Smith-Lever Extension Funding

Joint Cooperative Extension Programs at 1862 Land-grant Institutions and University of the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act Program: To develop practical applications of research knowledge; instructions and pract

The purpose of this program is to conduct cooperative agricultural Extension activities at Land-grant Institutions.

1862 CES Capacity & DCPPERA: Joint Cooperative Extension Programs at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions applications may only be submitted by the following 1862 Land-grant Institutions: Auburn University, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, American Samoa Community College, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, Colorado State University, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, Purdue University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Maine, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Massachusetts, Michigan State University, College of Micronesia, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, University of Missouri, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada-Reno, University of New Hampshire, Rutgers University, New Mexico State University, Cornell University, North Carolina State University, North Dakota State University, Northern Marianas College, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, Clemson University, South Dakota State University, University of Tennessee, Texas A & M University, Utah State University, University of Vermont, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, University of the Virgin Islands, Washington State University, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin, and University of Wyoming. University of the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act Program (DCPPERA): Applications may only be submitted by the University of the District of Columbia. 1862 Special Needs Capacity (SLSN): Applications may only be submitted by the following 1862 Land-grant Institutions: University of Alaska-Fairbanks, University of Arizona, Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Kansas State University, Montana State University, University of Nebraska, University of Nevada-Reno, New Mexico State University, North Dakota State University, Oregon State University, South Dakota State University, Texas A & M University, Utah State University, University of Vermont, and University of Wyoming. Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive (SLSNCGP): Applications may only be submitted by 1862 Land-grant Institutions in the 50 states and the U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

See NOFOs for specific information.

USES: 1862 CES Capacity (Smith-Lever) and DCPPERA: Funding for the Cooperative Extension Programs at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions authorized under the Smith-Lever Act section 3(b) and (c) (SLBC) and the University of the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act Program (DCPPERA) under Section 208 of the District of Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act is to be used for the development of practical applications of research knowledge and giving of instruction and practical demonstrations of existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture, uses of solar energy with respect to agriculture, home economics, and rural energy, and subjects relating thereto to persons not attending or resident in 1862 Land-Grant Institutions, and imparting information on those subjects through demonstrations, publications, and otherwise and for the necessary printing and distribution of information in connection with the subjects. Program and Extension Activities - Smith-Lever Act sections 3(b) and 3(c) Federal funding may only be used for extension programs and an activity identified in the institution's approved 5-Year Plan of Work. 1862 Special Needs Capacity Grants Program (SLSN): 1862 Smith Lever Special Needs Capacity funds support extension education initiatives that address risks, hazards and disasters. The SLSN sponsors targeted projects enable Cooperative Extension Service to assist in preparing for, providing an educational response to, and recovering from disasters. Education programming funded by this program help communities, families and individuals become more self-sustaining by strengthening and increasing their resiliency to disaster. The SLSN increases awareness and capacity building of urban/rural communities' response to natural and/or human-made disasters by increasing individual, family, farms, small business and community disaster preparedness through extension education, as well as collaboration with other agencies and volunteer organizations. Smith-Lever Special Needs Competitive Grants Program (SLSNCGP): SLSNCGP projects to implement applied scientific programs that serve public needs in preparation for, during, and after disaster. Though national, regional, and/or multi-state efforts are a priority for categories 1-3, highly replicable single-state projects may be considered if they have a strong plan for transferring successful methods to other states. The SLSNCGP also funds the development of educational programs and demonstration activities focusing on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Successful projects in the past have helped extension educators, who normally do not have a disaster extension focus, to have a greater impact in this area.

SLSN and DCPPERA RESTRICTIONS: 1.) No portion of the funds allocated under this grant may be applied, directly or indirectly, to the purchase, erection, preservation, or repair of any building or buildings, or the purchase or rental of land, or in college-course teaching, lectures in college, or any other purpose not specified in the program legislation. 2.) funding may only be used to support extension activities identified in the institution's approved Five-Year POW. 3.) In accordance with section 1473 of the NARETPA (7 U.S.C. 3319), indirect costs and tuition remission are unallowable as SLSN formula grant expenditures. Further, costs that are a part of an institution's indirect cost pool (e.g., administrative or clerical salaries) may not be reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making them allowable. 4.) extension funds are expected to be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation; however, up to 100 percent of funds may be carried over for up to four years after the end of the year for which they were appropriated. No prior approval is required. 5.) Employer contributions to land-grant college retirement systems are limited to five percent of the portion of the salaries paid, under this award, to employees who participate in the system (7 U.S.C. 331) and are subject to the other conditions in 7 U.S.C. 331. Note the five percent limitation does NOT apply to any state or individual contribution. Contributions of funds under this award may not exceed the contributions from non-Federal sources made by or on behalf of the individual concerned. See Section VI of the NIFA Federal Assistance Policy Guide for additional information. SLSNCGP RESTRICTIONS: Indirect Cost recovery is not authorized in this program. Pursuant to Section 1473 of the National Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, 7 U.S.C 3319, IDC and tuition remission are not allowable costs under Section 3(b) & (c) of the Smith-Lever Act projects, and no funds will be approved for this purpose. Further, costs that are a part of an institution's IDC pool (e.g., administrative, or clerical salaries) may not be reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making these allowable. No portion of said moneys shall be applied, directly or indirectly, to the purchase, erection, preservation, or repair of any building or buildings, or the purchase or rental of land, or in college-course teaching, lectures in college, or any other purpose not specified in this Act (7 U.S.C. 345 ).

In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are as follows: SLSNCGP: Not to exceed three (3) years. SLSN & DCPPERA: Funds are expected to be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation; however, up to 100 percent of funds may be carried over for up to four years after the end of the year for which they were appropriated. No prior approval is required. Further details are provided in the Award document Form NIFA-2009 and the NIFA General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements.

NIFA will review submitted documents to determine if all program, financial, and administrative requirements have been met and are current within guidelines established for the program as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO).

SLSNCGP: NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, each application is reviewed to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in the NOFO. Second, a peer-review process (https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications) will be used to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of applications that have meet the administrative requirements. After each peer review panel has completed deliberations, the responsible NIFA program staff will either recommend an application for support from available funds or decline an application due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review. SLSN and DCPPERA: NIFA will review submitted documents to determine if all program, financial, and administrative requirements are met and are current. Missing or incomplete information within an application may require additional submittals and deletion of application(s) already submitted. Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA awarding official shall make grants to eligible applicants.

Contact the National Program Leader (NPL) regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time.