OMB No. 0581-0240

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Local Meat Capacity Grants 

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LMCG-G-23-0017

Publication Date: APRIL 19, 2023 

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 19, 2023 
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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Local Meat Capacity Grant Program 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LMCG-G-23-0017

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.189

Dates: Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 19, 2023, 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) 2023 Local Meat Capacity Grants (Local MCap). This

program supports independently owned meat and poultry processing businesses with funds to provide 

more and better processing options for local livestock producers by modernizing, increasing, diversifying 

and decentralizing meat and poultry processing capacity, including support for rendering. 

Approximately $75 million is available under this grant program, subject to appropriations and funds

availability. Awards will range from $100,000 to $5 million for Processing Expansion Projects to support a

wide range of activities to increase and diversify processing capacity, including equipment purchases

(including equipment-only purchases over $250,000) and building and facilities upgrades. A non-Federal 

match of 50% of the total proposed project cost (with a reduced match for underserved producers and

business owners) is required for the Processing Expansion Projects (see section 4.1).

AMS is also offering a Simplified Equipment-Only application with no matching funds requirement for

projects that solely request the cost of equipment and range from $10,000 to $250,000, and do not

include renovation or staffing costs. This option is designed to reduce administrative burden for the 

recipient. 

AMS will award competitive grants to eligible applicants that submit high quality proposals that meet 

the purpose and program requirements for this program. This announcement provides eligibility criteria 

for applicants and projects, details on match requirements, and the forms and instructions required to

apply for an award. Eligible entities are those engaged in meat and poultry processing, including 

rendering animal carcasses or byproducts. Eligible entities may be Tribes and Tribal Entities, for-profit 

entities, non-profit entities, and State or local government entities (more detail in section 3.1). Up to

10% of available funds may be awarded to rendering projects.

AMS will prioritize applications from applicants that engage with underserved producers. AMS also

encourages applications that support smaller farms and ranches in the region, new and beginning 

farmers and ranchers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For grants intending to 

serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve those individuals and groups when 

developing project applications.

USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems, including tools to support 

agriculture, forests, grazing lands, and rural communities. AMS encourages applicants to consider 

including goals and activities related to mitigating or adapting to climate change in their project’s design 

and implementation.

AMS offers no-cost technical assistance to meat and poultry processor applicants through its Meat and 

Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA). Applicants are encouraged to 
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contact the MPPTA network of providers for broad-scope technical support from pre-application to 

post-award grant management, business planning and processing operational resources, supply chain 

development expertise, and resources specific to historically underserved USDA stakeholders. Visit 

www.ams.usda.gov/mppta to connect with these services.

Application Checklist

AMS expects applicants to read the entire RFA prior to submitting their application to ensure that they 

understand the program’s requirements. This application checklist provides the required documents for 

an application package.

Local MCap requires that all application packages include the following:

 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (Grants.gov)

 SF-424A - Budget Summary (in Grants.gov)

 Project Abstract Summary (in Grants.gov)

 Project Narrative Template

ο Processing Expansion Projects – Project Narrative Template (see section 5.2.4) 

ο Simplified Equipment-Only Projects – Project Narrative Template (see section 5.2.6) 

 Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure (see section 5.2.8) 

If applicable, packages may also be required to include the following documents:

 Simplified Equipment-Only Projects - Documentation to substantiate the costs of each piece of 

proposed equipment (see section 5.2.6) 

 Processing Expansion Projects - Signed Letter(s) Verifying Matching Funds for each match 

resource listed in the application (see section 5.2.5) 

 Signed Letter(s) of Support from Producers listed in the application (see section 5.2.8) 

 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (PDF Attachment)

Tips for Applicants

• To do business with the Federal Government and to submit your application electronically using

Grants.gov, you must—

ο Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN); 

ο Be registered in SAM.gov, the Government's primary registrant database; 

ο Provide your UEI number and TIN on your application; and 

ο Maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information throughout the 

application review period and, if you are awarded a grant, during the project period.

• Register in Grants.gov and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE

APPLICATION DEADLINE. AMS encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks

before the application deadline to ensure all certifications are met.

• Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all instructions.

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

unallowable costs.

• Ensure the application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 4.4

• Ensure the narrative does not exceed the page limit specified in section 5.2.4
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• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance listing (formerly

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number “10.189” and Funding Opportunity

Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LMCG-G-23-0017.”

• Ensure 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 Size/ File Name Characters (50 or less).

• Avoid Special Characters in File Names ($, %, &, *, Spanish "ñ", etc.).

• 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”.

• Input the correct UEI (formerly DUNS) number on the SF-424 form 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

Timing to Obtain and Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

Submitting your application. The AMS Deadline to receive final application 

and all supporting materials through Grants.Gov

July 19, 2023 – 11:59 p.m. 

Eastern Time

Obtaining Your Organization’s UEI Number (if you do not already have one) 7-10 business days

Establishing an Active SAM.gov Account (if you do not already have one) 7-10 business days

Obtaining a TIN/EIN (if you do not already have one) Up to 2 weeks

Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your Authorized 

Organizational Representative (AOR) authorization Up to 2 weeks
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description ................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Legislative Authority............................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................ 6

1.3 Project Types........................................................................................................................................ 7

1.4 National Environmental Policy Act..................................................................................................... 10

2.0 Award Information....................................................................................................................... 11

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance................................................................................................................. 11

2.2 Type of Applications........................................................................................................................... 11

2.3 Available Funding ............................................................................................................................... 11

2.4 Federal Award Period, Duration, and Size ......................................................................................... 11

3.0 Eligibility Information................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Eligible Applicants.............................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 Entities Not Eligible For Funding ........................................................................................................ 13

4.0 Funding Considerations................................................................................................................ 13

4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching ................................................................................................................ 13

4.2 Indirect Costs...................................................................................................................................... 14

4.3 Subawards .......................................................................................................................................... 15

4.4 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities ............................................................................... 15

5.0 Application and Submission Information ...................................................................................... 15

5.1 Electronic Application Package .......................................................................................................... 15

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission.................................................................................... 16

5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements.............................. 20

5.4 Application submission requirements ............................................................................................... 21

5.5 Submission Date and Time................................................................................................................. 22

5.6 Intergovernmental Review................................................................................................................. 22

