+-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](me      | **Program Solicitation**                               |
| dia/image1. |                                                        |
| png){width= | **Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP)**    |
| "1.16666666 |                                                        |
| 66666667in" | **Fiscal Year 2008**                                   |
| height="    |                                                        |
| 0.816666666 | **Closing Date: February 19, 2008**                    |
| 6666667in"} |                                                        |
|             | **[TCRGP:]{.underline}**                               |
|             |                                                        |
|             | **Telephone: (202) 720-1793**                          |
|             |                                                        |
|             | **Email: <serdegrants@csrees.usda.gov>**               |
|             |                                                        |
|             | **Internet:**                                          |
|             | **<http://ww                                           |
|             | w.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/tribal_research.html>** |
|             |                                                        |
|             | **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number        |
|             | (CFDA)**                                               |
|             |                                                        |
|             | [10.227 1994 Institutions Research                     |
|             | Program]{.underline}                                   |
|             |                                                        |
|             | **CSREES Funding Opportunity Number**                  |
|             |                                                        |
|             | USDA-CSREES-TCRGP-001174                               |
+-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
| **United    |                                                        |
| States      |                                                        |
| Department  |                                                        |
| of          |                                                        |
| Ag          |                                                        |
| riculture** |                                                        |
+-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](me      |                                                        |
| dia/image2. |                                                        |
| png){width= |                                                        |
| "0.56875in" |                                                        |
| height="    |                                                        |
| 0.800694444 |                                                        |
| 4444445in"} |                                                        |
+-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
| **          |                                                        |
| Cooperative |                                                        |
| State       |                                                        |
| Research,   |                                                        |
| Education,  |                                                        |
| and         |                                                        |
| Extension   |                                                        |
| Service**   |                                                        |
+-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* PLEASE READ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

## *IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR THE USDA-CSREES TCRGP* 

## *Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 PROGRAM SOLICITATION*

The Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program (TCRGP) requires all
applications be submitted electronically through
[**Grants.gov**](http://www.grants.gov/). There are considerable online
resources to help potential applicants with the new electronic forms and
submission requirements.

If your institution is new to the electronic grant application process
through Grants.gov, you will be required to complete several steps prior
to submitting an application. [There is a one-time registration process.
It can take as much as one month to complete, so it is critical to begin
as soon as possible.]{.underline} The "Get Registered" tab on Grants.gov
(http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp) provides
information on registering your institution with Grants.gov and the
steps necessary to apply for a grant. A quick reference guide listing
these steps is available as a 4-page PDF document at the following
website:
[**http://www.grants.gov/section910/Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf**](http://www.grants.gov/section910/Grants.govRegistrationBrochure.pdf).

The Agency within USDA responsible for administering this grants program
is the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(CSREES). CSREES has also developed documentation to help navigate the
process. The central point for all information related to electronic
application submission is
[www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic).
This site is updated frequently and it should be checked often for
program-specific help concerning electronic submissions.

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| **Helpful Submission      | **Website Address**                      |
| Information**             |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Information pertaining to | > [www.cs                                |
| the transition to         | rees.usda.gov/funding/electronic](http:/ |
| electronic submission can | /www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic) |
| be found at the CSREES    | >                                        |
| website.                  | > This page will be updated frequently   |
|                           | > and should be checked for              |
|                           | > program-specific help.                 |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Applications for this     | To access the electronic application via |
| grants program should be  | Grants.gov, go to                        |
| submitted through the     | [                                        |
| Grants.gov website.       | www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), |
|                           | under the "Apply for Grants" heading on  |
|                           | the left side of page and click on       |
|                           | "Download Grant Application Packages."   |
|                           | Enter the CFDA number 10.227 in the      |
|                           | appropriate box to search by Catalog of  |
|                           | Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)       |
|                           | number.                                  |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| The CSREES GRANTS.GOV     | Each applicant should use the CSREES     |
| Application Guide         | document titled, "A Guide for            |
| provides guidance for     | Preparation and Submission of CSREES     |
| completing the forms      | Applications via Grants.gov" also known  |
| required by Grants.gov    | as the "CSREES Application Guide," that  |
| and CSREES. Used in       | is part of this RFA package located at   |
| conjunction with this RFA | [**Grants.                               |
| for the TCRGP grants      | gov**](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/fundin |
| program, this guide will  | g/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf). |
| assist applicants with    | This document provides guidance for      |
| most field-specific       | completing the required forms at         |
| questions.                | Grants.gov.                              |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | **Applicants should also reference the   |
|                           | RFA for additional guidance not found in |
|                           | the application guide.**                 |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

-   Applications must be received at
    [**Grants.gov**](http://www.grants.gov/) by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
    on February 19, 2008. Plan ahead. Do not wait until the last minute
    to submit your application.

-   Applicants who have problems with their submissions to Grants.gov
    are encouraged [first]{.underline} to call the Grants.gov help desk
    to resolve any problems. Keep a record of any such correspondence.

For any questions related to preparing application content, contact:

Email: <electronic@csrees.usda.gov>

Phone: 202-401-5048, Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am -- 5:00 pm ET,
excluding Federal holidays.

For any questions related to Grants.gov content, contact:

Email: <support@grants.gov>

Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726, Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am -- 9:00 pm
ET.

Part IV of this RFA provides additional information specific to the
TCRGP application submission. Applicants are advised to refer to this
section to determine if specific information is required during the
submission of the forms on Grants.gov. If directed by this RFA to
provide information that is different from the CSREES Application Guide,
the information in this RFA supersedes in all cases.

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. On the Grants.gov Customer Support webpage
(<http://grants.gov/CustomerSupport>) users will find a link to "Convert
Documents to PDF" (<http://grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf>).

Applications for this grants program should include the following
**Contents of a CSREES-TCRGP Application Submitted via Grants.gov:**

+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| **Document        | **         | **Instruction      | **Additional |
| Title**           | Required** | Source**           | Instructions |
|                   |            |                    | within this  |
|                   |            |                    | RFA**        |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Cover Sheet       |            | Application Guide  |              |
|                   |            | p. 17              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.1., p. 14  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Other Project     |            | Application Guide  |              |
| Information       |            | p. 24              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.2., p. 15  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Senior/Key Person |            | Application Guide  |              |
| (Expanded)        |            | p. 29              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.3., p. 19  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Personal Data     |            | Application Guide  |              |
|                   |            | p. 34              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.4., p. 19  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Budget            |            | Application Guide  |              |
|                   |            | p. 36              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.5., p. 19  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| SF 424 (R&R)      | Only if    | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Subaward Budget   | submitting | Application Guide  |              |
| Attachment        | a Joint    | p. 43              | Part IV.     |
|                   | Project    |                    | B.6., p. 19  |
|                   |            | (Follow attachment |              |
|                   |            | guidelines)        |              |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+
| CSREES            |            | CSREES Grants.gov  | TCRGP RFA    |
| Supplemental      |            | Application Guide  |              |
| Information       |            | p. 45              | Part IV.     |
|                   |            |                    | B.7., p. 19  |
+-------------------+------------+--------------------+--------------+

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

**TRIBAL COLLEGES RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.227.

**DATES:** Applications must be received by Grants.gov by close of
business (COB) on February 19, 2008 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Applications received after this deadline will normally not be
considered for funding. Comments regarding this request for applications
(RFA) are requested within six months from the issuance of this notice.
Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent
practicable.

