None. This is a new program.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funded projects will respond to specific needs and strengths of the university or college that will enable it to strengthen the global competence of students, faculty and staff in agriculture and related areas and enhance business performance in international agriculture and related sectors through extension, research and/or teaching programs.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Applications may be submitted by colleges and universities and defined in section 1404 of NARETPA.

The terms college and university mean an educational institution in any State which (1) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an education program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Colleges and universities; pubic or other nonprofit institutions.

Credentials/Documentation

None. The program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.

Award Procedures

Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines

Specific deadline dates are announced on the Agency's Web site and in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.

Authorization

Section 1459 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended 7 U.S.C. 3292b.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Requests for renewal support must be submitted as new proposals at the announced deadline, and are considered in equal competition wit other applications.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

As announced in the request for applications.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

From one to four years.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Quarterly financial reports.

Annual progress reports.

Final financial and final summary progress reports.

Audits

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations."

Records

Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved.

Financial Information

Account Identification

12-1502-0-1-352.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $950,400; FY 08 est 1,910,400; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

None.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (implementing the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110); 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative: Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

International Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP 2203; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. 20250-2203; telephone: 202-720-3801.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Applications are evaluated based on four major criteria: (1) Overall Approach and Collaboration, which includes soundness of proposed approach, procedures, integration with existing programs and realistic time table, cooperation among the lead institution and other partner organizations and institutional commitment; and (2) Potential for Contributing to Internationalization which includes the extent of importance or impact of the project, expected products or results, an adequate evaluation plan, a dissemination plan, and continuation plans; 3) Personnel Resources; and Budget and Cost Effectiveness.