Fiscal Year 2013: Not applicable - Represents a FY 2014 newly authorized and newly funded program.
Fiscal Year 2014: The CPPM Competitive Grants Program was initiated in FY 2014; therefore awards have not yet been finalized.
Awards will be processed by the September 30th Fiscal Year End.
Examples of awards will be provided by Program in the FY 2015 updates,.
Fiscal Year 2015: It is projected that funded projects and focus areas will be similar to Fiscal Year 2014.
Pertinent details to be provided by Program at a future date.
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.
Fiscal Year 2013: Not applicable - Represents a FY 2014 newly authorized and newly funded program. Fiscal Year 2014: For Fiscal Year 2014:
Approximately 130 applications were received.
It is anticipated that approximately 70 proposals will be funded by the September 30th Fiscal Year End (FYE).
Anticipated Funding Ratio is approximately 54%.
Anticipated Range of Awards: $40,000 to $ 1,150,000.
The CPPM Competitive Grants Program was initiated in FY 2014; therefore awards have not yet been finalized. Awards will be completed by FYE. Actual Accomplishments will be provided by Program in the FY 2015 updates,. Fiscal Year 2015: Projected appropriations for FY 2015 will permit the funding of projects consistent in number and comparable in value to the FY 2014 amount.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The new CPPM program provides support for three linked programs that emphasize research (discovery), extension (translation) of that knowledge, and enhanced coordination, collaboration and communications among related CPPM programs and grantees.
The three program areas are:
Applied Research and Development Program Area (ARDP) -
To enhance the development and implementation of innovative, ecologically-based, sustainable IPM tactics and strategies that address regional and/or national IPM priorities.
Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP) -
To assure the implementation of IPM through extension activities and coordination with other EIP grantees and other CPPM program areas based on defined state, multi-state, regional, national, or international needs.
Regional Coordination Program Area (RCP) -
To increase coordination and improve efficiency of IPM research and extension efforts; facilitate collaboration across states and disciplines; and promote further development and adoption of IPM through regional pest management information networks, collaborative team building and broad-based stakeholder participation.
Section 716 of the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2014, limits indirect costs to 30 percent of the total Federal funds provided under each award.
Therefore, when preparing budgets, you should limit your request for the recovery of indirect costs to the lesser of your institution s official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 30 percent of total Federal funds awarded.
When NIFA is not the cognizant Federal agency.
The applicant should use the current negotiated indirect cost rate established by its cognizant Federal agency (the agency that provides the most funds).
If awarded, the applicant will be required to produce a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement from the cognizant agency in order to recover indirect costs.
Applicants may request (i.e., budget) indirect costs using the lesser of: (a) the negotiated rate; or (b) the maximum statutory rate stated in the Request for Application, if any.
If unable to obtain a negotiated rate from its cognizant agency, the applicant is not permitted indirect cost reimbursement.
Rather, the applicant may only be reimbursed for allowable direct costs.
Violation of Cost Accounting Standards is not permitted when re-budgeting or charging costs to awards.
When NIFA is the cognizant Federal agency.
If the applicant does not have a negotiated rate, and NIFA is the cognizant agency, the applicant must calculate an indirect cost rate in order to request indirect costs.
NIFA s indirect cost website provides several sample indirect cost rate calculations.
NIFA s website is found at: http://nifa.usda.gov/business/indirect_cost_process.html.
During the application process, the applicant is not required to complete the entire indirect cost package identified on NIFA s website.
Rather, the applicant need only calculate an indirect cost rate to serve as a basis for requesting indirect costs.
If awarded, the applicant will be required to submit a complete Indirect Cost Proposal (ICP) package as explained on NIFA s indirect cost website.
Grant funds awarded under this authority may not be used to renovate or refurbish research, education, or extension space; purchase or install fixed equipment in such space; or the plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construction of buildings or facilities.
Fully discretionary.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA) (7 U.S.C.
3103) are eligible to submit applications for the CPPM program.
Section 1404 of NARETPA was amended by section 7101 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) to define Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs), and to include research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
For the purposes of this program, 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 educational 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.
Applications also may be submitted by 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (see Part VIII, E), HSACUs, and research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
Section 7206 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended section 406(b) of AREERA to add the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions as eligible to apply for grants under this authority.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103) are eligible to submit applications for the CPPM program. Section 1404 of NARETPA was amended by section 7101 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) to define Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs), and to include research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
For the purposes of this program, 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 educational 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. Applications also may be submitted by 1994 Land-Grant Institutions (see Part VIII, E), HSACUs, and research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
Section 7206 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended section 406(b) of AREERA to add the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions as eligible to apply for grants under this authority.
Credentials/Documentation
A Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be obtained - a DUNS number is a unique number that identifies an organization. If your organization does not have a DUNS number, call the special Dun & Bradstreet hotline at 1-866-705-5711 to receive one free of charge. Please note, individual proprietorships (i.e. farmers, ranchers) can request and receive a DUNS number, but must register with Grants.gov as an organization, not as an individual.
