OMB No. 0581.0335

Updated December 9, 2022

USDA Regional Food Business Centers

Fiscal Year 2022 Request for Applications, Version 3 (updated December 9,

2022)1

Application Deadline was extended to January 6, 2023 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LRFD-C-0001 

Original Publication Date: September 7, 2022 

Application Due Date: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on January 6, 2023 

1 On December 9, 2022, the application deadline was extended to January 6, 2023
Updated December 13, 2022

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Changes to the RFA and Associated Application Documents – December 9, 2022 

• New Application Deadline is January 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET

• Updated information on indirect cost rate guidance found in Section 4.6.3. Pursuant to 2 CFR 

200.414(c)(1), USDA is required to accept the NICRA from those entities that have one. This 

update allows nonprofit organizations including universities that have a Negotiated Indirect Cost 

Rate Agreement (NICRA) to use that rate.

• Updated Narrative Guide with updated guidance based on revised indirect cost rate 

information. 

• Updated Program Specific Terms and Conditions. 

• OFFICE HOURS EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH January 4, 2023, AT 4:00pm ET. Register on 

Regional Food Business Center website. 

Program Solicitation Information

Funding Opportunity Title: USDA Regional Food Business Centers 

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-AMS-TM-LRFD-C-0001 

Announcement Type: Initial

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 10.186

Dates: Applications must be received on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time on January 6, 2023, through 

Grants.gov. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 

requests applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 USDA Regional Food Business Centers (Regional Food 

Centers). The Regional Food Centers will serve as the cornerstone of USDA’s development of local and 

regional supply chains. They will offer coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building support 

to small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, with the goal of creating a more resilient, diverse, and 

competitive food system. AMS will award cooperative agreements to regionally based partners to 

support USDA’s work on regional food supply chains. USDA is using approximately $400 million in funds 

authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116—260, Division N, Title VII, 

Subtitle B, Section 751 to develop and implement the program, with approximately $360 million going 

directly to fund the Regional Centers. 

Through this solicitation, AMS will fund at least six USDA Regional Food Centers. There are three High 

Priority Areas that will each have at least one Regional Center specifically serving all or part of that area: 

Colonias (counties on the US/Mexico border), high need areas of the Delta and the Southeast, and the 

high need areas of Appalachia. In addition, there will be one national Tribal Center. There will also be

Regional Food Centers that serve other areas of the country beyond these High Priority areas and the 

Tribal Center. 

This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for USDA Regional Food Centers, and the application 

forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a USDA Regional Food Center agreement. 
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This program is intended to benefit small and mid-sized producers, processors, aggregators, and 

distributors that sell into all types of markets, including local and regional markets. This program is 

inclusive of all types of products produced locally or regionally, including fruits, vegetables, meat, 

poultry, fish, grains, and dairy. Applicants (the Lead Applicant and Key Partners) are required to 

prioritize service to underserved communities and businesses. Applicants to be USDA Regional Food 

Centers should engage and involve these beneficiaries when developing projects and applications. 

Timing to Obtain and Submit Grants.gov Required Elements

Required Action Timing to Obtain/Submit

AMS Deadline to receive final application and all supporting materials 

through Grants.Gov.

January 6, 2023 – 11:59 

p.m. Eastern Time

Establishing an Active SAM.gov Account (if you do not already have one)

and obtaining your Unique Entity ID. 7-10 business days

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

Creating your Grants.gov profile and registering your Authorized 

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

1.0 Funding Opportunity Description............................................................................................. 5

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

1.2 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 5

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

1.4 Regions........................................................................................................................................ 11

2.0 Award Information ................................................................................................................ 12

2.1 Type of Federal Assistance.......................................................................................................... 12

2.2 Type of Applications.................................................................................................................... 12

2.3 Available Funding........................................................................................................................ 12

2.4 Eligibility for Supplemental Project Applications........................................................................ 12

2.5 Federal award period duration and size ..................................................................................... 13

