OMB No. 0581‐0334

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Local Food for Schools Cooperative 

Agreement Program (LFS) 

Fiscal Year 2022 Request for Applications (updated July 18, 2022)1

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-10185-CPLFS000-22-0001

Publication Date: March 17, 2022 

Application Due Date: 11:59 pm EASTERN TIME ON August 31, 2022 

1 On July 18, 2022, the application deadline was extended from July 20, 2022 to August 31, 2022
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Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: Local Food for Schools Program 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-10185-CPLFS000-22-0001

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 10.185 

Dates: Applications must be received by August 31, 2022, 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 from state governments for the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program. 

The goal will be to establish cooperative agreements with state governments for the purpose of

purchasing domestic, locally grown foods from local producers, small businesses, and socially 

disadvantaged farmers/producers for distribution to schools. AMS will make only one award per state

government; agencies within the state must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this

program. The state governments can also partner with local organizations. Up to $200 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 LFS applicants, the application forms, and 

associated instructions needed to apply for an LFS award.

AMS encourages applications that benefit both small businesses and socially disadvantaged 

farmers/producers and provides food distribution to schools. 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). Email written

comments within one year of the publication date of this RFA to MRP.AMS.LFS@usda.gov. (This e-mail

address is intended only for receiving comments and questions regarding this RFA and not requesting 

information or forms.) In your subject line, include, ‘Input LFS’.
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Amendment Changes

• The application deadline is extended from July 20, 2022 to August 31, 2022.

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 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.

LFS requires that all application packages include the following:

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

 Project Narrative Form

o Ensure the required template is used

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 ..................................................................................................... 5

Legislative Authority........................................................................................ 5

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

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

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

2.2 Type of Applications ........................................................................................ 7

2.3 Available Funding ............................................................................................ 7

2.4 Federal Award Period Duration ......................................................................... 7

2.5 Award Size ...................................................................................................... 7

3.0 Eligibility Information ....................................................................................................................10

3.1 Eligible Applicants......................................................................................... 10

3.2 Eligible Beneficiaries ..................................................................................... 10

3.3 Cost Sharing and Matching ............................................................................. 11

4.0 Application and Submission Information .......................................................................................11

4.1 Electronic Application Package ....................................................................... 11

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

4.3 Submission Date and Time .............................................................................. 13

4.4 Intergovernmental Review .............................................................................. 13

4.5 Funds Not Applied For ................................................................................... 13

4.6 Funding Restrictions ...................................................................................... 14

4.7 How to Register to Apply Through Grants.gov ................................................. 14

5.0 Application Review Information ....................................................................................................18

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 ......................................................................................................... 20

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...................................................................................... 21
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) is authorized by section 5(c) of the 

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

The purpose of this program is to increase purchasing of local and regional foods for distribution to 

schools. The program achieves this purpose in the overarching goals below: 

1. Provide an opportunity for states to strengthen their local and regional food system.

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

expanding economic opportunities.

3. Establish and broaden partnerships with farmers/producers and schools to ensure distribution of

fresh and nutritious foods.

1.1.1 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 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 or territory. 

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.

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.

Schools. 7 CFR 210.2: School means: (a) An educational unit of high school grade or under, recognized 

as part of the educational system in the state and operating under public or nonprofit private ownership in 

a single building or complex of buildings; (b) any public or nonprofit private classes of preprimary grade 
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when they are conducted in the aforementioned schools; or (c) any public or nonprofit private residential 

child care institution, or distinct part of such institution, which operates principally for the care of 

children, and, if private, is licensed to provide residential child care services under the appropriate 

licensing code by the state or a subordinate level of government, except for residential summer camps 

which participate in the Summer Food Service Program for Children, Job Corps centers funded by the 

Department of Labor, and private foster homes. The term “residential child care institutions” includes, but 

is not limited to: homes for the mentally, emotionally or physically impaired, and unmarried mothers and 

their infants; group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for 

runaway children; long-term care facilities for chronically ill children; and juvenile detention centers. A 

long-term care facility is a hospital, skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or distinct part 

thereof, which is intended for the care of children confined for 30 days or more. 

Small Business. A small business is generally defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

as a business that is: a for profit-businesses of any legal structure; independently owned and operated, not 

nationally dominant in its field, and physically located and operated in the U.S. or its territories. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will establish cooperative agreements with state governments 

for the purpose of supporting local, regional, small, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers through 

food purchasing. State governments will purchase food from local and regional farmers/producers, 

targeting small businesses and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. These cooperative agreements 

will allow for states to procure local, domestic foods that are unique to their geographic area and meet the 

needs of their schools. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds are expected to help build 

and expand economic opportunity for local, small, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. 

USDA will provide the state government funding for food purchases as well as guidance, technical 

assistance, instruction, and monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement. 

