OMB No. 0581-0329

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Seafood Processors Pandemic Response 

and Safety Block Grant Program

Fiscal Year 2021 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0012

Publication Date: September 23, 2021

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 22, 2021
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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0021

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.181

Dates: Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 22, 2021,

through Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 

requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety 

(SPRS) Block Grant Program. AMS will award grants to eligible State agencies to provide relief to seafood 

processors who incurred costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AMS will make only one award to each 

eligible State or territory. Approximately $50 million is available from funds authorized under Title VII, 

subtitle B, section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 116—260) in 

response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for SPRS projects and applicants, and the application 

forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a SPRS award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit smaller processors and vessels, socially disadvantaged 

processors, veteran processors, and/or underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these 

entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and 

applications.

Stakeholder Input: AMS welcomes comments about this RFA, and we will consider them in developing 

future SPRS RFAs. Email written stakeholder comments within one year of the publication date of this 

RFA to: AMSGrants@usda.gov. 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 

commenting on the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program RFA.

Application Checklist

The application must include the following:

☐ Standard Form (SF) 424 – Application for Federal Assistance

☐ Project Narrative
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................ 3

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description............................................................................................. 4

1.1 Legislative Authority ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Program Description ..................................................................................................................... 4

2.0 Award Information .................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance............................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Type of Applications...................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Available Funding.......................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size ...................................................................................... 5

2.5 Block Grant Amounts Available to Each Applicant ....................................................................... 5

3.0 Eligibility Information .............................................................................................................. 6

3.1 Eligible applicants.......................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Eligible Beneficiaries ..................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Cost-Sharing and Matching........................................................................................................... 7

4.0 Application and Submission Information ................................................................................. 7

4.1 Electronic Application Package ..................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission .............................................................................. 7

4.3 Submission Date and Time............................................................................................................ 9

4.4 Intergovernmental Review ........................................................................................................... 9

4.5 Funds Not Applied For .................................................................................................................. 9

4.6 Funding Restrictions...................................................................................................................... 9

4.7 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements ...................... 10

5.0 Application Review Information ............................................................................................ 14

6.0 Award Administration Information........................................................................................ 14

6.1 Award Notices............................................................................................................................. 14

6.2 Unsuccessful Applicants.............................................................................................................. 14

6.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements..................................................................... 14

6.4 Reporting Requirements............................................................................................................. 15

7.0 Agency Contacts.................................................................................................................... 15

7.1 Programmatic Questions ............................................................................................................ 15

7.2 Available Resources .................................................................................................................... 15

7.3 Address........................................................................................................................................ 15

7.4 Grants.gov Questions.................................................................................................................. 15

8.0 Other Information ................................................................................................................. 15

8.1 Equal Opportunity Statement..................................................................................................... 15

8.2 Freedom Of Information Act Requests....................................................................................... 16

8.3 Paperwork Reduction.................................................................................................................. 16
OMB No. 0581-0329

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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program is authorized and 

funded under Title VII, subtitle B, Section 751 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 

No. 116-260). Under Section 751, the Secretary can provide grants to seafood processing facilities and 

processing vessels to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against the 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

1.2 PURPOSE

The SPRS assists State agencies in defraying the expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and 

responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for seafood processing facilities and processing vessels. 

State agencies will issue payments to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels for costs 

incurred between January 27, 2020, the date upon which the public health emergency was declared by 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, 

and December 31, 2021. 

1.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

State agencies will provide funds to seafood processors and processing vessels as defined in section 3.2. 

State agencies should conduct outreach to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are aware of this relief and 

understand the requirements of the funding opportunity. Each processing facility or vessel may apply 

separately for funding. Processors may only apply once for each location or vessel. State agencies should 

determine funding amounts based on their local conditions and industry needs. Funds can cover the 

activities associated with:

Workplace Safety Measures: Workplace safety measures, including, but not limited to, personal 

protective equipment, sanitizer, hand washing stations, air filters, thermometers, cleaning 

supplies, or similar items.

Market Pivots: Market pivots such as transition to virtual/online sales costs (online platform 

development and fees, online marketing, credit card processing fees), supplies, new signage. 

Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety (retrofitting 

harvester vessels for onboard vessel processing to maximize open-air activities, plexiglass, walk 

up windows, heat lamps, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables, chairs).

Transportation: Additional transportation costs incurred to maintain social distancing.

Worker Housing: Additional worker housing costs incurred to maintain social distancing or to 

allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees.

Medical: Unreimbursed costs associated with providing or enabling vaccinations, testing, or 

healthcare treatment of infected employees, including any paid leave.

