**RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAM**

***[2008 Request for Applications]{.underline}***

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 7, 2008**

![](media/image1.png)

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#  U.S. Department of Agriculture

![](media/image2.png){width="0.4791666666666667in" height="0.59375in"}

**Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service**

![](media/image3.png) **U.S. Forest Service Research and Development**

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

**Rangeland Research Program**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under **10.200.**

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
July 7, 2008 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this
deadline will normally not be considered for funding. Comments regarding
this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six months from
the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.

**STAKEHOLDER INPUT:** The Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) is requesting comments regarding this RFA
from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the
development of the next RFA for the program, if applicable, and will be
used to meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7613(c)(2)). This section requires the Secretary to solicit and consider
input on a current RFA from persons who conduct or use agricultural
research, education and extension for use in formulating future RFAs for
competitive programs. Written stakeholder comments on this RFA should be
submitted in accordance with the deadline set forth in the DATES portion
of this Notice.

Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy,
Oversight, and Funds Management Staff; Office of Extramural Programs;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP
2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via
e-mail to: [RFP-<OEP@csrees.usda.gov>]{.underline}. (This e-mail address
is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not
requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that
you are responding to the **Rangeland Research Program** RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES announces the availability of grant funds
and requests applications for the **Rangeland Research Program** (RRP)
for fiscal year (FY) 2008 to support rangeland research. The amount
available for support of this program in FY 2008 is approximately
**\$950,000**.

This notice identifies the objectives for RRP projects, the eligibility
criteria for projects and applicants, and the application forms and
associated instructions needed to apply for a RRP grant. CSREES
additionally requests stakeholder input from any interested party for
use in the development of the next RFA for this program.

**Table of Contents**

[PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
4](#__RefHeading___Toc196104142)

[A. Legislative Authority and Background
4](#__RefHeading___Toc196104143)

[B. Purpose and Priorities 4](#__RefHeading___Toc196104144)

[C. Program Area Description 5](#__RefHeading___Toc196104145)

[PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 7](#__RefHeading___Toc196104146)

[A. Available Funding 7](#__RefHeading___Toc196104147)

[B. Types of Applications 7](#__RefHeading___Toc196104148)

[C. Project Types 8](#__RefHeading___Toc196104149)

[PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 8](#__RefHeading___Toc196104150)

[A. Eligible Applicants 8](#__RefHeading___Toc196104151)

[B. Cost Sharing or Matching 8](#__RefHeading___Toc196104152)

[PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
9](#__RefHeading___Toc196104153)

[A. Address to Request Application Package
9](#__RefHeading___Toc196104154)

[B. Content and Form of Application Submission
10](#__RefHeading___Toc196104155)

[C. Submission Dates and Times 12](#__RefHeading___Toc196104156)

[D. Funding Restrictions 13](#__RefHeading___Toc196104157)

[E. Other Submission Requirements 13](#__RefHeading___Toc196104158)

[PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
14](#__RefHeading___Toc196104159)

[A. General 14](#__RefHeading___Toc196104160)

[B. Evaluation Criteria 14](#__RefHeading___Toc196104161)

[C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
15](#__RefHeading___Toc196104162)

[D. Organizational Management Information
15](#__RefHeading___Toc196104163)

[PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 16](#__RefHeading___Toc196104164)

[A. General 16](#__RefHeading___Toc196104165)

[B. Award Notice 16](#__RefHeading___Toc196104166)

[C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
17](#__RefHeading___Toc196104167)

[D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
18](#__RefHeading___Toc196104168)

[PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT 19](#__RefHeading___Toc196104169)

[PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 20](#__RefHeading___Toc196104170)

[A. Access to Review Information 20](#__RefHeading___Toc196104171)

[B. Use of Funds; Changes 20](#__RefHeading___Toc196104172)

[C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
21](#__RefHeading___Toc196104173)

[D. Regulatory Information 21](#__RefHeading___Toc196104174)

[E. Definitions 21](#__RefHeading___Toc196104175)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104142 .anchor}**PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
DESCRIPTION**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104143 .anchor}A. Legislative Authority and
Background

[]{.mark}

Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended \[7 USC 3333(a)(1)\] which
authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), to establish a competitive
grants program for rangeland research.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104144 .anchor}B. Purpose and Priorities

[]{.mark}

The goal of RRP is to contribute to the improvement of U.S. rangeland
resources and the ecosystem services they provide by supporting the
development of new and emerging rangeland science methodologies which
specifically address the interrelationships between multiple
disciplines.

