USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412_Revised.3 7.26.24.pdf

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) No. USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture – U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service – NHQ – Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture – U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service – NHQ – Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is collaborating with National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through an interagency agreement for implementation of the Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project Cooperative Agreement Program.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412

Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.935, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under OUAIP, is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to host a CFWR pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2024

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 [insert date]. 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.

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

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.

A webinar has been pre-recorded and is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvexAMyuY2o.

The presentation and supporting information are posted in the “Related Documents” tab of this opportunity. The recorded webinar is also available on https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/coop-agreements.

The agency anticipates making selections by November 2024 and expects to execute awards by January 2025 These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $400,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The funding 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/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. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvexAMyuY2o https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/coop-agreements https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cfo.gov%2Fresources%2Ffederal-financial-assistance-training%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmichele.devaney%40usda.gov%7C64a8b15d44b145ca688408dbdb1db568%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638344692880554498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gWNVqnfECl4YtvVHNgN0vY1TJ%2FJ6kDLsRzIAU7x5U4M%3D&reserved=0

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

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. Technical/Merit Review Process (Conducted by National Institute of Food and Agriculture)

4. 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

4. Audit Requirements

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT

H. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX A: Instructions for Completing SF-424

APPENDIX B: Instructions for completing SF-424A

APPENDIX C: Budget Narrative Guidance

APPENDIX D: List of Indicators for OUAIP Grants and Agreements

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreement pilot program is authorized by Section 222 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, as added by Section 12302 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 7 U.S.C. 6923. Funding for FY24 was made available by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2.

The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of CFWR to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In fiscal year 2024, NRCS has partnered with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to administer CFWR.

The goals and objectives of this program are:

• Food Waste Reduction Objectives o Reduce municipal food and waste ο Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills

• Composting and Conservation Objectives ο Generate compost ο Increase agricultural producers’ access to compost ο Reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, chemical fertilizer ο Improve soil quality ο Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.

ο Increase rainwater utilization (capture, infiltration, or absorption)

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, school districts, counties, local governments, special district governments, tribal governments (State-designated Indian Tribes, Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments), or tribal organizations to carry out food waste reduction and composting objectives. While applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that meet more than one of the objectives below (inclusion of multiple objectives will be considered when ranking proposals), OUAIP will accept proposals that address at least one of the aforementioned goals and objectives.

Priority will be given for each of the following elements that are included in a project:

• Align project proposals to address priorities on environmental justice, racial equity, climate change, investment in underserved communities, and sustainable agricultural practices. For example, keeping food waste out of landfills can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing landfill methane emissions;

• Integrate food waste reduction strategies that take into consideration the most-preferred food waste recovery activities as described in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wasted Food Scale.

• Anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits for the impacted community,

• Incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including community gardeners, school gardens, and producers.

• Include a robust plan that describes collaboration with multiple partners.

• Provide a detailed plan for project monitoring, evaluation and documentation of insights and solutions to obstacles encountered during the course of the project.

Applicants should refer to the Merit/Technical Criteria section of this announcement for a complete description of evaluation and scoring criteria for proposals.

NRCS is committed to the success of all of our nation’s producers, businesses, and partners. Some of our nation's producers belong to communities which have been or are marginalized in ways that have reduced their ability to farm and ranch successfully -- despite the vital role that they have played in securing a healthy agricultural economy for our country and protecting, enhancing, and sustaining our valuable natural resources. NRCS encourages proposal submissions from entities that represent, are partnered with, or are composed entirely of producers belonging to such communities.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

a. Estimated Funding The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $7.8 million through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

b. Start Dates and Performance Periods

Projects must be 2 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of January 31, 2025.

c. Number of Awards There is no commitment by USDA to make a specific number of awards.

https://www.epa.gov/system/files/styles/large/private/images/2023-10/wfsdetailedcroppedv4.jpg?itok=g-wKbw5D

2. Type of Award

a. Type of Federal Award This announcement plans to award cooperative agreement(s), pursuant to this opportunity. Depending on the nature of a particular proposal received, the agency may elect to negotiate an alternate award type with the selected applicant. Cooperative agreements have a principal purpose to transfer a thing of value to a recipient in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal Law. A cooperative agreement includes substantial involvement by the Government. See 31 U.S.C. 6302- 6305.31.

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. Highly prescriptive agency requirements that limit recipient discretion

g. Review and approval of key personnel

h. Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity

NRCS will have the following responsibilities:

1) Connect pilot projects with other USDA agencies such as, but not limited to the Economic Research Service (ERS); National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA); the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE); and other Federal partners (e.g., U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) to collaborate on project activities and outcomes that contribute to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 goal.

2) Coordinate and convene the CFWR pilot project team(s) to collaborate with other Federal Government, regional, institution, state, and local experts. This collaboration will focus on information dissemination and project strategy implementation of the objectives related to CFWR as characterized above in the project description; and https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/champions https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/champions

3) Gather project data (i.e., methods, results, and derived benefits, including data on weight of food waste diverted from landfills, data on food reclaimed for human and animal consumption, as well as data on compost created) for evaluation and dissemination to increase access to, and solutions for, composting and municipal food waste reduction across the United States.

