**Regional Aquaculture Center Program**

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

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 1, 2008**

![](media/image1.png)

#  U.S. Department of Agriculture

![](media/image2.png){width="0.47708333333333336in"
height="0.5923611111111111in"} **Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service**

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

**REGIONAL AQUACULTURE CENTER 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 1, 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
(6) 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 Regional Aquaculture Center Program RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES announces the availability of grant funds
and requests applications for the Regional Aquaculture Center Program
for fiscal year (FY) 2008 to fund the Regional Aquaculture Center
program as authorized under 7 U.S.C. 3322(d). The amount available for
support of this program in FY 2008 is approximately \$3.6 million.

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

**PART I**---**FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

**A. Legislative Authority and Background**

[]{.mark}

The Regional Aquaculture Center (RAC) Program is authorized under 7
U.S.C. 3322(d). The Regional Aquaculture Centers will provide for
aquaculture-related research, development, and demonstration projects
having a national or regional application as specified in subsection
(b). Five regional centers are authorized for the performance of
aquaculture-related research, extension education, and demonstration
projects. The aquaculture research, development, and demonstration
centers established shall be geographically located so that they are
representative of the regional aquaculture opportunities in the United
States.

Number range CHAPTERFive Regional Aquaculture Centers (Center) were
established in 1986. The mission of the Centers is to provide strong
aquaculture research and extension programs to enhance the viability,
profitability, and environmental compatibility of commercial aquaculture
production in the United States to benefit consumers, producers, and the
American economy. The Centers are regionally located administrative
centers that are part of a national effort of cooperative and
collaborative research and extension programming that addresses the
critical needs of the aquaculture industry.

As used here, a "Center" refers to an administrative center. Centers
will facilitate administration and implementation of cooperative
regional research and extension educational programs in aquaculture.
Centers will serve as focal points to assess needs, establish
priorities, and to implement regional research and extension educational
programs in aquaculture.

Number range CHAPTERThe Centers provide leadership and administrative
support for planning, development, implementation, and performance
tracking of multi-state research and extension programs targeted at the
critical needs of the industry in each region. The Centers also ensure
the relevancy, quality, and performance of these programs and that
research findings and technologies are delivered to end-users through
strong extension educational programs. The CSREES-funded Centers, linked
to the National Aquaculture Centers of the USDA Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), serve as the focal points for USDA's aquaculture
research, technology, and extension programs.

Each Center consists of a Board of Directors (Board), a Director, an
Industry Advisory Council (IAC), and a Technical Committee (TC).
Regional research and extension needs are identified and prioritized by
the IAC, reviewed for technical feasibility by the TC, and are approved
by the Board. The Center then solicits proposals addressing these
critical needs. All projects funded by the Centers must address the
needs of two or more states or Territories and must be effectively
planned and implemented on a regional level. Multi-state proposals are
developed by teams of scientists and extension specialists within the
region. Each proposal contains the project outline, including goals and
objectives, methodologies, budgets, budget narrative, project leaders,
participating institutions, subcontracts, and time frames for
completion. Proposals are submitted to the Center and reviewed by the TC
and IAC using a scientific peer-review, competitive process. Proposals
recommended for funding are then presented to the Board for final
approval and inclusion in the Center's annual Plan of Work (POW).

Each year, CSREES administersNumber range CHAPTER the Regional
Aquaculture Center Program through directed, Congressional
appropriations. CSREES solicits from each of the five (5) Centers, a
grant application to administer competitively the Center program in
their respective regions. A portion of the funding is used to provide
administrative and staff support for program and project development.
The remainder of the funding is used to support research and extension
projects administered by the Centers. Number range CHAPTERThe grant
application contains the administrative and project development
components of the program. The remaining funds will be used to fund
regional research, education, and extension projects. Projects funded
through the Centers should be multi-state and multi-institutional
projects and funded through subcontracts administered by the Centers.
All proposals funded by the Centers are critically reviewed by CSREES
prior to release of funds. Each Center submits an annual accomplishment
report to CSREES. Reports include a description of progress in meeting
stated regional goals and project objectives.

