**Iraq Agricultural Extension\
Revitalization Project**

***[FY 2007 Request for Applications]{.underline}***

**Application Submission Deadline: November 8, 2006**

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#  U.S. Department of Agriculture 

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# Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and Foreign Agricultural Service 

**COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE; AND
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**IRAQ AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION REVITALIZATION PROJECT**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.500

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business on
November 8, 2006 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after
this deadline will not be considered for funding.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** On behalf of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service,
the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
requests applications from U.S. land-grant institutions to lead projects
to revitalize the agriculture sector in Iraq by strengthening
agricultural extension and training programs at select Iraqi
agricultural universities. The Iraq Agricultural Extension
Revitalization Project (IAER) will be implemented by providing extension
training programs for Iraqi nationals in an effort to enhance
agricultural management, production, and marketing related to small and
medium-sized production enterprises. Training programs will be held in
the United States and third country sites and are targeted towards
establishing partnerships between a consortium of U.S. land-grant
institutions and Iraqi agricultural universities in five of the 18 Iraq
governorates. Approximately \$5.3 million is available for support of
this program.

This notice identifies IAER objectives, eligibility criteria for
projects and applicants, and application forms and associated
instructions needed to apply for an IAER award.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**PART I-FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**\
A. Legislative Authority and Background\
B. Purpose and Priorities

**PART II-AWARD INFORMATION**\
A. Available Funding\
B. Types of Applications\
\
**PART III-ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**\
A. Eligible Applicants\
B. Cost Sharing or Matching

**PART IV-APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**\
A. Address to Request Application Package\
B. Content and Form of Application Submission\
C. Submission Dates and Times\
D. Funding Restrictions\
E. Other Submission Requirements

**PART V-APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS**\
A. General\
B. Evaluation Criteria\
C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality

**PART VI-AWARD ADMINISTRATION**\
A. General\
B. Organizational Management Information\
C. Award Notice\
D. Administrative and National Policy Requirements\
E. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

**PART VII-AGENCY CONTACT**

**PART VIII-OTHER INFORMATION**\
A. Access to Review Information\
B. Use of Funds; Changes\
C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards\
D. Regulatory Information\
E. Definitions\
F. CSREES' Grants.gov Implementation Plans\
G. DUNS Number\
H. Required Registration for Grants.gov

**PART I-FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

**A. Legislative Authority and Background**

Pursuant to the authority in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2151 *et seq.*), the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act
for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, 2004
(P.L. 108-106) made funds available to the President of the United
States for security, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Iraq.
In accordance with Section 632(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2151), the President apportioned some of these funds to the
Department of State (DOS) and, in order to utilize the unique resources
of its agencies and land-grant institution partners to strengthen Iraq's
agricultural extension system, DOS transferred some of these funds to
USDA.

The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act
(NARETPA) provides the Secretary of Agriculture authority to enter into
agreements in furtherance of the purposes of this program. Furthermore,
the Secretary has delegated this authority under NARETPA (Sec. 1472(b),
7 U.S.C. 3318(b)) to the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural
Service (FAS) and the Administrator of the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service (CSREES).

On FAS' behalf, CSREES will administer IAER activities using a portion
of the funds previously described. Starting in FY 2007, CSREES plans to
use these funds to build partnerships between U.S. land-grant
institutions and Iraqi agricultural universities to promote an extension
and training system in Iraq that is responsive to the needs of the
country's agricultural sector. [**As a result of security constraints,
sponsored activities must be planned for and conducted outside Iraq,
either in a nearby, more permissive security environment, or in the
United States.**]{.underline}

**B. Purpose and Priorities**

Following decades under the Baathist regime and heavy reliance on the
United Nations' Oil-for-Food Program, Iraq's market-based agriculture
systems need to be rehabilitated to improve the national agricultural
economy. Because much of Iraq's population relies on agriculture for
livelihood, the country's stability partially depends upon the
agricultural sector's performance. Iraq's natural geography provides
both land-intensive and water-intensive challenges to agricultural
production. Salinization, urban migration, and a weakened agricultural
education and extension system are among the problems that have hampered
the potential for economic growth in the agriculture sector. As a
result, a large share of the country's population depends on food
rations. Given these challenges, it is essential to provide Iraq with
the latest technological tools and training necessary to improve its
production capacity and efficiencies. A strong extension system that
responds to the needs of farmers, processors, marketers and others in
the agricultural and rural development enterprise, and that builds
markets is a key element of recovery.

