**Specialty Crop Research Initiative**

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

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15, 2009**

**[Please Note:]{.underline}** As of 02/04/08, page 3 of this RFA has
been modified to update the "*notification of intent to submit an
application*" deadline. For planning purposes, this deadline was changed
from March 23, 2009 to **[March 02, 2009]{.underline}** and can be found
in **[Bold Red Text]{.underline}**.

**[Please Note:]{.underline}** As of 03/12/08, pages 26 and 27 of this
RFA has been modified in accordance with the FY 2009 Omnibus
Appropriations Act (signed into law 03/11/2009), for the purposes of a
grant made under section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998, which established SCRI, in-kind
support from non-Federal sources in the form of unrecovered indirect
costs ***may*** be used to meet the matching requirements. This
modification can be found on pages 26 and in **[Bold Red
Text]{.underline}**.

# ![](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**

**SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.309, Specialty Crop
Research Initiative.

**DATES:** Applications must be received by Grants.gov on **April 15,
2009 (5:00 p.m. or earlier 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 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 Specialty Crop Research Initiative RFA.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*Please Read\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Important Information Regarding Specialty Crop Research Initiative
Policies and Procedures

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*Please Read\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\***

**Please Note: The Specialty Crop Research Initiative does not fund
start-up businesses.**

**All applications to the Specialty Crop Research Initiative must be
submitted through Grants.gov. Only materials submitted through
Grants.gov (including letters of support) will be considered in the
review process.**

**Notice of Intent to Submit an Application:** Prospective applicants
are asked to email a notification of intent to submit an application by
COB on **[March 02, 2009]{.underline}** (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The
notification of intent to submit is not required and does not enter into
the review of a subsequent application. The information it contains will
be used to help program staff plan the review and estimate the potential
review workload. This email should include the following information:

-   Descriptive (draft) title of proposed research;

-   Name of the Project Director and applicant name if applicable;

-   Names of other potential co-Project Directors and their
    affiliations, if applicable;

-   Focus area(s) addressed, (see Part I(B) for specific details);

-   Likely type of proposal (Coordinated Agricultural Projects, Standard
    Research and Extension Projects, Regional Partnerships for
    Innovation Projects, eXtension Projects, and Research and Extension
    Planning Projects); and

-   **Subject line of email should read: SCRI -- Intent to Submit.**

Emails should be sent to scri@csrees.usda.gov.

**Implementation of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative:** It is
strongly encouraged that applicants propose a unique approach to solving
problems facing the specialty crop industries by addressing challenges
using a systems approach, as defined in Part VIII (E). In doing so,
applications should focus on entire primary systems, or on areas where
two or more primary systems overlap. For the purposes of this
announcement, a primary system is one of the three main sectors of the
specialty crop industry depicted in the graphic below: the production
system, the processing and distribution system, and the consumer and
markets system. Meeting the challenges faced by these industries can
best be handled by considering the full breadth of system components
(see example components listed for each primary system), rather than
treating each component in isolation and ignoring important interactions
and conflicts among components that may render component-specific
solutions unviable in the longer term.

![](media/image3.png){width="4.478472222222222in"
height="4.478472222222222in"}

Specialty crops are defined in law as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts,
dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including
floriculture. In total, these crops face many unique, but common,
challenges. The SCRI seeks to address these challenges by funding
systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches. **PLEASE NOTE:** **For
purposes of the SCRI, the term** **trans-disciplinary, is defined as a
multi-discipline approach that brings biological and physical scientists
together with economists and social scientists to address challenges in
a holistic manner.** It is anticipated that successful applications
will:

1.  Engage stakeholders in collaborative ways to identify those
    priorities of greatest need;

2.  Bring together multi-state, multi-institutional teams of biological,
    physical and social scientists to develop strategies and actions
    emphasizing **systems-based**, **trans-disciplinary** approaches for
    meeting the identified priorities;

3.  Address priorities through research and extension;

4.  Present plans for documenting the impacts of funded applications
    that include stakeholder involvement; and

5.  Include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and
    the public.

**New Recipients of CSREES Funding:** The eligibility requirements for
the SCRI are quite broad (see Part III (A)). Successful applicants who
have not received CSREES funding in the past will be required to provide
detailed management information prior to the receiving an award.
Specific management information is required as part of the
responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant, and must be
provided as part of the pre-award process (see Part V (D) for more
information).

**Project Directors (PD) Workshop: It is the intent of the Specialty
Crop Research Initiative to require successful applicants, or a
designee, to attend at least one PD workshop during the term of their
project.** These workshops may be held in conjunction with another
conference. Alternatively, the PD workshops may be held separate from
any other meeting. **For the purpose of budget development, applicants
are required to request funds for attending at least one such workshop.
The request for these funds should be clearly indicated in the budget
narrative section of the application.**

**Matching Requirement: 100 percent non-federal match is legislatively
required for this funding opportunity. ALL applicants will be required
to provide appropriate matching documentation in each application (see
Part IV (B) (6) of this RFA for more specific information).**

**Registration Requirement:** Before applying, you must complete the
Grants.gov registration process which **[can take as long as two
weeks]{.underline}**. Please see Part IV (A) and the following
Grants.Gov link for more information:

<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp>.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES announces the availability of grant funds
(approximately \$47.3 million) and requests applications for the
Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to
solve critical United States specialty crop issues, priorities, or
problems through the integration of research and extension activities
that take systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches. The intent of
the SCRI is to solve the needs of the various specialty crop industries
through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, the exchange
of information and the development of resources that accelerate
application of scientific discovery and technology. SCRI will give
priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or
trans-disciplinary, see Definitions; Part VIII (E); and include explicit
mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public.

The SCRI offers the following five (5) project types in FY 2009. These
project types are described in more detail in Part II(C). Applicants
should decide which project type is best suited to the objectives of
their research and extension project and develop a budget that fits the
objectives.

1.  **Standard Research and Extension Projects** (SREPs)

    a.  Project Period -- Up to five (5) years.

    b.  Budget -- Normally, federal funds will not exceed \$2,000,000
        per project.

    c.  Purpose -- To support targeted problem-solving efforts that
        would not otherwise qualify in scope for support as a CAP
        project.

2.  **Coordinated Agricultural Projects** (CAPs)

    a.  Project Period -- Three (3) to five (5) years.

    b.  Funding range -- Normally, federal funds will not exceed
        \$2,000,000 per **[year]{.underline}**.

    c.  Purpose -- To address specific multiple components of a primary
        system or multiple components of areas where primary systems
        overlap (see diagram page 4).

3.  **Regional Partnerships for Innovation** (RPIs)

    a.  Project Period -- Two (2) to three (3) years.

    b.  Budget -- Normally, federal funds will not exceed \$2,000,000
        per project.

    c.  Purpose -- To form partnerships that provide the local or
        regional infrastructure needed to fully exploit future
        technology commercialization and adoption.

4.  **eXtension Projects**

    a.  Project Period -- Three (3) to five (5) years.

    b.  Budget -- Normally, federal funds will not exceed \$500,000 per
        project.

    c.  Purpose -- To develop Communities of Practice (COPs) for the
        eXtension system and to support existing COPs.

5.  **Research and Extension Planning Projects**

    a.  Project Period -- One (1) year.

    b.  Budget -- Federal funds up to \$50,000 per project.

    c.  Purpose -- To provide assistance to applicants in the
        development of quality proposals.

