USDA-FSA-NHQ-CRP-24-NOFO0001333 CRP MAE NOFO Final 040424.pdf

Conservation Reserve Program FY24 Monitoring, Assessment, and Evaluation (MAE) Opportunity

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Conservation Reserve Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

No. USDA-FSA-NHQ-CRP-24-NOFO0001333

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) FY24 Monitoring, Assessment, and Evaluation (MAE) Opportunity

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FSA-NHQ-CRP-24-NOFO0001333

Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.069, Conservation Reserve Program, which can be found at: https://www.sam.gov/. Farm Service Agency is listed under Subtier 12D2 and the Conservation Reserve Program is listed under 10.069.

SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.

All applicants must have an active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and maintain active registration throughout the life of the award. This is the government-wide web-based system that supports all contracts, grants, and the electronic payment system. This requirement for registration may be found at 2 CFR 25.200.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

FSA is announcing the availability of cooperative agreement funding for up to $10 million to monitor, assess, and evaluate conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with the Conservation Reserve Program. Projects are expected to inform policy and/or improve delivery of the Conservation Reserve Program. For 2024, applications will be accepted from eligible entities for projects addressing at least one of the following priorities:

Ecosystem Benefits

• Assess CRP’s impact on natural resources such as climate mitigation/adaptation, wildlife habitat, water quality/quantity, and soil health.

Bottom Up, Middle Out

• Evaluate CRP’s role in strengthening farm operations’ viability and resilience. Develop program delivery strategies that improve the CRPs function to support economic growth and stability within rural communities.

Citizen Science https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.sam.gov/

• Identify ways for agricultural producers to monitor conditions on and share lessons learned from enrolled CRP acres.

Evaluating CRP in the Big Picture

• Evaluating and developing strategies of how CRP fits into a larger framework of natural resources management and conservation.

Applications will be accepted from all non-Foreign, non-Federal entities (see Section C-Eligible Applicants). Projects may be between 1 and 5 years in duration. The minimum amount for an award is $500,000, while the maximum amount for an award is $5 million.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the MAE website (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index) to learn more about the MAE program and past projects.

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 31, 2024.

For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

For inquiries specific to the content of the NOFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NOFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NOFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

The agency anticipates making selections by July 12, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The funding floor for this opportunity is $500,000, and the funding ceiling is $5 million. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded.

The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded.

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

Federal Financial Assistance Training

The funding available through this NOFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index mailto:support@grants.gov available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/. It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles;

and 5) risk management and single audit. Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) agencies such as FSA also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/

Table of Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

2. Type of Award

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Other

3. Match

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

2. Electronic Application Package

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

b. Indirect Costs Limitations

4. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

3. Administrative and Risk Criteria

4. Awards Over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (if applicable)

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT

H. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX A - Instructions for Completing SF424 APPENDIX B – Instructions for Completing SF424A APPENDIX C – Budget Narrative Guidance

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are Sec. 1231 et seq. of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3831-3845.

CRP is a Federally funded voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to convert marginal or environmentally sensitive cropland to a perennial cover of grass, forbs, shrubs, and/or trees, or to safeguard high value grazing land from conversion to other uses. Contracts generally last 10 to 15 years, and program participants receive annual payments, cost-share assistance, and sometimes additional incentives.

CRP generates significant conservation benefits and plays a major role in achieving USDA’s strategic goals, including combatting climate change, improving agricultural resilience, and expanding economic opportunities for rural communities. Conservation practices undertaken by CRP participants enhance soil health and minimize erosion, contribute to aquifer recharge and water quality improvement, restore critical wildlife habitat, and sequester carbon. In addition, the payments associated with CRP contribute to the development of a more robust and equitable rural economy.

In order to ensure that CRP continues to be an effective tool for achieving USDA’s goals, FSA engages with subject matter experts on a portfolio of MAE projects. These projects quantify the benefits of CRP enrollment and generate the knowledge base that informs CRP policy and program delivery, allowing the program to improve over time and adapt to changing needs and priorities.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the MAE website at (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index) to learn more about the MAE program and past projects.

Project Topics:

Ecosystem Benefits

• Assess CRP’s impact on natural resources such as climate mitigation/adaptation, wildlife habitat, water quality/quantity, and soil health.

Bottom Up, Middle Out

• Evaluate CRP’s role in strengthening farm operations’ viability and resilience. Develop program delivery strategies that improve the CRPs function to support economic growth and stability within rural communities.

Citizen Science https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/economic-and-policy-analysis/natural-resources-analysis/mae-reports-and-articles/index

• Identify ways for agricultural producers to monitor conditions on and share lessons learned from enrolled CRP acres.

