**Critical Issues: Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and
Diseases**

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

**[Please Note:]{.underline}** As of 3/9/2009 this RFA has been
modified. Corrected language on page 8 can be found in **Bold Red
Text.**

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 3, 2009**

![](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**

**CRITICAL ISSUES: EMERGING AND NEW PLANT AND ANIMAL PESTS AND
DISEASES**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

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

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
**April 3, 2009 (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 USC
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 and
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 Critical Issues: Emerging and New Plant and
Animal Pests and Diseases RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES requests applications for the Critical
Issues: Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases (Critical
Issues) program for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to perform critical research
activities related to time-critical, emerging plant pest and disease
issues. The amount anticipated to be available in FY 2009 for support of
this particular Critical Issues solicitation is approximately
**\$370,000.** See Part II, C. for a description of the types of
projects that are being solicited. The program is designed to provide
one-time seed funding to help initiate work requiring immediate
attention until other longer-term resources can be secured to address
the issue. CSREES intends to solicit proposals several times during FY
2009 to address specific new or emerging issues.

For this particular solicitation, CSREES is requesting proposals that
address specific aspects of the following issues:

-   **Redbay ambrosia beetle and Laurel Wilt in avocados**

-   **1000 cankers disease of walnut**

-   **Uganda (Ug99) Strain of Wheat Stem Rust**

The issues included in this RFA have been identified through stakeholder
input from university and federal scientists, producers and other
constituents in the states where the problems either now occur, or are
currently at risk. Research support from this program is necessary to
address these issues at this time in order to avoid significant losses
to American agriculture and the environment.

This notice identifies the objectives for Critical Issues projects, the
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application
forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a Critical Issues
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___Toc223940663)

[A. Legislative Authority and Background
5](#__RefHeading___Toc223940664)

[B. Purpose and Priorities 5](#__RefHeading___Toc223940665)

[PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 6](#__RefHeading___Toc223940666)

[A. Available Funding 6](#__RefHeading___Toc223940667)

[B. Types of Applications 6](#__RefHeading___Toc223940668)

[C. Project Types 6](#__RefHeading___Toc223940669)

[D. Scientific Peer Review 9](#__RefHeading___Toc223940670)

[PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 11](#__RefHeading___Toc223940671)

[A. Eligible Applicants 11](#__RefHeading___Toc223940672)

[B. Cost Sharing or Matching 11](#__RefHeading___Toc223940673)

[PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
12](#__RefHeading___Toc223940674)

[A. Electronic Application Package 12](#__RefHeading___Toc223940675)

[B. Content and Form of Application Submission
13](#__RefHeading___Toc223940676)

[C. Submission Dates and Times 15](#__RefHeading___Toc223940677)

[D. Funding Restrictions 15](#__RefHeading___Toc223940678)

[E. Other Submission Requirements 16](#__RefHeading___Toc223940679)

[PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
17](#__RefHeading___Toc223940680)

[A. General 17](#__RefHeading___Toc223940681)

[B. Evaluation Criteria 17](#__RefHeading___Toc223940682)

[C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
17](#__RefHeading___Toc223940683)

[D. Organizational Management Information
19](#__RefHeading___Toc223940684)

[PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 20](#__RefHeading___Toc223940685)

[A. General 20](#__RefHeading___Toc223940686)

[B. Award Notice 20](#__RefHeading___Toc223940687)

[C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
21](#__RefHeading___Toc223940688)

[D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
22](#__RefHeading___Toc223940689)

[PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT 23](#__RefHeading___Toc223940690)

[PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 24](#__RefHeading___Toc223940691)

[A. Access to Review Information 24](#__RefHeading___Toc223940692)

[B. Use of Funds; Changes 24](#__RefHeading___Toc223940693)

[C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
25](#__RefHeading___Toc223940694)

[D. Regulatory Information 25](#__RefHeading___Toc223940695)

[E. Definitions 25](#__RefHeading___Toc223940696)

[Electronic Application Checklist 26](#__RefHeading___Toc223940697)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940663 .anchor}PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
DESCRIPTION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940664 .anchor}A. Legislative Authority and
Background

The authority for this program 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 USC 450i (c)(1)(B)). This
program supports critical research activities related to time-critical,
emerging plant and animal pest and disease issues. The program is
designed to provide one-time seed funding to help initiate work
requiring immediate attention until other longer-term resources can be
secured to address the issue.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940665 .anchor}B. Purpose and Priorities