The primary purpose of RRP is to provide U.S. agricultural producers,
rural landowners, and land managers with integrated science strategies
to make informed land management decisions with an emphasis on enhancing
the restoration and sustainable integrity of rangelands. FY 2008 RRP
funds will support projects in the following emphasis areas. Proposed
projects must address components of at least three of the following
emphasis areas:

1.  **[Rangeland Restoration]{.underline}** -- emphasis on integrated
    science strategies for improved assessment procedures and
    technologies for rangeland health and status;

2.  **[Rangeland Fire and Fuels Management]{.underline}** -- emphasis on
    integrated science strategies of prescribed fire for woody plant
    control, to enhance forage availability for livestock and wildlife,
    to encourage native plant establishment and production, and to
    promote biological diversity;

3.  **[Invasive Species]{.underline}** -- emphasis on integrated science
    strategies to control and manage invasive species;

4.  **[Fish and Wildlife]{.underline}** -- emphasis on integrated
    science strategies for the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat
    on rangelands;

5.  **[Rangeland Watershed and Riparian Management]{.underline}** --
    emphasis on integrated science strategies for rangeland management
    at the watershed level and evaluation of the impacts of new
    management strategies;

6.  **[Cultural and Social Issues]{.underline}** -- emphasis on
    integrated science strategies to understand and accommodate changes
    in land values, uses, agricultural markets, economic returns, and
    human perceptions of natural resource management;

7.  **[Technological Innovation]{.underline}** -- emphasis on
    development of technological innovations that integrate new
    technologies, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and
    integrated rangeland research datasets; and

8.  **[Livestock Management and Grazing]{.underline}** -- integrated
    science strategies for sustainable livestock management and grazing
    practices that are compatible with the goal and purpose of RRP.

Priority will be given to proposals that effectively demonstrate the
capacity to develop rangeland research programs that integrate multiple
disciplines, are based on stakeholder input and include stakeholder
involvement, and deliver the desired outcomes of both the purpose and
goals of RRP.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104145 .anchor}C. Program Area Description

**1. Rangeland Research**

Agricultural producers, rural landowners, and land managers must employ
science based strategies with the primary goal of enhancing the
sustainable integrity of rangelands. Managing complex rangelands subject
to today's demands for products and services requires integrated science
strategies from several disciplines. Integration among sciences is
required to address complex problems. Highly focused, traditional
approaches have been proven insufficient to generate workable solutions
to modern environmental issues. Rangeland research that provides
appropriate, science-based decisions in rangeland management requires
collaboration that works to inspire innovation. Rangeland research
should employ a methodology that integrates approaches to discover,
understand, and address phenomena that are too broad to be explained by
standard disciplinary science. Integrated rangeland research projects
should include collaborations that inspire innovative research that
transcends disciplinary science and enhances land management strategies
for future generations.

Rangeland research requires a collaborative effort of a
multidisciplinary team of researchers. RRP encourages multidisciplinary
teams that represent different types of eligible institutions.
Successful applicants will document success with multidisciplinary
research projects and with collaborative rangeland research efforts.

RRP is a collaborative effort between CSREES and USFS. A nationally
coordinated meeting will be held to accomplish the following: solicit
stakeholder input from various interested parties; establish research
priorities; develop project parameters that will achieve these
priorities; and establish comprehensive dissemination plans for research
results. CSREES and USFS will provide programmatic and administrative
oversight, and technical assistance. RRP is expected to be a system of
research that can easily adapt to emerging concerns, changes in staff,
and funding. Innovation of integrated rangeland research should be the
driving force of all planned RRP research projects and staff.

Successful RRP applications will:

-   Clearly document the experience level of key personnel working
    within a collaborative, integrated rangeland research project;

-   Demonstrate the ability to participate in a comprehensive nationally
    coordinated effort that shares data, analysis of data, and derived
    conclusions;

-   Demonstrate capacity to conduct efficient and successful integrated
    rangeland research projects;

-   Demonstrate ability to develop new scientific methodologies and
    innovations that transcend standard disciplinary science;

-   Ability to develop multidisciplinary research projects which result
    in an enhanced land and resource management knowledge base; and

-   Ability to conceptualize and implement research projects that
    support the purpose and goals of RRP:

    -   Identify key knowledge gaps within at least 3 of the 8 emphasis
        areas listed in Part I (B);

    -   Provide solutions to eliminate these knowledge gaps; and

    -   Demonstrate ability to provide information to better inform
        policy makers in developing the most equitable multi-state
        and/or regional strategies for rangeland enhancement for:

        -   The long term knowledge base;

        -   Existing opportunities for leveraging; and

        -   Active public and private sector participation.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104146 .anchor}PART II---AWARD INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104147 .anchor}A. Available Funding

Approximately \$950,000 is available to fund applications in FY 2008.
There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104148 .anchor}B. Types of Applications

In FY 2008, applications may be submitted to the Rangeland Research
Program as one of the following types of requests:

**[(1) New application]{.underline}**. This is a project application
that has not been previously submitted to the **RRP** Program. All new
applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process
and evaluation criteria described in Part V---Application Review
Requirements.

