Dollar-for-dollar matching funds from nonfederal sources is required. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for a 1 to 2-year period and may receive no-cost extensions as appropriate up to a maximum of 5 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Annual progress reports. Quarterly financial reports. Final progress reports are due within 90 days after project expiration. 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: 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 $952,320; FY 06 $932,400; and FY 07 est $950,400. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $15,000 to $40,000; $20,900. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One institution is incorporating agriscience/agribusiness concepts into secondary education by improving student exposure to distance learning opportunities, animal and plant sciences, farm business management, hydroponics, natural resources, and agricultural literacy. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3016, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments; 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; 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations; 7 CFR Part 3405, Higher Education Challenge Grants, Administrative Provisions, and Grant Application Kit. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: National Program Leader- Secondary and Two-Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grants; Higher Education Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2251; Telephone: (202) 720-1973; Fax: (202) 720-2030. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.217, Higher Education Challenge Grants; 10.210, Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants; 10.216, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Pioneer Agriculture Curriculum, College, and Careers Project; Suitcase Lessons for Agriculture; Agribusiness for At-Risk Youth; Technology Integration for the Future of Agricultural Education; New Opportunities: Aquaculture Research Freshwater Shrimp Farming. 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. 10.227 1994 INSTITUTIONS RESEARCH PROGRAM (1994 INSTITUTIONS RESEARCH PROGRAM) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, Public Law 103-382, as amended. OBJECTIVES: To carry out a competitive research grants program for the 30 institutions designated as 1994 Institutions. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: This research grants program is authorized to conduct agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal, national or multi-State significance. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dullknife Memorial College, Fond Du Lac Community College, Fort Belknap Community College, Fort Berthold Community College, Fort Peck Community College, LacCourte Orielles Ojibwa Community College, Little Big Horn Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Oglala Lakota College, Salish Kootenai College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton Community College, Sitting Bull College, Stonechild Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Haskell Indian National University, Leech Lake Tribal College, College of the Menominee Nation, and Little Priest Tribal College. Beneficiary Eligibility: Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dullknife Memorial College, Fond Du Lac Community College, Fort Belknap Community College, Fort Berthold Community College, Fort Peck Community College, LacCourte Oriellese Ojibwa Community College, Little Big Horn Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Oglala Lakota College, Salish Kootenai College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton Community College, Sitting Bull College, Stonechild Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Haskell Indian Nations University, Leech Lake Tribal College, College of the Menominee Nation, and Little Priest Tribal College. 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 in the Federal Register. 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. Application procedures are contained in CSREES Research Grant Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of 7 CFR 3019. Award Procedure: CSREES 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: As announced in a request for proposals for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: Proposals for renewal, should be submitted at the announced deadline. Renewals are treated in competition with all other pending proposals. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Normally, competitive research projects will be supported for periods of up to 3 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: 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 stated in 7 CFR 3019.52. 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: 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 $1,009,293; FY 06 $958,348; and FY 07 est $998,712. Note: Grants are competitively awarded. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: From $40,963 to $150,000. Average: $66,221. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One college began a study that will determine the best combination of seeding method, seeding rate, herbicides, and native grass and forbs for establishment of desired grasses in a single pass. Researchers also will measure the resulting effects on the population dynamics of seeded grasses and forbs on invasive plants. 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, Governmentwide 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 Nonprofit Organizations. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2201, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2201. Telephone: (202) 720-4423. 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: Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystem Study of a Restored Wild Rice System; Bison Culture; Revegetating Invasive Plant Infested Rangelands In a Single Entry; Surveillance of Mosquito-Borne Equine; Effects of Prairie Dog Towns on Bison and Cattle Production on Tribal Lands. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: 1. The scientific merit of the proposal, including the suitability and feasibility of the approaches and methodology; 2. the probability that the research will contribute to important discoveries or significant breakthroughs in the food and agricultural sciences; 3. the qualifications of the principal investigator and other senior personnel, such as training, demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative approaches to the problem, and performance record and/or potential for future accomplishment; and 4. the probable adequacy of available or obtainable facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and technical support. 