Evaluating CRP in the Big Picture

• Evaluating and developing strategies of how CRP fits into a larger framework of natural resources management and conservation.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

a. Estimated Funding The Federal funding agency has available up to $10 million through this opportunity.

However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

b. Start Dates and Performance Periods Projects may be between 1 and 5 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of September 30, 2024.

c. Number of Awards The number of awards the agency expects to make is subject to funding availability.

2. Type of Award

a. Type of Federal Award The agency plans to award cooperative agreements, pursuant to this opportunity. The agency will be substantially involved in the work performed under the agreements and will undertake activities such as the following:

i. Authority to suspend work if specifications or work statements are not met

ii. Review and approval of one stage of work before another may begin

iii. Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed subawards or contracts beyond existing Federal policy

iv. Agency and recipient collaboration or joint participation

v. Project monitoring to permit specified kinds of direction or redirection of the work because of interrelationships with and impacts on other projects

vi. Highly prescriptive agency requirements that limit recipient discretion

vii. Review and approval of key personnel

viii. Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity

b. Procurement Contracts The agency does not expect to award procurement contracts associated with this NOFO.

c. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal means an application submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this NOFO. An application for supplementation of an existing project means an application to add components to an existing agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NOFO.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant type is determined by the implementing program statute. Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted, or excluded from receiving Federal contracts and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program (2 CFR 200.206(d)). Neither foreign entities nor individuals are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types:

i. City or township governments

ii. County governments

iii. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

iv. Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally-recognized tribal governments)

v. Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

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

vii. Private institutions of higher education

viii. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

ix. Small businesses

x. Special district governments

xi. State governments

xii. Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

2. Other

Any award made pursuant to this NOFO will be made to a single entity. Applicants that apply as “partnerships” or other similar groupings must clearly describe the relationship between the applicant and the “partner” parties. In all but exceptional cases, it must be reflected in the award as an awardee/sub awardee relationship.

An applicant organization may submit more than one application for different projects or proposing different approaches. In the case of applications submitted as revisions or corrections to a previously submitted application under this NOFO, the agency will consider the last application submitted prior to the established deadline.

Awards made pursuant to this NOFO are not Farm Bill incentive contracts; therefore, the awards in and of themselves are not limited by the payment limitation in 16 USC Chapter 58.

However, any agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a project awarded under this NOFO must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR Part 12 and 7 CFR Part 1400 and have control of the land involved for the term of the proposed award period.

3. Match

There is no match requirement for this opportunity. There is no competitive advantage to applicants who voluntarily provide a match.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

a. Overview

While a Grants.gov account is not required to download an NOFO and related documents, it is required to submit an application. If your organization has never submitted an application via Grants.gov, please be aware that there are several steps you must take to register your organization before you can submit an application.

Completing those steps can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.

b. Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Carefully review the registration steps and gather information requested prior to beginning the registration process to avoid last-minute searches for required information. For assistance with the registration process, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Organizations must complete all steps to register (steps i. through v. below). Complete organization instructions are included on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/.

Although creating a Grants.gov account online can take only minutes, SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, organizations should begin the process early to ensure they have sufficient time to complete registration and meet required application submission deadlines.

Individuals (those submitting on their own behalf) are not subject to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or SAM requirement and may begin with step iii., Create a Grants.gov Account, listed below. (Note: Individuals are not eligible for all opportunities.)

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

c. Steps to Register

i. Obtain a UEI: All entities applying for funding must have a UEI issued by SAM.gov.

Applicants must enter the UEI in the data entry field labeled "UEI" on the SF-424 form.

ii. Register with SAM: All organizations (entities) must register with System for Award Management (SAM) to apply online through Grants.gov. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. Part of the SAM registration process includes designating an Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). The EBiz POC plays an integral part in the organization’s Grants.gov registration and application process. The individual in that role must authorize all other roles in Grants.gov. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/

iii. Create a Grants.gov Account: From the Grants.gov webpage (https://www.grants.gov/), click “Register” in the top right-hand corner and follow the on-screen instructions.

iv. Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant submitting on their own behalf. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations, you can have a profile for each organization under one Grants.gov account. In such cases you can log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant profiles. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI for the organization in the UEI field. If you are an individual applicant submitting on your own behalf, you do not need a UEI to add the profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/add-profile

v. EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, you must establish roles for individuals in the organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role is critical; it gives an individual permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. Without this role, the organization cannot submit any applications. The request for role assignment will be routed to the organization’s EBiz POC for approval. Once approved, the AOR can submit an application online.

