USDA-NRCS-MS-MULTI-NOFO0001420.pdf

Mississippi Conservation Delivery for Outreach, Education and Technical Assistance

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Mississippi Conservation Delivery for Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) No. USDA-NRCS-MS-MULTI-NOFO0001420

Table of Contents

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Federal Awarding Agency Name

2. Announcement Type

3. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number

4. Assistance Listing

5. Funding Details

6. Key Dates

7. Executive Summary

8. Contact Information

9. Training

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Other Eligibility Considerations

3. Cost Sharing

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

1. Pre-Applications and Letters of Intent

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

3. Administrative Review and Risk Criteria

G. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS (ADMINISTRATIVE & NATIONAL POLICY)

I. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

2. Government Obligation

3. Award Counterparts

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Federal Awarding Agency Name

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title: Mississippi Conservation Delivery for Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance

2. Announcement Type

Initial Announcement

3. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number

USDA-NRCS-MS-MULTI-NOFO0001420

4. Assistance Listing

This opportunity is included under 10.902, 10.912, 10.924, and 10.931, searchable at:

https://sam.gov/content/home.

5. Funding Details

The amount of Federal funding expected to be available for award(s) is $8,000,000.

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

This opportunity is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2025. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The agency expects to make 25 award(s).

The agency expects the amount of each award to range from $50,000 to $999,999.

Applicants should propose projects between 1 and 5 years in duration. Plan projects based on an estimated project start date of September 1, 2025.

6. Key Dates

Application deadline: Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 16, 2025.

The agency anticipates making selections by April 15, 2025, and expects to execute awards by July 15, 2025. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

7. Executive Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking support from natural resource conservation partners to work together to help enhance conservation delivery in the State of Mississippi.

The overall intent of this announcement is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the https://sam.gov/content/home implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined further in this document.

Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities delivering conservation programs and services in Mississippi for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one (1) and five (5) years in duration. NRCS anticipates the amount of funding available for this announcement will be approximately $8,000,000 which may be awarded to multiple recipients. Proposed projects must be performed in the State of Mississippi.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant applications may be eliminated from competition and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Mississippi State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications. NRCS will accept applications under this notice for single or multiyear applications submitted by eligible entities.

8. Contact Information

Grants.gov issues - Contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

For all other questions, email FPAC-BC Grants and Agreements Division (GAD):

Email: erick.purifoy@usda.gov with a copy to NFO.FPAC@USDA.GOV Subject line of email: USDA-NRCS-MS-MULTI-NOFO0001420 Name: Erick Purifoy, Grants Management Specialist, FPAC Business Center (FPAC-BC)

The agency will not address questions about a potential applicant’s eligibility nor the merits of a specific proposal.

To protect the integrity of the competitive process, applicants must not contact agency program staff with questions; contact GAD staff as directed above.

Subscribe to receive correspondence issued by GAD. Topics may highlight award-management issues, announce implementation of new policies or procedures, provide guides and tools for applying for awards, etc. To subscribe, visit https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USDA

FARMERS_4170

9. Training

Applicants can access highly recommended, free Grants 101 Training via https://www.cfo.gov/coffa/training-coffa/. The training consists of five modules: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit.

mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:NFO.FPAC@USDA.GOV https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USDAFARMERS_4170 https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFARMERS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USDAFARMERS_4170 https://www.cfo.gov/coffa/training-coffa/

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

The following entity types are eligible to apply

a. City or township governments

b. County governments

c. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

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

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

f. Private institutions of higher education

g. Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

h. Small businesses

i. Special district governments

j. State governments

The following applicants are considered ineligible:

• Foreign organizations and foreign public entities

• “Partnerships” or other similar groupings (i.e., application must be submitted by a single entity; a partner may serve as a subrecipient).

• Individuals

2. Other Eligibility Considerations

Application Eligibility Considerations:

• Applications must meet submission requirements in section E.

o For new users of Grants.gov, see section E.2. of this document for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.

• If the agency determines more than one version or substantially the same application has been submitted, the agency will only consider the last application submitted prior to the established deadline for purposes of the competition.