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 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 opportunity. An application for supplementation of an existing project means an application to add components to an existing agreement that would also meet the objectives and requirements in this opportunity.

Proposals will be reviewed based on the stand-alone merits of the project they describe and need not be marked as supplemental or renewal applications in any way, though project narratives may reference work done under previous CFWR awards. Proposals for renewal or supplementation cannot exceed the two-year project window required for all proposals under this funding announcement.

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:

a. City or township governments (or other municipal governments)

b. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

c. County governments

d. School districts (including independent school districts)

e. State-designated Indian Tribes

f. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

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

h. Special district governments (e.g. soil and water conservation districts, regional planning districts, landfill districts, etc.)

State designated Indian Tribes should select “Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) when completing the SF-424 block 9.

Municipal governments other than cities or townships should select “Other” and enter “municipal government” when completing Block 9 on the SF-424.

Proposed projects must be performed within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

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.

Research proposals will not be accepted or considered.

“Research” is defined as a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. A “research proposal” is a form of research where the primary objective is such a study and variables are unknown. Projects that are meant to plan and test strategies for composting and food waste reduction are allowable.

Travel funds for conferences, educational events, networking, and/or partnership opportunities, and in-person site visits between active OUAIP grant recipients as well as grant recipients from other USDA programs that are directly related to project objectives are available and highly encouraged.

Organizations may build in costs within their proposal for travel expenses that could support their project’s capacity or advance shared technical knowledge and skills. See Appendix B for guidance on how to properly add travel funds within the proposal’s budget narrative. All requested cost must be supported to show a direct benefit to the project.

3. Match

Section 12302 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 7 U.S.C. 6923 requires applicants to match 25 percent of the total federal share. Applications that do not include the required level of matching will be ineligible for award.

Please do not include matching funds in excess of 25 percent. Match may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. 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 match. Additional details about matching funds can be found at 2 CFR 200.306.

Refer to Section D of this NFO for information about any required submittals related to match requirements. While the pace of match may vary throughout the award period, the agency will actively monitor match levels as it receives payment requests to ensure the total match requirement is met by the award periods of performance end date. Additional details about matching funds are located at 2 CFR 200.306.

The following are examples of the appropriate level of cost-share for a given federal award amount.

Federal Share Requested Cost Share Min (25%) Total Project Cost

$75,000 $18,750 $93,750 $400,000 $100,000 $500,000

Applicants that are using third party contributions to meet the 25% match requirement must provide a letter of intent from the contributing party within their application package that clearly states what is being provided.

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 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.

b. Register to Apply through Grants.gov

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process.

Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

For assistance with the registration process, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support, available 24/7, 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 be completed online in 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.

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.

mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/ https://www.grants.gov/

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

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 NFO, you can create individual instances of a https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration/track-profile-role-status 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/

If the Apply button in the opportunity is not active (greyed out), the user does not have the appropriate permissions or has an incomplete applicant registration. For additional information, refer to https://grantsgovprod.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-mystery-of-the-gray-apply-button-four-scenarios/#:~:text=The%20Apply%20button%20will%20be,to%20view%2 0the%20close%20date.

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.

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

• 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/applicants/applicant-training

2. 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. 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, available 24/7, 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:

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-training http://www.grants.gov/ my_Attached_File.pdf) may be used to separate a file name. Attachments must NOT be password protected.

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

a. Application Form

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

b. Project Summary/Abstract (1-page maximum)

Provide a descriptive title and summary of your project. Present a statement of need or assessment of the problem. Define the intended beneficiaries of this project and include the zip codes of the area impacted by your project activities (maximum 5 zip codes). State whether the communities being served are rural, suburban, or urban.

Identify any underserved communities and describe your approach to determining the critical elements and needs of the local food economy or food system of the area or communities to be served. Describe how this project will initiate, build upon, or expand related work or programs. The summary should also include the relevance of the project to the purpose and priorities of the CFWR.

c. Project Narrative (15-page maximum)

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 15 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

1. Introduction: Describe the applicant organization in terms of its location, demographics, and community served. Please include the relevant zip codes that will be served by the project. Describe past and current involvement with developing and testing strategies for planning and implementing municipal food waste reduction and compost plans. Present a statement of need or assessment of the problem in the targeted community. Describe your approach to solving existing problems and concerns related to reducing food waste and/or increasing community compost.

2. Goals and Objectives: Describe the over-arching goal of your project and list any supporting objectives that may accomplish this goal.

Identify how the project addresses the most-preferred food waste recovery activities as described in the EPA’s Wasted Food Scale.

Describe the anticipated impact of this project on Executive Priorities including tackling the climate crisis, advancing racial equity, and promoting environmental justice. This element may include, but https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-hierarchy is not limited to: participation by marginalized groups or groups serving underserved or vulnerable communities; activities with the potential to address the causes or impacts of climate change.