6.0 Application Review Information................................................................................................... 22

6.1 Project Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................. 22

6.2 Review and Selection Process............................................................................................................ 24

7.0 Award Administration Information............................................................................................... 25

7.1 Award Notices.................................................................................................................................... 25

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants..................................................................................................................... 25

7.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements............................................................................ 25

7.4 Reporting Requirements.................................................................................................................... 25

7.5 Acknowledgement of USDA Support ................................................................................................. 26

8.0 Agency Contacts........................................................................................................................... 26

8.1 Programmatic Questions.................................................................................................................... 26

8.2 Available Resources ........................................................................................................................... 26

8.3 Grants.gov Questions......................................................................................................................... 26

9.0 Other Information........................................................................................................................ 26

9.1 Definitions.......................................................................................................................................... 26

9.2 Equal Opportunity Statement............................................................................................................ 29

9.3 Freedom Of Information Act Requests.............................................................................................. 30

9.4 Paperwork Reduction......................................................................................................................... 30
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (Pub. L. No. 117—2) funds the Local MCap

program, consistent with the purpose of providing “loans and grants and other assistance to maintain 

and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Local MCap is administered by the 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

1.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by increasing 

processing capacity and promoting more competition in the sector. This program is part of the broader 

Biden-Harris Administration $1 billion investment to expand processing capacity for small and midsized 

meat and poultry processors. Given that the meat and poultry processing sector is particularly 

vulnerable to disruption, increasing capacity and promoting competition is a high priority for USDA.

Based on public input, USDA identified an urgent need to expand and diversify meat and poultry 

processing capacity; increase producer income; provide producers an opportunity to have ownership in 

processing facilities; create stable, well-paying jobs in rural regions; improve worker health, safety, 

training, and wages for meatpacking jobs; spur collaboration among producers and workers; prompt 

State, Tribal, and private co-investment; and provide consumers with more choices. 

This Local MCap grant program is targeted to support meat and poultry processors with smaller-scale 

projects, with a goal to increase processing availability and variety for local livestock producers. Given 

that byproducts (e.g., meat and bone meal, poultry meal, blood meal, animal fats, etc.) are generated 

through the slaughter and processing of livestock and, therefore, an essential part of a holistic 

processing supply chain, rendering plants who can demonstrate how they meet the overarching goals of 

this program are also eligible to apply. Up to 10% of available funds may be awarded to rendering 

projects. Local MCap complements the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program administered 

by Rural Development by providing a targeted program for smaller-scale projects using a streamlined 

application. Smaller-scale projects eligible for this program include equipment purchases and 

installation, facility and equipment upgrades, minor alterations and renovation, and capacity expansion. 

Because the program aims to support more and better markets for local and regional livestock 

producers, AMS encourages processor applicants to engage with such producers, especially small and 

underserved farmers and ranchers. Project plans should be based on the needs of small, underserved,

and/or local and regional producers, and thoughtful projections of markets for the processed products.

Additional goals may include reductions in slaughter/processing wait times and pricing uncertainty, 

more consistent product quality, and more differentiated product options for producers. 

This program is also aligned with efforts to: 

• Ensure equitable access to USDA programs and benefits from USDA-funded projects and

support the policies of Executive Order 13985 (Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial

Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government).
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• Contribute to the resilience of the food and agricultural supply chains through support for 

diversified, value-added agriculture and support the policies of Executive Order 14017

(Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains). 

• Promote competition in the food system and support the policies of Executive Order 14036

(Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy). 

• Implement the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act. Guidance on BABA requirements for 

USDA award recipients is available here. 

1.3 PROJECT TYPES

1.3.1 DEFINITION OF A PROJECT

A project is a set of interrelated tasks with a cohesive, distinct, specified, and defined goal. It follows a 

planned, organized approach over a fixed period of time and within specific limitations (cost, 

performance/quality, etc.). Additionally, it uses resources that are specifically allocated to the work of 

the project and usually involves a team of people. 

Projects are different from other ongoing operations in an organization because, unlike operations, 

projects have a definitive beginning and end – they have a limited duration. A project has an overarching 

goal that the applicant wants to accomplish through a series of individual activities or tasks. 

For this program, applicants can apply to one of the following project types: 

• Processing Expansion Projects (section 1.3.2) 

• Simplified Equipment-Only Projects (section 1.3.3) 

Applicants may only apply for one project type.

1.3.2 PROCESSING EXPANSION PROJECTS

Processing Expansion Projects will fund grants from $100,000 up to $5 million to increase the 

processing and/or rendering capacity of privately, cooperatively, non-profit, or Tribally held processing 

facilities as described in this RFA. Applications in this project type may request funding for equipmentonly projects over $250,000 or projects that include equipment purchases and facilities upgrades that

create new and/or expanded markets for local livestock producers. For funding requests that include 

building and facility upgrades, those can include improvements, re-arrangements, and/or alterations to 

a facility that are required to use a space more effectively and to accommodate new or upgraded 

equipment and processes. 

Applications should demonstrate technical feasibility, financial viability, and should identify other nonFederal funds necessary to complete the proposed project. They should also describe engagement with 

local producers (and for rendering plants, engagement with local producers and/or processors) to 

identify priorities and demonstrate a clear relationship between proposed activities and enhanced or 

expanded market options for local producers. See also section 6.1.1 of this RFA for the scoring criteria 

for this project type.
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Examples of activities and initiatives that can be funded by this program include but are not limited to:

• Expanding processing capacities to increase production volumes, process additional meat and 

poultry species, or add new value-added product types; 

• Upgrading processing and manufacturing equipment; 

• Increasing packaging and labeling capacity; 

• Increasing cold storage capacity; 

• Improving slaughter and humane handling infrastructure; 

• Installation of holding pens or wastewater management systems, or other improvements that 

do not require breaking new ground or constructing new facilities; 

• Purchasing equipment or upgrading facilities for rendering carcasses and animal byproducts; 

• Minor facility alterations and repairs and equipment purchases for new or improved on-premise 

retail space;

• Developing, customizing or installing equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, 

increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more 

of USDA’s climate action goals (see https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climateadaptation-usda); 

• Purchase or upgrade equipment to improve worker safety;

• Modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety; 

• Hiring consultants to develop Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans or to 

develop and provide employee training; 

• Training on the use of all equipment purchased under the grant and associated new processes; 

• Staffing or operational costs specifically tied to the proposed expansion project.

