OMB No. 0581‐0240

Farmers Market Promotion Program

Fiscal Year 2024 Request for Applications 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-24-0010 

Publication Date: February 27, 2024

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 14, 2024 

Function of the of the Work Plan table in 2024 Turnkey Marketing and Promotion Project Narrative form 

and the Turnkey Recruitment and Training Project Narrative form corrected.

Effective Date: 04/01/2024
2 | Page

PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Farmers Market Promotion Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-23-0010

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.175

Dates: Applications must be received before 11:59 pm Eastern Time May 14, 2024, 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) 2024 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). FMPP’s 

purpose is to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer 

markets to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. 

AMS will competitively award grants to eligible applicants for projects that meet the purpose of this 

grant program.

Approximately $10.5 million is available to fund applications under this solicitation. Applicants may 

select from one of four project types. Capacity Building projects range from $50,000 to $250,000 and 

Community Development Training and Technical Assistance projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. 

Two Turnkey (simplified) project types are available: Turnkey Marketing and Promotion projects and a 

new option for Turnkey Recruitment and Training projects. Each of the turnkey project options are 

available for a defined set of activities, with funding amounts ranging between $50,000 and $100,000. 

Eligible entities and activities remain the same as in previous years. FMPP is a part of the Local 

Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). 

In the FY 2023 application cycle, AMS funded 55 (31%) of the 179 applications received. 

To be competitive, applications must meet all program standards, be of high quality, and include 25% 

matching funds, as required by legislation. All applications will undergo review according to merit and 

customary evaluation procedures. This announcement provides information regarding eligibility criteria 

for applicants and projects, details on matching fund requirements, and the forms and instructions 

needed to apply for an award. 

Priority consideration will be given to applications that: 

• Benefit underserved communities, including communities that are located in areas of 

concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown food; or 

• Are used to carry out eligible activities under a partnership agreement as part of the AMS 

Regional Food Systems Partnership Program (RFSP) and have not received an FMPP award in the 

recent past. 

AMS encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, historically underserved 

producers, or underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these entities, applicants should 

engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.
3 | Page

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 reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse 

gases in the atmosphere or adapting to the already occurring climate change in their project’s design 

and implementation.

Stakeholder Input: AMS welcomes your comments about this Request for Applications (RFA). We will 

consider the comments in developing the next RFA. Email written stakeholder comments within six 

months 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 for requesting information or forms. In your 

comments, please state that you are commenting on the Farmers Market Promotion Program RFA. 

2024 HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGES

• A new streamlined application type called Turnkey Recruitment and Training projects has been 

added. Applicants applying to this Turnkey project type may apply for funds to conduct a 

minimum of 3 specific activities out of 5 options listed in Section 1.3.4 . Applicants cannot add 

additional activities to the workplan and should use the simplified “FMPP Turnkey Recruitment 

and Training Project Narrative” for their application package. (This option is in addition to the 

Turnkey Marketing and Promotion option offered in 2023, which continues to be available for 

specific activities outlines in that project type.)

• Section 1.4 has been updated from “Priority areas” to “Priority considerations” to describe the 

statutory priorities AMS will consider when awarding grants in accordance with the Local 

Agriculture Market Program statutory language. 

• The AMS General Terms and Conditions have been updated to reflect recent changes to the 

Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and the Build America, Buy America Act preference for 

infrastructure projects. 

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

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

understand the program’s requirements. The application checklist below lists the required and 

conditionally required documents for an application package. 

FMPP requires that all application packages include the following:

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

 Form SF-424A – Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (Grants.gov)

 Project Abstract (Grants.gov)

 Project Narrative or Turnkey Project Narrative (PDF Attachment) 

 Must use the required fillable PDF template. 

 Executive Summary supports project goals and objectives and is no more than 250 words 

 Ensure the text does not exceed the page limit specified in Section 5.2.4 or 5.2.5

 Ensure the proposal excludes unallowable costs and activities per Section 4.4. 

 Ensure the federal funds requested do not exceed the maximum or minimum award amount 

per Section 2.4.
4 | Page

 Signed Letter(s) of Verification of Matching Funds for EACH cash and/or in-kind resource (PDF or 

MS Word Attachment)

 Signed Letter(s) of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations (PDF or MS Word 

Attachment)

If applicable, application packages are required to include the following documents:

 Signed Letter(s) Stating Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure (PDF or MS Word – 

Attachment)

 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (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 to submit your application at least two weeks before 

the application deadline to ensure all certifications are met. 

• The applicant organization registration process may take more than four weeks to complete. 

You must complete the organization registration to allow enough time to meet the required 

application submission deadlines. Please refer to section 5.3.1 How to Register to Apply for 

more information on this process. 

• Thoroughly read this RFA and follow all instructions. 

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

unallowable costs. 

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov using the correct Assistance Listing number 

10.175 and Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-24-0010”. 

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

compatible with Grants.gov software at grants.gov/applicants/adobe-softwarecompatibility.html. 

• 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 number on the SF-424 form cover page.

