OMB No. 0581‐0330

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Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative 

Agreement Program Plus (LFPA Plus)

Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications

Version 3 (updated March 10, 2023)

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-10182-LFPA0000-22-0001

Publication Date: March 10, 2023

Application Due Date: 11:59 pm EASTERN TIME ON May 12, 2023
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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-10182-LFPA0000-22-0001

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.182

Dates: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 12, 2023, via e-mail to 

LFPA@usda.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 from State/territory and Tribal Governments1for the expansion of the Local Food 

Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA Plus). The goal will be to allow State/territory and Tribal 

Governments who participated in the first round of LFPA funding to expand their cooperative 

agreements by submitting amended proposals, and to provide an opportunity for Tribal Governments

and territories who did not participate in the first round of funding to submit new applications to 

participate in LFPA Plus. The additional funding under LFPA Plus will establish cooperative agreements 

with State/territory and Tribal governmentsfor the purpose of supporting local producers and socially 

disadvantaged farmers/producers. State/territory and Tribal governments will purchase domestic food 

from local and regional producers, target purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers/producers, and 

distribute the food to underserved communities. AMS will make only one award per State/territory; the 

award will be made to the State/territory that participated in the first round of LFPA funding, if 

applicable. The State/territory and Tribal Governments can also partner with local organizations. 

Awards to Tribal Governments are not considered a state agency award, and additional awards will be 

made to Tribal Governments. Up to $464 million is available from funds authorized under Section 5(c) 

of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 USC 714c(c)). 

This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for LFPA Plus applicants, the application forms and 

associated instructions needed to apply for an LFPA Plus award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit socially disadvantaged farmers/producers and will provide 

food distribution to underserved communities that are not part of the normal food distribution network. 

For cooperative agreements intending to serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve 

those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications. AMS would like these relationships and 

purchase and distribution channels to continue past the conclusion of this program.

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

the comments in developing any future RFAs for the program. Email written comments within one year 

of the publication date of this RFA to LFPA@USDA.gov . (This e-mail address is intended only for 

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Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments 
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receiving comments and questions regarding this RFA and not requesting information or forms.) In your 

subject line, include, ‘Input LFPA Plus’.
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Amendment Changes

• The application deadline is extended from March 31, 2023 to May 12, 2023. 

Program Highlights

• This RFA is for considering non-competitive applications.

• The RFA and AMS General Terms and Conditions apply to this RFA along with the Uniform 

Guidance (2 CFR part 200).

• Only State, territory, and Tribal Governments will be considered for this RFA

Application Checklist

AMS expects applicants to read the entire RFA prior to submitting applications to ensure the program’s 

requirements are understood.

This application checklist provides the required and conditionally required documents for an application 

package.

LFPA Plus requires that all application packages include the following:

Applicants submitting amended agreements:

 Project Narrative Form – Amended Agreements

o Ensure the required template is used

▪ State, territories, and Tribal Governments who participated in the first 

round of LFPA funding must use the template titled “LFPA Plus – Project 

Narrative for Amended Agreements”

o Ensure the executive summary is no more than 250 words

o Ensure the Project Narrative does not exceed the page limit

Applicants submitting new proposals:

 SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance

 SF-424A

 Project Narrative Form – New Applications

o Ensure the required template is used

▪ Tribal Governments and territories who did not participate in the first round 

of LFPA funding must use the template titled “LFPA Plus – Project Narrative 

for New Applications”

o Ensure the executive summary is no more than 250 words

o Ensure the Project Narrative does not exceed the page limit
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ............................................................. 6

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY ................................................................................... 6

1.2 PURPOSE.......................................................................................................... 6

1.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION.................................................................................... 7

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION .................................................................................. 8

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE ........................................................................... 8

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS ..................................................................................... 8

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING......................................................................................... 9

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION .................................................................. 9

2.5 AWARD SIZE ..................................................................................................... 9

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ........................................................................... 12

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ...................................................................................... 12

3.2 ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES .................................................................................. 12

3.3 COST SHARING AND MATCHING ....................................................................... 13

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION............................................... 13

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE ................................................................ 13

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION.......................................... 13

4.3 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME .......................................................................... 15

4.4 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW........................................................................ 16

4.5 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR ................................................................................ 16

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS .................................................................................. 16

4.7 EZFEDGRANTS.GOV REQUIREMENTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 

MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................... 17

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION............................................................. 19

6.0 AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION....................................................... 19

6.1 AWARD NOTICES............................................................................................. 19

6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS ................................. 19

6.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 19

7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS ..................................................................................... 20

7.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS ........................................................................... 20

7.2 ADDRESS ........................................................................................................ 21

7.3 AVAILABLE RESOURCES ................................................................................... 21

7.4 EZFEDGRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS ....................................................................... 21

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION.................................................................................. 21

8.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT ................................................................... 21

8.2 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS ..................................................... 21

8.3 PAPERWORK REDUCTION................................................................................. 22
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program Plus (LFPA Plus) is authorized by

Section 5(c) of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 USC 714c(c)). 