This notice identifies the objectives for SCRI projects, the eligibility
criteria for projects and applicants, and the application forms and
associated instructions needed to apply for a SCRI grant.

In FY 2009, the maximum project period for SREP, CAP, and eXtension
Projects SCRI applications is five (5) years. In cases where SCRI
projects require longer term Federal assistance (e.g., plant breeding of
woody species), successful applicants will be eligible to submit Renewal
applications prior to the end of their funding. [Renewal
applications]{.underline} request 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 which demonstrates measurable progress. Renewal applications will
be evaluated in competition with other pending applications in the
appropriate area to which they are assigned, and will be reviewed
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications. **For FY
2009, Renewal grant applications will not be considered for funding.**

**Table of Contents**

[**PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
9**](#part-ifunding-opportunity-description)

[**A. Legislative Authority and Background
9**](#a.-legislative-authority-and-background)

[**B. Purpose and Priorities 9**](#b.-purpose-and-priorities)

[**PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 13**](#part-iiaward-information)

[**A. Available Funding 13**](#a.-available-funding)

[**B. Types of Applications 13**](#b.-types-of-applications)

[**C. Project Types 13**](#c.-project-types)

[**PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
19**](#part-iiieligibility-information)

[**A. Eligible Applicants 19**](#a.-eligible-applicants)

[**B. Cost Sharing or Matching 19**](#b.-cost-sharing-or-matching)

[**PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
20**](#part-ivapplication-and-submission-information)

[**A. Electronic Application Package
20**](#a.-electronic-application-package)

[**B. Content and Form of Application Submission
21**](#b.-content-and-form-of-application-submission)

[**C. Submission Dates and Times 25**](#c.-submission-dates-and-times)

[**D. Funding Restrictions 26**](#d.-funding-restrictions)

[**E. Other Submission Requirements
27**](#e.-other-submission-requirements)

[**PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
28**](#part-vapplication-review-requirements)

[**A. General 28**](#a.-general)

[**B. Evaluation Criteria 28**](#b.-evaluation-criteria)

[**C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
34**](#__RefHeading___Toc219615578)

[**D. Organizational Management Information
34**](#d.-organizational-management-information)

[**PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 35**](#part-viaward-administration)

[**A. General 35**](#a.-general-1)

[**B. Award Notice 35**](#b.-award-notice)

[**C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
36**](#c.-administrative-and-national-policy-requirements)

[**D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
37**](#d.-expected-program-outputs-and-reporting-requirements)

[**PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT 38**](#part-viiagency-contact)

[**PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 39**](#part-viiiother-information)

[**A. Access to Review Information
39**](#a.-access-to-review-information)

[**B. Use of Funds; Changes 39**](#b.-use-of-funds-changes)

[**C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
40**](#c.-confidential-aspects-of-applications-and-awards)

[**D. Regulatory Information 40**](#d.-regulatory-information)

[**E. Definitions 40**](#e.-definitions)

[**F. Electronic Application Checklist
46**](#f.-electronic-application-checklist)

# PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION {#part-ifunding-opportunity-description .TC1}

# A. Legislative Authority and Background {#a.-legislative-authority-and-background .TC1}

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) is authorized by Section
7311 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which added
section 412 to the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA). Section 412 of AREERA establishes a
specialty crop research and extension initiative to address the critical
needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating
science-based tools to address needs of specific crops and their
regions.

# B. Purpose and Priorities  {#b.-purpose-and-priorities .TC2}

The purpose of the SCRI is to address the critical needs of the
specialty crop industry (as defined in Part VIII (E)). SCRI projects
must be designed to solve critical specialty crop agriculture issues,
address priorities, and/or solve problems through multifunctional
research and extension activities. The SCRI accepts integrated research
and extension proposals, single function research proposals, and single
function extension proposals. **Priority [will be given]{.underline} to
proposals that integrate research *and* extension.**

SCRI will give priority to projects that are multistate,
multi-institutional or trans-disciplinary, and include explicit
mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public. Projects
must budget sufficient resources to carry out the proposed set of
extension and research activities. Projects **must address** at least
one of the five legislatively mandated focus areas described below and
applications should describe the practical applications being sought.
The intent of the SCRI is to promote collaboration, open communication,
the exchange of information and the development of resources that
accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to solving
needs of the various specialty crop industries. SCRI aims to reduce
duplication of efforts and integrate activities among individuals,
institutions, states, and regions. Therefore, applications should
clearly articulate how a SCRI award will complement and/or link with
existing programs or projects. FY 2009 funds will be awarded to
successful applicants under the five (5) project types described in
detail in Part II(C).

The SCRI has five (5) legislatively mandated focus areas, each of which
will receive at least 10 percent of the available funds. These focus
areas are:

1.  Research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop
    characteristics, such as:

    a.  product, taste, quality, and appearance;

    b.  environmental responses and tolerances;

    c.  nutrient management, including plant nutrient uptake efficiency;

    d.  pest and disease management, including resistance to pests and
        diseases resulting in reduced application management strategies;
        and

    e.  enhanced phytonutrient content.

2.  Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases,
    including threats to specialty crop pollinators;

3.  Efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and
    profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy
    and marketing);

4.  New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and
    technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and

5.  Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to
    potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of
    specialty crops, including fresh produce.

CSREES will address all of these focus areas by funding projects that
emphasize **systems-based**, **trans-disciplinary** approaches. In
addition, for the purposes of this program, CSREES interprets new
innovations and technology to include, among other things, automation,
robotics, sensor technology and precision agriculture for specialty
crops.

**Please note: This program does not fund start up businesses.**

# FY 2009 Priority Topics {#fy-2009-priority-topics .TC2}

#  {#section .TC1}

# Stakeholder organizations have spent considerable effort crafting strategic plans and technology roadmaps over the past several years. Stakeholders have also provided direct input to the SCRI Program Directors. While stakeholder communities have expressed broad interest in research and extension projects that cover many different topics within the five (5) mandated focus areas, they have also indicated some very significant high-priority needs. Consequently, based on those stated industry needs, the SCRI has identified a number of priorities within each focus area for FY 2009, and particularly encourages applications that address these priorities. Identification of these priorities is not intended to be exclusionary and should not deter submission of applications that address other priorities appropriate to each focus area.  {#stakeholder-organizations-have-spent-considerable-effort-crafting-strategic-plans-and-technology-roadmaps-over-the-past-several-years.-stakeholders-have-also-provided-direct-input-to-the-scri-program-directors.-while-stakeholder-communities-have-expressed-broad-interest-in-research-and-extension-projects-that-cover-many-different-topics-within-the-five-5-mandated-focus-areas-they-have-also-indicated-some-very-significant-high-priority-needs.-consequently-based-on-those-stated-industry-needs-the-scri-has-identified-a-number-of-priorities-within-each-focus-area-for-fy-2009-and-particularly-encourages-applications-that-address-these-priorities.-identification-of-these-priorities-is-not-intended-to-be-exclusionary-and-should-not-deter-submission-of-applications-that-address-other-priorities-appropriate-to-each-focus-area. .TC}

1.  Research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop
    characteristics:

-   Develop innovative plant breeding systems that improve flexibility
    and speed for delivering unique new specialty crop cultivars adapted
    to meet future challenges.

-   Describe and develop systems to remove non-technical barriers to
    adoption of new cultivars--- such as economic or marketing
    barriers---that inhibit full exploitation of the genetic potential
    of specialty crops.