• An applicant organization may submit more than one application for different projects or proposing different approaches.

Awards Eligibility Considerations:

• The agency will make awards only o to a single entity o for projects selected following the competitive review process (see section F.2.)

o for projects that meet any specified cost share requirement (see item 3 of this section) o to entities that:

meet the eligibility criteria (see section B.) by the application deadline (see section A.6.)

are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal awards ((2 CFR 200.206(d)) have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration

(2 CFR part 25) the agency does not determine poses an unacceptable risk related to proper management of a Federal award (2 CFR 200.206)

• Awards are not Farm Bill incentive contracts and therefore, not limited by the payment limitation in 16 USC Chapter 58.

Project Participant/Agricultural Producers Eligibility Considerations:

• Any producer receiving a payment through participation in a funded project must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR Parts 12 and 1400 and have control of the land involved for the period of performance.

• Any producer receiving a payment through participation in a funded project is subject to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitation. In addition, they must have an AGI that does not exceed $900,000. If provided an award, the Recipient must self-certify and maintain records showing that participating producers receiving payments using Federal funding meet the 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. Awardees 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 provided an award, the recipient must self-certify that payments to producers using Federal funding are not duplicative.

3. Cost Sharing

There is no cost sharing requirement for this opportunity. If cost-share is included in an application, it will not be considered during the competitive review process.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/browse/prelim@title16/chapter58&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-A/part-1400

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are:

Soil and Water Conservation: 16 U.S.C. 590a-590f, 590q, 7 CFR part 610, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169 (No. 10.902)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program: 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-3839aa-9, 7 CFR part 1466, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169 (No. 10.912)

Conservation Stewardship Program: 16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21 et seq, 7 CFR part 1470, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169 (No. 10.924)

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program: 16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq., 7 CFR Part 1468, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169 (No. 10.931)

Conservation partners are invited to apply for NRCS assistance with projects focused on the following key conservation objectives:

‐ Climate Smart Agriculture: To provide technical assistance, outreach and education to landowners on innovative ways to assist with transforming agri‐food systems towards climate resilient practices. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to managing cropland, pastureland, forestland, and fisheries that address the challenges of food security and climate change. It aims to tackle three main objectives: sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes; adapting and building resilience to climate change; and reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions across Mississippi; determine key partners and other potential target audiences that share the Climate Smart mission and determine the impact of current outreach/educational efforts.

‐ Easement Program Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to private landowners seeking to participate in NRCS easement programs, such as the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program‐Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP‐WRE). Added staff capacity will provide technical assistance addressing critical conservation needs such as, but not limited to, program education and outreach, servicing applications‐eligibility and ranking, development of wetland restoration plans, easement acquisition services including title and closing service and survey procurement and review, easement management and follow‐up, assisting with assessment and development of compatible use authorizations, and easement monitoring.

‐ Conservation Outreach: Promote public awareness of NRCS programs such as soil health, sustainable agricultural practices and best forestry management conservation practices; and increase participation in NRCS programs and services by socially disadvantaged, limited resource, women, veterans and beginning farmers and ranchers in Mississippi.

‐ Organic and Specialty Workshops: Provide learning opportunities to educate agricultural producers who are following or considering the use of organics or transitioning to organic cropping systems for vegetables, fruits, specialty crops, produce and non‐traditional agricultural production efforts in Mississippi. Examples include:

voluntary landowner supported efforts to educate producers about implementation of organic farming techniques and improve understanding of organic labeling, marketing and production benefits.

Proposed projects must be performed in the state of Mississippi.

The agency will be substantially involved in the work performed under the agreement and will undertake activities such as the following:

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

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

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

d. Agency and recipient collaboration or joint participation

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

f. Review and approval of key personnel

g. Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity.

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

1. Pre-Applications and Letters of Intent

This NOFO does not require pre-applications or letters of intent; do not submit a pre-application or a letter of intent.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Notes:

• Form instructions and any available templates are provided in the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide available in the Related Documents tab of the Grants.gov Application Package on Grants.gov. Instructions provided in this NOFO will reference guidance as appropriate in the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain the documents identified below.