1.3.3 SIMPLIFIED EQUIPMENT-ONLY PROJECTS

Simplified Equipment-Only Projects offer a simplified application to fund smaller grants between 

$10,000 and $250,000 for equipment purchases for meat and poultry processors. The Simplified 

Equipment-Only option is a Fixed Price Grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not 

associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost 

of the equipment up to $250,000. Applicants must attach documentation to substantiate the costs of

each piece of proposed equipment, which can include contracts, catalog pricing or binding quotes 

provided by license commercial entities. No match is required for this grant. 

Applicants are required to provide a project narrative that describes the need for the equipment and the 

estimated increases in production that will result, as well as other program indicators and outcomes 

provided on the Project Narrative Template. The project narrative must demonstrate that they source or 

will source the majority of their animal inputs from local livestock producers (i.e., within 400 miles or 

within the same State or Tribal lands) and that the project will help offer expanded capacity and/or 

product options for those producers. 

For rendering applications, applicants must provide a narrative, using the Project Narrative Template,

that describes the need for the equipment and the estimated increases in rendering that will result, as 

well as other program indicators and outcomes provided in the Project Narrative Template. The project 

narrative must demonstrate that the increased rendering capacity will benefit local processors serving 
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local underserved producers and will improve the processing landscape and reduce costs for those 

producers.

See also section 6.1.2 of this RFA for the scoring criteria for this program, which is a subset of the 

criteria used for the Processing Expansion Projects. 

1.3.4 PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for funding if the proposed activities include: 

• New construction and/or structural changes to an existing building/facility resulting in a square 

foot expansion or changes to the building’s floor, foundation, and exterior or load bearing walls. 

• Routine maintenance and repair of an organization’s buildings and operational facilities. 

• Purchasing land, buildings, or facilities, or any interest therein.

• Paying ongoing staffing or operational costs not specifically tied to the proposed expansion 

project.

• Expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any Federal, State, or local government 

funding.

• Activities already funded by another Federal award program. 

1.3.5 FUNDING PRIORITIES

AMS will prioritize applications that demonstrate engagement with and benefit to local livestock 

producers, including underserved producers. 

AMS may prioritize applications based on:

• Diversity in applicants funded in geographic regions and across a variety of species.

• For Processing Expansion Projects: Leverage of significant non-Federal financial and technical 

resources, as appropriate to the scope and scale of the project. Any match above and beyond 

the match requirement (see section 4.1) may lend support to the application.

• Size of the operation according to number of head processed annually or number of employees. 

Applicants should provide this information as part of their project narrative.

• Whether the projects:

o Are located in communities that have distressed or at-risk scores on the Distressed 

Communities Index (DCI) developed by the Economic Innovation Group.

o Enhance worker and/or farmer voice through cooperative ownership, payment of living 

wages, the provision of worker training, and/or promotion of safe working conditions.

o Enhance local and regional environmental stewardship and climate benefits.

1.3.6 PROJECT EXAMPLES

The following are examples of potential projects that might make use of this grant to expand capacity 

and provide more and better options for local livestock producers: 

• A small meat processing facility proposes to purchase equipment to offer a greater variety of 

value-added products to its livestock producer customer. After gathering input from local 

producers, the facility plans to use grant funds to buy equipment to produce sausages, cured 

meats, and burger patties. Livestock producers will then have more specialized and premium 
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products they can sell to local restaurants and retailers. The project includes costs associated 

with moving an interior wall and upgrading the flooring to provide additional processing space 

within their facility, extending their water lines and adding floor drains.

• A poultry facility is looking to invest in a new conveyor belt line to increase the number of birds 

it can process. The project also includes costs for hand guards and better knives and related 

equipment to improve productivity while also protecting workers. The business is not requesting 

facilities improvement support or other activities not included in the bids or documented

equipment costs, and the equipment requested totals less than $250,000 so the owner is able to 

apply for the Simplified Equipment-Only Project grants. 

• A meat processing plant aims to transition into higher-value markets and proposes to invest in 

cold storage to dry age beef, a premium product. The processing plant could expand into new 

markets, selling to its regional steakhouse chain and high-end national retail stores. These new 

markets will allow the plant to pay more to producers for high-quality cattle raised on local 

farms. The new markets will also allow farms that market their own meat products higher value 

options without additional cold storage fees necessary when space is limited. 

• A farmer-owned cooperative operating a meat processing facility has recruited new members 

who are poultry producers, and the cooperative will use the grant to install poultry processing 

equipment and lines to serve those members, building financial capacity and resilience for the 

cooperative as a whole and ensuring sustainability of the enterprise for all members and their 

customers.

• Based on requests from local producers and on feedback from customers, an establishment that 

processes poultry exclusively seeks to expand to process red meat into various items. The 

establishment proposes to use grant funds to purchase equipment, including grinders and 

stuffers; modifying the establishment’s existing floorplan and adding a processing line; and 

hiring a reputable consultant to develop a HACCP plan for production of the meat items and to 

train employees.

• A new owner of a recently closed meat processing plant requests funds to purchase and install 

equipment and do some facility upgrades to meet food and worker safety standards and restart 

processing activities to reinstate the market for livestock producers in the region. 

• A rendering plant has spoken with small processors who are expanding in the area, and 

identified a need for additional equipment to support the additional animal byproducts that will 

result from that processing expansion. The rendering plant applies for funds to purchase 

equipment to meet those processor needs and to upgrade their facility in relation to the 

expansion.

1.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

All activities funded under this RFA must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, other laws and regulations, and any applicable 

State, local, or Tribal laws. A review for NEPA compliance is required prior to the award of grant funds. 

AMS may request additional information for the purposes of completing the environmental review.
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If selected for an award, grant recipients will need to provide all requested information to support 

compliance with NEPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and 

other Federal laws or regulations as part of the administrative review process. Costs associated with 

satisfying environmental review requirements and permits are eligible for reimbursement as pre-award

expenses if the project is funded and AMS approves the request. See Program Specific Terms and 

Conditions for more information. 