CSREES requests applications for the Critical Issues program to perform
critical research activities related to time-critical, emerging plant
pest and disease issues. The program is designed to provide one-time
seed funding to help initiate work requiring immediate attention until
other longer-term resources can be secured to address the issue.
*Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate evidence of
collaboration and communication with working groups and approved
Multi-state research committees, however all eligible applicants are
encouraged to apply.* CSREES intends to solicit proposals several times
during FY 2009 to address specific new or emerging issues. For this
particular solicitation, CSREES is requesting proposals that address
specific aspects of the following issues:

-   **Redbay ambrosia beetle and Laurel Wilt in avocados**

-   **1000 cankers disease of walnut**

-   **Uganda (Ug99) Strain of Wheat Stem Rust**

The amount of FY 2009 funds anticipated to be available for support of
this particular Critical Issues solicitation is approximately \$370,000.
See Part II, C. for a description of the types of projects that are
being solicited.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940666 .anchor}PART II---AWARD INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940667 .anchor}A. Available Funding

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards. It is anticipated that approximately
\$370,000 of FY 2009 funds will be available to support Critical Issues
proposals submitted in response to this solicitation for project periods
of up to two years with the option for a one year no cost extension.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940668 .anchor}B. Types of Applications

In FY 2009, applications may be submitted to the Critical Issues:
Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases (Critical Issues)
Program as the following type of request:

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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940669 .anchor}C. Project Types

1.  **Redbay ambrosia beetle and Laurel Wilt in avocados**

**Background**

Since the first detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Georgia in
2002, this beetle and its associated fungus have caused substantial
destruction to native redbay (*Persea borbonia*) in Georgia and South
Carolina. During the spring of 2005, this pest was detected on redbay in
Florida and has spread southward. The range of redbay trees from coastal
Virginia to eastern Texas includes coastal areas of North and South
Carolina, Georgia, southern Alabama Mississippi, parts of Louisiana, and
all of Florida. This continuous range facilitates the spread of the
redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt fungus to commercial avocado
production areas. Because the redbay ambrosia beetle and its associated
fungus (the laurel wilt fungus; *Raffaelea laurelensis*) can cause whole
tree death and because the redbay ambrosia beetle attacks healthy trees,
this beetle-pathogen complex poses a threat to commercial avocado
production in the U.S.

This RFA will support research efforts directed toward the following
areas:

a\. Management strategies for the vector.

-   Test potential repellents or protectants to prevent beetle attack of
    avocado trees.

-   Test currently registered pesticides for ambrosia beetle control.

-   Evaluate trap and kill systems as a management tool for redbay
    ambrosia beetles.

b\. Management strategies for the pathogen.

-   Assess susceptibility of avocado varieties to the laurel wilt
    fungus.

-   Determine efficacy and practicality of fungicides for control of the
    laurel wilt fungus.

-   Determine whether the laurel wilt fungus can be transmitted
    mechanically by pruning equipment.

Research will focus on experimentation addressing the above areas,
either individually, in combination, or synergistically. This RFA
requests seed grant proposals to initiate or continue high priority
research directed toward an Integrated Pest Management approach for this
beetle-vector complex.

**Proposals directed at management strategies for the vector should
address one or a combination of the following:**

a.  Test effects of repellents/protectants for potential to prevent
    beetle attack.

b.  Test the effectiveness of currently registered pesticides for
    ambrosia beetle control.

c.  Evaluate trap and kill systems as a management tool for redbay
    ambrosia beetles.

**Focus of work:** *Conduct laboratory and field experiments to examine
the level of protection possible through use of repellents, pesticide
applications or the use of an 'attract and kill' strategy for vector
management. Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate
evidence of collaboration and communication across disciplinary groups,
however all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.* *(CSREES
anticipates funding one proposal of up to \$90,000). This research
requires flexibility and adaptation in order to find solutions in a
time-critical manner. Proposals must demonstrate experience in
conducting time-critical research.*

**Proposals directed at management strategies for the pathogen should
address one or a combination of the following:**

> **a.** Assess susceptibility of avocado varieties to the laurel wilt
> fungus.
>
> **b.** Determine efficacy of fungicides for control the laurel wilt
> fungus.
>
> **c.** Determine whether the laurel wilt fungus can be transmitted
> mechanically by pruning equipment.