**[(2) Renewal application]{.underline}**. This is a project application
that requests additional funding for a project beyond the period that
was approved in an original or amended award. Applications for renewed
funding must contain the same information as required for new
applications, and additionally must contain a Progress Report (see
Project Narrative, Part IV). Renewal applications must be received by
the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition with other
pending applications in appropriate area to which they are assigned, and
will be reviewed according to the same evaluation criteria as new
applications.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104149 .anchor}C. Project Types

[]{.mark}

For FY 2008, a proposal may request no less than \$350,000 and no more
than \$500,000 and project periods may range from 1 to 3 years. Priority
will be given to proposals that effectively demonstrate the capacity to
develop rangeland research programs that integrate multiple disciplines,
are based on stakeholder input and involve stakeholders, and deliver the
desired outcomes of both the purpose and goals of RRP.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104150 .anchor}PART III---ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104151 .anchor}A. Eligible Applicants

Pursuant to Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended \[7 USC
3333(a)(1)\] applications may be submitted by land-grant colleges and
universities, State agricultural experiment stations, and colleges,
universities, and Federal laboratories having a demonstrable capacity in
rangeland research, as determined by the Secretary. Note: In FY 2008
USFS will not compete for this funding due to substantial involvement in
the development and administration of this program.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply
provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the
project. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the
time of an application deadline will result in CSREES returning the
application without review or, even though an application may be
reviewed, will preclude CSREES from making an award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104152 .anchor}**B. Cost Sharing or Matching**

Pursuant to Section 1480 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 as amended \[7 USC
3333(b)(1)\], applicants are required to provide 50 percent matching
funds from non-federal sources for all proposed Federal funds sought in
the application. Non-federal matching contributions, such as cash and
third party in kind, are accepted under this program as qualified by 7
USC 3015 and 7 USC 3019.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104153 .anchor}PART IV---APPLICATION AND
SUBMISSION INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104154 .anchor}A. Address to Request
Application Package

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to CSREES
in response to this RFA.

Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested that the PD/PI first
contact an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) to determine
if the organization is prepared to submit electronic applications
through Grant.gov. If the organization is not prepared, the AOR should
see <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

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>.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
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 funding opportunity number **USDA-CSREES-OP-001625** in
    the appropriate box and click "Download Package." From the search
    results, 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>

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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104155 .anchor}B. Content and Form of
Application Submission

::: Definition-Term
Electronic applications should be prepared following Part V and VI 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, the information contained in this
RFA is overriding.
:::

Note the attachment requirements (e.g., portable document format) in
Part III section 3. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide available
with the Application Package at Grants.gov. **[Any proposals containing
non-PDF documents will be at risk of being excluded from CSREES
review.]{.underline}** Partial applications will be excluded from
consideration. With documented prior approval, resubmitted applications
will be accepted until close of business (COB) on the closing date in
the RFA.

If you do not own PDF generating software, Grants.gov provides online
tools to assist applicants. Users will find a link to "[PDF Conversion
Programs](http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs%23pdf_conversion_programs)"
on
(<http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs>).

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

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 3. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

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

b\. Project Narrative (Field 7. on the Form).

PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 20 pages of written
text and up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables. This maximum
(25 pages) has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

i\) Introduction. A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and
supporting objectives or research questions of the proposed project
should be included. Summarize the body of knowledge or other past
activities that substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe
ongoing or recently completed significant activities related to the
proposed project including the work of key project personnel.
Preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed research should
be included in this section. In addition, this section should include
in-depth information on the following:

1.  Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to
    stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal rangeland research
    programs;

2.  Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, and
    implementation and evaluation; and

3.  Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing institution.

ii\) Objectives. Clear, concise, and logically arranged statements of
specific aims of the proposed effort.

iii\) Rationale and Significance. Describe the rationale behind the
proposed research. Document priority-setting processes and stakeholder
involvement. Describe how the applications' goals and priorities relate
to potential long-range restoration, improvement, and sustainability of
U.S. rangelands. Novel ideas or contributions that the proposed project
offers should also be discussed in this section.

iv\) Methods and Approach. The activities proposed or problems being
addressed must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied
clearly described. Specifically, this section must include:

-   A description of the activities proposed and the sequence in which
    the activities are to be performed;

-   Methods to be used in carrying out the proposed project, including
    the feasibility of the methods and rationale for their use in the
    project;

-   Expected outcomes;

-   Means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or interpreted;

-   Uses for results or products;

-   Pitfalls that might be encountered; and

-   Mechanisms for reporting research accomplishments and technological
    interface for disseminating information.

v\) Project Timetable. The proposal should outline all important phases
as a function of time, year by year, for the entire project, including
periods beyond the grant funding period.

vi\) Progress Report. Renewal applications must contain a detailed
progress report demonstrating satisfactory progress towards achievement
of RRP goals. Progress reports may not be used to circumvent the maximum
(25 pages). Do not submit a progress report for new applications.

