USDA-NRCS-IA-23-CIG-NOFO0001243 FINAL.pdf

Conservation Innovation Grants Iowa State Program

Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)

No. USDA-NRCS-IA-23-CIG-NOFO0001243 Date Issued: March 8, 2023

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – IOWA

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-IA-23-CIG-NOFO0001243

Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listing numbers (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance (CFDA)) on Sam.gov under 10.912, Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Iowa.

A total of up to $400,000 is available for the Iowa CIG competition in FY 2023. All non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2023 is $200,000.

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 7, 2023.

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

https://sam.gov/content/home mailto:support@grants.gov

The agency anticipates making selections by May 15, 2023 and expects to execute awards by September 16, 2023. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $25,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $200,000. 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 NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/grants-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. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

https://www.cfo.gov/grants-training/

Table of Contents

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1) Legislative Authority

2) Overview

3) Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities

4) State Component

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

2. Type of Award

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Other

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. How to submit an application

2. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

3. Electronic Application Package

4. Content and Form of Application Submission

iii. Indirect Costs Limitations

5. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

6. Intergovernmental Review

7. 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. Patents, Inventions, and Copyrights

4. 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 APPENDIX D – Application Checklist APPENDIX E – Sample Commitment Letter APPENDIX F – Sample Deliverable Table

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1) Legislative Authority The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8). The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP, including CIG, to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). EQIP is funded and administered by NRCS under the authorities of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

CFDA 10.912

2) Overview The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers, into government technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. On-farm conservation research is defined as an investigation conducted to answer a specific applied conservation question using a statistically valid design while employing farm-scale equipment on farms, ranches or private forest lands.

3) Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities CIG funds the development and field testing, on-farm research and demonstration, evaluation, or implementation of:

• Approaches to incentivizing conservation adoption, including market-based and conservation finance approaches; and

• Conservation technologies, practices, and systems.

Projects or activities under CIG must comply with all applicable federal, tribal, state, and local laws and regulations throughout the duration of the project; and

• Use a technology or approach that was studied sufficiently to indicate a high probability for success;

• Demonstrate, evaluate, and verify the effectiveness, utility, affordability, and usability of natural resource conservation technologies and approaches in the field;

• Adapt and transfer conservation technologies, management, practices, systems, approaches, and incentive systems to improve performance and encourage adoption;

• Introduce proven conservation technologies and approaches to a geographic area or agricultural sector where that technology or approach is not currently in use.

Technologies and approaches that are eligible for funding in a project’s geographic area using an EQIP contract for an established conservation practice standard are ineligible for CIG funding, except where the use of those technologies and approaches demonstrates clear innovation.

4) State Component For FY 2023, NRCS accepts proposals that address one or more of the State priorities listed below.

At least 10 percent of the total funds available for CIG in FY 2023 is set aside for proposals from Historically Underserved producers, veteran farmers or ranchers, or community-based organizations comprised of or representing these entities (see Section D. 4 (f)).

If NRCS Iowa does not receive a combination of applications that allow at least 10 percent of the total awarded funding to be provided to projects substantially involving or benefitting historically underserved producers or groups of producers, funding may not be awarded to any applicant. The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of this opportunity.

CIG Priorities for FY 2023:

a. Soil Health/Climate Smart Ag Soil Health/Climate Smart Ag Management Systems (SH/CSAMS) are a collection of NRCS conservation practices that focus on maintaining or enhancing soil health by addressing all four soil health planning principles: minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover, maximize biodiversity and maximize presence of living roots, and transform systems towards green and climate resilient practices. SH/CSAMS is a specific cropping system and contains practices that treat the entire field. When applied as a system, SH/CSAMS achieves the greatest soil health benefit by creating systemwide synergistic effects. Information obtained through soil health assessments can be used to develop a SH/CSAMS to target specific identified constraints. NRCS invites proposals that support the adoption of SH/CSAMS in one or more of the following areas:

i. Evaluate and quantify the economic and water quality benefits of practices that improve soil health.

ii. Validate techniques that evaluate soil health metrics and practices.

iii. Demonstrate the economics of cover crops.

iv. Evaluate cover crop species performance in monocultures and mixes.

v. Evaluate and quantify the economic and environmental benefits of integrating managed grazing into cover crops.

vi. Evaluate and demonstrate the best management practices for managing different types of cover crops.

b. Water Quality and Quantity NRCS supports ongoing implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, projects that address impaired waters, will help implement source water protection, and projects at all scales to improve water quality. The scale and intensity of crop and livestock production in Iowa provide a myriad of challenges and opportunities related to water quality.

