Quarterly Recipient Reporting Beginning October 1, 2009, this reporting is mandated in 1512 of the ARRA. Detailed information can be at the OMB website at: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/program-plan&program_id=7544 or via the direct link for OMB Guidance: M-09-21. A centralized reporting tool is being implemented to facilitate and ease the reporting process. Section 1512 reporting requirements were further elucidated by OMB Webinars presented during the week of July 20, 2009 (archived on the OMB Webinar website). The initial report deadline is October 10, 2009 and will recur quarterly for the duration of the award. Data validation is performed by FAS. Any corrections will be returned to the awardee and must be addressed during the last week of the month in which they were returned. The final draft of each report will be moved to Recovery.gov on the last day of the report month. PLEASE NOTE: These reports are made to www.Federal Reporting.Gov by the TAAF Training Coordination Program awardee as agreed to in the Terms and Conditions of the award. 3. Performance Measures: The measures have been revised to enrich the performance metrics for Recovery targets. In some instances, targets will not be available until additional baseline data has been collected. Please refer to Performance Measures published on the Recovery.gov for the FAS TAAF Recovery Plan which are available via the direct link or at the following website: TAAF Performance Measures or http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/program-plan&program_id=7544 A final Financial Status Report (SF-269) or Federal Financial Report (SF-425) is due within 90 days of the expiration date of the grant and should be submitted to 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) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) STOP 2271 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-2271 Telephone: (202) 401-4986. 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. Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, and implemented in 7 CFR 3052. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. 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. Account Identification: 12-1408-0-1-352. Obligations: (Cooperative Agreements) FY 11 $0; FY 12 est $0; and FY 13 est $0 - The difference between the appropriation and obligation numbers reflects legislative 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 annual program announcement or RFA. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Fiscal Year 2011: The purpose of the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program is to provide eligible U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishers who have been adversely affected by imports with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to make adjustments to their operations, thereby enhancing their business profitability and resilience to import competition. Producers of commodities certified by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and who meet the eligibility requirements in application to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) are eligible for TAAF training and technical assistance, as well as a pro-rated cash benefit to implement short- and long-term business adjustment plans. NIFA administers the competitive award which established the National TAAF Training Coordination Center (TAAF Center). This multiyear award went to the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota. The TAAF Center is responsible for the development and delivery of training and technical assistance to TAAF-eligible producers. NIFA also provides management oversight through the TAAF Center, the Extension Risk Management Education regional centers, and local Extension partners who provide all training and technical assistance, including business planning for production efficiency, enterprise diversification, and marketing, as well as other beneficial subjects as needed to aid producers in adjusting to the impact of imported commodities. The TAAF Center employed a rapid response approach to program delivery by partnering with the four regional Extension Risk Management Education Centers and establishing a network of TAAF contacts in every state. This partnership and network mobilized to quickly deliver initial training and technical assistance in every state when commodities were approved. The TAAF Center developed the infrastructure and delivery procedures to effectively deliver all four phases of training and technical assistance, including the initial orientation, intensive technical assistance workshops, training on initial business plans, and individualized instruction and consultation for development of each producers long-term business adjustment plan. The training has focused on improving yield and marketing of the impacted commodity; evaluating the feasibility of substituting the production of alternative commodities for the impacted commodity; and writing initial business plans and long-term business adjustment plans that document the steps the business will implement to adjust to import competitions. The TAAF Center also developed an online reporting database to track all activities and accomplishments of this training and technical assistance to fully comply with the reporting requirements of the ARRA. The TAAF Center has been integral to USDA efforts to promote the availability of TAAF to commodity organizations and producers. Six commodities have been certified for TAA for Farmers eligibility: asparagus, catfish, and shrimp in the 2010 petition application year, and shrimp, lobster, and wild blueberries in the 2011 petition application year. The program received 4,289 producer applications in 2010 and 5,994 producer applications in 2011. Fiscal Year 2012: Nearly all program participants have completed the initial orientation, and most have completed the requisite 12 hours of specialized training and their initial business plans. Indeed, some participants have found the training so beneficial that they have taken 30 hours or more of training. Initial payments are now flowing from the Farm Service Agency so these farmers and fishers can implement their short-term business plan as they proceed to develop their long-range business plan with the assistance of a personally-assigned Business Planning Consultant. Many participants are now in this final phase of the program, and a significant number have completed all program components and await their final FSA payment to implement their long-term business adjustment plans. Fiscal Year 2013: As of June, 2012, 5,732 participants had completed their Long-Term Business Adjustment Plans, while 4,108 participants are still engaged in the programs final phases. Of this 4,108, those yet to complete all 12 hours of intensive training number 1,719, those yet to complete their initial business plan number 167, and those currently working to complete their long-term business adjustment plan number 2,222. Participants approved for the program in the first round of applications have until June 24, 2013, while those approved in the second round have until September 23, 2012 to complete all phases of the program in order to qualify their final FSA payment to implement their long-term business adjustment plans. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Grant Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community, Division of Family and Consumer Sciences, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 2250, Washington, District of Columbia 20250-2250 Phone: (202) 720-4795 Fax: (202) 720-9366 Website Address: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/ RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.500 Cooperative Extension Service EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Fiscal Year 2011: Not Applicable. CFDA 10.315 funded the National TAA for Farmers Training Coordination Center. This Center does not fund projects, but rather provides training and technical assistance through subcontracts with 4 Regional Risk Management Education Centers and Cooperative Extension, plus invoiced expenses from Business Planning Consultants. Fiscal Year 2012: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2013: No Current Data Available CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program as described in the RFAS. 10.316 HEALTHY URBAN FOOD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (HUFED) HUFED FEDERAL AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), as amended by the OBJECTIVES: To establish a competitive grants program to support a Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center to increase access to healthy affordable foods, including locally produced agricultural products, to underserved communities. The purpose of the Center is to increase access to healthy affordable foods, including locally produced agricultural products, to underserved communities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Secretary shall offer to provide a grant to a nonprofit organization to establish and support a healthy urban food enterprise development center to carry out the purpose described in Section :050 - Objectives. Assistance will be provided to support a community food project. The term community food project means a community-based project that(A) requires a 1-time contribution of Federal assistance to become self-sustaining; and H. R. 6124247 (B) is designed (i)(I) to meet the food needs of low-income individuals; (II) to increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; and (III) to promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues; or (ii) to meet specific State, local, or neighborhood food and agricultural needs, including needs relating to (I) infrastructure improvement and development; (II) planning for long-term solutions; or (III) the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. The term Center means the healthy urban food enterprise development center established under Section :050 - Objectives. The term underserved community means a community (including an urban or rural community or an Indian tribe) that, as determined by the Secretary, has (A) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables; (B) a high incidence of a diet-related disease (including obesity) as compared to the national average; (C) a high rate of hunger or food insecurity; or (D) severe or persistent poverty. ACTIVITIES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION: The Center shall collect, develop, and provide technical assistance and information to small and medium-sized agricultural producers, food wholesalers and retailers, schools, and other individuals and entities regarding best practices and the availability of assistance for aggregating, storing, H. R. 6124248 processing, and marketing locally produced agricultural products and increasing the availability of such products in underserved communities. AUTHORITY TO SUBGRANT: The Center may provide subgrants to eligible entities (i) to carry out feasibility studies to establish businesses for the purpose described in Section :050 - Objectives; and (ii) to establish and otherwise assist enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, store, and market healthy affordable foods. Grant Priority: In providing technical assistance and grants under the Activities section above, the Center shall give priority to applications that include projects (A) to benefit underserved communities; and (B) to develop market opportunities for small and mid-sized farm and ranch operations. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Not more than 10 percent of the total amount allocated for this subsection in a given fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses. If available, the current rate negotiated with the cognizant Federal negotiating agency should be used. Indirect costs may not exceed the negotiated rate. If a negotiated rate is used, the percentage and base should be indicated. If no rate has been established the applicant may indicate "Nonewill negotiate" and a reasonable dollar amount for indirect costs may be requested, which will be subject to approval by USDA. In the latter case, if a proposal is recommended for funding, an indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted prior to award to support the amount of indirect costs requested. NIFA will request an indirect cost rate proposal and provide instructions, as necessary. An applicant may elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for direct costs. Applicant Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for and receive awards under the HUFED Center authority (7 U.S.C. 2034 (h)(2)). Beneficiary Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for and receive awards under the HUFED Center authority (7 U.S.C. 2034 (h)(2)). Credentials/Documentation: No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: All RFAs are published on the Agencys 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. An environmental impact statement is required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedures: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. 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 Procedure: 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. Priority: In providing technical assistance and grants under Section :070 - Activities, the Center shall give priority to applications that include projects (A) to benefit underserved communities; and (B) to develop market opportunities for small and mid-sized farm and ranch operations. Deadlines: Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 30 to 180 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: If applicable, information regarding renewals will be announced in the Request for Applications (RFA) each year. Formula and Matching Requirements: Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. This program has no matching requirements. MOE requirements are not applicable to this program. The term of competitive project grants and/or cooperative agreements under this program may not exceed three (3) years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: by letter of credit. Reports: Grantees are to submit initial project information and annual summary reports to NIFAS 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 the reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. For