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

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 4. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

**3. [R&R Personal Data]{.underline} --** As noted in Part V, 5., the
submission of this information

is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. **PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE
THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF PROJECT DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL
INVESTIGATOR.**

**4. [SF 424 (R&R) Budget Fed & Non-Fed]{.underline}**

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 6., of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide. This
form (accompanied by the required Budget Justification attachment (see
Field K on the Form)) contains the itemized listing and description of
your project's budget. Applicants must complete one SF 424 (R&R) Budget
Fed & Non-Fed Form for each 12-month period, plus a cumulative budget
form and budget narrative for the entire project.

5\. [Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part VI, 1. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

a\. Program Code (Field 2. on the Form). Enter the program code name
(i.e., enter "Rangeland Research Program") and the program code (i.e.,
enter "VK").

b\. Field 3. Type of Applicant. Enter the type of
Applicant/Organization: (for example 1862 Cooperative Extension
Service).

c\. Conflict of Interest List (Field 8. on the Form). A conflict of
interest list is required under this program.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104156 .anchor}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.**

Applications must be received by Grants.gov by COB on **July 7, 2008**
(5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will
normally not be considered for funding.

Correspondence regarding submitted applications will be sent using
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 AR has not received correspondence **from CSREES** regarding a
submitted application within 30 days of submission of the application,
please contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII of the
applicable RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the
application. **Failure to do so may result in the application not being
considered for funding by the peer review panel or 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.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104157 .anchor}D. Funding Restrictions

[]{.mark}

CSREES has determined that grant funds awarded under this authority 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.

Pursuant to Section 1473 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 3319,
indirect costs and tuition remission are not allowable and no funds will
be approved for this purpose. 

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104158 .anchor}E. Other Submission Requirements

The applicant should follow the submission requirements noted in the
document entitled "A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
Applications via Grants.gov."

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104159 .anchor}PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW
REQUIREMENTS

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104160 .anchor}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 scientific, 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 research,
education, or extension activities; (b) the need to include as reviewers
experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific,
education, or extension 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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104161 .anchor}B. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications
submitted in response to this RFA:

**[General criteria to be used to award applications: Total Value
50%]{.underline}**

> 1\. Relevancy of the application to the goals and purpose of RRP:
> Value 25%

-   Demonstrated ability to develop new scientific methodologies and
    innovations that transcend standard disciplinary science;

-   Relevancy to integrated rangeland science discipline and to specific
    goals, purpose, and priorities of RRP;

-   Quality of stakeholder process (es) by which priorities were
    identified;

-   Evidence of stakeholder involvement in development of proposed
    research,

-   Level of involvement of stakeholders and social science aspects in
    the conduct of research; and

-   Demonstrated capability to implement a technology transfer
    component.

> 2\. Coordination component of the application: Value 25%

-   Documented experience in nationally coordinated rangeland research
    projects involving a national priority setting process; and

-   Well defined proposal timelines and budget to complete project with
    effective results.

> **[Specific criteria to be used to award applications: Value 50%
> Total]{.underline}**
>
> 1\. Scientific Merit of the Application for Research: Value 25%

-   Novelty, innovation, uniqueness, and originality;

-   Clarity and delineation of objectives;

-   Adequacy of the description of the undertaking and suitability and
    feasibility of methodology;

-   Demonstration of feasibility through preliminary and current data;
    and

-   Probability of success of project.