It is imperative that the agriculture sector in Iraq create conditions
for food security, serve as a significant generator of employment in
rural areas, and contribute to the sustainable management of the natural
resource base. IAER seeks to restore and expand a sustainable
agriculture sector in Iraq that is market-driven, interfaced with the
private and other non-government sectors, complemented by public sector
oversight, and supported by an effective extension service based on
dynamic education and research. Such adjustments should lead to a more
effective system of technology transfer that improves the livelihood of
Iraqi producers through increased adoption of appropriate science-based
knowledge. IAER can contribute to these changes by improving extension
management and technology transfer systems at Iraq's agricultural
training institutions, and strengthening program delivery for Iraqi
agricultural extension programs at the national and governorate levels.

IAER's approach is to build strong institution-to-institution
cooperation that supports a viable extension system. Using support from
IAER, the lead land-grant institution will organize, oversee and manage
a consortium consisting of the lead institution and four other U.S.
land-grant institutions. The five consortium members will partner with
five agricultural universities from across Iraq. The consortium should
draw upon the diverse strengths of the land-grant system. When choosing
consortium members, the lead institution should consider an
institution's ability to implement in program areas that are compatible
with and complement the activities proposed by the potential members of
the consortium. One-on-one institutional partnerships will link American
expertise in extension training and advisory services with relevant
agricultural colleges in Iraq and involve appropriate Ministry of
Agriculture personnel. The lead institution is expected to manage and/or
facilitate all aspects of supported activities including
intra-consortial coordination and arrangements, travel of project
personnel, training, quarterly and other requested reporting to CSREES
and FAS, and preparation of a final close-out report (see Part VI, E.
for more information about reporting). The lead institution must
identify consortium members and facilitate the selection of Iraqi
partner institutions. Final selection of the Iraqi universities will be
made in consultation with the government of Iraq and the U. S. Embassy
in Baghdad.

The IAER program requires the lead institution and four consortium
members to form partnerships with institutions in five different
governorates of Iraq. Four of the five potential partners are as
follows: Baghdad University's College of Agriculture (traditionally
strong in irrigated agriculture and horticulture); The College of
Agriculture and Forestry at Mosul University (focus on cereal production
in rainfed areas, forestry, and wood technology); The College of
Agriculture at Tikrit University (special strengths in gypseous soil
cultivation); and The College of Agriculture at Basrah University
(emphasized date palm research, horticulture and fisheries).

**An initial award of \$500,000 will be made to fund start-up consortium
activities.** Start-up proposals will describe how these funds will be
utilized over a 6-month period. Specifically, start-up activities should
target the development of a consortium of universities that will
initiate and develop working relationships with partnering Iraqi
institutions, formalize plans for extension training, and prepare
follow-on funding requests for interventions that respond to IAER
priority needs and that will be carried out over the remaining year and
a half of the project. **Requests for follow-on funding will be subject
to review and approval by CSREES and FAS, and may not total more than
\$4.8 million (including indirect costs). The total award (start-up and
follow-on funding) will not exceed approximately \$5.3 million for
approved activities.**

IAER sponsored activities will include third-country or U. S. based
training of Iraqi extension personnel, short- and long-term training (or
long-term training plans) of Iraqi extension personnel, development of
train-the-trainer instructional materials, and other activities that
lead to technology transfer. In developing training and other
activities, including the identification of local needs, the lead
institution and consortium members must collaborate with their
respective Iraq counterparts.

To help facilitate in-country processes, such as identifying trainees
and assisting with travel arrangements for them, FAS will provide a
small coordinative team which will be located in Baghdad. Members of the
coordinative team will not be part of the IAER project and applicants
should not request funding for a presence in Iraq. Nevertheless, a
coordinative team will be made available to assist the consortium in
providing logistical support to ensure overall project success.

**[All sponsored activities must be planned for and conducted outside
Iraq, either in a nearby country with a permissive security environment
(such as Jordan or Egypt), or in the United States]{.underline}*.* IAER
must help to address the needs of Iraq's major ethnic groups, both in
stable and less stable areas of the country. The location of project
activities will be re-assessed and updated as the security environment
in Iraq changes.**

The following are technical areas in which strong extension expertise is
needed. The list is illustrative; applicants are expected to work with
Iraqi counterparts to develop partnerships focused in these or other
technical areas that meet demonstrated needs in each governorate.
Partnerships within the consortium that are formed between U.S. and
Iraqi institutions should draw upon the strengths of all consortium
members to address local needs related to developing the Iraqi
agricultural extension system.