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

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

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs.htm 
5 | Page

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

May 14, 2024 – 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
6 | Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description.......................................................................................... 8

1.1 Legislative Authority ..................................................................................................................... 8

1.2 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 8

1.3 Project Types................................................................................................................................. 9

1.4 Priority Consideration ................................................................................................................. 13

2.0 Award Information............................................................................................................. 13

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance.......................................................................................................... 13

2.2 Type of Applications.................................................................................................................... 13

2.3 Available Funding........................................................................................................................ 13

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration and Size .................................................................................... 13

3.0 Eligibility Information ......................................................................................................... 14

3.1 Eligible Applicants....................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 Partners and Collaborators......................................................................................................... 16

3.3 Limit on Number of awards ........................................................................................................ 16

4.0 Funding Considerations...................................................................................................... 18

4.1 Cost Sharing and Matching ......................................................................................................... 18

4.2 Indirect Costs .............................................................................................................................. 19

4.3 Subawards................................................................................................................................... 20

4.4 allowable and unallowable costs and activities.......................................................................... 20

4.5 coordinator meeting travel......................................................................................................... 20

5.0 Application and Submission Information ............................................................................ 20

5.1 Electronic Application Package ................................................................................................... 20

5.2 Content and Form of Application Submission ............................................................................ 21

5.3 Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements.........................................26

5.4 Application Submission Requirements....................................................................................... 28

5.5 Submission Date and Time.......................................................................................................... 29

5.6 Intergovernmental Review ......................................................................................................... 29

6.0 Application Review Information ......................................................................................... 29

6.1 Project Evaluation Criteria .......................................................................................................... 29

6.2 Review and Selection Process..................................................................................................... 31

7.0 Award Administration information..................................................................................... 32

7.1 Award Notices............................................................................................................................. 32

7.2 Unsuccessful Applicants.............................................................................................................. 32

7.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements..................................................................... 32

7.4 Reporting Requirements............................................................................................................. 32

7.5 Acknowledgement of USDA support .......................................................................................... 32

8.0 Agency Contacts................................................................................................................. 32

8.1 Programmatic Questions ............................................................................................................ 32

8.2 Available Resources .................................................................................................................... 32

8.3 Address........................................................................................................................................ 33

8.4 Grants.Gov Questions................................................................................................................. 33

9.0 Other Information .............................................................................................................. 33
7 | Page

9.1 Definitions................................................................................................................................... 33

9.2 Equal Opportunity Statement..................................................................................................... 35

9.3 Freedom of Information Act Requests........................................................................................ 35

9.4 Paperwork Reduction.................................................................................................................. 36
8 | Page

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) is authorized by subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing 

Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. § 1627c), as amended. LAMP supports the development, coordination, and 

expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, 

and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships;

• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added 

agricultural products and local and regional food system infrastructure;

• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration 

and expansion of mid-tier value chains; 

• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job 

creation; and

• Simplify the application and the reporting processes for the grants administered under the 

Program.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), the ValueAdded Producer Grants (VAPG) Program and the Regional Food Partnership Program (RFSP) are 

implemented under LAMP. FMPP, LFPP and RSFP are administered by AMS and VAPG is administered by 

the Rural Business-Cooperative Service under Rural Development (RD). This RFA is for FMPP. 

1.2 PURPOSE

FMPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help 

increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program 

focuses on: 

• Supporting and promoting domestic direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-toretail, direct producer-to-restaurant, and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) marketing 

such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported 

agriculture (CSA) programs, or online sales;

• Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products; 

• Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products; 

• Facilitating regional food chain coordination development;

• Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; 

• Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and

• Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and 

improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
9 | Page

1.3 PROJECT TYPES

FMPP offers four project types: Capacity Building (CB), Community Development Training and 

Technical Assistance (CTA), Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and Turnkey Recruitment and Training. 

Each application must select only one project type.

Project Type Capacity Building 

Community 

Development 

Training and 

Technical 

Assistance (CTA)

Turnkey Marketing 

and Promotion 

Turnkey 

Recruitment and 

Training 

Funding Range $50,000 - $250,000 $100,000 - $500,000 $50,000 - $100,000 $50,000 - $100,000

Duration 

(months)

36 36 24 24

Description Supports the 

development of

long-term 

organizational 

capacity of direct 

producer-toconsumer markets 

and improve and 

expand existing 

markets. 

Support outreach, 

training and 

technical assistance 

to farm and ranch 

operations serving 

local markets. 

Support marketing 

and promotion 

activities through a 

set of 5 predefined activities. 

Support vendor

and producer

recruitment and 

training activities 

through a set of 5 

pre-defined 

activities. 

Key 

Considerations

Capacity Building

projects should 

demonstrate a 

clear benefit to 

local farmers and 

ranchers through 

support of direct 

market channels.

CTA projects are 

conducted by

established 

organizations. 

CTA projects should 

engage a diverse set 

of local and regional 

foods stakeholders, 

including farmers 

and ranchers.

Simplified 

application. 

Projects conduct a 

minimum of 3 and 

a maximum of 5

specific activities. 

Simplified 

application. 

Projects conduct a 

minimum of 3 and 

a maximum of 5 

specific activities. 
10 | Page

1.3.1 CAPACITY BUILDING

Capacity Building projects range from $50,000 to $250,000 to be used within 36 months (3 years). 

Capacity Building projects are intended to build long-term organizational capacity to develop, 

coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Capacity Building projects 

should demonstrate a direct benefit to farm and ranch operations serving local markets (including 

historically underserved producers such as beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and 

ranchers and/or underserved communities) and maximize the involvement of farmers, ranchers, and 

community organizations. Projects can include, but are not limited to:

• Developing tools, techniques or practices that can be adopted or replicated by local agriculture 

markets, including those that provide direct financial support to a network of markets, or other 

relevant organizations.

• Market analysis and strategic planning for a direct producer-to-consumer market opportunity.

• Local farmer, rancher, or market manager startup training and education. This may include but 

is not limited to, educating vendors about the eligibility requirements and the process for 

participating in or applying to accept SNAP, WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program 

benefits, or other (state or local or nonprofit) benefit programs at farmers markets. 

• Farmer’s market, roadside stand, CSA, agritourism or online sales activity startup, operation 

and/or expansion.

• Recruitment, outreach and retention of historically underserved farmers and ranchers in 

support of direct producer-to-consumer markets.

• Recruitment, outreach, and retention of new and existing consumers in support of direct 

producer-to-consumer markets.

