USDA-NRCS-NHQ-SOILS-22-NOFO0001124.pdf

2022 SPSD Soil Science Collaborative Research

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Soil Science Collaborative Research Proposals National Funding Opportunity (NFO)

No. USDA-NRCS-NHQ-SOILS-22-

NOFO0001124

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: 2022 Soil Science Collaborative Research Proposals

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: No. USDA-NRCS-NHQ-SOILS-22-NOFO0001124

Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings on Sam.gov under 10.903.

SAM (System for Award Management) 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

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2022. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purposes of:

• Promoting research collaboration between the NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD) and university cooperators on significant national issues;

• Providing technology transfer and training for NRCS staff;

• Assisting in training of students in soil science and related fields.

Proposals must be for projects based in the United States and its territories and possessions and focus on the priorities described in Section A of this notice. Research proposals are sought.

NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2022 will be up to $1,500,000.00. Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network (http://www.cesu.psu.edu/). Proposals are requested for competitive consideration of awards for projects 2-3 years in duration.

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 proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.

https://sam.gov/content/home

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. 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 April 12, 2022. 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.

The agency anticipates making selections by June 1, 2022 and expects to execute awards by August 15, 2022. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $100,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $300,000. 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).

mailto:support@grants.gov

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. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

7. Indirect costs limitations

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

3. Administrative and Risk Criteria

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

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT

H. OTHER INFORMATION

APPENDIX A - Instructions for Completing SF 424 APPENDIX B - Instructions for Completing SF 424A APPENDIX C - Budget Narrative Guidance

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are 16 U.S.C. 590a-f and 590q and

42 U.S.C. 3271-3274. (CFDA 10-903).

This competitive cooperative research program focuses on soil science and soil survey research topics and needs that have been identified through:

• Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD) priorities

• National-level National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) conference committees

The purpose of the 2022 SPSD Soil Science Collaborative Research Proposals is to promote research that informs and improves soil survey. As such, each proposal must include significant collaboration with soil survey personnel (such as Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) soil survey offices, Regional Offices or State Soil Scientists). Proposal deliverables and their connection to soil survey must be clearly explained. Research needs were informed by the national NCSS research committee. Deliverables should have application to or fill gaps in soil survey databases.

NRCS expects to fund a total of 4 – 5 agreements, depending on funding availability.

The objectives of the research are to:

• Promote research collaboration between the NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division

(SPSD) and university cooperators on significant national issues.

Proposals exhibiting substantial collaboration between the applicant, multiple NCSS cooperators (i.e., a multi-state project), and NRCS soil scientists (National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) Research Soil Scientists, Soil Survey Regional and Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) Soil Survey Office (SSO) soil scientists, State Soil Scientists, and/or Resource Soil Scientists) are encouraged to apply.

• Provide technology transfer and training for the larger soil survey community (including NRCS staff).

Each proposal should include a technology transfer component that documents how research results can be incorporated into Soil Survey field or office functions (databases, interpretations, etc.). In addition, the plan should document how research findings will be shared with the NCSS (e.g., publications, onsite training, and/or other mechanisms).

At a minimum, the presentation of results as a webinar will be required for all agreements.

• Assist in training of students in soil science and related fields.

Proposals that include a strong education component (undergraduate and graduate student involvement) are encouraged, as are proposals from early career scientists and faculty.

Any properties studied, outputs delivered, or models developed should use or be linked to soil survey specific terms. For instance, USDA-NRCS defines Dynamic Soil Properties (DSPs) as properties that change with natural and anthropogenic disturbances (including land use and management) on the human time scale. DSPs measured by soil survey include bulk density, soil organic carbon, aggregate stability, and infiltration rate. Further information can be found in NRCS eDirective NB 430-20-7 SOI https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=44936.