At the same time, increasing annual, seasonal and geographic variability of precipitation in the Midwest challenge farmers to manage cropland, grazing land and wildlife land to meet immediate economic needs and overall environmental goals.

CIG proposals must address one or more of the following water quality and/or quantity priorities:

i. Demonstrate practices that protect source water quality, including practices that protect both groundwater and surface water sources of drinking water

ii. Evaluate and quantify the economic benefits of practices that improve water quality.

iii. Demonstrate practices that improve water quality, including practices that reduce bacteria levels and that improve the biological health of waters.

iv. Demonstrate creative ways to increase farmer’s implementation of Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy practices.

v. Demonstrate and evaluate economics, soil and water quality benefits of a three-year or longer extended crop rotation.

vi. Demonstrate and evaluate economics, and soil and water quality benefits of integrating manure/nutrient management and cover crops.

c. Wildlife Habitat The vast majority of Iowa is privately owned, and most privately-owned land in Iowa is engaged in agriculture. NRCS and its partners help farmers and private landowners address wildlife habitat needs through the conservation planning process and conservation practice implementation. The same practices that improve wildlife habitat often also help improve water quality, soil conservation and other resource concerns.

Projects must address one or more of the following issues:

i. Demonstrate the environmental benefits (water quality/wildlife) of managed grazing practices.

ii. Demonstrate practices that benefit Monarch butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife.

iii. Evaluate the potential use of carbon credits in grasslands and grazing systems.

iv. Evaluate and quantify the economic and environmental benefits of converting existing row crop areas to perennial grazing systems.

v. Evaluate the potential benefits of agro-forestry/forest management to woodland health.

vi. Evaluate practices that reduce gully erosion within forest lands.

vii. Demonstrate practices that benefit pollinators within forest lands.

viii. Evaluate and demonstrate the market viability of native perennial plantings.

ix. Evaluate and demonstrate the potential benefits of silvopasture.

d. Urban Agriculture Although Iowa is a mostly rural state, some parts of the major cities do experience food insecurity due to their inability to attract chain grocers; this has limited the access to healthy, affordable food in some of these areas. Urban Agriculture expands the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs.

NRCS invites proposals that support the adoption of Urban Agriculture and represent a clear innovation in the applicability, production and/or implementation of conservation practices in the areas of:

i. Soil Health, nutrient and soil media management, and composting;

ii. Irrigation, water conservation, and rain barrels;

iii. High Tunnel Systems; and

iv. Other innovations in agricultural production that can directly impact the needs of the urban community.

e. Equity/Reaching Underserved Customers The 2023 Iowa CIG program provides special consideration to projects that provide innovative outreach activities and approaches that substantially involve or benefit historically underserved producers or groups of producers, including veterans. For the Iowa CIG, this may include outreach to the following underserved communities:

i. Historically underserved producers, including veterans; or

ii. Community-based organizations comprised of, representing, or exclusively working with historically underserved producers on a CIG project; or

iii. Development of an outreach program for innovative conservation approach or technology specifically targeting historically underserved producers’ unique needs and limitations.

iv. Development of an outreach program that includes outreach to 1890 or 1994 land grant institutions (7 U.S.C. 3222 et seq.), Hispanic-serving institutions (20 U.S.C. 1101a), or other minority-serving institutions, such as an historically Black colleges or universities (20 U.S.C.

1061), tribally controlled colleges or universities (25 U.S.C. 1801), or Asian American and Pacific Islander-serving institutions (20 U.S.C. 1059g).

Proposed projects must be performed in Iowa.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

a. Estimated Funding NRCS Iowa expects to award approximately $400,000 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 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of September 16, 2023.

c. Number of Awards The agency expects to make 0-10 award(s).

2. Type of Award

a. Type of Federal Award The agency plans to award grant agreement(s) pursuant to this opportunity.

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

c. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not 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 NFO. 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 NFO.

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 foreign individuals are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

All U.S. domestic, non-Federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Iowa. U.S. Federal agencies are not eligible to apply to this opportunity or impart their work to non-federal portion of the budget.

2. Other Any award made pursuant to this NFO 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 NFO, the agency will consider the last application submitted prior to the established deadline.

