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. 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) 5041147. 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. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: None. 10.290 AGRICULTURAL MARKET AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH FEDERAL AGENCY: OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: 7 U.S.C. Section 3318, 7 CFR Section 2.29. OBJECTIVES: To conduct cooperative economic research and analyses in support of the Office of the Chief Economist's responsibility to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies, programs, and proposed legislation. These research projects and analyses cover the nation's agricultural commodity markets; risk analyses and cost-benefit analyses related to international food and agriculture; sustainable development; energy issues related to the agricultural economy; agricultural labor; global climate change; and any other topics that support the Department's consideration or review of policies and programs. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Research is conducted that is in cooperation with the Office of the Chief Economist's in-house research and analysis programs and projects. Limited discretionary funds are periodically made available. Applicant Eligibility: Applicants are usually nonprofit institutions of higher education or other nonprofit research organizations whose primary purpose is conducting economic research. Beneficiary Eligibility: Beneficiaries are usually nonprofit institutions of higher education or other nonprofit research organizations whose primary purpose is conducting scientific research. Credentials/Documentation: None. Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Upon request of the Office of the Chief Economist, proposals should be submitted to the Office of the Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture. Award Procedure: The Office of the Chief Economist considers proposals received, evaluates the qualifications of the proposal with respect to the research issue, and, in consultation with the selected cooperator institution, establishes a funding level and the specific deliverables due at the conclusion of the agreement. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: None. Appeals: None. Renewals: Extensions may be authorized. Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: None. Reports: Progress reports, final research or study reports, and financial statements. 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: Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. Account Identification: 12-0705-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $2,873,761; FY 08 est $2,873,761; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $20,000 to $1,948,384. Average: $245,102. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 3015 and 7 CFR 3019. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-4164. Contact: Information Officer. Telephone: (202) 720-5447. Web Site Address: http://www.usda.gov/oce. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Review by professional economic and senior management staff at the Office of the Chief Economist for relevance to the proposed research topic, experience of the institution with respect to the research topic, and cost effectiveness. 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. 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. Preapplication Coordination: All proposal solicitations are published in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposal to 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 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. Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Normally, competitive research projects will be supported for periods of up to three years. 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 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 life of the grant and for three years thereafter. Account Identification: 12-1502-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $41,334,662; FY 08 est $1,311,857; and FY 09 est not reported. 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, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 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. 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 Antimicrobial Films; National Center for Home Food Processing and Preservation; Preservation of Rural Watersheds and Drinking Water Resources; Accelerating Riparian Buffer Adoption to Enhance Water Quality and Farm Income. 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. 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. Preapplication Coordination: Letters of intent are requested prior to the submission of project proposals. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Applicants submit project proposals along with OMB-approved Application Forms to CSREES for approval. 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: None. Renewals: None. Formula and Matching Requirements: Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Grants are awarded for project periods of 12 to 36 months duration. 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, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specified 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 three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-0115-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $9,504,000; FY 08 est 13,705,920; and FY 09 est not reported. 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. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: CSREES Administrators Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 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. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Current funding is directed solely to the establishment of two diagnostic networks: one for plant diseases and pests and one for animal diseases and pests. Funding is not available under this section for research projects. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: In FY 2002, a panel of USDA scientists knowledgeable in the Nation's plant and animal disease diagnostic capability, recommended to the Secretary a plan of initiating a comprehensive national network of laboratories for the rapid detection and diagnosis of plant and animal diseases. The institutions selected by the panel for initial inclusion in the network were recommended using the following criteria: (1) Existing scientific capacity; (2) Existing laboratory capacity which could be modified to meet Biosafety Level 3 requirements; (3) Both animal and plant diagnostic capabilities; (4) Geographical location meeting one or more of the following requirements: located in are area with a high risk of disease/pest incursions; located in an area with high concentration of vulnerable agricultural activity; complements or supplements regional Federal laboratory activity or is in an area not effectively served by an existing Federal facility; (5) State-of-the-art communication and information technology systems. Must be capable of managing secure communications with other laboratories and central reporting unit; and 6) An effective outreach/extension system. 10.305 INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION GRANTS (INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM) FEDERAL AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES) AUTHORIZATION: Section 1459 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended 7 U.S.C. 3292b. OBJECTIVES: To support projects to: enhance the international content of curricula; ensure that faculty work beyond the U.S. and bring lessons learned back home; promote international research partnerships; enhance the use of application of foreign technologies in the U.S., and strengthen the role that colleges and universities play in maintaining U.S. competitiveness. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funded projects will respond to specific needs and strengths of the university or college that will enable it to strengthen the global competence of students, faculty and staff in agriculture and related areas and enhance business performance in international agriculture and related sectors through extension, research and/or teaching programs. Applicant Eligibility: Applications may be submitted by colleges and universities and defined in section 1404 of NARETPA. The terms college and university mean an educational institution in any State which (1) 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; (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an education program for which a bachelor's degree or any other higher degree is awarded; (4) is a public or other nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association. Beneficiary Eligibility: Colleges and universities; pubic or other nonprofit institutions. Credentials/Documentation: None. The 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 E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications. 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 on the Agency's Web site and in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline. Appeals: None. Renewals: Requests for renewal support must be submitted as new proposals at the announced deadline, and are considered in equal competition wit other applications. Formula and Matching Requirements: As announced in the request for applications. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: From one to four years. Reports: Quarterly financial reports. Annual progress reports. 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 shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-1502-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $950,400; FY 08 est 1,910,400; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: None. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. This is a new 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. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: International Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP 2203; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. 20250-2203; telephone: 202-720-3801. Web Site Address: http://www.csrees.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.200, Grants for EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Applications are evaluated based on four major criteria: (1) Overall Approach and Collaboration, which includes soundness of proposed approach, procedures, integration with existing programs and realistic time table, cooperation among the lead institution and other partner organizations and institutional commitment; and (2) Potential for Contributing to Internationalization which includes the extent of importance or impact of the project, expected products or results, an adequate evaluation plan, a dissemination plan, and continuation plans; 3) Personnel Resources; and Budget and Cost Effectiveness. 10.306 BIODIESEL (BIODIESEL) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Section 9002, Public Law 107-171, 7 U.S.C. 8104. OBJECTIVES: To educate governmental and private entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities (as determined by the Secretary), and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: This funding is used for education and outreach activities. Program funds may not be used for renovation or refurbishment or research space; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition or construction of buildings or facilities. Applicant Eligibility: Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations or institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)). Beneficiary Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)). 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: Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications. 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 date is announced in the request for applications in the first fiscal year of the program. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline. Appeals: None. Renewals: Awards are made as continuation grants, and subsequent annual funding is provided based on demonstrated progress. Formula and Matching Requirements: Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Same level of funding for five years. Reports: Quarterly progress reports; annual and summary reports submitted to the Current Research Information System. 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 shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; 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 $960,000; FY 08 est $960,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $190,000 and $770,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: To increase the use of biodiesel fuel nationally, to provide information about the benefits of using biodiesel, to provide consistent information about technical issues related to biodiesel use. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 1, subpart A USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. 7 CFR Part 3 USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A 129 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, implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A 21 and A 122) and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301 6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law 95-224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance. 7 CFR Part 3017 USDA implementation of Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants). 7 CFR Part 3018 USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans. 7 CFR Part 3019 USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3052 USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A 133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non profit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3407 CSREES procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. 29 U.S.C. 794 (sec. 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. 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). FR Vol 68, No. 189, September 30, 2003, pages 56137-56143 (regulation); FR Vol. 68, No. 135, July 15, 2003, pages 41770-41777 (request for applications). Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Plant and Animal Systems, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; STOP 2220; Washington, DC 20250-2220; Telephone: (202) 401-5877. Web Site Address: http://www.csrees.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: America's Energy Future; National Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program, demonstrated knowledge of biodiesel fuel production, use, or distribution; and demonstrated ability to conduct educational and technical support programs; relevance of proposed project to current and future issues, reasonableness of the proposed project, and technical quality of the proposed project. 