**Renewable Resources Extension Act -- National Focus Fund Projects**

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

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 28, 2008**

![](media/image1.png)

#  U.S. Department of Agriculture

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

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

**Renewable Resources Extension Act -- National Focus Fund Projects**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under **10.500.**

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
**July 28, 2008** (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). **Electronic submission via
Grants.gov is required for this program.** Applications received after
this deadline will normally not be considered for funding. Comments
regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six
months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that
date will be considered to the extent practicable.

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

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

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES announces the availability of grant funds
and requests applications for the **Renewable Resources Extension
Act-National Focus Fund Projects (RREA-NFF)** for fiscal year (FY) 2008
to provide for expanded and comprehensive extension programs for forest
and rangeland renewable resources programs at a national, regional, or
multi-institutional scale. The amount available for support of this
program in FY 2008 is approximately \$297,000.

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

**Table of contents**

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

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

[B. Purpose and Priorities 4](#b.-purpose-and-priorities)

[C. Program Area Description 6](#c.-program-area-description)

[PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 7](#part-iiaward-information)

[A. Available Funding 7](#a.-available-funding)

[B. Type of Applications 7](#b.-type-of-applications)

[C. Project Types 7](#c.-project-types)

[PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 9](#part-iiieligibility-information)

[A. Eligible Applicants 9](#a.-eligible-applicants)

[B. Cost Sharing or Matching 9](#__RefHeading___Toc197832823)

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

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

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

[C. Submission Dates and Times 14](#c.-submission-dates-and-times)

[D. Funding Restrictions 14](#d.-funding-restrictions)

[E. Other Submission Requirements 14](#e.-other-submission-requirements)

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

[A. General 15](#a.-general)

[B. Evaluation Criteria 15](#b.-evaluation-criteria)

[C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
16](#c.-conflicts-of-interest-and-confidentiality)

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

[PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 18](#part-viaward-administration)

[A. General 18](#a.-general-1)

[B. Award Notice 18](#b.-award-notice)

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

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

[PART VII---AGENCY CONTACTS 21](#part-viiagency-contacts)

[PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 22](#part-viiiother-information)

[A. Access to Review Information 22](#a.-access-to-review-information)

[B. Use of Funds; Changes 22](#b.-use-of-funds-changes)

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

[D. Regulatory Information 23](#d.-regulatory-information)

[E. Definitions 23](#e.-definitions)

#   {#section .TC1 .unnumbered}

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

## A. Legislative Authority and Background {#a.-legislative-authority-and-background .TC2}

[]{.mark}

The Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-306, 92 Stat.
349, 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.) provides for an expanded and comprehensive
extension program for forest and rangeland renewable resources. The
majority of the appropriated funds are distributed to eligible
institutions based on a formula that considers the geographic extent,
ecosystem productivity, economic contribution, and population for each
state.

Since FY 2002, a small amount of these funds have been used to fund
National Focus Fund Projects which have served to expand comprehensive
extension programs for forest and rangeland renewable resources on a
national, regional, or multi-institutional scale through better program
coordination, innovative technologies, and extension models that can be
easily duplicated. 

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

[]{.mark}

The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for projects that:
(1) develop and implement eXtension Communities of Practice (CoP); (2)
have national or regional relevancy; or (3) develop new and innovative
projects that can be replicated at other institutions.

Applications are being solicited for the **RREA-NFF** under the
following ***emphasis areas***:

***eXtension Communities of Practice\
***

General Information - A Community of Practice (CoP) is a virtual network
of subject-matter content providers consisting of faculty, professional
and para-professional staff, county educators, industry experts and
government agency representatives who share knowledge or competence in a
specific content area who are willing to work together over an extended
period of time. The CoP shares knowledge gained in the form of
educational products, programs and electronic interactions with
customers (Community of Interest). The CoP will organize and work in
accordance with established eXtension CoP processes and procedures as
described at <http://about.extension.org/wiki/RREA_CoP_Information> and
utilize the established formats for the eXtension website. The RREA-NFF
will provide initial support for development of the CoP and its
associated products and services. Additional funds may be made available
through non-federal sources as described at:
<http://about.extension.org/wiki/RREA_CoP_Information>