Awards made pursuant to this NFO 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 NFO 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.

a. CIG Specific Eligibility and Technical Assistance for CIG Projects Conservation Innovation Grants are Grant Agreements and as such do not provide for substantial involvement between NRCS and the grantee in carrying out the activity contemplated by the federal award. The technical assistance required to carry out a project is the responsibility of the grantee. NRCS designates an NRCS employee as a Technical Contact for each grant award. Technical contacts provide oversight activities during the project, such as site visits, reviewing performance reports, financial reports, and audits to ensure that standards, objectives, terms, and conditions for the projects are accomplished, but will not be substantially involved in carrying out the activity contemplated by the federal award.

All CIG projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers that meet EQIP’s eligibility requirements listed in 7 CFR § 1466.6(b)(1) through (3):

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2017-title7-vol10/pdf/CFR-2017-title7-vol10-sec1466-6.pdf

• Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions (7 CFR Part 12).

• Be a person, legal entity, joint operation, Indian tribe, or native corporation who is engaged in agricultural production or forestry management or has an interest in the agricultural or forestry operation as defined in 7 CFR Part 1400.

• Have control of the land involved for the term of the proposed contract period.

b. EQIP Payment Limitation and Duplicate Payments The following provisions apply to CIG funding:

• CIG funds are awarded through grant agreements. These grant agreements are not EQIP contracts; thus, CIG awards in and of themselves are not limited by the payment limitation found at section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985, 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7, which imposes a $450,000 payment limitation for all payments made to persons or legal entities under an EQIP contract entered into between FY 2019 and FY 2023.

• All agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a CIG project must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR § 1466.6(b)(1) through (3) noted above. In addition, all CIG payments are subject to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitation. All agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a CIG project must have an AGI that does not exceed $900,000. If awarded a grant, grantees must self-certify and maintain records showing that participating producers receiving payments using CIG funding meet the EQIP eligibility and AGI requirements. Section 1704 (a)(3) of the 2018 Farm Bill states the Secretary may waive the AGI limit on a case by case basis, if the Secretary determines that environmentally sensitive land of special significance would be protected as a result of such waiver. CIG grantees may request waivers once their project commences.

• Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985, 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2, prohibits duplicative payments. Accordingly, direct or indirect payments cannot be made for a practice for which an individual or legal entity has already received funds, or is contracted to receive funds through any USDA conservation program (e.g., Conservation Reserve Program, EQIP, Agricultural Management Assistance, Conservation Stewardship Program). If awarded a grant, grantees must self-certify that payments to producers using CIG funding are not duplicative.

c. Historically Underserved Producers and Veteran Farmers or Ranchers For the FY 2023 CIG award process, at least 10 percent of the total funds available for CIG are set aside for proposals from Historically Underserved producers, veteran farmers or ranchers, or community-based organizations comprised of or representing these entities. The regulatory definitions of a Historically Underserved producer and a veteran farmer or rancher may be found at 7 CFR 1466.3.

To compete for set-aside funds, the applicant must signal their intent by following the instructions in Section D. 4 (f). These applicants must meet all other requirements of this announcement, including addressing at least one CIG priority listed in this notice.

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2005-title7-vol10/CFR-2005-title7-vol10-part1400 https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2016-title7-vol10/pdf/CFR-2016-title7-vol10-sec1466-3.pdf

3. Cost Sharing or Matching This NFO requires applicants to share at least 50 percent of total project costs. Total project costs include Federal and non-Federal shares of the project. Special considerations exist for some historically underserved applications. For these special circumstances, please see Section D. 4 (f). Applications that do not include the required level of cost-sharing will be ineligible for award. Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. Recipients with unrecovered indirect costs may also use those to meet cost-sharing obligations. Funds from another Federal award cannot be used as match except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing. Refer to Section D of this NFO for information about any required submittals related to match or cost-share requirements. While the pace of cost-sharing/matching may vary throughout the award period, the agency will actively monitor cost-sharing/matching levels as it receives payment requests to ensure the total cost sharing/matching requirement is met by the award periods of performance end date. Additional details about cost sharing or matching funds/contributions are located at 2 CFR 200.306.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. How to submit an application Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (see Section D.2.).

Submissions must be received by the time and date due. Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation for submission made.

2. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

a. Overview While a Grants.gov account is not required to download an NFO 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.

For information about the Grants.gov pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle see https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html.

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.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html

Organizations must complete all steps below to register (c. Steps to Register i. through v.).

Complete organization instructions are included on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

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 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.)

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 must register with System for Award Management (SAM) to apply online 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/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

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 or refer to the detailed instructions here https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

iv. Add an Organization Applicant 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. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the UEI for the organization in the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

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.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

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/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

d. Electronic Signature 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. Please be aware that the EBiz POC and the person with AOR Role cannot be the same individual; they must be different people. 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 NFO, 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.