1.3.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CTA 

PROJECTS)

Community Development Training and Technical Assistance (CTA) projects range from $100,000 to 

$500,000 to be used within 36 months (3 years). CTA projects are intended to provide outreach, 

training, and technical assistance to farm and ranch operations serving local markets to develop, 

coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. CTA projects should engage 

a diverse set of local and regional food stakeholders, including historically underserved farmers and 

ranchers, to illustrate a substantive effect on the local and regional food system. Projects can include, 

but are not limited to:

• Developing and disseminating tools, techniques, or practices that can be adopted or replicated 

by local agriculture markets.

• Conducting statewide or regional training for farmers, ranchers, or farmers market managers to 

help them develop or maintain their own direct producer-to-consumer enterprise.

• Assisting farmers and ranchers in advertising and promoting their locally and regionally 

produced agricultural products, including value-added products, through training and technical 

assistance.
11 | Page

• As part of a marketing and promotion project, promoting that a market accepts SNAP or other 

public benefits (such as WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program) to customers and 

how customers can use those programs at the market or with individual vendors.

• Establishing or expanding producer-to-consumer networks and organizations on a state, 

regional, or national level, which includes efforts to develop sourcing channels using direct 

producer-to-consumer market opportunities with corporate, non-profit, and institutional 

buyers.

• Providing technical support for small- and mid-sized producers to become compliant with 

regulatory and buyer specifications and standards to increase their direct market opportunities.

1.3.3 TURNKEY MARKETING AND PROMOTION 

The Turnkey Marketing and Promotion option range from $50,000 to $100,000 to be used within 24 

months (2 years). The Turnkey Marketing and Promotion option offers a streamlined application for

common FMPP marketing and promotion activities. Those applying to the Turnkey Marketing and 

Promotion option agree to conduct specific activities that support the marketing and promotion of 

direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities for local and regional foods. Applicants must select a 

minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 pre-defined activities listed below. Applicants may not propose other 

activities under this project type. Doing so may disqualify the application from consideration.

• Identify and analyze new or improved market opportunities.

• Develop or revise a marketing plan.

• Design or purchase marketing and promotion media.

• Implement a marketing plan.

• Evaluate marketing and promotion activities.

Applicants who would otherwise choose Capacity Building or Community Development Training and 

Technical Assistance project types may apply under the Turnkey track, if they focus on marketing and 

promotion and meet all other Turnkey requirements, including the lower funding maximum. 

Applicants to the Turnkey project type must use the simplified “FMPP Turnkey Marketing and Promotion 

Project Narrative Form”. More information is provided in section 5.2.5. 

1.3.4 TURNKEY RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

The Turnkey Recruitment and Training option range from $50,000 to $100,000 to be used within 24 

months (2 years). The Turnkey Recruitment and Training option offers a streamlined application for 

common FMPP recruitment and training activities for local and regional food system stakeholders. 

Turnkey applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to farmers and ranchers. Those applying to the 

Turnkey Recruitment and Training track agree to conduct specific activities that support the 

development or delivery of vendor and producer recruitment strategies, as well as training 

opportunities. Applicants must select a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5, pre-defined activities listed 

below. Applicants may not propose other activities under this project type. Doing so may disqualify the 

application from consideration.
12 | Page

• Identify and analyze new or improved strategies for vendor and producer recruitment, training, 

or both. 

• Develop or revise strategies or plans for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both. 

• Design materials for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both. 

• Implement plans for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both. 

• Evaluate outcomes related to vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both. 

Applicants who would otherwise choose Capacity Building or Community Development Training and 

Technical Assistance project types may apply using the Turnkey option, if they focus on recruitment or 

training for vendors and producers and meet all other Turnkey requirements, such as the lower funding 

maximum. 

Applicants to the Turnkey project type must use the simplified “FMPP Turnkey Recruitment and Training 

Project Narrative Form”. More information is provided in Section 5.2.5. 

1.3.5 PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Projects are not eligible for consideration if the proposed activities:

• Are not focused on direct producer-to-consumer marketing.

• Are for agricultural production, including crop production and the purchase of farm equipment, 

tools, materials, supplies and other related costs (section 4.4.)

• Include training or other activities related to agricultural production, including harvesting, crop 

rotation, and planting techniques. 

• Benefit only one agricultural producer, vendor, or individual. Applicants must collaborate with 

others to benefit the larger community. 

• Propose to purchase land, or for construction of a building or structure.

• Intend to register, train, and/or educate customers on Food Assistance Programs (such as SNAP, 

WIC, etc.), other than providing information about how they can use those benefits at the 

market.

• Depend upon the completion of another project or the receipt of another grant.

• Include legal fees and other costs associated with establishing a business or organization.

• Duplicate activities in a project that has received funding from another Federal award program, 

including the Local Food Promotion Program. 

For additional information on allowable and unallowable activities, please refer to the AMS General 

Terms and Conditions as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Applicants that have questions 

concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing these documents should contact AMS staff using the 

contact information listed under 8.0 Agency Contacts.
13 | Page

1.4 PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

AMS will prioritize applications that:

• Benefit underserved communities, including communities that are located in areas of 

concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown food, which AMS 

has determined to mean the application is for a project located in a low income/low food access 

(LI/LA) census tract (as defined below), or

• Are used to carry out eligible activities under a partnership agreement in a Regional Food 

Systems Partnership project (refer to section 3.3.2) and have not received a FMPP award within 

the past five (5) years. 

To qualify for LI/LA priority consideration, the project’s implementation address must be in a LI/LA 

census tract, as defined by the one of the four major layers on the ERS Food Access Research Atlas. 

“Implementation address” refers to the street address or census tract location within the targeted 

community where the applicant plans to conduct or deliver approved project activities.

The applicant must provide its census tract(s) for at least one LI/LA address (priority area). If your 

organization or business is located in and/or primarily serves at least one LI/LA community, your 

application will be considered under this priority area. 