2.6 Substantial Involvement ............................................................................................................. 13

3.0 Eligibility Information ............................................................................................................ 13

3.1 Eligible Entities............................................................................................................................ 13

3.2 Cost-Sharing and Matching......................................................................................................... 15

4.0 Application and Submission Information ............................................................................... 15

4.1 Electronic Application Package ................................................................................................... 15

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

4.3 Submitted Application Qualification........................................................................................... 19

4.4 Submission Date and Time.......................................................................................................... 19

4.5 Intergovernmental Review ......................................................................................................... 19

4.6 Funding Restrictions.................................................................................................................... 19

4.7 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures and Requirements ...................... 21

5.0 Application Review Information ............................................................................................ 24

5.1 Project Evaluation Criteria .......................................................................................................... 24

5.2 Review and Selection Process..................................................................................................... 27

6.0 Award Administration Information........................................................................................ 27

6.1 Award Notices............................................................................................................................. 27

6.2 Unsuccessful Applicants.............................................................................................................. 28

6.3 Administrative and National Policy Requirements..................................................................... 28

6.4 Reporting Requirements............................................................................................................. 28

7.0 Agency Contacts.................................................................................................................... 28

7.1 Programmatic Questions ............................................................................................................ 28

7.2 Available Resources .................................................................................................................... 28

7.3 Grants.gov Questions.................................................................................................................. 29

8.0 Other Information ................................................................................................................. 29

8.1 Equal Opportunity Statement..................................................................................................... 29

8.2 Freedom Of Information Act Requests....................................................................................... 29

8.3 Paperwork Reduction.................................................................................................................. 29

9.0 Appendix A – USDA Regional Food Business Centers SemiAnnual Report............................... 30
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1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The USDA Regional Food Business Centers (Regional Food Centers) are authorized and funded by the 

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 116—260, Division N, Title VII, Subtitle B, Section 

751. Under this section, the Secretary is directed to provide support for agricultural producers, growers, 

and processors impacted by coronavirus, including producers and growers of specialty crops, nonspecialty crops, dairy, livestock, and poultry, producers that supply local food systems, including farmers 

markets, restaurants, and schools. 

1.2 PURPOSE

The USDA Regional Food Business Centers are intended to support a more resilient, diverse, and 

competitive food system. Small and mid-sized food and farm businesses often lack the tools and 

resources to access customers and develop robust local and regional markets. The Regional Food 

Centers will offer coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to small and mid-sized food 

and farm businesses (producers, processors, aggregators, and distributors) to create new markets and 

expand current linkages throughout the supply chain. Regional Food Centers will serve producers by 

providing localized assistance to develop linkages between producers and other parts of the supply 

chain. The Regional Food Centers will also provide technical assistance needed to access new customers 

and markets, and to access federal, state and local resources, thereby closing the gaps or barriers to 

access. By strengthening connections between rural and urban areas, the Regional Food Centers will 

drive economic opportunities across the regions. 

Regional Food Centers will focus on underserved producers, processors, aggregators, distributors, and 

other businesses within the supply chain. The Regional Food Centers will offer comprehensive, 

collaborative, and regionally-driven community and economic development that improves opportunities 

and competitiveness of food and farm businesses, including value-added activities that generate 

additional business revenue. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented changes in where, how, and what food U.S. consumers 

purchased and acquired. The 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, administered by the USDA 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, found that the number of farms selling locally produced food 

decreased by 12% nationally between 2015-2020. Despite this decrease, the demand for local food 

persists. A consumer survey conducted by Colorado State University in fall 2020 showed that 35% of 

consumers tried at least one new market channel, such as farmers markets or local restaurants, in spring 

and summer 2020. While pandemic impacts were extensive, and often detrimental, COVID-19 also 

highlighted the strengths of local and regional food systems, and food acquisition and purchasing took 

on new dimensions as local food businesses such as CSAs, co-ops, and farmers markets saw a rise in 

popularity and filled gaps (e.g., connecting producers with new markets, enhancing distribution of food 

products, and alleviating the lack of processing in high production areas) in the middle of the supply 

chain. A follow up consumer survey conducted in winter 2021 showed that many of the consumer shifts 

to direct from producer purchases have persisted since fall 2020. 