AMS reserves the right to deny an application that has the potential for significant environmental 

impacts, cannot obtain proper permitting, or does not meet NEPA or permitting policies or does not 

provide documentation by established time frame. More information on the NEPA Policy is in Program 

Specific Terms and Conditions. 

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. All new applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and 

evaluation criteria described in section 6.0.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

The anticipated amount available for the Local MCap Program in FY 2023 is approximately $75 million. 

All awards will be awarded in FY 2023. Funding will be issued as competitive awards. Enactment of 

additional continuing resolutions or a full appropriations act may affect the availability or level of 

funding for this program. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific 

number of awards. 

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD, DURATION, AND SIZE

Applicants must plan to complete their projects within the performance period of the grant. 

Award size varies by project type. Applicants may not request less than or more than the respective 

minimum/maximum amounts for each project type. 

Project Type Duration 

(Months)

Anticipated 

Start Date

Anticipated 

Completion Date

Minimum 

Award

Maximum 

Award

Processing 

Expansion Projects 36 11/30/2023 11/29/2026 $100,000 $5,000,000

Simplified

Equipment-Only 

Projects

24 11/30/2023 11/29/2025 $10,000 $250,000
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3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants for Local MCap grants include business entities (regardless of legal structure) engaged 

in meat and poultry processing, including rendering animal carcasses or byproducts. Eligible entities

include Tribes and Tribal Entities, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and State or local government 

entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all applicants must be 

domestically owned. Additionally, applicants’ facilities must be physically located within the 50 States of 

the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the 

Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. 

Eligible entities must be existing operations and must process or plan to process one or more species 

subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) or the Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) and 

possess or plan to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection, a grant of inspection under the Food Safety 

Inspection Service (FSIS) Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a State meat and poultry 

inspection program with standards at least equal to Federal inspection at the time of application. Plants 

processing non-amenable species under voluntary FSIS or State inspection are also eligible to apply for 

funding. For the purposes of this grant, an existing operation can include an entity who is restarting an 

existing facility (e.g., reopening a plant with a new owner or restarting a temporarily closed business).

Applicants that are nationally dominant in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing are ineligible; for the 

purpose of this RFA, nationally dominant is characterized as holding a market share greater than or 

equal to the entity that holds the fourth largest share of the market for any of the following species: 

beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing.

Entities that received grants under the AMS Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) 

program may apply for this program, but they must successfully complete and close out their MPIRG 

grant before being awarded a Local MCap grant award. MPIRG grant recipients may not request funds 

for expenses already included in their MPIRG grant project.

For the purposes of this program, processors who do further processing activities must be primarily 

conducting further processing of the products of slaughter and primary processing from their own 

facility or further processing that contributes to value-added product opportunities for small, local 

livestock producers. 

The following definitions are provided here for convenience, and also appear in the Definitions in 

section 9.1. 

Processor: For the purposes of this program, a processor is a business engaged in the slaughter, 

primary processing, or further processing of meat or poultry for human consumption. See also

Processing, Primary Processing, and Further Processing.

Processing: Includes slaughter, primary processing and further processing of meat or poultry for 

human consumption. See also Primary Processing and Further Processing. 
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Primary Processing: Includes slaughtering, cutting, and boning of raw meat and poultry for 

human consumption. 

Further Processing: Conversion of raw meat and poultry products, through smoking, curing, 

salting, fermenting, cooking, canning, curing, refining, or rendering into cooked, cured and 

preserved products for human consumption. 

Rendering: Rendering is an off-site process that uses heat to convert animal carcasses into safe, 

pathogen-free feed protein and other valuable end products while reducing the negative effects 

of the carcasses on people and the environment.

3.2 ENTITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

1. Meat and poultry processing entities that are custom-exempt or otherwise uninspected with no

plans to operate under Federal inspection or State equivalent inspection. 

2. Meat and poultry processing entities that are exclusively for non-commercial use. 

3. Applicants that hold a market share greater than or equal to the entity that holds the fourth 

largest share of that market for any of the following species: beef, pork, chicken, or turkey

processing. 

4. Multiple applications from separate applicant entities with identical or greater than 75 percent

common ownership, or from a parent, subsidiary or affiliated organization (with ‘‘affiliation’’ 

defined by Small Business Administration regulation 13 CFR 121.103, or successor regulation) 

are not permitted.

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

For the Processing Expansion Projects: 

• Match Requirements. Grant recipients are required to contribute 50% of the total proposed 

project cost as a match to Federal funding. This applies to all applicants except those who 

qualify for the reduced match described in the next bullet.

• Reduced Match for Small and Underserved Business Owners. For grant recipients that are 

Historically Underserved Farmers or Ranchers or for other businesses that qualify under the 

Small Business Administration (SBA) categories of Small Disadvantaged Business, WomenOwned Small Business, and Veteran-Owned Small Business, the match requirement is reduced 

to 25% of the total proposed project cost as a match to the Federal funding. Applicants will be 

required to self-certify in their Project Narrative Template to being eligible for this reduced 

match.

For the Simplified Equipment-Only Projects:

• No match is required for the Simplified Equipment-Only Projects, and voluntary match will not 

be considered in selecting projects. 
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Match funding may be cash or in-kind. In-kind contributions are defined, when used as a cost share or 

match for a grant, as the value of goods or services provided for the benefit of the grant program, where 

no funds transferred hands. For example, a partner, such as a Tribal community member, may volunteer 

their professional expertise as a match contribution to the project as described in 2 CFR § 200.306(e).

These contributions cannot satisfy a cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant program if they 

are used toward satisfying a match requirement under any other Federal grant agreement. 

All matching contributions must be committed or secured at the time an applicant is recommended for 

an award. Applicants must indicate the total amount of match and how it will specifically align with their 

requested funding when completing the budget information section of the project narrative.

Additionally, applicants must submit signed letters or other documentation verifying the match for EACH 

cash and/or in-kind resource. Refer to section 5.2.5 for more information.

Indirect costs may count toward your match. Refer to section 4.2.1 for more information.

Program income (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1) or any other Federal funds is an ineligible source of match 

or cost share.

Project activities ineligible for program funding may NOT be counted as a match.