The five (5) Centers are currently located at the following
institutions:

Number range CHAPTERThe University of Maryland-College Park serves as
the host for the Northeastern Regional Aquaculture Center (NRAC). NRAC
serves Washington, DC and the following twelve states in the
Northeastern Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Michigan State University serves as the host for theNumber range CHAPTER
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) Program. NCRAC serves
the twelve states in the North Central Region including: Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North
Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The Oceanic Institute serves as the host for the Number range
CHAPTERCenter for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA). CTSA
administers the center program for Hawaii and the American Insular
Pacific region.

Mississippi State University serves as the host for the Southern
Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC). SRAC administers aquaculture
research and extension programs in thirteen states and two territories
including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Virginia. The Administrative
Office is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in
Stoneville, Mississippi.

The University of Washington serves as the host for the Number range
CHAPTERWestern Regional Aquaculture Center (WRAC). WRAC administers
aquaculture research and extension programs in twelve western states
including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

The RAC must have: 1) Number range CHAPTERdemonstrated commitment and
competency in aquaculture research and extension; 2) the ability to
provide broad programmatic leadership for regional research and
extension activities administered by the Center; 3) demonstrated
competency in grant and subcontract management; and 4) the ability and
willingness to provide administrative support for the Center.

Number range CHAPTER[National Coordinating Council]{.underline}: The
National Coordinating Council (NCC) is composed of Directors of the
Centers and the USDA National Program Leaders for Aquaculture. The NCC
provides a mechanism to enhance inter-regional cooperation and
collaboration and improve linkages to other aquaculture programs across
the Federal government.

**B. Purpose and Priorities**

[]{.mark}

Applications are being solicited for the Regional Aquaculture Center
Program, Section 1475 from each of the five Centers to fund priority
research, education, and extension projects in their respective regions
that will support the development of a globally competitive U.S.
aquaculture industry to: 1) improve the efficiency of U.S. aquaculture
production; 2) improve aquaculture production systems; 3) improve the
sustainability and environmental compatibility of aquaculture
production; 4) ensure and improve the quality, safety, and variety of
aquaculture products for consumers; 5) improve the marketing of U.S.
aquaculture products; and 6) improve information dissemination,
technology transfer, and access to global information and technology in
aquaculture.

**PART II---AWARD INFORMATION**

**A. Available Funding**

The total amount of funds available is approximately **\$3.6** million
in FY 2008 for project periods up to three (3) years in length.

**B. Types of Applications**

In FY 2008, only **new** applications are to be submitted in response to
this request for applications (RFA). Proposals are to be for three (3)
years duration. Please prepare a proposed budget for each of the three
(3) years, including a budget justification. The cumulative budget page
must also be submitted.

**C. -- Reserved.**

**PART III**---**ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**

**A. Eligible Applicants**

In accordance with 7 U.S.C. 3322(d), grant applications are requested
from institutions housing the respective Administrative Centers
identified in PART I(A). Award recipients may subcontract to
organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are
necessary for the conduct of the project.

**B. Cost Sharing or Matching**\
\
CSREES does not require cost-share or matching support for the Regional
Aquaculture Center Program and matching resources will not be factored
into the review process.

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

**A. Electronic 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 Project
Director (PD/PI) first contact an Authorized Representative (AR), also
referred to as 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 **\[USDA-CSREES-OP-001545\]**
    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.

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

::: Definition-Term
Electronic applications should be prepared following Parts 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 (eg., 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
include the relevance of the project to the goals of the RAC program.

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

**PLEASE NOTE:** The Project Narrative **(formerly Project
Description)** must include all of the following:

a\. [Introduction:]{.underline} A clear statement of the long-term
goal(s) and supporting objectives of the proposed activities should be
included. Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities which
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 project should be included.
In addition, this section should include in-depth information on the
following, when applicable:

> \(1\) Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to
> stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural
> research, education and extension programs.\
> (2) Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, and
> implementation and evaluation, as appropriate.\
> (3) Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing
> institution.
>
> b\. [Objectives:]{.underline} Clear, concise, complete, and logically
> arranged statement(s) of specific aims of the proposed effort must be
> included in all proposals.
>
>  
>
> c\. [Methods:]{.underline} The procedures or methodology to be applied
> to the proposed effort should be explicitly stated. This section
> should include but not necessarily be limited to:
>
> \(1\) A description of stakeholder involvement in problem
> identification, planning, implementation and evaluation;\
> (2) A description of the proposed project activities in the sequence
> in which it is planned to carry them out;\
> (3) Techniques to be employed, including their feasibility and
> rationale for their use in this project;\
> (4) Kinds of results expected;\
> (5) Means by which extension and education activities will be
> evaluated;\
> (6) Means by which data will be analyzed or interpreted;\
> (7) Details of plans to communicate results to stakeholders and the
> public;\
> (8) Pitfalls that might be encountered; and\
> (9) Limitations to proposed procedures.
>
> d\. [Project Timetable:]{.underline} 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.

Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if they are directly
germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices should not
be used to circumvent the page limit.

**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**.

::: Definition-Term
**4. [R&R Budget]{.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.

CSREES does not require cost-share or matching support for the Regional
Aquaculture Center Program and matching resources will not be factored
into the review process.

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 "**Aquaculture Centers, section 1475**") and the
    program code (i.e., enter "**CA**"). 

b.  Conflict of Interest List (Field 8. on the Form).  A conflict of
    interest list is not required under this RFA. Do not complete and
    submit a conflict of interest list.

**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 1, 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. **Once the application has been assigned a proposal number,
this number should be cited on all future correspondence.**

**D. Funding Restrictions**

1\. Indirect Costs

Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 3319, **indirect costs and tuition remission are
not allowable** and no funds will be approved for this purpose.

2\. Building Construction or Renovation

Funds made available for the operation of regional centers may be used
for the rehabilitation of existing buildings or facilities to house such
centers, but may not be used for the construction or acquisition of new
buildings or facilities.

**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."

**PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS**

**A. General**

Number range CHAPTERAll Regional Aquaculture Centers research and
extension aquaculture project proposals and POW will be reviewed by the
CSREES National Aquaculture Program staff for relevancy, scientific
merit, research rationale and methodology, suitability of budget
requests and justifications, performance reports, submission of required
documentation, and relevance to the USDA Aquaculture Program and CSREES'
mission. Centers are required to submit annual accomplishment reports to
CSREES. Reports should include a description of progress in meeting
stated regional goals and objectives, an analysis of program strengths
and opportunities in meeting priorities in the National Aquaculture
Research and Technology Development Plan, and steps to be taken, if any,
to strengthen program planning and execution.

**B. through D. -- Reserved.**

**PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION**

**A. General**

[Administrative grant:]{.underline} The initial CSREES-approved funding
request will obligate the entire amount and release those costs related
to and allowed for the administration of the Regional Aquaculture Center
Program. In cases where the POW is not submitted with the initial
proposal, funds will be withheld, pending receipt and approval of the
POW.

[Plans of Work:]{.underline} An annual POW must be submitted to CSREES
National Aquaculture Program staff outlining information relative to
individual projects and should include: Title; Project Duration; Funding
Requested by Subcontracting Institution; Funding Requested by Individual
Grant Number; Program Development Process; Executive Summary; Project
Work Group; Background and Project Justification; Related Current and
Previous Work; Project Goals and Specific Objectives; Work Statement and
Procedures; Timetable; Facilities by Institution; Extension and Outreach
Components; Literature Cited; Budget Pages by Institution; Budget
Narrative by Institution; One-page Vitas of Participating Collaborators;
and the Role of Participating Collaborators.

All additional information and forms required in the initial grant
application relative to subcontracts made to fund regional Plans of Work
are required to be submitted to and retained by the host institution.

**B. -- Reserved.**

**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 Government-wide Debarment
and Suspension (Non-procurement) and 7 CFR Part
3021**---**Government-wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace
(Grants).

7 CFR Part 3018**---**USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans.

7 CFR Part 3019**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
Organizations.

7 CFR Part 3052**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.

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

29 U.S.C. 794 (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 non-profit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part
401).

**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 of 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/).

**PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT**

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr.
Gary Jensen, National Program Leader-Aquaculture, Animal Section, Plant
and Animal Systems, USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service; Mail Stop 2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20250-2220; telephone: (202) 401-6802; fax: (202)
401-6156; e-mail: <gjensen@csrees.usda.gov>.

**PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION**

**A. -- Reserved.**

**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.

**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.

**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. -- Reserved.**