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/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

• 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 name, address, and 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/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

3. Electronic Application Package Applicants interested in submitting an application in response to this NFO must submit it via Grants.gov; the agency will not accept applications submitted via email or any other method.

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.

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

b. 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 17 pages, including a mandatory 1-page Cover Page, described below. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

The project narrative must cover all activities proposed to be carried out with both the Federal and non-Federal matching funds. Activities related but beyond the scope of the CIG project budget should be described in the background section only. A sample project description is posted to the CIG website a:t https://cig.sc.egov.usda.gov/.

The project description must include the following information, in this order:

i. Cover Page (1 page maximum) Applications that fail to provide a cover page will be rejected in the first stage of screening.

On a single page, provide the following information:

• The applicant entity name.

• The project title.

• The project duration in years.

• The amount of Federal funding requested.

• The amount of non-Federal cost-share committed.

• The name, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s technical contact (usually project director), this is considered the primary contact for the project by NRCS.

• The name, phone number, and email address for the applicant’s administrative contact

(usually an individual in a grants office or project manager working under a project director).

• The geographic location of the project.

• The state priority that is addressed by the project. List only one priority from Section A. 4. If the proposal addresses more than one priority, you must select a primary priority for your application to be considered under.

• An estimated number of participating producers expected to be involved with the project.

• Include a declaration if the project is competing for the historically underserved set aside (see

Section D. 4 (f) for further instructions and qualifications).

• A brief description (1–3 sentences) of the innovative conservation approach or approaches that is the focus of the project—please be concise!

• List any NRCS practice standards that this project could potentially inform (if multiple exist, select the top five), if relevant.

ii. Project Abstract (1 page maximum): Provide a concise project summary (in nontechnical language) that captures the issue or problem the project will address, the project goal, the innovative approach to be employed (including the role of participating partners), the anticipated project results and key deliverables, and the predicted impact to conservation more broadly.

https://cig.sc.egov.usda.gov/

iii. Project background: Describe the issue or problem driving the need for the proposed innovation. Provide evidence that the proposed innovation has been studied sufficiently to indicate a high probability for success.

iv. Project goal/objectives: State the main goal of the project and then outline the supporting objectives to reach this goal. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART1). Provide supporting information that describes the innovative nature of the project and how this innovation could advance the field of conservation. If the project is addressing innovation of an NRCS conservation practice standard, or proposing a new standard, state this explicitly and identify the standard.

v. Project design and methods: Describe clearly the methodology of the project and the tools or processes that will be used to implement the project. (We encourage new grant writers to consider using a logic model approach to improve clarity of this section.) For more on the logic model, see https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/logic-models/.

vi. Project evaluation: Describe the methodology used to evaluate the project and describe how results will be quantified. It should be clear to the reviewers how project objectives relate to the evaluation.

vii. Technology transfer: Describe how the results will be transferred to producers and stakeholders through communications and outreach activities.

viii. Project outcomes and benefits: Identify the expected results and outcomes of the project and the anticipated impact on conservation and society and any other benefits derived from the project. Forecast the lasting impact of project results. Identify project beneficiaries, (i.e., agricultural producers) by type, region, or sector; historically underserved producers and communities; rural communities; and/or municipalities.

ix. Project deliverables/products: Provide a list of specific deliverables and products that directly relate to the project objectives, outcomes, and benefits that will allow NRCS to monitor project progress and approve payments. The proposal must include a set of technical deliverables that reflect the performance and broader applicability of the project.

Note: In addition to project-specific deliverables, CIG grantees are responsible for:

a) Participating in at least one event (e.g., conference or workshop) during the grant period where the grantee presents on the activities of the project.

b) A final factsheet.

c) Closing event—this could be a webinar, field day, training event, etc., used to disseminate project results.

1 SMART objectives are described by several organizations. Here is an example from the Centers for Disease Control:

https://www.cdc.gov/phcommunities/resourcekit/evaluate/smart_objectives.html https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/programdevelopment/logic-models/

x. Geographic location and size of project or project area: Identify the geographic location and the estimated size and scope (e.g., acres, farm types, demographics) of the project area. Maps are recommended.

xi. EQIP-eligible producer participation: Estimate the number of EQIP eligible producers involved in the project and describe the extent of their involvement. Describe whether these producers have been identified, and if not yet identified clearly articulate the process that will be carried out to identify and attract producer participation. If competing in the set aside for historically underserved projects, include an estimate on the number of historically underserved producers scheduled to participate in the project.

xii. Project action plan and timeline: Provide a bulleted list of project actions and deliverables relative to timeframes and associated project milestones through to project completion.