State agencies will ensure that subrecipients maintain appropriate records and follow all applicable 

Federal statutes and regulations as well as the Grant Agreement and AMS General Terms and 

Conditions.
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2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide a Federal award to successful applicants.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

New application. AMS will review all new applications for conformity with the criteria in section 4.2 and 

may require the applicant to provide additional information or clarification by a specified date.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

The anticipated amount available for SPRS in FY 2021 is approximately $50,000,000.

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or 

level of funding for this program. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any application or to make a 

specific number of awards.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects recipients to complete their projects within the required timeframe. It is acceptable to 

complete a project before the scheduled performance period end date. However, AMS encourages 

recipients to take the full grant period to allow ample time to complete projects. The applicant must 

indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”.

Duration (Months) Start Date Completion Date

24 No earlier than January 1, 2022 24 months from Start Date

2.5 BLOCK GRANT AMOUNTS AVAILABLE TO EACH APPLICANT

Subject to the amount of available funding as set forth above in section 2.3, each eligible entity that 

submits an application that the AMS reviews and accepts is eligible to receive the available grant 

allocation as indicated below. State grant allocations were determined using National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 2019 landings data to distribute funds proportionally (based on 

their respective percentage of total landings), with a cut-off at 0.05% or more and a minimum award of 

$200,000. The NOAA Fisheries of the United States Landings Data report commercial vessel landings 

numbers by State, species, and year on their publicly available website Fisheries of the United States, 

2019 | NOAA Fisheries. 

State Agency Available Grant Allocation

Alabama $200,000

Alaska $30,694,746

American Samoa $792,209

California $510,912
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State Agency Available Grant Allocation

Connecticut $200,000

Delaware $200,000

Florida $516,208

Georgia $200,000

Hawaii $200,000

Louisiana $4,229,669

Maine $850,184

Maryland $222,673

Massachusetts $1,104,725

Michigan $200,000

Mississippi $1,606,446

New Hampshire $200,000

New Jersey $826,807

New York $200,000

North Carolina $279,234

Oregon $1,532,089

Rhode Island $371,412

South Carolina $200,000

Texas $353,135

Virginia $1,853,268

Washington $2,426,509

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible entities include the State agencies, commissions, or departments in eligible States that are

responsible for agriculture, fisheries, wildlife, seafood, commercial processing, or related commerce

activities within the State. AMS will make only one award per State or territory; agencies within the 

State must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this program.

Eligible States include Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, 

Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New 

York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, as well as 

the territory of American Samoa.

3.2 ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES

Seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, including at-sea processors or dealers. 

Processor means the owner, operator, dealer, or agent responsible for any activity that changes the 

physical condition of a fisheries resource suitable for human consumption, retail sale, industrial uses, or 

long-term storage, including cooking, canning, smoking, salting, drying, shucking, filleting, freezing, or 
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rendering into meal or oil. Any owner, operator, dealer, or agent exclusively gutting, gilling, heading, or 

icing seafood without performing any of the above activities is not considered a processor.

At-sea processor means a vessel or other platform that floats and can be moved from one location to 

another, whether in State waters or water of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), receiving fish and 

operating as a processor.

Dealer means an entity that first receives fish by way of purchase and sells directly to restaurants, 

markets, other dealers, processors, or consumers without substantially altering the product.

3.3 COST-SHARING AND MATCHING

This funding opportunity does not have a Federal cost-sharing or matching requirement and should not 

be included in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications for this RFA will be accepted and must be submitted via Grants.gov. We 

urge applicants to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov application 

process see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain 

and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about 

applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 4.7.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.181,” or the SPRS

Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0012”.

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the opportunity at Grants.gov. Most information blocks on the 

required form are either self-explanatory or adequately explained in the instructions. However, 

applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF424.

Block Instructions

#1 Type of Submission Application

#2 Type of Application New

#4 through #7 Not required

#8c Organizational DUNS Applicant DUNS# for the organization submitting the 

application. See D&B Request a DUNS Number

#8d Address Enter the organization street address as it appears in 

SAM.gov. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted. Enter a 9-

digit zip code

#10 Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA
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Block Instructions

#11 Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance Number (Assistance Listing 

Number)

10.181

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0012

#13 Competition Identification Number Not applicable

#14 Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project

#15 Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Provide a short description of the project

#16a Congressional Districts for Applicant Enter the Congressional district where your main office 

is located

#16b Congressional Districts for

Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will 

be implemented. Write “All” if the project will be 

implemented in more than one location

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End 

Date

Start Date: January 1, 2022

End date: Enter the appropriate End Date for your 

project type

#18a Estimated Funding - Federal Total Federal amount requested

#18b – 18f Estimated Funding – Applicant Not applicable

#19 Is Applicant Subject to Review by State 

Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See section 4.5

4.2.2 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required: Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the SPRS Project Narrative

form. The form and instructions are available on the program’s webpage: Seafood Processors Pandemic 

Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov). The 

Project Narrative must clearly describe the applicant’s outreach and communications capacity, current 

contacts with networks of seafood processors and processing vessels, objectives and goals, types and 

sequence of project activities, monitoring and evaluation strategies associated with the proposed 

activities, and how the applicant will manage the project, with an emphasis on financial controls. 

