USDA-NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-25-NOFO0001415.pdf

Natural Resources Conservation Service - Office of Urban

Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)

Urban Agriculture and Innovative

Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) No. USDA-NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-25-NOFO0001415

Table of Contents

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Federal Awarding Agency Name

2. Announcement Type

3. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Number

4. Assistance Listing

5. Funding Details

6. Key Dates

7. Executive Summary

8. Contact Information

9. Training

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Other Eligibility Considerations

3. Cost Sharing

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

1. Pre-Applications and Letters of Intent

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

3. Administrative Review and Risk Criteria

G. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

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

I. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

2. Government Obligation

3. Award Counterparts

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Federal Awarding Agency Name

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service - Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Title:

Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program

2. Announcement Type

Initial Announcement

3. Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Number

USDA- NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-25-NOFO0001415

4. Assistance Listing

This opportunity is included under This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.935, Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, searchable at:

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

5. Funding Details

The amount of Federal funding expected to be available for award(s) is $2,500,000.

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

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

There is no commitment to make a specific number of award(s).

The agency expects the amount of each award to range from $100,000 to $250,000.

Projects of 24 months in duration (2 years). Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of September 30, 2025.

6. Key Dates

Application deadline: Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 10, 2025.

A webinar has been pre-recorded and the presentation and supporting information can be found at this link https://youtu.be/63snY3AZrvc. The recorded webinar can also be found in the “Related Documents” tab of this opportunity and in the program website.

The agency anticipates making selections by July 1, 2025, and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2025. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

https://sam.gov/content/home https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F63snY3AZrvc&data=05%7C02%7Csharonte.williams%40usda.gov%7Cb6c59b5a97ad40334e0e08dcf83efb79%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638658196628176162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qS5hAjflzyP8WR0G%2B2l%2F1VzIZrC2Et5eQPyO9EBd%2FMs%3D&reserved=0

7. Executive Summary

The primary goal of the UAIP projects is to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production. The UAIP grants being made available for application under this NFO support planning and implementation activities. Planning activities will initiate, develop, or support the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, members of tribal communities, and other stakeholders in areas where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable. Implementation activities will accelerate existing and emerging models of urban and/or innovative agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers or gardeners. Innovation may include new and emerging, as well as indigenous or non-traditional agricultural practices.

8. Contact Information

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

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

Email: Jose.Berna@usda.gov with a copy to NFO.FPAC@USDA.GOV Subject line of email: USDA- NRCS-NHQ-UAIP-25-NOFO0001415 Name: Jose A. Berna, Grants Management Specialist, FPAC Business Center (FPAC-BC)

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

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

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

FARMERS_4170

9. Training

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

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

The following entity types are eligible to apply:

a. City or township governments

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

c. Independent school districts

d. Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

e. Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)

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

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

h. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

i. Special district governments

The following applicants are considered ineligible:

• Foreign organizations and foreign public entities

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

• Individuals

• For profit organizations other than small businesses

• Private institutions of higher education

• Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

• Small businesses

• State governments

2. Other Eligibility Considerations

Priority will be given to organizations with proven capacity to carry out meaningful community-focused work in urban agriculture or innovative production. This capacity is measured by criteria factors including:

• Experience in agriculture or innovative production for 3 years or more or in serving underserved communities or where access to fresh foods is limited or unavailable.

• Demonstrated ability to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation.

• Demonstrated willingness to share information with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and other interested parties, including a plan for dissemination of results; and

• Collaboration with two or more partner organizations, including smaller farms or operations working in the same project target area to carry out the innovative or urban agricultural work described in your proposal.

RESEARCH PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR CONSIDERED.

Application Eligibility Considerations:

• Applications must meet submission requirements in section E.

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

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

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

Awards Eligibility Considerations:

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

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

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

are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal awards ((2 CFR 200.206(d)) have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration (2 CFR part 25) the agency does not determine poses an unacceptable risk related to proper management of a Federal award (2 CFR 200.206)

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

Project Participant/Agricultural Producers Eligibility Considerations:

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

• Any producer receiving a payment through participation in a funded project is subject to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitation. In addition, they must have an AGI that does not exceed $900,000. If provided an award, the Recipient must self-certify and maintain records showing that participating producers receiving payments using Federal funding meet the eligibility and AGI requirements. Section 1704 (a)(3) of the 2018 Farm Bill states the Secretary may waive the AGI limit on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/browse/prelim@title16/chapter58&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/subchapter-A/part-1400 determines that environmentally sensitive land of special significance would be protected because of such waiver. Awardees may request waivers once their project commences.

