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. Deadlines: Not Applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 120 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA) each fiscal year. Formula and Matching Requirements: Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. The term of competitive project grants and/or cooperative agreements under this program may not exceed five (5) years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: lump sum. Reports: The term of competitive project grants and/or cooperative agreements under this program may not exceed five (5) years. 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. Cash reports are not applicable. 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 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, 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 3 years. Records must be retained beyond the 3-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-0-352. Obligations: (Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 11 $0; FY 12 est $0; and FY 13 est $0 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 Request for Application (RFA). PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not Applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs General Award 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; 7 CFR Part 3021 USDA implementation of Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace (Financial Assistance) and 7 CFR 3052 - Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Competitive Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 2251, Washington, District of Columbia 20024 Phone: (202) 720-1973. Website Address: http://www.nifa.usda.gov RELATED PROGRAMS: Not Applicable. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not Applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program as described in the RFAS. 10.318 WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND WAMS; Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields (STEM) program FEDERAL AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture Section 7204 of the Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) The Women and Minorities (WAMS) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fields program was authorized to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with priority given to eligible institutions that carry out continuing programs funded by the Secretary. The goal of the WAMS program is to develop and implement robust partnerships to increase the representation, participation, and entrepreneurism of women in STEM careers, thereby contributing to national economic prosperity. The purpose of the grant program is to support projects that: Provide STEM knowledge, skills and competency to Women and Minorities from Rural Areas with successful placement (a) in the workforce in STEM fields, or (b) as innovators and entrepreneurs adding value to the STEM fields in areas that have relevancy to the USDA Secretarys priorities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grant funds must be used for allowable costs necessary to conduct approved fundamental and applied research and extension grants to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with priority given to eligible institutions that carry out continuing programs funded by the Secretary. Program funds may only be used for research and extension activities in the training, outreach and mentoring of rural women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM fields relevant to USDA mission. Funds may not be used for any purposes other than those approved in the grant award documents. Funds made available for grants in this program shall not be used for scholarship or fellowship purposes, the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees). Section 720 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-55) limits indirect costs to 30 percent of the total Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, when preparing budgets, applicants should limit their requests for recovery of indirect costs to the lesser of their institutions official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 30 percent of total Federal funds awarded. Special Note on Indirect Costs as in-kind matching contributions: Indirect costs may be claimed under the Federal portion of the award budget or, alternatively, indirect costs may be claimed as a matching contribution (if no indirect costs are requested under the Federal portion of the award budget). However, unless explicitly authorized in the RFA, indirect costs may not be claimed on both the Federal portion of the award budget and as a matching contribution, unless the total claimed on both the Federal portion of the award budget and as a matching contribution does not exceed the maximum allowed indirect costs or the institutions negotiated indirect cost rate, whichever is less. An awardee may split the allocation between the Federal and non-Federal portions of the budget only if the total amount of indirect costs charged to the project does not exceed the maximum allowed indirect costs or the institutions negotiated indirect cost rate, whichever is less. For example, if an awardees' indirect costs are capped at 30 percent pursuant to FY 2012 appropriated funds, Section 720 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (Division A of Pub. L. 112-55), the awardee may request 15 percent of the indirect costs on both the Federal portion of the award and as a matching contribution. Or, the awardee may request any similar percentage that, when combined, does not exceed the maximum indirect cost rate of 30 percent. Fully discretionary. Applicant Eligibility: State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; individuals; or any group consisting of 2 or more of these entities. Beneficiary Eligibility: State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; individuals; or any group consisting of 2 or more of these entities. 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. 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. 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. Evaluation Criteria will be delineated in the RFA. Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Dates for specific deadlines are announced in the RFA each fiscal year. 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) each fiscal year. Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. Matching Requirements: Percent: 100.%. Grant recipients are required to match the USDA funds awarded on dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and in-kind contributions. NIFA may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if NIFA determines 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. MOE requirements are not applicable to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The term of competitive project grants under this program may not exceed 5 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. 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 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) Department of Agriculture (USDA) STOP 2271 400 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. 