each fiscal year for which the nonprofit organization described in Section :070 above receives funds, the organization shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the activities carried out in the preceding fiscal year, including (A) a description of technical assistance provided by the Center; (B) the total number and a description of the subgrants provided under Section :070 above; (C) a complete listing of cases in which the activities of the Center have resulted in increased access to healthy, affordable foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly for school-aged children and individuals in low-income communities; and (D) a determination of whether the activities identified in subparagraph (C) (above) are sustained during the years following the initial provision of technical assistance and subgrants under this section. NIFA uses the SF-425, Federal Financial Report to monitor cash. Grantees are to submit initial project information and annual summary reports to NIFAs 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 the reporting requirements are included in the award terms and conditions. A final Financial Status Report (SF-269) or Federal Financial Report (SF-425) is due within 90 days of the expiration date of the grant and should be submitted to 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) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) STOP 2271 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-2271 Telephone: (202) 401-4986. Grantees are to submit initial project information and annual summary reports to NIFAS 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 the 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. Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, and implemented in 7 CFR 3052. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. 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. Account Identification: 12-0502-0-1-352. Obligations: (Project Grants) FY 11 $900,000; FY 12 est $0; and FY 13 est $0 - This program is no longer being funded. (A) IN GENERAL: Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. 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 annual program announcement or RFA. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Fiscal Year 2011: A project was awarded to develop and operate the HUFED Center in 2009. The Center's goals are to develop socially and economically equitable access to healthy foods in communities with healthy food deficits; to support small- and mid-sized producers; to promote and support market-based enterprises with high likelihoods of addressing structural deficits in the food distribution system; and to document the strategies used to accomplish these results to enable communities nationwide to effectively adapt or replicate the strategies to meet similar needs. Fiscal Year 2012: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, Public Law 112-55, did not provide funding for the HUFED program in FY 2012; therefore, NIFA did not offer the funding opportunity this fiscal year. (Per NIFAS website http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/healthyurbanfoodenterprisedevelopmentcenter.cfm ). Fiscal Year 2013: HUFED is neither in NIFAs budget, nor the presidents budget for FY 13. Hence, future funding for this program is not anticipated. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Grant Programs General Grant Administrative Provisions and Program-Specific Administrative Provisions; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations; and 7 CFR Part 3021 USDA implementation of Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace (Financial Assistance). Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Institute of Food Safety and Website Address: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/ RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.225 Community Food Projects EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Fiscal Year 2011: There is a sole awardee for the HUFED Center. The Center awards sub-grants, provides technical assistance and capacity building, and is growing a network designed to increase overall effectiveness and ensure sustainability. Fiscal Year 2012: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, Public Law 112-55, did not provide funding for the HUFED program in FY 2012; therefore, NIFA did not offer the funding opportunity this fiscal year. (Per NIFAS website http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/healthyurbanfoodenterprisedevelopmentcenter.cfm ). Fiscal Year 2013: HUFED is neither in NIFAs budget, nor the presidents budget for FY 13. Hence, future funding for this program is not anticipated. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program as described in the RFAS. 10.317 FOOD AID NUTRITION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FANEP FEDERAL AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture AUTHORIZATION: Subtitle K of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e)., 7 U.S.C 3319e. OBJECTIVES: To develop and field test new food products designed to improve the nutritional delivery of humanitarian food assistance provided through the McGovern Dole (section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 17360-1)) and the Food for Peace title II (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) programs. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants (Discretionary) USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Secretary may award competitive grants for collaborative projects that are mutually beneficial to the United States and other countries and encourage private sector involvement. Fully discretionary. Applicant Eligibility: 081 Applicant Eligibility: To receive funding under this section, an entity shall be 1) State agricultural experiment stations; (2) colleges and universities; (3) university research foundations; (4) other research institutions and organizations; (5) Federal agencies, (6) national laboratories; (7) private organizations or corporations; (8) individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; and (9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in (1) through (8) (as defined in section 1472(c) of NARETPA). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations. Beneficiary Eligibility: 081 Applicant Eligibility: To receive funding under this section, an entity shall be 1) State agricultural experiment stations; (2) colleges and universities; (3) university research foundations; (4) other research institutions and organizations; (5) Federal agencies, (6) national laboratories; (7) private organizations or corporations; (8) individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; and (9) any group consisting of 2 or more entities identified in (1) through (8) (as defined in section 1472(c) of NARETPA). Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations. Credentials/Documentation: No Credentials or documentation are required. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program. Preapplication Coordination: Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 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. |