The Regional Food Centers will create new market opportunities for producers and businesses within

regions tailored to their business development and investment needs. Resilient supply chains are built 

upon strong relationships between individuals, communities, regions, sectors, and institutions and this

regional approach relies on the cultivation of strategic alliances within the supply chain, which are 

intentionally structured to produce both economic success and equitable social benefits. 
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Modeled after the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives, the Regional Food Centers will also 

increase capacity through business builder subawards, to food and farm businesses looking to start or 

expand in their region. The Regional Food Centers are expected to coordinate with a wide range of 

existing USDA programs and other programs that provide similar business development assistance to 

limit duplication and complement their purposes and activities. The ultimate goals of the Regional Food 

Centers are to:

• Expand and strengthen regional food systems networks and partnerships in response to 

hardships and vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic,

• Increase food and farm business and financial acumen, particularly among small and mid-size 

operators, 

• Create more, new, and better markets, and increase market awareness and access for small and 

mid-size producers and processors, 

• Increase the number of local producers that distributors, retailers and foodservice buyers source 

from, either directly or through intermediaries.

• Increase the number of new food and farm businesses and improve the viability of existing 

businesses, and

• Increase the revenue of food and farm businesses served.

The Regional Food Centers will monitor and report on specific metrics undergirding these goals, as 

detailed in the semi-annual report also available in Appendix A. The Regional Food Centers will be 

leaders in food systems development and will contribute to the body of knowledge in food systems and 

market development. In addition to these goals and associated metrics, USDA welcomes Regional Food 

Centers to define their own region-specific goals and metrics to address their specific local challenges 

and opportunities. 

1.3 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Regional Food Centers will be operated by partnerships of eligible entities as described in Section

1.3.5 and Section 3.1 and will have three main interconnected responsibilities, along with

administration, monitoring, and evaluation, which may be accomplished through sub-agreements with 

organizations in the region: 

• Coordination - The Regional Food Centers will act as coordinating entities across their 

geographic areas with USDA, other federal, state, and tribal agencies with relevant resources, 

regional commissions, stakeholders, and the other Regional Food Centers. They will engage with 

stakeholders and partners to develop and implement strategic and funding plans for serving the 

region through technical assistance and capacity building. They will conduct outreach to 

underserved communities and businesses. 

• Technical Assistance - The Regional Food Centers will provide direct business technical 

assistance to small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses (producers, processors, 

aggregators, distributors, and other businesses within the food supply chain) and food value and 

supply chain coordination. Each Regional Food Center will identify priority areas for technical

assistance (e.g., aggregation/distribution, specialty crop processing for institutions) for the 

region it plans to serve. 

• Capacity Building – The Regional Food Centers will provide financial assistance through business 

builder subawards of up to $100,000 each to support projects focused on meeting regional 
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needs and increasing capacity among businesses working towards expansion. These subawards 

may support staff time, business planning activities, software implementation, the purchase of

equipment (such as food safety, processing and/or packaging equipment), value chain and 

supply chain coordination and innovation, product development, marketing and other 

associated expenses as outlined in this RFA. 

Similar to the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) initiatives work, a Regional Food Center may provide a 

subaward to a business that receives direct technical assistance to advance the business activities 

recommended by the Regional Food Center, and the Regional Food Center may conduct a competitive 

subaward program to farm and food businesses that did not seek or receive direct technical assistance. 

1.3.1 EQUITY AND TRUST

In alignment with E.O. 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities 

Through the Federal Government, and the E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 

Governments, the USDA Regional Food Center program takes a comprehensive approach to advancing 

equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, 

marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality, and meeting a Federal trust 

responsibility to advance programming that recognizes tribal sovereignty, policies, and standards. 

