**RIPM**

**Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program**

**Western Region**

***[FY 2009 Request for Applications]{.underline}***

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 17, 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 Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program Western
Region**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** Projects awarded under
Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act of May 8, 1914, ch. 79, 38 Stat.
372, 7 U.S.C. 341 *et seq*. can be found in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance under 10.500. Projects awarded under Section
2(c)(1)(B) of the Act of August 4, 1965, Public Law No. 89-106, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 450i (c)(1)(B)) can be found in the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance under 10.200.

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
**November 17, 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 Branch; 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 Integrated Pest Management
Competitive Grants Program Western Region RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES anticipates the availability of grant
funds and requests applications for the Regional Integrated Pest
Management Competitive Grants Program Western Region (W -- RIPM) for
fiscal year (FY) 2009 to help achieve National IPM goals by increasing
the supply and dissemination of IPM knowledge and by enhancing
collaboration among stakeholders. The amount available for support of
this program in FY 2009 is approximately \$650,000.

This notice identifies the objectives for W-RIPM projects, the
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application
forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a W-RIPM 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
5](#__RefHeading___Toc209859368)

[A. Legislative Authority and Background
5](#__RefHeading___Toc209859369)

[B. Purpose and Priorities 5](#__RefHeading___Toc209859370)

[C. Program Area Description 8](#__RefHeading___Toc209859371)

[PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 11](#__RefHeading___Toc209859372)

[A. Available Funding 11](#__RefHeading___Toc209859373)

[B. Types of Applications 11](#__RefHeading___Toc209859374)

[PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 12](#__RefHeading___Toc209859375)

[A. Eligible Applicants 12](#__RefHeading___Toc209859376)

[B. Cost Sharing or Matching 12](#__RefHeading___Toc209859377)

[PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
13](#__RefHeading___Toc209859378)

[A. Electronic Application Package 13](#__RefHeading___Toc209859379)

[B. Content and Form of Application Submission
14](#__RefHeading___Toc209859380)

[C. Submission Dates and Times 17](#__RefHeading___Toc209859381)

[D. Funding Restrictions 18](#__RefHeading___Toc209859382)

[E. Other Submission Requirements 18](#__RefHeading___Toc209859383)

[PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
18](#__RefHeading___Toc209859384)

[A. General 18](#__RefHeading___Toc209859385)

[B. Evaluation Criteria 20](#__RefHeading___Toc209859386)

[C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
22](#__RefHeading___Toc209859387)

[D. Organizational Management Information
22](#__RefHeading___Toc209859388)

[PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 23](#__RefHeading___Toc209859389)

[A. General 23](#__RefHeading___Toc209859390)

[B. Award Notice 23](#__RefHeading___Toc209859391)

[C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
24](#__RefHeading___Toc209859392)

[D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
25](#__RefHeading___Toc209859393)

[PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT 26](#__RefHeading___Toc209859394)

[PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 27](#__RefHeading___Toc209859395)

[A. Access to Review Information 27](#__RefHeading___Toc209859396)

[B. Use of Funds; Changes 27](#__RefHeading___Toc209859397)

[C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
28](#__RefHeading___Toc209859398)

[D. Regulatory Information 28](#__RefHeading___Toc209859399)

[E. Definitions 28](#__RefHeading___Toc209859400)

[CHECKLIST 33](#__RefHeading___Toc209859401)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859368 .anchor}**PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
DESCRIPTION**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859369 .anchor}A. Legislative Authority and
Background

[]{.mark}

Authority for the funding of Research projects is contained in Section
2(c)(1)(B) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant
Act of August 4, 1965, Public Law No. 89-106, as amended (7 U.S.C. 450i
(c)(1)(B)). Authority for the funding of Extension projects is contained
in Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act of May 8, 1914, ch. 79, 38 Stat.
372, 7 U.S.C. 341 *et seq*. For Joint Research-Extension applications
(see Part II, C., 3), separate awards will be executed for P.L. 89-106
and Smith‑Lever funds.

[Please note:]{.underline} Section 7403 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246) amended section 3(d) of the
Smith-Lever Act to require funds to be awarded competitively. In
addition, this amendment made the 1890 land-grant institutions eligible
to participate in Smith-Lever section 3(d) programs at any appropriated
level. Section 7417 of FCEA amended section 208 of the District of
Columbia Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act (P.L. No.
93-471; 88 Stat. 1428) to provide eligibility to the University of the
District of Columbia for programs authorized and appropriated under
Smith-Lever section 3(d). These new provisions will be implemented in FY
2009.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859370 .anchor}B. Purpose and Priorities

[]{.mark}

The purpose of the RIPM program is to provide knowledge and information
needed for the implementation of IPM methods that:

-   improve the economic benefits related to the adoption of IPM
    practices;

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-   reduce potential human health risks from pests and the use of pest
    management practices; and

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-   reduce unreasonable adverse environmental effects from pests and the
    use of pest management practices.

The RIPM program fulfills this purpose by increasing the supply of and
dissemination of IPM knowledge and by enhancing collaboration among
stakeholders.

[]{.mark}

The Western Region is characterized by a diversity of cropping systems
and large urban centers in close proximity to vulnerable ecosystems and
natural resources. Public concerns about water use and quality, worker
safety, and public health as it relates to pesticide use provide impetus
to develop and implement regional IPM strategies.

