only on projects approved by CSREES. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: To receive an annual allotment of funds, each eligible institution must first submit its annual research program to CSREES for approval. All projects on which it is proposed to expend research funds during the fiscal year must first be approved by CSREES. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: The Act provides that the apportionment among States shall be determined by the Secretary after consultation with the Cooperative Forestry Research Advisory Council. The statistical factors used for allocation of fund are: (1) Area of nonfederal commercial forest land (40 percent) (and the source is "An Analysis of the Timber Situation in the U.S.," 1952-2030, FS/USDA), (2) volume of timber cut annually from growing stock (40 percent) (and the source is "An Analysis of the Timber Situation in the U.S.," 1952-2030, FS/USDA); and (3) nonfederal funds expended for forestry research (20 percent) (and the source is "Current Research Information System"). The Act limits the Federal payments to amounts made available and budgeted from nonfederal sources for expenditure for forestry research. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: One year subsequent to year of appropriation up to 5 percent of unobligated balance September 30 carried over for obligation in subsequent year. Funds released as needed to finance current operations. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Fiscal year annual plan of work due August 15 of each year for the fiscal year starting in October; Annual program financial report due December 1; Annual progress report due February 15; Certification of Offset and Certification of Entitlement due prior to October 1; and Past Year Obligations by Project due December 15. 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: Maintained by project. Retain payment documents 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $20,979,070; FY 06 $20,794,402; and FY 07 est $20,790,422. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $30,281 to $694,074. Average: $322,889. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Researchers in one State have completed a project studying the plant growth and environmental consequences of different "manufactured soil" materials developed from paper mill sludge and residuals. They have developed a research plan for paired watershed studies and focused on intensive quantitative soil sampling. This research provided information that helps determine the risk of air pollution, climate change, land application of residuals, or harvesting on forest health and associated freshwater quality. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Manual for the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program, January, 1982; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); and 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. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Natural Resources and Environment, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4318. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.203 PAYMENTS TO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS UNDER THE HATCH ACT (Hatch Act) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Hatch Act of 1887, as amended; Act of August 11, 1955, Public Law 84352, 7 U.S.C. 361a-361i; Education Amendments of 1972, Section 506, Public Law 92-318; Public Law 93-471; Public Law 95- 113; Education Amendments of 1980, Section 1361, Public Law 96-374, 7 U.S.C. 301; Public Law 97-98; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 101-624; Public Law 104-127; Public Law 105-185. OBJECTIVES: To support agricultural research at State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Its purpose is to promote efficient production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of products of the farm as essential to the health and welfare of people and to promote a sound prosperous agriculture and rural life. Up to 25 percent of funds to be used for integrated cooperative research and extension activities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Money appropriated pursuant to this Act shall also be available, in addition to meeting expenses for research and investigations conducted under authority of Section 2, for printing and disseminating the results of such research, retirement of employees subject to the provisions of an Act approved March 4, 1940 (54 Stat. 39), administrative planning and direction, and for the purchase and rental of land and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary for conducting research. The State Agricultural Experiment Stations are authorized to plan and conduct any research authorized under Section 2 of this Act in cooperation with each other and such other agencies and individuals as may contribute to the solution of the agricultural problems involved, and moneys appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be available for paying the necessary expenses of planning, coordinating, and conducting such cooperative research. Up to 25 percent of funds to be used for integrated cooperative research and extension activities. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Funds under the Hatch Act are allocated in accordance with the statutory formula stated in the Act to the State agricultural experiment stations of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. These institutions have been identified and declared eligible by their respective State legislatures. Beneficiary Eligibility: Funds under the Hatch Act are allocated in accordance with the statutory formula stated in the Act to the State agricultural experiment stations of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. These institutions have been identified and declared eligible by their respective State legislatures. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: State 5-year plans of work must be submitted to and approved by CSREES before funds are released. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Award Procedure: Awards are made to States according to statute. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula: Payments to States for fiscal year 1955 was a fixed base and sums appropriated in excess of 1955 level use the following fund allocation statistical factors: (1) 20 percent allotted equally to each State; (2) not less than 52 percent to States as follows: One-half in an amount which bears the same ratio as the rural population of the State bears to the total rural population of all the States (and the source is the 1990 Decennial Census); and one-half in an amount which bears the same ratio as the farm population of the State bears to the total farm population of all the States (and the source is the 1990 Decennial Census); and (3) at least 25 percent to States for cooperative research in which 2 or more State agricultural experiment stations are cooperating to solve problems of agriculture in more than one State. The statistical factor used for eligibility does not apply to this program. Matching requirement: Federal funds must be matched with nonfederal funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis. In the case of Guam, the Virgin Islands, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, Federal funds are subject to not less than a 45 percent match with nonfederal funds in fiscal year 2001; and not less than a 50 percent match with nonfederal funds in fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Fiscal year appropriated. Unobligated balance September 30 deducted from subsequent year allocation. Funds are released quarterly under the electronic transfer system. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Due dates and plans of work and reporting requirements will be provided to eligible institutions by the agency. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a programspecific 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: Maintained by project. Retain payment documents 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $168,461,863; FY 06 $166,770,283; and FY 07 est $167,551,798. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $611,608 to $5,831,557. Average: $2,796,141. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Examples of accomplishments: (1) Researchers developed a computerized system that uses infrared video to assess spray coverage of crop protection products on the complex surface of a vertical grain head; (2) Researchers conducted a scientific review of available information and concluded that dietary fat recommendations for adults have been inappropriately applied to children. The researchers suggested that dietary fat should not be restricted until 5 years of age and reduced gradually down to 30 percent throughout childhood and teen years. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Manual for the Hatch (Experiment Station) Act as amended, Agricultural Handbook No. 381 revised November 1980; Manual for Cooperative Regional Research, revised 1986; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; and 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: Deputy Administrator, Partnerships, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2201. Telephone: (202) 720-5623. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.205 PAYMENTS TO 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES AND TUS KEGEE UNIVERSITY FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, Section 1445, Public Law 95- 113; Public Law 95-547; Public Law 97-98; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 101-624; Public Law 104-127; Public Law 105-185. OBJECTIVES: To support continuing agricultural research at colleges eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 417-419, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328), including Tuskegee University. Its purpose is to promote efficient production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of products of the farm as essential to the health and welfare of people and to promote a sound prosperous agriculture and rural life. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Moneys appropriated pursuant to Public Law 95-113, Section 1445, shall be used for expenses of conducting agricultural research, printing, disseminating the results of such research, contributing to the retirement of employees subject to the provisions of the Act of March 4, 1940 (54 Stat. 39-40, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 331), administrative planning and direction, and purchase and rental of land and the construction, acquisition, alteration, or repair of buildings necessary for conducting agricultural research. The eligible institutions are authorized to plan and conduct agricultural research in cooperation with each other and such agencies, institutions, and individuals as may contribute to the solution of agricultural problems, and moneys appropriated pursuant to Section 1445 shall be available for paying the necessary expenses of planning, coordinating, and conducting such cooperative research. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Sixteen 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University as specified in the Act. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to eligible institutions in accordance with the statutory formula as stated in the Act. This program is available in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Beneficiary Eligibility: Sixteen 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University as specified in the Act. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to eligible institutions in accordance with the statutory formula as stated in the Act. This program is available in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. Application Procedure: No application necessary for the release of funds, but funds must be accounted for by projects previously approved by CSREES. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Award Procedure: To receive an annual allotment of funds, each eligible institution or State must first submit a plan of work to CSREES for approval. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Beginning in fiscal year 2000, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 30 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2001, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 45 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2002, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2003, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 60 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2004, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 70 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2005, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 80 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2006, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 90 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; in fiscal year 2007, nonfederal matching funds must be provided in an amount equal to not less than 100 percent of the Federal formula funds provided; and each fiscal year thereafter. Beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1979, the funds appropriated in each fiscal year under this Section use the following fund allocation statistical factors: 1. Three per centum shall be available to the Secretary for administration of this Section; 2. The remainder shall be allotted among the eligible institutions as follows: a) Funds up to the total amount made available to all eligible institutions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, under Section 2 of the Act of August 4, 1965 (79 Stat. 431; 7 U.S.C. 450i), shall be allocated among the eligible institutions in the same proportion as funds made available under Section 2 of the Act of August 4, 1965, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, are allocated among the eligible institutions; b) of funds in excess of the amount allocated under subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, 20 per centum shall be allotted among eligible institutions in equal proportions; 40 per centum shall be allotted among the eligible institutions in the proportion that the rural population of the State in which each eligible institution is located bears to the total rural population of all the States in which eligible institutions are located, as determined by the decennial census current at the time each such additional sum is first appropriated; and the balance shall be allotted among the eligible institutions in the proportion that the farm population of the State in which each eligible institution is located bears to the total farm population of all the States in which the eligible institutions are located, and the source is the 1980 Decennial Census. In computing the distribution of funds allocated under this subparagraph, the allotments to Tuskegee University and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University shall be determined as if each institution were in a separate State. The statistical factor used for eligibility does not apply to this program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Fiscal year appropriated. Unobligated balance in excess of 5 percent on September 30 deducted from subsequent year allocation. Funds released quarterly under the electronic transfer system. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Eligible recipients will be notified by CSREES of any changes in plan of work and reporting due dates or other requirements. 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: Maintained by project. Retain payment documents 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $34,622,381; FY 06 $35,093,951; and FY 07 est $35,813,661. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $518,078 to $1,539,502. Average: $1,571,245. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This program supports continuing agricultural research at the 1890 Colleges and Tuskegee University. This program also supports development of agricultural expertise by providing training opportunities for students to assist in the research projects being conducted by scientists at these institutions. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Manual for Evans-Allen Cooperative Agricultural Research, May 1982; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; and 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: National Program Leader, Multicultural Alliances, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2251; Telephone: (202)720-3511. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research; 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.206 GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHCOMPETITIVE RESEARCH GRANTS (NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Section 2(b), Public Law 89-106, 7 U.S.C. 450i(b), as amended; Section 1414, Public Law 95-113; Section 1415, Public Law 97-98; Section 1409, Public Law 99-198; Section 1615, Public Law 101-624; Public Law 104127; Public Law 105-185; Public Law 108-7. OBJECTIVES: To support research, education and extension grants that address key problems of national, regional and multistate importance in sustaining all components of agriculture (farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, rural communities, human nutrition and obesity, food and fiber processing, etc.) Providing this support to US agriculture requires that the NRI advance fundamental. Building on these discoveries will necessitate new efforts in education and extension that deliver science-based knowledge to people, allowing them to make informed practical decisions. All grants are awarded on a competitive basis. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The selected areas for research, education and extension grants are broad and change as the needs of US agriculture change. Applicants should check the request for applications for changes. Priorities are identified for: agricultural security; plant science and plant pathology; animal science; entomology and nematology; natural resources and environment; nutrition/obesity; food quality and health; markets and trade; rural development; new products and processes; and nanotechnology. Grant funds may be used for costs necessary to conduct research, education and extension (salaries and wages, scientific equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication costs, and other allowable direct and indirect costs). Applicants should check the annual request for applications for limitation on indirect costs. The primary responsibility for general supervision of all grant activities rests with the grantee organization; the project director is responsible for the work defined in the grant. Funds may not be used for purposes other than those specified in the grant. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: For research grants applicant eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, other U.S. research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. For integrated research, education and extension grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, research foundations maintained by colleges or universities, private research organizations with established and demonstrated capacities to perform research or technology transfer, Federal research agencies and national laboratories. Proposals from scientists at non-U.S. organizations will not be considered for support. Beneficiary Eligibility: For research grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, other U.S. research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. For integrated research, education and extension grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, research foundations maintained by colleges or universities, private research organizations with established and demonstrated capacities to perform research or technology transfer, Federal research agencies and national laboratories. Proposals from scientists at non-U.S. organizations will not be considered for support. Credentials/Documentation: Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational information and assurances specified in the guidelines. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION 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 Procedure: Formal proposal to National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, USDA/CSREES as outlined in the guidelines. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Award Procedure: National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program staff members review and evaluate all proposals with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are accepted in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Deadlines: Specific deadlines are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Deadlines for submission of fiscal year 2004 proposals are from January 9, 2004, to June 15, 2004. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: Proposals for renewal, should be submitted at the announced deadline. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Normally, competitive research projects will be supported for periods of up to 4 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Annual progress reports due within 90 days after anniversary of grant effective date and final technical report due 90 days after expiration of grant. Federal cash transaction reports and financial status reports as in Attachment G of OMB Circular A-110. 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 insure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during life of the grant and for 3 years thereafter. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $165,013,411; FY 06 $166,788,575; and FY 07 est $231,660,000. Note: Grants are competitively awarded. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $4,000 to $5,000,000. Average: $183,607. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Significant accomplishments include: (1) Genomics - Support for international efforts to complete a draft sequence of the rice and bovine genomes. The rice sequence will serve as a model system that is now greatly accelerating the understanding of all cereals. (2) Biofuels - research has resulted in the development of more efficient bioprocessing of agricultural wastes into ethanol, making the process much more economically viable. (3) Pests and Diseases - Fundamental research has led to the development of a preventative treatment for screw worm, a devastating pest of livestock. It is estimated that this development will save US agriculture over $1 billion annually by preventing losses in production and overcoming international trade barriers related to this pest. (For more information see the program web site www.reeusda.gov/nri). REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Pages 61290-61306 Federal Register, Vol. 56, No. 231, Part II, December 2, 1991; 7 CFR 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying. National Competitive Research Initiative Grants Program Administrative Provisions, Federal Register, Vol. 56, No. 220, Pages 57950-57958, November 14, 1991; and 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Chief Scientist, National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2241, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2241. Telephone: (202) 401-5022. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special Research Grants; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research; 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Influence of the Amounts of Dietary Fat on the Absorbance of Plant Carotenes, Integrating Ecology and Economics for Managed Forest Landscapes, Smart Combination of Heating Modes for Improved Quality, Speed and Safety of Food Processing, RNA Dependent RNA Polymerases in Plant Antiviral Defense and Gene Silencing, Lympohpineal Interactions in the Chicken. Abstracts of all funded projects are available on the program web site www.reeusda.gov/nri. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: 1. The scientific merit of the application for research, education and/or extension, including: a) novelty innovation and originality, b) where model systems are used the ability to transfer knowledge gained to organisms of importance to US agriculture, c) conceptual adequacy, d) clarity and delineation of objectives, e) adequacy and suitability of the methodology f)demonstration of feasibility through preliminary data g) Probability of success. 2. Qualifications of the proposed project personnel and adequacy of the facilities 3) Planning and administration of the project 4) Relevance of the proposal to improvements in, and sustainability of, US agriculture as specified in the request for applications. 10.207 ANIMAL HEALTH AND DIS EAS E RESEARCH FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, Section 1433, Public Law 95-113, as amended; Section 1429, Public Law 97-98; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 101-624; Public Law 104-127; Public Law 105-185. OBJECTIVES: To support animal health and disease research at eligible Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, and State Agricultural Experiment Stations whose purpose is to improve the health and productivity of food animals and horses through effective prevention, control or treatment of disease, reduction of losses from transportation and other hazards, and protect human health through control of animal diseases transmissible to people. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Research on animal health and disease of food animals and horses conducted in eligible institutions under the following categories: 1) Infectious diseases; 2) internal and external parasites; 3) noninfectious diseases, toxins, poisons, transportation losses, predators and other hazards; 4) diseases and parasites of wildlife transmissible to food animals and horses; and 5) diseases and parasites of animals transmissible to people. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Eligibility is restricted to the following public nonprofit institutions having demonstrable capacity in animal disease research: 1) Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and 2) State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to States and eligible State institutions according to the statutory formula stated in the Act. Beneficiary Eligibility: Eligibility is restricted to the following public nonprofit institutions having demonstrable capacity in animal disease research: 1) Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and 2) State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to States and eligible State institutions according to the statutory formula stated in the Act. Credentials/Documentation: The current capacity in food animal health and disease research must be documented annually by eligible institutions. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: All eligible institutions must file a current, certified list of animal health and disease research capacity prior to the fiscal year for which funds are appropriated. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: No application is necessary, but payment of funds is contingent on the approval of an annual plan for programs to be conducted. Funds can be expended only on projects approved by CSREES. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Award Procedure: The release of funds to eligible institutions is contingent upon the filing of an approved Program of Research and the certification that required nonfederal funds are available to meet matching requirements. Funds can be expended only by the recipient institution and only on research having had prior approval by The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: The Act provides that the Secretary in consultation with the Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board shall distribute 48 percent of the funds to the States on the basis of livestock value and income as determined by the U.S.D.A. data. Forty-eight percent of the funds shall be distributed on the basis of animal health and disease research capacity of eligible institutions. Distribution of a State's allocation among its eligible institutions is made on the basis of the animal health research capacity of these institutions. Animal health research capacity is measured by the annual expenditures (excluding Section 1433 funds) and scientist year equivalents in animal health and disease research in eligible institutions. The Act limits the annual Federal payment a State may receive in excess of $100,000 to that amount made available and budgeted from nonfederal sources for expenditures on animal health and disease research. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funds must be expended or obligated in the year for which the appropriation was made. Unliquidated obligations must be paid in the fiscal year following the year of appropriation. Funds are released quarterly as needed to finance current operations. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Fiscal year annual plan of work due August 15 of each year for the fiscal Audits: |