The eXtension Project Team will provide communication and technology
support services to the CoP. The RREA-NFF funds may be used to support
organization and development of the CoP. The CoP is expected to become
"eXtension Certified" during the first 18 months of the project period.
Progress reports will be due every six (6) months. CSREES will utilize
the reports to monitor progress toward certification. Proposals for the
following two Communities of Practice are requested:

1)  **eXtension Community of Practice - (Rangeland Stewardship and
    Health):**

> **Maximum Award of \$85,000**
>
> Rangelands are of significant ecological, social and economic
> importance, representing approximately half of the terrestrial global
> landscape. Despite their importance and considerable diversity, U.S.
> rangelands are experiencing unprecedented rates of loss from the
> interaction of changing social attitudes, land use and technologies,
> altered fire regimes, invasive species, and climate change that
> disrupt the flow of ecosystem services. Sustaining rangeland
> ecosystems, resources and associated stakeholders requires effective
> communication of rangeland information and appropriate education to a
> variety of audiences. The Rangeland Stewardship and Health eXtension
> Community of Practice (CoP) is intended to fill some of the
> information and education gaps that exist. PROJECT PERIOD: 24 months.

2)  **eXtension Community of Practice -- (Forest-Based Bioenergy):
    Maximum Award of \$85,000**

> The national dialogue about renewable energy; the threats to the
> nation's forest from drought, insects and disease, and wildfire; the
> opportunity to vitalize rural economies through new industries and
> jobs; and the need for private forestlands to provide an economic
> return to the owners; all converge on the topic of forest-based
> bioenergy. There are many unanswered questions and much existing but
> un-transferred information regarding feedstock sustainability,
> harvesting, transportation and markets. PROJECT PERIOD: 24 months.
>
> ***National Network Projects***
>
> **1) Forest Resource Education for Municipal Officials (FREMO):
> Maximum Award of \$50,000**
>
> The conversion of forests to other land uses, the isolation of
> existing tracts of forestland (fragmentation), and the division of
> single-owner large tracts into numerous small ownerships
> (parcelization) all have deleterious effects on the economic and
> ecological viability of forest resources. To expand the understanding
> of public officials, continued development of the FREMO program is
> desired. This includes: providing innovative forestry training and
> education workshops for the existing network of Nonpoint Education for
> Municipal Officials (NEMO) coordinators; developing forestry education
> materials and programs for NEMO coordinators and extension
> professionals; and planning and conducting pilot projects that will
> help to advance the further development of the FREMO program.
> Understanding and conveying the impacts of these forest changes
> requires the integration of several areas of work including, but not
> limited to: forest ecology, geospatial technology, economics, land use
> planning, community development and public policy. PROJECT PERIOD: 24
> months.
>
> **2) National Web-Based Learning Center for Forest and Rangeland
> Owners: Maximum Award of \$77,000**
>
> The objective is to continue the development, expansion, marketing and
> evaluation of a web-based learning center focused on the needs of
> forest and rangeland owners and managers. The learning center's format
> and functionality must incorporate principles and guidelines for
> distance teaching and learning. An advisory group should be utilized
> to develop overall guidance, policy and content for the learning
> center. A method for developing learning modules should be developed
> in such a way as to acquire innovative and relevant learning materials
> that meet the needs of the intended audience. The learning center must
> also develop, promote, and make available teaching materials that may
> be used by extension and other educators. PROJECT PERIOD: 24 months.