The goals of the Regional IPM Competitive Grants Program -- Western
Region (W-RIPM) support the National IPM Roadmap
(<http://www.ipmcenters.org/IPMRoadMap.pdf>) including development of
long-term sustainable, profitable, and environmentally sound pest
management systems for agriculture; promotion of reduced risk pest
management practices for either agricultural or non agricultural
situations (urban and natural systems); and protection and conservation
of ecosystem quality and diversity. The W-RIPM program will support and
promote projects that significantly enhance and protect environmental
quality, reduce the risk of health problems and other problems
associated with pest management, and/or promote biological diversity in
pest management systems and the integration of multiple pest management
tactics.

In FY 2009, W-RIPM will support three types of projects: Research,
Extension, and Joint Research-Extension (see Part I, C., Program Area
Description, for more information). Priority areas have been identified
for W-RIPM research projects and extension projects through stakeholders
input to the Western IPM Center Steering Committee. Applications must
involve one of the priorities or a combination of them, as appropriate.
All of the priorities have equal importance.

1.  **Stakeholder Involvement**

The Western Region is committed to addressing the pest management needs
expressed by diverse stakeholders. Applications must include explicit
citations or other documentation that stakeholder-identified needs are
being addressed by the proposed project. Sources of
stakeholder-identified needs include, but are not limited to:

a.  Needs identified in Pest Management Strategic Plans that can be
    accessed at
    [http://www.ipmcenter.org/pmsp/idex.cfm](http://pestdata.ncsu.edu/pmsp/pmindex.cfm?USDARegion=Western);

b.  Recommendations or reports from program advisory committees;

c.  Recommendations from stakeholder groups; and

d.  Other documented needs assessment evaluations.

Explicitly citing such sources demonstrates both that a project is
important, and that the Project Directors (PDs) are engaged with the
community.

**2. Non-Pesticidal Tactics**

The W-RIPM program encourages projects that develop, promote or
implement non-pesticidal tactics.

**3. Multi-State/Territory Involvement**

A goal of the W-RIPM program is to encourage collaborations among
states/territories for purposes of efficiency, economy, and synergy. To
fulfill this goal, applications must project benefits to more than one
state/territory. Projects involving multi-state/territory collaboration
are preferred, but those undertaken by PDs in a single state/territory
that will benefit other states in the region are also encouraged (see
Part III, A., Eligible Applicants). Applicants must address
multi-state/territory relevancy in their proposals.

Multi-State/Territory proposals must describe the role of each
collaborating partner in sufficient detail so as to convince reviewers
that the multi-state collaboration is meaningful.

**4. Multi-Disciplinary, Systems-Oriented Projects**

The W-RIPM program will support projects that promote cooperative
efforts across appropriate disciplines, with linkages between research
and extension efforts and components of existing or emerging pest
management systems. The proposal should describe the role of each member
of the multi-disciplinary team and their responsibilities to the
project.

**5. W-RIPM Competitive Grants Program Goals**

Overall goal: (All projects must address this goal.)

[]{.mark}

[Environmental stewardship and risk management]{.underline}: W-RIPM
program will support and promote projects that significantly enhance and
protect environmental quality, reduce the risk of health problems and
other problems associated with pest management, and/or promote
biological diversity in pest management systems and the integration of
multiple pest management tactics.

For details about previously funded projects, please see the [CSREES
Integrated Pest
Management](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/integratedpestmanagement.cfm)
webpage for more information.

In FY 2009, the Regional Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants
Program --Western Region (W-RIPM) is soliciting proposals that address
the following Research and Extension objectives

**Research Project Priority Areas: (Projects must address one or more of
these priorities.)**

\(a\) Documenting (measuring) the impacts of IPM adoption;

\(b\) Developing an effective tactic for a plant or animal production
management system for a pest problem that currently limits production
efficiency and is recognized by the user community as a key priority;

\(c\) Addressing the landscape level or ecosystem (crops, natural
systems, urban) and addressing multiple cycles of pests over seasons,
and/or multiple species and complexes. The interactions of the entire
community should be considered;

\(d\) Promoting biological diversity in pest management systems and the
integration of multiple pest management tactics;

\(e\) Identifying the constraints to greater adoption of IPM strategies
and developing approaches to overcome these constraints;

\(f\) Promoting an interdisciplinary, IPM systems approach; and

\(g\) Developing effective pest management tactics for invasive pests
(arthropods, nematodes, vertebrates, diseases, or weeds) in cropping
systems, natural and urban areas.

**Extension Projects Priority Areas: (Projects must address one or more
of these priorities.)**

\(a\) Providing IPM training and education to individuals involved with
the production, processing, storage, transporting, and marketing of food
and agricultural commodities;

\(b\) Developing educational materials and information delivery systems
that provide IPM personnel in the public and private sectors with
timely, state-of-the-art information about effective IPM strategies;

\(c\) Providing outreach on endangered species protection related to
IPM; and

\(d\) Urban and natural systems IPM, including IPM as related to human
health issues.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859371 .anchor}C. Program Area Description

For W-RIPM application purposes, the program code name is "**Western
RIPM**" and the program code is "**QQ.W**".

Three types of project proposals can be submitted to the W-RIPM program
in FY 2009: Research, Extension, or Joint Research-Extension .
Applicants must indicate the type of project they are proposing on the
Relevance Statement and on the Project Summary.

