OMB No. 0581‐0240

Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives 

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-2

Publication Date: June 8, 2023

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on August 10, 2023
OMB No. 0581‐0240

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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-2

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.176

Dates: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 10, 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 from existing initiatives of the Dairy Business 

Innovation (DBI) Initiatives program: the California State University Fresno Foundation, the University of 

Tennessee, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. 

These initiatives serve to:

• Diversify dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products,

• Promote business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and 

marketing innovation, and

• Encourage the use of regional milk production.

Approximately $23 million is available in FY 2023 to fund applications under this solicitation. Initiatives 

are expected to perform projects from FY 2023 through FY 2026. Initiatives are also expected to submit 

a noncompeting application for each fiscal year in which the DBI Initiatives are appropriated funds.

This announcement identifies the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply. 

AMS encourages Initiatives to benefit small dairy farm businesses, underserved dairy producers, veteran 

dairy producers, underserved communities, and partner and/or collaboratives with Minority Serving 

Institutions that have the expertise and can provide direct or indirect technical assistance to dairy 

businesses. For example, Initiatives may prioritize subawards to entities that are currently partnering 

with or receiving technical assistance from the above-mentioned groups.

The 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.

Stakeholder Input: AMS seeks comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will consider the 

comments in developing the next RFA for the program. E-mail written 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 responding to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives RFA. 

2023 Highlights and Changes

The AMS General Terms and Conditions and DBI Specific Terms and Conditions have been updated to 

reflect changes regarding the requirements to acknowledge USDA support and clarification of building 

construction and renovations, respectively. 
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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 and conditionally required documents for an application 

package. 

The DBI requires that all application packages include the following:

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

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

 Project Abstract Summary (in Grants.gov)

 Project Narrative Form (including Fiscal Plan and Resources and Personnel Qualifications)

o Must use required template. 

o Executive summary support project goals and objectives, and is no more than 250 words

o Ensure the Project Narrative does not exceed the page limit specified in section 5.2.4

o Ensure application excludes unallowable costs and activities per section 4.5

 Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from each partner or collaborating organization at the time of 

application per section 5.2.5

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

 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— 

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

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

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

o Maintain an active SAM 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 applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions and DBI specific Terms 

and Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance listing (formerly 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number “10.176” and Funding Opportunity 

Number “USDA-AMS-TM-DBI-G-23-0013.”

• Ensure you have the most recent copy of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and that it is 

compatible with Grants.gov software. Verify whether you have a compatible version of Adobe at 

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

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

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

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

Timing to Obtain and Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials 

through Grants.Gov

August 10, 2023 – 11:59 

p.m. Eastern Time

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

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

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 Program Description ....................................................................................... 6

2.0 Award Information................................................................................................ 7

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance .............................................................................. 7

2.2 Type of Applications....................................................................................... 8

2.3 Available Funding ........................................................................................... 8

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration and size ........................................................... 8

3.0 Eligibility Information ........................................................................................... 8

3.1 Eligible Applicants.......................................................................................... 8

3.2 Partners and Collaborators ............................................................................. 9

4.0 Funding Considerations ......................................................................................... 9

4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching.............................................................................. 9

4.2 Indirect Costs................................................................................................. 9

4.3 Supplanting ................................................................................................. 10

4.4 Subaward Allocation ..................................................................................... 10

4.5 Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities ............................................. 10

4.6 Coordinator Meeting Travel .......................................................................... 10

4.7 Support for Domestic Dairy Businesses .......................................................... 11

4.8 Funds Not Applied For .................................................................................. 11

5.0 Application and Submission Information................................................................ 11

5.1 Electronic Application Package ...................................................................... 11

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission.................................................. 11

5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements . 14

5.4 application submission requirements............................................................. 16

5.5 Submission Date and Time ............................................................................ 17

5.6 Intergovernmental Review ............................................................................ 17

6.0 Application Review Information ............................................................................ 17

7.0 Award Administration Information........................................................................ 17

7.1 Award Notices.............................................................................................. 17

7.2 Ineligible Applicants ..................................................................................... 17

7.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements........................................... 17

7.4 Reporting Requirements ............................................................................... 17

7.5 Acknowledgement of USDA Support............................................................... 18

8.0 Agency Contacts................................................................................................... 18

9.0 Other Information................................................................................................ 18

9.1 Equal Opportunity Statement ........................................................................ 18

9.2 Freedom of Information Act Requests............................................................ 18

9.3 Paperwork Reduction ................................................................................... 19
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives is authorized by 7 U.S.C. § 1632d. 

1.2 PURPOSE

This program assists current DBI initiatives in managing regional efforts to support dairy businesses in 

the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. These initiatives specifically 

focus on:

a. Diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy 

products; 

b. Promoting business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and 

marketing innovation; and

c. Encouraging the use of regional milk production.