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

3. Cost Sharing

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

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity is 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.

The goals and objectives of this program include:

• to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production to any of the eligible entities.

• to improve access to local foods in areas where access to fresh, healthy food is limited or unavailable through urban and/or innovative agricultural practices, including, but not limited to, community gardens, urban farms, rooftop farms, urban agroforests, food forests, orchards, outdoor vertical production, green walls, indoor farms, controlled environment agricultural production, greenhouses, high-tech vertical technology farms, and hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities.

• support multiple farmers or gardeners, impacting underserved areas that are lacking access to fresh, healthy foods, and promote urban and/or innovative agricultural practices with planning and implementation activities.

Planning activities support one or more of the following:

• Assessments of underserved community needs within the local food system to identify how food is grown, distributed, or marketed and what existing needs related to food access, nutrition education, conservation, and economic development can be addressed by urban and/or innovative agriculture.

• Planning activities and community partnerships to improve how food is grown, distributed, or marketed in the target area using urban and/or innovative agriculture.

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• Business planning, feasibility studies, and other strategies, such as community resource development.

• Policy development to make municipal policies and zoning laws in the target area more supportive of the needs of urban and/or innovative agriculture.

• Creating educational materials and programs that will increase knowledge about food and agriculture and encourage careers in agriculture and innovative production in the impacted community; example topics include nutrition, crop and biology science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

• Ensuring safe growing conditions (e.g., soil tests, environmental assessments). More information can be found at EPA Brownfields and Land Revitalizations.

Implementation activities support one or more of the following:

• Increasing food production in small, urban, and/or controlled environment spaces which may include emerging or innovative technology such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, indoor, rooftop, etc.

• Promoting agricultural businesses through job training and providing resources to help underserved communities access land and equipment, mentoring, and other assistance to beginning farmers in the local community.

• Implementation of best practices to address food access, zoning, compost, land access, soil health, emerging technologies, infrastructure needs (such as access to water and utilities) at the State, county, local, municipal, or school level to meet the needs of target community and local agricultural producers.

• Educating the impacted community about food systems, nutrition, agricultural production, and environmental impacts

• Operating community gardens or nonprofit farms that offer hands-on training in farming or gardening through virtual or web-based formats.

• Providing schools (K-12) with educational resources or programs that increase student knowledge of and access to locally grown foods, emphasize the importance of consuming nutritious and locally grown foods, and train students for careers in agriculture or innovative production.

Refer to Appendix A for OUAIP Unified Metrics and Indicators.

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

1. Pre-Applications and Letters of Intent

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

https://www.epa.gov/land-revitalization

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Notes:

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

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

Document Instructions

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

Project Narrative Attachment Form see section V.3.*

Project Abstract see section V.4*

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

Budget Narrative Attachment Form see section V.6.*

Other Attachments Form

• Current and Pending Support

• GADSUM9, Applicant Contact(s) Information

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

Attachments

• Subawards, as applicable

• Conflict of Interest, as applicable see section V.8.* see section V.8.1* see applicable section below

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

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

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

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

b. Project Narrative Attachment Form

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

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

• The project narrative must not exceed 15 pages. This page limitation applies to the project narrative only.

Project Narrative. (15 pages limit)

All project narratives must contain at least headings I through IV below, in order, and respond to each of the points included under each heading.

I. Project Purpose

• Introduction, reasons for the project, over-arching goals, and relation to NRCS goals. Describe beneficiaries and who will benefit from project activities.

• Present a statement of need or assessment of the problem. What is the situation that is causing concern? Why is it happening?

• Describe the areas or communities being served and provide the zip codes for the areas being served. Detail how you determined the need there, with at least one source of data supporting that access to fresh local food is an issue in the area or communities. to the extent possible, describe limiters of fresh food access using data available in the USDA Food Access Research Atlas.

• Describe the intended underserved group explaining the needs of the local community or food system, and provide at least one source of supporting data, such as demographics, income, and geographic characteristics of the area or community. Describe how limited access to fresh, heathy, and affordable food is an issue in this community.

