs) on food additives), and control, inspection and approval procedures. NTMs are becoming increasingly important in regulating the access of the United States to several key markets for many of the major agricultural commodities. Thus, NTMs affect United States trade opportunities and the ability of rural America to thrive in a competitive global economy.

While foreign tariffs remain high on some U.S. agricultural products, many economists agree that non- tariff obstacles are more obscure in nature and have the potential to be more trade distorting. Thus, in addition to tariffs, complex non- tariff issues remain and need to be assimilated into quantitative approaches to evaluate U.S. agricultural trade opportunities, as well as for the nearly four billion producers and consumers that reside in low income http://www.sam.gov/ developing countries.

Among NTMs affecting agricultural trade, measures falling under the WTO’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures occupy a special place. First, SPS measures are pervasive because of divergent perceptions about protection of plant and animal health, food safety and consumer information about product and quality standards among countries. Second, the SPS agreement permits WTO member countries to adopt their own health and safety regulations provided these measures are based on a scientific risk assessment, not discriminatory between countries with similar conditions, and are minimally trade distorting to prevent the disingenuous use as instruments of disguised protectionism.

Third, SPS measures are the most frequently encountered NTMs in agricultural trade according to data collected by Grant and Arita (2017), the Trade Analysis and Information

System (TRAINS), and the WTO’s Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP) and e-Ping alerts (Cadot and Gourdon 2018). They are also considered among the most relevant impediments to exports, according to a small sample of NTM business surveys conducted by the World Bank and International Trade Centre (World Bank 2008; ITC 2011).

Program Objectives and Priorities

USDA/FAS seeks applied research into identifying and quantifying the impact of NTMs on trade. To enhance understanding of NTMs and contribute towards creating and securing opportunities for U.S. agriculture and food products in foreign markets, the recipient will develop a robust modeling framework that capitalizes on the latest empirical developments to estimate and evaluate the economic costs of NTMs on U.S agricultural trade. The project should seek to fulfill the following objectives.

1) create an inventory of priority non-tariff measures of strategic interest for United States agricultural export interests.

2) Develop a robust modeling framework to evaluate the economic and trade effects of

NTMs on U.S. and competing supplier exports in selected destination markets.

3) Illustrate with FAS how to convert NTM costs into suitable ad valorem equivalents

(AVEs) for use in FAS/USDA ex ante modeling projections and strategic priorities for U.S. agricultural trade

Anticipated Likely Outcomes

FAS anticipates that this project will include an NTM database and corresponding documentation. The trade forecasts and the methods employed in generating them is likely to be available as machine readable data sets along with underlying code files. FAS would support a database could be search-enabled (individual country, commodity or time period search).

The project could result in a report describing the NTM modeling frameworks, setup and data requirements, illustrative results and interpretation of findings for policymakers, conversions using elasticity estimates, programming NTM impacts for use in simulation models, and conducting an in-person “how-to” modeling workshop. FAS also supports data/code sharing and a report, presentations in academic and government venues and journal articles reporting the results in peer reviewed and academic journals.

Issued By

Foreign Agricultural Service, Trade and Economic Analysis, Global Market Analysis

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number and Title

10.960 Technical Agricultural Assistance

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title

Developing A Framework For Quantifying And Analysing Non-Tariff Measures

NOFO Number

USDA-FAS-10960-0200-10.-21-0004

Authorizing Authority for Program

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, PL 95-113, as amended, 7 USC §§ 3291(a)(1)(B), 3291(a)(3), 3291(a)(7)(A), 3319a

Appropriation Authority for Program

FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act (PL 116-260)

Announcement Type

New

B. Federal Award Information

Award Amounts, Important Dates, and Extensions

Available Funding for the NOFO: Up to $200,000

Projected Number of Awards: 1

Period of Performance: 12 Months

Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): September 1, 2021

Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): August 30, 2022

Extensions may be allowable, please see Section H. Additional Information to see how to requests one should the need arise.

Cost Share or Match requirements: A cost match or cost share is not required.

Funding Instrument: The funding instrument for this award is a cost-reimbursable agreement under 7 USC § 3319a with selected recipient.

Subawards are allowable under the agreement if included in the original application.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

U.S. State Cooperative Institutions or other colleges and universities in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must have an active registration in the SAM database at www.sam.gov – pending or expired registrants are not eligible. This requirement must be met by the closing date of the announcement and will not be waived. Please contact the program officer listed if you have questions about this requirement.

