Tribal Colleges Extension Programs

There are two programs under the TCEP: Capacity Applications and Special Emphasis. The Tribal Colleges Extension Program-Capacity Applications (TCEP-CA) supports Extension offices that provide practical, science-based lifelong learning opportunities

The purpose of the Tribal Colleges Extension Program (TCEP) is to give Tribal communities opportunities for enhanced agricultural productivity, community resilience, economic growth, and youth development by extending the reach of innovations in research and technology and enhancing informal, local educational programming. The Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) establishes an Extension presence and supports Extension outreach on Federally Recognized Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions of Federally Recognized Tribes.

TCEP-CA and TCEP-SE: Applications may only be submitted by colleges and universities designated as 1994 Land-grant Institutions by legislation. These programs are authorized under Section 534(b) of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), as amended by the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7601). This section amends Section 3 of the Act of May 8, 1914 (Smith-Lever Act) (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.). Under this authority, appropriated funds are to be awarded to the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (hereinafter referred to as 1994 Institutions) for Extension work. FRTEP: Applications will only be accepted if submitted by 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant Colleges and Universities. The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), shall establish appropriate extension education programs on Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions (7 U.S.C. 5930). This program is listed under Section 3(d) of the Act of May 8, 1914, Smith-Lever Act, ch. 79, 38 Stat. 372, 7 U.S.C. 341 et seq. Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (P.L. 110-246) amended section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act to require funds to be awarded competitively.

Extension Projects conduct programs and activities that deliver science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, enabling them to make practical decisions. Delivery may range from community-based to national audiences and use communication methods from face-to-face to electronic or combinations thereof. Extension Projects may also include related matters such as certification programs, in-service training, client recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional materials and equipment, and innovative instructional methodologies appropriate to informal educational programs. Extension Projects address one or more of the following key strategic actions: a) Support informal education to increase food and agricultural literacy of youth and adults; b) Promote science-based agricultural literacy by increasing understanding and use of food and agricultural science data, information, and programs; c) Build science-based capability in people to engage audiences and enable informed decision making; d) Develop new applications of instructional tools and curriculum structures that increase technical competency and ensure global competitiveness; e) Offer non-formal learning programs that increase accessibility to new audiences at the rate at which new ideas and technologies are tested and/or developed at the community-scale; and f) Develop programs that increase public knowledge and citizen engagement leading to actions that protect or enhance the nations' food supply, agricultural productivity, environmental quality, community vitality, and/or public health and well-being.

Indirect costs are unallowable, and no funds will be approved for this purpose. Costs that are a part of the institution's indirect cost pool may not be reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making them allowable.

In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed 5 years. Further details are provided in the Award document Form NIFA-2009 and the NIFA General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements.

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 met 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.

Within the limit of funds authorized, the NIFA awarding official will make grants to eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in this NOFO.

Contact the National Program Leader (NPL) regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time. Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website.

Specific details are provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO), which are generally published annually.