4.2 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 the regulations (2 CFR §§ 200.414), any non-Federal entity that has never received a 

negotiated 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) 

which 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 to determine the 

amount of indirect costs that can be included in the budget. MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all 

direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials 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 an active 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 
15 | Page

negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant 

agencies see 2 CFR § 200.1. 

4.2.1 USING INDIRECT FUNDS FOR COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The allowed indirect costs may be included under the Federal portion of the budget or as a non-Federal 

matching contribution. The applicant may split the indirect cost allocation between the Federal and 

non-Federal portions of the budget only if the total amount of indirect costs does not exceed the 

maximum indirect costs allowed. Refer to 2 CFR §§ 200.413 and 200.414 for additional information on 

determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.

4.3 SUBAWARDS

Subawards or contracts with partners, collaborators, or other parties that provide additional knowledge, 

expertise, or resources for the purposes of the proposed project are permitted.

4.4 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 and Program Specific Terms and Conditions. 

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

contact AMS staff using the contact information listed under section 8.0 Agency Contacts. 

In general, grant funds may not be used for the following:

• Pay costs that have been or will be reimbursed by a third party.

• Pay costs incurred prior to the date the grant is executed without prior authorization from AMS

and subject to grant award terms and conditions.

• Pay costs thatsupport or oppose union organizing.

• Pay costs associated with conducting research and development.

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

5.1 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 5.3.1.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. Applicants should submit applications to the Grants.gov

well before the deadline to avoid last minute technical issues. See section 5.3 Grants.gov Application

Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements for additional application instructions.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.189,” or the Funding 

Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LMCG-G-23-0017”. 
16 | Page

5.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

5.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required: Form SF-424 is available via the opportunity at Grants.gov. Applicants may use the following 

supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF-424.

Box Instructions

1 - Type of Submission Select Application

2 - Type of Application Select New

8.c - Organizational Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI)

Enter applicant UEI for the organization submitting 

the application.

8.d - 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

11 - Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance Number (Assistance Listing 

Number)

Enter 10.189

12 - Funding Opportunity Number Enter USDA-AMS-TM-LMCG-G-23-0017

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 descriptive title of the project

16a - Congressional Districts for

Applicant

Enter the Congressional district where the 

applicant is located

16b - Congressional Districts for

Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project 

will be implemented, or “All” if the project will be 

implemented in more than one location

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End 

Date

Enter Start Date and End Date

18.a - Estimated Funding - Federal Enter the total Federal amount requested

18.b – 18.f Estimated Funding –

Applicant

Enter the total match amount from the applicant 

organization and/or other partners

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by 

State Under Executive Order 12372 

Process?

See section 5.6

5.2.2 SF-424A BUDGET INFORMATION

Required. The SF-424A is available via the application package in Grants.gov. Most information blocks 

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

However, for Local MCap applications the following supplemental instructions must be used for specific 

boxes on the form. 

On the SF-424A, please complete only Sections A, B, and C. Do not complete Sections D-F. 
17 | Page

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “Local MCap – Federal”

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic 

Assistance Number

Enter “10.189”

1.e – Federal Enter the amount of Federal funding requested for 

the project

1.f – Non-Federal Enter the total match contribution amount 

provided for the project

Section B – Budget Categories

Box Instructions

6.a – 6.j – Object Class Categories In Column 1, enter the amount of Federal funds 

requested for each Object Class Category. Do not

include match funding. 

For example, if you are requesting $2,000 in 

Federal funds for “Travel”, enter 2000 in Column 1, 

box 6.c

Section C – Non-Federal Resources

Box Instructions

8.a – Grant Program Should auto-populate from Section A, Box 1.a

8.b – 8.d Enter the match amount being provided from each 

source (Applicant, State, or Other) for the project

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required for both Processing Expansion and Simplified Equipment-Only applications. The Project 

Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching Federal award. This is 

separate from the Project Narrative Template. The Project Abstract Summary must include: 

• Project purpose

• Activities to be performed

• Deliverables and expected outcomes

• Intended beneficiary(ies): Who will benefit from this beyond the applicant organization?

• Subrecipient, key partner, and collaborator activities. Identify the key partners, collaborators 

and subrecipients you know will be part of the work and how their engagement will support the 

program goals.

5.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE – PROCESSING EXPANSION PROJECT TYPE

Required for Processing Expansion Projects: Applicants are required to use the Processing Expansion 

Projects – Project Narrative Template form to apply to this project type. Your narrative statements 

should be explicitly responsive to the evaluation criteria (section 6.1) and the RFA guidance in general. 

Your proposal should identify needs and/or problems specific to your community and business, 
18 | Page

including details such as estimates of unmet processing needs, new market opportunities, barriers to 

business growth, and how your proposal will address those needs. 

Your narrative should also describe current facility capacity and business activities, including how long 

you have been in business, your current gross annual revenue, the number of head you process 

annually, the number of employees you employ (full-time and part-time), and projected expansion of 

processing capacity (by head and/or by numbers of employees) and revenue growth for your business. 

You must include a realistic implementation timeline and milestones. Consider key factors which will 

impact activities, capability to manage the proposed project, and commitment to continue enhanced or 

expanded processing activities after the grant period. Additionally, the narrative should explain plans to 

procure animals and provide producer opportunities relative to the existing processing establishments 

in your area, articulate price transparency, producer profitability, and value-added production as well as 

relevant commitments from producers, or consumers, end users, and potential buyers. For rendering 

applications, capacity should be in pounds or other relevant measure, and project narrative should 

describe the benefits to local processors and livestock producers. Make sure that your project narrative 

also describes community impact and support, and you document this through the inclusion of at least 

one letter of support from State, local, or Tribal leadership.

Your project narrative should be detailed and specific to your business and community.

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 template content). For example, if the template is 15 pages 

before you begin entering your project narrative information, your template 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 Template. Applicants must submit the Project 

Narrative Template as a PDF and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project 

Narrative Attachment Form”. 

5.2.5 MATCHING FUNDS AND LETTERS OF VERIFICATION – PROCESSING EXPANSION 

PROJECTS

Required for Processing Expansion Projects ONLY. Each application must include written verification of 

match commitments from any party, including the applicant, who will contribute cash or in-kind 

matching from non-Federal resources to the project.

Submit one match verification letter for EACH cash or in-kind resource signed by the matching

organization. 