1.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency

through the procurement of agricultural commodities to meet domestic requirements. The program 

achieves this purpose in the overarching goals below:

1. Provide an opportunity for State and Tribal Governments to strengthen their local and regional 

food system.

2. Help to support local and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers through building and 

expanding economic opportunities.

3. Establish and broaden partnerships with farmers/producers and the food distribution 

community, and local food networks, including non-profits to ensure distribution of fresh and 

nutritious foods in rural, remote, or underserved communities.

1.2.1 DEFINITIONS

Local or regional producers are farmers, ranchers, producer, processors or distributors and other 

businesses involved in food production or distribution that are located in the state or tribal region or 

within 400 miles of the delivery destination.

Local or regional food. 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.

Domestic Food. “Agricultural Commodity” means a product grown, processed, and otherwise prepared 

for sale or distribution exclusively in the United States or its territories, except with respect to minor 

ingredients. Minor ingredients from nondomestic sources will be allowed to be utilized as a United 

States product if such ingredients are not otherwise: (1) produced in the United States; and (2) 

commercially available in the United States at fair and reasonable prices from domestic sources. The 

following ingredients are determined by AMS Commodity Procurement as not available at fair and 

reasonable prices and are waived from U.S. origin restrictions: (1) Vitamin A (Retinol Palmitate), (2) 

Vitamin D, (3) Carageenan (stabilizing agent), (4) Sorbic Acid (preservative), (5) Potassium Sorbate 

(preservative), (6) Rennet (coagulant), (7) Items excepted from the Buy American Act under FAR 25.104 

Nonavailable Articles.
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Socially Disadvantaged producers. Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher is a farmer or rancher 

who is a member of a Socially Disadvantaged Group. A Socially Disadvantaged Group is a group whose 

members have been subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, 

and, where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, 

genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived 

from any public assistance program.

Underserved communities are those defined in accordance with Exec Order 13985, Executive Order on 

Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,

Jan 20, 2021:

Sec. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this order: (a) The term “equity” means the consistent and 

systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong 

to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and 

Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other 

persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer 

(LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons 

otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

(b) The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular 

characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full 

opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list 

in the preceding definition of “equity.”

1.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will make awards to States, territories, and Tribal 

Governments to allow for the expansion of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA Plus). 

States, territories, and Tribal Governments who participated in the first round of LFPA funding may 

apply for LFPA Plus to expand their current cooperative agreements. Tribal Governments and territories

who did not participate in the first round of LFPA funding may apply for LFPA Plus to establish new 

cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements with States, territories, and Tribal governments will 

support local, regional, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers through food purchasing under 

the “Build Back Better Initiative.” States, territories, and Tribal governments will purchase food from 

local and regional farmers/producers, targeting socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. These 

cooperative agreements will allow for entities to procure local, domestic foods that are unique to their 

geographic area and meet the needs of the populations. In addition to increasing local food 

consumption, funds are expected to help build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially 

disadvantaged farmers/producers.

USDA will provide the State, territory, or Tribal government funding for food purchases as well as 

guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative 

agreement. 
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The expectation of this program is for recipients to spend the pre-dominance of awarded funds on food 

purchases. Funds used for food purchases must be used exclusively for domestic food products (also 

known as commodities) that are unprocessed or minimally processed. Applicants may not request 

direct or indirect costs associated with developing or administering the program. All food purchased 

must be unprocessed or minimally processed and must meet the definitions of domestic and local, as 

defined in section 1.2.1. States, territories, and Tribal Governments with existing LFPA agreements may 

request to extend their period of performance by one year. Tribal Governments and territories 

submitting a new application may request a period of performance of up to two years from the time of 

award. States, territories, and Tribal governments should determine funding amounts based on their 

local food purchase availability and the needs of underserved communities. Funding is intended to 

primarily cover food procurement. Storage and distribution expenses directly associated with food 

procurement under this program can be subsumed in the overall procurement with LFPA Plus funding. 