> 2\. Qualifications of Project Personnel, Adequacy of Facilities, and
> Project Management Capability: Value 25%

-   Qualifications of applicant (PD and team) to conduct the proposed
    project, including performance record and potential for future
    accomplishments;

-   Collaboration component involving partnerships among Federal
    agencies, research participants and stakeholders; and

-   Documented experience with collaborative, comprehensive rangeland
    research.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104162 .anchor}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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104163 .anchor}D. Organizational Management
Information

Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as
part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant
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).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104164 .anchor}PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104165 .anchor}A. General

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grants 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 grant 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 grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as
practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded
project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA shall be
expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are granted 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).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104166 .anchor}B. 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> 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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104167 .anchor}C. Administrative and National
Policy Requirements

Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications
considered for review and to project grants 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 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 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 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 (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).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104168 .anchor}D. Expected Program Outputs and
Reporting Requirements

[]{.mark}

Grantees are required to submit initial project information and annual
and summary reports to CSREES\' Current Research Information System
(CRIS). The CRIS database contains narrative project information,
progress/impact statements, and final technical reports that are made
available to the public. For applications recommended for funding,
instructions on preparing and submitting project documentation will be
provided to the applicant by the agency contact. Documentation must be
submitted to CRIS before CSREES funds will be released. Project reports
will be requested by the CRIS office when required. For more information
about CRIS, visit
[http://cris.csrees.usda.gov](http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/).

Additional annual reports may be requested to provide timely information
for the Secretary of Agriculture and Congress. The NPL will request
additional reports as needed.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104169 .anchor}PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact
[Charlotte Baer]{.underline}; National Program Leader -- Plant and
Animal Systems (PAS) Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2220; 1400
Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250 - 2220; Telephone: (202)
401-6848; Fax: (202) 401-1602; E-mail:
[cbaer@csrees.usda.gov]{.underline}; OR [Dr. James P.
Dobrowolski]{.underline}, National Program Leader -- Natural Resources
and Environment (NRE) Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2215; 1400
Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2215; Telephone: (202)
401-5016; Fax: (202) 401-1706; E-mail: <jdobrowolski@csrees.usda.gov>;
Or [Dr. E. Durant McArthur]{.underline} -- Program Manager, Grassland,
Shrubland, and Desert Ecosystems, Forest Service; U. S. Department of
Agriculture; Rocky Mountain Research Station, Shrub Sciences Laboratory;
735 North 500 East, Provo, Utah 84606-1856, Telephone: (801) 356-5112;
E-mail: <dmcarthur@fs.fed.us>; Fax: (801) 375-6968; Cell: (801)
369-0802; St. George Office (435) 628-7551; OR [Dr. Ralph Holiday
Crawford]{.underline} -- National Program Leader for Rangeland Ecology
Research, Forest Management Science; US Forest Service R&D; U. S.
Department of Agriculture; Office Address: 1601 N. Kent Street RPC-4,
Arlington, VA 22209; Telephone: (703) 605-5253; Fax: (703) 605-5133;
E-mail: <rcrawford01@fs.fed.us>.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104170 .anchor}**PART VIII---OTHER
INFORMATION**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104171 .anchor}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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104172 .anchor}B. Use of Funds; Changes

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

Unless the terms and conditions of the award 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 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 and approved in writing by the ADO 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 and approved in writing by 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\. 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 five
years. 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: Unless stated otherwise in the terms and
conditions of award, 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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104173 .anchor}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 three years. 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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104174 .anchor}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.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc196104175 .anchor}E. Definitions

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

[]{.mark}

[1890 Land-Grant Institution]{.underline} means one of those
institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890
(26 Stat. 419, chapter 841, 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) including Tuskegee
University and West Virginia State University.

[1994 Land-Grant Institution]{.underline} means one of those
institutions as defined in Section 532 of the Equity in Education
Land-Grant 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
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.

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

[Budget period]{.underline} means the interval of time (usually 12
months) into which the project period is divided for budgetary and
reporting purposes.

[Cash contributions]{.underline} means the applicant\'s cash outlay,
including the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by
non-Federal third parties.

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

[Education]{.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.

[Grant]{.underline} means the award by the Secretary of funds to an
eligible organization or individual to assist in meeting the costs of
conducting, for the benefit of the public, an identified project which
is intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the program as
identified in these guidelines.

[Grantee]{.underline} means an organization designated in the grant
award document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is
awarded.

[Matching]{.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 proposal.

[Project Director]{.underline} means the single individual designated by
the grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who
is responsible for the direction and management of the project, also
known as a principal investigator for research activities.

[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 a grant award.

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

[Range]{.underline} embraces rangelands and also many forest lands which
support an understory

or periodic cover of herbaceous or shrubby vegetation amenable to
certain range

management principles or practices.

[Rangeland]{.underline} is land on which the native vegetation (climax
or natural potential) is

predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs or shrubs suitable for
grazing or

browsing use. Rangelands include natural grassland, savannas, most
deserts, tundra,

alpine plant communities, coastal marshes, wet meadows and introduced
plant

communities managed like Rangeland.

[Research activity]{.underline} means a scientific investigation or
inquiry resulting in the generation of knowledge.

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