10.228 ALASKA NATIVE SERVING AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING INSTITUTIONS EDUCATION GRANTS FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Section 759, Public Law 106-78, 7 U.S.C. 3242. To recruit, support and educate under-represented scientists and Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may be used to enhance educational equity for under-represented students in order to prepare them for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems of the United States; to strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to identified educational needs in the food and agricultural sciences; and to facilitate activities and cooperative initiatives between AN/NH Serving Institutions, or between AN/NH Serving Institutions and units of State government or the private sector, to maximize the development and use of resources, faculty, facilities, and equipment, to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Individual public or private, non-profit Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions of higher education that meet the definitions of Alaska Native-Serving Institution or Native Hawaiian Serving Institution established in Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1059d.) are eligible institutions unde this program. Beneficiary Eligibility: Alaska Native Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. Credentials/Documentation: Each first-time recipient must furnish organizational management information requested by the funding agency, and each applicant must provide assurances specified in the annual solicitation of applications. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: All proposals/solicitations are published in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposals should be submitted to the Office of Extramural Programs, CSREES, as outlined in the solicitation of applications. Application procedures are contained in the program regulations and required forms are contained in the Grant Application Kit. 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, administrators, industrialists, and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals, as needed. Grant payments may be made by the electronic transfer system, advance by Treasury check, or reimbursement by Treasury check. Deadlines: All deadlines are announced in the Federal Register. The deadline for submission of fiscal year 2004 proposals is March 18, 2004. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Funds are awarded on an equal basis to Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions to carry out higher education programs. There are no matching requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for project periods of 12 to 36 months duration. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Grant terms and conditions will specify reporting requirements. 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," 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: 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 $3,333,120; FY 06 $3,088,800; and FY 07 est $2,848,320. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: It is anticipated that awards will range from $100,000 to $150,000. This is a newly funded program; average not yet determined. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not applicable. This is a newly funded program. 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 Suspension (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 Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Multicultural Alliances, Science, Education, and Research Development Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Room 3901, Waterfront Centre, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-1973. Web Site Address: http//www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.217, Higher Education Challenge Grants; 10.220, Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program; 10.223, Hispanic Serving Institutions Education Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. This is a newly funded program. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Criteria are expected to include the following: (1) The likelihood that the project will have a substantial impact upon and advance the quality of higher education in the food and agricultural sciences higher education by strengthening institutional capacities to meet clearly delineated needs; (2) the soundness of the proposed approach, including objectives, procedures, timetable, evaluation and dissemination plans, and partnerships and collaborative efforts; (3) the qualifications and the adequacy of the key personnel who will carry out the proposed project; (4) the institution's commitment to the project and the adequacy of institutional resources available to carry out the project; (5) the extent to which the total budget adequately supports the project and is cost effective; and (6) the degree to which the proposal complies with the application guidelines and is of high quality. 10.250 AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH FEDERAL AGENCY: ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AUTHORIZATION: FY 2006 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, P.L.109-97, 7 U.S.C. 292, 411, 427, 1441a, 1621-1627, 1704, 1761-68, 2201, 2202, 3103, 3291, 3311, 3504; 22 U.S.C. 3101; 42 U.S.C. 1891-93; 44 U.S.C. 3501-11; 50 U.S.C. 2061 et seq, 2251 et seq. OBJECTIVES: To provide economic and other social science information and analysis for public and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural America. ERS produces such information for use by the general public and to help the executive and legislative branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Dissemination of Technical Information. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: ERS performs economic research and analyses related to U.S. and world agriculture that addresses a multitude of economic concerns and decision making needs of Federal, State, and local governments, farmers, farm organizations, farm suppliers, marketers, processors, and consumers. There are no restrictions on the use of ERS produced information. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Any individual or organization in the U.S. and U.S. Territories is eligible to receive the popular or technical research publications that convey the research results, although there may be a fee. Beneficiary Eligibility: Any individual or organization in the U.S. and U.S. Territories is eligible to receive the popular or technical research publications that convey the research results, although there may be a fee. Credentials/Documentation: Not applicable. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Requests for technical information may be made to the Chief, Publishing and Communications Branch, ERS, 1800 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036-5831. Award Procedure: Not applicable. Deadlines: Not applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Not applicable. Audits: Not applicable. Records: Not applicable. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1701-6-1-352. Obligations: FY 05 $75,796,187; FY 06 est $76,850,000; and FY 07 est $84,222,000. (Note: Includes reimbursable and all obligations, including those from nonfederal funding). Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The ERS had 195 active projects in fiscal year 2005 and about 224 active projects in fiscal year 2006. In fiscal year 2005, ERS staff responded to about 50,000 requests for economic information and published about 170 reports of economic analysis and research. That does not include unpublished staff analysis that were used to address specific policy questions. The number of publications and requests are expected to be about the same in fiscal year 2006. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Research results are available in the agency's publications and periodicals, which can be purchased through the National Technical Information Service (1-800-999-6779). Reports are also available on the ERS website: http://www.ers.usda.gov. Computerized bibliographic data are accessible through AG-ECON and AGRICOLA. For additional information contact the Chief, Publishing and Communications Branch, ERS, USDA, 1800 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036-5831. Telephone: (202) 694-5120. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Director, Extramural Agreement Division, ARS, Room 5601, Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5110, Beltsville, MD 20705-5110. Telephone: (301) 504-1147. Web Site Address: http://www.ers.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.153, Market News; 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; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.700, National Agricultural Library; 10.900, Great Plains Conservation. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.303 INTEGRATED PROGRAMS (Integrated Programs) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Sections 406 and 229 of Public Law 105-185; Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, Section 25. OBJECTIVES: To provide an integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: This research, education, and extension competitive grants program provides funding for integrated, multi-functional agricultural research, extension, and education activities which addresses priorities in United States agriculture. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research and extension institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations, and individuals to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the United States. Beneficiary Eligibility: State agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension services, all colleges and universities, other research and extension institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations, and individuals to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the United States. Credentials/Documentation: Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational information and assurances specified in the guidelines. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: All proposal solicitations are published in the Federal Register. This Formal proposal to USDA/CSREES as outlined in the guidelines. Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of 7 CFR 3019. Award Procedure: CSREES 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: As announced in the Federal Register for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: Proposals for renewal should be submitted at the announced deadline. Renewals are treated in competition with all other pending proposals. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Normally, competitive research projects will be supported for periods of up to 3 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: 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 stated in 7 CFR 3019.52. 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," 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: 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: 12-1502-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05: $41,912,594; FY 06: $41,292,065; FY 07: (est) $3,479,561. Note: Grants are competitively awarded. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Awards range from $20,000 to $2,080,000 with the average being $499,050. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One university established a network among home food safety experts and provided new research on home food preservation. Goals for project activities met the needs for providing scientific, research-based recommendations for home food processing and preservation to the public. 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: Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2201, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2201. Telephone: (202) 720-4423. 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; 10.500, Cooperative Extension Service; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Improving Microbial Safety and Shelf-Life of Fresh Produce with CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: 1. The scientific merit of the proposal, including the suitability and feasibility of the approaches and methodology; 2. the probability that the research will contribute to important discoveries or significant breakthroughs in food production or human nutrition, in relation to the mission of this program; 3. the qualifications of the principal investigator and other senior personnel, such as training, demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative approaches to the problem, and performance record and/or potential for future accomplishment; and 4. the probable adequacy of available or obtainable facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and technical support. Consideration will be given to proposals which address fundamental questions in the relevant areas and which are consistent with the long-range missions of USDA. 10.304 HOMELAND SECURITY-AGRICULTURAL (Homeland Security Program) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), Section 1472, 7 U.S.C. 3318. OBJECTIVES: To provide funding to protect the food supply and agricultural production, protect USDA facilities and other agricultural infrastructure and protect USDA staff and manage emergency preparedness. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements). USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: These funds are subject to the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1301 requiring their use only for the purpose for which they were appropriated. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Recipients must be eligible under section 1472(c) of NARETPA. Beneficiary Eligibility: Beneficiaries must be eligible under section 1472(c). Credentials/Documentation: Each first-time recipient must furnish organizational management information requested by the funding agency, and each applicant must provide assurances specified in the annual solicitation of applications. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: Letters of intent are requested prior to the submission of project proposals. Applicants submit project proposals along with OMB-approved Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by CSREES staff members with the assistance and advice of peer panels of qualified educators, administrators, industrialists, and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals, as needed. Grant payments will be made through the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System. Deadlines: Not applicable. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: Renewals: None. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for project periods of 12 to 36 months duration. Grant terms and conditions will specify reporting requirements. 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 programspecified audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal 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: 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: 12-0115-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $8,570,880; FY 06 $9,504,000; FY 07 est 11,520,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: It is anticipated that awards will range from $250,000 to $2,000,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Not applicable. This is a newly funded program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3016; 7 CFR 3017; 7 CFR 3018; 7 CFR 3019; and Grant Terms and Conditions. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: CSREES Administrators Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 305-A, Stop 2201, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2201. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. |