Costs that are not inherent parts of the procurement cannot be covered with LFPA Plus funding. 

One hundred million of funding will be available for new Tribal agreements and amendments to existing 

agreements. The remainder of the funds will be available to state governments and territories. These 

funds will be awarded through a non-competitive process. Funds awarded to States and territories will 

be based on the statutory The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funding formula. This 

formula considers the poverty rate and unemployment levels in each state to ensure the distribution of 

funds corresponds to feeding needs in each state. Cooperative Agreement applications will be awarded 

based on acceptability and ability to meet the goals of the program.

1.3.1 SUBAWARDS

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

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

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will make amendments to existing Cooperative Agreements to provide the Federal award to 

applicants. AMS will also award new Cooperative Agreements to Tribal Governments and territories 

that did not participate in the first round of LFPA funding.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

States, territories, and Tribal Governments who participated in the first round of LFPA funding will 

submit amendments to their existing LFPA cooperative agreement. Tribal Governments and territories 

that did not participate in the first round of LFPA funding will submit a new application. AMS will review

all applications for conformance with the criteria in section 5.0 and may require the applicant to provide 

additional information or clarification by a specified date.
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2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

Funds awarded to States and territories will be based on the statutory The Emergency Food Assistance 

Program (TEFAP) funding formula. Amendments to award amounts may occur, depending on initial 

demand for the program and the availability of funds. Final adjustments may occur to the award once 

the application due date has closed. The total funding available is up to $464 million.

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

States, territories, and Tribal Governments with existing LFPA agreements may request to extend their 

period of performance by one year. Tribal Governments and territories who did not participate in the 

first round of LFPA funding may request a period of performance of up to two years from the time of 

award. It is acceptable to complete a project before the scheduled performance period end date. Tribal 

Governments and territories that are new applicants of the program must indicate the start and end 

dates on the SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 17.

2.5 AWARD SIZE

These funds will be awarded through a noncompetitive process. Initiatives should apply for an amount 

that meets their needs, based on their local food purchase availability and the needs of underserved 

communities. After initial awards are made, AMS will determine the best course of action to 

redistribute remaining funds.

Awards to States and territories will be based on The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) 

funding formula (as represented in the table below). This formula considers the poverty rate and 

unemployment levels in each state to ensure the distribution of funds corresponds to nutrition 

assistance needs in each state.

TEFAP ALLOCATION WORKSHEET (FY23 FORMULA)

ALLOCATION OF FUNDING FOR STATES AND TERRITORIES 

Region/State Allocation

NORTHEAST

Connecticut $3,714,854

Maine $1,330,959

Massachusetts $7,111,467

New Hampshire $919,043

New York $23,722,891
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Region/State Allocation

Rhode Island $1,074,598

Vermont $517,953

Virgin Islands $222,705

MID-ATLANTIC

Delaware $1,082,133

District of Columbia $1,029,088

Maryland $6,463,706

New Jersey $9,296,617

Pennsylvania $14,724,610

Puerto Rico $8,463,661

Virginia $7,248,759

West Virginia $2,161,141

SOUTHEAST

Alabama $5,482,659

Florida $21,674,292

Georgia $11,114,629

Kentucky $5,544,301

Mississippi $3,998,762

North Carolina $11,134,110

South Carolina $5,554,063

Tennessee $7,235,783
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Region/State Allocation

MIDWEST

Illinois $14,343,210

Indiana $5,863,175

Iowa $2,974,035

Michigan $11,457,815

Minnesota $4,321,877

Ohio $13,068,222

Wisconsin $5,189,903

SOUTHWEST

Arizona $7,356,031

Arkansas $3,389,687

Louisiana $6,406,577

New Mexico $3,072,343

Oklahoma $4,223,634

Texas $35,187,575

Utah $2,221,771

MOUNTAIN PLAINS

Colorado $5,523,145

Kansas $2,531,473

Missouri $6,205,307

Montana $975,849

Nebraska $1,536,073
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Region/State Allocation

North Dakota $678,228

South Dakota $808,211

Wyoming $551,231

WESTERN

Alaska $784,095

California $45,151,731

Guam $307,179

Hawaii $1,421,098

Idaho $1,619,212

Nevada $3,872,061

N Mariana Isl. $210,372

Oregon $4,439,283

Washington $7,486,813

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible entities include the State agencies, commissions, or departments that are responsible for 

agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency response or similar activities within the State. 