Document Instructions

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) see section V.2.*

Project Narrative Attachment Form see section V.3.*

Project Abstract see section V.4*

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) see section V.5.*

Budget Narrative Attachment Form see section V.6.*

Other Attachments Form

• Current and Pending Support

• GADSUM9, Applicant Contact(s) Information

• NICRA, as applicable see section V.7.* see section V.7.1* see section V.7.2* see section V.7.3.*

Attachments

• Subawards, as applicable

• Conflict of Interest, as applicable see section V.8.* see section V.8.2*

Grants.gov Lobbying Form see section VI.9.*

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) see section VI.10.*

*Applicable section of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide

a. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) See section V.2. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

b. Project Narrative Attachment Form

• The following instructions are in addition to those included in section V.3. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• The Project Narrative is subject to the attachment requirements noted in section III.2.1 of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• The Project Narrative must not exceed 5 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

i. Project Summary/Abstract (2 page maximum). Submit a description including the information below:

• Project title

• Primary area that application pertains to as described in Section A

• Project director(s)/contact name(s) and contact(s) information (email and telephone number

• Project objectives (purpose and goals)

• Project geographic area/location (where application activities will take place)

• Project proposed activities

• Project deliverables and benefits

ii. Project Description (5 page maximum). Include the following information:

• Project background: Describe the issue or problem. Include the geographic area and those who will be affected and benefit from this project.

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

• Project action plan and timeline: Provide a list of project actions, timeframes, and associated milestones through project completion.

• Geographic location and size of project or project area: Identify the geographic location and the relative size and scope (e.g., acres, farm types, demographics, etc.) of the project area.

• Project management: Give a detailed description of how the project will be organized and managed, including a list/description of project partners. Include a list of key technical and administrative personnel, their relevant education or experience, and their anticipated contributions to the project. Resumes and Curriculum

Vitae are not required, and if submitted will count towards the 5‐page maximum.

• Project deliverables/products: Provide a list of specific deliverables and products that will allow NRCS to monitor progress and payment.

• Benefits or results expected and transferability: Identify the results and benefits derived from the project. Identify project beneficiaries and explain how these entities will benefit. Describe how the results will be communicated to others and forecast the lasting impact of project results.

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

Declaration of previous projects and Past Performance

If the applicant has previously received an award (either at the National or State levels), list the following for each award and give a short summary of the completed project’s outcomes. If the project is ongoing, provide the anticipated outcomes.

Each description should be no more than a half page:

• Project title

• Agreement number (Federal Award Identifying Number)

• Award funding amount

• Year of award expiration

Is this same proposal being submitted for another active funding opportunity?

If yes, identify it in the pending section of the Current and Pending Support document. Response do not affect the competitive selection process (see section f., Other Attachments).

c. Project Abstract

See section V.4. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

d. Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)

See section V.5. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

e. Budget Narrative

• The following instructions are in addition to those included in section V.6. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• The Budget Narrative is subject to the attachment requirements noted in section III.2.1 of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• Indirect Cost Limitation for Non-Profit Organizations or Institutions of Higher Educations That Receive a Cooperative or Contribution Agreement - In accordance with USDA’s annual appropriations act, indirect costs will be limited to no more than 10 percent of total direct costs that receive a cooperative or contribution agreement. See section V.6. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions on how to determine the allowable indirect costs when a statutory limitation is applicable.

• Cost Sharing- Refer to section B.3. of this NOFO to determine applicability. If applicable, include details following budget narrative instructions (see section V.6. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide).

f. Other Attachments

• See section V.7. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• Current and Pending Support- See section V.7.1 of the FPAC-BC

Grants.gov Application Guide for link to available template and instructions.

• GADSUM9, Applicant Contact(s) Information – See section V.7.2 of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for link to available template and instructions.

• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) - See section V.7.3 of the FPAC- BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

g. Attachments

• See section V.8. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• Subawards – if the organization intends to have subawards, see section V.8.1 of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

• Letters of Support - Do not submit letters of support; they are not required.