Applicants are not required to meet these priorities to be eligible to apply or receive grant funds. AMS 

will review and apply priority consideration, based on applicant narrative responses, during its 

administrative review process (see section 6.2).

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Grant Agreement to provide the 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

AMS anticipates approximately $10.5 million will be available in FY 2024 for FMPP projects. The 

availability and level of funding may be contingent on Federal appropriations actions. 

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required performance period. 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 

applicant must indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal 

Assistance”. Required project start dates and completion dates are provided below.
14 | Page

Award size varies by project type. Applicants must not request less than the minimum or more than the 

maximum award amounts. Applicants must justify the requested funding amounts within the 

appropriate project narrative sections. 

Project Type Duration 

(Months) Start Date End Date Minimum Award

Maximum 

Award

Turnkey 

Projects 

(Both Types) 

24 September 30, 2024 September 29, 2026 $50,000 $100,000

Capacity 

Building 36 September 30, 2024 September 29, 2027 $50,000 $250,000

Community 

Development 

Training and 

Technical 

Assistance 

36 September 30, 2024 September 29, 2027 $100,000 $500,000

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 United States, the 

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, 

American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Tribal Governments. 

Eligible applicants include:

Entity Type Description 

Agricultural Businesses or 

Cooperatives

Businesses or member-owned entities that provide, hold, deliver, 

transport, offer, or sell agricultural products or services for member 

benefit as well as the organization or other business that they 

represent. 

Producer Networks 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 as 

well as organizations or other businesses that assist, represent, or 

serve producers or producer networks.
15 | Page

Entity Type Description 

CSA Networks or Associations Formal groups of farms that work collectively to offer consumers 

regular shares (usually weekly) of locally grown farm products 

during one or more harvest season(s) often on a subscription or 

membership basis. This includes organizations or other businesses 

that assist, serve, or represent CSAs or CSA networks.

Customers have access to a selected share or range of farm 

products offered by the group of farmers based on partial or total 

advance payment of a subscription or membership fee.

Food Council Food policy council or food and farm system network that 

represents multiple organizations that addresses food and farmrelated issues and needs within city, county, State, Tribal region, 

multicounty region, or other regions.

Local Governments Any unit of government within a State, including a county; borough; 

municipality; city; town; township; parish; local public authority, 

including any public housing agency under the United States 

Housing Act of 1937 (50 Stat. 888 (Pub. L. No. 75—412); special 

district; school district; intrastate district; council of governments, 

whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State 

law; and any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-state, 

regional, or intra-state or local government.

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’s or institution’s net earnings 

inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

Public Benefit Corporations Corporations organized to construct or operate a public 

improvement, the profits from which inure to the benefit of one or 

more State or to the people therein. 

Economic Development 

Corporations

Organizations whose missions are to improve, maintain, develop, 

and/or market or promote a specific geographic area. 

Regional Farmers Market 

Authorities

Entities that establish and enforce regional, State, or county 

policies and jurisdiction over State, regional, or county farmers 

markets. State agencies are eligible if their State’s regulatory 

statutes identify the specific State agency as a regional farmers 

market authority. 
16 | Page

Entity Type Description 

Tribal Governments Governing bodies or governmental agencies of any Indian tribe, 

band, nation, or other organized group or community (including 

any native village as defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. § 1602)) certified by the 

Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs and 

services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

3.2 PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Engagement with partners and collaborators strengthens FMPP projects. Partners and collaborators may 

come from private or public, for-profit or nonprofit entities.

• A partner is in a relationship involving close cooperation with the applicant and shares 

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. 

Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Project partners and collaborators do not 

need to meet the eligibility requirements provided in section 3.1. 

The applicant may subcontract or subaward with partners and collaborators (section 5.2.7) or may 

engage with them without funding. For instance, a project may have partners or collaborators who have 

their own funding or who are contributing to the project financially, such as by providing a cash or inkind match. Regardless of whether there is a financial subcontract or subaward relationship, 

applications must show evidence of existing community or industry engagement. 

Applications should demonstrate a commitment to engage potential project beneficiaries as active 

participants.

3.3 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF AWARDS

Applicants may submit multiple project proposals to FMPP. However, applicants may only receive one 

FMPP award. This means that an applicant may be awarded one Capacity Building OR one Community 

Development Training and Technical Assistance OR one Turnkey grant, but not any combination of the 

above, during this fiscal year. 

Applicants with an active FMPP award must submit all required close-out documentation by the 

application due date listed in section 5.5 Submission Date and Time for their application to be eligible to 

be considered for review. Please refer to AMS General Award Terms and Conditions, available on the 

“How to Administer the Awards” webpage, for close-out instructions. Applicants must close out all 

active FMPP awards to be eligible to apply for a new FMPP award. For example, a Capacity Building 

award recipient must close out that award prior to applying for a Community Development Training and 

Technical Assistance award. 
17 | Page

3.3.1 FISCAL SPONSORS/AGENTS

Eligible applicants may use fiscal sponsors/agents in their effort to attain and administer a grant award. 

Such applicants seeking to implement a project may:

• Apply directly to AMS through Grants.gov and request to use funds to establish a contractual 

relationship with a fiscal sponsor/agent to perform administrative or financial functions on 

behalf of the applicant; or 

• Use a fiscal sponsor/agent to apply for an award on behalf of the implementing organization. By 

doing so, the sponsor/agent accepts all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s 

grant award at the time the agreement is signed. Fiscal sponsors/agents would submit the 

application as the applicant organization, and the Authorized Organizational Representative 

(AOR) responsible for all grant decisions and activities, including but not limited to 

implementation, subcontracts, and reporting to AMS. The AOR would be an employee of the 

fiscal sponsor/agent. Fiscal sponsors/agents are bound by the same requirements mentioned in 

this RFA as other applicant organizations, including the limit on applications.