AMS will make only one award per State or territory; the award will be made to the State government 

that participated in the first round of LFPA funding, if applicable. Awards to Tribal Governments are not 

considered a state agency award; additional awards will be made to Tribal Governments.

3.2 ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES

Eligible beneficiaries of purchases include those involved in the production and distribution of local 

domestic food. Contracts shall be awarded to farmers, producers, processors, or distributors of local

domestic product that meet the definition of a local or regional producer as defined in 1.2.1. All food 
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purchased must meet the definition of local and domestic. States, territories, and Tribal governments 

are required to target purchases from beneficiaries that meet the definition of socially disadvantaged.

Purchases must comply with Section 7, Procurement, of the AMS General Terms and Conditions. 

Recipients must maintain records and documentation to support the charges against the Federal 

awards.

Eligible beneficiaries to receive the food are those members of communities in need of food. The 

program requires that distributions target communities that meet the definition of underserved. Food 

distribution may occur through state agencies, non-profit organizations engaged in food distribution, 

and other entities capable of ensuring program requirements are met.

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

meet the eligibility requirements listed in this RFA.

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

and joint rights and responsibilities in the management of the project.

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

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

management of the project.

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

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

3.3 COST SHARING AND MATCHING

LFPA does not have a Federal cost sharing or matching requirement.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

The application package (as described on p. 3 of the RFA) must be submitted via e-mail to 

LFPA@usda.gov, with the subject line “LFPA Plus Application Submission”. Required components of the 

application package must be attached to the e-mail as PDFs. 

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 FORM SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Required if applicant did not participate in the first round of LFPA funding: Form SF-424 is available at 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfpacap. Most information blocks on the required form 

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

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

#1 Type of Submission Application.

#2 Type of Application New.

#4 and #5 Not applicable.

# 8c Organizational System for Award Management 

(SAM.gov) Unique Entity ID (UEI)2

Applicant SAM UEI for the Organization 

submitting the application. 

#8d Address

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 (Assisted Listing Number)

10.182

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-10182-LFPA0000-22-0001

#13Competition Identification Number Not applicable.

#14 Areas Affected by Project Enter State or Tribal region 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 performed. Write “All” if the 

projects will be performed in more than one 

location.

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End Date

Enter proposed start date and end date. End date 

must be within 24 months of award

#18 Estimated Funding Total Federal funds requested.

#19 Is Applicant Subject to Review by State Under 

Executive Order 12372 Process?

4.2.2 PROJECT NARRATIVE

Required: States, territories, and Tribal Governments who participated in the first round of LFPA 

funding are required to submit an amendment to their LFPA agreement using the template titled “LFPA 

Plus – Project Narrative for Amended Agreements”. The amended project narrative must provide a 

revised Executive Summary, and must describe how the Project Beneficiaries, Work Plan, Outcome 

Indicators, and Budget will change with the additional funding. Amendments may propose changes to 

2 As of April 4, 2022, the DUNS number is no longer used as the entity identifier for federal awards. More 

information on the transition from DUNS number to the new Unique Entity Identifier is available at 

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systemsmanagement/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update
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administrative budgets previously approved under the first round of LFPA funding, if adjustments are 

needed.

Tribal Governments and territories who did not participate in the first round of LFPA funding are 

required to prepare and submit a narrative using the “LFPA Plus – Project Narrative for New 

Applications”. The narrative must describe how the recipient will meet the program objectives and 

goals, provide resources, financial controls, meet reporting requirements (progress and financial), 

manage risks, and mitigate potential fraud. A timeline of activities and milestones must be included that 

contains proposed time of procurements and delivery periods.

In order to meet the goals of the program, it is important that recipients have a well thought out plan 

that includes responses to program objectives and activities planned. The submission must address how 

the funds increase local food consumption and help build and expand economic opportunity for local, 

regional farmers/producers and for socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. Include how the 

distribution of food will target underserved communities and those communities not normally served 

through traditional food distribution networks.

The narrative must also include a budget narrative and justification section. The line item for 

procurements/contractual/subawards should include the amount of the proposed budget dedicated to 

the purchase of food either by the recipient or through subawards. Funding is intended to primarily 

cover food procurement. Storage and distribution expenses directly associated with food 

procurement under this program can be subsumed in the overall procurement with LFPA Plus funding. 