1.  **Research Projects**

This funding category develops the research base needed for the
construction of comprehensive pest management systems that have a strong
likelihood of contributing to on-going IPM implementation efforts.
Research may be proposed to develop individual tactics needed for pest
management systems (e.g., biocontrol, cultural control, host resistance,
particularly novel uses of chemicals, monitoring methods or decision
support) or to increase the understanding of how interactions among
tactics alter the effectiveness of pest management within agricultural,
recreational, suburban, and urban ecosystems. The experimental approach
should emphasize field-scale experiments over multiple seasons and/or
locations, where appropriate. Practices should be designed to reduce
initial pest populations, lower the carrying capacity of the ecosystem
for pests, increase tolerance of hosts to pest injury, and/or provide
tools for making management decisions such as monitoring methods and
action thresholds. Long-term fundamental research is not appropriate for
funding in this category. Novel, cutting-edge methods, for which there
exist data to support likelihood of successful pest management and
adoption, are encouraged. Research involving chemical pesticides should
be designed to reduce the amount applied, frequency of applications and
increase the selectivity of a pesticide. The project should be designed
to minimize adverse impacts on beneficial organisms and to limit buildup
of pest populations that are resistant to pesticides. Applications
should clearly demonstrate how the tactic or IPM system, once developed,
can be incorporated into an existing production or management system.
Projects funded in this category should demonstrate economic, social,
and environmental benefits of IPM strategies, and identify constraints
to greater adoption of IPM systems by users.

Research applications from single or multiple institutions in only one
state/territory in the Western Region may be submitted with a maximum
total project budget of \$100,000; applications from more than one
state/territory in the Western Region may be submitted with a maximum
total project budget of \$180,000; and applications from more than one
Western Region state/territory that are involved with an institution
outside the Western Region may be submitted with a maximum total project
budget of \$180,000. Research applications may be submitted for project
periods of up to 3 years. **Please note that one- or two-year Research
projects may be eligible for no-cost extensions after years one and two,
but that no carryover or extension is permitted for these projects
beyond three years. Any unexpended funds are lost.**

2.  **Extension Projects**

This funding category enhances outreach efforts that support the
wide-scale implementation of IPM methods and maximize opportunities to
build strategic alliances with stakeholders to expand their active
participation in increasing the adoption of IPM methods. Projects may be
proposed to develop educational materials and information delivery
systems needed for outreach efforts, conduct field-scale or on-farm
demonstrations, or deliver IPM education and training. A research
component is not a required element of extension projects, but the
existence of a research base should be documented. Funding is not
intended to support ongoing extension programmatic efforts.

Extension applications from single or multiple institutions in only one
state/territory may be submitted with a maximum total project budget of
\$60,000; applications from more than one state/territory in the Western
Region may be submitted with a maximum total project budget of \$80,000;
and applications from more than one Western Region state/territory that
are involved with an institution outside the Western Region may be
submitted with a maximum total project budget of \$80,000. Extension
project applications may be submitted for project periods of up to 3
years.

3.  **Joint Research-Extension Projects**

This funding category combines research and extension activities (as
described in sections C.1. and C.2., above). Joint Research-Extension
projects validate pest management systems, introduce new pest management
tactics into local production, urban or natural systems, and deliver
these systems to producers or managers and their advisers through IPM
education and training programs.

Joint Research-Extension applications from single or multiple
institutions in only one state/territory in the Western Region may be
submitted with a maximum total project budget of \$100,000; applications
from more than one state/territory in the Western Region may be
submitted with a maximum total project budget of \$180,000; and
applications from more than one Western Region state/territory that are
involved with an institution outside the Western Region may be submitted
with a maximum total project budget of \$180,000. **Joint - Extension
project applications may be submitted for project periods of up to 3
years.** **Please note that one- or two-year Joint Research-Extension
projects may be eligible for no-cost extensions after years one and two,
but that no carryover or extension is permitted for these projects
beyond three years.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859372 .anchor}PART II---AWARD INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859373 .anchor}A. Available Funding

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards. In FY 2009, approximately \$650,000 is
expected to be available to fund applications to the Regional IPM
Competitive Grants Program -- Western Region (W-RIPM). Project duration
and size of award depend on the project type and the degree of
collaboration among states/territories in the Western Region (see Part
I, C., Program Area Description, for more information).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859374 .anchor}B. Types of Applications

Awards will be made as [standard grants]{.underline} which are
instruments by which CSREES agrees to support a specified level of
effort for a predetermined project period without any statement of
intention to provide additional support at a future date. In FY 2009,
applications may be submitted to the W-RIPM 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 W-RIPM 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 (report
must be added to the Project Narrative, Part IV.B.2.b.(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___Toc209859375 .anchor}PART III---ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859376 .anchor}A. Eligible Applicants

Organizations eligible to receive Research awards are: state
agricultural experiment stations, 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges and
universities, including Tuskegee University and West Virginia State
University, 1994 land-grant colleges and universities, research
foundations established by land-grant colleges and universities,
colleges and universities receiving funds under the Act of October 10,
1962 (16 USC 582a *et seq*.), accredited schools or colleges of
veterinary medicine, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Organizations eligible to receive Extension awards are 1862 and 1890
land-grant colleges and universities, including Tuskegee University and
West Virginia State University, and the University of the District of
Columbia.