-   Preserve and utilize national grape germplasm stocks to develop and
    expand commercial accessions that meet regional industry cost and
    quality requirements, and eliminate production hurdles relating to
    pests/diseases and environmental stress.

-   Facilitate and improve connections between genomic projects and
    specialty crop breeding programs, including phenotypic
    characterization, marker development, transgenic research and risk
    assessment, and cloning of key genes of economic importance for
    vegetable crops.

-   Advance understanding of the genomics of the Rosaceae family and
    their application to practical breeding programs.

-   Develop new cultivars that are co-designed with newly engineered
    systems for production operations (e.g., spraying, pruning,
    scouting, and harvesting), to help assure that future crop
    architectures are amenable to increased mechanization.

2.  Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases,
    including threats to specialty crop pollinators:

-   Improve our understanding of the mealy bug complexes that occur in
    vineyards, the relationship of these complexes to the spread of
    grape leafroll viruses and disease transmission biology.

-   Create new scientific developments, technologies, and tools that
    will help reduce the incidence and impact of industry-critical
    insect and disease problems including, but not limited to:
    monitoring, control and management strategies for Citrus Greening,
    also known as Huanglongbing, and the Asian citrus psyllid, which
    vectors the disease; field based diagnostic tools for *Phytophthora*
    species, particularly *P. ramorum and P. kernoviae*; integrated
    management systems for white rot of onions and garlic caused by
    *Sclerotium cepivorum*; integrated management systems for watermelon
    vine decline, including management of the white fly vectors; and
    comprehensive strategies and mechanisms for eradication of Bacterial
    Ring Rot of Potato or variants of Potato Virus Y in potato.

-   Create new knowledge and improved tools to understand, protect, and
    manage native pollinators, including: determining the role and
    extent of parasites and pathogens on native pollinators; modifying
    specialty crop production systems to improve habitat for
    pollinators; and establishing and valuating ecosystems services
    performed by native pollinators in specialty crop systems.

-   Develop new integrated pest management tools such as have been
    demonstrated with the integrated pest management - Pest Information
    Platforms for Extension and Education (ipmPIPE) and other wide-area,
    integrated systems that possess broad impact. Proposed projects
    should respond to stakeholder identified needs (e.g., one of the
    priority pest topics listed immediately above, or others not
    listed), include stakeholder advisory panels as an ongoing activity
    in the execution of the project, and integrate extension educational
    elements.

3.  Efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and
    profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy
    and marketing):

-   Develop new or improved mechanisms (e.g., criteria and indicators)
    for assessing sustainability that will allow specialty crop
    producers and processors, or entire industries or regions, to
    evaluate the sustainability of current practices and to monitor
    their movement toward more sustainable practices over time.

-   Improve understanding and application of nutrition, economic, social
    science, and marketing factors influencing the consumption of
    specialty crops: increase knowledge about health promoting
    properties of bioactive components found in specialty crops; develop
    and evaluate the impact of strategies to improve knowledge,
    attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to consumption; test or
    develop new methods to measure the outcomes of strategies to
    increase consumption of specialty crops; and establish the economic
    benefits, both individual and societal, for increased consumption.

-   Improve understanding the environmental, economic, and social
    implications of specialty crop production, processing, distribution,
    and marketing---including the production and transportation of all
    inputs (including energy) and the disposition of all wastes and
    byproducts---through the application of Life Cycle Assessment or
    other methods of systems-based analysis that incorporate the
    important contributions of cycles and feedback mechanisms.

4.  New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and
    technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and:

-   Improve post-harvest handling, transportation, and distribution
    systems and technologies: develop post-harvest systems and
    distribution channels that help to better maintain the "cold chain",
    preserve nutritional value, and increase the shelf life of specialty
    crops (e.g., including, but not limited to: logistics, sorting,
    inspection, waste stream management, traceability, and packaging).

-   Remove key barriers to achieving labor savings and product quality
    enhancement in production and processing through research,
    development, application, and adoption of technologies: that foster
    automation, that sense plant health (including detecting viruses in
    whole plants or parts of plants) and product quality, that provide
    high resolution spatial and temporal information for decision
    making, and that are both robust and economical.

-   Develop new science, tools, and technology focused on the use and
    impacts of alternative sources of water (e.g., recycled, brackish
    groundwater) on: plant productivity and crop yield; product taste,
    quality and marketability; plant environmental responses and
    tolerances (e.g., salinity); and food safety and toxicity issues.

5.  Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to
    potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of
    specialty crops, including fresh produce:

-   Increase understanding of sources, persistence, growth and mechanism
    of transfer of food borne pathogens and assessing the relative risk
    of these sources in food systems (e.g., soil, irrigation water,
    manure, wild, agricultural and domestic animals, packing sheds,
    transportation vehicles, warehouses, processing plants, retail
    outlets and household kitchens, and humans).

-   Develop and adapt methods to identify and quantify food borne
    pathogens, chemical residues (e.g., fumigants), and tree nut
    allergens, with particular reference to sample preparation methods
    to aid in recovery of pathogenic microorganisms in complex matrices
    and rapid, robust, and field testable methods, test kits, and/or
    devices.

-   Develop and implement mechanisms for collaboration among academia,
    government and industry to standardize methods of detection,
    developing standards/metrics for risk management and third party
    audits.

-   Create a systems approach to risk management, including, but not
    limited to: establishing appropriate metrics, risk ranking of
    parameters for monitoring and interventions, and developing
    procedures for training managers; providing assistance in
    implementing risk management followed by evaluation.

-   Develop, test and implement an interactive national database,
    networking, and data sharing system for effective risk management
    decisions and commodity-specific information to facilitate tracing
    the origin of contamination.

# PART II---AWARD INFORMATION {#part-iiaward-information .TC1}

# A. Available Funding {#a.-available-funding .TC2}

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards. Approximately \$47.3 million will be
available to fund SCRI applications in FY 2009. Please refer to the
Executive Summary for further details regarding funding ranges and
project periods.

# B. Types of Applications {#b.-types-of-applications .TC2}

All applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection
process and evaluation criteria described in Part V---Application Review
Requirements. In FY 2009, the SCRI will accept the following two (2)
application types:

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

**[(2) Resubmitted application]{.underline}**. This is an application
that had previously been submitted to SCRI but not funded. Project
Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous review panel summary.
Resubmitted 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.