**STAKEHOLDER INPUT:** The Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) requests and invites comments regarding this
RFA from any interested party. These comments are considered in the
development of the next RFA for the program and if applicable, 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 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 Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program
(TCRGP) RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES requests applications for TCRGP for fiscal
year (FY) 2008 to assist the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions in conducting
agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal,
national or multi-state significance. The anticipated amount available
for support of this program in FY 2008 will be approximately \$1,000,000
contingent upon Congressional action.

This notice identifies the objectives for TCRGP projects, the
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application
forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a TCRGP 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**\
A. [Legislative Authority and Background 7](#legislative)\
B. [Purpose and Priorities 7](#purpose)\
C. [Program Area Description 7](#program)

**PART II**---**AWARD INFORMATION**\
A. [Available Funding 9](#available)\
B. [Types of Applications 9](#types)\
C. [Project Types 9](#project)

**PART III**---**ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**\
A. [Eligible Applicants 11](#eligible)\
B. [Cost Sharing or Matching 12](#costsharing)

**PART IV**---**APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION**\
A. [Electronic Application Package 13](#address)\
B. [Content and Form of Application Submission 14](#content)\
C. [Submission Dates and Times 22](#submission)\
D. [Funding Restrictions 22](#funding)\
E. [Other Submission Requirements 23](#other)

**PART V**---**APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS**\
A. [General 24](#general)\
B. [Evaluation Criteria 24](#evaluation)\
C. [Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality 25](#conflicts)

D. [Organizational Management Information 25](#organizational)

**PART VI**---**AWARD ADMINISTRATION**\
A. [General 26](#general1)\
B. [Award Notice 26](#award)\
C. [Administrative and National Policy Requirements
27](#administrative)\
D. [Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements 28](#expected)

**PART VII**---[AGENCY CONTACT 30](#agency)

**PART VIII**---**OTHER INFORMATION**\
A. [Access to Review Information 31](#access)\
B. [Use of Funds; Changes 31](#use)\
C. [Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards 32](#confidential)\
D. [Regulatory Information 32](#regulatory)\
E. [Definitions 32](#definitions)

**PART I**---**FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION**

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

Section 1405 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 3121),
designates the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the lead
Federal Agency for agricultural research, extension, and teaching in the
food and agricultural sciences. Authority for this program is contained
in the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301
note), as amended by the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 note). In accordance with the
statutory authority, subject to the availability of funds, the Secretary
of Agriculture may award competitive grants, as defined in section 536
of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301
note), to assist the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions in conducting
agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal,
national or multi-state significance.

**B.** []{#purpose .anchor}**Purpose and Priorities**

The TCRGP is a competitive grants program supporting fundamental and/ or
applied agricultural research projects that address high priority
concerns of tribal, national or multi-state significance. The program
funds investigative and analytical studies and experimentation in the
food and agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the
NARETPA (7 U.S.C. 3103) and Part VIII, E. of this RFA). TCRGP seeks to
advance the body of knowledge in the basic and applied natural and
social sciences within the food and agricultural sciences.

**C.** []{#program .anchor}**Program Area Description**

Eligible institutions may propose projects in any discipline(s) of the
food and agricultural sciences. Examples of initiatives that TCRGP might
support include, but are not limited to:

1.  Research on human nutrition ( including health and obesity),
    sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, biotechnology,
    agribusiness management and marketing, or aquaculture;

2.  Conducting plant and animal breeding programs to develop better
    crops, forests, or livestock (e.g., improved yields, more disease
    resistant, improve human health, more productive, yielding higher
    quality products);

3.  Conceiving, designing, and evaluating new bio-processing techniques
    to eliminate undesirable constituents from, or add desirable ones
    to, food products;

4.  Proposing and evaluating ways to enhance utilization of the
    capabilities and resources of food and agricultural institutions to
    promote rural development (e.g., facilitating small rural
    businesses' exploitation of new technologies including market
    development);

5.  Identifying control factors that influence consumer demand for
    agricultural products;

6.  Research on natural resource issues, phytomediation of soils, water
    quantity and quality, alternative energy sources, waste management,
    and ecology of grasslands forest or animal systems; and,

7.  Other high priority areas such as analyzing social, economic, and
    physiological aspects of nutrition; rural housing and lifestyle
    choices; or rural community strategies for meeting the changing
    needs of different population groups.

Applicants are encouraged to submit joint project applications that will
result in building linkages with other institutions that have
significant, ongoing commitments to research on the food and
agricultural sciences generally, and to the specific subject area(s)
targeted by the proposed project. The goals of the joint project
initiatives should include: (1) maximizing the use of limited resources
by generating a critical mass of expertise and activity focused on a
targeted area(s); (2) increasing cost-effectiveness through achieving
economies of scale; (3) strengthening the scope and quality of a
project's impact; and, (4) promoting coalition-building that is likely
to transcend the project and lead to future ventures.

TCRGP encourages projects that develop content suitable for delivery
through eXtension
(<http://about.extension.org/mediawiki/files/5/51/EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_-_March_14%2C_2006_-_YEAR_2.pdf>). This
content is for end users, as opposed to staff development, and must
align with the eXtension Implementation Plan (available at
[[http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning]{.underline}](http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning)). Funds
may be used to contribute to existing Communities of Practice (COPs) 
([http://about.extension.org/wiki/Glossary_of_eXtension_Terms#Community_of_Practice
.28CoP.29](http://about.extension.org/wiki/Glossary_of_eXtension_Terms#Community_of_Practice .28CoP.29):)
or form new COPs that may focus on ***Stakeholder/Land Grant
Institutions Partnership: Integrated Research, Extension and*
*Education*** (for examples of developing COPs and guidance
on forming COPs,
see [[http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Main_Page]{.underline}](http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Main_Page)).