• Explain how the project is aligned with the purpose and priorities of this program and how it will make a difference with the intended beneficiaries.

• Describe how this project will initiate, build upon, or expand related work or programs.

• Describe the anticipated impact of this project on executive order priorities including climate change, equity, and environmental justice. This element may include but is not limited to participation by underserved groups or groups serving underserved or vulnerable communities; activities with the potential to mitigate the impacts caused by climate change.

II. Project Objectives

• Identify key strategies and project design, alignment of resources and activities, strategic resources with clear goals, and objectives.

• Concisely state the goals and objectives of the proposed project.

• Describe the project goals, using metrics and indicators that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound.

• Describe project outcomes, including what will be accomplished, who will benefit (e.g., residents, students, participants), and how many people will benefit.

• Describe the involvement of partners and stakeholders in developing project objectives and implementing results.

III. The Organizations and Partners Involved

• Explain the applicant organization’s experience in the field of urban agriculture and/or innovative production, serving communities lacking access to fresh foods, and providing outreach in impacted area or community.

• List two or more partner organizations for this project and include their contact information, relevant experience, community connections, and specific responsibilities for achieving the project goals. For projects that will be implementing activities in a city or state other than where the applicant is headquartered, at least one partner should be located where the project will be implemented.

• List your organization’s leadership and key personnel for this project.

• Explain plans to coordinate work with partner organizations and to leverage existing resources.

• Explain the identified partners roles in the activities proposed in the application.

• Detail specific roles of partners and stakeholders in developing project activities.

IV. Expected Accomplishments, Deliverables, and Timeline: List each deliverable and subtask. Describe what will be done, when it will be done, and how it will be measured. See Appendix A for a list of indicators.

• Summarize the work to be performed in nontechnical terms for each goal and project objectives.

• Include a timeline of activities (i.e., annually, quarterly, monthly) milestones and clear, tangible, measurable indicators to demonstrate how progress will be achieved. Include the specific tasks to complete each activity and identify the responsible official to complete the task.

• Describe a plan to ensure financial accountability, including accounting and purchasing policies. Include the specific tasks to complete each activity and identify the responsible party to complete the task.

• Describe project evaluation of outcomes and indicator reporting. This description will illustrate whether objectives were met.

• Describe how project will continue beyond end of the award period, how it will become self-sustainable, and potential funding sources for continuation of the project after federal funding ends. Discuss how a one-time infusion of federal funds will be sufficient for the proposed UAIP grant to advance the UAIP goals and achieve sustainability.

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

Declaration of previous projects and Past Performance

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

Each description should be no more than a half page:

• Project title

• Agreement number (Federal Award Identifying Number)

• Award funding amount

• Year of award expiration

3) Project Abstract

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

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

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

5) Budget Narrative

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

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

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

6) Other Attachments

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

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

Application Guide for link to available template and instructions.

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

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

7) Attachments

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

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

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

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

8) Grants.gov Lobbying Form

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

9) Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

10) Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest

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

If the applicant has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a state, local government, or Indian tribe, the applicant must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest.

Organizational conflict of interest means that because of the relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the applicant is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a federal award action involving a related organization.

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

11) Post Submission and Post Award Documentation

During the administrative review process (refer to section F.3. of this NFO), it may be necessary to request further documentation from the applicant (e.g., organizational https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-400/section-400.2 information as part of the risk assessment, more detail regarding proposed costs, revised documents).

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

1. Grants.gov Applications

• Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

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

• All forms to prepare and apply are available through the funding opportunity on

Grants.gov.

2. Grants.gov Requirements and General Guidance

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grants.gov and download of submissions

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

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review and Selection Process

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

• received by the established deadline

• meet eligibility criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• the need to include other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs.

• the need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations.

• the need to maintain a balanced composition regarding minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and

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

Risk reviews will be conducted by the FPAC-BC, Grants and Agreements Division (GAD). The approving official will make the final award decisions. The approving official for this opportunity is the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or Designee.