This RFA is to award funding to current initiatives for FY 2023 through 2026. See section 2.4 for more 

information.

1.2.1 DEFINITIONS

Dairy Businesses are businesses that develop, produce, market, or distribute dairy products.

Initiatives are selected eligible entities that host this program with the purposes indicated under section

1.2. 

Dairy Products are products manufactured for use by humans which are derived from the processing of 

milk and include fluid milk products. Products may include but are not limited to butter, cheese 

(whether natural or processed), skim milk, cream, whey, or buttermilk (whether dry, evaporated, 

stabilized, or condensed), and frozen desserts.

1.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Initiatives provide direct technical assistance and make sub-grants to dairy businesses. They must also

build on previous efforts to engage existing dairy industry resources, including dairy farm density and 

suitability, as well as activities conducted by dairy promotion and research programs (authorized by the 

Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 and the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990), research 

organizations, dairy businesses, or academic or industry stakeholders. Initiatives may serve a certain 

product niche, such as specialty cheese, or serve dairy businesses with dairy products derived from the 

milk of a specific type of dairy animal, including dairy products made from cow milk, sheep milk, and 

goat milk.

These initiatives also consult with any authorized dairy promotion program and AMS in carrying out the 

program and report on outcomes of the program as well as any related activities and opportunities to 

further increase dairy innovation. Host initiatives must maintain guidelines and procedures to prevent 

any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest as required by 2 CFR § 400.2(b) while 

providing the direct technical assistance and sub-grants to dairy businesses mentioned below

1.3.1 DIRECT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DAIRY BUSINESSES

Initiatives should provide direct technical assistance to dairy businesses. Direct technical assistance 

includes nonmonetary assistance to dairy businesses through either private consultation or widely 
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available distribution. Technical assistance may be provided directly through the host initiative or 

through industry experts or research institutions, including cooperative extension services. Specific 

forms of assistance may include:

• Business consulting, including business plan development for processed dairy products, strategic 

planning assistance, and distribution and supply chain innovation;

• Marketing and branding assistance, including market messaging, packaging innovation, 

consumer assessments, innovation in emerging market opportunities, and evaluation of 

regional, national, and international markets;

• Assistance in product innovation, including the development of value-added products,

innovation in byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and dairy product production 

training, including in new, rare, or innovative techniques; and

• Development or facilitation of general informational websites, webinars, conferences, trainings, 

plant tours, and field days.

1.3.2 SUBAWARDS TO DAIRY BUSINESSES

An initiative should make competitive subawards to new and existing dairy businesses for the purposes 

of:

a. Modernization, specialization, and grazing transition on dairy farms;

b. Value chain and commodity innovation and facility and process updates for dairy processors; 

and

c. Product development, packaging, and marketing of dairy products.

Initiatives may provide a noncompetitive subaward to an entity that receives direct technical assistance 

as described in section 1.3.1 to advance the business activities recommended as a result of that 

assistance.

Initiatives must allocate at least 50 percent of the allotted funds to make subawards to new or existing 

dairy businesses. There is no minimum subaward amount. The maximum subaward amount to a single 

dairy business will not be more than $500,000. 

1.3.3 PRIORITY AREAS

Initiatives must prioritize the provision of direct technical assistance referenced in section 1.3.1 and the 

subawards described in section 1.3.2 to entities that are: 

• Dairy farms and dairy businesses with limited access to other forms of assistance;

• Employee-owned dairy businesses;

• Cooperatives; and

• Dairy businesses that seek to create dairy products that add substantial value in processing or 

marketing, such as specialty cheeses.

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide the Federal award to applicants.
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2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

New application. AMS will review all applications for conformance with the criteria in section 6.0 and 

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

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117 – 328) authorized by section 

12513 of Public Law 115—334, approximately $23 million are available. The distribution among 

initiatives is shown in Section 2.4. 

Funding may be contingent on Federal appropriations actions. USDA does not guarantee minimum 

funding levels.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

The period of performance for these awards is 3 years. AMS expects applicants 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 applicants to take the full grant period to

allow ample time to complete projects. The project period must begin no later than September 30, 2023 

and end no later than September 29, 2026. The applicant must indicate the start and end dates on the 

SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 17

Each initiative is eligible to apply for the eligible funding indicated in the table below. 

If an initiative applies for less than its available amount, AMS will redistribute the remaining portion 

equally to the other initiatives. 

Initiative Eligible funding

California State University Fresno Foundation $1,840,000

University of Tennessee $7,053,333

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets $7,053,333

University of Wisconsin $7,053,333

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are current initiatives at: 

• The California State University Fresno Foundation

• The University of Tennessee

• The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and

• The University of Wisconsin.