Costs that are not inherent parts of the procurement cannot be covered with LFPA Plus funding. The 

individual subaward budgets are not expected at the submission of this application. Funds are not

available for administrative expenses. 

The narrative must be typed, single-spaced, in an 11-point font. Applications using the template “LFPA 

Plus – Project Narrative for Amended Agreements” must not exceed 12 pages, including existing form 

content. Applications using the template “LFPA Plus – Project Narrative for New Applications” must not 

exceed 30 pages, including existing form content. DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative 

form.

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

Narrative.

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

weight during the evaluation process.

4.3 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications via e-mail to LFPA@usda.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 

12, 2023. The subject of the e-mail must be titled “LFPA Plus Application Submission”. AMS cannot 

consider applications received after this deadline for funds. Your application may not be reviewed or 

considered for funding if it is:

• Received after the submission deadline;

• Submitted via any method other than through e-mail to LFPA@usda.gov;
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• Submitted to the wrong grant program; or

• Not responsive to the requirements of this RFA (eligibility, incomplete application, not 

providing all required documents, etc.)

See AMS’ Late and/or Non-Responsive Applications Policy for more information.

4.4 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

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

with state and local officials.

4.5 FUNDS NOT APPLIED FOR

States, territories, or Tribal Governments who do not apply for or do not request all available funding 

during the specified application period will forfeit all or that portion of available funding not requested. 

AMS will allocate funds not applied for, by a date determined by AMS. This distribution may include 

State agencies, territories, Tribal governments, or local governments.

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

4.6.1 DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs are not allowable. Applicants may not request direct or indirect costs associated with 

developing and administering the program. 

4.6.2 ALLOWABLE AND UNALLOWABLE COSTS AND ACTIVITIES

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

described in the AMS General Terms and Conditions.

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

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

4.6.3 SUPPLANTING

The funds awarded through this RFA must supplement (by increasing or expanding) but not duplicate, 

existing food procurement and food distribution activities of the host initiatives.

4.6.4 SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC BUSINESSES

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

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

specific business and is not publicly available.

4.6.5 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

All applications must be received by the due date established in section 4.3.
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Proof of timely submission shall be an e-mail response from AMS stating that the submission has been 

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

the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding 

by AMS. See AMS’ Policy on Late Applications.

4.7 EZFEDGRANTS.GOV REQUIREMENTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 

MANAGEMENT

Cooperative Agreements will be processed and managed using the online grants management system, 

ezFedGrants (eFG). Recipients are required to use eFG system to manage LFPA Agreements throughout 

the entire agreement lifecycle, which include, digitally signing agreements, and preparing 

reimbursement claims, repayment requests, and financial and performance reports.

In order to access eFG system, recipients must obtain a USDA Verified Identity eAuthentication Account 

Level 2 and submit an Access Request (to identify the Organization(s) represented and select the 

appropriate primary user role).

The eFG system requires each recipient to have a minimum of at least one Grants Administrative Officer 

(GAO) and one Signatory Official (SO). It is best practice to have at least one back up in each role to 

keep items, such as claims or reporting, moving through the system.

The chart below identifies the various roles a recipient can designate and the actions they can take in 

eFG system.

ezFedGrants Role Role Functions

Grants Processor • Prepare and submit financial and 

performance reports

• Create and edit applications and claims 

• Search and view opportunities, 

applications, claims, reports, and 

amendments

• Be designated as a Certifying Official 

(secondary role) 
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ezFedGrants Role Role Functions

Grants Administrative Official (GAO) • Grants processor functions, PLUS

• Approve access requests, change user 

roles, and deactivate user access

• Reassign draft or returned Applications, 

Claims, and Reports

• Generate work item and user 

administration reports

Signatory Official (SO) • Prepare and submit financial and 

performance reports

• Search and view opportunities, 

applications, claims, reports, and 

amendments

• Review and digitally sign applications, 

agreements, and amendments

• Be designated as a Certifying Official 

(secondary role)

For eAuthentication issues contact the eAuthentication helpdesk at eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov or dial 

1-800-457-3642. Recipients new to eFG should review the Job Aids located in the Training Section of the 

OCFO.usda.gov/ezFedGrants.

4.7.1 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• Register and submit applications via e-mail early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE 

APPLICATION DEADLINE.

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

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

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are 

“accepted”.