2. Merit/Technical Criteria

The weights and evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications submitted in response to this NFO. Proposals will be evaluated by the extent to which they provide enough details to the proposal to demonstrate to meet the listed criteria with maximum scores for each section:

Project Consistent with UAIP Purpose and Priorities (30 points)

• Degree to which applicant successfully describes the need or problem in the impacted underserved community and degree to which this description is substantiated with supporting documentation that access to fresh local food is an issue. Clear evidence that the impacted underserved community has a demonstrated need for local or community food systems. How well the project activities and outcomes aligned with the purpose and priorities of this program. (6 Points)

• Quality of detail in describing project goals, including who will benefit from the project and what community needs the project will address. Applicant described project objectives that were specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. The project outcomes including what will be accomplished, who will benefit, and how many people will benefit are reasonable. (6 Points)

• Quality of the plan presented to promote urban, indoor, and emerging agricultural practices, such as gardens and farms, rooftop farms, urban agroforest, food forests, orchards, outdoor vertical production, green walls, indoor farms, controlled environments, greenhouses, high-tech vertical technology farms, and hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities within the target area. (6 Points)

• Quality of the plan presented that show project will be successful in positively impacting access to fresh, heathy, and affordable food in the specified timeframe and in the targeted community as described in the proposal. (6 Points)

3. Degree to which the proposal aligns with Executive priorities including climate, equity, and environmental justice. Description of activities is provided with the potential to mitigate the impacts caused by climate change. Amount of anticipated participation by historically underserved groups or groups serving underserved or vulnerable communities. (6 Points)

Internal Organization Support and Partnerships (20 points)

• Organization clearly described its experience in the field of urban agriculture or innovative production, serving communities lacking access to fresh foods, and doing outreach in project area or community. (4 Points)

• The organizational leadership and key personnel have the necessary qualifications to carry out project. Quality of proposal that detail experience and expertise of key personnel in agriculture and innovative production; working with communities and related food systems (considered as important as academic or professional credentials). Preference will be given to organizations with experience of 3 years or more. (4 Points)

• Details of lists two or more partners that will add value to the project and how will they contribute to the success of the project. (4 Points)

• Details on the quality and extent of external partnerships, and a clear plan to leverage existing resources. (4 Points)

• Degree of collaboration with partner organizations working in the local community.

(4 Points)

Project Workplan (20 points)

• Clear activities that the project will undertake with timelines, milestones, and activities needed to complete each deliverable. Roles and responsibilities are clearly identified to complete the task. Quality of plan that demonstrate that there is a solid plan and solid methodology to measure the project's progress toward meeting goals.

(5 Points)

• Clearly describes, preferably using real life examples, of how they will carry out the project, and be fiscally accountable, able to collect data, and prepare reports and other documentation. The organization's accounting and purchasing policies are defined, including having internal control procedures in place. (5 Points)

• Quality of plan that provides clear overview of how the project impact will be evaluated and measured using solid monitoring and evaluation strategy. (5 Points)

• Clearly describes strategies that will ensure replicability and/or long-term viability of the project. Quality of plan that describes how the project will continue beyond end of award period, how it will become self-sustainable, and identified potential funding sources for continuation of the project after federal funding ends. (5 Points)

Budget (25 points)

• Quality of plan that shows how the budget components were developed, and costs were estimated. The budget includes a line-item description for every allowable cost and shows how it supports the project goals. The purchase of special purpose equipment is supported by substantial documentation that includes how it will help accomplish the project deliverables; a lease vs. purchase comparison; how it will be inventoried, stored, and maintained during the project; and what will be done with it when the project is over. (10 Points)

• Budget Narrative must include an explanation and justification for all requested budget items and costs. Costs clearly support the purpose of UAIP. The quality of plan must show how the totals on the SF-424A or SF-424C were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities.

The Budget Narrative and the Project Narrative must clearly align with one another.

(10 Points)

• Quality of plan that shows how the program will continue to be funded or supported past the award period, by thoroughly identifying areas and activities that require additional funding and indicating specific sources of future local or national funding opportunities. (5 Points)

Data and Information Sharing (5 points)

4. Quality of plan that details the manner of collection of data and information on program deliverables. Suitable reporting policies. Reasonableness of specific strategies for sharing project information and to the extent possible information about project outcomes and results will be shared with federal programs and other interested parties, including public or private, nonprofit, or for-profit entities, academic institutions (including minority-serving colleges and universities), other appropriate professionals, community-based organizations, and local government entities.

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

5. Administrative Review and Risk Criteria

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

• ensure applicant meets eligibility criteria,

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

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

• proposed costs are allowable, allocable, and necessary.