Research and Extension personnel from other USDA/IPM regions can
participate as members of project teams. **Applications will only be
accepted from Project Directors (PDs) in the Western IPM Region.**

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___Toc209859377 .anchor}B. Cost Sharing or Matching

There are no matching requirements associated with the RIPM program and
matching resources will not be factored into the review process as
evaluation criteria.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859378 .anchor}PART IV---APPLICATION AND
SUBMISSION INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859379 .anchor}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 PD/PI first
contact an Authorized Representative (AR)(also referred to as Authorized
Organizational Representative or AOR) to determine if the organization
is prepared to submit electronic applications through Grant.gov. If the
organization is not prepared, the AR 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}
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```
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-RIPM-001829** 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: Monday through Friday 7:00 am -- 9:00 pm Eastern
    Standard Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859380 .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 Guide. [Any proposals containing non-PDF
documents will be AT RISK OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM csrees
REVIEW.]{.underline} Partial applications will be excluded from CSREES
review. With documented prior approval, resubmitted applications will be
accepted until close of business 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 "Convert Documents
to PDF" on <http://grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf>.**

**1. [SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet]{.underline}**

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 2. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

**2. [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\. Field 6. Project Summary/Abstract.

\(i\) Project Type (choose one): Research; Extension; Joint
Research-Extension.

\(ii\) Summary Statement. The first line of your summary should state
the type of project you are submitting, for example, "This is a Research
project" or "This is an Extension project." For Joint Research-Extension
projects, the summary statement must indicate how many dollars are being
requested from each respective source (Smith-Lever funds are for
extension activities, the Act of August 4, 1965 (P.L. 89-106) funds are
for research activities). The summary should be a self-contained,
specific description of the activity to be undertaken and should focus
on: overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to
accomplish project goal(s); and relevance of the project to the purposes
and priorities of the W-RIPM program (see Part I.B.).

b\. Field 7. Project Narrative.

PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed **21** pages of
written text double spaced and up to 5 additional pages for figures and
tables. This maximum 26 pages has been established to ensure fair and
equitable competition. **Any proposals exceeding the page limit will not
be reviewed.**

The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

Subsections (i) through (iv) of the Project Narrative should not exceed
fifteen (15) double-spaced pages in total. Subsection (v),
'Implementation and Evaluation Plans' shall not exceed three (3) pages
of written text in total. For renewal and resubmitted renewal
applications, requirements in subsection (vi) 'Progress Reports', shall
not exceed three (3) pages of written text in total. The Project
Narrative must include all of the following:

\(i\) [Problem, Background and Justification]{.underline}

Describe why current technologies and practices are inadequate and how
the proposed approach will help to improve or implement the pest
management system and address the specific need(s) identified by growers
and other stakeholders in the Western Region. Address the specific needs
identified in this solicitation and identify the relative importance of
the strategy(ies) to an improved pest management system in the
region/area, and the potential applicability of the proposed approach to
other production regions. Cite documentation in the Relevance Statement
that describes the relevance of the project to W-RIPM priorities (see
Part I.B.). Review ongoing or completed work (local/ regional/ national)
that is relevant and include references. Describe how previous work
funded by the W-RIPM program or other sources will contribute to the
proposed project.

\(ii\) [Objectives]{.underline}

Provide clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged statement(s) of
the specific aims of or hypotheses addressed by the proposed effort. In
Joint Research-Extension applications, the research and extension
objectives should be delineated separately.

\(iii\) [Methods, Procedures and Timetable]{.underline}

Describe how each of the stated objectives will be addressed. Include
appropriate experimental design and experimental units, reference
methods to be used, and describe appropriate statistical analyses.
Include a timetable for the start and completion of each phase of the
project. For a Joint Research-Extension application, describe how the
project will be managed, particularly how coordination between research
and extension components will be achieved and maintained and the roles
of research and extension collaborators.

\(iv\) [Cooperation and Institutional Units Involved]{.underline}

When appropriate, the project should be coordinated with the efforts of
other states/territories and/or national programs. Identify each
institutional unit contributing to the project. Identify each
state/territory in a multiple-state/territory application and designate
the lead state. The degree of collaboration should be specifically
addressed where the project involves multi-state/territory
collaboration, and/or is submitted as multi‑disciplinary or
multi-organizational. Clearly describe the roles of all collaborating
participants in the project.

\(v\) [Implementation and Evaluation Plans]{.underline}

The Implementation and Evaluation Plans portion of the application
should not exceed three (3) pages in length.

\(1\) Research Projects: Applications must describe how the tactic or
system, once developed, might be incorporated into an existing crop
management program or other pest management situation on a large scale.

\(2\) Extension Projects and Joint Research-Extension Projects:
Applications must provide detailed plans for evaluation of the project.
The evaluation plan should include specific evaluation objectives and
measurement indicators (e.g., adoption rate, number of acres impacted,
pesticide use, risk reduction, profitability) that will be used to
measure impacts and outcomes resulting from the project. Evaluation
plans that include surveys should indicate survey expertise of
investigators and/or describe the survey methodology that will be used.

\(vi\) [Progress Reports]{.underline} --For renewal applications (as
defined in Part II.B.), a progress report must be included within the
page limitation set for the Project Narrative portion of the
application.

c\. [Relevance Statement (Field 11 on form)]{.underline}

A Relevance Statement must be included that describes the relevance of
the project to W-RIPM priorities (see Part I, B.). The Relevance
Statement must be no longer than three (3) double spaced pages. The
Relevance Statement and the Project Summary are the only parts of the
submission that will be viewed by the Relevance (Merit) Review Panel.
Conversely, the Relevance Statement is the only part of the submission
that the Technical Review Panel will not view. Applications submitted
without a separate Relevance Statement will not be reviewed.