In addition to obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM, you must also obtain Level 2 eAuthentication to apply for this funding opportunity in ezFedGrants (eFG). You must submit an online form requesting access. Normally you will receive an email within 24 hours of your submission, if your request is approved. After this occurs, you will need to schedule an appointment with an LRA. Once you meet with the LRA, your Level 2 eAuthentication should be granted within 2 to 3 days after that meeting. See Section D of this NOFO for detailed information.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

MOE is not allowable.

D. Application and Submission Information

Key Dates and Times

Application Start Date:

NOFO Posted Date:

Application Submission Deadline:

Anticipated Funding Selection Date:

Anticipated Award Date:

July 16, 2021

July 16, 2021

August 16, 2021, at 11:59PM EDT

August 23, 2021

September 2, 2021

Address to Request Application Package

This NOFO represents the full application information. For additional information or questions, please contact the program officer(s) listed in Section G.

Applications will be processed through the ezFedGrants portal at https://grants.fms.usda.gov – prospective applicants are encouraged to register for this portal. Applicants that are unable to access the ezFedGrants portal should contact the program manager for alternative submission instructions. Note that if selected, registration is a requirement of performance.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Institutions should submit a proposal following the guidelines below.

• Standard Form 424, signed by the applicant http://www.sam.gov/ https://grants.fms.usda.gov/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_2_1-V2.1.pdf

• A project narrative that includes the following elements:

o A narrative description of the proposed activities, no longer than (6) six pages how it will be administered, the role(s) of proposed personnel, and how it fits in with the recipient’s broader programs.

o Briefly demonstrate flexibility to account for potential program changes and the ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances o An illustrative timeline for activities to be undertaken.

• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, when warranted.

• Standard Form 424A. This should be accompanied by a detailed budget worksheet and a detailed budget narrative (NOTE: A budget narrative must be provided). All line items should be described in sufficient detail that would enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations. Definitions of cost items are listed below.

a. Personnel: Costs of employee salaries and wages. For each staff person, provide the name (if known), title, time commitment to the project as a percentage of a full-time equivalent (FTE), annual salary, and grant funded salary. Do not include the costs of consultants. Consultants are to be included under “Contractual.”

b. Fringe Benefits: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate. Provide the method used to calculate the proposed rate amount. If a fringe benefit has been negotiated with, or approved by, a cognizant federal agency, attach a copy of the negotiated fringe benefit agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, taxes, etc.

Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses. (Attach the agreement to the application package.) For foreign entities this may not apply.

c. Travel: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the applicant organization (do not include costs of sub-contractor or consultant travel). For each proposed trip, provide the purpose, number of travelers, travel origin and destination, number of days, and a breakdown of costs for airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals. The basis for the airfare, lodging, meals, car rental, and incidentals must be provided, such as past trips, current quotations, Federal Travel Regulations, etc.

d. Equipment: Equipment is defined as any article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization for financial statement purposes, or (b) $5000. For each type of equipment requested, provide a description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the equipment definition.

NOTE: Acquisition cost means the net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, calibration and maintenance services, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded from https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular written accounting practices.

e. Supplies: Supplies are tangible personal property other than that included in the equipment category if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. Specify general categories of supplies and their costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports the amount requested. A computing device is a supply.

f. Contractual: Costs of all contracts for services and goods and subawards that further the work of the project. Sub-contractors, sub-awardees, and/or sub-grantees that do not perform technical work (i.e., landscapers, trash collectors, etc.) belong under other cost categories such as equipment, supplies, construction, other, etc.

Include third party evaluation contracts (if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations. Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. Identify proposed sub-contractor work and the cost of each sub-contractor. Provide a detailed budget for each sub-contractor that is expected to perform work estimated to be $25,000 or more, or 50% of the total work effort, whichever is less.

• Identify each planned subcontractor and its total proposed budget. Each subcontractor's budget and supporting detail should be included as part of the applicant's budget narrative.

• Provide the following information for each planned subcontract: a brief description of the work to be subcontracted; the number of quotes solicited and received, if applicable; the cost or price analysis performed by the applicant; names and addresses of the subcontractors tentatively selected and the basis for their selection; e.g., unique capabilities (for sole source subcontracts), low bidder, delivery schedule, technical competence; type of contract and estimated cost and fee or profit; and, affiliation with the applicant, if any.

• All required flow down provisions in the award must be included in any subcontract.

g. Other Direct Costs: Any other items proposed as direct costs. Provide an itemized list with costs and state the basis for each proposed item.

h. Indirect Costs: This will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 USC §

3319a. By statute, indirect cost rates for cost reimbursable agreements cannot exceed

10%.

