Renewable Resources Extension Act

The goal of this program is to support Extension activities designed to assist forest and range landowners and managers in making resource management decisions based on research findings and to support extension projects that focus on forest and rang

The RREA program supports a coordinated and comprehensive Extension efforts focused on forest and rangeland renewable resources. Through funding for Cooperative Extension education and technical assistance, the program helps forest and rangeland owners and managers make informed decisions grounded in research and proven best management practices.

RREA: In accordance with the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, applications may only be submitted by the 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions. RREA-NFF: Applicants for the RREA-NFF must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Applications may only be submitted by 1862 (7 CFR 3430.2, 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq; and 7 U.S.C. 7601(1)) and 1890 land-grant institutions (7 U.S.C. 7601(2) and 7 CFR3430.2). Project Directors must have an Extension appointment. An Extension appointment is a formal appointment by an Extension Director/Administrator in the institution's extension service. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award.

RREA: Carrying out an extension program designed to assist forest and range landowners and managers in making resource management decisions based on research findings. RREA-NFF: The RREA-NFF addresses the sustainable use of natural resources, by providing funding to the Cooperative Extension System to conduct educational programs for private forestland owners that contribute to well-managed forests and the nation's and world's fiber supply in support of rural economic systems.

RREA: Approved NIFA RREA Projects RREA federal funding must be used on the strategic issues from the RREA Strategic Plan identified in the institution's approved Five (5) Year Project. Indirect Costs and Tuition Remission In accordance with section 1473 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. §3319), indirect costs and tuition remission are unallowable as RREA formula grant expenditures. Carryover of Funds RREA funds are expected to be fully expended in the fiscal year of appropriation, but they may be carried over for one (1) additional year and must be expended by September 30th of that year. However, if the carryover is in excess of 50% of the allocation, a waiver request for excess carryover is required. RREA- NFF: RREA is an Extension-only program, therefore research cannot be conducted with NFF funds. Indirect costs are not allowed. Funds may not be spent on tuition remission, food, or gifts. Equipment costing more than $2,000 must be fully justified.

In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed two (2) years for RREA and RREA-NFF. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFAs) for specific and pertinent details.

RREA: NIFA will review submitted documents to determine if all program, financial, and administrative requirements have been met and are current. RREA-NFF: Applications are subjected to a system of peer and merit review in accordance with section 103 of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613) by a panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal.

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) shall make grants to those responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in the NOFO. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current NOFOs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/renewable-resources-extension-act-capacity-grant RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/renewable-resources-extension-act-national-fo

From 30 to 60 days. Contact the National Program Leader (NPL) regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time.