**Focus of work:** *Conduct start-up laboratory and field experiments to
assess **walnut** susceptibility to the pathogen, determine fungicide
efficacy and risk of mechanical transmission through pruning or wounds.
Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate evidence of
collaboration and communication across disciplinary groups, however all
eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.* *(CSREES anticipates
funding one proposal of up to \$90,000). This research requires
flexibility and adaptation in order to find solutions in a time-critical
manner. Proposals must demonstrate experience in conducting
time-critical research.*

2.  **1000 cankers disease of walnut\
    **

**Background**

Within the past decade, decline of black walnut (*Juglans nigra*) has
been observed in several western states. Initial symptoms involve a
yellowing and thinning of the upper crown, which progresses to include
death of progressively larger branches. During the final stages large
areas of foliage may rapidly wilt. Trees often are killed within three
years after initial symptoms are noted. Tree mortality is the result of
attack by the walnut twig beetle (*Pityophthorus juglandis*) and
subsequent canker development around beetle galleries caused by a fungus
(*Geosmithia* sp.) carried by the beetle. A second fungus (*Fusarium
solani*) is also associated with canker formation. This disease is
termed 1000 cankers disease. Effective controls for thousand cankers
disease have not yet been identified. Rapid detection and removal of
infected trees currently remains the primary means of managing thousand
cankers disease.

This RFA will support research efforts directed toward the following
areas:

**a.** Host susceptibility of *Juglans* and *Carya* species.

**b.** Current and projected distribution of the vector and pathogen.

-   Mapping the current distribution of the vector and disease

-   Determining risk factors for 1000 cankers

-   Modeling spread of the disease

**c.** Management strategies for the vector.

-   Assess detection methods, attractants and trap systems

-   Assess efficacy and practicality of registered pesticides for vector
    control

**d.** Management strategies for the pathogen.

-   Assess susceptibility of walnut and related genera to the 1000
    cankers fungus

-   Determine efficacy and practicality of fungicides for control of
    *Geosmithia*

**Proposals directed at 1000 cankers disease of walnut should address
one or more of the following:**

> **a.** Develop detection methods for the beetle and pathogen.
>
> **b.** Establish a baseline map of the current distribution of the
> disease.
>
> **c.** Initiate studies to determine probable routes and possible
> strategies to mitigate the spread of the disease from current
> infestation sites.
>
> **d.** Evaluate susceptibility of *Juglans*, *Carya* and other nut
> trees to *Geosmithia* sp.
>
> **e.** Evaluate methods for control of the beetle and/or pathogen.

Research will focus on experimentation addressing the above areas,
either individually, in combination, or synergistically. This RFA
requests seed grant proposals to initiate or continue high priority
research directed toward Integrated Pest Management approaches for this
beetle-vector complex.

**Focus of work:** *Conduct start-up laboratory and field experiments to
assess walnut susceptibility to the pathogen, determine fungicide
efficacy and risk of mechanical transmission through pruning or wounds.
Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate evidence of
collaboration and communication across disciplinary groups, however all
applicants qualified to conduct the research are encouraged to apply.*
*(CSREES anticipates funding one proposal of up to \$90,000). This
research requires flexibility and adaptation in order to find solutions
in a time-critical manner. Proposals must demonstrate experience in
conducting time-critical research.*

3.  **Uganda (Ug99) Strain of Wheat Stem Rust**

**Background**

Wheat stem rust is caused by *Puccinia graminis* f.sp. *tritici.* A new
variant of that fungus, commonly known as Ug99, for the
nation---Uganda---and the year in which its emergence was formally
recognized, has been appearing in fields throughout East Africa. The
Ug99 strain is a variant of the race 'TTKS' and additional variants
within the 'TTKS' designation are emerging. The most important
characteristic of all of the 'TTKS' strains is their ability to overcome
resistance from the stem rust resistance gene Sr31, a key cog in the
resistant wheat cultivars planted in the US. Since its initial
identification 'TTKS' strains have spread to Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and
Yemen, with the potential to seriously damage wheat production. In
monitored test plots of wheat, Ug99 reduced grain yields by as much as
71 percent. Without rapid response, 'TTKS' spread could lead to global
crop epidemics within the next 15 years.

Growing world population has driven a demand for agricultural scientists
to develop higher yielding grain varieties. However, wheat growers face
a challenging threat to bountiful yields with the emergence of a new and
virulent fungal pathogen. Stem rust stands poised to damage wheat yields
globally, according to data released at the Global Rust Summit convened
in Nairobi, Kenya to address this wheat disease. A new international
effort, called the Global Rust Initiative (GRI) is an offshoot of the
Nairobi summit. Projects in this program should complement GRI research.