These initiatives were competitively selected in FY2019 (TN, VT, and WI) and FY2021 (CA) to fulfill the 

purpose of the program (see section 1.2). This funding will continue work already started under their 

previous awards. 
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3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

An applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators. Only the applicant must 

meet the eligibility requirements listed in this RFA. 

• A partnership is a relationship involving close cooperation between parties having specified and 

joint rights and responsibilities in the management of the project.

• A collaborator is a person or an organization unaffiliated with the applicant that cooperates with 

the applicant in the conduct of the project and is not immediately connected to the 

management of the project.

Partners and collaborators may come from private or public, for-profit, or nonprofit entities. Applicants

must show evidence of existing community or industry support and engagement.

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

DBI does not have a cost sharing or matching requirement. Applicants should not include this topic in 

the submitted application nor subsequent performance or financial reports. 

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. 

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414 (f), any non-Federal entity that has never received a 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) 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 as the base. 

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 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. 
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4.3 SUPPLANTING

The funds awarded through this RFA must increase, expand, or replace, and not duplicate, existing 

activities of the host initiatives. 

4.4 SUBAWARD ALLOCATION

Each initiative must allocate at least 50 percent of its DBI grant to subawards.

4.5 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

As outlined in the DBI specific terms and conditions, equipment purchases to be used for onsite dairy 

production and processing are generally allowable as special purpose equipment, both for the 

applicants (DBI Initiatives) and subrecipients (dairy producers and processors). Special purpose 

equipment purchases in subawards must meet one or more of the following purposes:

a. Modernization, specialization, and grazing transition on dairy farms;

b. Value chain and commodity innovation and facility and process updates for dairy processors; 

and

c. Product development, packaging, and marketing of dairy products.

Purchases over $5,000 must be approved and the purchased equipment monitored by AMS, as required 

by 2 CFR § 200.313. 

DBI funds may not be used for new construction and/or structural changes to an existing building/facility 

resulting in an expansion of square footage, expansion or changes to the to the building’s floor, 

foundation, and exterior or load bearing walls.

DBI funds may be used to upgrade or modernize facilities, as well as to expand processing capacities. 

Funding requests that include building and facility upgrades 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. Any such activities must meet one of the 

purposes listed above in this section. 

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

described in the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions. 

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

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

4.6 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS-sponsored grants management meeting during the project’

period of performance. The proposed budget should include travel funds for the Project Coordinator 

and any additional key personnel as reasonably determined by the recipient and AMS.

To estimate these costs in the budget section, please account for flight, hotel, per diem, and ground 

transportation expenses for a 3-day, 2-night stay. Location and dates are to be determined with 

possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is virtual, recipients will be able to reallocate those 

funds to another allowable item.
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4.7 SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC DAIRY BUSINESSES 

Technical assistance and subawards will not be made available to a foreign person or entity making 

direct investment in the United States, as defined in 15 CFR § 801.2, where the assistance is provided to 

a specific dairy business and is not publicly available.

4.8 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

Initiatives that do not apply and request for all available eligible funding during the specified grant 

application period will forfeit that portion of available funding not requested. AMS will allocate funds 

not applied for, by a date determined by AMS, according to the program formula, to the remaining 

Initiatives that submitted applications.

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. 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 the required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about

applying through Grants.gov can be found in section 5.3 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt 

Procedures and Requirements. 

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.176,” or the DBI

Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-23-0013.”

5.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

5.2.1 FORM SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANC

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

supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on form SF-424

Box Instruction

1  Type of Submission Application

2  Type of Application New

8.c  Organizational Unique Entity Identifier

(UEI)

Enter applicant UEI for the Organization 

submitting the application. 

8.d  Address The applicant 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, USD

11 -Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Number (Assisted Listing Number)

10.176
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Box Instruction

12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-23

14 Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected b

project. 

15 Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Provide a short descriptive title of the

project.

16.a  Congressional Districts for Applicant Enter the Congressional district where your

main office is located.

16.b  Congressional Districts for

Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your 

project will be performed. Write “All” if the 

projects will be performed in more than 

one location.

17 Proposed Project Start Date and End

Date

Start date: September 30, 2023 

End date: No later than September 30, 

2026. 

18 Estimated Funding Total Federal funds requested.

19 Is Applicant Subject to Review by State

Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See section 5.6. 

5.2.2 FORM SF 424A BUDGET SUMMARY

Required. 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. The following

supplemental instructions must be used for specific boxes on the form. Do not use instructions found 

on Grants.gov or elsewhere on the internet for the boxes below.

Please complete only Sections A and B. Do not complete Sections C, D, E, F). 

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

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

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic 

Assistance Number Enter “10.176” 

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

the project
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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.

