In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non federal 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 $4,702,194; FY 06 $4,654,319; FY 07 est $0. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $1,586 to 408,854. Average: $65,515. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Example of accomplishments include: Researchers developed the J-5 vaccine to prevent coliform mastitis infections in dairy cattle. This preventive strategy also reduces use of antibiotics protecting consumers from possible drug residues. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Manual for the Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research Program, August 1982; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistant 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, Plant and Animal Science, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 401-4329. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care; 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; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 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. 10.210 FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES NATIONAL NEEDS GRADUATE FELLOWS HIP GRANTS 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 1417b(b)(6), Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3152. OBJECTIVES: To award grants to colleges and universities that have superior teaching and research competencies in the food and agricultural sciences to encourage outstanding students to pursue and complete a graduate degree at such institutions in an area of the food and agricultural sciences for which there is a national need for the development of scientific expertise. Therefore, institutions that currently have excellent programs of graduate study and research in the food and agricultural sciences dealing with targeted national needs are particularly encouraged to apply. Starting in fiscal year 1997, The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) will provide support on a biennial basis and combine appropriations from 2 fiscal years into one competition to be held during odd-numbered years. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Competitive annual grants providing for a limited number of graduate stipends are awarded to selected U.S. institutions of higher education so as to distribute support for graduate study to promising food and agricultural scientists and professionals. Individuals selected initially by the institution must enroll in a program leading to a graduate, master's or doctoral degree in one of the targeted national needs areas of the food and agricultural sciences. Such persons may not have been enrolled previously in the program at the same degree level. Current fellows are eligible to receive supplemental grants of $3,000 to cover travel and living expenses for special international study or thesis/dissertation research experiences. Funding for the supplemental grants will be awarded on a competitive basis using no-year funds drawn from expired fellowship grants with unspent funds remaining as set forth in the annual program guidelines. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Proposals may be submitted by all U.S. colleges and universities that confer a master's or doctoral degree in at least one area of the food and agricultural sciences targeted for national needs fellowships. As defined in Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3103), the terms "college" and "university" mean "an educational institution in any State which: (a) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (b) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (c) provides an educational program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (d) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (e) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association." Eligibility also applies to research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities. Beneficiary Eligibility: Funds awarded in this program are used to support the training of graduate students to obtain either a master's or doctoral degree in one of the targeted specializations of the food and agricultural sciences. Credentials/Documentation: Each prospective grantee institution must furnish the information and assurance 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 the Office of Extramural Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines. Application procedures are contained in the Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowships Grant Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Starting in fiscal year 1997, CSREES will provide support on a biennial basis and combine appropriations from two fiscal years into one competition to be held during odd-numbered years. Award Procedure: CSREES Higher Education Program staff members review and evaluate all proposals with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified scientists, administrators, 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 dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Appeals: None. Renewals: None. Contingent upon appropriations, funds are allocated to provide support for doctoral fellows for 36 months and for masters fellows for 24 months. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants cover a 5-year period, however, fellows are supported for 3 years for a doctoral degree or 2 years for a masters during that 5-year period. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Documentation of fellowship appointments (Form CSRS-707) must be submitted by project directors upon request of CSREES. A graduate fellow exit report (Form CSRS-709) must be submitted by project directors for each fellow supported by a grant as soon as a fellow is: (a) Graduated; or (b) officially terminated from the program. 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 the life of the grant and for 3 years thereafter. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $2,856,960 FY 06 $3,526,595; and FY 07 est $4,276,800. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Minimum and maximum amounts of funding per grant, as well as stipend levels, are established by the annual program announcement. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Since its inception in 1985, this program has supported Fellows in six areas of the food and agricultural sciences deemed critical to agricultural research and teaching. Recent targeted need areas are Animal Biotechnology; Food Science; Food, Forest Products, or Agricultural Engineering; Agribusiness Marketing or Management; Human Nutrition; Plant Biotechnology; and Water Science. An example: One Fellow who conducted research leading to a dissertation on the heat and mass transfer of hygroscopic porous materials, is now a university Assistant Professor. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3402 (52 FR 4712, February 13, 1987, as amended by 55 FR 2214, January 22, 1990); Application Kit for the Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowships Grants; 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, 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; Higher Education Programs; Cooperative State Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.216, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants; 10.217, Higher Education Challenge Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Grants for fellowships support are awarded to colleges and universities determined through peer review to be characterized by excellence in the chosen targeted need areas. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: 1. The degree to which the proposal clearly establishes that the proposed program of graduate training will result in the development of outstanding scientific/professional expertise related to the national need area and in a reasonable period of time; 2. the degree to which the proposed program of study reflects special features such as a combination-disciplinary, approach (inter-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary or cross-disciplinary), a unique collateral specialization in a related discipline, experimental learning opportunities, a unique mentoring program, seminars, or a multi-university collaborative approach; 3. the degree to which the proposal establishes that the institution's faculty, facilities and equipment, instructional support resources, and other attributes are excellent for providing outstanding graduate study and research at the forefront of science and technology related to the chosen area of national need; 4. the degree to which the institution's plans and procedures for recruitment and selection of academically outstanding fellows and for monitoring and facilitating fellow's progress through a program of study reflect excellence as documented in the proposal; 5. the degree to which supporting summary data substantiate program quality in the targeted national need area; and 6. the quality of the proposal as reflected by its substantive content, organization, clarity, and accuracy; 7. any additional evaluation criteria as cited in the annual program announcement published in the Federal Register. 10.212 SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR Program) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, Public Law 97-219, as amended, Public Law 99-443; Public Law 102-564. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation, by women-owned and socially disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The selected areas for research are forests and related resources; plant production and protection; animal production and protection; air, water, and soils; food science and nutrition; rural and community development; aquaculture; industrial applications; and marketing and trade. The Small Business Innovation Research Program is carried out in three separate phases: Phase I projects are supported to determine the scientific or technical feasibility of ideas submitted by proposes on the selected research areas; Phase II awards are made to firms with approaches that appear sufficiently promising as a result of Phase I studies. Only those small businesses previously receiving Phase I awards in either of the two preceding fiscal years are eligible to submit Phase II proposals. Phase II projects are limited to $300,000 for a period normally not to exceed 24 months; Phase III is to be conducted by the small business concern (including joint ventures and limited partnerships), and will be non-SBIR funded through the exercising of a follow-on funding commitment. The purpose of Phase III is to stimulate technological innovation and the national return on investment from research through the pursuit of commercialization objectives resulting from the USDA-supported work carried out in Phases I and II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Small businesses which: (a) Are organized for profit, independently owned or operated, are not dominant in the proposed research field, have their principal places of business located in the United States, have a number of employees not exceeding 500 in all affiliated firms owned or controlled by a single parent concern, and meet the other regulatory requirements outlined in 13 CFR Part 121, as amended; (b) are at least 51 percent owned, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of its voting stock is owned, by U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens; (c) are the primary source of employment for the principal investigator of the proposed effort at the time of award and during the actual conduct of proposed research; (d) are the primary performer of the proposed research effort. Because this program is intended to increase the use of small business firms in Federal research or research and development, the term "primary performer" means that a minimum of two-thirds of the research or analytical work, as determined by budget expenditures, must be performed by the proposing organization under Phase I grants. For Phase II awards, a minimum of one-half of the research or analytical effort must be conducted by the proposing firm. Beneficiary Eligibility: Small businesses. Credentials/Documentation: Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Publication by the Small Business Administration listing all agencies participating in the program, their Small Business Innovation Research coordinators, proposed dates for their solicitations, and proposed topic areas. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposal to SBIR Program, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the SBIR program solicitation. Application procedures are contained in the SBIR program solicitation. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: The SBIR Program staff reviews and evaluates 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. Deadlines: Deadlines are announced in the Federal Register and SBIR Program Solicitation for each fiscal year. The deadline for submission of fiscal year 2002 Phase I proposals was August 31, 2001, and for Phase II proposals was February 7, 2002. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Six months from application receipt to notification of approval/disapproval. Appeals: Phase I applications may be revised and resubmitted during a later funding cycle, provided the subject matter of the proposal is not changed, and the topic area under which the proposal was originally submitted is still listed in the solicitation. Phase I grantees may apply for a Phase II grant only once for each Phase I project funded. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Phase I grants are normally limited to 6 months. Phase II grants are POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase I grants must be submitted 30 and 90 days, respectively, after the expiration date of the grant. Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase II grants must be submitted 90 days after the expiration date of the grant. Audits: Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Federal audits will be made in accordance with the policies of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR Part 42, to ensure that funds have been applied efficiently, economically, and effectively. Records: Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and for at least 3 years after the date of submission of the final financial status report. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $15,301,640; FY 06 $15,764,614; and FY 07 est $12,967,827. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $46,000 to $300,000. Average: $94,990. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This program was designed to strengthen the role of small, innovative firms in Federally-funded research and development. The nine categories of research supported under this program are: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection; Animal Production and Protection; Air, Water, and Soils; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; and Marketing and Trade. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3403, Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program, Administrative Provisions, 62 FR26168, May 12, 1997; 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. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: SBIR Director, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2243, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-2243. Telephone: (202) 401-4002. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Bolted Wood Framing System; Development of Floating Permeable Covers to Control Emissions from Livestock Waste Lagoons; Production of Organic Acids by Simultaneous Fermentation and Adsorption; Software for Evaluating the Impact of Forest Management Plans on Wildlife; Bioprocessing Wheat Midds and Screenings to Improve Protein. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: (a) The scientific and technical quality of the proposed research plan and its relevance to the stated objectives, with special emphasis on innovativeness and originality; (b) importance of the problem or opportunity and anticipated commercial potential of the proposed research, if successful; (c) adequacy of the objectives to show incremental progress toward proving the feasibility of approach; (d) qualifications of the principal investigator, other key staff and consultants, and the probable adequacy of available or obtainable instrumentation and facilities to carry out the proposed work; (e) the technical, economic, and/or social importance of the problem or opportunity and anticipated commercial potential if research is successful; and (f) reasonableness of the budget requested for the work proposed. 10.215 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985, Public Law 99-198, Sections 1461-1471, 7 U.S.C. 4701-4710; Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 1621, 7 U.S.C. 5811. OBJECTIVES: To facilitate and increase scientific investigation and education in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers and toxic materials in agricultural production; to improve management of on-farm resources to enhance productivity, profitability and competitiveness; to promote crop, livestock and enterprise diversification and to facilitate the conduct of research projects in order to study agricultural production systems that are located, in areas that possess various soil, climatic, and physical characteristics; to study farms that have been and continue to be managed using farm production practices that optimize the use of on-farm resources and conservation practices; to take advantage of the experience and expertise of farmers and ranchers through their direct participation and leadership in projects; to transfer practical, reliable and timely information to farmers and ranchers concerning sustainable practices and systems; and to promote a partnership between farmers, nonprofit organizations, agribusiness and public and private research and extension institutions. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may not be used to pay indirect costs or tuition. Funds may be used for transportation, per diem, salaries, office supplies, printing, and other direct costs for conducting approved activities. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities. Beneficiary Eligibility: Land-grant colleges or universities, other universities, State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with demonstrable expertise, or Federal or State governmental entities. Credentials/Documentation: Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and approved by OMB must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019 or A-102 as implemented by 7 CFR 3016. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and approved by OMB must be used for this program. Award Procedure: Regional technical committees will review, rank and prioritize proposals received from public and private organizations and make recommendations for funding to the regional administrative councils. Regional administrative councils will approve proposals for funding and associated plans of work and submit them to USDA. Research and education subcommittee on sustainable agriculture will review plans of work and the Department will give final approval. Deadlines: Contact the Headquarters office for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: There are no statutory formula or matching requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Agreements will be supported for periods of 1 to 5 years. Funds are released by the electronic transfer system and reimbursement by Treasury check. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Standard reporting as required by OMB Circular Nos. A- 102 and A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3016 or 7 CFR Part 3019, respectively. 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: Standard records required by OMB Circular Nos. A-102 and A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3016 or 7 CFR Part 3019, respectively, must be maintained for 3 years. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: FY 05 $11,606,400; FY 06 $11,490,336; and FY 07 est $8,553,168. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $8,000 to $1,752,250. Average: $855,540. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The program is a major catalyst and facilitator of alternative agricultural systems for the future. Programs are designed to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to minimize environmental degradation; improve and increase low-input farm management to enhance productivity and profitability; and promote crop and livestock enterprise diversification. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Sections 1472 and 1473A of the National Agricultural Research Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended; 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 Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Economic and Community Systems, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-7948. 