Proposals submitted under this request must be aligned with one or more components of the Soil and Plant Science Division and NCSS priorities, which are:

Soil Health and DSPs Dynamic soil properties as collected by SPSD and cooperators can be used to inform soil health assessment and interpretation. SPSD is collecting data on a limited number of soils and management systems. Collaborative research projects are needed to leverage ongoing DSP projects and ask important questions about the sensitivity and reliability of these methods.

Potential topics include:

• Utilize and extend soil health assessment data collected by NRCS (for methods and properties utilized by soil survey: see the Soil Health Tech Note and DSP guidance materials)

• Investigate the response of soil health indicators to climate change.

• Tie DSP data into Dynamic Soil Survey (DSS)

Novel Use of Legacy Data:

There have been many legacy soil datasets identified in the grey literature. Data exists in a range of formats and contexts including descriptions in text files, laboratory measurements in pdf’s, and historic photographs. There is a need to capture and utilize this data before it becomes unavailable.

Potential topics include:

• Identify and utilize legacy datasets o Create processes to curate and use novel datasets.

• Create a framework to operationalize the collection, modeling and data usage of mid infrared (MIR) spectra

• Evaluate the value of soil and ancillary data on improved products, interpretations, calculations, and/or conservation decisions

• Enhance concepts of benchmark soils and characteristic catenas for use in research extension, monitoring, and evolving areas soil data collection (such as Hydrology, DSS, Ecological Site Descriptions, DSPs)

Change Detection:

https://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?hid=44936

Successful land management decisions require accurate, timely soil data and interpretations. In areas of landscape disturbance and rapid change (such and flooding, scouring and landslides), tools are needed to identify areas that should have soil survey updates to mapping, properties or interpretations.

Potential topics include:

• Create novel methods and decision tools to identify when current soil data is inadequate

• Predict soil survey changes needed due to climate change

• Identify areas that need to be remapped due to disasters and disturbances such as flooding, landslides, or major development operations

Research Support for Dynamic Soil Survey:

The future of soil survey will include new techniques in data capture and delivery. Dynamic Soil Survey (DSS) is the overarching concept of delivering temporally and spatially explicit information on dynamic soil properties, hydrology, soil health and ecological status. Proposals for this topic should integrate cooperation with National Soil Survey Center Research Branch and the Dynamic Soil Survey (DSS) focus team. See the focus team website for contacts and information. Dynamic Soil Survey Team | NRCS Soils (usda.gov)

Potential topics include:

• Integration of soils, climate, hydrology, DSP, and ESD into an interactive decision support delivery tool.

• Prediction algorithms for soil moisture content based on soil survey and weather data

• Interpretations for soil biology status based on soil and land management information

Soil Climate:

Soil moisture and temperature monitoring, measurement and prediction is critical for informing land management decisions across all kinds of lands. Remote sensing and monitoring networks do not always adequately account for soil landscapes and soil property distributions. Work is needed to better integrate soil climate measurements with soil survey information.

Potential topics include:

• Show the utility of soil data for climate modeling and water balances

• Use SCAN, SNOTEL and other monitoring data to inform DSP and DSS work.

• Improve accessibility of watershed-level soil data for use in water resource work

• Develop real-time forecast tools for soil moisture, water table, and runoff

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectral application tools:

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/soils/focusteams/?cid=nrcseprd1700625

MIR spectra can be used to reliably estimate key soil properties (e.g. clay, carbon, pH, etc.). The Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory has developed a growing, quality, and internationally renowned MIR spectral library that captures the variability of soil resources nationwide. Fifteen NRCS MLRA soil survey offices, from Puerto Rico to Alaska, are now equipped with MIR technology, with future expansion planned. Work is needed to develop ready-made, web-based applications that employ MIR and site data for use by soil survey operations. Submissions addressing this topic should include the development of tools that can be used by soil survey offices such as estimation services and validation applications.

Potential topics include:

• Developing validated, web-based, public-access portals for using MIR for:

o the prediction of soil taxonomy to the sub-group level o soil health assessment and monitoring/surveillance o soil biological properties and condition

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Available Funding

a. Estimated Funding The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $1,500,000 through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

This NFO is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2022. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.

b. Start Dates and Performance Periods Projects may be between 2 and 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of August 15, 2022.

c. Number of Awards The agency expects to make 5 award(s).