**The Relevance Statement must be submitted with the full application
but as a separately attached PDF file under Field number 11. Name the
file "RELEVANCE \[PDs last name\].pdf".** Formatting requirements (font,
spacing, margins) for the Relevance Statement are the same as those for
the application. The Relevance Statement should contain the following
information:

(1) Names and institutions of PDs and major cooperators;

(2) Project title;

(3) Project summary (see Part IV,B.2.a.);

(4) Project objectives; and

(5) Description of the problem, background and justification,
    particularly addressing potential for the project to address the
    Western Region's priorities; outreach; appropriate
    multi-state/territory involvement within the Western Region; level
    of non-pesticidal focus; and level of stakeholder identification as
    a priority.

**3. [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.

**4. [R&R Personal Data]{.underline} --** As noted in Part V, 5. of the
CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide, the submission of this information
is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. If completing the
information, **do not enter any data in the field requesting the social
security number.**

::: Definition-Term
**5. [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. Note:
Joint Research-Extension projects must show the proposed breakdown of
amounts requested from the Act of August 4, 1965 (P.L. 89-106) Research
funds and Smith-Lever Extension funds for each year of funding being
requested. **Include cumulative project costs over all years, by cost
category and funding source (Research and/or Extension) in the budget
justification (Field K on the form).**

6\. [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\. Field 2. Program Code. Enter the program code name "**Western
RIPM**" and the program code "**QQ.W**".

b\. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. A conflict of interest list is
required under this program

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859381 .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 **November 17,
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 (for competitive programs)
the application not being considered for funding by the peer review
panel.   Once the application has been assigned a proposal number, this
number should be cited on all future correspondence.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859382 .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 1997 (91 Stat. 981), indirect
costs and tuition remission are unallowable costs under Section
2(c)(1)(B) projects and Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act, and no
funds will be approved for this purpose. Costs that are a part of the
institution's indirect cost pool may not be reclassified as direct costs
for the purpose of making them allowable.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859383 .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___Toc209859384 .anchor}PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW
REQUIREMENTS

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859385 .anchor}A. General

Subsection (c)(5) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(c)), as amended by Section 212 of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, (7
U.S.C. 450i(c)(5)) requires grantees to arrange for scientific peer
review of their proposed research activities and merit review of their
proposed extension and education activities in accordance with
regulations promulgated by the Secretary prior to the Secretary making a
grant award under this authority. **The application review process
conducted by the W-RIPM Program fulfills the scientific peer review and
merit review requirements.**

Each application will be evaluated in a three-part process. First, each
application will be screened by CSREES to ensure that it meets the
administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Applications that
meet these requirements will be evaluated at the regional level by two
panels, one for relevance and one for technical merit.

1\. [Relevance Review]{.underline}

The Relevance Review is conducted by a panel of eight to ten stakeholder
representatives. Panelists are usually growers, consultants,
environmental advocates, consumer advocates, government employees with
appropriate expertise, IPM administrators, researchers, and extension
educators. The Relevance Panel does not see the entire proposal;
panelists read only the Relevance Statement and the Project Summary. Be
sure to clearly label the file **"RELEVANCE \[PDs last name\].PDF"** and
submit with the proposal as a separate PDF attachment (see Part IV,
B.2.c).

2\. [Technical Review]{.underline}

A multidisciplinary technical panel with members selected from outside
the Western Region will review, evaluate, score, and rank all the
applications for technical merit. (They do not see the Relevance
Statement.) 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); (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.

**[Please Note:]{.underline} Successful applications must be strong in
both areas. To be funded, an application must meet minimum standards set
by both panels. The W-RIPM Panel Manager and the director of the Western
IPM Center will use this information to recommend project funding,
including level and duration, to CSREES. Sections B.1. and B.2., below,
delineate the review criteria.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859386 .anchor}B. Evaluation Criteria

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

[]{.mark}

1.  **The criteria used for the Relevance Review to evaluate Research,
    Extension, and Joint Research-Extension projects, including
    Multi-state/Territory and Multi-region Projects are:**

+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| ###### Criteria                                             | **Poss |
|                                                             | ible** |
|                                                             |        |
|                                                             | **Po   |
|                                                             | ints** |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| a\. [Potential for the project to address the Western       | 60     |
| Region's priorities]{.underline} (see Part I, B. for more   |        |
| detail).                                                    |        |
|                                                             |        |
| > [Maximum Score]{.underline}                               |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Environmental stewardship and risk management 10          |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Potential for implementation and measurable impact 10     |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Importance and value of the crop system or                |        |
| > non-agricultural site(s) to the Region 10                 |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Importance of the pest to the crop system, or             |        |
| > non-agricultural situation 10                             |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Interdisciplinary collaborations 10                       |        |
|                                                             |        |
| Dissemination 10                                            |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Explicit link to stakeholder-identified need.               | 15     |
|                                                             |        |
| [b. Level of stakeholder identification as a                |        |
| priority]{.underline} [Maximum Score]{.underline}           |        |
|                                                             |        |
| > No mention of stakeholders in setting the priority 0      |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Mention of stakeholders but no documentation 5            |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Clearly documented as priority of an important            |        |
| > stakeholder group 10                                      |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Clearly documented as an important priority by            |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > multiple stakeholder groups 15                            |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Focus of the project on development, promotion, or          | 15     |
| implementation of non-pesticidal tactics.                   |        |
|                                                             |        |
| [c. Level of non-pesticidal focus]{.underline} [Maximum     |        |
| Score]{.underline}                                          |        |
|                                                             |        |
| > Will not impact risk in any way 0                         |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Has pesticide management focus and could significantly    |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > reduce or improve risk 8                                  |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Focused on non-pesticidal tactics and could significantly |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > reduce or improve risk 15                                 |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| [d. Appropriate multi-state/territory involvement within    | 10     |
| the Western Region]{.underline}.                            |        |
|                                                             |        |
| > [Maximum Score]{.underline}                               |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Only 1 state/territory involved and 1 would benefit 0     |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Only 1 state/territory involved, but clear case presented |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > that several states would benefit 5                       |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Only 1 state/territory involved, but clear case presented |        |
| > that                                                      |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > the crop or non-agricultural problem is unique and        |        |
| > critical to                                               |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > the state/territory and will provide a model for systems  |        |
| > elsewhere 5                                               |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > More than 1 state/territory involved and several would    |        |
| > benefit 10                                                |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| **Total possible points for Relevance Review:**             | *      |
|                                                             | *100** |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+