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

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

box 6.c

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the award description for the overarching 

Federal award. This is separate from the DBI Project Narrative form. The Project Abstract box must 

include: 

• Project purpose; 

• Activities to be performed; 

• Deliverables and expected outcomes; 

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

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

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

the program goal. 

5.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the DBI Project Narrative 

form. The narrative must clearly describe how this funding will build upon the work performed under 

previous DBI grants, including any new objectives and goals, types and sequence of project activities, 

monitoring and evaluation strategies associated with the proposed activities, and how the initiative will 

manage the project (including the subaward process). 

The narrative also includes a budget narrative and justification section. A general line-item for “grants”

may be provided under Contracts in the application’s budget. The individual subaward budgets are not 

expected at the submission of this application. However, initiatives will be expected to provide a 

comprehensive plan detailing each subgrant project, associated outcomes, and applicable expenses in 

order to draw down on the funds associated with this line item.

The narrative must be typed, single-spaced, in an 11-point font, not to exceed twenty (20) pages

excluding existing form content. For example, if the form is 15 pages before you begin entering your 

project information, your narrative form may be up to 35 pages (15 original pages + 20 pages of 

applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative form. Handwritten applications 

or applications 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.

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

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

The supporting documents in subsequent sections do not count toward the 20-page limit for the 

Project Narrative.
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5.2.5 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATIONS

Required. Applicants must provide letters of commitment from all project partners and collaborators. 

More information can be found on partners and collaborators in section 3.2. The letter must state the 

partner or collaborator agrees to the project management plan presented in the Project Narrative. The 

Letter of Commitment must include the following:

• Project Applicant; 

• Project Title; 

• A short introduction describing the partnering organization’s mission and its interest in this 

program’s development; 

• What the organization commits to participating in and supporting; 

• The time period of the partnership; 

• Roles of the participating individuals, as applicable, and any individual time commitment; and

• A statement that these individuals and the organization agree to abide by the management plan 

contained in the application. 

Letters of commitment must be written on partner letterhead and addressed to the applicant (i.e., 

Project Director). Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT. 

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

Emails 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

PLEASE NOTE: AMS does not require Congressional letters of support and such letters do not carry 

additional weight during the evaluation process.

5.2.6 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA. Refer to section 4.2 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

5.3 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND 

REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

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.

Applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

1) Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number: All entities applying for funding, including 

renewal funding, must have a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the 

UEI number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational UEI" on the SF-424 form. Getting a

UEI number requires validation steps in SAM.gov. Applicants are encouraged to start this 

process as early as possible.
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2) Register with the System for Award Management (SAM): In addition to having a UEI number, 

organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the (SAM). Current 

SAM.gov registrants have already been assigned a UEI and can view it within SAM.gov. All 

organizations must register with SAM to apply online in Grants.gov. 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 UEI 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, the EBiz POC will need to identify and assign an individual to the 

AOR role.

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 as AORs. This step is 

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

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, you can create 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.

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 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 device 

storage, 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. 
16

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.

d. number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 form

information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit 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 the application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the due 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 Content and Form of 

Application Submission are included.

4) Track 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 em

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

issue is not resolved. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the person(s)

mentioned in section 8.0. 

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.

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 acknowledgment 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 dial

up 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, 
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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 August 

10, 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

This is a non-competitive RFA restricted to eligible applicants listed in section 3.1. AMS will review each

project narrative to ensure that it meets the statutory purpose of the program, all application 

submission criteria are fulfilled in accordance with section 5.0, and all costs are allowable.

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

additional information is required after the initial review of the application. AMS will work with 

applicants to negotiate any revisions if necessary and possible. Failure to provide requested information 

in a timely manner may result in a project not receiving funding.

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 reference to the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions and 

DBI Specific Terms and Conditions.

7.2 INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

This RFA is open only to current DBI initiatives (see sections 2.4 and 3.1). Ineligible applicants will be 

contacted by AMS via email as soon as possible after the close of the application period. 

7.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the NOA, all AMS recipients must abide by the applicable AMS General Terms and Conditions

and DBI Specific Terms and Conditions which reference applicable Administrative and National Policy 

Requirements. 

7.4 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Reporting and award closeout requirements are included in the applicable AMS General Terms and 

Conditions. If there are any program or award-specific award terms, they will be identified in the award
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7.5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT

Proper acknowledgment 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 acknowledgment requirements outlined in the applicable

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 DBI staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

For additional information, please visit the DBI Website: www.ams.usda.gov/dbi. 

8.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the DBI website (www.ams.usda.gov/dbi) that may be 

helpful to applicants, including descriptions of funded projects and required application forms.

8.3 ADDRESS

Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 1510-S South Building, Stop 026

Washington, DC 20250-026

8.4 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

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

Support Center.

9.0 OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

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

9.2 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 part 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
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9.3 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 0581-0240. 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.