For more detailed instructions about creating a EBiz POC authorized profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles

Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status

d. Electronic Signature https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/add-profile https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ebiz-poc-authorizes-profile-roles https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status

When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role. This step (step c.v. above) is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

e. Workspace.

Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace. An applicant can start an application in Workspace and return to work on it later within Workspace.

Applicants using unreliable internet connections should be aware that the process of completing the Workspace can take some time. Therefore, applicants should allow enough time to prepare and submit the application before the package closing date.

f. Apply for an Opportunity

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/

i. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete an application online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

ii. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the status of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

• Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

• Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

• 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 https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/workspace-overview/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility

UEI. Once it is completed, the information will transfer (i.e., prepopulate) to the other forms.

iii. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the “Forms” tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

iv. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the “Applicants” tab or the “Details” tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training

2. Electronic Application Package

Applicants interested in submitting an application in response to this NOFO must submit it via Grants.gov; the agency will not accept applications submitted via email or any other method. No exceptions will be made for applicants experiencing issues with Grants.gov unless a known system wide Grants.gov issue is identified, in which case the deadline will be extended for all applicants, as appropriate. Applicants are urged to submit early to the Grants.gov system.

For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518- 4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

Address to Request Application Package All information necessary to apply for this opportunity is included in the Grants.gov opportunity announcement.

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

The agency may choose not to consider applications that fail to comply with the required content, format, and page limits, or those that are incomplete. Do not submit video files or files larger than 10MB. File names of attachments must be limited to 50 characters, may not include special characters (e.g., &,–,*,%,/,#), periods (.), blank spaces or accent marks, and must be unique (i.e., no other attachment may have the same file name). An underscore (example: my_Attached_File.pdf) may be used to separate a file name.

Attachments must NOT be password protected.

Applications must contain the content, format, and information set forth in this section to receive consideration for funding. Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on the part of FSA or others as to the relative merits of the project described in the application.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training http://www.grants.gov/

Note that this project(s) is Commodity Credit Corporation funded under CRP technical assistance and exempt from Paperwork Reduction Act requirements (16 U.S.C. 3846).

To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain the documents in a-i below.

a. Application Form

Complete the Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance. See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the appendices section.

b. Cover Page (1 page maximum)

Upload the cover page under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

Applicants that fail to provide a cover page will be rejected in the first stage of screening. On a single page, provide the following information in the order outlined:

A. The applicant organization name.

B. The project title (40-character limit).

C. The project duration in years.

D. The amount of federal funding requested.

E. The name, title, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s program contact. This individual, typically the project director, provides direct supervision and day-to-day oversight of the project.

F. The name, title, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s administrative contact. This individual, typically in a grants office or working under the project director, is responsible for financial reporting and other administrative functions.

G. The geographic location of the project; be sure to list all states where on-the-ground activities will be conducted if applicable.

H. The priority that is addressed in the project. List only one priority from Section A (Program Description); if the proposal addresses more than one priority, you must select a primary priority.

I. An estimated number of study sites and project participants (known or unknown) expected to be involved with the project, if applicable.

J. A brief description (240 characters or less) of the project.

K. If relevant, list any CRP practices (CP1, CP2, CP3, etc.), or specific policies that this project could potentially inform (if multiple exist, select the top five).

c. Project Abstract (1 page maximum)

Provide a concise project summary (in nontechnical language) that captures the issue or problem that the project will address, the project goal, the innovative approach to be employed (including the role of the project collaborators and participants), the anticipated project results and key deliverables including how project results will inform CRP policy and/or improve program delivery.

d. Project Narrative

Each page must be numbered and have one-inch margins. The text of the project narrative must be single spaced and typed in a standard typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Courier) with no smaller than 12-point font. The project narrative must not exceed 10 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

The project narrative must include the following information in order:

• Project background. Describe the issue or problem. Include those who will be affected by and benefit from the project.

• Project objectives and methods. Be specific, using qualitative and quantitative measures, if possible, to describe the project's purpose and goals.

• Project action plan and timeline. Provide a table listing project actions, timeframes, associated milestones, and evaluation methods through project completion.

Applicants should develop their timelines based on a project start date of September 30, 2024.

• Geographic location and size of project or project area. Identify the geographic location and the relative size and scope (e.g., number of states, acres, and demographics, etc.) of the project area. Provide a map if possible.

• Project management. Give a detailed description of how the project will be organized and managed, including a list/description of project partners, why they were chosen, and how they will contribute to the success of the project. Include a list of key technical and administrative personnel, their relevant education or experience, and their anticipated contributions to the project.