3. Procedures and Work Plan: Discuss planned procedures and activities for achieving project goals and objectives, and provide project deliverables, milestones, and timelines for completion of those activities and collection and evaluation of data and reporting of outcomes. As applicable to the project, describe the food waste reduction strategies and methods to be used, as aligned with the EPA’s Wasted Food Scale; identify what segments of the food chain the project will address (consumers, food purchasing, preparation, storage, preservation) and any barriers (economic, social, logistical, etc.) that must be overcome; describe if and how food waste will be composted; describe how the plan will make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers and community gardeners;

describe also how the plan will assist these agricultural producers, community gardeners, and other community members (such as residential gardeners) to reduce their reliance on or use of fertilizers, improve soil quality, encourage waste management and permaculture business development, increase rainwater absorption, reduce municipal food waste, and divert food waste from landfills;

include how your project will impact any existing food waste reduction, recovery and disposal by commercial, marketing, or business relationships in your area. For each task identify key personnel involved, including a description of those individuals’ experience and qualifications.

4. Collaborators: List partner institutions including contact names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses (if applicable).

Identify why the partner was chosen, how its activities will contribute to the success of the project, and the partnership arrangement. Where possible, project collaborators should represent a variety of disciplines and experiences directly related to the deliverables proposed and complementary to the qualifications of the core project team. Please note that collaboration with partner institutions is considered instrumental to the success of a CFWR project, and lack of such collaboration will be reflected in the proposal’s evaluation for funding.

5. Evaluation: Provide a plan for evaluating accomplishments and outcomes that match project deliverables. Include a timeline of activities with milestones and verifiable indicators to demonstrate how progress will be measured and achieved. Gather project data (i.e., supplies/equipment used, methods, results, and derived benefits, including data on weight of food waste diverted from landfills and https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers compost created) for evaluation and dissemination to increase access to, and solutions for, composting and municipal food waste reduction across the United States. Provide how you will convey results measured by weight (e.g., pounds/tons food waste diverted, pounds/tons reclaimed for human or animal consumption, pounds/tons of composted created), which is required though will differ due to project scope. Include any anticipated or demonstrated economic benefits. Discuss if the project’s strategy to reduce food waste and/or increase community compost has the potential to be replicated in other areas.

Scales and other equipment items used for measuring project results based on OUAIP indicators are allowable costs.

A list of OUAIP approved indicators can be found in Appendix D of this document to assist applicants in developing their monitoring and evaluation strategies. All CFWR projects are required to associate each project objective to a relevant indicator that will be tracked and measured throughout their project’s period of performance should the proposal be accepted.

6. Self-Sustainability: Describe which aspects or components of the project will continue beyond the end of the project period. Discuss how a one-time infusion of Federal funds will be enough for the proposed pilot project to advance CFWR goals and achieve sustainability. Projects should identify actual or potential funding sources for continuation of the project after Federal funding has ended.

d. Statement of Previous USDA Awards (If applicable, no page limit)

If the applicant has received an award from USDA in the last three years (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

This section will not be factored into the evaluation of the application.

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 regarding classifying costs may be negotiated after selection.

f. SF 424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs (only if project includes construction)

Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Construction budget should be broken down into the object class categories listed on the SF-424C. Errors in the SF-424C regarding classifying costs may be negotiated after selection.

Projects that have budgets entirely allocated to construction must still complete and SF-424A placing all funds within the “Construction” object class category in addition to the SF-424C which will further itemize the construction budget.

g. 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 regarding classifying costs may be negotiated after selection. Refer to Appendix C, 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 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 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.403 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. 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.

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

iv. Match

Matching must be committed at the time of application submission. The budget narrative must show the amounts and sources of match (including both cash and in-kind contributions or a combination of both).

For third-party contributions, a letter is required for each contribution, signed by the authorized organizational representative of the contributing organization and the applicant organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the contributor, (2) the name of the applicant organization, (3) the title of the project for which the contribution is made, (4) the dollar amount of the contribution, and (5) a statement that the contributor will pay the contribution no later than the end of the award period. The agency may conduct reference checks to ensure that organizations identified are supportive and involved with the project. Cost sharing/match letters should be addressed to the Federal Awarding Agency Contact in Section G of this NFO and uploaded under Other Attachments (listed separately under Optional Forms) in Grants.gov.

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

subaward determinations.

Do not add any matching funds in excess of the CFWR requirement of 25% of federal funds.

h. 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.

f. 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.

g. 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.

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

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

i. Letters of Support

Letters of support refer to character testimonies from outside entities, such as external organizations, members of congress, or other endorsements. Letters of support are not required and should not be submitted.

j. Letters of Intent to Partner

A letter of intent refers to attestations from project partners or stakeholders confirming their involvement within the proposed project.

Letters of intent from relevant partners involved with the project are encouraged from all applicants but are only required if the proposed budget is utilizing partner contributions. A letter of intent from the partner providing third-party contributions must clearly state what is being provided.

k. 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.

l. Post Award Documentation

N/A

m. 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…