The SF-424 and SF-424A can be completed within the ezFedGrants platform. However, the other required forms must be downloaded from the Forms sections on Grants.gov or will be sent to you upon request to the program officer(s) named in Section G.

Please be aware that OMB Memorandum 18-24: Strategies to Reduce Grant Recipient Reporting

Burden has been approved. Various required forms needed to apply for Federal Financial

Assistance no longer need to be completed individually at time of application. They are covered in the Financial Assistance Certifications Report.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Financial Assistance Certifications are a common set of certifications and representations required by Federal statutes or regulations in accordance with the grants guidance under Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.208

Certifications and Representations). Those non-Federal entities who intend to apply for, or are already recipients of Federal grants or agreements, must read and agree to the corresponding certifications and representations. Registrants who reply yes to the questions are required to keep these certifications and representations current, accurate, and complete as part of their entity registration.

FAS will verify in SAM.gov that the proper forms are completed, and if they have not been, you will be contacted and directed to do so. Your award will not be issued until the proper forms are completed within the SAM.gov portal.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant is required to:

(i) Be registered in SAM (https://www.sam.gov) before submitting its application;

(ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and

(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

The Federal awarding agency may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a

Federal award to another applicant.

FAS is using ezFedGrants, which is an electronic grants management system. Applicant(s) with electronic access are required to submit their applications electronically through the ezFedGrants portal.

Before you can apply, you must have a DUNS number, be registered in SAM, and have access to the ezFedGrants website at https://grants.fms.usda.gov

Applicants are encouraged to register early. The registration process can take approximately four weeks to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines.

DUNS number. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following website: http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html https://www.sam.gov/ https://grants.fms.usda.gov/ http://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html

The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled "Organizational

DUNS" on the Standard Forms (SF)-424 forms submitted as part of this application.

System for Award Management. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying electronically through ezFedGrants must register with SAM. Step-by-step instructions for registering with SAM can be found here:

www.sam.gov

Failure to register with SAM will result in your application being rejected during the submissions process.

ezFedGrants System Access and Electronic Signature

Level 2 eAuthentication. The next step in the registration process is to obtain a

Level 2 eAuthentication account that will allow access to the ezFedGrants system.

Instructions for getting a Level 2 eAuthentication account can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov.

If you experience any issues with self-registration or have eAuthentication-related questions, please contact the eAuthenticationHelpDesk for assistance:

By email to eAuthHelpDesk@usda.gov

Requesting a role in ezFedGrants. After obtaining eAuthentication, users will need a role in the system. Descriptions of the roles available and instructions on how to request a role can be obtained by emailing ezFedGrants@cfo.usda.gov.

Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through ezFedGrants constitute a submission as electronically signed applications. When you submit the application through ezFedGrants, the name of your Signatory Official on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application.

If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please email the Helpdesk at ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov.

Intergovernmental Review

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicant(s) must contact their State’s

Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the State’s process under Executive

Order 12372 (https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html) Name and addresses of the SPOCs are maintained at the Office of

Management and Budget’s home page at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

Funding Restrictions

Generally, funds may not be used in any manner that is prohibited by 2 CFR Part 200 and

2 CFR Part 400, or the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov mailto:eAuthHelpDesk@usda.gov mailto:ezFedGrants-cfo@usda.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf

Compensation for personal services (whether classified as personnel, contractual services, or any other form) may not exceed the pro-rated equivalent of Step III of the Executive

Schedule. For calendar year 2019, this is $176,900 per year; $680.38 per day; or $85.05 per hour. Non-monetized fringe benefits are generally excluded from this ceiling, however, a federally negotiated fringe benefits rate agreement may be required if fringe benefits appear to be unusually high.

FAS agreement funds may only be used for the purpose set forth in the award and must be consistent with the statutory authority for the award. Agreement funds and non-monetary support may not be used for matching contributions for other federal grants or cooperative agreements, lobbying, or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings.

Federal employees are prohibited from serving in any capacity (paid or unpaid) on any proposal submitted under this program. Federal employees may not receive funds under this award. In addition, federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal Government or any other government entity.

These funds cannot be used for construction purposes, general purpose acquisitions (no particular scientific, technical, or programmatic purpose), equipment exceeding $5,000 per item, entertainment, capital improvements, thank you gifts, or other expenses not directly related to the project

This will be a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 U.S.C. 3319a. Award recipient’s indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements are limited to 10% of direct costs.