## C. Program Area Description  {#c.-program-area-description .TC2}

Successful RREA-NNF applications will:

-   Clearly document the experience level of key personnel working
    within a comprehensive extension program for forest and rangeland
    renewable resources on a national, regional, or multi-institutional
    scale;

-   Demonstrate the ability to participate in a comprehensive nationally
    coordinated effort;

-   Demonstrate the capacity to conduct efficient and successful forest
    and rangeland extension programs;

-   Demonstrate the ability to develop new technologies and innovations
    that improve extension services related to forest and rangeland
    ecosystems; and

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

Project Directors are expected to attend and present their projects as
submitted papers at the 2010 Biennial Conference of the Association of
Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP). Reasonable travel
expenses relative to participating in the 2010 Biennial ANREP Conference
may be claimed as part of the project budget.

######################  

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

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

Approximately \$297,000 is available in FY 2008 to support RREA-NFF
awards. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular
application or make a specific number of awards.

CSREES intends to make up to four awards, with no more than one award in
each of the four program areas found in Part I.B. of this announcement.

## B. Type of Applications {#b.-type-of-applications .TC2}

In FY 2008, applications may be submitted to the RREA-NFF Program as one
of the following requests:

**[(1) New Application (eXtension Communities of Practice and National
Network Projects).]{.underline}** These are project applications that
have not been previously submitted to the RREA-NFF Program. New
applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process
and evaluation criteria described in Part V---Application Review
Requirements.

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

**The start date for all projects will be September 1, 2008.**

[]{.mark}

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

###################### 

The following are CSREES funding estimates for FY 2008, number of awards
anticipated, maximum project budgets, and acceptable project periods for
the RREA-NFF program area.

  ------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ --------------
  **Program Area**         **Funding   **Number of   **Maximum\   **Acceptable
                           Estimate FY Awards        Project      Project
                           2008**      Anticipated   Budget**     Period**
                                       FY 2008**                  

  RREA-NFF Projects --     \$170,000   1 - 2         \$85,000     24 months
  eXtension Communities of                                        
  Practice                                                        

  RREA-NFF Projects --     \$127,000   1 - 2         \$50,000 or  24 months
  National Network                                   \$77,000     
  Projects                                                        
  ------------------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ --------------

**Applications that include requests for annual project budgets in
excess of the maximum project budgets established above, or propose
project periods outside the acceptable project periods above, for the
applicable Program Area, will be at risk of being excluded from CSREES
review.**

######################  

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

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

Applications may be submitted by 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions.
Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply
provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the
project. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the
time of an application deadline will result in CSREES returning the
application without review or, even though an application may be
reviewed, will preclude CSREES from making an award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc197832823 .anchor}**B. Cost Sharing or Matching**

CSREES does not require matching support for this program and matching
resources will not be factored into the review process as evaluation
criteria.

# 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
Grants.gov. If the organization is not prepared, the AOR should see
<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

The steps to access application materials are as follows:

1.  Download and install Pure Edge Viewer, a small, free program that
    provides access to the grant application. See
    <http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pureedge>.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
2.  The application package must be obtained via Grants.gov, go to
    [http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), click on "Apply for
    Grants" in the left-hand column, click on "**Step 1:** [Download a
    Grant Application Package and
    Instructions](https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html)," enter
    the funding opportunity number **USDA-CSREES-OP-001665** in the
    appropriate box and click "Download Package." From the search
    results, click "Download" to access the application package.

> Contained within the application package is the "[CSREES Grants.gov
> Application Guide: A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
> Applications via
> Grants.gov.](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)"
> This Guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov
> instructions, information about how to use a Grant Application Package
> in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to complete the application
> forms.
>
> **If assistance is needed to access the application package** (e.g.,
> downloading or navigating Pure Edge forms, using Pure Edge with a
> Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on the Grants.gov
> Web site first (<http://grants.gov/>). Grants.gov assistance is also
> available as follows:

-   Grants.gov customer support\
    Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726\
    Business Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 am -- 9:00 pm Eastern
    Standard Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

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

## 

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

::: Definition-Term
Electronic applications should be prepared following Parts V and VI of
the document entitled "[A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
Applications via
Grants.gov](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)."
This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section
A. of this Part). The following is **additional information** needed in
order to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If there is a
discrepancy between the two documents, the information contained in this
RFA is overriding.
:::