The expectation of this program is for recipients to spend 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 1.1.1. The period of 

performance for the Cooperative Agreements will be eighteen months from the time of award. State 

agencies should determine funding amounts based on their local food purchase availability and the needs 

of schools. Funds may also be used to cover the costs of storage and distribution of agricultural products 

to schools. 

State governments will submit proposals indicating how they will use the funds to purchase commodities 

to meet the specified objectives within their state. These funds will be awarded through a noncompetitive process based on a formula derived from enrollment and earnings of schools participating in 

the National School Lunch Program. Cooperative Agreement applications will be awarded based on 

acceptability and ability to meet the goals of the program. 
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1.2.1 SUBAWARDS

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

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

Conditions 

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

AMS will use a Cooperative Agreement to provide the Federal award to applicants.

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

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. 

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

The total funding available for the program is up to $200 million. 

2.4 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION

Projects must be completed within 18 months from time of award. It is acceptable to complete a project 

before the scheduled performance period end date. The applicant 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 using enrollment and earnings data from 

schools participating in the National School Lunch Program as guidance. 

Initiatives should apply for an amount that meets their needs considering the guideline amount for their 

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

remaining funds.

Allocations to states will be based on enrollment share. States have flexibility in determining how to 

distribute the food. 7 CFR 250.58(b) provides a guideline for states to implement their program in a way 

that ensures equitable distribution, however states may use other factors to decide how to best meet state 

needs. Examples of other criteria could include areas with the greatest need, availability of local food, or 

other historical data on lunches served. States may use their judgement to determine where to direct the 

food in their state and the decision should be reflected in the work plan section of the narrative proposal. 
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Estimated State Allocation Levels

State Allocation

Alabama $3,128,973 

Alaska $520,635 

Arizona $4,380,275 

Arkansas $2,206,790 

California $23,071,364 

Colorado $2,649,917 

Connecticut $1,873,058 

Delaware $575,467 

District of Columbia $425,986 

Florida $11,459,410 

Georgia $7,169,232 

Guam $129,188 

Hawaii $646,962 

Idaho $1,059,555 

Illinois $7,360,472 

Indiana $4,416,116 

Iowa $2,193,501 

Kansas $2,055,804 

Kentucky $3,224,859 

Louisiana $3,393,196 

Maine $776,210 

Maryland $2,998,739 
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Massachusetts $3,564,026 

Michigan $5,850,347 

Minnesota $3,458,752 

Mississippi $2,259,206 

Missouri $3,855,078 

Montana $727,981 

Nebraska $1,489,555 

Nevada $1,666,705 

New Hampshire $558,989 

New Jersey $4,983,590 

New Mexico $1,554,492 

New York $11,891,161 

North Carolina $5,677,516 

North Dakota $568,228 

Ohio $7,029,211 

Oklahoma $3,002,891 

Oregon $2,062,715 

Pennsylvania $6,807,688 

Puerto Rico $1,198,811 

Rhode Island $560,189 

South Carolina $3,098,510 

South Dakota $648,747 

Tennessee $4,108,280 
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Texas $22,311,051 

Utah $1,944,687 

Vermont $333,763 

Virgin Islands $45,365 

Virginia $4,387,182 

Washington $3,644,643 

West Virginia $1,222,078 

Wisconsin $3,447,772 

Wyoming $325,080 

Total $200,000,000 

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, administration of the National School 

Lunch Program, or similar activities within the state. AMS will make only one award per state or 

territory; agencies within the state must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this 

program. 

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 

purchased must meet the definition of local and domestic. States are required to target purchases from 

beneficiaries that meet the definition of socially disadvantaged. States are also required to target 

purchases from small businesses. 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.
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Eligible beneficiaries to receive the food are schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. 

States are required to ensure equitable distribution of food to tribal schools as required for the National 

School Lunch Program. Compliance will be monitored through quarterly performance reports. 

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

the applicant 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

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

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. We urge 

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

process, please visit the Grants.gov website. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain and 

complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments.

Applicants can find the opportunity under the Assistance Listing number “10.185.” 

4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 FORM SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

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

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

must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on 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 System for Award Management (SAM.gov) 

Unique Entity ID (UEI)2

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) 10.185 

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-10185-CPLFS000-22-0001

#13Competition Identification Number Not applicable.

#14 Areas Affected by Project Enter state 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 18 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: Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the LFS narrative form. 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 

2 After 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-sy

management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-id

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

regional farmers/producers, for small businesses, and for socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. 

Include how the distribution of food will be made to schools. 

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. Applicants that wish to include expenses 

for food storage and distribution should add a line for those line items, subject to the terms and conditions 

included in this document. 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, not to exceed twenty (20) pages, 

excluding existing form content. The narrative form is 10 pages. The narrative form including 

completed content cannot exceed 30 pages. DO NOT modify the margins of the Project Narrative form.