Management and Administration (M&A) Costs:

M&A costs are not allowable.

Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs.

Indirect F&A costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one cost objective and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefited without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. By statute, indirect costs for cost reimbursable agreements cannot exceed 10% of direct costs.

Other Submission Requirements

All applications must be submitted electronically as indicated above.

E. Application Review Information

Application Evaluation Criteria

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by 31 U.S.C. 3321 and

41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of government-wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant: (1) financial stability; (2) quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards; (3) history of performance in managing federal award; (4) reports and findings from audits; and (5) ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:

Technical Expertise and Experience (45 points)

Recipient must have appropriate technical background to provide the desired quantitative analysis. If necessary, other appropriate collaborating scientists should be identified to meet any of the objectives which the primary investigator cannot address. The recipient’s experience and knowledge of relevant agricultural conditions related to trade and trade policy be considered as appropriate. The recipients experience with peer reviewed publications in the area of international trade and trade policy will also be considered.

Overall Program (40 points)

The overall project plan and design should be relevant to the specified objectives. The project plan should be thorough, well thought out, and will achieve the desired post-project results. Relevant

University resources should be identified. Additional resources/organizations should be identified as appropriate. Overall project will also be reviewed based on host institution’s ability to demonstrate flexibility and their quality assurance plan.

Budget (15 points)

The proposed budget should be appropriate for the required analysis and length of the project. The budget should include appropriate cost savings where available, and narrative should accompany each line item.

Quality (5 points)

The overall proposal will be reviewed for overall quality, ensuring that proposal is comprehensive, well thought-out and contains correct spelling and grammar.

Review and Selection Process

In all cases, the Program Manager will ensure application is submitted on time as specified in this announcement. Also, the Program Manager will ensure the organization is capable of delivering the program/activities as described in the announcement based on the applicant’s project narrative.

FAS conducts a two-part application review process. The Agency conducts an initial review of applications to determine the responsiveness of the application. If an applicant is determined to be ineligible (see Section C. Eligibility Information) or an application is determined to be non-responsive, FAS will notify the applicant. All responsive and eligible applications will be reviewed as described below:

1. FAS will assemble reviewers which may include both federal and non-federal reviewers to review the eligible applications. Reviews of submitted applications will be conducted either on site or by remote review.

2. Technical reviewers will review each eligible application against the evaluation criteria. The reviewers will assign a score and provide summary comments based on the evaluation criteria identified above. Evaluation Criteria: the evaluation criteria must be directly related to key aspects of the project. The criteria must be measurable with an associated point range. It is a best practice, but not required, that the entire review criteria score range should be out of

100. From the scoring process, a recommendation list will be composed and sent to the FAS Administrator.

3. An application may be selected for a post-review quality control and possible rescoring if it received significantly diverging scores and comments from reviewers.

4. If necessary, a secondary application review process includes an internal review panel consisting of FAS staff, and the Administrator reviewing the recommendation list which will display the highest ranked applications. From this list this internal review panel will make final funding recommendations.

The internal review panel may take applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, which are identified below:

a. Geographic distribution

b. Incorporation of minority-serving institutions

c. Institutional capability to host foreign Fellows

d. Pre-existing relationships between the Fellow and an institution

5. FAS will perform an additional review of the applicant organization which may include reviewing any and/or its key personnel. This review will include reviewing audit reports, publicly available materials and/or government databases and may have a bearing on award outcome. FAS may request additional materials from the applicant as part of this review, including:

• The summary letter from the applicant’s most recent audit report; and

• Documentation of previous grant award completion that includes the name of the grantor, amount awarded, and whether the grant recipient sufficiently completed the requirements of the grant award (e.g., a final close-out report, certification of grant award completion, etc.)

6. After the technical review and before making final funding decisions, FAS may contact the highest-ranking applicants to seek clarification and to negotiate technical and programmatic aspects of the application. If an application includes a sub-awardee, FAS may request to speak with all parties included in the application to ensure sufficient planning and coordination has taken place prior to making an award.

Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest

Technical and cost proposals submitted under this funding opportunity will be protected from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. FAS may use one or more support contractors in the logistical processing of proposals. However, funding recommendations and final award decisions are solely the responsibility of FAS personnel.