**PART II---AWARD INFORMATION**

**A.** []{#available .anchor}**Available Funding**

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards. CSREES anticipates that approximately
\$1,000,000 will be available to fund applications in FY 2008.

**B.** []{#types .anchor}**Types of Applications**

In FY 2008, applications may be submitted to the TCRGP as one of the
following three types of requests:

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

**[(2) Renewal application]{.underline}**. This is a project application
that requests additional funding for a project beyond the period that
was approved in an original or amended award. Applications for renewed
funding must contain the same information as required for new
applications, and additionally must contain a Progress Report (see Part
IV, B.2.b.(a)2., Project Justification). 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.

**[(3) Resubmitted application]{.underline}**. This is an application
that had previously been submitted to the TCRGP but not funded. Project
Directors are required to respond to the previous review panel summary
(up to one page only) in the application. Failure to respond to previous
review will affect the application evaluation by the review panel
accordingly (see Part IV, B.2.b.(a)2., Project Justification).
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 .anchor}**Project Types**

There are no limitations on the number of applications that may be
submitted by an eligible institution as defined in Part III, A. However,
institutions are encouraged to establish mechanisms that limit their
submissions to high quality applications that have great potential to
improve research programs. Project periods may range from 24 to 36
months. An institution may be awarded a maximum of one grant as the lead
institution on a project application. There are no limitations on the
number of sub-awards to joint partners or cooperators on project
applications (see Part VIII, E. Definitions).

**1. Regular Project Application**

In a regular project application, the applicant proposes to execute the
project as part of a cooperative agreement with at least one 1862 or
1890 Land Grant Institution. Applicants may request up to \$75,000
(total, not per year).

**2. Joint Project Application**

In a joint project application, the applicant proposes to execute the
project as part of a cooperative agreement with at least one 1862 or
1890 Land-Grant Institution, and assistance from at least one joint
partner. A joint partner may include a college or university, unit of
State or Tribal Government, other Tribal College or University, or
private sector organization with a demonstrable capacity to organize and
conduct research. Applicants may request up to \$150,000 (total, not per
year). (See [Joint Project Application]{.underline} under Part VIII, E.
for additional information, especially relating to budget percentages
for each involved institution).

In the Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program, the 1994 Land Grant
Institutions are the lead institutions in funded partnerships. Project
Directors must be staff members or faculty of 1994 Land Grant
Institutions.

**PART III**---**ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION**

**A.** []{#eligible .anchor}**Eligible Applicants**

1\. Applications may be submitted by any of the thirty-three 1994
Land‑Grant Institutions.

The 1994 Land-Grant Institutions are: Bay Mills Community College,
Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Chief
Dull Knife College, College of Menominee Nation, D‑Q University, Diné
College, Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College, Fort Belknap College,
Fort Berthold Community College, Fort Peck Community College, Haskell
Indian Nations University, Institute of American Indian Arts and Alaska
Native Culture and Arts Development, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa
Community College, Leech Lake Tribal College, Little Big Horn College,
Little Priest Tribal College, Navaho Technical Institute, Nebraska
Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Oglala Lakota
College, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, Salish Kootenai College, Si
Tanka/Huron University, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton
Community College, Sitting Bull College, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic
Institute, Stone Child College, Tohono O'odham Community College, Turtle
Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, and White
Earth Tribal and Community College.

 

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 a review.      

2\. Cooperative Agreement Requirement

 

TCRGP applicants must perform proposed research under a Cooperative
Agreement with at least one 1862 or 1890 Land-Grant Institution (section
536 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
301 note)) to enhance collaborative research in the food and
agricultural sciences.  This does not preclude 1994 Land-Grant
Institutions from partnering and submitting joint project applications.

Where cooperative agreements exist, they must bear the signatures of the
PD at the 1994 land-grant institution and the Authorized Representative
(AR) of each cooperating institution. The document must (1) indicate a
cooperating institution's willingness to commit support to the project
and (2) identify an individual at the cooperating institution who will
serve as the primary liaison or technical contact for the project.

Specifically, this document should describe the nature of the 1862 or
1890 land-grant institution's involvement, including its role in: (a)
identifying the need for the project; (b) developing a conceptual
approach; (c) assisting with project design; (d) identifying and
securing needed resources (e.g., personnel, grants/contracts; in-kind
support); (e) developing the project budget; (f) promoting partnerships
with other institutions to carry out the project; (g) helping the
institution launch and manage the project; (h) providing technical
assistance and expertise; (i) providing consultation through site
visits, email, conference calls, and faxes; (j) participating in project
evaluation and dissemination of final project results; (k) seeking other
innovative ways to ensure the success of the project and advance the
needs of the institution or the agency. In addition, the cooperative
agreement should describe the expected benefits of the partnership
venture for all of the parties involved and name(s) of cooperator(s)
with institutional affiliation and percentage time to be allotted to the
proposed effort.

**B.** []{#costsharing .anchor}**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**

**A.** []{#address .anchor}**Electronic Application Package**

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to CSREES
in response to this RFA.

Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested that the PDs first
contact their institution's AR to determine if the organization is
prepared to submit electronic applications through Grant.gov. If the
organization is not prepared, the AR should see
<http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

The steps to access application materials are as follows:

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

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
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-TCRGP-001174, 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>

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

**B.** []{#content .anchor}**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]{.underline}: Some forms will contain a field with instructions to
attach additional information in a separate file. All such attachments
must be in PDF file format. 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. On the Grants.gov Customer Support webpage
(<http://grants.gov/CustomerSupport>) users will find a link to "Convert
Documents to PDF" (<http://grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf>).

#### **[1. SF 424 (R&R) Cover Sheet]{.underline} -- (Required Form)**

**Complete all applicable fields. The following, additional information
may be helpful:**

**Field 2. Applicant Identifier** -- This field is provided for the
Applicant's use if they have an internal tracking system they would like
to use in tracking applications they have submitted. This field is not
required.

**Field 3. Date received by State** and **State Application Identifier**
-- This is not applicable for TCRGP applications; these fields do not
need to be completed.

**Field 5. Applicant Information** -- This must be the legal name of
applicant (See Part III. A, Eligible Applicant). **Official
correspondence will be directed to either the Project Director (Field
15) or the Authorized Representative (Field 19).**

**Field 8. Type of Application** -- Only 'New', 'Renewal' or
'Resubmitted' applications are permitted.

**Field 13. Proposed Project Start Date** **and** **End Date** -- A
project's duration should normally be at least 24 months and no more
than 36 months.

**Field 16. Estimated Project Funding** --

**Total Estimated Project Funding** = Amount of [Federal
funds]{.underline} requested (See Part II. C. 1 or 2 for maximum award
amounts permitted.)