# C. Project Types {#c.-project-types .TC2}

**Standard Research and Extension Projects** (SREPs) will support
targeted problem-solving efforts that *contribute* to the overall
sustainability of a primary system or one of its components, and that
would not otherwise qualify in scope and effort for support as a
Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP). Beginning with
stakeholder-identified concerns, projects should seek solutions that
lead to measurable benefit to producers and consumers. Applications
should bring together both research and extension components of the
agricultural knowledge system around a problem area or activity. For
each SREP award, there is an expectation that an advisory panel will be
formed to inform the program throughout its life, including the
identification and prioritization of research and extension objectives.
Applications should detail the creation and functions of this panel. The
project must contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of
specialty crop production, processing or marketing systems. Further, the
project must bring together biological, physical, and social scientists,
as appropriate to project goals and address economic, environmental,
**and** social aspects of specialty crop sustainability. SREPs represent
the "focused science and application studies" portion of the systems
diagram on page four. SCRI [SREPs will have a project period ranging up
to five (5) years.]{.underline}

**Coordinated Agricultural Projects** (CAPs) will be awarded to
consortia or groups of qualified applicants *to address multiple
components of a primary system, an entire primary system or problems
that cut across primary systems*, with the expectation that the project
will make strong contributions to the sustainability of the system or
system component. These projects would apply trans-disciplinary,
multi-functional, and, where appropriate, multi-institutional approaches
to provide viable solutions to the highest priority stakeholder needs.
An aim of a CAP award is to encourage maximum flexibility in applied
research and extension. Applications will be evaluated based on how well
their goals and objectives respond to current stakeholder needs. It is
recognized however, that as a project\'s comprehensive approach unfolds,
unexpected advances and promising leads, or unforeseen new national
needs related to project goals and objectives, may be identified. [SCRI
CAPs will have a project period ranging from three (3) to five (5)
years.]{.underline}

CAP applications are expected to demonstrate coherent and complementary
integrated activities with the ultimate goal of developing a strategy or
solution that could be implemented for specialty crops. Applications are
expected to take advantage of recent advances in biological, physical,
and social and economic sciences and to translate basic discoveries and
knowledge to practical applications. The project must contribute to
long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty crop production,
processing or marketing systems. The application's methodology and
analytical approach must be appropriate to project objectives;
continuity of plan must address future long-term plans for proposed
activities, and effectively combine research and extension activities.
For CAPs requesting larger budgets, applications are expected to
demonstrate the potential to develop a national strategy or solution as
an ultimate goal. This would include an intent to promote collaboration,
open communication, the exchange of information and development of
resources that accelerate the application of scientific discovery and
technology to solving the needs of various specialty crop industries.
Such a national CAP should aim to reduce duplication of efforts and
integrate activities among individuals, institutions, states, and
regions. Therefore, applications should clearly articulate how the
national-scope CAP they are proposing would complement and/or link with
existing programs or projects.\
\
A CAP must seek to bring together a multi-state, multi-institutional,
and/or trans-disciplinary team to integrate scientific discoveries and
technology with practical application; and provide complementary
extension efforts to bring science-based information to relevant
audiences that will allow them to make informed decisions. For each CAP
award, there is an expectation that an advisory panel will be formed to
inform the program throughout its life, including the identification and
prioritization of research and/or extension objectives. Applications
must detail the creation and functions of this panel.\
\
CAP teams should be comprised of members working in discovery, learning,
and engagement to conduct research and extension utilizing systems
science and trans-disciplinary approaches on an emerging or priority
area important to specialty crops. This integrated team should contain
expertise in biological science disciplines, physical science and
engineering disciplines, socio-economic sciences, extension, and program
evaluation, as appropriate, as well as expertise from principal
stakeholders and partners. Partnerships with end user groups (*e.g.*,
industry, processors, manufacturers, growers, technology providers) are
strongly encouraged. The application should outline the potential of the
CAP team, its structure, coordination and plan of implementation.

As a result, there is an expectation that objectives may be redirected
and/or new objectives may be developed with associated budget
adjustments. To encourage flexibility, the program does not expect that
all investigators associated with the proposed project will be supported
throughout its duration.

Applications must include, as an appendix, a budgeted project management
plan and timeline to ensure efficient functioning of the CAP team. This
plan should include an organizational chart, administrative timeline, a
description of how the project will be governed, intellectual property
management, and identification of short-, medium- and long-term metrics
to be evaluated, what expectations are required from each team member, a
mechanism whereby progress metrics can be evaluated, and how the project
will complement and/or link to existing programs or projects to include
multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, multi-state and
trans-disciplinary collaborations. The plan must include a strategy to
become self-supporting by the end of the project period. (See Part IV
(B) (3) (c) -- Field 11 for attachment instructions.)

Applications must include, as an appendix, a budgeted plan and timeline
for an advisory group of principal stakeholders and scientists relevant
to the proposed research and extension projects (*e.g*., include letters
of commitment and rationale for their role) to assess and evaluate the
quality, potential outcomes, and impacts, and how they could function
effectively to support the goals and objectives of the CAP). See Part IV
(B) (3) (c) -- Field 11 for attachment instructions.

**Regional Partnerships for Innovation** (RPI). As new technologies
emerge from the SCRI and other research and extension programs, there
will be a need to help those products reach commercialization so that
they become available for adoption by specialty crop industries. The
Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs help
individual small businesses develop and prototype pre-commercial
products and services. However, there often remains a gap in
organizational and networking resources resulting in a lack of "support
networks" that encourage regional economic development to bring these
new products and services to market. Broad-based partnerships can
provide the local or regional organizational infrastructure needed to
fully exploit future technology commercialization and adoption. It is
anticipated that research and extension efforts might, for example, be
used to: seed innovative approaches and technology leading to new
product development; conduct market research for recently developed, or
anticipated, technology products; better understand and develop
mitigation strategies for technology adoption roadblocks; and
investigate and test new business models particularly tailored to the
unique needs of specialty crop industries. These networks would be
comprised of partnerships among universities, local governments,
financial stakeholders, end-user industries, manufacturers, community
organizations, etc. RPI awards will support the initial development of
regional partnerships with the expectation that they would be
self-supporting by the end of a grant's project period. [Regional
Partnerships for Innovation applications will have a project period of
two (2) to three (3) years.]{.underline}

RPIs should serve one or more stakeholder industries, both seeking their
participation and incorporating their input. It is expected that each
funded partnership will operate within a delineated geographic extent
and include participants appropriate to that geography and stated
stakeholder communities. Participant roles and responsibilities will
focus on particular partnership objectives and the anticipated outputs
and outcomes for the project. For each RPI award, there is an
expectation that an advisory panel will be formed to inform the program
throughout its life, including the identification and prioritization of
research and/or extension objectives. Applications must detail the
creation and functions of this panel.

The application must demonstrate an understanding and application of a
whole system(s) approach with the potential for the partnership to
contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty
crop production, processing, or marketing systems. Application must
document that the project brings together biological, physical, and
social scientists, as appropriate, to project goals to address economic,
environmental, **and** social aspects of specialty crop sustainability.

RPIs developed under this initiative should articulate how their
approach can serve as a model for innovation by other industries and
other locales. A continuity plan should also be included that describes
how the partnership effort will continue beyond the period of CSREES
funding.

**eXtension Projects.** CSREES encourages the development of information
and educational content to advance the widespread adoption of
research-based practices and technologies by end users such as
producers. Groups of qualified individuals will receive grants to
develop new eXtension Communities of Practice (CoPs) and/or support the
enhancement of existing CoPs to ensure that information and technology
transfer reach potential adopters as quickly as possible.

Application must demonstrate an understanding and application of a whole
system(s) approach with the potential for the project to contribute to
long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty crop production,
processing and marketing systems. The project must bring together
biological, physical, and social scientists, as appropriate, to project
goals to address economic, environmental, **and** social aspects of
specialty crop sustainability.