FAS screens all technical reviewers for potential conflicts of interest. To determine possible conflicts of interest, FAS requires potential reviewers to complete and sign conflicts of interest and nondisclosure forms. FAS will keep the names of submitting institutions and individuals as well as the substance of the applications confidential except to reviewers and FAS staff involved in the award process. FAS will destroy any unsuccessful applications after three years following the funding decision.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Notice of Award

Notice of award will be given to the institution via email. This email is not an authorization to begin performance. The notice of Federal award, signed by the Deputy Administrator of Global

Programs, is the authorizing document through electronic means. It should also indicate if there are any pass-through obligations that successful applicants are required to meet upon receiving award funds, including specific timeline requirements.

Administrative Policy Requirements

All successful domestic applicants for all grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions for Federal Assistance Awards, which are attached to this NOFO and on the FAS website:

https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants-and-cooperative-agreements-administrative-general-terms-and-conditions

The applicable Standard Administrative Terms and Conditions will be for the last year specified at that URL, unless the application is to continue an award first awarded in an earlier year. In that event, the terms and conditions that apply will be those in effect for the year in which the award was originally made unless explicitly stated otherwise in subsequent mutually agreed amendments to the award.

Before accepting the award, the Recipient should carefully read the award package for instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under Federal Awards. Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any Special

Terms and Conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

The Federal Financial Reporting Form (FFR), as known as the SF-425, must be submitted semi-annually, within 30 days after the end of the reporting period, with a final report submitted within 90 days of the end of the agreement. The required form is available online at:

https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786

Program Performance Reporting Requirements

Performance Progress Reporting must be submitted semi-annually, within 30 days after the end of the reporting period, with a final report submitted within 90 days of the end of the agreement, and should include details the activities undertaken and progress made.

Monitoring

FAS through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems and to provide such https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants-and-cooperative-agreements-administrative-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.fas.usda.gov/grants-and-cooperative-agreements-administrative-general-terms-and-conditions https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/149786 technical assistance as may be required. During site visits, FAS will review recipients’ files related to the funded program.

As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, recipients must permit FAS, upon reasonable notice, to review related records and to interview the organization’s staff and clients regarding the program, and to respond in a timely and accurate manner to FAS requests for information relating to their program.

Close Out Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, whichever comes first, recipients must submit a final FFR and final progress report detailing all accomplishments and a qualitative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

Acceptance of final reports by the agency constitutes a closeout of the award with no further notice or obligation to either party. This acceptance will indicate the period of performance has expired, and any remaining funds will be de-obligated. Records must be retained for a minimum of three years after the final reports are submitted, as described in 2 CFR 200.333

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down or reimbursed but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

G. Awarding Agency Contact Information

Contact and Resource Information

For all general questions, contact:

Keithly Jones; Senior Agricultural Economist

Hours of operation: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT

Telephone: (202) 821-2635

E-mail address: keithly.jones@usda.gov

1400 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20250-1031

Paul Trupo; Senior Director

Hours of operation: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT

Telephone: (202) 720-1335

E-mail address: paul.trupo@usda.gov

1400 Independence Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20250-1031

Inquiries will be returned within 24 working hours (3 business days). All questions must be received no later than 16 working hours (2 working days) prior to submission deadline, except the point of contact will confirm receipt of proposals upon request mailto:keithly.jones@usda.gov mailto:paul.trupo@usda.gov

H. Additional Information

1. Extensions

Extensions to this program are allowed. Applicants may request a no-cost extension in order to complete all project activities. The request must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the performance period. Requests for extensions are subject to approval.

2. Prior Approval

The Recipient shall not request reimbursement, incur costs or obligate funds for any purpose pertaining to the operation of the project, program, or activities prior to the approved Budget

Period/Performance Period.

3. Budget Revisions

a. Transfers of funds between direct cost categories in the approved budget when such cumulative transfers among those direct cost categories exceed ten percent of the total budget approved in this

Award require prior written approval.

b. The Recipient shall obtain prior written approval for any budget revision that would result in the need for additional resources/funds.

c. The Recipient is not authorized at any time to transfer amounts budgeted for direct costs to the indirect costs line item or vice versa, without prior written approval.

4. Post-award program income

In the event program income becomes available to the recipient post-award, it is the recipient’s responsibility to notify the FAS Program Manager to explain how that development occurred, as part of their request for guidance and/or approval. The Program Manager will review approval requests for program income on a case-by-case basis; approval is not automatic. Consistent with the policy and processes outlined in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, pertinent guidance, and options, as determined by the type of recipient and circumstances involved, may be approved by the Grant

Officer. If approval is granted, an award modification will be issued with an explanatory note.