The Regional Food Centers will target investment in underserved and tribal communities. This includes, 

but is not limited to: consulting with members of communities and organizations led by and serving 

communities that have been historically underrepresented and underserved by, or subject to 

discrimination in, Federal policies and programs; gathering data and conducting analyses that helps 

measure and advance equity; addressing barriers to full participation in programming for historically 

underserved communities; and, conducting equitable hiring practices in accordance with the law. 

Applicants are encouraged to include specific elements for how they will advance these efforts.

1.3.2 COORDINATION 

The Regional Food Centers will serve as part of USDA’s regional network and must maintain and 

cultivate partnerships with a variety of organizations, including organizations led by and serving 

historically underserved individuals. USDA encourages collaboration among applicants as they plan and 

submit proposals, and as outlined in Section 5.2, finalists may be encouraged to partner with other 

applicants during the selection process. Additionally, Regional Food Centers will be encouraged to 

collaborate with related initiatives and hubs both inside and outside of USDA to plan and deliver 

services.2 The Regional Food Centers will be vital links, working across the supply chain, collaborating 

with other Regional Food Centers and across USDA, including, but not limited to the Rural Partners 

Network, AMS grant programs (e.g., Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI), Farmers Market and 

Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP), Rural Development (e.g., Value Added Producer Grants 

(VAPG), Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)), Farm Service Agency (e.g., land 

access issues, farm storage facility loans), and Natural Resources Conservation Service (e.g., land access 

issues, conservation programs, urban agriculture), among many others. The Regional Food Centers will 

serve as regional hubs of USDA resources for food producers, processors, aggregators, and distributors

who have been impacted by the pandemic. 

The Regional Food Centers will work closely with AMS’s Transportation and Marketing Program, 

particularly the Grants Division and the Local and Regional Foods Division. Specifically, they will work to

2 For example, the Small Business Administration’s Regional Innovation Clusters, NIFA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and 

Education program, USDA’s Climate Hubs, FNS’s State Nutrition Action Councils, and university-based food innovation centers.
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engage with grant recipients and applicants in AMS programs as well as other programs across USDA to 

build stakeholder capacity to apply for and execute successful projects. In addition, the Regional Food 

Centers will be thought partners on, and users of, local and regional food systems research and data, 

working closely with AMS and other USDA agencies to share resources with relevant stakeholders. 

Regional Food Centers, in partnership with AMS Regional Coordinators, will collaborate with other USDA 

staff to ensure their regions are aware of and engaged in all relevant programming and resources. 

1.3.3 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 

As required in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Regional Food Centers will provide technical 

assistance to a variety of businesses impacted by the pandemic. The Regional Food Centers will provide 

technical assistance through their partnership members and/ or by issuing sub-agreements to

collaborating organizations to support direct technical and value chain/supply chain coordination 

assistance to farm and food businesses. The Regional Food Centers themselves may also provide 

technical assistance. The Lead Applicant, Key Partner organizations who make up the partnership, and 

collaborators applying for funding will be: 

• Established and expected to maintain a physical presence in the Regional Food Center’s 

geographic region (excluding the tribal center, which has nationwide reach). 

• Able to support the wide-ranging needs of stakeholders in the region, including providing 

market development, and value chain/supply chain coordination.

• Experienced in helping smaller-scale food producers and food and farm businesses in the middle 

of the supply chain in identifying and navigating third party financial assistance, particularly 

from federal, state, tribal, and other sources. 

• Experienced in food and agriculture business development services, including developing nonfood revenue streams from by-products or co-products such as leathers, ornamentals, 

agritourism, etc. 

Technical assistance providers must demonstrate an understanding of unique regional needs and the 

capacity to meet the needs of small and mid-sized food businesses in the region. Technical assistance 

will support a variety of business assistance needs such as: 

• Value chain/supply chain coordination, including networking and peer-to-peer sharing. 