**Field 20. Pre-application** -- Not applicable to the TCRGP program. No
attachments needed.

[**2. SF 424 (R&R) Other Project Information Form**.]{.underline}

a\. Field 6. Project Summary/Abstract. Briefly summarize the project
objectives and include all measurable project outcomes. The summary
should also include the relevance of the project to the TCRGP Goals.

**Include the following [underlined text]{.underline} along with your
responses:**

-   **List the [Project Title:]{.underline}**

-   **List the [Project Director]{.underline} (and any) [Co-Project
    Director(s)]{.underline} (include institutional affiliation for
    each)**

-   **List your project's USDA/CSREES Strategic Goals: (see Part VIII,
    E.)**

-   **[Joint Project]{.underline}: [Yes]{.underline} or
    [No]{.underline}? (Do you plan to share Federal grant funds with
    other partners? See 'Definitions', Part VIII. E.)**

-   **[Partners:]{.underline} If Joint Project, list all partner
    institutions/organizations that will share grant funding (Note: Each
    Partner so identified needs to have their budget information
    submitted on a separate Subaward Budget Attachment). If not a Joint
    Project, enter: 'N.A.'.**

-   **[Total Funds Requested:]{.underline} (List total Federal funds
    requested for this application. If this project is a Joint Project,
    also list each partner's total Federal funds requested next to the
    institution's name).**

-   **Summary Text - Provide a very concise (approx. 250 word) summary
    of your project to include:**

-   **[Purpose]{.underline}: What is the major problem your project will
    address?**

-   **[Audience]{.underline}: Who are the intended beneficiaries? Who
    will be impacted?**

-   **[Products]{.underline}: What will be produced?**

-   **[Outcome/Impact]{.underline}: What is the intended result
    (consequence) of your project? Describe the primary benefits to your
    audience. Note: outcomes/impacts should be measurable, and should be
    included in your project's assessment/evaluation plan to demonstrate
    you will assess whether or not these benefits were achieved.**

b\. Field 7. Project Narrative.

PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 20 pages of written
text and up to five additional pages for figures and tables. This
maximum of 25 pages has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

(Note: To facilitate application review and evaluation, **include the
following, [underlined]{.underline} [wording]{.underline} as headings in
your attached Project Narrative**, followed by your response for each
item.)

**(a) Significance of the Problem.**

1.  **[Project Impact]{.underline}.** Clearly identify and explain how
    the proposed research project will address high priority concerns of
    tribal, national or multi-state significance. Briefly explain the
    project's anticipated, overall impact on advancing food and
    agricultural research and knowledge. Present the research questions
    or hypotheses to be examined.

2.  **[Project Justification]{.underline}.** Provide a rationale for the
    proposed approach to the problem or opportunity. Include a
    comprehensive summary of the pertinent scientific literature.
    Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities which
    substantiate the need for the proposed project. Citations should be
    footnoted and appear in a bibliography at the end of Project
    Narrative. (The bibliography does NOT count towards the 25 page
    limitation.) Explain how current knowledge (or previous findings)
    relate to the proposed project. Describe the relevancy of the
    proposed project to current research, including unpublished
    research, at the applicant institution and any cooperating
    institutions. A [renewal application]{.underline} must include a
    Progress Report (1-2 pages only). The Progress Report ascertains the
    importance and significance of continuing the proposed renewed
    project to further elaborate previous and/or ongoing successful
    results or impacts for the benefit of the target audience, research,
    U.S., and the world. A one page response to the previous review
    panel\'s summary is required for a [resubmitted
    application]{.underline}. (See Part II, B., Types of Applications.)

> This section should also include in-depth information on the
> following, when appropriate:

i.  Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to
    stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural
    science research, education, and extension programs.

ii. Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, and
    implementation and evaluation, as appropriate.

iii. Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing institution.

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3.  **[Innovation]{.underline}.** Describe the degree to which the
    application reflects an innovative or non-traditional approach to a
    food and agricultural research initiative.

4.  **[Multi-disciplinary and/or Problem-based Focus]{.underline}.**
    Indicate: (a) how the project is relevant to multiple disciplines in
    food and agricultural sciences or other research programs; (b) where
    the project expands inter-disciplinary collaborations; and (c) how
    the project advances solutions to real world problems. Discuss
    whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a research model
    for other institutions.

**(b) Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages.**

1.  **[Objectives]{.underline}.** Cite and discuss clear, concise,
    complete, and logically arranged statement(s) or specific objectives
    of specific aims to support the long-term goals of the proposed
    effort.

2.  **[Methods and Plan of Operation]{.underline}.** Explicitly describe
    and state procedures or methodologies to be applied to the proposed
    project. Include descriptions of: (a) proposed investigations,
    proposed project activities or experiments in the sequence in which
    they will be carried out; (b) procedures and techniques to be
    employed, including their feasibility and rationale for their use in
    the project; (c) kinds of results expected and means by which data
    will be collected and analyzed; (d) details of plans to communicate
    results to stakeholders and the public; (f) pitfalls that might be
    encountered; and, (g) limitations to proposed procedures. This
    section should also include, as appropriate, a description of
    stakeholder involvement in problem identification, planning,
    implementation and evaluation.

3.  **[Timetable]{.underline}.** Provide a timetable for execution of
    the project. Identify all important research milestones and dates as
    they relate to project start-up, execution, dissemination,
    evaluation, and close-out.

4.  **[Products, Results, and Measurable Outcomes]{.underline}.**
    Explain the expected products and results and their potential impact
    (outcome) on strengthening food and agricultural sciences research
    in the United States. "Products" may be actual items or services
    acquired or produced with project funds. "Results" are intended (or
    unintended) consequences of the project. "Outcomes/Impacts" are a
    measure of the results by comparing what occurred as a result of the
    project with what might have happened in the absence of the project.

5.  **[Evaluation Plans]{.underline}.** Provide a plan of evaluating the
    accomplishment of stated objectives during the project period.
    Specify indicators of progress and measurable outcomes. Describe any
    performance data to be collected and analyzed, and explain the
    methodologies that will be used to determine the extent to which the
    needs underlying the project are being met. Provide a plan for
    evaluating the effectiveness of end results upon conclusion of the
    project.

6.  **[Dissemination Plans]{.underline}.** Discuss plans for
    disseminating project results and products including the
    possibilities for publications. Identify target audiences and
    explain methods of communication.