The project narrative must be typed and single-spaced in an 11-point font and must not exceed fifteen 

(15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding pre-existing form content). For example, if the form is 15 pages before 

you begin entering your project narrative information, your form may be up to 30 pages in length when 

completed (15 original pages + 15 pages of applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the 

Project Narrative form. Applicants must submit the Project Narrative form as a PDF and attached to the 

Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” on the application 

package. Handwritten applications or applications submitted in MS Word will not be accepted.

Prior to submitting the application to Grants.gov, please make sure no tracked changes or mark-up edits 

and comments are visible.

The supporting documents listed below do not count toward the 15-page limit.
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4.2.3 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA: Refer to section 4.6 for more information. The NICRA must be in 

PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button 

under SF-424 item #15.

4.3 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 22, 2021. 

AMS cannot consider applications received after this deadline for funding. (See AMS’ Late and/or 

Nonresponsive Applications Policy)

4.4 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation 

with state and local officials.

4.5 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

Eligible State agencies who do not apply for or do not request all available funding during the specified 

grant application period will forfeit all or that portion of available funding not requested. AMS will 

allocate funds not applied for, by a date determined by AMS, in excess of 1 percent of the amount 

available in section 2.3. This reallocation will be distributed to the remaining State agency applicants in 

an amount of $20,000, which will be supplemented by an amount based on the formula provided in 

section 2.5 if remaining funds are available.

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

4.6.1 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are those 

costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily 

assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results 

achieved.

As stated in 2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 414, any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated 

(including provisional) indirect cost rate, except State and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect 

Cost Proposals, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs 

(MTDC) that may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis 

indirect cost rate. As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect 

or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this 

methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a recipient 

chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply to do at any time.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must use the MTDC as the base. 

MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials 
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and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of 

performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, 

charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support 

costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when 

necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the 

cognizant agency for indirect costs.

If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must 

submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect 

cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1.

4.6.2 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

All AMS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations 

described in the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

Eligible entities may propose direct costs for outreach, education, application evaluation & processing, 

and system improvements to properly implement the program.

Applicants that have questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing this document should 

contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 7.0.

Pre-Award Cost Flexibility

For FY2021, AMS is allowing flexibility for those applicants who wish to incur pre-award costs. An 

applicant may, at their own risk and without AMS prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures up 

to 180 days before the performance start date as long as such costs:

• are necessary to conduct the project; and

• would be allowable under the potential award and without AMS prior approval.

If specific costs would otherwise require prior approval (see the AMS General Terms and Conditions), 

the applicant may be required to provide additional documentation during the application review 

process before an award is made. The cost and associated activities must be included in the project 

narrative and budget justification.

Incurring a pre-award cost in anticipation of being selected by AMS for an award imposes no obligation 

on AMS either to make the award or to reimburse such costs if for any reason the applicant does not 

receive an award. Recipients must be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against the 

potential award and that such borrowing must not impair the recipient's ability to accomplish the 

project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the completion of the 

project.

4.7 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND 

REQUIREMENTS

4.7.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV
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The applicant organization registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, 

complete your registration allowing enough time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet 

required application submission deadlines.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html.

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html.

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a 

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants 

must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF424 form.

2) Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, organizations applying online through 

Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). All organizations must 

register with SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization 

from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated annually, and your 

organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your application to Grants.gov.

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account 

with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this 

process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to 

the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a 

representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on 

behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organization Role (AOR).

4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an 

email notifying him or her of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log 

in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including the AOR role, thereby giving you 

permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able 

to submit your application online any time after you have been approved as an AOR.

5) Track Role Status: After registering with Grants.gov and authorizing the applicant AOR, 

Grants.gov allows you to track your status.

6) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the 

organization's AOR who submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the 

application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are 

able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization to act as an AOR; this 

step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

4.7.2 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO AMS VIA GRANTS.GOV

Applicants may use the Grants.gov Workspace, a shared, online environment where members of a grant 

team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding 

opportunity announcement, an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.
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1) Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through 

your organization for review before submitting.

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and 

check for errors before submission.

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out the webforms, you can download 

individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or 

AMS forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local 

storage device, network drive(s), or external drives, and then accessed through Adobe 

Reader.

NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to

download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader 

Software.

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background 

color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields 

across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger 

this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is 

completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit via a Workspace: Submit your application through Workspace by clicking the Sign and 

Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends 

submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you 

with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

SPECIAL NOTE: Grants.gov does not check for AMS required attachments. It is the applicant’s 

responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in section 4.2.