• Market development, including market research, access, and generic marketing support.

• Navigating and managing financial resources from third parties, including federal, state, tribal, 

and other sources.

Business development services or training, as resources allow, including planning, financial literacy, legal 

and regulatory awareness, succession planning, record keeping, and creating value-added non-food 

items and activities to generate additional revenue. Technical assistance providers will provide training 

and guidance to: 

• Producers with a focus on direct marketing or accessing local and regional intermediated 

markets, such as locally focused distributors, food hubs, institutions, restaurants, and retailers.

• Small- and mid-size food processors, distributors, aggregators, and food hubs.

• USDA grant applicants and recipients, with a priority on small and mid-sized producers and food 

and farm businesses in the middle of the supply chain. 

• Other entities as determined by the Regional Food Center and USDA.
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1.3.4 CAPACITY BUILDING

The Regional Food Centers will support supply chain resiliency and pandemic response by building the 

capacity of small and mid-sized food producers, businesses, or networks of businesses. As with the Dairy 

Business Innovation (DBI) initiatives, business builder subawards (grants or other financial assistance) 

will go to projects predominantly aimed at starting or expanding in the region, through value-added 

opportunities, diversification of on-farm activities, expansion of access to new markets, and/or 

innovations to generate income from co-products or byproducts. Business builder subawards will 

provide food and farm businesses the capital needed to launch and expand their businesses while they 

work to build income streams or identify needed investors.

The business builder subawards will provide financial assistance of up to $100,000 to support individual 

food businesses, projects focused on regional needs, and businesses that are working towards 

expansion and other investment. These subawards may support staff time, business planning activities, 

software implementation, the purchase of equipment3 (such as food safety, processing and/or

packaging equipment), value chain and supply chain coordination and innovation, product development, 

marketing, and other associated expenses as outlined in this RFA. Business builder subawards may also 

fund supply chain analysis and strategy development for identified gaps and specialization 

opportunities. The Regional Food Centers will be expected to direct most of the capacity building

funding to priority areas identified in the application. 

The Regional Food Centers will issue business builder subawards on a rolling basis with each subaward 

lasting for no more than two years. USDA encourages Regional Food Centers to streamline business 

builder subaward applications or consider making subawards on a noncompetitive basis to an entity that 

receives technical assistance from that Center to advance the business activities recommended as a 

result of that assistance. 

1.3.5 DEFINITIONS

Applicant in this Request for Applications refers to the Lead Applicant and Key Partners submitting the 

application. Together these organizations must include representatives of at least two of the eligible 

entity types. 

Collaborators are organizations that may provide a variety of kinds of training, technical assistance, or 

other services to the Centers. Collaborators do not need to be qualifying eligible entities and, in some 

cases it is possible that they may not be located in the geographic regions that the Centers will serve. 

These organizations do not have a role in overall planning, management and implementation of the 

Center. While it is understood that the Lead Applicant and Key Partners will expand the group of 

Collaborators with which they work, the expectation is that there will be a robust group engaged in the 

preparatory and planning work for the proposal. These organizations should provide letters of support 

outlining the services they will provide to the Center and estimated cost of those services when 

possible. Resumes for staff of these groups are not required and their financial role is included in the 

contractual section of the budget. 

Eligible Entities are Non-Federal Entities, which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1 as State, local governments, 

Indian tribes, Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), and nonprofit organizations. See Section 3.1. 

Key Partners are the other eligible entities that with the Lead Applicant compose the partnership 

(Applicant) applying to operate the Regional Food Business Center. Key Partners must be located in and 

3 Special purpose equipment includes food safety equipment, processing equipment, refrigeration and freezer equipment, 

packaging equipment, or vehicles such as delivery vans. More information on allowable costs can be found in Section 4.6.1.
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have a history of providing services necessary to the development of regional food systems in the region 

the Center will serve. The Lead Applicant Key Partners must provide Letters of Commitment with the 

application to operate a Regional Food Center. Key Partners must each also provide Budget Forms as 

attachments to the Narrative Form. 