**Arid Crop Production** **Development**: The goal of the project in
this technical area will be to enhance the capacity of producers to
better meet the cereal (rice, wheat, and barley) and horticultural crop
(irrigated fruits and vegetables) needs of the Iraqi people. Activities
in this area should focus on improving cereal seed productivity, and
"best-practices" for cropland management, and the delivery of
research-based information through extension programs. Corollary
activities should provide training for good land stewardship and soil
quality maintenance.

**Livestock Production and Animal Health**: Livestock (primarily
poultry, goats, and sheep) production in the country has the capacity to
be a significant generator of farm income and a source of improved
nutrition (milk, meat and cheese) for consumers. Activities undertaken
will lead to the development of an extension program that promotes
improved animal husbandry, and health and nutrition, with a view to
increasing livestock productivity.

**Water Resources Management and Irrigation Technology**: Iraq includes
both arid and wetland agricultural regions. The project will develop
extension programs to promote improved practices in on-farm irrigation
and water resource management particularly in rural communities.

Priority activities include but are not limited to:

-   Third-country based training of extension specialists to include
    training workshops, coaching, and follow-up training. Training
    should emphasize both technical expertise as well as the skills
    needed to effectively transfer knowledge. Possible sites include
    government-to-government training with the Ministry of Agriculture
    in Egypt, Turkey or Pakistan;

-   Short-term, non-degree training at U.S. land-grant institutions or
    USDA agencies for Iraqi faculty and extension personnel. Additional
    training may be supported by USDA through the Cochran and Borlaug
    Fellowship Programs and Faculty Exchange Program;

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-   Long-term degree training, or plans for long-term degree training
    (Masters, Ph.D., and post-doctoral training) at U.S. land-grant
    institutions that strengthen the Iraqi extension system;

-   Development of distance learning methodologies that facilitate
    training and learning;

-   Development of instructional materials for train-the-trainer
    extension programs; and

-   Technology transfer including field trials, demonstration plots and
    laboratory methods that demonstrate methods for rapid adoption by
    Iraqi farmers.

**PART II---AWARD INFORMATION**

**A. Available Funding**

In FY 2007, approximately \$5.3 million is available to support IAER.
CSREES expects to competitively award one cooperative agreement to a
U.S. land-grant institution that will lead a consortium consisting of
the awardee and four other U.S. land-grant institutions. The awardee
will receive a maximum of \$500,000 in start-up funds for the first six
months. Requests for follow-on funding will be subject to review and
approval by CSREES and FAS, and may not total more than \$4.8 million
(including indirect costs but not start-up funds). All funds must be
expended by September 30, 2008.

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application.
Funding levels may be adjusted based on the technical review of
submissions.

**B. Types of Applications**

This is a new program; therefore, all applications will be new. New
applications must not have been submitted to CSREES previously. All
applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process
and evaluation criteria described in Part V---Application Review
Requirements.

**PART III-ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**

**A. Eligible Applicants**

Only land-grant institutions are eligible to receive IAER awards.
Eligible land-grant institutions include all 1862, 1890, and 1994
land-grant institutions. All consortia members must be land-grant
institutions. The lead institution and consortium members may
subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply, provided such
organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.

**B. Cost Sharing or Matching**\
\
Consistent with 7 U.S.C. 3318(b), the selected applicant (including all
consortium members) will be required to contribute resources to the
accomplishment of project objectives.

**PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**

**A. Address to Request Application Package**

An application may be submitted to CSREES either electronically or as a
paper-based application in response to this RFA. Regardless of whether
the application is submitted electronically or paper-based, the
application materials are accessed via Grants.gov and prepared in the
same manner.

The steps to access application materials are as follows:

> 1\. Download and install PureEdge Viewer, a small, free program that
> provides access to the grant application. See
> <http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pureedge>.

2.  The application package must be obtained via Grants.gov, go to
    [http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), click on "Apply for
    Grants" in the left-hand column, click on "Step 1**:** [Download a
    Grant Application Package and
    Instructions](https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html)**,"**
    enter the CFDA number 10.500 in the appropriate box and click
    "Download Package." From the search results, locate the item for
    this program and click "Download" to access the application package.