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

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

• Review the EZFedGrants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides.
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5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

This is a non-competitive RFA. AMS will review amended project narratives to ensure that proposals 

meet the statutory purpose of the program, all application criteria are fulfilled in accordance with 

section 4.0, and all costs are allowable. A review of new applications from applicants who did not 

participate in the first round of LFPA funding will be completed to ensure a complete work plan is 

provided that includes plan and objectives, resources, financial controls, reporting and evaluation, risk 

and fraud mitigation plans and a timeline for your program.

AMS will notify the applicant if additional information is required after the initial review of the 

application. AMS will work with applicants to negotiate any revisions if necessary and possible. Failure 

to provide requested information in a timely manner may result in a project not receiving funding.

6.0 AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

6.1 AWARD NOTICES

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

Cooperative Agreement to each recipient for signature by the appropriate official. Cooperative

Agreements consist of a 1-page Agreement Face Sheet (AMS-33) that will be signed by AMS and the 

AOR.

The Notice of Award and Cooperative agreement will provide pertinent instructions and information 

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

General Terms and Conditions.

6.2 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

All AMS grant and cooperative agreements include the AMS General Terms and Conditions as part of the 

Notice of Award and Grant Agreement. More information is provided in the most recent version of the 

AMS General Terms and Conditions under the Administrative and National Policy Requirements section.

6.3 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

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

ensure attainment of program goals and to monitor progress, award recipients are required to complete 

quarterly, annual, and final financial and progress reports. These reports will provide quantitative data 

that will be used by USDA to validate the effectiveness of the program and to assist in consideration of 

future programs. Upon issuance of award, AMS will provide a template to collect information from 

recipients. Information to be collected will include:

• Name of vendors and dollar value awarded to vendors receiving contracts and type of food 

purchased (fruit, vegetable, dairy, protein).
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• Break-down of number of socially disadvantaged farmers/producers awarded contracts, 

dollar value of purchases, and type of commodity purchased (fruit, vegetable, protein, 

dairy).

• Name and location of organizations receiving food aid to include dollar value of product 

being distributed to underserved communities.

These performance reports must provide a description of the following activities conducted during the 

reporting period: budget information, deviations from the proposed plan, difficulties encountered, 

solutions developed to overcome difficulties, and major planned activities for the next quarter.

At the end of each performance year, recipients will be required to provide a final report. This report 

will include a summary of the data from the quarterly progress reports and a narrative addressing 

questions 1 through 3 below. The narrative responses will be used to measure the outcome of the 

program.

1. Percentage of new marketing opportunities established by purchasing from local and regional 

farmers/producers, and of those, what percentage will likely be sustained after the funding is 

expended.

2. Percentage of new marketing opportunities established by purchasing from socially 

disadvantaged farmers/producers, and of those, what percentage will likely be sustained after 

the funding is expended.

3. Percentage of purchases distributed beyond current food distribution networks to serve 

underserved communities, and of those, what percentage will likely be sustained after the 

funding is expended.

Responses to question 1 and 2 should compare the number of partnerships built through the LFPA to 

partnerships in existence prior to the program, and of those, the percentage that will continue at the 

conclusion of the program. Responses to question 3 should compare the total deliveries of food 

products through the LFPA to the deliveries made to underserved communities that are not served by 

current food distribution networks (such as TEFAP), and the percentage of those food distributions that 

will continue at the conclusion of the program.

7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS

7.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS

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

contact the LFPA staff by e-mail with questions about the cooperative agreement program at 

LFPA@usda.gov.

For additional information, please visit the AMS website.
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7.2 ADDRESS

Local Food Purchases Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA)

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 2549 South Building

Stop 0201

Washington, DC 20250-0264

7.3 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the LFPA website that may be helpful to applicants, 

including descriptions of funded projects, and required application forms.

7.4 EZFEDGRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

For assistance using the ezFedGrants Portal, please contact ezFedgrants@cfo.usda.gov. Questions 

about specific awards, agreements, or policies, please contact 

ezFedGrants.AMSHelpDesk@ams.usda.gov.

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Recipients must comply with 7 CFR 

Subpart A; Part 15 (15.1 (a)) “...that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or 

national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected 

to discrimination under any program or activity of an applicant or recipient receiving Federal financial 

assistance from the Department of Agriculture or any Agency thereof”. 

Cooperative Agreement awardees should be prepared to communicate this opportunity to persons with 

limited English proficiency. 

8.2 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS

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

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

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

information under these laws and regulations applies only to records held by AMS and imposes no 

requirement on the recipient or any subrecipient to permit or deny public access to their records.

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

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

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

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

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

OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0581-0330. 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.