**2. Technical Review**

**The criteria used for Technical Review to evaluate Research,
Extension, and Joint Research-Extension projects, including
Multi-state/Territory and Multi-region Projects (as described in Part
II, C. 1-3) are:**

+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| **Criteria**                                                | **Poss |
|                                                             | ible** |
|                                                             |        |
|                                                             | **Po   |
|                                                             | ints** |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Appropriate objectives, design, and methodology.            | 30     |
|                                                             |        |
| Considerations include:                                     |        |
|                                                             |        |
| ::: Definition-Term                                         |        |
| Overall scientific value                                    |        |
| :::                                                         |        |
|                                                             |        |
| > Will the planned research make a significant contribution |        |
| > to new knowledge or provide a better understanding of     |        |
| > existing knowledge?                                       |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Is the problem clearly presented and literature review    |        |
| > adequate?                                                 |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Do the objectives address the problem presented?          |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > What is the probability of success?                       |        |
| >                                                           |        |
| > Does the project, as proposed, duplicate on-going         |        |
| > projects at other institutions?                           |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Are the methods appropriate and sufficient to accomplish    | 20     |
| the stated objectives?                                      |        |
|                                                             |        |
| Can the objectives be accomplished in the stated time       |        |
| frame?                                                      |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Degree of interdisciplinary collaboration, including        | 20     |
| collaboration among research, extension, private            |        |
| consultants, industry, and the user community. The          |        |
| feasibility of increasing IPM implementation as a result of |        |
| the project.                                                |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Evaluation and Implementation Plans                         | 10     |
|                                                             |        |
| [Research Applications:]{.underline}                        |        |
|                                                             |        |
| Implementation plan: Description for method of technology   |        |
| transfer from research project to field applications.       |        |
|                                                             |        |
| \--or\--                                                    |        |
|                                                             |        |
| [Extension and Joint Research-Extension                     |        |
| Applications:]{.underline}                                  |        |
|                                                             |        |
| Implementation plan: Description for method of technology   |        |
| transfer from research project to field applications.       |        |
|                                                             |        |
| Evaluation plan: Description of an appropriate              |        |
| strategy/process to evaluate the success of the project.    |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Professional competence of the project team                 | 10     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| Appropriate budget                                          | 10     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| **Total possible points for Technical Review:**             | *      |
|                                                             | *100** |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859387 .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___Toc209859388 .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___Toc209859389 .anchor}PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859390 .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___Toc209859391 .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___Toc209859392 .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:

2 CFR Part 215**---**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 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 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.

7 CFR Part 3430 -- CSREES Competitive and Noncompetitive Nonformula
Grant Programs---General Grant Administrative Provisions

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___Toc209859393 .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 preparation and submission 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/).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859394 .anchor}PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact:

Dr. Frank G. Zalom

Grants Panel Manager, W-RIPM

Department of Entomology

University of California

374 Briggs Hall

Davis, CA 95616

Telephone: (530) 752-3687

Fax: (530) 752-1537

E-mail: [[fgzalom@ucdavis.edu]{.underline}](mailto:fgzalom@ucdavis.edu)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859395 .anchor}PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859396 .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___Toc209859397 .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___Toc209859398 .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___Toc209859399 .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___Toc209859400 .anchor}E. Definitions

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

[1862 Land-Grant Institution]{.underline} means an institution eligible
to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862, as amended (7 U.S.C. 301
et seq.). Unless otherwise stated for a specific program, this term
includes a research foundation maintained by such an institution.

[1890 Land-Grant Institution]{.underline} means one of those
institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890,
as amended (7 U.S.C. 321 *et seq*.), including Tuskegee University and
West Virginia State University. Unless otherwise stated for a specific
program, this term includes a research foundation maintained by such an
institution.

[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, as amended (7 U.S.C. 301 note). These
institutions are commonly referred to as Tribal Colleges or
Universities.

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

[Advisory Board]{.underline} means the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.

[Agricultural research]{.underline} means research in the food and
agricultural sciences.

[Applied research]{.underline} means research that includes expansion of
the findings of fundamental research to uncover practical ways in which
new knowledge can be advanced to benefit individuals and society.

[Authorized Departmental Officer or ADO]{.underline} means the Secretary
or any employee of the Department with delegated authority to issue or
modify grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.

[Authorized Representative or AR]{.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 to the project.