> Contained within the application package is the "[CSREES Grants.gov
> Application Guide: A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
> Applications via
> Grants.gov.](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)"
> This Guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov
> instructions, information about how to use a Grant Application Package
> in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to complete the application
> forms.
>
> **If assistance is needed to access the application package (e.g.,**
> downloading or navigating PureEdge forms, using PureEdge with a
> Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on the Grants.gov
> Web site first (<http://grants.gov/>). Grants.gov assistance is also
> available as follows:

-   Grants.gov customer support\
    Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726\
    Business Hours: M-F 7:00 am -- 9 pm Eastern Standard Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

**[Electronic Applications]{.underline}**

Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested that the Project
Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) first contact an Authorized
Organizational Representative to determine if the organization is
prepared to submit electronic applications through Grants.gov. See
<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

See <http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html> for resources
for applying electronically.

**[Paper-based Applications]{.underline}**

Paper applications are not recommended except when deemed necessary.
Applicants are encouraged to apply electronically via
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/).

**B. Content and Form of Application Submission**

::: Definition-Term
Applications should be prepared following the instructions contained in
of the document entitled "[A Guide for Preparation and Submission of
CSREES Applications via
Grants.gov](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)."
This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section
A. of this Part). The following is **additional information** needed in
order to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If there is
discrepancy between the two documents (this request for applications and
the "Guide"), the information contained in this RFA is overriding.
:::

**Note the attachment requirements (e.g., portable document format) in
Part III section 3. of the Guide.**

1\. [R&R Other Project Information Form]{.underline}

a\. Project Summary/Abstract (Field 6. on the Form). The summary should
also include the relevance of the project to the goals of the IAER.

Please Note: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 30 pages of written
text and up to 10 additional pages for figures and tables. This maximum
(40 pages) has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

i\) An introduction which states the goals and objectives of the
proposed activities and documents needs. This brief narrative should
also include relevant data that support the focus of extension training.

ii\) A description of the proposed project's potential for contributing
to a strengthened Iraqi extension system to include: 1) a description of
the lead institution's capabilities to plan, manage and evaluate an
existing or new and diverse consortium of universities and activities so
as to revitalize the Iraqi extension system; 2) a description of the
consortium's ability to implement activities outside of a high-risk
environment that lead to improvements within that environment; 3) a
description of the role of each consortium institution and lead project
personnel of such institutions, and the ability of each institution to
perform that role; 4) a description of how the start-up process will be
undertaken and managed; 5) a brief description of activities to be
undertaken after the initial start-up phase is completed; 6) a
description of indicators that will be used to evaluate the project and
a description of project staff's ability to evaluate project
effectiveness; and 7) a timetable that includes key milestones in the
start-up phase of the project.

iii\) A description of the project's overall approach and cooperation
which 1) identifies proposed activities and methods in clear and
sufficient detail to be understood by expert reviewers; 2) describes the
proposed consortium, explains how each consortium member will each
contribute to the project, and how the project will be coordinated; 3)
describes methods used to include relevant stakeholder groups both in
preparing the start-up proposal and in the subsequent planning
processes; and 4) describes institutional commitment to the project.

**To the extent possible, start-up proposals should describe consortial
activities that are anticipated to occur during full project
implementation, and how these activities address the goals of the
project.**

2\. [R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)]{.underline}

a\. Senior/Key Persons include lead project personnel of consortium
institutions; therefore, a senior/key person profile is to be completed
for such individuals.

b\. A Biographical Sketch must be completed for each Senior/Key Person
following instructions in Part V, section 4 of the CSREES Grants.gov
Application Guide.  The Biographical Sketch also is to include a
comprehensive listing of international experience, especially as it
relates to managing and/or participating in programs that are
constrained by security concerns, and a presentation of extension
credentials.

3\. [Budget, Budget Justification and Cost Sharing]{.underline}

**Budget**

The lead institution should submit a detailed budget for \$500,000 for
the six month start-up phase of the project. Each of the other four
consortial members will perform a substantive portion of the project and
as such, should submit a detailed sub-award budget for the first six
months of early phase activities.

**Budget Justification**

As part of the \"Budget Justification,\" the lead institution should
submit a budget plan, using general cost categories, for the second six
month period, and for the remaining project period. In addition, the
lead institution should present an overall budget summary for the entire
2-year project period. The lead institution should also explain in
detail and justify costs related to any training, workshops,
demonstration plots and other relevant activities that are planned
during the first six month period.

**Cost Sharing**

The lead and consortium institutions are required to contribute
resources to the accomplishment of project objectives and are
*encouraged* to cost share by limiting indirect costs to 10% of total
federal funds awarded. A detailed line item breakdown of cost sharing
contributions should be identified in the \"Budget Justification.\"

4\. [CSREES Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

a\. Funding Opportunity (Field 1. on the Form). *This information is
pre-populated from the opportunity package.* Verify "Iraq Agricultural
Extension Revitalization Program" is under funding opportunity name and
"USDA-CSREES-OP-000161" is under funding opportunity number.

b\. Program Code (Field 2. on the Form). Enter the program code name
\"Iraq Agricultural Extension Revitalization Program\" and the program
code \"AA-S".