An applicant organization cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to another organization 

(including a fiscal sponsor/agent).

3.3.2 REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM PARTNERSHIPS (RFSP) RECIPIENT APPLICANTS

In accordance with the LAMP legislation, current RFSP grant recipients may apply for an FMPP or LFPP 

grant on behalf of requesting producers and/or eligible entities (as listed in the Regional Food System 

Partnerships (RFSP) RFA). Active RFSP recipients are eligible to receive more than one FMPP or LFPP 

project within an award cycle to allow them to apply on behalf of those entities. 

Active RFSP recipients applying to FMPP on behalf of their eligible partnerships should indicate on the 

“FMPP Project Narrative” or “FMPP Turnkey Marketing and Promotion Project Narrative” or “FMPP 

Turnkey Recruitment and Training Project Narrative” that they are a current RFSP recipient. They must 

meet all program requirements and undergo competitive peer review as do all other FMPP applicants. 

Refer to section 5.2 for more information. 

If selected for funding, active RFSP recipients signing the grant agreement as the AOR on behalf of their 

producers and eligible entities accept all financial and legal liabilities for that grant recipient’s award at 

the time the agreement is signed. In addition, they are responsible for all decisions and project activities

related to the grant agreement, and accountable for meeting Federal statutory requirements, regulatory 

requirements, and the terms and conditions of the award. An applicant organization, including RFSP 

recipient applicants, cannot accept an award and later transfer the award to another organization 

(including the producer or eligible entity associated with the active RFSP grant).

Alternatively, RFSP recipients wanting to solely provide technical assistance or administrative support to 

producers and/or eligible entities applying to FMPP, but not serve as the AOR, may provide that directly 

with no formalized agreement and the eligible entities or producers may apply directly (noting that the 

project must benefit more than one producer). They could also choose to pursue the contractual 

relationship mentioned in section 3.3.1 Fiscal Sponsor/Agents.
18 | Page

4.0 FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

This funding opportunity requires matching funds from non-Federal sources in the form of cash and/or 

in-kind contributions equal to 25 percent of the amount of Federal funds being requested. There is no 

competitive advantage for an applicant to provide a cost share or match that exceeds the required 

amount. If the project is selected for funding, any exceeding amount will be considered voluntary and 

must be documented and secured at the time an applicant is recommended for the award. 

Cost sharing or the required match must be in the form of allowable direct or indirect costs. Refer to 2 

CFR § 200.306 for additional Federal requirements and definitions, including the basis for determining 

the value of cash and in-kind contributions.

Cash match contributions are generally defined as an actual cash contribution (not the ‘value’ of 

someone’s time/effort) from the applicant’s general revenue/reserves/savings/line of credit, or 3rdparty partner(s), or other non-Federal grants. The applicant must be able to track and show the source 

of the match funding and that the funding source was dedicated entirely to the grant project and 

produce records to that effect (for example, taking the cash match in your accounting system, or from 

your partner, and placing it into a special ‘grant project’ account).

In-kind contributions are generally defined, when used as a cost share or match for a grant, as the value 

of goods or services provided by a third party 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). 

Match contributions (either cash or in-kind) cannot be used for FMPP if they are already being used 

toward satisfying a match requirement under any other Federal grant agreement to which the applicant 

is a party.

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

award. An award will not be issued unless all matching funds over the life of the grant are secured. 

Additional anticipated matching funds not in place by the time the project commences cannot be 

counted toward the matching requirement. 

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

funding when completing the fiscal plan and resources section of the “FMPP Project Narrative” or 

"FMPP Turnkey Marketing and Promotion Project Narrative" or “FMPP Turnkey Recruitment and 

Training 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 5.2.6 Matching Funds and 

Letters of Verification for more information. 

Indirect costs may count toward non-Federal match. Refer to section 4.2.1 “Using Indirect Costs for Cost 

Sharing or Matching” for more information.

Applicants cannot use program income (as defined in 2 CFR § 200.1) or any other Federal funds as a 

match or cost share.
19 | Page

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 does not have a current negotiated 

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

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

(MTDC). The de minimis rate does not require documentation to justify its use and may be used 

indefinitely. As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either direct or 

indirect costs, and may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. Once elected, this 

methodology must be used consistently for all Federal awards until 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 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 Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) with its application. 

Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For 

assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1. 

4.2.1 USING INDIRECT COSTS FOR COST SHARING OR MATCHING

The maximum indirect costs allowed for a project may be included under the Federal portion of the 

project budget or, alternatively, may be offered as an in-kind matching contribution if no indirect costs 

are requested on the Federal portion of the budget. For example, if a proposed project’s maximum 

allowable indirect costs are $8,000, the applicant may include $8,000 on the Federal portion of the 

budget or $8,000 as a matching in-kind contribution, but not both.

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. 

Alternatively, the recipient may request any other combination that, when combined, does not exceed 

the maximum indirect costs allowable. Refer to 2 CFR §200.413 and §200.414 for additional information 

on determining if costs charged to the award are direct or indirect.
20 | Page

4.3 SUBAWARDS

The applicant is expected to perform most of the work of the project. However, the applicant may 

subaward or subcontract with partners, collaborators, or other parties that provide additional 

knowledge, expertise, or resources for the purposes of the proposed project that are not otherwise 

available within the applicant organization. Applicants may subaward to smaller organizations to 

support underserved communities or producers. In all subaward or subcontract scenarios, the primary 

applicant will maintain the oversight and reporting responsibility as the AOR. See section 3.3.1 Fiscal 

Sponsors. Using grant funds to competitively “re-grant” funds in mini-grant programs or to activities 

that are not central to the purpose of the project or for unknown costs is unallowable.

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. 

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

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

4.5 COORDINATOR MEETING TRAVEL

Recipients are expected to attend an AMS sponsored grant management meetings during the project’s 

period of performance. The proposed budget must include travel funds for an individual identified in the 

Key Staff section of the Project Narrative. In addition, the application may include travel costs for a 

second staff member. 

