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. 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. 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 one to five years. Funds are released by the electronic transfer system and reimbursement by Treasury check. 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 program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. 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 three years. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: FY 07 $11,490,336; FY 08 est $8,553,168; and FY 09 est not reported. 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 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 the Department of Agriculture. 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 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. Applicant Eligibility: The 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University. The 1890 land-Grant Institutions are: Alabama A&M University; Alcorn State University; University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; Lincoln University (MO); Langston University; University of Maryland-Eastern Shore; North Carolina A&T State University; Prairie View A&M University; South Carolina State University; Southern University and A&M College; Tennessee State University; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State College. Beneficiary Eligibility: The seventeen 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University, non-1890 academic institutions, private industry, and the Department of Agriculture. Credentials/Documentation: This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. 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. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. 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. 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. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $11,616,121; FY 08 est $11,583,000; and FY 09 est not reported. 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. 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. 10.217 HIGHER EDUCATION CHALLENGE GRANTS FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, Section 1417(b)(1), as amended, Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3152. OBJECTIVES: To increase institutional capacities to respond to State, regional, national, or international educational needs by strengthening college and university teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may be used only in targeted areas, e.g., curricula design and materials development, faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching, instruction delivery systems, scientific instrumentation for teaching, student experiential learning, and student recruitment and retention, as cited in the annual program announcement in the Federal Register. Applicant Eligibility: All U.S. public and private nonprofit colleges and universities offering a baccalaureate or first professional degree in at least one discipline or area of the food and agricultural sciences. Beneficiary Eligibility: All U.S. colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to teach the food and agricultural sciences. 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. Preapplication Coordination: All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposals should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, 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. Proposals are supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Grant payments may be made by the electronic transfer system, advance by Treasury check, or reimbursement by Treasury check. Deadlines: Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Appeals: None. Renewals: None. Formula and Matching Requirements: Dollar-for-dollar matching funds from nonfederal sources is required. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for a one to three-year period and may receive no-cost extensions as appropriate up to a maximum of five years. 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 beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $5,174,151; FY 08 est $5,227,200; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $47,936 to $152,000. Average: $89,479. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: An example of program accomplishments: One university developed a course entitled, "Biotechnology: Science and Socio-Economic Issues" presented in two formats: as a traditional on-campus lecture class for undergraduates and as an innovative distance education course. The course introduces genetic engineering and the basic scientific theory of biotechnology in animal, plant, food, and economic research, and the latest applications of biotechnology in agriculture production. 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; 7 CFR Part 3405, Higher Education Challenge Grants, Administrative Provisions, and Grant Application Kit. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: National Program Leader - Higher Education Challenge Grants; 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) 720-1973; Fax: (202) 720-2030. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.226, Secondary and Two-Year Postsecondary Agriculture 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: Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Digital Library for Diagnosis, Conferencing and Education; Applications of Functional Anatomy in Farm Animals Using Collaborative Learning; Foreign Disease Curriculum Development of Veterinary Colleges; anf Transferring Experts' Reasoning to Novice Learners in Food Product Development. 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. 10.219 BIOTECHNOLOGY RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCH (Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Section 1668, Public Law 101-624, as amended. OBJECTIVES: To carry out risk assessment and risk management research focused on environmental effects of agricultural biotechnology. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grant funds must be used for allowable costs necessary to conduct approved research objectives. Funds may not be used for purposes other than those approved in the grant award documents. Applicant Eligibility: Any public or private research or educational institution or organization. Beneficiary Eligibility: Any public or private research or educational institution or organization. Credentials/Documentation: None. Preapplication Coordination: All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Pre-proposals and/or formal proposals, as outlined in the solicitation, should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). Application procedures are contained in the Research Grant Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 and the administrative Provisions for the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program, 7 CFR 3415. Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Deadlines: Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for application or Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Appeals: None. Renewals: Requests for renewal support must be submitted as new proposals at the announced deadline and are considered in equal competition with other proposals. Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: From one to five years. Reports: Quarterly financial reports, annual progress reports, and final financial and final summary progress reports. 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 used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspections during the life of the grant and for three years thereafter. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $1,685,400; FY 08 est $1,685,400; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $50,220 to $223,269. Average: $147,583. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It is anticipated that funded projects will advance the safe application of biotechnology to agriculture. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 3415, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program Administrative Provisions, and regulations referenced therein (e.g., 7 CFR 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019 and 3407). Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Competitive Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 401-1761. 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; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Factors Affecting Crop Gene Flow and Introgression into Natural Populations; Transgenic Fish; Testing Models to Assess Risk; Risk Assessment of a Recombinant Baculovirus Expressing a Protease; The Hazard of Pest Evolution: Accuracy and Precision of Genetic Risk Assessments; Assessing Risk of Bt Corn to Nontarget Soil Arthropods: Direct and Indirect Effects. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program, criteria include: Overall scientific and technological quality of proposal; research competence of the principal investigator(s), research team and support personnel; adequacy of facilities, equipment, and related program support; justification of support requested in relation to objectives and procedures; feasibility of attaining objectives during life of proposed research; awareness of published literature and current research related to proposed research; relevance of importance of proposed research to solution of specific areas of inquiry; and estimate of expected benefits. 10.220 HIGHER EDUCATION MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM (Minority Scholars Program) 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)(5); Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, Title XIV; Public Law 95-113; 91 Stat. 98; 7 U.S.C. 3152. OBJECTIVES: To increase the ethnic and cultural diversity of the food and agricultural scientific and professional work force, and to advance the educational achievement of minority Americans, by providing grants to colleges and universities that have a demonstrable capacity to attract, educate, and graduate minority students for careers as agriscience and agribusiness professionals, and have unique capabilities for achieving the objective of full representation of minority groups in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics, and disciplines closely allied to the food and agricultural system. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Competitive annual grants to selected U.S. institutions of higher education provide for a limited number of four-year undergraduate scholarships to support minority students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences. Institutions also receive an annual cost-of-education allowance for each scholar supported by a grant. The scholars are selected by the institutions and students must apply for the scholarships through procedures established by the individual institutions. No scholarship grants are made directly to students and students cannot apply directly to USDA for scholarships. Scholarship monies may be used for tuition, fees, room, board, and other educational expenses as announced in a Federal Register notice inviting applications for new awards. The institutional cost-of-education allowance may be used by the selected institutions to defray program expenses including, but not limited to, travel and publications costs incurred for student recruitment, and salaries of project personnel. Applicant Eligibility: Proposals may be submitted by all U.S. colleges and universities with baccalaureate or higher degree programs in agriculture, natural resources, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics, and disciplines closely allied to the food and agricultural system, including land-grant colleges and universities, colleges and universities having significant minority enrollments and a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food and agricultural sciences, and other colleges and universities having a demonstrable capacity to carry out the teaching of food and agricultural sciences. Beneficiary Eligibility: Funds awarded under this program are used to support full-time undergraduate students pursing a baccalaureate degree in an area of the food and agricultural sciences or a closely allied field. Persons eligible to receive scholarships under this program are students who either are enrolled or have been accepted as fulltime baccalaureate or DVM degree candidates, and who are members of groups traditionally under-represented in food and agricultural scientific and professional fields. Credentials/Documentation: Each prospective grantee institution must furnish the information and assurances specified in the program guidelines and the Federal Register notice inviting applications for new awards. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: All proposal 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, in accordance with instructions provided in a Federal Register notice inviting applications for new awards. Application guidelines are contained in the CSREES Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019. Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by Higher Education Programs staff and other CSREES professional staff members with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified educators, scientists, administrators, and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals. Proposals are supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Deadlines: All deadlines are announced in the Federal Register notice inviting applications for new awards. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 90 to 180 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. Contingent upon appropriations, funds are allocated to provide support for undergraduate scholars for 48 months. Formula and Matching Requirements: For each scholarship supported under this program, a college or university receiving a grant must provide 25 percent of the scholarship funds from their own or other non- Federal sources. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for a five-year period, however, scholars are supported for four years during that five-year period. One year of the grant period is available for student recruitment and for short interruptions of a scholar's educational advancement due to personal circumstances or emergencies. Reports: Documentation of scholarship appointments must be submitted by project directors upon request of CSREES. An undergraduate scholar exit report must be submitted by project directors for each scholar supported by a grant as soon as the scholar graduates or is officially terminated from the program. Annual and final technical and financial reports must be submitted by the project directors to CSREES. 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 program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. 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 three-years thereafter. Grant related records must be retained at least three years after the end of the grant; records must be retained beyond the three year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $932,499; FY 08 est $948,480; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Minimum and maximum amounts of funding per grant, as well as stipend levels for scholarships, will be announced each year in the Federal Register notice inviting applications for new awards. Awards ranged from $20,000 to $80,000 with the average award being $52,004. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It is anticipated that this program will significantly advance the achievement of the objective of full representation of underrepresented groups in the food and agricultural sciences workforce of the United States. At one university the 2+2+2 Project was initiated with the goal to increase the number of Native Americans earning baccalaureate degrees in agriculture, biological sciences, and family and consumer sciences. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Announcement and Application Kit for the Food and Agricultural Sciences All- Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: National Program Leader, Higher Education Programs, CSREES, Department of Agriculture, Stop 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-1973. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.210, Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants; 10.216, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants; 10.217, Higher Education Challenge Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Leadership Experiences and Education in Agriculture and Diversity; Developing a Model System to Bridge a Gap in Agricultural Sciences; Providing Incentives and Quality Programs to Attract Talented Minorities to Agricultural Sciences. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposals are evaluated by a peer review panel of educators, scientists, representatives from the private sector, and government officials who consider such criteria as: the potential for advancing the quality of education; the likelihood that the proposed program of undergraduate study will result in the development of outstanding graduates to meet the future needs of the food and agricultural industry; the quality of the chosen academic program, current and future demand for graduates in chosen discipline(s), strength of the curriculum, instructional approaches, strategies for developing critical thinking and problem solving skills and prior success in or potential for graduating scholars. Additional criteria include the quality of the institution's academic advising, career counseling, mentoring, and student support services, as well as the qualifications and roles of key staff assigned to the project, particularly the Project Director and faculty or staff that would have the most frequent or influential contacts with scholars. Finally, the degree to which the proposal describes any innovation, special features of the academic program(s) that will be available especially to scholars or required as a part of their degree program(s), including: an interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary, or crossdisciplinary approach; a focus on innovative, multi-disciplinary education programs, material, or curricula; a multi-university collaborative approach; an emphasis on a collateral specialization or minor in a related discipline; research opportunities, internships, practicum, experiential learning oppportunities, international research/educational experiences, and related work experience. excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372 because the program does not directly affect State and local governments. Application Procedure: Formal application should be submitted to the Office of Extramural Programs, CSREES, as outlined in th application package submitted to the 29 institutions. Application procedures are contained in the program guidelines and required forms are contained in the Grant Application Kit. This program is subject to the regulatory provisions of USDA's 7 CFR 3015 et seq. and 7 CFR 3019, and all successor regulations. Award Procedure: Applications are reviewed and evaluated by USDA staff and by expert educators and scientist from other Federal agencies as needed. Grant payment may be made by the electronic transfer system or advance by Treasury check. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 45 to 90 days. Appeals: None. Renewals: None. 10.221 TRIBAL COLLEGES EDUCATION EQUITY GRANTS Formula and Matching Requirements: 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, October 20, 1994, 7 U.S.C. 301, note as amended Public Law 105-185. OBJECTIVES: To enhance educational opportunities at the 30 Tribal Colleges designated as the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions by strengthening their teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences in targeted need areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Public Law 103-382 targeted funds to benefit those schools specifically listed as the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions. Funds may be used to support teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences in the targeted need areas of: (1) Curricula design and instructional materials development; (2) faculty development and preparation for teaching; (3) instruction delivery systems; (4) student experiential learning; (5) equipment and instrumentation for teaching, and (6) student recruitment and retention. Applicant Eligibility: Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dull knife 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, Stone child Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crown point Institute of Technology, Haskell Indian Nations University, Leech Lake Tribal College, College of the Menominee Nation; and Little Priest Tribal College. Beneficiary Eligibility: The 1994 Institutions--Bay Mills Community College, Black feet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dull knife 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, Stone child Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crown point 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 institution must furnish the information and assurances specified in the program guidelines. Guidelines include: 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A; 7 CFR Part 3; 7 CFR Part 15, Subpart A; 7 CFR Part 3015; 7 CFR Part 3017; 7 CFR Part 3018; 7 CFR Part 3019; 7 CFR Part 3052; 29 U.S.C. 794, Section 504 and 7 CFR Part 15b; 35 U.S.C. 200 et seq., and 37 CFR Part 401. Preapplication Coordination: The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-110 must be used for this program. This program is approximately $50,000 to each of the 30 1994 Institutions, no matching requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for a 12- to 24-month period of assistance. Reports: Annual technical and financial progress reports are due within 90 days after the end of each 12-month budget period. Final technical and financial reports are due within 90 days after the expiration date of the grant. The content of these reports will be as required in the "Terms and Conditions" of the grant award. 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 program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Records: Grantees are expected to maintain records three years beyond the life of the grant or longer if there are any pending litigation or unresolved audit findings. Separate records for each grant must be maintained. Records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and for three years thereafter. Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $3,342,000; FY 08 est 2,227,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Approximately $50,000 to each eligible institution. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One Tribal College recently received accreditation of its Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences program because of the purchase of equipment from this program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 301 note; 7 CFR Part 1.1, USDA implementation of Freedom of Information Act; 7 CFR Part 3, USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A129 regarding debt collection; 7 CFR Part 15, Subpart A, USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 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, Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019, USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations; 7 CFR Part 3407, Agency Procedures to Implement the National Environmental Policy Act; 7 CFR Part 3052, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations; 29 U.S.C. 794, section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR Part 15b (USDA implementation of statute), prohibiting discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs; and 35 U.S.C. 200 et seq., Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part 401). Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Higher Education Programs, Science and Education Resources Development, CSREES, USDA, 800 9th Street, SW, Room 3901 Waterfront Centre, Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-1973. |