**C. Submission Dates and Times**

**Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV,
Section 1.9 of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.**

Electronic applications must be received by Grants.gov by close of
business (COB) on

November 8, 2006 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) and paper-based applications
must be received by CSREES by COB on November 8, 2006 (5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time). Applications received after the deadline will normally not be
considered for funding.

The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail.
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-mail
addresses, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R Application for Federal
Assistance.

If the Authorized Representative has not received a confirmation message
from CSREES within 30 days of submission of the application, please
contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII of the applicable RFA
(for the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) the Program
Contacts are specified under subsection 1.5 of the SBIR Program
Solicitation) and request the proposal number assigned to the
application. **Failure to do so may result in (for competitive programs)
the application not being considered for funding by the peer review
panel or (for non-competitive programs) a delay in the issuance of an
award.   Once the application has been assigned a proposal number, this
number should be cited on all future correspondence.**

**D. Funding Restrictions**

[]{.mark}

Program funds may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of
research, education or extension space; the purchase or installation of
fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation,
acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities. Program funds
may not be used to support the salaries of U.S. government employees.
The purchase of equipment is limited to that which is required for
training, teaching, extension demonstration and other relevant project
activities.

**E. Other Submission Requirements**

The applicant should follow the submission requirements noted in the
applicable guide for preparation and submission of an application;
paper-based applications should be submitted as specified in the
document entitled, "A Guide for Preparation and Submission of
Paper-based Applications" and electronic applications should be
submitted as specified in the document entitled "A Guide for Preparation
and Submission of CSREES Applications via Grants.gov." 

The following is **additional information** needed in order to submit a
paper-based application in response to this RFA:

**Paper-based applications:** An original and six copies must be
submitted. In addition, submit six copies of the application's Project
Summary. All copies of the application and the Project Summary must be
submitted in one package.

**PART V-APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS**

**A. General**

Each application will be evaluated in a 2-part process. First, each
application will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative
requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, applications that meet
these requirements will be technically evaluated by a review panel.

Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in
relevant international extension, or education fields, taking into
account the following factors: (a) the level of relevant formal
scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in
relevant domestic and international extension or education activities;
(b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of
specialization within relevant extension or education fields; (c) the
need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., producers, range or
forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of
the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the
need to include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational
types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal
agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic
locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition of reviewers
with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age
distribution; and (f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the
effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each
application.

**B. Evaluation Criteria**

The following evaluation criteria and weights will be used to evaluate
proposals submitted for funding (weight is in parentheses; 100 total
points):

**Overall Approach and Collaboration.** This criterion relates to the
soundness of the proposed approach and the quality of cooperation.

> \(a\) [Proposed Approach]{.underline} - Is the problem or opportunity
> clearly documented? Do the objectives of the start-up process appear
> to be sound and appropriate relative to the issues being addressed?
> Are the procedures sound? Does the approach demonstrate a clear
> understanding of the Iraqi agricultural sector and institutional
> experience with Iraq and/or other countries in the region? Is the
> start-up process effectively designed for maximum impact given that
> activities will be conducted outside of Iraq? Does the timetable for
> the start-up and subsequent phases of the project appear to be
> realistic? *(10 points)*
>
> \(b\) [Personnel Resources]{.underline} **-** This criterion relates
> to the number and qualifications of the key persons who will carry out
> the planning process. Are designated project personnel qualified to
> carry out a successful process? Are there sufficient numbers of
> personnel associated with the planning and implementation processes to
> achieve the stated objectives and achieve the anticipated outcomes?
> *(10 points)*
>
> \(c\) [Budget and Cost-effectiveness]{.underline} **-** This criterion
> relates to the extent to which the total budget adequately supports
> the planning process and is cost-effective. Is the budget request
> clear and adequately justified? Are costs reasonable and necessary?
> Will the budget be adequate to carry out proposed activities? Does the
> budget maximize value per dollar of USDA support? *(10 points)*
>
> \(d\) [Cooperation]{.underline} -- Are institutional partnerships
> clearly described and justified, with appropriate levels of
> coordination specified between the lead institution and other partner
> institutions in the U.S., Iraq or elsewhere? Will the partnerships
> clearly contribute to attaining IAER goals? *(10 points)*
>
> \(e\) [Institutional Commitment]{.underline} - Is there evidence that
> the lead and all partnering institutions attribute a high priority to
> the start-up phase and subsequent phases, that the process and overall
> goals of the project are linked to the achievement of consortial
> members' long-term strategies? Will the project have reasonable access
> to other needed resources such as equipment, facilities, computer
> services, library and other support resources? Is there evidence that
> the lead and all partnering institutions are contributing resources
> (funding and in-kind contributions) toward the success of the project?
> *(10 points)*