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; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Support of the National Sustainable Agriculture Program; Mainstreaming Principles of Sustainability in Agriculture; National Rollout of Agricultural Entrepreneurs Curriculum; and Evaluation of National Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Projects. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The primary selection process will be done by the regional technical committees and administrative councils, with subsequent approval by USDA. Criteria used at the regional level include: (1) Does the proposed work fulfill the intent of Congress and Departmental policy, as articulated in guidelines prepared by CSREES? (2) Is the subject matter highly relevant to producers in this region with regard to finding profitable low input methods and systems of production? (3) Are specific provisions made for presenting in readily usable form those findings that are directly applicable to producers? (4) Do the various categories of public and private organizations have a meaningful opportunity to participate in shaping and implementing the program? 10.216 1890 INSTITUTION CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS 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 1417(b)(4), Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)(4). OBJECTIVES: To build the research and teaching capacities of the 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University through cooperative programs with Federal and nonfederal entities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: For teaching grants, funds may be used in the following targeted areas: (1) Curricula design and materials development; (2) faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching; (3) instruction delivery systems; (4) scientific instrumentation for teaching; (5) student experiential learning; and (6) student recruitment and retention. For research grants, funds may be used to address high- priority research initiatives in areas where there is a present or anticipated need for increased capabilities and in which it is feasible for applicants to develop programs recognized for their excellence. Research areas include, but are not limited to: (1) Studies and experimentation in food and agricultural sciences; (2) centralized research support systems; and (3) technology delivery systems. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: The 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University. The 1890 Beneficiary Eligibility: The seventeen 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University, non1890 academic institutions, private industry, and the Department of Agriculture. Credentials/Documentation: 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 proposals should be submitted to the Proposal Service Unit, CSREES, as outlined in the annual solicitation for applications. Application and materials are available at the CSREES Funding Opportunities web site http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). This program is subject to the regulatory provisions of USDA, 7 CFR Part 3015, et seq., and all successor regulations. Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by CSREES staff members with the assistance and advice of peer panels of qualified educators, scientists, administrators, and other appropriate persons that are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals. Proposals are supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Grant payments are made by the electronic transfer system. Deadlines: Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Deadline for submission of fiscal year 2004 proposals was January 30, 2004. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. However, matching is strongly encouraged. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for a 1 to 3 year period and may receive no-cost extensions of time as appropriate up to maximum of 5 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Annual progress reports. Quarterly financial reports. Final progress and financial reports are due within 90 days after project expiration. Audits: Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations." Records: Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are expended for authorized purposes. Grant related records must be retained at least 3 years; records must be retained beyond the 3-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $11,644,763; FY 06 $11,306,912; and FY 07 est $11,583,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Teaching grants: $88,470 to $225,000. Average: $171,443. Research grants: $107,574 to $349,793. Average: $242,524. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Example of accomplishments: One university has established a degree program in Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering; another university has incorporated advanced technology into the degree programs in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Forestry, and Plant Science; one university has established a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory; another university has established an interactive video conference classroom to deliver courses to students in rural communities at their local community college; a consortia of universities is preparing students for management positions with private sector industries and government agencies in domestic and global food and fiber distribution. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (implementing the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110); 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspensions (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grant sand Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3406, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program, Administrative Provisions; 7 CFR 3407, Agency Procedures to Implement the National Environment Policy Act of 1969; annual solicitation of applications; and Grant Application Kit. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: National Program Leader, Higher Education Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-2186. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 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; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.217, Higher Education Challenge Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Lateral Entry: Strategies to Increase the Pool of Teachers Through Online Course Offerings; Enhancing Teachers and Students Hands-On Experience in Agricultural Biotechnology Through Summer Laboratory Workshops; Novel Protocols to Optimize Fertility Rate and Mass Propagation of Transgenic Hypoallergenic Peanuts; Biotic Integrity Index Development for Forested Ecosystems. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposals are evaluated using the following criteria: Potential for Advancing Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem; Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages; Institutional Capability and Capacity Building; Key Personnel; and Budget and Cost-Effectiveness. |