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: (Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)) FY 11 $378,915; FY 12 est $382,875; and FY 13 est $381,700 - 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 are established, these will be announced in the annual program announcement or Request for Application (RFA). PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Fiscal Year 2011: For the FY 2011 award cycle, $378,915 was available for project grant awards after subtracting administrative costs. A total of 11 applications requesting a total of $1,968,106 were received in this years competition. In August 2011, a four-member peer review panel evaluated these applications. The peer panel included faculty and administrators from land grant and non-land grant colleges and universities and practitioners from the food and agricultural sciences community. Funded projects should address one or more of the following WAMS Grants Program Goals: 1. Develop successful academic recruitment and retention programs increasing the number of women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas who will pursue and complete a postsecondary degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) disciplines funded by the U.S Secretary of Agriculture, and for FY 2011, encourage projects focused on any of the five NIFA Challenge Areas listed in Part I, B; 2. Foster partnerships among academic institutions and employers that develop sustainable research or extension initiatives to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in experiential learning opportunities leading to STEM-related careers in disciplines funded by the U.S Secretary of Agriculture, and for FY 2011, encourage projects focused on any of the five NIFA Challenge Areas. Fiscal Year 2012: For the FY 2012 award cycle, $382,875 was available for project grant awards after subtracting administrative costs. A total of 14 applications requesting a total of $696,668 were received in this years competition; however only four met the WAMS RFA requirements satisfactorily to be panel reviewed. In June 2012, a four-member peer review panel evaluated these applications. The peer panel included faculty and administrators from land grant and non-land grant colleges and universities and practitioners from the food and agricultural sciences community. Fiscal Year 2013: Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal (Financial Assistance). Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Institute of Youth, Family, and Community, Division of Community and Education, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 2250, Washington, District of Columbia 20024-2250 Phone: (202) 720-2324 Fax: (202) 720-2030. Website Address: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/ RELATED PROGRAMS: Not Applicable. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Fiscal Year 2011: Increasing the successful placement of women and underrepresented minorities into higher education and the workforce in food and agriculture-related STEM fields; increase their involvement as innovators and entrepreneurs adding value to those fields in addressing modern challenges; and to contribute to the development of sustainable and renewable energy for the future of the State of Hawaii and the world. The project will engage the interest of secondary and post-secondary students in the real-world challenges of sustainable energy, current STEM-related career opportunities in food and agricultural sciences, and related education. Creation of a mentored Transfer Student BRIDGE program for women and underrepresented minority students. This includes an opportunity to experience campus and work on research with faculty members before transferring into the College of Agriculture. It is a chance to participate in individualized and group e-mentoring programs throughout the remainder of their undergraduate program and to be successfully placed in the STEM workforce. Fiscal Year 2012: Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date. Fiscal Year 2013: Pertinent data to be provided by Program at a future date. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Request for Application (RFA). 10.319 FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND BENCHMARKING COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM FBMB Program FEDERAL AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture Section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f). OBJECTIVES: To establish a competitive research and extension grants program for the purpose of: (1) improving the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers; and (2) establishing and maintaining a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements) USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: In general: The Secretary may make competitive research and extension grants for the purpose of: (1) improving the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers; and (2) establishing and maintaining a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management. Selection criteria: In allocating funds made available to carry out this section, the Secretary may give priority to grants that: (1) demonstrate an ability to work directly with agricultural producers; (2) collaborate with farm management and producer associations; (3) address the farm management needs of a variety of crops and regions of the United States; and (4) use and support the national farm financial management database. Administration: Paragraphs (4), (7), (8), and (11)(B) of subsection (b) of section 450i of this title shall apply with respect to the making of grants under this section. Authorization of appropriations: There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. NIFA has determined that grant funds awarded under this authority may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of research, education, or extension space; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities. Section 720 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (Pub.L. No. 112-55) limits indirect costs to 30 percent of the total Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, when preparing budgets, applicants should limit their requests for recovery of indirect costs to the lesser of their institutions official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 30 percent of total Federal funds awarded. Fully discretionary. Applicant Eligibility: Applications may be submitted by qualified public and private entities. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 450i(7), this includes: (A) State agricultural experiment stations; (B) colleges and universities; (C) university research foundations; (D) other research institutions and organizations; (E) Federal agencies; (F) national laboratories; (G) private organizations or corporations; (H) individuals; or (I) any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (H). Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. An applicants failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. Beneficiary Eligibility: Applications may be submitted by qualified public and private entities. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 450i(7), this includes: (A) State agricultural experiment stations; (B) colleges and universities; (C) university research foundations; (D) other research institutions and organizations; (E) Federal agencies; (F) national laboratories; (G) private organizations or corporations; (H) individuals; or (I) any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (H). Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. An applicants failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. Credentials/Documentation: No Credentials or documentation are required. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program. 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. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. An environmental impact statement is 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. 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. Deadlines: Not Applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: :094 Deadlines: Dates for specific deadlines are announced in the 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 :095 Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 30 to 180 days. Appeals: Not Applicable. Renewals: Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA) each fiscal year. Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. This program has no matching requirements. NIFA does not require matching or cost sharing support for this program. MOE requirements are not applicable to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The term of competitive project grants and/or cooperative agreements under this program may not exceed five (5) 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. 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 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) 1400 Independence Avenue, SW 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, 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. |