2. Type of Award

a. Type of Federal Award The agency plans to award cooperative agreements pursuant to this opportunity.

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

a. Agency and recipient collaboration or joint participation

b. Direct agency operational involvement or participation during the activity

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)).

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

a. Private institutions of higher education that are part of a CESU network

b. Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education that are part of a CESU network

For more information on the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network please see: http://www.cesu.psu.edu/

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 http://www.cesu.psu.edu/ of 7 CFR Part 12 and 7 CFR Part 1400 and have control of the land involved for the term of the proposed award period.

3. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Information for New Users of Grants.gov

a. Overview

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

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/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)/DUNS 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

i. Obtain a DUNS Number or UEI: All entities applying for funding must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) or a UEI issued by SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the DUNS Number/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 DUNS Number/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. (Please be aware that the EBiz POC and the person with AOR Role cannot be the same individual; they must be different people.) 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/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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html 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.

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

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

• 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 DUNS Number/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

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. Applicants are urged to submit early to the Grants.gov system.

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

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

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

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.

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

a. Project Narrative

Each page must be numbered and have one-inch margins. The text of the project narrative must be single spaced and typed in a standard typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Courier) with no smaller than 12-point font.

The project narrative must not exceed 10 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

i. Identification of which research priority the proposal is being written to address.

ii. Problem statement/Need and justification for project: Identify priority area to be addressed.

iii. Expected project deliverables that will contribute to achieving the Soil Survey mission

iv. A brief review of current related literature

v. Research objective(s)

vi. Hypothesis to be tested

vii. Research methods and procedures: Provide enough detail to allow evaluation of the adequacy of the approach and methods for meeting project objectives. As applicable, the methods should include:

• Description of project area, including soils, topography, land use/vegetation, and climate

• Field sampling and measurement design, techniques, and methods

• Laboratory analyses (include specific methods)

• Data analysis, including statistical procedures if applicable

• Description of the involvement of NRCS soil scientists

viii. Project timetable, including:

• Sample collection and field measurements (if needed)

• Laboratory analyses (if needed)

• Data analyses

• Data interpretation

• Deliverables: including report/manuscript writing

ix. Information transfer plan: Describe means for disseminating information of the research results and promoting its application, including project reports, webinars, peer- reviewed publications, guidebooks, new technique methods, software, workshops, etc.

x. Documentation of the involvement of, and training provided to, graduate and/or undergraduate students and to NRCS field scientists.

xi. References

Proposals that fail to comply with the required content and format will not be considered for funding. Material exceeding stated page limits and/or formatting structure will not be considered. Incomplete and/or noncompliant narratives will not be considered.

If your proposal will include information collection from non-Federal sources, ensure the collection meets the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Surveys of individuals or entities are generally prohibited without prior approval from the Office of Management and Budget. For additional guidance about allowable and unallowable activities, please visit the following website:

https://pra.digital.gov/do-i-need-clearance/ .

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

b. Executive Summary. One page with Title, PIs, research priority addressed, total funds requested and brief description of the proposal.

c. Background Information

i. Investigator’s qualifications. Include resumes of the principal investigator(s) (limited to 2 pages each, with no more than 15 pertinent publications listed).

ii. Brief description of existing facilities.

iii. Existing collaborative agreements/relationships with NRCS.

iv. Results from prior NRCS support.

d. Data management plan. All data from USDA funded agreements must be properly documented with data made available through public repositories such as the National Agriculture Library, Ag Data Commons. Data Management Plan for NIFA-Funded Research, Education, and Extension Projects (usda.gov) https://pra.digital.gov/do-i-need-clearance/ https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/data-management-plan-for-research-education-extension-projects-20190926.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/data-management-plan-for-research-education-extension-projects-20190926.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/data-management-plan-for-research-education-extension-projects-20190926.pdf

e. Application Form

(Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance) See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located at the end of this document.

f. 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. This means applicants must include all years of funding on this form. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located at the end of this document. Refer to Section D of this opportunity for information regarding indirect costs.

g. Budget Narrative

i. In a separate document titled “Budget Narrative,” explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. (Refer to the budget narrative guidance located at the end of this document.) Detail how the totals on the SF-424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities.