Applicants establishing new CoPs (or enhancing existing ones) must first
follow the corresponding steps outlined by eXtension.org
(<http://about.extension.org/wiki/eXtension_Information_for_Responding_to_CSREES_RFAs>).
In addition to addressing the relevance criteria established for the
SCRI, eXtension applications to this program should also address in
their narrative the Key Criteria listed on the above eXtension web site.
[eXtension applications will have a project period of three (3) to five
(5) years.]{.underline}

> **[Please see the following links for more information:]{.underline}**
>
> **eXtension**
>
> <http://about.extension.org/mediawiki/files/5/51/EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_-_March_14%2C_2006_-_YEAR_2.pdf>
>
> **eXtension Implementation Plan**
>
> [[http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning]{.underline}](http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning)
>
> **Communities of Practice**
> (<http://about.extension.org/wiki/Glossary_of_eXtension_Terms#Community_of_Practice_.28CoP.29>)

**Research and Extension Planning Projects** are intended to provide
assistance to applicants in the development of quality future proposals.
Priority will be given to applicants who: (1) can demonstrate limited
resources for submitting large grant applications, (2) articulate
benefits accrued from formal planning activities, and (3) submit
applications containing evidence of a high likelihood that quality
future applications will be submitted for SCRI projects. Applications
are encouraged for meetings that bring together biological, physical,
and social scientists and others, as appropriate, including end-users
and technology providers, to identify research and/or extension needs,
update information, and advance understanding of specialty crop issues
and problems. This information should be used to build teams that can
develop applications to address the identified challenges using a
systems-based, trans-disciplinary focus. The application must develop a
whole system(s) approach with the potential for the project to
contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty
crop production, processing or marketing systems. Project goals must
address economic, environmental, and social aspects of specialty crop
sustainability. These activities can take the form of workshops or
symposia and may constitute an initial step in preparing a SCRI
application in subsequent FYs. Applicants should be careful to ensure
that participants represent a broad range of expertise by detailing the
types of participants who will be invited. Note: The intent of these
planning projects is to foster collaboration and networking
opportunities to enhance the preparation of future high-quality grant
applications. This project type does [not]{.underline} support
preliminary research. However, support for stakeholder survey activities
may be requested, where appropriate and necessary.

[Research and Extension Planning Proposal awards of Federal funds will
not exceed \$50,000, and are not renewable.]{.underline} It is expected
that planning activities supported by this program will occur [within 12
months]{.underline} of awards being issued. Applicants for Research and
Extension Planning Proposals should be mindful that the 100 percent
matching requirement also applies to these awards. Proposals should
demonstrate measurable, cost effective benefits from any proposed
planning activities requested.

**Potential Research and Extension Planning applicants are encouraged to
consult the appropriate Agency Contact (see Part VII) before preparing
their application.**

CSREES expects that applicants will consult with specialty crop
producers, processors and/or consumers before developing SCRI project
applications. Stakeholders should play an important role in developing
project goals and objectives; in implementing the experimental or
extension plan; and in evaluating and disseminating project results and
outcomes. Farmers and others with little training or experience in
developing and implementing research and outreach projects are
encouraged to consult with appropriate specialists. These specialists
might include university scientists and Extension personnel or
production consultants with scientific training. Projects must involve
work that is necessary, both in terms of stakeholder preferences and the
magnitude of the problem. An outcome-oriented plan for disseminating
information derived from project work must be an integral part of the
project.

**Further guidelines for outreach/extension for all project types
(except Planning Grants and eXtension Grants).** CSREES encourages
applicants, to the extent possible and where appropriate, to consider
the following mechanism to enrich outreach activities as part of their
applications.

Any proposed positions and their programmatic foci should be integral to
an application's outreach plan and the needs of stakeholder
organizations, and have clearly stated responsibilities and duties
related to that plan.

# PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION {#part-iiieligibility-information .TC1}

# A. Eligible Applicants {#a.-eligible-applicants .TC2}

For the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, applications may be
submitted by Federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and
universities, research institutions and organizations, private
organizations or corporations, State agricultural experiment stations,
individuals, or groups consisting of two or more of these entities.

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.

# B. Cost Sharing or Matching {#b.-cost-sharing-or-matching .TC2}

The recipient of a grant under the Specialty Crop Research Initiative
must provide funds or in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an
amount that is *at least equal to* the amount provided by the SCRI.
There is no provision for waiver of this requirement; (please see Part
IV (B) (6) for more information).

# PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION {#part-ivapplication-and-submission-information .TC1}

# A. Electronic Application Package {#a.-electronic-application-package .TC2}

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-SCRI-002038** 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
    Standard Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

# B. Content and Form of Application Submission {#b.-content-and-form-of-application-submission .TC2}

::: 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 Project Summary may not
> exceed **250 words** on one page, and should clearly indicate the
> appropriate project type (as described in Part II (C)). The summary
> should also include the relevance of the project to the goals of the
> SCRI. The importance of a concise, informative Project Summary cannot
> be overemphasized. This word and page limitation applies regardless of
> whether figures or tables are included. These maximums have been
> established to ensure fair and equitable competition. Research and
> Extension Planning Projects must ***also*** state the objects of any
> workshop or symposia as well as the proposed location and probable
> inclusive date(s) of the activity.
>
> b\. Field 7 - Project Narrative. PLEASE NOTE: the Project Narrative
> section may not exceed a total of 25 single- or double-spaced pages,
> including figures and tables. The Introduction may not exceed 5 pages,
> and the rest of the Project Narrative may not exceed 20 pages.
> Research and Extension Planning narratives may not exceed 15 single-
> or double-spaced pages, including figures and tables. These SCRI page
> limitations apply regardless of whether figures or tables are
> included. All pages, including those with figures and tables, should
> be numbered sequentially. Applications exceeding the applicable page
> limitation will be at risk of being excluded from review. These
> maximums have been established to ensure fair and equitable
> competition.

**[The Project Narrative must include all of the
following:]{.underline}**

\(i\) Resubmitted applications must provide a detailed response to the
previous review. The response should be as concise as possible, but
there is no limit to the number of pages that may be submitted. If
available, please include the Grants.gov number or CSREES proposal
number of the previous submission. The response to the previous review
**is not** counted against the page limit of the Project Narrative.

\(ii\) As the first page (or more as needed) of the project narrative of
new applications or immediately following the response to the previous
review of resubmitted applications, all applications must include the
following information in a combined executive summary and table of
contents (table format preferred). The executive summary and table of
contents does not count toward the narrative's page limitation.
Applications without an executive summary will **NOT** be considered for
funding.

1.  Project title

2.  Project type (see Part II(C))

3.  List the legislatively mandated focus area(s) being addressed (see
    Part I (B)), and provide an estimate of the percentage of
    effort/funds dedicated to each (sum of percentages should equal 100
    percent).

4.  Program Staff -- include name, title, affiliation, address, and
    e-mail for PD(s), Co-PD(s) and Key Personnel.

5.  A brief summary (2-3 sentences) describing the critical stakeholder
    need addressed by the project and the project's long-term goals
    (provide cross-references to full descriptions in the narrative).

6.  A brief summary (2-3 sentences) of the outreach plan proposed by the
    project (provide a cross-reference to the full description in the
    narrative).

7.  A brief summary (2-3 sentences) describing potential economic,
    social, and environmental benefits (Who benefits and how?).

8.  A brief summary (2-3 sentences) describing stakeholder engagement
    throughout the project (provide a cross-reference to the full
    description in the narrative).

\(iii\) Introduction. List the following:

1.  Provide a clear statement of the long-term goal(s), the critical
    need(s) of specialty crop industries being addressed, and supporting
    outreach objectives or research questions.

2.  Describe how stakeholders were engaged to identify project goals and
    objectives, and as appropriate how stakeholder involvement will
    continue.