AMS highly encourages you to use the Suggested Match Verification Template Letter on the grant

program’s website. If you do not use this template or if you are an applicant submitting a match, your

match verification document must minimally include the following: 

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• Cash Commitment per year (if applicable) and Total Cash Match
19 | Page

• In-kind Contribution per year (if applicable) and Total In-kind Match. Break down items into

categories as applicable:

o Salaries (employee name, title, duties, pay rate/hr., amount matched per year)

o Items/Activities (fair market value per unit, how value determined, and amount

matched per year)

o Explanation of how each type of match will correspond to the budget or be used by the

applicant.

• Signature of Matching Organization Representative with typed name and title

Submit Matching Funds and Letters of Verification on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e.,

Project Director). Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are “MATCH VERIFICATION

LETTERS”. Letters must accompany the proposal at the time of application. Unsigned letters will not be

accepted. 

Letter(s) must be attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button

under Form SF-424 item #15.

5.2.6 PROJECT NARRATIVE AND APPLICATION DOCUMENTS – SIMPLIFIED EQUIPMENTONLY PROJECT TYPE

Required for Simplified Equipment-Only Projects: Applicants are required to use the Project Narrative

Template – Simplified Equipment-Only Project Type to create the application project narrative. This 

simplified project narrative will require a clear needs statement, identification of the equipment being 

purchased, a description of the planned increase in capacity or product types the equipment will allow 

you to provide, and an overview of the benefits to livestock producers in your region.

Applicants must provide documentation to substantiate the costs of each piece of proposed equipment, 

which can include contracts, catalog pricing or binding quotes provided by license commercial entities. 

The documentation must be attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add 

Attachments” button under SF-424 item #15.

5.2.7 LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM PRODUCERS

All applicants, regardless of which project type, are encouraged to provide letters of support from

producers at the time of application, in order to demonstrate engagement with and benefit to local 

and/or underserved producers and their support for the proposed project, or other community 

engagement and support. For rendering projects, letters of support should be from local producers and 

local processors demonstrating the need and support for the project.

Letter(s), if used, must be attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” 

button under SF-424 item #15.
20 | Page

5.2.8 EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Required for all applicants, regardless of which project type. 

Both Simplified and Processing Expansion applications must demonstrate that they have the resources 

and infrastructure necessary for the completion of the proposed project, including the land, structures, 

and other necessary resources in place and in working condition at the time of application submission. 

Applicants should include an attachment with their grants.gov submission that describes the critical and 

necessary resources needed for completion of your proposed project. AMS encourages you to use the 

optional Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure worksheet to help you complete this part of 

the application. If you do not use this template, you must include the following: 

• Project Applicant 

• Project Title 

• A statement describing and confirming that the necessary resources and infrastructure have 

appropriate commitments, approvals, permissions, licenses, etc. to be used as described in the 

project. (For example, is the building into which you intend to install equipment approved for 

the processing activities that will then occur there?)

Please title your attachment “EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE” and add it to 

the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button under Form SF-424 item #15.

5.3 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND 

REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

See below for the key registration steps and visit the Grants.gov registration page for complete 

instructions. 

1) Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov): All entities must have an Active

Registration in SAM.gov. This process includes getting a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and requires 

certifications and other information about your business. 

2) 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 UEI to complete this process. 

5.3.2 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.

1) Create a Workspace: This allows you to complete your Workspace online and route it through 

your organization for review before submitting.
21 | Page

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’s name, address, and UEI 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 5.2. 

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 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. 

5.4 APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

AMS will not consider any applications received after the deadline, any applications submitted by fax, 

email, or postal mail and any applications not responsive to the requirements of this RFA (eligibility, 

incomplete application, missing required attachments documents, etc.). See AMS’ Late Applications, 

Denials and/or Appeal Procedures Policy. 

Ensure that all components are complete before submission. Allow enough time for the application 

process, as it may take more than one attempt before your application is successfully submitted. AMS 

encourages you to submit your application at least two weeks before the application deadline to ensure 

all certifications and registrations are met.
22 | Page

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 Authorized 

Organizational Representative (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.

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. 

5.5 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 19, 

2023. AMS cannot consider applications received after this deadline for funding. See AMS’ Late 

Applications, Denials and/or Appeal Procedures Policy.

5.6 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

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

with State and local officials.

6.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

6.1 PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA

6.1.1 CRITERIA FOR PROCESSING EXPANSION PROJECTS

Each application in the Processing Expansion project type will be reviewed competitively using the 

following criteria and scoring. 

Your project proposal narrative should be detailed and specific to your business and community. 

Applicants who insert language from this RFA or use generic language to describe their project may be 

scored lower or as unresponsive to the relevant scoring criteria. 

Alignment and Intent 25 Points

1) The application identifies specific meat or poultry processing and/or rendering capacity 

constraints and describes the project’s objectives, including how they will address those issues.

2) The application describes the steps the applicant will take to enhance the infrastructure and 

increase meat or poultry processing or rendering capacity at the identified facility through 

higher volumes, types of processing, value added activities, etc. 

3) The application describes the project’s proposed geographic focus area and the regional market 

demands versus processing constraints.

4) The application identifies types and estimated numbers of producers that will benefit from 

increased processing capacity, in particular underserved producers. 
23 | Page

5) The application complies with all written instructions and requirements described within the 

RFA and Project Narrative Template. 

Technical Merit 15 Points

1) The application describes technical resources already in place to contribute to the project’s 

development, implementation, and/or management. 

2) The application presents a clear, well-conceived, complete, and suitable overall work plan. 

3) The extent to which the application presents a realistic schedule with project milestones and

timelines for implementing the proposed project objectives during the award project period.

4) If the applicant proposes to build upon previously funded activities, the previous lessons learned 

are clearly incorporated into the proposed project. 

Achievability 15 Points

1) The proposed activities are relevant for the scale and scope of the project including:

a. How each activity contributes to achieving the outcome; and

b. Description of key factors that will contribute or restrict progress toward the applicable 

activities, including action steps for addressing identified restricting factors. 

Expertise and Technical Management 15 Points

1) The applicant demonstrates the capability and experience to implement the project. 

2) The relevant experience of key staff responsible for managing the project implementation and 

on-going use of the newly installed equipment. 

