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

**REGIONAL AQUACULTURE CENTER PROGRAM, SECTION 1475**

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

**DATES:** Applications must be received by Grants.gov by close of
business (COB) on **August 15, 2007** (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Applications received after this deadline will normally not be
considered for funding.

**PART I -- FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

**A. Legislative Authority and Background**

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

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

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

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

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

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

The five centers are currently located at the following institutions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**B. Purpose and Priorities**

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

**PART II -- AWARD INFORMATION**

A.  **Available Funding**

The total amount of funds available is approximately \$3.6 million for
project periods up to 4 years.

B.  **Type of Application**

Only new applications are to be submitted in response to this request
for applications (RFA).

**PART III -- ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**

**A. Eligible Applicants**

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

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

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

A.  **Application Package**

The steps to access application materials are as follows:

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

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-000749 in the
    appropriate box and click "Download Package." From the search
    results, click "Download" to access the application package.

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

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

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

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

**Note the attachment requirements (e.g., portable document format) in
Part III section 3. of the Guide.**

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

    a.  Project Summary/Abstract (Field 6. on the Form)

> The summary should also include the relevance of the project to the
> goals of centers.

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

> The Project Narrative shall not exceed 5,000 pages of written text and
> up to 5,000 additional pages for figures and tables. The Project
> Narrative must include all of the following:
>
> \(1\) Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to
> stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural
> research, education and extension programs;\
> (2) Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, and
> implementation and evaluation as appropriate; and\
> (3) Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing
> institution.
>
> a\. [Objectives:]{.underline} Clear, concise, complete, and logically
> arranged statement(s) of specific aims of the proposed effort must be
> included in all proposals.
>
>  
>
> b\. [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:
>
> \(i\) A description of stakeholder involvement in problem
> identification, planning, implementation and evaluation;\
> (ii) A description of the proposed project activities in the sequence
> in which it is planned to carry them out;\
> (iii) Techniques to be employed, including their feasibility and
> rationale for their use in this project;\
> (iv) Kinds of results expected;\
> (v) Means by which extension and education activities will be
> evaluated;\
> (vi) Means by which data will be analyzed or interpreted;\
> (vii) Details of plans to communicate results to stakeholders and the
> public;\
> (viii) Pitfalls that might be encountered; and\
> (ix) Limitations to proposed procedures.

2.  [Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

    a.  Program Code (Field 2. on the Form). Enter the program code name
        (i.e., enter "**Aquaculture Centers, section 1475**") and the
        program code (i.e., enter "**CA**"). 

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

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C.  **Submission Date and Time**

**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 close of business on **August 15,
2007** (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this
deadline will normally not be considered for funding.  

The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by 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 a confirmation message from CSREES within 30
days of submission of the application, please contact the Agency Contact
identified in Part VII of the applicable RFA and request the proposal
number assigned to the application.

D.  **Funding Restrictions**

1\. Indirect Costs

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

2\. Building Construction or Renovation

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

E.  **Other Submission Requirements**

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

**PART V -- APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS**

**A. General**

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

**PART VI --AWARD ADMINISTRATION**

**A. General**

[Administrative grant:]{.underline} The initial CSREES-approved funding
request will obligate the entire amount and release those costs related
to and allowed for the administration of the Regional Aquaculture
Centers Program. Remaining funds will be withheld pending submission of
a POW.

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

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

**B. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements**

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

**PART VII -- AGENCY CONTACT**

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr.
Meryl Broussard, Director, Animal Section, Plant and Animal Systems,
USDA, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; Mail
Stop 2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-2220;
telephone: (202) 401-6438; fax: (202) 401-6156; e-mail:
<mbroussard@csrees.usda.gov>.