3.  Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities that
    substantiate the need for the proposed project.

4.  Describe ongoing or recently completed significant activities
    related to the proposed project including the work of key project
    personnel. Applications should also demonstrate how duplication of
    effort with similar activities by others will be avoided.

5.  Preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed work should
    be included in this section. All works cited should be referenced
    and attached at Field 8 on the Form, Bibliography & Reference Cited.
    Refer to Part V, 3.8 of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

\(iv\) Rationale and Significance. Concisely present the rationale
behind the proposed research and/or extension. The specific relationship
of the project's objectives to one or more of the SCRI focus areas
should be shown clearly. These purposes and focus areas are described
under Part I, B, Purpose and Priorities. Any novel ideas or
contributions that the proposed project offers should also be discussed
in this section.

\(v\) Approach -- **FOR CAPs, SREPs, RPIs, and eXtension Projects**
*(for Research and extension Planning Projects see (vi) below)***:**

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

1.  A description of the activities proposed, key personnel or
    institution roles in those activities, and the sequence in which the
    activities are to be performed (a Gantt chart or other task X time
    representation of project activities is desirable);

2.  Methods to be used in carrying out the proposed project, including
    the feasibility of the methods (clearly describe the systems
    thinking used in the project methodology and the contribution of
    trans-disciplinary approaches);

3.  Expected outcomes, including how the project expects to contribute
    to long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty crops;

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

5.  How results or products will be used;

6.  Outreach plan: including, where appropriate, science-based tools
    disseminated, participants involved in delivery, and how impacts
    will be measured;

7.  Pitfalls that may be encountered;

8.  Limitations to proposed procedures; and

9.  A full explanation of any materials, procedures, situations, or
    activities related to the project that may be hazardous to
    personnel, along with an outline or precautions to be exercised to
    avoid or mitigate the effects of such hazards.

\(vi\) Approach -- **FOR Research and Extension Planning Projects**:

1.  A justification for the meeting (see Part IIC);

2.  Recent meetings on the same subject with dates and locations;

3.  Names and organizational affiliations of the chair and other members
    of the organizing committee;

4.  A proposed program (or agenda) for the activity, including a listing
    of scheduled participants and their institutional affiliations (see
    Part IIC);

5.  Expected outcomes, including how the planning project expects to
    contribute to development of a successful application for an SCRI
    CAP, SREP, or RPI, and

6.  The method of announcement or invitation that will be used.

> c\. Field 11 - Other Attachments -- PDF
>
> Depending on the type of application, other attachments are required.
> Please see the description of each project type in Part II(C) for both
> specific and general information that may be attached here.

i.  **Appendices to Project Description.** Appendices to the Project
    Description are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed
    project. **The addition of appendices should not be used to
    circumvent the text and/or figures and tables page limitations.**
    For example the CAP project type requires specific information which
    should be attached in Field 11 in PDF format, as described below:

> *CAP applications must include, as an appendix, a budgeted plan and
> timeline for an advisory group of principal stakeholders and
> scientists relevant to the proposed research and extension projects
> (e.g., include letters of commitment and rationale for their role) to
> assess and evaluate the quality, potential outcomes, and impacts, and
> how they could function effectively to support the goals and
> objectives of the specific project type within SCRI.*

**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.

For all projects:

*Matching:* Applications shall include written verification of
commitments of matching support from non-federal sources (including both
cash and fair market value of in-kind contributions from third parties).
The non-federal amount must be equal to the amount awarded by the
Federal government. Written verification means:

> For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge agreement
> for each donation, signed by the authorized representative of the
> donor organization and the applicant organization, which must include:
> (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the donor; (2) the name
> of the applicant organization; (3) the title of the project for which
> the donation is made; (4) the dollar amount of the cash donation; and
> (5) a statement that the donor will pay the cash contribution during
> the grant period.

The sources and the amount of all matching support from outside the
applicant organization should be summarized on a separate page and
placed in the application as a part of the Budget Justification
attachment (see Field K on the Form SF 424 (R&R) Budget). Include the
matching amount, the budget category for the match, and detail how the
matching support, *from each source*, will be used (e.g., salary and
position supported). Additionally, all pledge agreements must be
included as a PDF attachment in Field K as well.

The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be established
in accordance with the applicable cost principles. Applicants should
refer to OMB Circulars A-21, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions; A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Tribal
Governments; A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations; 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); and the cost principles in the
Federal Acquisition Regulation at 48 CFR 31.2 for further guidance and
other requirements relating to matching and allowable costs.

**Additional Budget Information**

*For Research and Extension Planning Projects:* The budget for the
planning activity may include an appropriate amount for transportation
and subsistence costs for participants and for other related costs.
[Planning awards of federal funds will not exceed \$50,000 and are not
renewable.]{.underline} Include an itemized breakdown of all support
requested in the Budget Justification (Field K. of the R&R Budget).

*Project Director Workshop:* It is the intent of the Specialty Crop
Research Initiative to require successful applicants or a designee to
attend at least one project director workshop during the term of their
project. For the purposes of budget development, applicants are required
to request funds for attending at least one such workshop. The request
for these funds should be clearly indicated in the budget narrative
section of the application.

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 (i.e., enter
> "Specialty Crop Research Initiative") and the program code (i.e.,
> enter "SCRI").
>
> **b. Field 3. Type of Applicant.** Enter the type of
> Applicant/Organization.
>
> **c. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List.** A conflict of interest list
> is required under this program.

# C. Submission Dates and Times {#c.-submission-dates-and-times .TC2}

**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 15, 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 submission deadline of the
program, please contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII of
this 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.**

# D. Funding Restrictions {#d.-funding-restrictions .TC2}

**1. Indirect Costs**

Section 7132 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, amended
the National Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310(a)), limiting indirect costs to 22 percent of the
total Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, when preparing
budgets, applicants should limit their requests for recovery of indirect
costs to the lesser of their institution's official negotiated indirect
cost rate or the equivalent of 22 percent of total Federal funds
awarded. If no rate has been established the applicant may indicate
\"None---will negotiate\" and a reasonable dollar amount for indirect
costs may be requested, which will be subject to approval by USDA. In
the latter case, if a proposal is recommended for funding, an indirect
cost rate proposal must be submitted prior to award to support the
amount of indirect costs requested. CSREES will request an indirect cost
rate proposal and provide instructions, as necessary. An applicant may
elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for
direct costs. If indirect costs are not charged, the phrase \"None
requested\" should be written in this space.

~~The maximum allowed indirect cost of 22 percent may be claimed under
the Federal portion of the award, [or]{.underline} the maximum allowed
indirect cost of 22 percent may be claimed as matching contributions (if
no indirect costs are requested). However, the maximum allowed indirect
cost of 22 percent [may not be claimed on both]{.underline} the Federal
portion of the award [and as]{.underline} matching contributions. (Note:
An awardee may, as an example, request 11 percent of indirect costs on
both the Federal portion of the award and as matching contributions. Or,
an awardee may request any other, similar percentage combination that,
when combined, does not exceed the 22 percent maximum indirect cost
allowed.) Nevertheless, the total combined percent of requested and
contributed matching indirect costs cannot exceed 22 percent.~~

**[PLEASE NOTE]{.underline}: In accordance with the FY 2009 Omnibus
Appropriations Act, for the purposes of a grant made under section 412
of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998, which established SCRI, in-kind support from non-Federal sources
in the form of unrecovered indirect costs *may* be used to meet the
matching requirements under 412(e)(3). These indirect costs are those
that are not otherwise charged against the grant and must be consistent
with the approved indirect cost rate of the organization.**

**2. Construction and Renovation**

Funds made available under SCRI shall not be used for the construction
of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling,
or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site
grading and improvement, and architect fees).