Fiscal Plan, Financial Viability, and Resources 10 Points

1) The application Budget Narrative/Justification provides a clear, detailed description for each 

budget line item, and:

a. The budget is well justified for the size and scope of the project activities.

b. All budget items are directly linked to activities included in the application. 

c. The budget relates logically to the project narrative describing the project. 

2) The applicant describes the financial viability of the project. 

3) Narrative and/or data to demonstrate product demand and reliability of supply for financial 

feasibility (including consideration of competing facilities)

Market Impact & Opportunities 10 Points

1) The applicant plans to procure animals and provide producer opportunities relative to the 

existing processing establishments in their area and describes how the expanded processing 

capacity will meet producer, buyer, and consumer needs. 

2) For rendering applications, the applicant plans to process animal byproducts through a rendering 

facility which benefits local processors and describes how the expanded rendering will meet 

supply chain needs. 

3) Whether the operation is a cooperative business model or otherwise shares profits or 

ownership with consumers, producers, or workers, if applicable.
24 | Page

Community Impact & Support 10 Points

1) The applicant describes the community engagement and support of their proposed project and 

the proposed increase in processing availability, as well as any strategies to generate additional 

community support. 

2) The applicant provides a description or analysis of local and regional market and economic 

impact.

3) The project enhances worker experience and safety through payment of living wages, provision 

of worker training, and/or promotion of safe working conditions. 

4) The project enhances and supports local and regional environmental stewardship and climate 

benefits. 

6.1.2 CRITERIA FOR SIMPLIFIED EQUIPMENT-ONLY GRANTS

For Simplified Equipment-Only Grants, the following criteria apply. 

Alignment & Intent 80 Points

1) The application identifies specific meat or poultry processing capacity constraints and describes 

the project’s objectives, including how they will address those issues.

2) The application describes the steps the applicant will take to enhance the infrastructure and 

increase meat or poultry processing capacity at the identified facility through higher volumes, 

types of processing, value added activities, etc. 

3) The application describes the project’s proposed geographic focus area and the regional market 

demands versus processing constraints.

4) The application identifies types and estimated numbers of producers (see section X) that will 

benefit from increased processing capacity, in particular historically underserved, beginning, or 

limited resource producers.

5) The application complies with all written instructions and requirements described within the 

RFA and Project Narrative Template.

6) The budget relates logically to the project narrative describing the project. 

Market Impact & Opportunities 20 Points

1) The applicant plans to procure animals and provide producer opportunities relative to the 

existing processing establishments in their area and describes how the expanded processing 

capacity will meet producer, buyer, and consumer needs. 

2) Whether the operation is a cooperative business model or otherwise shares profits or 

ownership with consumers, producers, or workers, if applicable.

6.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Step 1: Initial Qualification Screening

Each application is initially reviewed for overall completeness, as well as compliance with eligibility and 

program requirements as set forth in this RFA. If an application does not meet these requirements, it is 

removed from consideration. Please see section 3.0 and AMS’ Late and/or Non-Responsive Applications 

Policy for more information.
25 | Page

Step 2: Technical Review

Each application that passes initial screening (Step 1) is evaluated by a panel of independent peer 

reviewers. Each reviewer signs a conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement regarding any 

assigned applications. The peer review panels evaluate their assigned applications using instructions 

prepared by AMS officials. Individual reviewers score applications and then confer with other panel 

members. The scoring and discussion serve as the basis for awarding and allocating grant funds and 

focuses on strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. 

Step 3: Administrative Review 

AMS will conduct a final administrative evaluation of each review panel’s top rankings and 

recommendations. In addition to the rank and scores, AMS reviews each application to ensure that 

potential recommended projects align with the scope of the RFA, allowability of budget items, available 

funding, geographic diversity, and USDA priorities as noted in section 1.3.5. AMS staff will work with 

top-ranked applicants to negotiate any revisions if necessary and possible. 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. 

7.0 AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 

7.1 AWARD NOTICES

Upon announcement of the Federal awards, AMS will prepare and send a Notice of Award (NOA) to

each recipient for signature by the appropriate official. The NOA will be signed by AMS and the AOR.

The NOA 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. 

7.2 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

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

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

regarding their application as feedback.

7.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the NOA, all AMS recipients must abide by Program Specific Terms and Conditions and the

AMS General Terms and Conditions, which reference applicable Administrative and National Policy 

Requirements. 

7.4 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.
26 | Page

7.5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT

Proper acknowledgement of your USDA-AMS funding in published solicitations (e.g., for State 

competitions), presentations, press releases, and other communications is critical for the success of our 

agency’s programs. Grantees must meet the acknowledgement requirements outlined in the updated 

AMS General Terms and Conditions. 

8.0 AGENCY CONTACTS 

8.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS

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

contact the Local MCap staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at 

LocalMCap@usda.gov. 

For additional information, please visit the Local MCap webpage: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/localmcap. 

8.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the Local MCap website 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.

AMS also provides support through the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance 

program (MPPTA). MPPTA organizations can assist with navigating Federal grants processes and 

procedures, from pre-award applications processes through post-award grant management compliance. 

They can also assist with business and financial planning resources, market intelligence, and project 

feasibility analyses. Note: work with an MPPTA organization does not guarantee funding. Visit 

www.ams.usda.gov/mppta to connect with these services.

FSIS District Offices Points of Contacts: Office of Field Operations (OFO) | Food Safety and Inspection 

Service (usda.gov)

FSIS Small Plant Help Desk: Small Plant Help Desk | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov)

8.3 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

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

Support. 

9.0 OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 DEFINITIONS

Amenable species: The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA)

require the USDA to inspect all amenable livestock and poultry offered for sale in commerce.
27 | Page

• Amenable livestock refers to beef, swine, sheep, goats, and fish of the order Siluriformes.

1

• Amenable poultry refers to any domesticated bird (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, 

ratites, or squabs). Ratites (ostrich, emus, and rhea) are also on the list of amenable poultry 

species. 

Beginning Farmer or Rancher: An individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more 

than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation. 

Cooperatives: A business or service organization (1) that is owned and democratically controlled by the 

people who use its services and (2) whose benefits (services received and earnings allocations) are 

distributed to the user-owners based on how much they use the cooperative. 

Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS): The USDA program that allows State-inspected plants to operate 

as Federally inspected facilities, under specific conditions, and ship their product in interstate 

commerce.

Domestically owned: An entity organized in the United States under the law of the State, the States, or 

under Tribal jurisdiction where the entity operates, and a majority of the entity is owned by US 

citizens. 

Facility: A meat or poultry processing plant designed, built, equipped, etc., for Primary and/or Further 

Processing of meat or poultry. 

Further Processing: Conversion of raw meat and poultry products, through smoking, curing, salting, 

fermenting, cooking, canning, curing, refining, or rendering into cooked, cured and preserved products 

for human consumption. 

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): HACCP provides a framework for establishments 

to conduct science-based process controls that can be validated as effective in eliminating, preventing, 

or reducing to an acceptable level the food safety hazards that are reasonably likely to occur in an 

official establishment’s particular production processes.

Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher: Four groups are defined by USDA as “Historically 

Underserved,” including farmers or ranchers who are: Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; 

and Limited Resource as described at Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers | Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov).

Independently Owned and Operated: Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, 

conduct, etc. and not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction.

Local Producer: For the purposes of this program, local producer means a producer raising animals in 

the locality or region where the applicant is conducting processing activities, with the distance from 

farm or ranch to processing facility is at most 400 miles, or both the livestock producer and the 

processor are within the same State, territory, or Tribal land. 

Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture: A venture with greater than 50 percent of the 

ownership and control held by one or more producers or one or more entities that are wholly owned 

and controlled by one or more producers. Entities described here include legal partnerships, limited 

liability corporations, limited liability partnerships, and corporations. 

1 The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is barred under the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act from spending funds 

to perform ante-mortem inspection of horses intended for human consumption. Under this funding ban, FSIS is also not 

permitted to operate a fee for service program for the inspection of horses for human consumption. This effectively prohibits 

the slaughter of horses. 
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Mid-tier Value Chain: means a local or regional supply network that links independent producers with 

businesses and cooperatives that market value-added agricultural product in a manner that: 

• Targets and strengthens the profitability and competitiveness of small and medium-size farms 

and ranches that are structured as a family farm; and  

• Obtains agreement from an eligible agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, 

or majority-controlled producer-based business venture that is engaged in the value chain on a 

marketing strategy.  

Nonamenable Species: Refers to exotic species under voluntary inspection. Examples include bison, 

domestic rabbits, domestic deer, pheasant, quail, and captive raised waterfowl. Effective September 13, 

2021, “exotic animal" means any reindeer, elk, deer, antelope, water buffalo, bison, buffalo, or yak (9 

CFR 352.1(k)). 

Nonprofit Corporations: Any organization or institution, including nonprofits with State or IRS 501 (c) 

status and accredited institutions of higher education, where no part of the organization or institution’s 

net earnings inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. 

Processing: Includes slaughter, primary processing and further processing of meat or poultry for human 

consumption. 

Primary Processing: Includes slaughtering, cutting, and boning of raw meat and poultry for human 

consumption. 

Processor: For the purposes of this program, a processor is a business engaged in the slaughter, primary 

processing, or further processing of meat or poultry for human consumption. 

Producer: An owner-operator or tenant that handles livestock and/or poultry and is entitled to a share 

of the farm income. 

Producer Network or Association: Producer group- or member-owned organizations or businesses that 

provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or services through a common distribution system for the 

mutual member benefit of the owners, as well as organizations or other businesses that assist, 

represent, or serve producers or producer networks. 

Rendering. Rendering is an off-site process that uses heat to convert animal carcasses into safe, 

pathogen-free feed protein and other valuable end products while reducing the negative effects of the 

carcasses on people and the environment.

Small Disadvantaged Business: A business that is small according to SBA’s size standards for its business 

type and that is 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons. The 

disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged. For 

the purposes of this designation, disadvantaged persons is defined per eCFR :: 13 CFR 124.103 -- Who is 

socially disadvantaged? as “Those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias 

within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their 

individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.” See 

Small Disadvantaged Business (sba.gov) for more information.

Tribal Entities: Tribal Entities is expansive and includes all entities falling under the eligible legal 

structures, including but not limited to: Tribal owned corporations, Intertribal non-profits and 

associations, Alaska Native Corporations, Native entities within the State of Alaska recognized by and 

eligible to receive services from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native 

Hawaiian organizations including Homestead Associations, State recognized Tribes/non-profits, and 

individually-owned Native American entities. 
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Tribe: means the term as defined in the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (Public Law 

103‐454; 108 Stat. 4791, 4792). 

Value-Added Agricultural Product: means any agricultural commodity or product that:

• Has undergone a change in the physical state or form of the product, such as milling wheat into 

flour or making strawberries into jam.

• Is produced in a manner that enhances the value of the agricultural commodity or product.

• Is physically segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of that 

commodity or product, such as an identity preserved product.

• Is a source of farm- or ranch-based renewable energy, including E–85 fuel; or

• Is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural food product and, as a result of 

the change in physical state or the manner in which the agricultural commodity or product is 

produced and segregated, the customer base for the commodity or product is expanded and a 

greater portion of revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or physical segregation is 

made available to the producer of the commodity or product.

Veteran Farmer or Rancher: is a producer who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, 

Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve component thereof, was released from service under 

conditions other than dishonorable, and has not operated a farm or ranch or has operated a farm or 

ranch for no more than 10 years or who first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-

year period.

Veteran-Owned Small Business: A small business, as defined by the SBA size standard for its business 

type that has no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans. For those 

veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations 

of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is 

assisting in that management. See Veteran contracting assistance programs (sba.gov) for more 

information.

Women-Owned Small Business: A small business according to SBA size standards for its business type 

that is at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens; and have women manage 

day-to-day operations who also make long-term decisions. See Women-Owned Small Business Federal 

Contract program (sba.gov) for more information.

9.2 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 

regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in 

or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national 

origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, 

marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, 

or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by 

USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or 

incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information 

(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 

Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the 
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Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in 

languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 

AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or 

write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. 

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to 

USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: 

program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

9.3 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 2055-S, Stop 0201, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-0201, Telephone: (202) 302-0650; or email: AMS.FOIA@usda.gov. 

9.4 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 0581-0240.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.