**Proposals directed at 'TTKS' (Ug99) strain of Wheat Stem Rust should
address optimization of pesticide application technology for fungicide
deposition.**

**Focus of work:** *Validate application technology in current use to
optimize fungicide deposition and management of stem rust and other
cereal pathogens. Canopy penetration and coverage of various plant
organs is integral to the work. Interaction of application technology
with various fungicide chemical families could be a component of the
research. Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate
collaborative work that involves working groups or approved Multi-state
research committees such as NCERA 184, WERA 097 and the ipmPIPE;
however, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.* *Model
systems are allowable as a tool in this research. (CSREES anticipates
funding one proposal of up to \$30,000)*. *This research requires great
flexibility and adaptation in order to find solutions in a time critical
manner. Proposals must demonstrate experience in conducting time
critical research.*

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940670 .anchor}D. Scientific Peer Review

Subsection (c)(5) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act, as amended

(7 USC 450i(c)(5)) requires applicants to conduct scientific peer review
of their proposed

research activities in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
Secretary prior to the

Secretary making a grant award under this authority. Regulations
implementing this requirement

are set forth in 7 CFR part 3400.20. The regulations impose the
following requirements:

\(1\) Scientific peer review. Prior to the submission of a standard or
continuation grant, any

proposed project shall have undergone a review arranged by the grantee.
For research projects,

such review must be a scientific peer review conducted in accordance
with 7 CFR 3400.21.

\(2\) Credible and independent review. A review arranged by the grantee
must provide for a

credible and independent assessment of the proposed project. A credible
review is one that

provides an appraisal of technical quality and relevance sufficient for
an organizational

representative to make an informed judgment as to whether the proposal
is appropriate for

submission for Federal support. To provide for an independent review,
such review may include

USDA employees, but should not be conducted solely by USDA employees.

\(3\) Notice of completion and retention of records. A notice of
completion of the review shall be

conveyed in writing to CSREES as part of the Other Attachments (Field
11. of the R&R Other

Project Information Form)(See Part IV, B,1,c,(ii)). The written notice
constitutes certification by

the applicant that a review in compliance with these regulations has
occurred. Applicants are not

required to submit results of the review to CSREES; however, proper
documentation of the

review process and results should be retained by the applicant. **Please
note: award funds**

**cannot be released until the Scientific Peer Review Certification is
received.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940671 .anchor}PART III---ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940672 .anchor}A. Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by State agricultural experiment stations,
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.)
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Act, and accredited
schools or colleges of veterinary medicine for the purpose of
facilitating or expanding ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural
research programs that:

\(i\) promote excellence in research on a regional and national level;

\(ii\) promote the development of regional research centers;

\(iii\) promote the research partnership between the Department of
Agriculture, colleges and universities, research foundations, and State
agricultural experiment stations for regional research efforts; and

\(iv\) facilitate coordination and cooperation of research among States
through regional research grants.