# E. Other Submission Requirements {#e.-other-submission-requirements .TC2}

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

#  {#section-1 .TC1}

#   {#section-2 .TC1}

# PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS {#part-vapplication-review-requirements .TC1}

# A. General {#a.-general .TC2}

Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, each
application will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative
requirements as set forth in this RFA. Administrative requirements
include: meeting the application deadline, meeting eligibility
requirements, satisfying program intent, providing evidence of 100
percent non-federal matching funds and inclusion of all required
sections of the application package. Applications that meet these
requirements will be technically evaluated by a review panel.

Section 7301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, amended
section 103(a) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)) by stating that Peer and
Merit review procedures *shall not* take the offer or availability of
matching funds into consideration. Therefore, while matching is required
under SCRI, it will only be considered as part of the administrative
review and will not be included in the Peer and Merit Review (see Part
III (B) for more information).

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.

# B. Evaluation Criteria {#b.-evaluation-criteria .TC2}

The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications
submitted in response to this RFA and the specific Project Types
described in Part II(C):

**Criteria for Standard Research and Extension Projects (SREPs)**

**1. Proposal Relevance (50 points)**:

(a) Documented need (10 points). Application includes documentation
    substantiating that project is directed to current or likely future
    problems/challenges in specialty crop agriculture;

(b) Stakeholder involvement (10 points). Application includes
    information on how stakeholders were selected and how their input
    was solicited and incorporated;

(c) Outreach plan (10 points). Application includes a detailed outreach
    plan that includes project benefits and a description of how impacts
    will be measured, including the likelihood that the project will
    provide solutions that lead to measurable benefits to producers and
    consumers;

(d) Systems-based approach (10 points). Application demonstrates
    understanding of a whole system(s) approach and discusses how the
    project will contribute to an integrated systems solution to the
    identified problem. The project must contribute to long-term
    profitability and sustainability of specialty crop production,
    processing or marketing systems; and

(e) Trans-disciplinary approach (10 points). Application documents that
    the project brings together biological, physical, and social
    scientists as appropriate to project goals to address economic,
    environmental, **and** social aspects of specialty crop
    sustainability.

**2. Proposal Quality (50 points)**:

(a) Conceptual adequacy (10 points). Application clearly states
    objectives that are potentially attainable within project time,
    scope and budget;

(b) Design (15 points). The application's methodology and analytical
    approach are appropriate to project objectives, and effectively
    combines research and extension activities;

(c) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise (5 points);

(d) Experience of senior/key project personnel (5 points);

(e) Appropriateness of budget (5 points);

(f) Feasibility, probability of success, including the likelihood that
    the project will contribute to the overall sustainability of a
    component or primary system (5 points); and

(g) Adherence to guidelines (5 points).

**Criteria for Coordinated Agricultural Projects** **(CAPs)**

**1. Proposal Relevance (50 points)**:

(a) Documented need (10 points). Application includes documentation
    substantiating that project is directed to current or likely future
    problems/challenges in specialty crop agriculture;

(b) Stakeholder involvement (10 points). Application includes
    information on how stakeholders were selected and how their input
    was solicited and incorporated;

(c) Outreach plan (10 points). Application includes a detailed outreach
    plan that includes project benefits and a description of how impacts
    will be measured;

(d) Systems-based approach (10 points). Application demonstrates an
    understanding of a whole system(s) approach and ***applies*** that
    approach to overcoming the identified problem. The project must
    contribute to long-term profitability and sustainability of
    specialty crop production, processing or marketing systems; and

(e) Trans-disciplinary approach (10 points). Application documents that
    the project brings together expertise in biological science
    disciplines, physical science and engineering disciplines,
    socio-economic sciences, extension, and program evaluation, as
    appropriate, as well as expertise from principal stakeholders and
    partners. Project goals should address economic, environmental,
    **and** social aspects of specialty crop sustainability.

**2. Proposal Quality (50 points)**:

(a) Conceptual adequacy (10 points). Application clearly states
    objectives that are potentially attainable within project time,
    scope, and budget;

(b) Design (15 points). The application's methodology and analytical
    approach are appropriate to project objectives, a continuity plan
    addresses future long-term plans for the proposed activities, and
    effectively combines research and extension activities;

(c) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise (5 points);

(d) Experience of senior/key project personnel (5 points);

(e) Appropriateness of budget (5 points);

(f) Feasibility, probability of success (5 points); and

(g) Adherence to guidelines (5 points).

**Criteria for Regional Partnerships for Innovation (RPIs)**

**1. Proposal Relevance (50 points)**:

(a) Documented need (10 points). Application includes documentation
    substantiating that project is directed to current or likely future
    problems/challenges in specialty crop agriculture;

(b) Stakeholder involvement (10 points). Application includes
    information on how stakeholders were selected and how their input
    was solicited and incorporated;

(c) Outreach plan (10 points). Application includes a detailed outreach
    plan that includes project benefits and a description of how impacts
    will be measured;

(d) Systems-based approach (10 points). Application demonstrates an
    understanding and application of a whole system(s) approach with the
    potential for the partnership to contribute to long-term
    profitability and sustainability of specialty crop production,
    processing, or marketing systems; and

(e) Trans-disciplinary approach (10 points). Application documents that
    the project brings together biological, physical, and social
    scientists as appropriate to project goals to address economic,
    environmental, **and** social aspects of specialty crop
    sustainability.

**2. Proposal Quality (50 points)**:

(a) Conceptual adequacy (10 points). Application clearly states
    objectives which are potentially attainable within project time,
    scope and budget;

(b) Design (15 points). The application's methodology and analytical
    approach are appropriate to project objectives, including the
    likelihood that the proposed project approach will serve as a model
    for innovation by other industries and other locales;

(c) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise (5 points);

(d) Experience of senior/key project personnel (5 points);

(e) Appropriateness of budget (5 points);

(f) Feasibility, probability that proposed project will successfully
    create the initial development of regional partnerships that
    encourage regional economic development (5 points); and

(g) Adherence to guidelines (5 points).

**Criteria for eXtension Projects**

**1. Proposal Relevance (50 points)**:

(a) Documented need (15 points). Application includes documentation
    substantiating that project is essential in helping producers,
    processors and/or consumers to overcome current or likely future
    problems/challenges in specialty crop agriculture;

(b) Stakeholder involvement (15 points). Application includes
    information on how stakeholders were selected and how their input
    was solicited and incorporated;

(c) Systems-based approach (10 points). Application demonstrates an
    understanding and application of a whole system(s) approach with the
    potential for the project to contribute to long-term profitability
    and sustainability of specialty crop production, processing, or
    marketing systems; and

(d) Trans-disciplinary approach (10 points). Application documents that
    the project brings together biological, physical, and social
    scientists as appropriate to project goals to address economic,
    environmental, **and** social aspects of specialty crop
    sustainability.