[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 recipient's cash outlay,
including the outlay of money contributed to the recipient by
non-Federal third parties.

[Citizen or national of the United States]{.underline} means a citizen
or native resident of a State; or, a person defined in the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a citizen of
the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States. When
eligibility is claimed solely on the basis of permanent allegiance,
documentary evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service as
to such eligibility must be made available to CSREES upon request.
College or university means, unless defined in a separate subpart, an
educational institution in any State which:

\(1\) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the
recognized equivalent of such a certificate;

\(2\) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of
education beyond secondary education;

\(3\) Provides an educational program for which a bachelor's degree or
any other higher degree is awarded;

\(4\) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and

\(5\) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or
association. Unless otherwise stated for a specific program, this term
includes a research foundation maintained by such an institution.

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

[Education activity or teaching 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.

[Established and demonstrated capacity]{.underline} means that an
organization has met the following criteria:

\(1\) Conducts any systematic study directed toward new or fuller
knowledge and understanding of the subject studied; or,

\(2\) Systematically relates or applies the findings of research or
scientific experimentation to the application of new approaches to
problem solving, technologies, or management practices; and

\(3\) Has facilities, qualified personnel, independent funding, and
prior projects and accomplishments in research or technology transfer.

[Extension]{.underline} means informal education program conducted in
the States in cooperation with the Unites States Department of
Agriculture.

[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.

[Food and agricultural sciences]{.underline} The term ''food and
agricultural sciences'' means basic, applied, and developmental
research, extension, and teaching activities in food and fiber,
agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and physical and
social sciences, including activities relating to the following:

\(1\) Animal health, production, and well-being.

\(2\) Plant health and production.

\(3\) Animal and plant germ plasm

collection and preservation.

\(4\) Aquaculture.

\(5\) Food safety.

\(6\) Soil and water conservation and improvement.

\(7\) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.

\(8\) Nutritional sciences and promotion.

\(9\) Farm enhancement, including financial management, input
efficiency, and profitability.

\(10\) Home economics.

\(11\) Rural human ecology.

\(12\) Youth development and agricultural education, including 4--H
clubs.

\(13\) Expansion of domestic and international markets for agricultural
commodities and products, including agricultural trade barrier
identification and analysis.

\(14\) Information management and technology transfer related to
agriculture.

\(15\) Biotechnology related to agriculture.

\(16\) The processing, distributing, marketing, and utilization of food
and agricultural products.

[Fundamental research]{.underline} means research that increases
knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and
has the potential for broad application, and has an effect on
agriculture, food, nutrition, or the environment.

[Graduate degree]{.underline} means a Master's or doctoral degree.

[Grant]{.underline} means the award by the Authorized Departmental
Officer of funds to an eligible grantee 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 the program solicitation or RFA.

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

[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.

[Integrated]{.underline} means to incorporate two or three components of
the agricultural knowledge system (research, education, and extension)
around a problem area or activity.

[Land-Grant Institutions]{.underline} means the 1862 Land-Grant
Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, and 1994 Land- Grant
Institutions.

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

[Merit review]{.underline} means an evaluation of a proposed project or
elements of a proposed program whereby the technical quality and
relevance to regional or national goals are assessed.

[Merit reviewers]{.underline} means peers and other individuals with
expertise appropriate to conduct merit review of a proposed project.

[Methodology]{.underline} means the project approach to be followed.

[Mission-linked research]{.underline} means research on specifically
identified agricultural problems which, through a continuum of efforts,
provides information and technology that may be transferred to users and
may relate to a product, practice, or process.

[National laboratories]{.underline} include Federal laboratories that
are government-owned contractor-operated or government / owned
government-operated.

[Peer reviewers]{.underline} means experts or consultants qualified by
training and experience to give expert advice on the scientific and
technical merit of grant applications or the relevance of those
applications to one or more of the application evaluation criteria. Peer
reviewers may be adhoc or convened as a panel.

[Prior approval]{.underline} means written approval by an Authorized
Departmental Officer evidencing prior consent.

[Private research organization]{.underline} means any non-governmental
corporation, partnership, proprietorship, trust, or other organization.

[Private sector]{.underline} means all non-public entities, including
for-profit and nonprofit commercial and noncommercial entities, and
including private or independent educational associations.

[Program Officer]{.underline} means a CSREES individual who is
responsible for the technical oversight of the award on behalf of USDA.

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

[Project Director or PD]{.underline} means the single individual
designated by the grantee in the grant application and approved by the
Authorized Departmental Officer who is responsible for the direction and
management of the project, also known as a Principal Investigator (PI)
for research activities.

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

[Research]{.underline} means any systematic study directed toward new or
fuller knowledge and understanding of the subject studied.

[Scientific peer review]{.underline} is an evaluation of the technical
quality of a proposed project and its relevance to regional or national
goals, performed by experts with the scientific knowledge and technical
skills to conduct the proposed research work.

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

[State]{.underline} means any one of the fifty States, the District of
Columbia, and the insular areas.

[Third party in-kind contributions]{.underline} means the value of
non-cash contributions of property or services provided by non-Federal
third parties, including real property, equipment, supplies and other
expendable property, directly benefiting and specifically identifiable
to a funded project or program.

[United States]{.underline} means the several States, the District of
Columbia, and the insular areas.