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 not accepting the
application, or even though an application may be reviewed, will
preclude CSREES from making an award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940673 .anchor}B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Pursuant to section 2(c)(3) of Public Law No. 89-106, CSREES does not
require matching support for this program and matching resources will
not be factored into the review process as evaluation criteria, nor will
they affect relevance rankings.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940674 .anchor}PART IV---APPLICATION AND
SUBMISSION INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940675 .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.  In order to access, complete and submit applications, applicants
    must download and install a version of Adobe Reader compatible with
    Grants.gov. This software is essential to apply for CSREES Federal
    assistance awards. For basic system requirements and download
    instructions, please see
    <http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp>. To verify that
    you have a compatible version of Adobe Reader, Grants.gov
    established a test package that will assist you in making that
    determination. Grants.gov Adobe Versioning Test Package:
    <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/AdobeVersioningTestOnly.jsp>.

```{=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-002099** 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." 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 Adobe forms), 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
    Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940676 .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." 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. [SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)]{.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.

**3. [R&R Other Project Information Form]{.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.

a\. Field 6. Project Summary/Abstract. The summary should also include
the relevance of the project to the goals of the Critical Issues program
and describe the impact of proposed research activities related to the
time-critical, emerging plant and/or animal pest and disease issues as
described in Part II(C) of this announcement.

b\. Field 7. Project Narrative.

PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed fifteen pages of
written text including figures and tables regardless of whether it is
single or double spaced. This maximum has been established to ensure
fair and equitable competition. The Project Narrative must include all
of the following:

1\) Objectives. Clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged
statement(s) of the specific aims of the proposed effort to the segment
of the time critical research activities contained in the proposal must
be included in all applications.

\(2\) Procedures. 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: (i) a description of the proposed
investigations and/or experiments in the sequence in which it is planned
to carry them out; (ii) techniques to be employed, including their
feasibility; (iii) kinds of results expected; (iv) means by which data
will be analyzed or interpreted; (v) pitfalls which might be
encountered; and (vi) limitations to proposed procedures.

\(3\) Justification. This section should include in‑depth information on
the following, when applicable: (i) estimates of the magnitude of the
problem and its relevance to ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural
research programs; (ii) importance of starting the work during the
current FY; and (iii) reasons for having the work performed by the
proposing institution; (iv) demonstrated evidence of collaborative work
that involves working groups or approved Multi-state research
committees, or similar activities, as appropriate; (v) demonstrated
capacity to conduct research requiring flexibility and adaptation in
order to find solutions in a time-critical manner.

\(4\) Literature Review. A summary of pertinent publications with
emphasis on their relationship to the effort being proposed should be
provided and should include all important and recent publications from
other institutions, as well as those from your institution. The
citations themselves should be accurate, complete, and written in an
acceptable journal format.

\(5\) Current Work. Current unpublished institutional activities to date
related to the priorities as specified in Part I of this request for
applications should be described.

\(6\) Project Timetable. The application should outline all important
phases as a function of time for the entire project period.

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

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 5. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

**5. [R&R Personal Data]{.underline} --** As noted in Part V, 6. 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
**6. [R&R Budget]{.underline}**
:::

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 7. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

7\. [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 "**Critical
Issues: Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases**" and the
program code "**NI**".

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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940677 .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 **April 3, 2009
(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 15 days of the established deadline, please
contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII of the applicable RFA
and request the proposal number assigned to the application. **Failure
to do so may result in the application not being considered for funding
by the peer review panel. Once the application has been assigned a
proposal number, this number should be cited on all future
correspondence.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940678 .anchor}D. Funding Restrictions

1\. Indirect Costs

Pursuant to Section 1473 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, 7 USC 3319,
**indirect costs are not allowable costs under Section 2(c)(1)(B)
Special Grant projects,** and no funds will be approved for this
purpose. Further, costs that are a part of the institution\'s indirect
cost pool, (e.g., administrative or clerical salaries), may not be
reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making them allowable.

2\. Building Construction or Renovation

No funds will be awarded for the renovation or refurbishment of research
spaces; the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces;
or for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or
construction of a building or facility.

3\. Tuition Remission

In accordance with Section 1473 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 USC 3319), as amended,
tuition remission is not an allowable cost under Section 2(c)(1)(B)
projects, and no funds will be approved for this purpose.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940679 .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."

An application may be submitted only once to CSREES. The submission of
duplicate or substantially similar applications concurrently for review
by more than one program will result in the application being excluded
from review.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940680 .anchor}PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW
REQUIREMENTS

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940681 .anchor}A. General

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

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

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940682 .anchor}B. Evaluation Criteria

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

1\. Overall scientific and technical quality of the application (15
points);

2\. Scientific and technical quality of the procedures (10 points);

3\. Feasibility of attaining time sensitive objectives (20 points);

4\. Relevance and importance of the proposed research to achieving
specific objectives in the targeted areas of this solicitation (as
described in Part II, C.) (30 points);