10.307 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE (ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVE) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE (CSREES), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Section 7218, as amended; The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 1672B, 7 U.S.C. 5925b). OBJECTIVES: Facilitate the development of organic agriculture production, breeding, and processing methods. Functionally identify soil microbial communities and ways to manage microbial dynamics to enhance nutrient cycling and disease suppression; Develop systemic approaches to weed, insect and disease management; Prevent, control, and treat internal and external parasites in various livestock species; and Breed crops for disease and insect resistance, good yield in a biologically diverse system, compatibility with intercrops, good response to organic fertility sources, horizontal resistance (traits determined by multiple genes). Evaluate the potential economic benefits to producers and processors who use organic methods. Analyze potential economic costs, returns and risks of organic production systems; Use environmental valuation tools to quantify externalities of producing food, and compare externalities of producing organic and conventional food; - Analyze price and market structures, including ability of small, medium-, and large-scale growers to access different markets, in order to frame policies that minimize concentration within the industry; and Analyze marketing channels to document how organic food is distributed, what share of the organic food dollar is returned to the farmer, and the implications of large-scale manufacturers entering the organic market. Explore international trade opportunities for organically grown and processed agricultural commodities. Compare compatibility of certification standards used in different parts of the world, with the ultimate goal of harmonization and reciprocity; Undertake marketing studies of international consumer demand for U.S. produced organic goods; and Perform Welfare analyses (quantified gains and losses for producers and consumers) of trade policies affecting international competitiveness, including implementation of the National Organic Program, domestic support programs such as the Conservation Security Act, country of origin labeling, GMO labeling, etc. Determine desirable traits for organic commodities. Examine relationships between nutrients in the soil and nutrients in the food grown on that soil, including long-term soil nutrient and crop nutrient profiles under conventional and organic management; Perform comparisons of nutrient levels between organic and conventional crops and relationship, if any, between taste and nutrient profile; Investigate the role of post-harvest handling and treatment in the maintenance of quality in fresh market organic products; and Determine the reasons for consumer preferences for organic goods. Identify marketing and policy constraints on the expansion of organic agriculture. Analyze opportunities and constraints to organic agriculture resulting from provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002; Investigate specific barriers to markets, such as scale-based regulations that restrict family farm access to processors and/or markets; Study negative lender perception of organic farming and ways to change this; and Analyze regulatory barriers, such as lack of access to Federal farm programs, and developing solutions to these challenges. Conduct advanced on-farm research and development that emphasizes observation of, experimentation with, and innovation for working organic farms, including research relating to production and marketing and to socioeconomic conditions. (Note: Many topics from other goal areas can be conducted on working farms.) Develop rigorous on-farm systems research designs; and Conduct long-term, interdisciplinary systems research. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Integrated Organic Program is particularly interested in proposed projects that emphasize research and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning and ecosystem integration. Projects should plan to deliver applied production information to producers. Fieldwork for both program areas must be done on certified organic land or on land in transition to organic certification, as appropriate to project goals and objectives. Refer to the USDA National Organic Program (http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop) for organic production standards. Applicant Eligibility: Applications may be submitted by State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. For both ORG and OREI, all award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Beneficiary Eligibility: State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. Credentials/Documentation: Curricula vitae for all project directors and sub-contractors. 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 are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for applications. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications. 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: applications must be received 60 days after publication of the Request for Applications. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Notice of action taken on proposals will generally be within 90 days of final date of submission dateline. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. Formula and Matching Requirements: If a grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the grant recipient is required to match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-fordollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and/or in-kind contributions. CSREES may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if CSREES determines that: (1) the results of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (2) the project involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Reports: Grantees must submit Annual Progress Reports to CSREES that detail progress toward achieving goals and objectives of the project and a Final Performance Report that includes a brief project impact statement written in lay language. These reports should be succinct and no longer than five (5) pages, singlespaced, using 12-point font. They should include the following information about the project: (1) basic information (i.e., project title, name(s) of PD(s), award number, and reporting period); (2) a description of the stakeholder needs identified, problems addressed, and results of the project (including publications); (3) plans for the upcoming year; and (4) a description of subaward activity, including the process used to select recipients. Any students who work on a project should be listed in the project reports (i.e., report graduate degrees awarded and under graduates trained, as applicable). A budget summary should be attached to each report to provide an overview of all monies spent during the reporting period. Grantees also are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via CSREES. Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS is an electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on Federallyfunded projects. 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 shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. Account Identification: 12-1502-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $2,836,820; FY 08 est $2,880,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: None. This is a new program. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Not applicable. Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Plant and Animal Systems, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; STOP 2220; Washington, DC 20250-2220. Telephone: (202) 401-3356. Web Site Address: http://www.csrees.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications submitted in response to this RFA: Proposal Relevance (50%): (a) Documented need. Application includes documentation substantiating that project is directed to current and likely future potential problems/challenges in organic agriculture; (b) Stakeholder involvement; (c) Potential for project to contribute to profitable and sustainable organic production or marketing systems; (d) Importance of the commodity or production system or importance of marketing constraints and resulting impacts on the production system; (e) Potential for project to make a difference, to have an impact; (f) Potential for project to contribute to long-term improvement and sustainability of organic agriculture and (g) Feasibility, probability of success. Proposal Quality (50%): (a) Conceptual adequacy. Application clearly states objectives which are potentially attainable within project time, scope and budget; (b) Design. The application's methodology and analytical approach are appropriate to project objectives; (c) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise; (d) Experience of key project personnel; (e) Appropriateness of budget; and (f) Adherence to guidelines. 10.308 RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREA ACTIVITIES (RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS FOR INSULAR AREA ACTIVITIES) |