• Project deliverables. Provide a list of specific deliverables that will allow FSA to monitor progress and payment.

• Evaluation plan. Describe how project impacts will be tracked, monitored, and evaluated.

• Expected benefits/results and transferability. Identify the results and benefits derived from the project and how the results will inform CRP policy and/or improve program delivery. Identify project beneficiaries by type, region, or sector (e.g., beginning, veteran and historically underserved producers and rural communities) Explain how these entities will benefit. Describe how the results will be communicated to others via outreach activities. Forecast the lasting impacts of project results.

• References, bibliographies, and citations, if included, do not count towards the 10-page maximum.

The following documents do not count toward the above stated page limit.

e. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project and should include the full project totals on pages one and two. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the appendices section.

Refer to Section D of this opportunity for information regarding indirect costs. Errors in the SF-424A with regard to classifying costs may be negotiated after selection.

f. Budget Narrative

In a separate document titled “Budget Narrative,” explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. (Refer to the budget narrative guidance located in the appendices section.) Detail how the totals on the SF-424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the agency’s approval and estimate its cost. The pages included as the budget narrative to not count toward the page limit. Errors in the budget narrative with regard to classifying costs may be negotiated after selection. Refer to the Budget Narrative Guidance located at the end of this document regarding procurement standards when including contracts for goods or services. Sole-source contracting is prohibited without proper justification. See Procurement Standards located at 2 CFR 200.317-327.

i. Build America, Buy American. “Buy America” preference applies to Federal financial assistance awards that include construction components, even if it is funded by both Federal and non-Federal funds under the award. Subawards should conform to the terms and conditions of the Federal award from which they flow. A Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to a construction project. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions for additional information:

https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html

ii. Indirect Costs Recovery. If requesting indirect costs, provide the calculation specifying the amounts used in applying the base (the base specified in the applicable rate agreement) by the applicable rate. The calculation can be displayed in different formats but must capture the components (i.e., amounts used in determining the base and the rate applied to the base).

A. To be eligible to recover any indirect costs 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; or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f) and described below. For-profit entities (if eligible to apply) must obtain a NICRA from their cognizant agency.

USDA will not accept an indirect cost agreement that is not a NICRA, for https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html example, those negotiated or approved by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the Defense Contract Management Agency.

A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application (see section D(3)(i)). Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA. For applicants negotiating a NICRA, provide a copy of the indirect cost rate proposal submitted to the cognizant agency. See section D(3)(h) below for how to submit a NICRA as part of the application.

B. Any non-Federal entity (except State and local governments that receive more than $35 million per year in Federal funding) that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate, simply indicate in your budget narrative that the recipient elects to use the de minimis rate. Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

C. As described in 2 CFR 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time.

D. A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency.

iii. Indirect Costs Limitations

A. In accordance with USDA’s annual appropriations act, indirect costs will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total direct costs for non-profit organizations or institutions of higher education that receive a cooperative or contribution agreement. Other types of entities are not subject to this statutory limitation. An applicant subject to the statutory limitation with a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs as follows. First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10 percent by the total of all direct costs to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the amount of indirect cost to include on the budget.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.403

B. Applicants not subject to a statutory limitation, which have a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA.

C. Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

D. Applicants who are individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Refer to the Budget Narrative Guidance located in the appendices section for information about making contract vs. subaward determinations.

g. Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 2 CFR Part 418, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

h. Applicant Contact Information

Provide contact information for the roles identified in the Applicant Contact Information template, located in the “Related Documents” tab of the opportunity. Upload the contact information under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

i. Statement of Current and Pending Support

Submit a Statement of Current and Pending Support for each key personnel who will participate in the project. For your convenience, a template is available for your use in in the “Related Documents” tab of the opportunity. Upload the document under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

j. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, must be submitted only if you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying. See 2 CFR 418.110 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

k. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable

If charging indirect costs using a NICRA (including for cost share), upload the NICRA under Other Attachments (listed as an Optional Form) in the Grants.gov Opportunity Application Package.

l. Letters of Support

Letters of support are not required and should not be submitted.

m. Letters of Intent

Letters of intent are not required and should not be submitted.

n. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

In accordance with 2 CFR 400.2, applicants must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the performance of its employees in the selection, award, and administration of Federal awards. No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties referenced, has a financial or other interest in, or a tangible personal benefit from, an applicant considered for a Federal award. The standards of conduct must provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the applicant.

If the applicant has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a state, local government, or Indian tribe, the applicant must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Organizational conflict of interest means that because of the relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the applicant is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a Federal award action involving a related organization.