**2. Proposal Quality (50 points)**

(a) Community of Practice (10 points). Application describes the CoP,
    including a plan to increase the CoP membership, and a CoP
    leadership and management plan;

(b) Community of Interest (15 points). Application describes the CoI to
    be served and methods the CoP will use to engage the CoI with
    educational products and programs on a continuing basis; and

(c) Plan of Work (25 points). Application includes: a logic model
    description that adequately demonstrates procedures for the
    development of the following:

-   a functioning and sustainable CoP including inputs, outputs, and
    outcomes;

-   a detailed plan of content aggregation, evaluation and
    development/repackaging for year one and maintenance,
    sustainability, and evolution over time;

-   a scope of work for the proposed CoP over the first 12 months; a
    brief description of deliverables for years two (2) and three (3);

-   an anticipated date of CoP inclusion in the eXtension public site
    (public release); and

-   documented resources currently available to this proposed CoP and
    plans for CoP sustainability.

**Criteria for Research and Extension Planning Projects**

**1. Proposal Relevance (50 points)**:

(a) Documented need (10 points). Application includes documentation
    substantiating that project is directed to current or likely future
    problems/challenges in specialty crop agriculture. Demonstrate
    specific need for planning activity (e.g., limited resources for
    submitting large grant applications and potential benefits accrued
    from formal planning activities);

(b) Stakeholder involvement (10 points). Application includes
    information on how stakeholders will participate in the activity,
    including a listing of key participants who will be invited and
    their affiliations;

(c) Outcome plan (10 points). Clear evidence of a high likelihood that
    quality future applications will be submitted for SCRI projects;

(d) Systems-based approach (10 points). Application demonstrates an
    understanding of and proposes to develop the application of a whole
    system(s) approach with the potential for the project to contribute
    to long-term profitability and sustainability of specialty crop
    production, processing or marketing systems; and

(e) Trans-disciplinary approach (10 points). Application documents that
    the project brings together biological, physical, and social
    scientists as appropriate to project goals to address economic,
    environmental, **and** social aspects of specialty crop
    sustainability.

**2. Proposal Quality (50 points)**:

(a) Conceptual adequacy and design (25 points). Application clearly
    states objectives and includes a preliminary agenda that addresses
    those objectives;

(b) Involvement of appropriate, relevant expertise in planning activity
    committees, speakers, and attendees (5 points);

(c) Experience of senior/key project personnel (5 points);

(d) Appropriateness of budget (5 points);

(e) Feasibility (5 points). Likelihood that the effort will result in a
    future grant application to the SCRI; and

(f) Adherence to guidelines (5 points).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc219615578 .anchor}

# C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality {#c.-conflicts-of-interest-and-confidentiality .TC2}

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.

# D. Organizational Management Information {#d.-organizational-management-information .TC2}

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 pre-award 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).

# PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION {#part-viaward-administration .TC1}

# A. General {#a.-general-1 .TC2}

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 available 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 (2 CFR 215, 2 CFR 220 and 2 CFR 230), and the Department\'s
assistance regulations (parts 3015, 3019 and 3430 of 7 CFR).

# B. Award Notice {#b.-award-notice .TC2}

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.

# C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements {#c.-administrative-and-national-policy-requirements .TC2}

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 CFR Part 3430 -- CSREES Competitive and Noncompetitive Nonformula
Grant Programs---General Grant Administrative Provisions, including
subpart F, which specifically addresses this program.

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).

# D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements  {#d.-expected-program-outputs-and-reporting-requirements .TC2}

Grantees are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via
CSREES' Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS is an
electronic, Web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee
submissions of project outcomes and public access to information on
Federally-funded projects.

# PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT {#part-viiagency-contact .TC1}

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact one of
the program directors listed below. To help us keep complete records, we
request that interested parties use email as a primary contact method.

Tom Bewick; National Program Leader; Plant and Animal Systems;
Cooperative State Research Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP
2220; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-2220;
telephone: (202) 401-3356; fax: (202) 401-4888; e-mail:
<tbewick@csrees.usda.gov>,

**OR**

Daniel Schmoldt; National Program Leader; Plant and Animal Systems;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP
2220; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-2220;
telephone: (202) 720-4807; fax: (202) 401-5179; e-mail:
<dschmoldt@csrees.usda.gov>

# PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION {#part-viiiother-information .TC1}

# A. Access to Review Information {#a.-access-to-review-information .TC2}

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

# B. Use of Funds; Changes {#b.-use-of-funds-changes .TC2}

**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 (5)
or ten (10) years, depending on the project type. Any extension of time
shall be conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in
writing by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and
conditions of award.

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

# C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards {#c.-confidential-aspects-of-applications-and-awards .TC2}

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

# D. Regulatory Information {#d.-regulatory-information .TC2}

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

# E. Definitions  {#e.-definitions .TC2}

For the purpose of awarding grants under 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 (as established under
section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123).

[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]{.underline} 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]{.underline} 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.

[College]{.underline} or [university]{.underline} 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.

[Continuation grant]{.underline} is an instrument by which CSREES agrees
to support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project
period with a statement of intention to provide additional support at a
future date, provided that performance has been satisfactory, funds are
available for this purpose, and continued support would be in the best
interest of the Federal government and the public.

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

[Education activity]{.underline} 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 (1) increases
knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and
has the potential for broad application, and (2) 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 a project that brings together at least
two of the three components of the agricultural knowledge system
([i.e]{.underline}., research, education, and extension) around a
problem or issue. In general, integrated projects will be stakeholder
driven, problem focused, and outcome oriented.

[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 in-kind 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.

[Multifunctional research and extension activities]{.underline} are
those in which research results are communicated via extension
activities to stakeholders and the public in a coordinated manner during
the life of a single project.

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

[Organic System Plan means]{.underline} a plan of management of an
organic production or handling operation that has been agreed to by the
producer or handler and the certifying agent and that includes written
plans concerning all aspects of agricultural production or handling
described by the National Organic Program.

[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.

[Primary System]{.underline} for specialty crops refers to the total
production system, the processing and distribution system, or the
consumer and marketing system.

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

[Specialty crop]{.underline} means fruits and vegetables, tree nuts,
dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops (including
floriculture).

[Standard grant]{.underline} is an instrument 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.

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

[Systems approach]{.underline} is any process of estimating or inferring
how local policies, actions, or changes influence the state of the
neighboring universe. It is a framework that is based on the belief that
the component parts of a system can best be understood in the context of
relationships with each other and with other systems, rather than in
isolation. The only way to fully understand why a problem or element
occurs and persists is to understand the part in relation to the whole.

[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.

[Trans-disciplinary]{.underline} means a multi-discipline approach that
brings biological and physical scientists together with economists and
social scientists to address challenges in a holistic manner.

[Under Secretary]{.underline} means the Under Secretary for Research,
Education, and Economics.

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

# F. Electronic Application Checklist {#f.-electronic-application-checklist .TC2}

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:

� **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 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 not be accepted.

� **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?

� **[SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)]{.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?

> [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?

> [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 (Optional)]{.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 (Optional)]{.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} (Optional)

-   Have all fields been completed (except Social Security Number
    Field)?

� [(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, has a subaward budget 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-institutional applications, has a subaward budget
    justification been included for each institution involved?

-   Have matching requirements been addressed?

> **SPECIAL NOTE: 100 percent non-federal match is legislatively
> required for this funding opportunity. ALL applicants will be required
> to provide appropriate matching documentation. See Part IV(B)(6)of
> this RFA for further details and specific instructions.**

� [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)?