5\. Professional training and experience of key project personnel
(including current and previous collaborative research related to the
proposal) (10 points);

6\. Adequacy of facilities and equipment (10 points); and

7\. Appropriateness of budget request to attaining project objectives (5
points).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940683 .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___Toc223940684 .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___Toc223940685 .anchor}PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940686 .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 (now codified at 2 CFR 215, 2 CFR 220 and 2 CFR 230), and the
Department\'s assistance regulations (parts 3015, 3019 and 3430 of 7
CFR).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940687 .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___Toc223940688 .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 -- Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other
Non-Profit Organizations (OMB Circular A-110).

2 CFR Part 220 -- Cost Principles for Educational Institutions (OMB
Circular A-21).

2 CFR Part 230 -- Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations (OMB
Circular A-122).

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
USC 6301-6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements
applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance.

7 CFR Part 3017**---**USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and 7 CFR Part 3021**---**Governmentwide
Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants).

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

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

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

7 CFR Part 3400 -- (Subparts C and D) Special Research Grants Program
Administrative Provisions.

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 USC 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 USC 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___Toc223940689 .anchor}D. Expected Program Outputs and
Reporting Requirements

Grantees are also 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]{.underline}](http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/). 

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940690 .anchor}PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr.
Rick Meyer, National Program Leader for Entomology; Plant and Animal
Systems Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service; USDA; STOP 2220; 1400 Independence Ave., SW; Washington, DC
20250-2220; telephone: (202) 401-4891; fax: (202) 401-4888; e-mail:
<hmeyer@csrees.usda.gov>.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940691 .anchor}PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940692 .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___Toc223940693 .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 three
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___Toc223940694 .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___Toc223940695 .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 USC chapter 35),
the collection of information requirements contained in this Notice have
been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940696 .anchor}E. Definitions

Please refer to [7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula
Grant Programs\--General Grant Administrative
Provisions](http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1e723b77e296373b9f8d9c24dfbbafdc&rgn=div5&view=text&node=7:15.1.11.2.13&idno=7),
for the applicable definitions for this CSREES grant program.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc223940697 .anchor}Electronic Application Checklist

Only electronic applications may be submitted to CSREES via Grants.gov
unless indicated otherwise in the specific program Request for
Applications (RFA). All applications submitted to CSREES 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:

� **Are you eligible to apply for the funding offered in the RFA?**
Eligibility information for each funding opportunity is stated in Part
III, Eligibility Information, of each RFA.

� **Are you applying to the correct funding opportunity associated with
the RFA?** Field 1 of the CSREES Supplemental Information Form will
pre-populate to indicate the program to which you are applying.

� **Have you followed the guidelines for filling out your electronic
application provided in the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide, which
is posted along with the electronic SF 424 R&R application package on
Grants.gov?** Electronic applications should be prepared according to
this guide and the specific program RFA. This guide is part of the
corresponding electronic application package for the specific program to
which you are applying.

� **Has your institution properly registered with Grants.gov to enable
you to submit an application?** Those who wish to submit an application
to CSREES should first contact their Authorized Representative (AR) to
determine if the organization is prepared to submit applications through
Grants.gov. See <http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

� **Have all attachments been submitted in the portable document format
(PDF)?** CSREES will only accept PDF attachments. 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? Are all PDF
documents numbered sequentially on each page of the attachment? Are all
page limitations for a given attachment followed?**

� **Did you use the "Check Package for Errors" feature (see section 1.8
of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide)?**

� **Have all required components of the SF 424 Research and Related
(R&R) Application Package posted under the funding opportunity on
Grants.gov been completed?**

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

-   Have all required fields (highlighted in yellow) been completed?

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

-   Have the fields describing project potential or actual environmental
    impact been properly completed?

> [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?

-   Does this section adhere to the format and page limitations?

-   Did you use the suggested Project Summary/Abstract Template found
    at:
    [www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#abstract](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#abstract)?

> [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?

� [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 key personnel been
    attached?

-   Have all current and pending projects been listed and summarized,
    **including this proposal**?

-   Did you use the suggested Current and Pending Support Template found
    at:
    [www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#current](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#current)?

� [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. If completing the
    information, do not enter any data in the field requesting the
    social security number.

� [R&R Budget]{.underline}

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

-   Are annual and summary budgets included? For multi-institution
    applications, have subaward budgets been included for each
    institution involved?

> [Budget Justification]{.underline}

-   Has the Budget Justification PDF been attached to this form in Field
    K?

-   Are budget items individually justified?

-   For multi-institution applications, have subaward budget
    justifications been included for each institution involved?

� [CSREES Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

-   Has Field 1 been pre-populated?

-   Does Field 2 indicate the Program Code Name and Program Code to
    which you are applying?

> [Conflict of Interest List]{.underline}

-   Has the Conflict of Interest List PDF been attached to this form in
    Field 8?

-   Has a Conflict of Interest List been provided for all individuals
    who have submitted a Biographical Sketch?

-   Does the Conflict of Interest list include the four categories as
    appropriate?

-   Did you use the suggested Conflict of Interest Template found at:
    [www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#coi](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#coi)?