Estimate the cost of travel including flight, hotel, per diem, ground transportation to a major city for 3-

day, 2-night stay. For previous year, an example of this estimate can be around $1,700 per individual. 

Location and dates are to be determined with possibility of a virtual conference. If the conference is 

performed virtually, recipients will be able to reallocate those funds to another allowable activity. 

5.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

5.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applicants MUST apply to this RFA electronically via Grants.gov. No other submission method is 

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

Grants.gov application process see, Grants.gov’s How to 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. 

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.175,” or the FMPP 

Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-24-0010”. 
21 | 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. Most information blocks on the 

required form are either self-explanatory or explained in the instructions. However, applicants must use 

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

Block Instructions

1 - Type of Submission Select Application

2 - Type of Application Select New

4 through 7 Not required

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)

10.175

12 - Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-24-0010

Ensure you are applying for the correct grant 

program.

13 - Competition Identification Number Not applicable

14 - Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, states affected by project

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

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

office is located.

16b - Congressional Districts for 

Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project 

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

be implemented in more than one location.

17 - Proposed Project Start Date and End 

Date

Turnkey Projects – Your performance period cannot 

be more than 24 months (2 years) in length. 

• Enter start date: September 30, 2024, and 

• Enter end date: September 29, 2026.

Capacity Building and Community Development 

Training and Technical Assistance - Your 

performance period cannot be more than 36 months 

(3 years) in length. 

• Enter start date: September 30, 2024, and 

• Enter end date: September 29, 2027. 

18 - Estimated Funding – Federal Enter the Total Federal award requested. 

18b - Estimated Funding – Applicant Enter the Total Match amount.

19 - Is Applicant Subject to Review by State 

Under Executive Order 12372 Process. See section 5.6 Intergovernmental Review.
22 | Page

5.2.2 SF-424A – BUDGET INFORMATION FOR NON-CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

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

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

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

Please fill in only sections A, B and C. Do not complete sections D, E, and F. 

Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

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

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 

Number

Enter “10.175” 

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. 
23 | Page

5.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY 

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form will be used as the public-facing description of any 

projects which receive an award, including publication on the AMS website. This is required for all 

project types and is separate from the FMPP Project Narrative or FMPP Turnkey Marketing and 

Promotion Project Narrative or FMPP Turnkey Recruitment and Training Project Narrative. 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 are and how their engagement will support 

the program goals.

5.2.4 PROJECT NARRATIVE FOR CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 

TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Required. All applicants for project types OTHER THAN the Turnkey Projects MUST prepare and submit a 

narrative using the FMPP Project Narrative form. The form and instructions are available on the “How 

do I Apply for an FMPP Grant” webpage. To view the Project Narrative document, please download the 

files and open them from your computer, rather than the web browser. The Project Narrative must 

clearly describe the objectives and goals, types of activities, applicable outcome indicators, and fiscal 

plan and resources information. The Project Narrative Guide can assist applicants in filling out the form. 

The completed Project Narrative must not exceed thirty-five (35) pages. For example, the form is 14 

pages before you begin entering your project information, your form may be up to 35 pages in length 

when completed (14 original pages + 21 pages of applicant content). 

Applicants must submit the FMPP Project Narrative form as a PDF fillable form (in its original file 

format), attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” 

link in Grants.gov. Handwritten applications or applications in MS Word will not be accepted.

The supporting documents listed in Sections 5.2.6 through 5.2.9 do not count toward the 35-page

limit. 

5.2.5 TURNKEY PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required for all Turnkey projects. Applicants MUST prepare and submit a narrative using the FMPP 

Turnkey Marketing and Promotion Project Narrative form or the FMPP Turnkey Recruitment and 

Training Project Narrative form. The forms and instructions are available on the “How do I Apply for an 

FMPP Grant” webpage. To view the Project Narrative documents, please download the files and open 

them from your computer, rather than the web browser. The Turnkey Project Narratives lists all the 

activities that may be included in the project. DO NOT propose any additional activities. Doing so may

disqualify the application from consideration. The Turnkey Project Narrative must clearly describe the 
24 | Page

activities, applicable outcome indicators, and fiscal plan and resources information. The Project 

Narrative Guide explains how to fill out the form.

The completed FMPP Turnkey Project Narrative must not exceed twenty-two (22) pages. For example, 

the form is 12 pages before you begin entering your project information, your form may be up to 22 

pages in length when completed (12 original pages + 10 pages of applicant content). 

Applicants must submit the FMPP Turnkey Project Narrative form as a PDF fillable form (in its original 

file format), attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Project Narrative Attachment 

Form” link in Grants.gov.

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

The supporting documents listed in Sections 5.2.6 through 5.2.9 do not count toward the 22-page

limit. 

5.2.6 LETTERS OF VERIFICATION FOR MATCHING FUNDS

Required. Applicants MUST have 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. 

Verification letters must be signed by the entity providing the matching funds. Submit one letter 

verifying the match for EACH cash or in-kind resource, signed by the matching organization. For

example, if the match contribution will be provided by the applicant organization and two partners, a 

total of 3 match verification letters are required. 

AMS has posted a Letter of Verification for Matching Funds Template on the grant program’s website. 

We highly encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this template or if you are an applicant 

submitting a match, your match verification document must include the following: 

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

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

• 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)

• 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

Instructions for organizations submitting Letter of Verification for Matching Funds: Submit Letter of 

Verification for Matching Funds on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). 

Clearly indicate at the top of the documents that they are “LETTER OF VERIFICATION FOR MATCHING 

FUNDS ”. AMS will not accept unsigned letters. 
25 | Page

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

under Form SF-424 item #15.