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

and comments are visible.

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

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

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

The supporting documents in subsequent sections do not count toward the 20-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 Grants.gov by. AMS cannot consider applications received after 

this deadline for funds. Your application may not be reviewed or considered for funding if it is:

• Received by Grants.gov after the submission deadline;

• Submitted via any method other than through Grants.gov;

• 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

State agencies 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. 
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4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

4.6.1 DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs are not allowable. Subject to terms and conditions, eligible entities may propose direct costs 

for food storage and distribution expenses. Applicants may not request direct or indirect costs associated 

with developing and administering the program. All costs specific to this cooperative agreement must be 

direct costs for food, food storage, and food distribution specific to this cooperative agreement. Examples 

of allowable operational expense include: 

• Fees charged by commercial warehouse operators and common carriers for storage and

transportation of commodities.

• Salaries of temporary workers hired to assist with the handling, storage, transportation, or

distribution of commodities.

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

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.

4.7 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

4.7.1 STEPS TO REGISTER

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, complete your registration 

allowing sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission 

deadlines. 

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

1) Obtain a SAM UEI: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a

SAM Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must enter the UEI in the data entry field labeled

"SAM UEI" on the SF-424 form. After April 4, 2022, the DUNS number is no longer used as the

entity identifier for federal awards. Information about finding your Unique Entity ID (UEI) or

registering for a UEI is available at https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federalacquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iaesystems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update.
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2) Register with SAM: In addition to having a SAM UEI number, organizations applying online

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

organizations must register with SAM to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent

your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM.gov accounts must be updated

annually, and your organization must have an active SAM.gov account to submit your

application to Grants.gov.

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

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

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

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

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

behalf of your organization, the EBiz POC will need to identify and assign an individual to the

Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role.

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

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

in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, including the Authorized Organization

Representative (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

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

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

serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize individuals who are able to make

legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as AORs. This step is often missed, and it is

crucial for valid and timely submissions.

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

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

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

opportunity announcement, you can create individual instances of a Workspace.

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

your organization for review before submitting.

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

check for errors before submission.

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

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

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

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

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

download the appropriate version of the 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. To trigger this 

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

completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

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

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

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

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

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

applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in section 4.2 are included.

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

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

listed on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

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

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

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

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

mentioned in section 7.0.

4.7.3 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

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

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

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

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

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

as proof of their timely submission.

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

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

email address. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the email from Grants.gov stating the official 

date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the 

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

AMS.

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

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

considered for funding by AMS. See AMS’ Policy on Late Applications.
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Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections. Applicants using slow internet connections, 

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. 

4.8 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 LFS 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)

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
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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.

4.8.1 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• Register and submit applications through Grant.gov early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY

OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

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

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

unallowable costs.

• Apply for the correct grant program

• Assistance Listing number “10.185” and “Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS10185-CPLFS000-22-0001”

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

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

higher.

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

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

icon in Adobe Reader).

• Do not password-protect your documents and make sure all tracked-changes are “accepted”.

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

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

• Review the EZFedGrants.gov Applicant User and Registration Guides.

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
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This is a non-competitive RFA. AMS will review each project narrative to ensure that it meets 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 applications 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 individual listed on the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance” in block 8f if 

additional information is required after the initial review of the application. 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. 

Participants are required to comply with record retention and audit requirements in accordance with 7 

CFR 210.9(b)(17). Upon request, make all accounts and records pertaining to its school food service 

available to the state agency and to FNS, for audit or review, at a reasonable time and place. Such records 

shall be retained for a period of 3 years after the date of the final Claim for Reimbursement for the fiscal 

year to which they pertain, except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the records shall be 

retained beyond the 3 year period as long as required for resolution of the issues raised by the audit. 

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 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, seafood, other).
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• Break-down of number of small businesses awarded contracts, dollar value of purchases, and type 

of commodity purchased (fruit, vegetable, dairy, seafood, other).

• Break-down of number of socially disadvantaged farmers/producers awarded contracts, dollar 

value of purchases, and type of commodity purchased (fruit, vegetable, dairy, seafood, other).

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 the performance period, 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 new marketing opportunities established by purchasing from small businesses, and 

of those, what percentage will likely be sustained after the funding is expended.

Responses to question 1, 2, and 3 should compare the number of partnerships built through the LFS to 

partnerships in existence prior to the program, and of those, the percentage 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 LFS staff by e-mail with questions about the cooperative agreement program at 

MRP.AMS.LFS@usda.gov

For additional information, please visit the AMS website: 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfs

7.2 ADDRESS

Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS)

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 2549 South Building

Stop 0201

Washington, DC 20250-0264
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7.3 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

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

outreach resources 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.

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 0581-0334. 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.