EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Lateral Entry: Strategies to Increase the Pool of Teachers Through Online Course Offerings; Enhancing Teachers and Students Hands-On Experience in Agricultural Biotechnology Through Summer Laboratory Workshops; Novel Protocols to Optimize Fertility Rate and Mass Propagation of Transgenic Hypoallergenic Peanuts; Biotic Integrity Index Development for Forested Ecosystems.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
Example of accomplishments: One university has established a degree program in Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering; another university has incorporated advanced technology into the degree programs in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Forestry, and Plant Science; one university has established a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory; another university has established an interactive video conference classroom to deliver courses to students in rural communities at their local community college; a consortia of universities is preparing students for management positions with private sector industries and government agencies in domestic and global food and fiber distribution.
Uses and Use Restrictions
For teaching grants, funds may be used in the following targeted areas: (1) Curricula design and materials development; (2) faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching; (3) instruction delivery systems; (4) scientific instrumentation for teaching; (5) student experiential learning; and (6) student recruitment and retention.
For research grants, funds may be used to address high- priority research initiatives in areas where there is a present or anticipated need for increased capabilities and in which it is feasible for applicants to develop programs recognized for their excellence.
Research areas include, but are not limited to: (1) Studies and experimentation in food and agricultural sciences; (2) centralized research support systems; and (3) technology delivery systems.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University.
The 1890 land-Grant Institutions are: Alabama A&M University; Alcorn State University; University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; Lincoln University (MO); Langston University; University of Maryland-Eastern Shore; North Carolina A&T State University; Prairie View A&M University; South Carolina State University; Southern University and A&M College; Tennessee State University; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State College.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The seventeen 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University, non-1890 academic institutions, private industry, and the Department of Agriculture.
Credentials/Documentation
This 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 OMB Circular No.
A-102 and E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Formal proposals should be submitted to the Proposal Service Unit, CSREES, as outlined in the annual solicitation for applications. Application and materials are available at the CSREES Funding Opportunities web site http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). This program is subject to the regulatory provisions of USDA, 7 CFR Part 3015, et seq., and all successor regulations.
Award Procedures
Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by CSREES staff members with the assistance and advice of peer panels of qualified educators, scientists, administrators, and other appropriate persons that are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals. Proposals are supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Grant payments are made by the electronic transfer system.
Deadlines
Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.
Authorization
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, Section 1417(b)(4), Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)(4).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 180 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None. However, matching is strongly encouraged.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded for a 1 to 3 year period and may receive no-cost extensions of time as appropriate up to maximum of 5 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual progress reports.
Quarterly financial reports.
Final progress and financial reports are due within 90 days after project expiration.
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 are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are expended for authorized purposes. Grant related records must be retained at least 3 years; records must be retained beyond the 3-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1500-0-1-352.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $11,616,121; FY 08 est $11,583,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Teaching grants: $88,470 to $225,000. Average: $171,443. Research grants: $107,574 to $349,793. Average: $242,524.
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 Suspensions (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 Grant sand Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3406, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program, Administrative Provisions; 7 CFR 3407, Agency Procedures to Implement the National Environment Policy Act of 1969; annual solicitation of applications; and Grant Application Kit.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
National Program Leader, Higher Education Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-2186.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals are evaluated using the following criteria: Potential for Advancing Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem; Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages; Institutional Capability and Capacity Building; Key Personnel; and Budget and Cost-Effectiveness.
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