**Note the attachment requirements (e.g., portable document format) in
Part III, section 3. of the Guide. [Any proposals containing non-PDF
documents will be AT RISK OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM csrees
REVIEW.]{.underline} Partial applications will be excluded from CSREES
review. With documented prior approval, resubmitted applications will be
accepted until close of business on the closing date in the RFA.**

**If you do not own PDF-generating software, Grants.gov provides online
tools to assist applicants. Users will find a link to "Convert Documents
to PDF" on <http://grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf>.**

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

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

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

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

a\. Project Summary/Abstract. (Field 6. on the Form). The summary should
also include the relevance of the project to the goals of the RREA-NFF
program, (Part I.B).

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

PLEASE NOTE: This Project Narrative shall not exceed 10 pages of written
text and up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables. This maximum
(15 pages) has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. For each project type, the Project Narrative must include
all of the following:

***[eXtension Communities of Practice]{.underline}***

a\. CoP lead contact information including name, title, eXtension ID,
address, e-mail, telephone numbers, and other contact details. The CoP
lead contact must be a land grant faculty member or professional staff
with an Extension appointment.

b\. List of CoP Core Leadership Members, titles, institutions or
business affiliation and e-mail addresses and a description of how the
leadership team was formed. Please include the name and contact
information of the CoP Administrative Advisor. It is strongly suggested
that each proposed CoP identify a partnership with a Land Grant
Communications unit that will work with the CoP on development and
execution of a marketing plan for the CoP, plus have a representative on
the CoP Leadership Team.

c\. Description of the proposed Community of Practice (CoP), including
the plan to make the CoP national in scope and increase total CoP
membership. Please include CoP leadership and management plan,
anticipated number of face-to-face, audio and/or Web meetings planned
and methods to achieve the CoP\'s continued productivity.

d\. Description of the Community of Interest (CoI) to be served and
methods the CoP will use to engage the CoI with educational products and
programs.

e\. Scope of Work for the proposed CoP from September 1, 2008 through
August 31, 2010. This Scope of Work must include:

1.  Projected number of published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    (minimum of 100)

2.  Plans to develop a protocol for \"Ask the Expert\" answers

3.  Curriculum outline for content

4.  Projected number of basic information pages (minimum of 250)

5.  Other content.

f\. Applicants should provide an outline indicating how the CoP is
expected to become "eXtension Certified" during the first 18 months of
the project period and the anticipated date of CoP certification and
inclusion in [eXtension public site](http://www.extension.org/) (public
release) should be stated.

g\. Additional resources that will be available to this proposed CoP at
the recipient institution, including but not limited to: information
technology hardware, software and staff; sufficient office space;
communications technologies such as webinar video and audio; and other
resources that the recipient will provide. This secion should also
describe the plans for sustaining the CoP after the project period has
ended.

***[National Network Projects]{.underline}***

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

\(1\) Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to
stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal forest and rangeland extension
programs.\
(2) Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning,
implementation and evaluation, as appropriate.\
(3) Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing institution.

b\. [Objectives:]{.underline} Clear, concise, complete, and logically
arranged statement(s) of specific aims of the proposed effort must be
included in all proposals.

 

c\. [Methods:]{.underline} The procedures or methodology to be applied
to the proposed effort should be explicitly stated. This section should
include, but not necessarily be limited to:

1.  A description of the proposed project activities in the sequence in
    which it is planned to carry them out;

2.  Techniques to be employed, including their feasibility and rationale
    for their use in this project;

3.  Kinds of results expected;

4.  Means by which extension activities will be evaluated;

5.  Means by which data will be analyzed or interpreted;

6.  Pitfalls that might be encountered; and

7.  Limitations to proposed procedures.

 

d\. [Project Timetable:]{.underline} The proposal should outline all
important phases as a function of time, for the entire project.

e\. [Progress Report]{.underline}: See CSREES Supplemental Information
(Part IV.6) for further details regarding page limitation.