5.2.7 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR ORGANIZATIONS

Required. Applicants MUST provide letters of commitment (in MS Word or PDF) from all project 

partners and collaborators listed in the Project Narrative. More information can be found on partners 

and collaborators in section 3.2 Partners and Collaborators. The partner or collaborator must state in 

the letter that they agree with the project management plan presented in the Project Narrative. Emails 

in lieu of letters will not be accepted. 

AMS has posted a Partner Organization Template Letter on the grant program’s website. We highly 

encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this template, the Letters of Commitment must 

include at least the following information: 

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

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

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

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

contained in the application

Instructions for organizations submitting Letters of Commitment: Submit Letters of Commitment on 

letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). Clearly indicate at the top of the 

documents that they are “LETTERS OF COMMITMENT”. AMS will not accept emails or unsigned letters. 

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

under SF-424 item #15.

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

weight during the evaluation process. 

5.2.8 EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Required if critical resources and/or infrastructure are necessary for the completion of the proposed 

project. Applicants MUST submit evidence (in MS Word or PDF) that critical resources and infrastructure

necessary to support the initiation and completion of a project are in place. Land, buildings, structures, 

and other critical resources must be in place and in working condition at the time of application 

submission. The letter must describe the critical resources that are necessary for initiation and 

completion of the project and certify that they are in place and committed prior to the start date of the 

project. 

AMS has posted a Suggested Evidence Of Critical Resources And Infrastructure Template Letter on the 

FMPP application website. We highly encourage you to use this template. If you do not use this 
26 | Page

template, your Letter of Evidence of Critical Infrastructure must minimally include the following

information: 

• Project Applicant

• Project Title

• A statement about committing/approving/granting permission, etc. of the critical resource or 

infrastructure to the project for the time period 

• A description of the approved use of the critical resource or infrastructure approved for the 

project, any costs associated with its use, and any qualifying circumstances for its use.

Instructions for preparing Letters of Critical Infrastructure: Submit Letters of Evidence of Critical 

Resources and Infrastructure on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director).

Documents should be clearly labeled “EVIDENCE OF CRITICAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE” at the 

top. The letters must accompany the proposal at the time of the application submission. 

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

under Form SF-424 item #15.

5.2.9 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA. Refer to section 4.2 Indirect Costs 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 APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS 

5.3.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY

Applicants MUST have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), an active SAM.gov account, and a Grants.gov 

account to submit an application. AMS recommends that applicants start the registration process in 

these systems immediately to allow enough time to meet application submission deadlines. Registration 

in these systems collectively may take more than four weeks to complete. The steps below provide 

details on how to complete each registration. 

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/OrganizationRegistration.htm

1. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must 

have a UEI from SAM.gov. Applicants must enter the UEI number in the data entry field labeled 

"Organizational UEI" on the SF-424. Getting a UEI requires validation steps in SAM.gov. Applicants 

are encouraged to start this process as early as possible, and, if applicable, this includes providing 

guidance to subapplicants on getting their own UEI. 

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 SAM. Current SAM registrants 

have already been assigned their UEI and can view it within SAM.gov. All organizations must register 

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

through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be renewed annually, and your organization must 
27 | Page

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

maintain an active SAM registration with current information throughout the application review 

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

a. Watch the video on how to Register in Grants.gov and create an institutional profile. 

Applicants are required to use Login.gov to sign into Grants.gov. See the Grants.gov help 

article for more information on logging in with Login.gov credentials. The Grants.gov 

validation process also includes a check for an active SAM.gov registration. Applicants 

without a current SAM.gov registration will be rejected. 

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, you will need the Authorized Organization Role (AOR).

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

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

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

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

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

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

allows you to track your status. 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.
28 | Page

NOTE: You may need to visit the Adobe Software Comparability 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.

4. 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 are included correctly in 

the application package when submitting via Grants.gov. 

5. Track via a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, Grants.gov automatically 

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

Confirmation page generated after submission.

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

Applicants may also call the 24/7 (except federal holidays) toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726, or 

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

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

information described in section 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 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.
29 | Page

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, 

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 May 14, 

2024. 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

Each Capacity Building or Community Development Training and Technical Assistance application that 

meets the initial qualifications screening requirements (see section 5.2) will be reviewed and scored 

competitively using the criteria listed below. 

Each Turnkey application that meets the initial qualifications screening requirements (see section 5.2) 

will be reviewed and scored competitively on each of the criteria below EXCEPT alignment and intent. 

Technical Merit, Achievability, Expertise and Partners, Fiscal Plan and Resources will all carry equal 

weight, or 25 points each.

Alignment and Intent 25 Points

1. The application provides a clear and concise description of the specific issue, problem, or need 

addressed by the project, and the objectives for, the project.

2. The project helps develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food businesses (including 

those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets) that process, distribute, aggregate, or 

store locally or regionally produced food products and an agricultural local and regional food system 

infrastructure.

3. The applicant identifies and engages the intended beneficiaries, including the number of 

beneficiaries and how they will benefit. The application demonstrates a commitment to engage 

potential project beneficiaries as active participants in partnership activities.

4. The application describes the project’s proposed geographic focus area and why it is the most 

appropriate place to conduct project activities.

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

and Project Narrative Template.
30 | Page

Technical Merit 25 Points

1. The application presents a clear, well-conceived, and overall suitable work plan for fulfilling the 

goals and objectives of the proposed project.

2. The application presents a realistic schedule for implementing the proposed project during the 

award project period.

3. If the project and/or entity was previously funded, the extent to which the previous lessons learned 

are incorporated into the proposed project. 

4. The level of effort attributed to personnel and contractual entities detailed in the application are at 

a reasonable level to conduct the proposed project. 

5. The application work plan contains measurable or quantifiable tasks that relate directly to the 

objectives of the proposed project.

