Pandemic Relief Activities: Local Food Purchase Agreements with States, Tribes, and Local Governments

1. Provide an opportunity for State, Local and Tribal governments to strengthen their local and regional food system. 2. Help to support local and socially disadvantaged producers through building and expanding economic opportunities. 3. Establish

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will establish cooperative agreements with State, Local and Tribal governments for the purpose of purchasing food from local, regional and socially disadvantaged producers. The food will be distributed targeting underserved communities.

Initial awards will focus on State and Tribal governments. Depending on demand, additional agreements may be made available for local governments.

A cooperative agreement is entered into between AMS and the eligible entity that submits the application. OMB Guidance for Grants Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR §200 applies to this program. Affirmation that organization follow the same policies and procedures used for procurements from non-federal sources, which reflect applicable State and local laws and regulation and conform to the Federal laws and standards identified in 2 CFR§200.301 through §200.329, as applicable.

To procure local foods (within the state or within 400 miles) targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged producers. Distribution will target organizations that reach underserved communities as defined in Executive Order 13985 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities posted January 20, 2021, and will improve access to healthy and nutritious food. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds will help build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially disadvantaged producers.

Billings for expenses can be submitted electronically as often as the recipient likes per 2 CFR 200.305(b)(2)(ii)

This is a one-time program Register in SAM.gov Secure access to Grants.gov Secure access to EZFedgrants.gov (E-Authentication level 2 required) Submit application through Grants.gov Submit narrative and supporting documents through Grants.gov

USDA will provide the State, Local and Tribal governments funding for food purchases as well as guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement. The amount of the aid for the program will be up to $400 million. Initial agreements will be distributed incrementally to ensure that all interested applicants have an opportunity for an award. Initial awards will focus on State and Tribal governments. Depending on demand, additional agreements may be made available for local governments. State, Local and Tribal governments will provide proposals indicating how they will use the funds to purchase commodities to meet the stated objective within their states or region. These funds will be awarded through a noncompetitive process based on the statutory The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funding formula. This formula considers the poverty rate and unemployment levels in each state to ensure the distribution of funds corresponds to feeding needs in each state. Cooperative Agreement applications will be awarded based on acceptability and ability to meet the goals of the program.

Upon application receipt, AMS reviewer will review applications per requirements outlined above, and will recommend approval or denial accordingly. Prior to any denial, applicants will be given an opportunity to correct deficiencies. Once approved, the application will flow to an approver within the recipient organization (State, Local and Tribal governments) for approval. An application must have approval from both the AMS and recipient organizations. The application will then be active and managed on the recipient side adhering to all program regulations.

There will be an initial offering.