**Potential for Contributing to a Revitalized Iraqi Extension System
-**This criterion highlights the likelihood that the proposed start-up
process and activities that flow from it will help strengthen the
ability of Iraqi extension specialists to deliver timely advice and
information to agricultural users.

> \(a\) [Impact]{.underline} -- Will the proposed start-up process
> identify and address important constraints or opportunities in the
> Iraqi extension system? Is it designed to identify key points of
> intervention that, if addressed in follow-on activities, will have
> positive impacts on the Iraqi extension system? Will the start-up
> process involve key Iraqi stakeholders from relevant Iraqi
> universities, ministries, farming groups and the private sector who
> can effect change in Iraq? Will the process adequately address the
> financial sustainability of the Iraqi extension system? Will the needs
> of the private sector and/or communities be considered in ways that
> can be addressed by the Iraqi extension system? Will the process serve
> as a model for other activities? *(20 points)*
>
> \(b\) [Products and Results]{.underline} - Are the expected products
> and results of the start-up process clearly defined and likely to be
> of high quality? Is there a demonstrated ability to conduct
> international programs under complex and constrained conditions such
> that high value results are attained? Will the start-up phase and
> subsequent phases contribute to a better understanding of, and
> improvements in, the extension and relevant supporting systems in
> Iraq? *(15 points)*
>
> \(c\) [Evaluation]{.underline} - Are evaluation plans adequate and
> reasonable for demonstrating overall success of the start-up and
> follow-on activities? Do they allow for continuous or frequent
> feedback during start-up and beyond? Are the individuals involved in
> evaluation skilled in evaluation strategies and procedures? Are they
> likely to be able to provide an objective evaluation based on the
> strategies proposed? Do evaluation plans facilitate the measurement of
> progress and results? *(10 points)*

\(d\) [Continuation Plans]{.underline} -- Will the start-up process
clearly lead to development of impactful follow-on interventions? How
likely is it that the proposed start-up activities will lead to
long-term relationships or cooperative partnerships, including those
between universities and those with the private sector and/or
non-governmental organizations, that are likely to enhance program
impacts? Are the benefits to be derived from the project likely to
transcend the funding period? *(5 points)*

**C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality**

During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution
shall be determined by reference to the current Higher Education
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone:
(703) 532-2300. Web site:
[[http://www.hepinc.com]{.underline}](http://www.hepinc.com/).

Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as application
content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, except to those
involved in the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In
addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain confidential
throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names of the
reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the fiscal
year, names of panelists will be made available in such a way that the
panelists cannot be identified with the review of any particular
application.

**PART VI-AWARD ADMINISTRATION**

**A. General**

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make awards to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding
official of CSREES as the effective date of the cooperative agreement
shall be no later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which
the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such
purpose, unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the
project need not be initiated on the cooperative agreement effective
date, but as soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be
attained within the funded project period. All funds provided by CSREES
under this RFA shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the
funds are provided in accordance with the approved application and
budget, the regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the
applicable Federal cost principles, and the Department\'s assistance
regulations (parts 3015 and 3019 of 7 CFR).

**B. Organizational Management Information**

Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of a cooperative agreement identified
under this RFA, if such information has not been provided previously
under this or another CSREES program. CSREES will provide copies of
forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of
the preaward process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its
status as one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an
applicant from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance
and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an
individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not
responsible based on submitted organizational management information).

**C. Award Notice**

The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information
including, at a minimum, the following:

\(1\) Legal name and address of performing organization or institution
to whom the Administrator has issued an award under the terms of this
request for applications;

\(2\) Title of project;

\(3\) Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control
approved activities;

\(4\) Identifying award number assigned by the Department;

\(5\) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;

\(6\) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by the
Administrator during the project period;

\(7\) Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;

\(8\) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number;

\(9\) Applicable award terms and conditions (see
[http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html](http://www.reeusda.gov/crgam/oep/awardterms.htm)
to view CSREES award terms and conditions);

\(10\) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and

\(11\) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular award.