7.  **[Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts]{.underline}.**
    Cooperative, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary applications
    are encouraged. 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. Using the Cooperative
    Agreement (described in Part III A.2.) as a basis, clearly describe
    and define the programmatic roles, responsibilities and budget for
    each institutional partner: (1) the nature of the arrangements
    between the applicant institution and the cooperating 1862 or 1890
    Land Grant Institution; (2) how each institution will enhance the
    proposed research project; and, (3) how the potential of the project
    will advance cooperative ventures between the applicant institution
    and the cooperating 1862 or 1890 Land Grant Institution.

> Also, explain how the project will maximize other partnership ventures
> and collaborative efforts to strengthen food and agricultural sciences
> research (e.g., involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the
> same institution, joint projects with other colleges and universities,
> or cooperative activities with business or industry). Also, explain
> how the project will stimulate academia, Tribal government, or the
> private sector in enhancing food and agricultural sciences research.

(c) **Institutional Commitment, Resources, and Continuation Plans.**

    1.  **[Institutional Commitment]{.underline}.** Discuss the
        applicant institution\'s commitment to the project and its
        successful completion. Also, discuss how the benefits to be
        derived from the project will transcend the applicant
        institution or the project period. Substantiate that the
        institution attributes a high priority to the project. Discuss
        how the project will contribute to the achievement of the
        applicant institution's long-term (5- to 10-year) goals and how
        the project will help satisfy the applicant institution's
        high-priority objectives. Show how this project is linked to and
        supported by the applicant institution's strategic plan.

    2.  **[Institutional Resources]{.underline}.** Discuss the
        commitment of institutional resources to the project, including
        facilities, equipment, and computer services. Show that the
        institutional resources that will be made available to the
        project represent a sound commitment and that, when combined
        with the support requested from USDA, these resources will be
        adequate to carry out proposed project activities.

> All facilities which are available for use or assignment to the
> project during the requested period of support should be reported and
> described briefly. All items of major equipment or instrumentation
> available for use or assignment to the proposed project should be
> itemized. In addition, items of non-expendable equipment needed to
> conduct and bring the project to a successful conclusion should be
> listed, including dollar amounts and, if funds are requested for their
> acquisition, justified (see fields 9 and 10 below).

3.  **[Continuation Plans]{.underline}.** Discuss the likelihood of, or
    plans for, continuation or expansion of the project beyond the
    period of USDA support. Discuss, as applicable, how the applicant
    institution's long-range budget, and administrative and academic
    plans, provide for the realistic continuation or expansion of the
    line of research or research support activity proposed in this
    project after the grant period ends. For example, are there plans
    for securing non-federal support for the project; is there any
    potential for income from patents, technology transfer or
    university-business enterprises as a result of the project? Also,
    discuss the probabilities of the proposed activity or line of
    inquiry being pursued by researchers at other institutions.

> **4. [Cost-effectiveness]{.underline}.** Justify the project's
> cost-effectiveness. Show how the project maximizes the use of limited
> resources, optimizes research value for the dollar, achieves economies
> of scale, or leverages additional funds. For example, discuss how the
> project has the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and
> activity focused on a targeted need area, or to promote coalition
> building that could lead to future ventures.

c\. Field 9. Facilities & Other Resources - (Optional Attachment Must be
PDF format)

If needed, describe the types, location, and availability of
instrumentation and physical facilities necessary to carry out the work
proposed. **If special academic, private or government laboratories or
facilities are being used, include a letter in the application from the
authorized representative of the facility describing the proposed
arrangements and availability.** This letter should be included as a
part of Other Attachments, Field 11 below.

d\. Field 10. Equipment Documentation - (Optional Attachment Must be PDF
format)

Equipment purchased (defined as in excess of \$5,000 for each item) must
be fully justified under this section. Other purchases (e.g., computers,
laboratory materials,...etc.) are described, instead, in the Budget
Justification section under the 'Materials and Supplies' line item.

e\. Field 11. Other Attachments

-   Cooperative Agreement. Attach the required Cooperative Agreement as
    set forth in Part III, A.2. of this RFA.

**[3. SF 424 (R&R) Senior/Key Person]{.underline} (Expanded) (Required
Form)**

**Complete all applicable fields.** Consult the CSREES Grants.gov
Application Guide for instructions. Remember to attach the required
Biographical Sketch for at least the Project Director, as well as any
additional individual who will receive Federal support from this
project.

Also, **you must attach** 'Current and Pending Support' information (see
CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide p. 30 & 31, item 4.3, for guidelines
and information format) for each senior/key person identified above.
**Note: Even if no other funding is currently reported under the
'Active' section of this attachment, you must still list information for
this grant application under the 'Pending' section of this attachment
for each senior/key person identified above.**

**[4. SF 424 (R&R) Personal Data]{.underline} (Optional Form)**

**Complete all applicable fields.** Consult the CSREES Grants.gov
Application Guide for instructions. **DO NOT PROVIDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER OF THE PROJECT DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR.**

**[5. SF (R&R) Budget]{.underline}**

Budget Justification (Field K on the Form). If an institution's indirect
cost rate has expired or will expire in the near future, a clear
statement on renegotiation efforts must be submitted. Attach this
statement as part of the Budget Justification.

**[6. SF 424 (R&R) Subaward Budget Attachment]{.underline} (Only
required if submitting a Joint Project Proposal)**

**[7. CSREES Supplemental Information Form (Required
Form)]{.underline}**

a\) Field 2. Program Code. Enter the program code name, \"Tribal
Colleges Research Grants Program,\" and the program code, \"ZY\".

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

**Application Submission Checklist**

**The following checklist contains suggested guidelines to verify prior
to application submission:**

-   **Have all attachments been submitted in the portable document
    format (PDF)? CSREES will only accept PDF attachments. See Part III
    of the CSREES 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
        applications that do not meet these requirements for PDF
        attachments will be at risk of being excluded from CSREES
        review.