4) Track via a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, Grants.gov 

automatically assigns a Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) to the package, which will be listed 

on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides additional training resources, including video tutorials. 

Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726, or email 

support@grants.gov. Grants.gov will issue a ticket number to which you and Grants.gov can refer if the 

issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, use the contact information 

described in section 7.0.
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4.7.3 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

All applications must be received by the deadline established in section 4.3. Proof of timely submission 

is automatically recorded by Grants.gov using an electronic date/time stamp generated when the 

application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will then receive an 

acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov. Applicant AORs 

will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov tracking number in an email serving as 

proof of their timely submission.

When AMS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov and acknowledges the download of 

submissions, Grants.gov will electronically acknowledge receipt of the application to the applicant AOR’s 

email address. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the acknowledgement email stating the official 

date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

AMS will not accept applications packages by fax, email or postal mail. Applications received by 

Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be 

considered for funding by AMS. See AMS’ Late and/or Non-Responsive Applications Policy.

Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections. Applicants using slow internet, such as dialup connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting their

application to Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Again, 

Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via 

email to the applicant AOR.

4.7.4 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION 

DEADLINE.

• Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all the instructions provided by AMS.

• Thoroughly review the AMS General Terms and Conditions to understand allowable and 

unallowable costs.

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov:

o Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) number “10.181” and Funding Opportunity Number 

“USDA-AMS-TM-SPRS-G-21-0012.”

• Make sure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that 

it is compatible with Grants.gov software. Grants.gov supports Adobe Reader version 9.0.0 and 

higher.

• Limit Application File Name Characters (50 or less).

• When uploading attachments, click the “Add Attachments” button (do NOT use the “paperclip” 

icon in Adobe Reader).

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.
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• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• Input the correct DUNS number on the SF-424 cover page.

• Review the Grants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides: 

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

AMS will review grant applications to ensure the application meets the statutory purpose of the 

program, all application criteria are fulfilled in accordance with section 4.0, and that all costs are 

allowable. AMS will also assess an organization’s ability to account for the use of Federal funds and 

monitor the performance associated with these monies using the guidance provided by 2 CFR § 200.206.

AMS will notify the individual listed on the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 8f. if 

additional information is required after the initial review of the application. An applicant should ensure 

that all sub-applicants are aware that additional information may be required from them because of the 

review of their grant proposal. Failure to provide requested information in a timely manner may result 

in a project not receiving funding.

6.0 AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 

6.1 AWARD NOTICES

Upon announcement of the Federal awards, AMS will prepare and send a Notice of Award and Grant 

Agreement to each recipient for signature by the appropriate official. Grant Agreements consist of a 1-

page Agreement Face Sheet (AMS-33) that will be signed by AMS and the AOR.

The Notice of Award and Grant Agreement will provide pertinent instructions and information including, 

at a minimum, the information described in 2 CFR § 200.211 and a reference to the AMS General Terms 

and Conditions.

6.2 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by AMS via email as soon as possible after the SPRS awards 

are announced. The unsuccessful applicants will be provided anonymous review panel consensus 

comments regarding their proposals as feedback.

6.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the Notice of Award and Grant Agreement, all AMS recipients must abide by the AMS General 

Terms and Conditions, which reference applicable Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
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6.4 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Reporting and award closeout requirements are included in the AMS General Terms and Conditions. If 

there are any program or award-specific award terms, those will be identified in the award.

7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS

7.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS

After closely reviewing this RFA in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to 

contact the SPRS staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at SPRSGrants@usda.gov.

For additional information, please visit the SPRS Website: Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and 

Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)

7.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the SPRS website at Seafood Processors Pandemic 

Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov) that may 

be helpful to applicants, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), descriptions of funded projects, 

and required application forms. AMS staff is available to provide timely technical assistance.

7.3 ADDRESS

Seafood Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grants

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 2055 South Building

Stop 0201

Washington, DC 20250-0264

www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/sprs

7.4 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Grants.gov’s Applicant 

Support.

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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8.2 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS

The Freedom of Information Act of 1966 (5 U.S.C. § 552) (FOIA) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. §

552a), as implemented by USDA’s regulations (7 CFR § 1, Subpart A) govern the release or withholding of 

information to the public in connection with this Federal award. The release of information under these 

laws and regulations applies only to records held by AMS and imposes no requirement on the recipient 

or any subrecipient to permit or deny public access to their records.

FOIA requests for records relating to this Federal award may be directed to USDA, Agricultural 

Marketing Service, FOIA/PA Officer, Room 1671-S, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 

20250-0273, Telephone: (202) 302-0650; or email: AMS.FOIA@usda.gov.

8.3 PAPERWORK REDUCTION

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501), an agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid 

OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0329.The 

time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 4 hours per response, 

including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining 

the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.