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

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

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

::: Definition-Term
**5. [R&R Budget]{.underline}**
:::

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V.6. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

Project Directors are expected to attend and present their projects as
submitted papers at the 2010 Biennial Conference of the Association of
Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP). Reasonable travel
expenses relative to participating in the 2010 Biennial ANREP Conference
may be claimed as part of the project budget.

**6. [CSREES Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}**

a\. Program Code. (Field 2. on the Form). Enter the appropriate program
code name (i.e., enter "**Renewable Resource**") and the Program Code
**(**i.e., enter **"ME")**.

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

c\. [Cooperation and Institutional Units Involved]{.underline}: (Field
11 on the Form). Identify each institutional unit contributing to the
project and designate the lead institution or institutional unit. When
appropriate, the project should be coordinated with the efforts of other
State and/or national programs.

d\. [Progress Report]{.underline}: (Field 11 on the Form). For renewal
applications (as defined in Part II.B.), a progress report must be
included within the page limitation set for the Project Narrative
portion of the application.

## C. 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 **July 28, 2008**
(5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will
normally not be considered for funding.

Correspondence regarding submitted applications will be sent using
e-mail. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide
accurate e-mail addresses, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R
Application for Federal Assistance.

If the AR has not received correspondence **from CSREES** regarding a
submitted application within 30 days of submission of the application,
please contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII of the
applicable RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the
application. **Once the application has been assigned a proposal number,
this number should be cited on all future correspondence.**

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

[]{.mark}

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

[]{.mark}

## 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."

# 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. Second, applications that meet
these requirements will be technically evaluated by a review panel.

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

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

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

**For** ***eXtension Communities of Practic*e**:

> 1\. (15 pts) Qualifications of Project Personnel

-   The degree to which: the key personnel have sufficient experience to
    lead the proposed project; and

-   The identification of an appropriate contingent of Core Leadership
    Members, including a university-based Administrative Advisor and a
    CSREES Liaison who will provide timely and relevant information
    about eXtension processes and procedures; and all pertinent contact
    information for the leadership team.

> 2\. (20 pts) Description and Operation of the Community of Practice

-   The adequacy of the plan to make the CoP national in scope and to
    increase total CoP membership; and

-   A management plan for the CoP that describes the approach to
    organizing and managing the Community of Practice.

> 3\. (20 pts) Description of the Community of Interest

-   Evidence of the identification of the appropriate Community of
    Interest to be served by the CoP and justification for its
    selection; and

-   Adequacy of plans to engage the CoI with the educational products
    and programs.

4\. (30 pts) Scope of Work

-   Covers the timeframe of September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2010;
    and

-   Contains sufficient detail for accomplishing all work products.

5\. (10 pts) Resources -- Description of additional resources available
to this proposed CoP

6\. (5 pts) CoP Sustainability -- Adequate description of plans for
sustaining the CoP after the funding period.

**For** ***National Network Projects***:

> 1\. (35 pts.) Project Merit

-   Proposed objectives and outcomes are clearly described, adequate and
    appropriate;

-   Proposed approach, procedures, or methodologies are innovative,
    original, clearly defined and feasible; and

-   Expected outcomes are clearly stated, measurable and achievable.

> 2\. (35 pts.) Project Relevance

-   Adequacy of proposal response to items required in the Project
    Narrative;

-   Stakeholders and partners play an active role in setting project
    direction;

-   Planning and implementing methods for evaluating success of project
    activities and documenting potential impact against measurable short
    and mid-term outcomes; and

-   Demonstration of feasibility through preliminary and current data.

> 3\. (30pts.) Qualifications of Project Personnel, Adequacy of
> Facilities, and Project Management

-   Roles of key personnel are clearly defined;

-   Key personnel have sufficient expertise to complete the proposed
    project;

-   Extensive, documented experience in developing, leading, managing
    and evaluating nationally coordinated projects involving multiple
    institutions and disciplines, as applicable; and

-   Evidence of institutional capacity, competence and experience in the
    proposed area of work is provided.