-   **Have all five required components of the SF 424 Research and
    Related (R&R) Application Package been completed? Did you use the
    "Check Package for Errors" feature of the PureEdge viewer (see
    section 1.8 of the CSREES Application Guide)?**

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-   **SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet**

-   **SF 424 R&R Other Project Information**

-   **SF 424 R&R Senior/Key Person (Expanded)**

-   **SF 424 R&R Personal Data (Optional)**

-   **SF 424 R&R Budget**

-   **SF 424 R&R Subaward Budget Attachment (Only if submitting a
    Collaboration Project)**

-   **Supplemental Information Form**

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

-   **Have all required fields been completed? Field 5 must contain the
    name of the eligible college or university.**

**� [SF 424 R&R Other Project Information]{.underline}**

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

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-   **[Project Summary/Abstract]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Has the Project Summary PDF been attached to this form in
        Field 6?**

    -   **Does this section adhere to the format?**

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-   **[Project Narrative]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Has the Project Narrative PDF been attached to this form in
        Field 7?**

    -   **Are responses provided for all underlined text in the RFA for
        this section (Field 7, [a]{.underline}-[c]{.underline})?**

    -   **For resubmitted applications only, have you briefly addressed
        comments from the previous review?**

    -   **Do responses clearly distinguish between project
        [Products]{.underline}, [Results]{.underline} and
        [Outcomes/Impacts]{.underline} (Field 7,(b)4)?**

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

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-   **[Bibliography & References Cited]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Attach as PDF file in Field 8, but only if needed.**

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-   **[Facilities & Other Resources]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Attach as PDF file in Field 9, but only if needed.**

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-   **[Equipment]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Attach as PDF file in Field 10, but only if needed.**

    -   **Remember, 'Equipment' is defined as having a value of over
        \$5,000 for each item. Most equipment purchased for these
        projects is actually reported, instead, as 'Materials and
        Supplies' on the R&R Budget Form.**

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-   **[Outside Services, Letters of Support, Use of
    Facilities]{.underline}**

    -   **Attach as PDF file in Field 11, but only if needed.**

**� [SF 424 R&R Senior/Key Person Profile ]{.underline}**

-   **[Biographical Sketch]{.underline} (PDF)**

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

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-   **[Current and Pending Support]{.underline} (PDF)**

    -   **Has the current and pending support PDF for all PD(s) been
        attached?**

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

� [SF 424 R&R Personal Data (Optional)]{.underline} DO NOT PROVIDE THE
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF THE PROJECT DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR.

-   Have all fields been completed except for the social security
    number?

**� [SF 424 R&R Budget]{.underline}**

-   **Have all fields been completed?**

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-   **[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 budget
        justification been included for each institution involved?**

**� [Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}**

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

**Have you included the [required]{.underline} Conflict of Interest List
(PDF) attachment for each key person? (See format in CSREES Grants.gov
Application Guide, Section VI, 1.8, p.46, for instructions.) Include
this one-page attachment for each even if your responses to the
questions are "N.A.".**

**C.** []{#submission .anchor}**Submission Dates and Times**

Applications must be received by COB on February 19, 2008 (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 email.
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate email
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 Program
Contact identified in Part VII of the applicable RFA and request the
proposal number assigned to the application. **Failure to do so may
result in the application not being considered for funding by the peer
review panel.  Once the application has been assigned a proposal number,
this number should be cited on all future correspondence.**

**D.** []{#funding .anchor}**Funding Restrictions**

CSREES has determined that grant funds may not be used for the
renovation or refurbishment of research, education, or extension space;
the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such space; or the
planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of
buildings or facilities.

For FY 2007, sections 101 (a) and (c) of the Revised Continuing
Appropriation Resolution, 2007 (Pub. L. 110-5), limited indirect costs
to 20 percent of the total Federal funds provided under each award.
CSREES anticipates that the FY 2008 Appropriations Act will include a
similar limitation. Therefore, when preparing budgets, applicants should
limit their requests for recovery of indirect costs to the lesser of the
institution's official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent
of 20 percent of the total Federal funds awarded. Another method of
calculating the maximum allowable is 25 percent of the total direct
costs. Please note that if the 2008 Appropriations Act contains a
different indirect cost limitation, CSREES will contact each successful
applicant to apply the correct rate prior to the award of the grant.

**Special Notices (Applicable to Grantees and Subcontractors)**

1.  CSREES will withhold all funds for a TCRGP award to an applicant
    requesting indirect costs if the applicant has not negotiated an
    indirect cost rate with its cognizant Federal agency.

2.  If a grantee is in the process of negotiating an indirect cost rate
    with its cognizant Federal agency, CSREES will withhold all funds
    from that grantee until the indirect cost rate has been established.

3.  If an institution's indirect cost rate has expired or will expire in
    the near future, a clear statement on renegotiation efforts must be
    included in the application. (See Part IV, B.5. Budget
    Justification, above.)

4.  It is incumbent on all applicants to have a current indirect cost
    rate or begin negotiations to establish an indirect cost rate prior
    to the TCRGP submission deadline. Because it may take several months
    to obtain an indirect cost rate, applicants needing an indirect cost
    rate are encouraged to start work on establishing these rates well
    in advance of submitting a TCRGP application.

5.  In lieu of requesting indirect costs, an applicant may prepare a
    budget in which all charges in the budget are included as direct
    costs.

**E.** []{#other .anchor}**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 .anchor}**General**

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

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

**1. Significance of the Problem (30 points).**

This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project will
advance or have a substantial impact upon the body of knowledge
constituting the natural and social sciences, which under gird the
agricultural, natural resources, and food systems. Elements considered
include identification of a problem or opportunity to be addressed,
justification for the project, innovation (creative programs, material
or curricula), and a multi-disciplinary and/or problem-based focus.

**2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages (25 points).**

This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach and the
quality of the partnerships likely to evolve as a result of the project.
Elements include objectives, methodology, plan of operation, timetable,
expected products and results (including measurable outcomes),
evaluation plans, dissemination plans, and partnerships and
collaborative efforts. Emphasis is partnerships and cooperative
linkages.

**3. Institutional Commitment and Resources (20 points).**

This criterion relates to the applicant institution's degree of
commitment to the project, both during and beyond the period of USDA
support. Elements include the applicant institution's commitment to the
project, the adequacy of institutional resources available to carry out
the project, and plans for project continuation or expansion beyond the
period of USDA support.

**4.** **Key Personnel (15 points).**

This criterion relates to the adequacy of the number and qualifications
of the key persons who will carry out the project, including personnel
involved in project technical performance and administration, assessment
of results and impacts, and dissemination of findings.

**5. Budget and Cost-effectiveness (10 points).**

This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget
adequately supports the project and is cost-effective. Elements
considered include the necessity and reasonableness of costs to carry
out project activities and achieve project objectives; the
appropriateness of budget allocations between the applicant and
collaborating institution(s); the adequacy of time committed to the
project by key project personnel; and the degree to which the project
maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes research value for the
dollar, achieves economies of scale, leverages additional funds, focuses
expertise and activity on a high-priority research initiative(s), and
promotes coalition building for current or future ventures.

**C.** []{#conflicts .anchor}**Conflicts of Interest and
Confidentiality**

During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution
shall be determined by reference to the current Higher Education
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone:
(703) 532-2300. Web site:
[[http://www.hepinc.com]{.underline}](http://www.hepinc.com/).

Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as application
content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, except to those
involved in the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In
addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain confidential
throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names of the
reviewers will not be released to applicants.

**D.** []{#organizational .anchor}**Organizational Management
Information**

Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as
part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant
identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided
previously under this or another CSREES program. CSREES will provide
copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as
part of the preaward process. Although an applicant may be eligible
based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which
may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and
nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment
or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an
applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational
management information).

**PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION**

**A.** []{#general1 .anchor}**General**

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless
otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project need not
be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as
practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded
project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA shall be
expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are granted in
accordance with the approved application and budget, the regulations,
the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost
principles, and the Department\'s assistance regulations (parts 3015 and
3019 of 7 CFR).

**B.** []{#award .anchor}**Award Notice**

The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information
including, at a minimum, the following:

\(1\) Legal name and address of performing organization or institution
to whom the Administrator has issued an award under the terms of this
request for applications;

\(2\) Title of project;

\(3\) Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control
approved activities;

\(4\) Identifying award number assigned by the Department;

\(5\) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;

\(6\) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by the
Administrator during the project period;

\(7\) Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;

\(8\) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number;

\(9\) Applicable award terms and conditions (see
<http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html> to view
CSREES award terms and conditions);

\(10\) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and

\(11\) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular award.

**C.** []{#administrative .anchor}**Administrative and National Policy
Requirements**

Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications
considered for review and to project grants awarded under this program.
These include, but are not limited to:

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 .anchor}**Expected Program Outputs and Reporting
Requirements**

**1. Project Director's Conference**

During the tenure of a grant, PDs must attend at least one National PDs
meeting, if offered, in Washington, DC, or any other announced location.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss project and grant management,
opportunities for collaborative efforts, partnerships and capacity
building, project updates/presentations, future directions for program
reform, and opportunities to enhance dissemination of exemplary end
products/results.

 

**2. Current Research Information System (CRIS) Reports **

Grant recipients are required to submit annual and summary evaluation
reports via the CSREES Current Research Information System (CRIS). CRIS
is an electronic, Web-based inventory system, <http://cwf.uvm.edu/cris/>
that facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public
access to information on Federally-funded projects.

**A. Annual Performance Report**

An Annual Performance Report must be submitted within 90 days after the
completion of the first year of the project, and annually thereafter
during the life of the grant. Generally, the Annual Performance Reports
should include a summary of the overall progress (or impacts) toward
project objectives, current problems or unusual developments, the next
year\'s activities, and any other information that is pertinent to the
ongoing project or which may be specified in the terms and conditions of
the grant.

 

**B. Final Technical Report **

A Final Technical Report must be submitted within 90 days after the
expiration date of the project. The expiration date is specified in the
award documents and modifications thereto, if any. Generally, the Final
Technical Report should be a comprehensive summary of the completed
project, including: a review of project objectives and accomplishments;
a description of any products and outcomes resulting from the project;
activities undertaken to disseminate products and outcomes; partnerships
and collaborative ventures that resulted from the project; future
initiatives that are planned as a result of the project; the impact of
the project on the Project Director(s), students, the departments, the
institution, and the food and agricultural sciences higher education
system; and data on project personnel and beneficiaries. The Final
Technical Report should be accompanied by samples or copies of products
or publications resulting from or developed by the project. It also must
contain any other information which may be specified in the terms and
conditions of the award. The hard copies or samples of products or
publications resulting from this project must be sent to the CSREES
National Program Leader overseeing TCRGP (see Part VII).

 

 

**3. Other Reports**

Grantees should be aware that CSREES may, as a part of its own program
evaluation activities, carry out in-depth evaluations of assisted
activities. Thus, grantees should be prepared to cooperate with CSREES
personnel, or persons retained by CSREES, evaluating the institutional
context and the impact of any supported project. Grantees may be asked
to provide general information on any students and faculty supported, in
whole or in part, by a grant awarded under this program. Information
that may be requested includes, but is not limited to, standardized
academic achievement test scores, grade point averages, academic
standing, career patterns, age, race/ethnicity, gender, citizenship, and
disability.

Awards are accompanied by provisions including Terms and Conditions for
the funded project. Grantees must stay informed and guided by the Terms
and Conditions of the award regarding required reports, program/project
data collection, program income, release of information, sharing of
findings, data, and other project products, patents, inventions,
copyrights, etc.

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

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr.
Salei\'a Afele-Fa\'amuli, National Program Leader; Multicultural
Alliances Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2251; 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2251; telephone:  (202) 720-0384; fax:
(202) 720-4924; e-mail: <sfaamuli@csrees.usda.gov>.

**PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION**

**A.** []{#access .anchor}**Access to Review Information**

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

**B.** []{#use .anchor}**Use of Funds; Changes**

**1. [Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility]{.underline}**

Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, the
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or
expenditure of award funds.

**2. [Changes in Project Plans]{.underline}**\
a. The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key project
personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes in
methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to
expedite achievement of the project\'s approved goals. If the awardee or
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of the
award document, not the program contact.

b\. Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.

c\. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.

d\. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic work
in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether or not
Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee and
approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, unless
prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.

e\. The project period may be extended by CSREES without additional
financial support, for such additional period(s) as the ADO determines
may be necessary to complete or fulfill the purposes of an approved
project, but in no case shall the total project period exceed five
years. Any extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by
the awardee and approval in writing by the ADO, unless prescribed
otherwise in the terms and conditions of award.

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

**C.** []{#confidential .anchor}**Confidential Aspects of Applications
and Awards**

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

**D.** []{#regulatory .anchor}**Regulatory Information**

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

**E.** []{#definitions .anchor}**Definitions**

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

[]{.mark}

[1862 Institution]{.underline} or [1862 Land-Grant
Institution]{.underline} or [1862 College or University]{.underline} or
[1862 Land-Grant College or University]{.underline} means one of those
institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12
Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).

 

[1890 Institution]{.underline} or [1890 Land-Grant
Institution]{.underline} or [1890 College or University]{.underline} or
[1890 Land-Grant College or University]{.underline} means one of those
institutions eligible to receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890
(26 Stat. 419, chapter 841, 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) including Tuskegee
University and West Virginia State University.

 

[1994 Institution]{.underline} or [1994 Land-Grant
Institution]{.underline} means one of those institutions (named in the
"Eligible Institutions" section of this solicitation) as defined in
section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land‑Grant Status Act of 1994
(7 U.S.C. 301 note) as amended. These institutions (lead institutions
for this program) are commonly referred to as Tribal Colleges or Tribal
Universities.