Applicants must disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest to the USDA awarding agency or pass-through entity. Include the name of the individual, the name of the entity with which the individual has a conflict, the nature of the financial or other interest, the value of the interest, a description of how the interest relates to your application. Upload disclosures under Other Attachments (listed separately under Optional Forms) in Grants.gov. If no conflict exists, no submission is required.

o. Post Award Documentation

N/A

p. Unique entity identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier 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 agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the agency is ready to make an award, it 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.

Entities must obtain a UEI and register in SAM prior to registering with Grants.gov. A description of each is below. Entities are strongly encouraged to apply early for their SAM registration.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: To register, go to:

https://www.sam.gov. The Federal Service Desk is available for registration assistance and can be contacted via the “Help” tab at the website listed above.

Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding UEI or SAM issues.

4. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

Applicants must submit applications via Grants.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) by the established due date in the Key Dates section of the Summary Information of this NOFO. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. An application submitted or resubmitted after the deadline is late (an application is considered on time at 11:59.59 pm ET, but it is late at 12:00 am ET). Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered.

Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process; be patient and give the system time to process the application.

The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive:

• an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov

• an email with the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number serving as proof of timely submission.

When the agency successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will also provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

If you have trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any issues. See Section D. 2. for Grants.gov contact information.

https://www.sam.gov/

Applicants using unreliable internet connections should be aware that the process of completing the Workspace can take some time. Therefore, applicants should allow enough time to prepare and submit the application before the package closing date.

5. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” When completing the SF-424, check block C, “Program is not covered by E.O. 13272.”

6. Funding Restrictions

Funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise permitted by law and approved in writing by the agency in advance of incurring such costs:

a. Profit and management fees. Any funds awarded to for-profit entities must be used for reimbursement of award related direct and indirect costs only.

b. Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project.

c. Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the award, including time spent applying for this opportunity.

d. Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and amendments thereto.

e. Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives.

f. Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of project activities.

g. Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional compensation to the employee.

h. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, buildings, and land and for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life. See 2 CFR 200.439 for additional information.

i. Meals may be charged to an award only if they are necessary for the performance of the project. For instance, meals (normally only lunch) that are a necessary part of the costs of meetings and conferences (i.e., required attendance and continuity of a meeting), the primary purpose of which is the dissemination of information, are allowable, as are costs of transportation, rental of facilities, speakers’ fees, and other items incidental to such meetings or conferences. Note: Meals consumed while in official travel status do not fall in this category. They are considered to be per diem expenses and should be reimbursed in accordance with the organization’s established travel policies subject to statutory limitations or in accordance with Federal travel policies.

j. Costs normally charged as indirect costs may not be charged as direct costs without proper justification and agency approval. Proper justification includes documentation that the costs meet the criteria for allowability (see 2 CFR 200.403).

Examples of such costs include rent, utilities, depreciation on buildings and equipment, the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, and general https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=43998412b2085db150f66a3e62296ad8&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1413 administration and general expenses, such as the salaries and expenses of executive officers, personnel administration, and accounting.

k. Salaries that are not commensurate with level of work. All costs must be reasonable to be allowable (2 CFR 200.403), and 2 CFR 200.404 defines a reasonable cost as one if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the cost. Salaries determined not to be reasonable compared to the level of work will be unallowable.

l. Software produced by non-domestic entities. Project budgets must not include costs (both Federal costs and cost-share) for software developed by non-domestic entities if it will be utilized by the Federal government or hosted on Federal systems.

m. Refer to Section D. iii. for applicable indirect cost restrictions, if any.

This list is not exhaustive. For additional information please refer to 2 CFR Part 200, subpart E, Cost Principals.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete, noncompliant, and/or applications not meeting the formatting criteria may be eliminated from competition. In that event, the agency will send notification of elimination to the applicant. The agency intends to select and award without conducting any discussions or allowing applicants to correct deficiencies or omissions in their applications. Consequently, applicants must ensure their applications are complete and accurate. However, while the agency intends to select without contacting applicants, it reserves the right to request applicants to revise their applications to correct deficiencies or omissions it identifies. If this occurs, the agency will conduct discussions with all applicants, identify deficiencies and omissions for all, and give applicants an opportunity to submit a revised application by a common cut-off date. The agency may also contact individual applicants to clarify certain components of their applications.

a. Merit/technical reviews will be conducted by a technical review board nominated by the approving official. Risk reviews will be conducted by the FPAC Business Center, Grants and Agreements Division.

b. The approving official will make the final award decisions.