## 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 preaward process. Although an applicant may be eligible
based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which
may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and
nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment
or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an
applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational
management information).

###################### 

######################  

# 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 appropriated for such purpose, unless
otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project need not
be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as
practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded
project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA shall be
expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are granted in
accordance with the approved application and budget, the regulations,
the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost
principles, and the Department\'s assistance regulations (parts 3015 and
3019 of 7 CFR).

## 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:

7 CFR Part 1, subpart A**---**USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.

7 CFR Part 3**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.

7 CFR Part 15, subpart A**---**USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121**---**USDA implementation of the
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.

7 CFR Part 3015**---**USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122, now
codified at 2 CFR Parts 220 and 230) and incorporating provisions of 31
U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements
applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance.

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

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

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

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

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

29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part
15b (USDA implementation of statute) **---**prohibiting discrimination
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.

35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. **---**Bayh Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part
401).

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

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

[]{.mark}

Annually, each grantee must submit a CRIS AD-421 Progress Report (OMB
No. 0524-0042) and a one-page "popular" accomplishment report, prepared
in Word or PDF format. The format and guidelines regarding the content
of the popular report will be provided by the RREA Program Managers to
the Project Directors of funded projects.

Additionally, when the project is complete, the grantee is required to
submit a Final Technical Report to the CSREES National Program Leaders,
Renewable Resources Extension Act. The Final Technical Report should
summarize all work conducted and detail the outcomes, accomplishments
and outputs of the funded project. This report should not exceed 15
single-spaced, typed pages.

Project Directors are expected to attend and present their projects as
submitted papers at the 2010 Biennial Conference of the Association of
Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP). Reasonable travel
expenses relative to participating in the 2010 Biennial ANREP Conference
may be claimed as part of the project budget.

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

# PART VII---AGENCY CONTACTS {#part-viiagency-contacts .TC1}

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr.
Eric R. Norland, National Program Leader, Forest Resource Management;
Natural Resources and Environment Unit; Telephone: (202) 401-5971;
E-mail: <enorland@csrees.usda.gov> (for forest resource projects); Dr.
James Dobrowolski, National Program Leader, Rangeland and Grassland
Ecosystems; Natural Resources and Environment Unit; Telephone: (202)
401-5016; E-mail: <jdobrowolski@csrees.usda.gov> (for rangeland resource
projects); or Dr. Daniel Cassidy, Program Specialist, Natural Resources
and Environment Unit; Telephone: (202) 401-6444; E-mail:
<dcassidy@csrees.usda.gov>

Mailing Address for all above contacts : Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP
2210; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2210

Fax: (202) 401-1706

# 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
years. Any extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by
the awardee and approval in writing by the ADO, unless prescribed
otherwise in the terms and conditions of award.

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

## C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards {#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 this program, the following definitions are
applicable:

[]{.mark}

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Education]{.underline} means formal classroom instruction, laboratory
instruction, and practicum experience in the food and agricultural
sciences and other related matters such as faculty development, student
recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional
materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies.

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

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

[Matching]{.underline} means that portion of allowable project costs not
borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind
contributions.

[Peer review]{.underline} means an evaluation of a proposed project for
scientific or technical quality and relevance performed by experts with
the scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct the proposed
work or to give expert advice on the merits of a proposal.

[Popular Report]{.underline} means a one-page synopsis of program
accomplishments written for the general public. It contains the
institutions' logos, photographs of program activities, quotations from
program participants, and contact information for the Project Director.
The report is submitted in Word or .pdf format to the RREA Program
Managers.

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

[Prior approval]{.underline} means written approval evidencing prior
consent by an authorized departmental officer as defined above.

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

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

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

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

management principles or practices.

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

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

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

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

communities managed like Rangeland.

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

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