• Conflicts of Interest – see section j. of this part for further information.

h. Grants.gov Lobbying Form

See section V.9. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

i. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See section V.10. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide for instructions.

j. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

2 CFR 400.2 states that 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400/section-400.2 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, and a description of how the interest relates to the application. Upload disclosures under Other Attachments (listed separately under Optional Forms) in Grants.gov. If no conflict exists, no submission is required.

k. Post Submission and Post Award Documentation During the administrative review process (refer to section F.3. of this NOFO), it may be necessary to request further documentation from the applicant (e.g., organizational information as part of the risk assessment, more detail regarding proposed costs, revised documents).

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

1. Grants.gov Applications

• Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

• Grants.gov is a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities.

• All forms to prepare and submit an application are available through the funding opportunity on Grants.gov.

2. Grants.gov Requirements and General Guidance

Grants.gov has requirements (e.g., registration and software) that must be met ahead of being able to submit an application using Grants.gov. Refer to section II.1. of the FPAC-BC Grants.gov Application Guide.

• Applications must be received by Grants.gov by 11:59.59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the established due date (see section A.6.); an application is considered late at 12:00 am ET and will be rejected.

• If the Apply button in the opportunity is not active (greyed out), see Unlock the Mystery of the Gray “Apply” Button: Four Scenarios. – Grants.gov Community Blog (wordpress.com) for possible scenarios.

• Grants.gov automatically records proof of submission by way of an electronic date/time stamp when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov.

• Grants.gov will send an email to the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) submitting an application when:

o an error prevents the transmission of the application o an application is successfully received by Grants.gov o the agency retrieves and downloads the application from

Grants.gov and download of submissions

• For trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:%7E:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%20the%20close%20date mailto:support@grants.gov

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

The following applications will be accepted for the competitive review process:

• received by the established deadline

• meet eligibility criteria

• contains the applicable documents identified in section D.2.

• compliant with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete, noncompliant, and/or applications not meeting the formatting criteria may be eliminated from competition.

Applicants that do not meet the above criteria will be ineligible for consideration. The agency will send notification of elimination to applicants not meeting the above criteria.

A merit/technical review will be conducted by a technical review board.

The agency plans to select reviewers based on their training and experience in relevant fields, considering the following factors:

• the level of relevant formal experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant activities.

• the need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant fields.

• the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

Risk reviews will be conducted by the FPAC-BC, Grants and Agreements Division (GAD). The approving official will make the final award decisions. The approving official for this opportunity is the NRCS Mississippi State Conservationist.

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria. The proposal(s) that achieve the highest technical evaluation score while maintaining a reasonable budget will be considered for funding.

(0‐20 points): Addresses one or more of Mississippi NRCS conservation objectives.

• Begin by aligning your project with specific NRCS conservation goals, such as improving soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, or erosion control.

• Provide evidence of how your project will contribute to these objectives, either through direct benefits or by supporting related initiatives.

(0‐10 points): Provides for direct technical assistance to NRCS customers.

• Explain how your project will engage directly with NRCS customers, such as farmers, ranchers, or landowners.

• Highlight the types of technical support you will provide (e.g., consultations, site assessments, resource planning) and how it will help improve conservation practices.

(0‐25 points): Objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and contain a timeline for completion.

• Clearly define the project’s objectives using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound).

• For example, “Reduce soil erosion on 50 acres of agricultural land by 20% within 12 months” provides a specific goal with measurable impact and a clear timeline.

• Ensure all objectives are realistic given the available resources and outline the steps necessary to achieve each one.

(0‐15 points): Clearly describes project activities.

• Provide a detailed description of the activities to be undertaken during the project.

• Break down the steps or actions involved, such as site evaluations, technical assessments, workshops, or equipment installations.

• Be clear about the roles and responsibilities for each activity.

(0‐5 points): Describes staffing or project and brief staff job descriptions.