[Units of State government]{.underline} means all State institutions,
including the formal divisions of State government (i.e., the official
state agencies such as departments of transportation and education),
local government agencies (e.g., a county human services office), and
including state educational institutions (e.g., public colleges and
universities).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc209859401 .anchor}CHECKLIST

***(Disclaimer Note: This checklist is included for the sole purpose of
assisting the applicant in the self review process prior to submission.
Applicant should use the RFA as the instrument of instruction and the
Application Guide to complete the application process. This checklist is
NOT an official portion of the RFA and should in no way be considered a
replacement for the Application Guide or instructions contained within
the RFA.)***

## 

Only electronic applications may be submitted to CSREES via Grants.gov
in response to this RFA. All applications submitted under the Regional
IPM Competitive Grants Program (RIPM) must contain the applicable
elements outlined in these guidelines. The following checklist has been
prepared to assist in ensuring that the application is complete prior to
submission:

� Have all attachments been submitted in the portable document format
(PDF)? CSREES will return proposals w/non-PDF attachments unread. See
Part III of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

� Do all submitted PDF documents have one-inch margins and are typed or
word processed using no type smaller than 12 point regardless of line
spacing? Are all PDF documents numbered sequentially on each page of the
attachment? Are all page limitations for a given attachment followed?
Submitted proposals that do not meet these requirements for PDF
attachments will be returned without review.

� Have all six components of the Application Package been completed? Did
you use the "Check Package for Errors" feature of the PureEdge viewer
(see section 1.8 of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide)?

-   R&R Cover Sheet

-   R&R Other Project Information

-   R&R Senior/Key Person Profile

-   R&R Personal Data

-   R&R Budget

-   Supplemental Information Form

� **[R&R Cover Sheet]{.underline}**

-   Have all required fields been completed?

� [R&R Other Project Information]{.underline}

-   Have the fields describing project potential or actual environmental
    impact been properly completed? Refer to CSREES Grants.gov
    Application Guide for instructions.

-   [Project Summary/Abstract]{.underline}

> Has the Project Summary PDF been attached to this form in Field 6?
>
> Are the names and affiliated organizations of all Project Directors
> listed at the top of the page in addition to the title of the project?
>
> Has a RIPM goal been identified in the Project Summary?
>
> Does the Project Summary include research, and/or extension
> objectives, as appropriate?
>
> Note: a project summary/abstract summary template is available at the
> following CSREES website:
> [**http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html**](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html),
> but will need to be converted to a PDF file before attaching to
> application.

-   [Project Narrative]{.underline}

> Has the Project Narrative PDF been attached to this form in Field 7?
>
> Is the project fully described?
>
> Does this section adhere to the format and page limitations?

-   [Bibliography & References Cited]{.underline}

> Has the Bibliography & References Cited PDF been attached to this form
> in Field 8?
>
> Are all references cited and are all citations referenced?
>
> Do all citations contain a title, the names of all authors, and are
> they in accepted journal format?

-   [Facilities & Other Resources]{.underline}

> Has the Facilities & Other Resources PDF been attached to this form in
> Field 9?
>
> Has a description of your facilities, sufficient to indicate that you
> will be able to carry out this project, been given?

-   [Equipment]{.underline}

> Has the Equipment PDF been attached to this form in Field 10?
>
> Is the description of your equipment sufficient to indicate that you
> will be able to carry out this project?

-   [Relevance Statement]{.underline}

> Has the Relevance PDF been attached to this form last in Field 11?
> Maximum length: 3 pages. Name the file "RELEVANCE \[PDs last
> name\].pdf".

-   [Appendices to Project Description]{.underline}

> Has the Appendices to Project Description PDF been attached to this
> form in Field 11?
>
> Are the reprints/preprints limited to 2 (as described in the
> instructions)?

-   [Collaborative Arrangements]{.underline}

> Has the Collaborative Arrangements PDF been attached to this form in
> Field 11?

� [R&R Senior/Key Person Profile]{.underline}

-   [Biographical Sketch]{.underline}

> Has the biographical sketch (vitae) PDF for the PD and each co-PD,
> senior associate, and other professional personnel been attached?

-   [Current and Pending Support]{.underline}

> Has the current and pending support PDF for PD and co-PD(s) been
> attached?
>
> Have all current and pending projects been listed and summarized,
> **including this proposal**?
>
> Note: a current and pending support template is available at the
> following CSREES website:
> <http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html>, but will need to
> be converted to a PDF file before attaching to application.

� [R&R Personal Data (Voluntary)]{.underline}

-   Have all fields been completed?

� [R&R Budget]{.underline}

-   ::: Definition-Term
    Have all fields been completed for each PD and co-PD(s)?
    :::

-   Are annual and summary budgets included?

-   [Budget Justification]{.underline}

> Has the Budget Justification PDF been attached to this form in Field
> K?
>
> Are budget items individually justified and in the same order as they
> appear on the budget forms?
>
> For multi-institutional applications, has a budget justification been
> included for each institution involved?

� [Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

-   Has Field 1 been pre-populated with the "Regional Integrated Pest
    Management Competitive Grants Program -- Western Region" under
    Funding Opportunity Name and USDA-CSREES Funding Opportunity Number?

-   Does Field 2 indicate the correct Program Code Name (Western RIPM)
    and Program Code (QQ.W) to which you are applying?

-   [Conflict of Interest List]{.underline}

> Has the Conflict of Interest List for all individuals who have
> submitted a Biographical Sketch been attached to this form in one PDF
> file in Field 8? Note: a conflict of interest list template is
> available at the following CSREES website:
> <http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html>.