**D. Administrative and National Policy Requirements**

Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to applications
considered for review and to projects awarded under this program. These
include, but are not limited to:

7 CFR Part 1, subpart A\--USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.

7 CFR Part 3\--USDA debt collection regulation.

7 CFR Part 15, subpart A\--USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121--USDA implementation of the
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.

7 CFR Part 3015\--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122 now
codified at 2 CFR Parts 220 and 230) and incorporating provisions of 31
U.S.C. 6301 6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements
applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance.

7 CFR Part 3017\--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and
Suspension (Nonprocurement) and 7 CFR Part 3021\--Governmentwide
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 Nonprofit Organizations.

7 CFR Part 3407\--CSREES procedures to implement the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

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.

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).

**E. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements**

The awardee must submit quarterly program and financial reports to
CSREES and FAS. In addition, the awardee may be asked to file updates
and progress reports with CSREES and FAS in response to periodic
requests for information from other governmental agencies. All reports
should document significant activities or events undertaken by the
consortium and show progress toward achieving goals and objectives of
the project. The reports should specify performance targets for that
period and contain evidence that verifies the extent to which past
targets have been met. The awardee must also submit annual reports to
the Current Research Information System (CRIS). No later than 60 days
after the completion of the project period, a final report will also be
due to CSREES and FAS via CRIS, which will cover the entire project
period.

The awardee will convene a meeting of consortial members and other
relevant stakeholders at least once a year to review progress, identify
lessons learned and plan upcoming activities. CSREES and FAS will
participate in these meetings as observers. The first of these meetings
should be held during the planning phase of the project and start-up
funds should be budgeted for this purpose.

**PART VII-AGENCY CONTACT**

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Hiram
Larew or Mike McGirr, International Programs, Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA; STOP 2203; 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2203; telephone: (202)
720-3801; fax: (202) 690-2355; e-mail: <hlarew@csrees.usda.gov> or
[mmcgirr@csrees.usda.gov]{.underline}.

**PART VIII-OTHER INFORMATION**

**A. Access to Review Information**

Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a
summary of the panel comments will be sent to the applicant PD after the
review process has been completed.

**B. Use of Funds; Changes**

**1. [Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility]{.underline}**

Unless the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement state
otherwise, the awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer
to another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for
use or expenditure of award funds.

**2. [Changes in Project Plans ]{.underline}**

a\. The permissible changes by the awardee PD(s), or other key project
personnel in the approved project shall be limited to minor changes in
methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to
expedite achievement of the project\'s approved goals. If the awardee or
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of the
award document, not the program contact.

b\. Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by the
awardee to the ADO who will submit the request in writing for approval
by CSREES and FAS prior to effecting such changes. In no event shall
requests for such changes be approved which are outside the scope of the
original approved project.

c\. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
awardee to the ADO prior to effecting such changes.

d\. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic work
in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether or not
Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee and
approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, unless
prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.

e\. Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended by
CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project, but in no case shall the total
project period exceed September 30, 2008. Any extension of time shall be
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing by
the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of
award.

f\. Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must be
requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or award.

**C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards**

When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the record
of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific request.
Information that the Secretary determines to be of a confidential,
privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the
extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant
wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary
should be clearly marked within the application. The original copy of an
application that does not result in an award will be retained by the
Agency for a period of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Such an
application will be released only with the consent of the applicant or
to the extent required by law. An application may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the final action thereon.

**D. Regulatory Information**

For the reasons set forth in the final Rule related Notice to 7 CFR part
3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is excluded
from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter
35), the collection of information requirements contained in this Notice
have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

**E. Definitions**

For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are
applicable:

[1862 Land-grant colleges and universities]{.underline} means those
institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12
Stat. 503-505, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 301-305, 307 and 308), including the
land-grant institutions in the [Insular Area*.*]{.underline}

[1890 Institution]{.underline} or [1890 Land-grant
institution]{.underline} or [1890 colleges and universities means one of
those institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30,
1890, (26 Stat. 417-419, as amended; 7 U.S.C. 321-326 and 328),
including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State
University.]{.underline}

[1994 Institution]{.underline} or [1994 Land-Grant
Institution]{.underline}  means one of those institutions as defined in
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994
(7 U.S.C. 301 note) as amended.  These institutions are commonly
referred to as Tribal Colleges or Tribal Universities.

[Administrator]{.underline} means the Administrator of the Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.