 

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

 

[Authorized departmental officer (ADO)]{.underline} means the Secretary
or any employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or
modify award instruments on behalf of the Secretary.

 [Authorized Representative (AR)]{.underline} means the official who has
the authority to commit the resources of the institution.

 

[Award]{.underline} means the provision of funds by the Secretary to an
entity 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 Application
Guidelines.

 

[Awardee]{.underline} means the same as [Grantee]{.underline} (see
below).

 

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

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

 

[Citizen]{.underline} or [national of the United States]{.underline}
means (1) A citizen or native resident of a State, the District of
Columbia, or any Insular Area; or, (2) a person defined in the
Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a
citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United
States. Where eligibility is claimed solely on the basis of permanent
allegiance, documentary evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization
Service as to such eligibility must be made available to CSREES upon
request.

 

[College]{.underline} or [university]{.underline} means 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 an associate 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,
or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been granted
pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that has been
recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of
pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined
that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the
accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a
reasonable time.

 

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

 

[Eligible institution(s)]{.underline} (see [1994
Institution]{.underline} or [1994 Land-Grant Institution]{.underline}.)

 

[Food and agricultural sciences]{.underline} means basic, applied, and
developmental research, extension, and teaching activities in the food,
agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and physical and
social sciences, in the broadest sense of these terms, including but not
limited to, activities concerned with the production, processing,
marketing, distribution, conservation, utilization, consumption,
research, and development of food and agriculturally related products
and services, and inclusive of programs in agriculture, natural
resources, aquaculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics,
rural human ecology, rural economic, community, or business development,
and closely allied disciplines.

 [Grantee]{.underline} means the 1994 Institution 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.

 

[Joint project application]{.underline} means an application for a
project: (1) which will involve the applicant, a 1994 Institution,
working in cooperation with one or more 1862 or 1890 Land-Grant
Institution(s) AND one or more joint partner(s). A joint partner may
include a college or university, unit of State or Tribal government,
other Tribal College or University, or private sector organization with
a demonstrable capacity to organize and conduct research. For joint
project applications, the applicant institution, each cooperating
institution, and each joint partner, must assume a substantial role in
the conduct of the proposed project. **To demonstrate substantial
involvement with the project, the applicant institution submitting a
joint project must retain at least 30 percent but not more than 70
percent of the awarded funds, and no cooperating institution or joint
partner may receive less than 10 percent of the funds.** Only the
applicant institution must meet the definition of an eligible
institution.

 

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

[Peer review panel]{.underline} means a group of experts or consultants,
qualified by training and experience in particular fields of science,
education, or technology to give expert advice on the merit of grant
applications in such fields, who evaluate eligible applications
submitted to this program in their professional area(s) of expertise.

 

[Prior approval]{.underline} means written approval evidencing prior
consent by an ADO as defined in this section.

 

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

 

[Project]{.underline} means the particular research activity within the
scope of one or more of the targeted areas supported by a grant awarded
under this program.

 

[Project Director]{.underline} (PD) means the single individual
designated as the grantee in the grant application and approved by the
Secretary who is responsible for the direction and management of the
project.

 

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

 

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

 

[Regular project application]{.underline} means an application for a
project: (1) where the applicant institution and the 1862 or 1890
Land-Grant Institution cooperator will be the sole entities involved in
the execution of the project; or (2) which will involve the applicant
institution, the cooperator, and one or more other entities, but where
the involvement of the other entity(ies) does not meet the requirements
for a joint project application as defined in this section.

 

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

 

[State]{.underline} means any one of the fifty States, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Virgin Islands
of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

 

[Tribal College]{.underline} or [Tribal University]{.underline} means an
educational institution that: (1) satisfies the definition of a
*college* or *university* as defined in this section, except that
paragraphs (2) and (5) of such definition shall not apply; (2) is
formally controlled, or has been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by
the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes, except that no more
than one such institution shall be recognized with respect to any such
tribe; and (3) is an institution listed in the Equity in Educational
Land Grant Status Act of 1994.

 

[Tribally Controlled College]{.underline} or [Tribally Controlled
University]{.underline} means the same as Tribal College or Tribal
University (see above).

 

[Tribe]{.underline} means any of the groups of Native Americans having
origins in the original peoples of North America that are recognized by
the Federal government.

 

[United States]{.underline} means the several States, the territories
and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the
Virgin Islands of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

 

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

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

> [CSREES Strategic Goals and Objectives (FY 2007-2012)]{.underline}
>
> *Strategic Goal 1: Enhance International Competitiveness of American
> Agriculture*
>
> Objective 1.1: Provide research, education, and extension to expand
> and maintain international export opportunities
>
> Objective 1.2: Support international economic development and trade
> capacity building
>
> Objective 1.3: Provide research, education, and extension to improve
> sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) to facilitate agricultural trade
>
> *Strategic Goal 2: Enhance the Competitiveness and Sustainability of
> Rural and Farm Economies*
>
> Objective 2.1: Provide research, education, and extension to expand
> domestic market opportunities
>
> Objective 2.2: Provide research, education, and extension to increase
> the efficiency of agricultural production and marketing systems
>
> Objective 2.3: Provide risk management and financial tools for farmers
> and ranchers
>
> *Strategic Goal 3: Support Increased Economic Opportunities and
> Improved Quality of Life in Rural America*
>
> Objective 3.1: Expand economic opportunities in rural America by
> providing research, education, and extension to create opportunities
> for growth
>
> Objective 3.2: Provide research, education, and extension to improve
> the quality of life in rural areas
>
> *Strategic Goal 4: Enhance Protection and Safety of the Nation's
> Agriculture and Food Supply*
>
> Objective 4.1: Reduce the incidence of food borne illnesses and
> contaminants through research, education, and extension
>
> Objective 4.2: Develop and deliver research, education, and extension
> to reduce the number and severity of agricultural pest and disease
> outbreaks
>
> *Strategic Goal 5: Improve the Nation's Nutrition and Health*
>
> Objective 5.1: Ensure Access to Nutritious Food
>
> Objective 5.2: Promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles
>
> Objective 5.3: Improve nutrition assistance program management and
> customer service
>
> *Strategic Goal 6: Protect and Enhance the Nation's Natural Resource
> Base and Environment*
>
> Objective 6.1: Ensure clean, abundant water and clean, healthy air
>
> Objective 6.2: Enhance soil quality to maintain productive working
> lands
>
> Objective 6.3: Protect, enhance and manage forests and rangelands
>
> Objective 6.4: Protect and enhance wildlife habitat to benefit
> desired, at-risk and declining species