Registration with Central Contractor Registry (CCR) is required - if your organization is not already registered, identify the primary contact who should register your organization. When your organization registers with CCR, your organization will be required to designate an e-Business Point of Contact (e-Business POC). The e-Business POC authorizes individuals to submit grant applications on behalf of the organization and creates a special password called a Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN) to verify individuals authorized to submit grant applications for the organization. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
All RFAs are published on the Agency s website and Grants.gov.
Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process.
Please see the following Grants.gov link for more information: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Formal applications are solicited and should be submitted to USDA, NIFA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or request for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications.
Applications should be submitted as outlined in the RFA. Applications must follow the instructions provided per Grants.Gov and in the Agency guide to submitting applications via Grants.gov.
Award Procedures
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. 1613) 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 RFA.
Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:
(a) The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities;
(b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields;
(c) the need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs;
(d) the need to include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations;
(e) the need to maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and
(f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each application.
Evaluation Criteria will be delineated in the RFA.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (H.R. 3547) provided NIFA with funding for competitive grants programs authorized under section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626), including the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program. These funds are available to support integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this program, the Secretary may award grants to colleges and universities (as defined by section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103)), as amended, on a competitive basis for projects that address priorities in United States agriculture and involve integrated research, education, and extension activities, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. , 7 U.S.C 7626.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 180 days. Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA) each fiscal year.
Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website. Respective links are provided below:
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/
http://www.grants.gov.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA).
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.
Matching Requirements: When a grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the grant recipient must match awarded USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions on dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources (see RFA for specific details).
NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if we determine that:
(a) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
(b) the project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
From one (1) to five (5) years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: by letter of credit.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program Reports:
Grantees are to submit initial project information, quarterly, and annual reports to NIFA"s electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
The details of these reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions.
No cash reports are required.
Progress Reports:
Grantees are required to submit initial project information and annual summary reports to NIFA s electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
The details of these reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions.
In general, the program report should include a summary of the overall progress toward project objectives, current problems, or unusual developments.
In addition, projections for the upcoming quarter s program activities, along with any other pertinent information may be included.
The Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and a detailed line-item expenditures report should support the reported program activity.
An Annual Performance Report must be submitted within 90 days after the completion of the first year of the project, and annually thereafter during the life of the grant.
Generally, the Annual Performance Reports should include a summary of the overall progress toward project objectives, current problems or unusual developments, the next year"s activities, and any other information that is pertinent to the ongoing project or which may be specified in the terms and conditions of the award.
Expenditure Reports:
Grantees are to submit initial project information, quarterly, and annual reports to NIFA" s electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
The details of these reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions.
The Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and a detailed line-item expenditures report should support the reported program activity.
A final Federal Financial Report (SF-425) is due within 90 days of the expiration date of the grant and should be submitted to the Awards Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs at the address listed below, in accordance with instructions contained in 2 CFR 3430.55 (also refer to Section 3015.82 of the Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations).
Awards Management Division (AMD)
Office of Grants and Financial Management (OGFM)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
STOP 2271
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-2271
Telephone: (202) 401-4986
The details of these reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions.
Performance Monitoring:
Grantees are required to submit initial project information, quarterly, and annual summary reports to NIFA s electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
The details of these reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations [2 CFR 215, Subpart C, Section 215.53, (OMB Circular A-110)] grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and must be retained at least three (3) 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
(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 13 $0; FY 14 est $16,128,699; and FY 15 est $16,256,993 - The difference between the appropriation and obligation numbers reflects legislatively authorized set-asides deducted as appropriate, and in some cases the availability of obligational authority from prior years.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
If minimum or maximum amounts of funding per competitive project grant or cooperative agreement are established, these will be announced in the program announcement or Request for Application (RFA).
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Several federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under this program. These include, but are not limited to:
2 CFR Part 220-Cost Principles for Educational Institutions (OMB Circular A-21).
2 CFR Part 225-Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments (OMB Circular A-87).
2 CFR Part 230-Cost Principles for Non-profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-122).
7 CFR Part 1, subpart A-USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act.
7 CFR Part 3-USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 regarding debt collection.
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A-USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121-USDA implementation of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.
7 CFR Part 3015-USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21, A-87, and A-122, now codified at 2 CFR Parts 220, 225 and 230), and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of departmental financial assistance.
7 CFR Part 3016-USDA Implementation of Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR Part 3017-USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement).
7 CFR Part 3018-USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR Part 3019-USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations (2 CFR Part 215).
7 CFR Part 3021-USDA Implementation of Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR Part 3022-Research Institutions Conducting USDA-Funded Extramural Research; Research Misconduct.
7 CFR Part 3052-USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3407-USDA procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
7 CFR 3430-Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Financial Assistance Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part 15b (USDA implementation of statute) -prohibiting discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in federally-assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. -Bayh Dole Act, controlling allocation of rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in federally-assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part 401).
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Institute of Food Production and Sustainability (IFPS) 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 2240, , Washington, District of Columbia 20024 Phone: (202) 401-1761 Fax: (202) 401-1782
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Request for Application (RFA).
David Tran, CEO of Huy Fong Foods, makers of the popular Sriracha hot sauce with the green cap, hopes to fill a hot sauce gap where social entrepreneurs can learn from.