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

G. FEDERAL AWARD NOTICES

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title41/subtitle1/divisionB/chapter23&edition=prelim https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.208 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance#sectno-citation-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html. The award terms and conditions include, but is not limited to:

• unallowable costs

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

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

• Build America, Buy America for Construction

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 compliance requirements

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

• 2 CFR 180 - 2 CFR 180.335 and 180.350, includes reporting requirements regarding debarment and suspension audit requirements

Programmatic required reporting:

• Submission of interim and final reports are required to demonstrate the progress made toward the completion of project goals, objectives, and outcomes, as well as the grant agreement’s overall financial status.

• The OUAIP Indicators in Appendix A are going to be used to document the project deliverables.

• SF-425, “Federal Financial Report,” are due with each performance report to account for financial expenditures during that reporting period.

• Performance reports and SF-425 are due annually no later than 120 calendar days after each annual performance reporting period end date.

• A final performance report and SF-425 must be submitted no later than 120 calendar days after the performance period end date.

I. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Applications are considered confidential information. Applications are not shared with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically, Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A requires the awarding agency to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested copies of their https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html https://www.fpacbc.usda.gov/about/grants-and-agreements/award-terms-and-conditions/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-180.350 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12600 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12600 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1 business information and requires the awarding agency to consult with applicants regarding the releasing their records.

2. Government Obligation

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

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

o https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants

U.S. Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement

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

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.lawinsider.com/clause/counterparts https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer mailto:program.intake@usda.gov

APPENDIX A: List of Indicators for OUAIP Grants and Agreements

(Version 2 - March 4, 2024)

Directions for Use:

The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) has developed the following list of indicators for use within the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Program (UAIP) and the Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreement Program (CFWR). These indicators are meant to provide unified metrics for reporting across both programs. This list is meant to be as exhaustive as possible; indicators presented should be able to correspond with wide range of unique activities covered under both programs. These indicators are to be incorporated into your project monitoring and evaluation strategies and will be reported on annually. A final measurement of each indicator will be provided at the end of the period of performance.

Recipients should identify the relevant indicators that correspond to their project objectives while developing their project proposals for UAIP or CFWR. Indicators have been aggregated into thematic categories to facilitate indicator selection. At least one indicator must be selected per project objective or deliverable proposed, though each deliverable is likely to have multiple associated indicators.

1. Food Access and Security: To support the availability, accessibility, and utilization of food for all individuals. Activities may foster new and beginning producers, increase access of fresh food, strengthen supply chains, and promote food security.

1.1. Number of individuals with improved food security.

1.2. Number of historically underserved individuals with improved food access and security

1.3. Number farmers supported or assisted

1.4. Number of beginning farmers supported or assisted

1.5. Number of socially disadvantaged farmers supported or assisted

1.6. Number of limited resource farmers supported or assisted

1.7. Number of veteran farmers supported or assisted

1.8. Amount of food produced (lbs.)

1.9. Number of new farmers entering agriculture

1.10. Number of historically underserved new farmers entering agriculture

1.11. Number of individuals benefitting from food waste reduction initiatives

1.12. Number of historically underserved individuals benefitting from food waste reduction initiatives

2. Economic Impact and Resilience: To support economic benefits and increase the long-term economic resilience of communities. Activities may include reducing the economic costs of food loss and waste, generating income through increased revenue, market expansion and capital investment, facilitate job placement, or conserve economic resources.

2.1. Number of new urban and/or innovative agricultural operations started.

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/definitions-of-food-security/ https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/definitions-of-food-security/ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/underserved-farmers-ranchers

2.2. Number of existing agricultural operations that expanded because of project activities.

2.3. Number of new jobs created.

2.4. Number of new businesses established.

2.5. Number of businesses supported.

2.6. Cost savings resulting from project activities (USD)

2.7. Cost savings in food waste disposal (USD)

2.8. Number of volunteers engaged with project activities.

2.9. Number of volunteer hours per year.

2.10. Estimated increase in landfill lifetime (years)

2.11. Cost savings from the implementation of new technologies (USD)

2.12. Cost savings from local generation of compost (e.g., reduction in fertilizer and/or logistics cost) (USD)

2.13. Amount of income from sale of compost (USD)

2.14.