Applicants should develop their timelines based on a project start date of September 16, 2023.

xiii. Project management: Give a description of how the project will be organized and managed, including a list/description of project partners. Include a description of how communication will be structured within the project team to ensure effective project management.

xiv. Graphics, including pictures, charts, graphs, and similar items count towards the 16-page maximum.

xv. References, bibliographies, and citations, if included, do not count towards the 16-page maximum.

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

c. Team Qualifications Provide brief descriptions of key technical and administrative personnel qualifications, their experience managing Federal awards, and their anticipated contributions to the project. This does not count towards the 16-page maximum. Do not include resumes or curriculum vitae (CVs). Each individual’s description should be no more than a ½ of page.

d. Assessment of Environmental Impacts.

If implementation of the proposal is anticipated to have physical, chemical, or biological impacts on the environment, please describe the impacts and their extent. The description of the potential environmental impacts must address both beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed action. The length of the description should be commensurate with the complexity of the project proposed and the natural environmental resources impacted directly, indirectly, or cumulatively. Where possible, information on environmental impacts should be quantified, such as number of acres of wetlands impacted, amount of carbon sequestration estimated, etc. Natural environmental resources include soil, water, air, plants, and animals, as well as other resources protected by law, regulation, executive order, and agency policy.

NRCS may choose not to approve funding for projects that may result in unacceptable adverse environmental impacts.

Every funded CIG project that involves ground disturbance activities is subject to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). NRCS must complete an environmental review of each awarded project before project commencement. Applicants may be required to prepare and pay for preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), should the environmental review find that an EA or EIS is required.

In addition, a National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 review and consultation by NRCS State or area office with consulting parties (such as the pertinent State Historic Preservation Officer and federally recognized Indian Tribes) may be required prior to the implementation of project activities that have the potential to impact cultural resources.

NHPA Section 106, its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800), and other related authorities, require federal agencies to determine if a project has the potential to cause an effect to historic properties and, if so, if they are adverse and how the effects may be addressed. The NHPA review and compliance in accordance with Section 106 of NHPA and implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 must be completed by NRCS and applicants may be required to pay for any cultural resource surveys needed for NRCS to assess CIG project effects. More information on the applicants role in NHPA Section 106 process can be found on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation website at https://www.achp.gov/digital-library-section-106-landing/section-106-applicant-toolkit.

e. Declaration of previous CIG projects involvement and past performance.

If the applicant has previously received a CIG award (either at the National or State levels), list the following for each award and give a short summary of the completed project’s results and impact. If the project is ongoing, provide the anticipated results. Each description should be no more than a half page:

• Project title

• CIG agreement number

• Award funding amount

• Year of award expiration

f. Declaration of Historically Underserved and veteran farmers or ranchers.

The CIG program provides special consideration to projects substantially involving or benefitting historically underserved (HU) producers or groups of producers. For the State CIG Classic component, at least 10 percent of the total funds available may be set aside for applications from:

i. An historically underserved producer;

ii. A community-based organization comprised of, representing, or exclusively working with historically underserved producers on a CIG project;

iii. An entity developing an innovative conservation approach or technology specifically targeting historically underserved producers’ unique needs and limitations; or https://www.achp.gov/digital-library-section-106-landing/section-106-applicant-toolkit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers

iv. An 1890 or 1994 land grant institution (7 U.S.C. 3222 et seq.), Hispanic-serving institution (20 U.S.C. 1101a), or other minority-serving institution, such as an historically Black college or university (20 U.S.C. 1061), a tribally controlled college or university (25 U.S.C. 1801), or Asian American and Pacific Islander-serving institution (20 U.S.C. 1059g).

An applicant seeking to apply to the HU set aside must identify as such on the cover page of their application as well as identify which HU category (i - iv) applies to their proposal. In addition, within the project narrative the project should describe how the project is designed to target the unique needs and limitations of HU producers.

Any project that applies to the HU set aside and qualifies as an organization outlined in Section D4(f) i-iv will be required to meet a match of at least 50% of their federal funding request. This comes out to about 33% of the total budget. For instance, if the federal request is $50,000, a qualifying awardee would need to provide at least $25,000 in cost share.

g. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the federal agency funds requested, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s non-federal matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project and should include the full project totals, with federal and non-federal funding separated, 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.

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