For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the agency’s approval and estimate its cost. The pages included as the budget narrative to not count toward the page limit.

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

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

iv. As required in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements, all U.S. states, local governments, Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 or more in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System.

h. Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying, you must also complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities located at 2 CFR 418, Appendix B. See 2 CFR 418.110 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

i. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) if applicable

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

j. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

In accordance with 2 CFR 400.2, the NFO must include a requirement that applicants disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest.

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.

k. Post Award Documentation N/A

l. Unique entity identifier (UEI)/DUNS and System for Award Management

(SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the agency is ready to make an award, it may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

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

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

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

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

https://www.sam.gov/

The Government intends to replace the D-U-N-S® number with a “new, non-proprietary identifier” requested in, and assigned by SAM.gov. This new identifier is being called the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), or the Entity ID.

See Planned UEI Updates in Grant Application Forms for UEI updates.

4. Submission Dates and Times and Correspondence

Applicants must submit applications via Grants.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on April 12, 2022. An application submitted or resubmitted after the deadline is late (an application is considered on time at 11:59.59 pm ET, but it is late at 12:00 am ET). Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered.

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

If you have trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, you should FIRST contact the Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any issues. Keep a record of any such correspondence. See Section D. 2. for Grants.gov contact information.

For applications successfully transmitted to Grants.gov before the deadline: The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive:

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

• an email with the official date/time stamp (this stamp is used to determine if the application was received prior to the deadline) and Grants.gov

When the agency successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will also provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the applicant.

5. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

6. Funding Restrictions

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

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

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-site.html?p_p_id=com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_mvcPath=%2Fview_content.jsp&_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2Fweb%2Fgrants%2Fsearch-site.html%3Fp_p_id%3Dcom_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dmaximized%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_redirect%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.grants.gov%252Fweb%252Fgrants%252Fsearch-site.html%253Fp_p_id%26_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_mvcPath%3D%252Fsearch.jsp%26_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_keywords%3Dunique%2Bentity%2Bidentifier%26_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_formDate%3D1603122751437%26_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_scope%3Dthis-site&_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_assetEntryId=1139656&_com_liferay_portal_search_web_portlet_SearchPortlet_type=content&inheritRedirect=true

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

j. Costs normally charged as indirect costs may not be charged as direct costs without proper justification and agency approval. Proper justification includes documentation that the costs meet the criteria for allowability (see 2 CFR 200.403). Examples of such costs include rent, utilities, depreciation on buildings and equipment, the costs of operating and maintaining facilities, and general administration and general expenses, such as the salaries and expenses of executive officers, personnel administration, and accounting.

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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=43998412b2085db150f66a3e62296ad8&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1413 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=43998412b2085db150f66a3e62296ad8&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1413

7. Indirect costs limitations

a. A non-profit organization or institution of higher education awarded a cooperative agreement will be limited to a 10 percent indirect cost rate (10 percent of total direct costs) in accordance with the agency’s annual appropriations act. The 10 percent indirect cost rate applies to both federal and non-federal funds. Other types of entities are not subject to this statutory limitation.

b. To be eligible to recover any indirect cost 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). A State, local, or tribal governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding is not eligible for the de minimis rate.

c. 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.

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. A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application. Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired

NICRA.

d. If an applicant with a current NICRA is subject to the statutory limitation, indirect costs must be calculated as follows. First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10 percent by the total of all direct costs to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the amount of indirect cost to include on the budget.

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

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

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

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

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