Inflation Reduction Act Financially Distressed Borrowers Technical Assistance

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. Section 22006 of this law provided additional funding to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and expedited assistance to agricu

FSA is establishing a national Distressed Borrowers Technical Assistance network. This initiative will provide individualized support to financially distressed borrowers through Cooperative Agreements. By connecting key farm support organizations that have expertise in working with financially distressed and underserved farming communities, with the extensive resources and technical assistance networks of land grant partners, we are creating a robust support network of knowledgeable and compassionate 1:1 service providers who are dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome significant financial hardships and barriers. This network not only aids farmers and ranchers directly, but also enhances the capacity of farm service providers across the non-profit and land grant service provider landscape to offer individualized assistance and support.

Colleges and Universities.

This funding is for organizations that work with farmers and ranchers and provide technical assistance to financially distressed farmers and ranchers.

Funds may be used to conduct outreach, training, and technical assistance for financially distressed and historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Unallowable expenses as outlined in 2CFR-200 are not permitted under this award.

Funding for this program is not cyclical. Funding opportunities will be announced as funding is available and as agency priorities dictate. Funds are primarily available through the Inflation Reduction Act. The agency seeks to compete funding wherever possible. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Program funds may be released on a reimbursable project basis or deliverable basis, or an advance basis in accordance with 2 CFR 200.305.

Applicants for the competitive funding will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Request for Proposals which will include evaluation of proposed scopes of work, organizations' demonstrated capacity and experience in working with farmers, and documented ability to provide 1:1 technical assistance to farmers and ranchers.

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel, scored, ranked and recommended for funding based on the publicly available rubric in the RFA. The cooperators administering the competition will approve and administer funding with prior approval from FSA.

Deadlines will be set by the organization awarding competitive funds. FSA is not directly administering funds where deadlines apply. Anticipated deadlines for applicants are January 2025.