• Identify the key personnel involved in the project and provide brief descriptions of their qualifications and roles.

• If applicable, explain the skills each staff member brings to the project and how their expertise will contribute to achieving the project goals.

(0‐20 points): Budget is adequately explained and justified.

• Provide a detailed budget that includes costs for staff, materials, travel, equipment, and any other relevant expenses.

• Justify each budget item by explaining why it is necessary for the project’s success.

• Include both direct and indirect costs and demonstrate that the funding requested is proportional to the scope and scale of the project.

(0‐15 points): Presents a reasonable scope of activities that can be conducted within the budget, time and resources of the program.

• Ensure that the project scope is realistic given the budget, time frame, and resources available.

• Avoid over-promising by matching the scope of activities to what can realistically be achieved with the resources at hand.

(0‐15 points): Demonstrates ability/experience in managing Federal agreements or support from an organization with such ability/experience that commits that organization to provide agreement management assistance in the event the proposal is selected for funding.

• Highlight any relevant experience managing federal grants or projects, including the successful execution of similar projects.

• If your organization lacks direct experience, consider securing a partnership with an experienced entity or individual, and outline the terms of their involvement.

(0‐10 points): Project timeline and milestones are clear and reasonable.

• Provide a detailed timeline with specific milestones and deadlines for the completion of each project phase.

• Ensure that the timeline reflects a logical sequence of activities, with time built in for any contingencies or delays.

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the award decision via letter.

3. Administrative Review and Risk Criteria

The following are criteria that may be reviewed/verified prior to making an award.

• ensure applicant meets eligibility criteria,

• application was submitted via Grants.gov by the established deadline

• risk review of applicant (see 2 CFR 200.206) o check SAM to ensure the applicant is not suspended or debarred o review and consider information included in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 USC 2313 and 2 CFR 200.206(a) (applies to applications to be supported with a total Federal share greater than $250,000) o assess financial stability of applicant o determine if applicant has a financial management system adequate to segregate and track federal funds o review history of Federal financial assistance award performance

• proposed costs are allowable, allocable, and necessary.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title41/subtitle1/divisionB/chapter23&edition=prelim

Based on risk assessment, the agency may impose specific award conditions in accordance with 2 CFR 200.208.

G. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

Successful Project Notification: The agency will provide notice that an application has been selected before it actually issues the Federal award. The selection notification does not authorize the applicant to begin performance. If the applicant chooses to begin project activities, it does so at its own risk; the risk that costs may not be reimbursed.

Notice of Award: The Notice of Grant and Agreement Award (ADS-093) contains information identified in 2 CFR 200.211 and is signed by the authorized agency official; it is the only authorizing document and will be provided electronically to the entity’s authorized official for signature.

Unsuccessful Project Notification: The agency will provide notice to unsuccessful applicants via an email to the individual listed as the Program Director. This notification will occur following the processing of successful applications.

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS (ADMINISTRATIVE & NATIONAL POLICY)

All project funds will be used in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 and the General Terms and Conditions, which are available at the following website:

https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html. The award terms and conditions includes, but is not limited to:

• unallowable costs

• national policy requirements o If projects performed pursuant to this opportunity are subject to any of the following, the agency must work with the awardees on related matters before commencement of activities.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA)

• Build America, Buy America for Construction

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 compliance requirements

• reporting requirements o Addresses financial and performance requirements and the reporting frequency, means of submission o Reporting of matters related to recipient integrity and performance o Reporting subaward and executive compensation information

• 2 CFR 180 - 2 CFR 180.335 and 180.350, includes reporting requirements regarding debarment and suspension audit requirements https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.208 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.350

I. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Applications are considered confidential information. Applications are not shared with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically, Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A requires the awarding agency to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested copies of their business information and requires the awarding agency to consult with applicants regarding the releasing their records.

2. Government Obligation

The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of this opportunity. Only authorized federal officials can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

3. Award Counterparts

Any award made pursuant to this NOFO may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12600 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12600 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1 https://www.lawinsider.com/clause/counterparts https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

mailto:program.intake@usda.gov