Achievability 15 Points

1. The outcomes and indicator(s) are appropriate for the scale and scope of the project, including:

a. How indicator numbers were derived with a clear means to collect feedback to evaluate and 

achieve each relevant outcome indicator; and

b. The anticipated key factors that are predicted to contribute to or restrict progress toward 

the applicable indicators, including action steps for addressing identified restricting factors. 

2. The proposed project can be easily adapted to other regions, communities, or agricultural systems. 

3. The applicant provides a comprehensive plan to distribute the project’s results (both positive and 

negative) electronically and in-person to target audiences, stakeholders, and interested parties. 

Expertise and Partners 20 Points

1. The proposed project represents substantial, effective, diverse and strong qualifications of the 

applicant (individual and team) and the relevant partnerships and collaborators to accomplish the 

project’s goals and objectives and to meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries including:

a. Commitment from the key partner and/or collaborators demonstrated through Letters of 

Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations;

b. The key staff who will be responsible for managing the projects and names and titles of the 

individuals who comprise the Project Team; and

c. The expertise and experience of the Project Team necessary to successfully manage and 

implement the proposed project.

2. The application describes plans for coordination, communication, and data sharing and reporting 

among members of the Project Team and stakeholder groups, including both internal applicant 

personnel and external partners and collaborators.

3. The application describes a commitment to collaboration and engagement among partners to 

ensure high levels of participation or provides a clear and concise plan for how such engagement 

will occur, particularly including historically underserved entities such as underserved, beginning, 

and/or limited resource entities.

4. The application describes how the project, and its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained 

beyond the project’s period of performance (without grant funds).
31 | Page

Fiscal Plan and Resources 15 Points

1. The application budget narrative or justification provides a clear, detailed, narrative description for 

each budget line item including:

a. How the budget is consistent with the size and scope of the project; and

b. How the budget relates logically to the narrative describing the project. 

2. The application provides evidence that critical resources and infrastructure that are necessary for 

the initiation and completion of the proposed project are currently in place.

3. The applicant demonstrates that its partners’ or collaborators’ contribution of non-Federal cash 

resources or in-kind contributions is available and obtainable for the project as evidenced through 

the submitted Matching Funds and Letters of Verification.

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 AMS’ Applications, Denials Late and/or Appeals Procedure for 

more information.

Step 2: Technical Review

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

reviewers. AMS makes every attempt to match reviewers with applications in their areas of expertise. 

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

proposals. The peer review panels evaluate their assigned proposals 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 scores and 

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

recommended projects align with the scope, allowability of budget items, available funding, geographic 

diversity (including across program years), and program priorities, as described in Section 1.4. AMS staff 

will work with top-scored applicants to negotiate any revisions as necessary. 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(b). 
32 | Page

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 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 to inform them of the results. AMS will email unsuccessful applicants the review panel 

consensus comments regarding their proposals. 

7.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the NOA, all AMS recipients must abide by 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, they will be identified in the award.

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

For additional information, please visit the FMPP Website: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp

8.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on its website

(https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp), including webinars information, FAQ’s, descriptions 

of funded projects, Project Narrative Guides, and required application forms. AMS staff is available to 

provide timely technical assistance.
33 | Page

8.3 ADDRESS

Farmers Market Promotion Program

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 1510-S South Building

Stop 0264

Washington, DC 20250-0264

FMLFPPGrants@usda.gov

8.4 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

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

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

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

refer if the issue is not immediately resolved.

Grants.gov Registration: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

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

9.0 OTHER INFORMATION

9.1 DEFINITIONS

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

Critical Resources and Infrastructure means the physical and the non-physical assets necessary to start 

and complete a project:

• Critical Infrastructure includes physical assets such as land, structures, or equipment.

• Critical Resources includes non-physical assets such as human capital, community support and 

partnership, or institutional capacity. 

Direct Producer to Consumer Marketing means instances in which producers sell locally or regionally 

produced agricultural products directly to the consumer (including, farmers markets, roadside stands, 

CSA programs, agritourism activities, online sales, producer-to-retail, producer-to-restaurant and 

producer-to-institutional marketing) with minimal involvement of a middle-man such as an 

intermediary, a wholesaler, a retailer, an agent, a broker, or a reseller in a manner calculated to lower 

the cost and increase the quality of food to such consumers while providing increased financial returns 

to the farmers. 

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" and below:
34 | Page

• Beginning Farmer or Rancher means a participant who has not operated a farm or ranch, or who 

has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years, and substantially 

participates in the operation.

• Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher means a participant with direct or indirect gross farm sales 

not more than the current indexed value in each of the previous two years, and Who has a total 

household income at or below the national poverty level for a family of four, or less than 50 

percent of county median household income in each of the previous two years. A SelfDetermination Tool is available to the public and may be completed on-line or printed and 

completed hardcopy at: https://lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/. 

• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher means an individual or entity who is a member of a 

socially disadvantaged group. A socially disadvantaged group is a group whose members have 

been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group 

without regard to their individual qualities. This groups consist of: American Indians or Alaskan 

Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, and 

Hispanics. 

• 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.

Locally and Regionally Produced Food means food that is raised, produced, aggregated, stored, 

processed, and distributed in the locality or region where the final product is marketed to consumers, so 

that the total distance that the product travels between the farm or ranch where the product originates 

and the point of sale to the end consumer is at most 400 miles, or both the final market and the origin of 

the product are within the same State, territory, or tribal land. 

FMPP recognizes that domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, 

other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities, and local and regional food businesses may 

source or market some of their food products outside of the defined locality or region. These enterprises 

are encouraged to consider local boundaries for projects based on existing networks, foodsheds, 

distance to markets for farmers within the selected area, or other relevant factors. AMS may question 

the reason behind the selected local or regional food system development effort. 

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.
35 | Page

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, 

(such as organically produced products);

• 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.

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 

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 
36 | Page

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, 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.