[Authorized departmental officer]{.underline} means the Secretary or any
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify
award instruments on behalf of the Secretary.

[Authorized representative]{.underline} means the president, director,
chief executive officer, or other designated official of the applicant
organization, who has the authority to commit the resources of the
organization.

[Awardee]{.underline} means the organization designated in the award
document as the responsible legal entity to which an award is made.

[Collaboration]{.underline} or [Cooperative effort]{.underline} means a
joint effort among two or more institutions, organizations and/or other
entities with the capacity to conduct projects intended and designed to
accomplish the purpose of the program.

[Consortium]{.underline} means a confederation of five land-grant
institutions (one lead institution and four associate institutions) that
have entered into a cooperative arrangement for the purpose of carrying
out agreed to activities and achieving common objectives as set forth in
this request for applications.

[Cooperative agreement]{.underline} means the legal instrument
reflecting the relationship between the Department and the 1862
land-grant institution, 1994 land-grant institution, or 1890 land-grant
institution, including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State
University, to which the Secretary awards funds to assist in meeting the
costs of conducting, for the benefit of the public, an identified
project that is intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the
program as identified in these guidelines.

[Department]{.underline} or [USDA]{.underline} means the United States
Department of Agriculture.

[Education activity]{.underline} means formal classroom instruction,
laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in the food and
agricultural sciences and other related matters such as faculty
development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development,
instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching
methodologies.

[Extension activity]{.underline} means an act or process that delivers
science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people,
enabling them to make practical decisions.

[Insular Area]{.underline} means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
the Republic of Palau, and the Virgin Islands of the United States.

[Matching]{.underline} or [cost sharing]{.underline} means that portion
of allowable project costs not borne by the Federal Government,
including the value of in‑kind contributions.

[Peer review]{.underline} means an evaluation of a proposed project for
scientific or technical quality and relevance performed by experts with
the scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct the proposed
work or to give expert advice on the merits of a project.

[Peer review panel]{.underline} means a group of experts qualified by
training and/or experience in particular fields to evaluate eligible
proposals in those fields submitted under this RFA.

[Prior approval]{.underline} means written approval evidencing prior
consent by an authorized departmental officer as defined above.

[Project]{.underline} means the particular activity within the scope of
the program supported by an award.

[Project Director]{.underline} means the single individual designated in
the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is responsible
for the direction and management of the project.

[Project period]{.underline} means the period, as stated in the award
document, during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.

[Secretary]{.underline} means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is
delegated.

**F. CSREES' Grants.gov Implementation Plans**

CSREES is continuing to develop its capacity to exchange proposal and
grant data electronically with its grantees through
[Grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) and to process, review, and award
proposals and grants electronically.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, CSREES offered an electronic application
option for select grant programs and partnered with five institutions to
use Grants.gov Apply.  CSREES utilized the SF-424 R&R (Research and
Related) forms package (see 70 FR 9656, published in the Federal
Register on February 28, 2005) along with CSREES Agency-specific forms
and instructions to receive the electronic applications. These pilot
activities were successful and provided lessons for applicants and
CSREES.

As a result, for the FY 2007 (October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007) cycle,
CSREES is requiring electronic submission through Grants.gov for some
programs while providing a Grants.gov option for others. Please visit
<http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/fy07changes.html> for information
about FY 2007 submission requirements by program. For more information
about CSREES' Grants.gov plans, including important announcements,
program implementation, and detailed requirements, see the CSREES' web
site, <http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/other_links/egov/egov.html>.
The information on these web sites will be updated as appropriate.  It
is suggested that the sites be visited periodically for important
updates.

**G. DUNS Number**

A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number
is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for
identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. A
Federal Register notice of final policy issuance (68 FR 38402) requires
a DUNS number in every application (i.e., hard copy and electronic) for
a grant or cooperative agreement (except applications from individuals)
submitted on or after October 1, 2003. Therefore, potential applicants
should verify that they have a DUNS number or take the steps needed to
obtain one. For information about how to obtain a DUNS number go to
[http://www.grants.gov/Request_duns_number.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/RequestaDUNS).
Please note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to
complete.

**H. Required Registration for Grants.gov**

The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as the
primary Government repository for contractor information required for
the conduct of business with the Government. This database will also be
used as a central location for maintaining organizational information
for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the Government. Such
organizations must register in the CCR prior to the submission of
applications via grants.gov (a DUNS number is needed for CCR
registration). For information about how to register in the CCR visit
the "Get Registered" section at
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). Allow a minimum of 5
days to complete the CCR registration.