Lead Applicant is the lead eligible entity of the partnership applying to operate the Regional Food 

Business Center. The Lead Applicant must have demonstrated capacity and experience managing a high 

value and quantity of federal funds. The Lead Applicant has the ultimate responsibility for the financial 

management, overall planning, organizational management, and implementation of the Center. The 

Lead Applicant must be located within and have a history of providing services necessary to regional 

food system development in the region the Center will serve. See Section 3.1. 

The Partnership is composed of the Lead Applicant and the Key Partners applying to operate a Regional 

Food Business Center. The members of the Partnership must include at least three organizations, all of 

which must be eligible entities, and the Partnership must include organizations from at least two 

different categories of eligible entity. The Key Partners work closely with the Lead Applicant to form the 

Partnership and they share planning, implementation and reporting responsibilities. Lead Applicants and 

their Key Partners must sign Memorandums of Understanding within 45 days of the signing of a 

Cooperative Agreement.

Project Team is the key staff from the Lead Applicant and Key Partner organizations who will be 

managing the Regional Food Business Center’s work. Resumes of the members of the Project Team 

should be included with the Narrative Form. 

1.3.6 ADMINISTRATION

“The Lead Applicant” is the lead eligible entity of the partnership applying to operate the Regional Food 

Center. The Lead Applicant must have demonstrated capacity and experience managing a high value and 

quantity of federal funds. These are large complex agreements with many partners that require close 

programmatic and financial monitoring. Successful applications will demonstrate that the Lead Applicant 

has the: 

• Ability to manage many (100+) subagreements and/or subawards per year. 

• Ability to manage reporting and financial tracking of subagreements and subawards. 

• Capacity to maintain proper financial controls as required by 2 CFR part 200. 

• Experience in managing large complex federal agreements and/or grants.

• Experience working with historically underrepresented communities. 

• Experience facilitating large-scale collaborative projects to advance a goal.

Regional Food Centers must ensure that all subrecipients maintain appropriate records and follow all 

applicable Federal statutes and regulations as well as the Cooperative Agreement and Program 

Specific and AMS General Terms and Conditions. 
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1.3.7 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Regional Food Centers will be responsible for 

developing and executing monitoring and evaluation plans. The Lead Applicant must demonstrate how it 

will collect and compile data and reports from Key Partners and Collaborators, including the systems and 

infrastructure that will be used. The Lead Applicant will be responsible for submitting a semi-annual 

report that captures information about the Regional Food Center’s operation as a whole and from the 

sub-agreements and subawards to Key Partner and Collaborator organizations. In addition to the goals 

outlined above and required in the semi-annual report (Appendix A), the Lead Applicant may propose 

additional metrics, with a particular focus on equity and diversity. 

1.4 REGIONS

The Regional Food Centers will be geographically based. An applicant must define the geographic region 

it intends to serve and high need areas within that region. For each of the following High Priority Areas, 

USDA intends to select at least one Regional Food Center specifically serving all or part of that area: 

• Colonias (counties on the US/Mexico border)

• High need/limited resources areas of the Delta and the Southeast, including areas where there 

is persistent poverty.

• High need areas of Appalachia

Applicants proposing to serve the High Priority Areas listed above are encouraged to include geographic 

areas beyond the high need areas, to connect producers and processors to markets. USDA intends to 

make awards to Regional Food Centers that serve other areas of the country beyond those explicitly 

listed above. 

For the purposes of this program, a geographic region is defined as reaching all, or part, of at least three 

states or territories or a 400-mile radius. While desired, regions do not need to be geographically 

contiguous. For example, multiple states and/or territories with similar needs, such as locations outside 

the lower 48 states, may propose a region serving noncontiguous areas of the United States or 

territories. Applicants must include details describing why this region would benefit from a USDA 

Regional Food Center, with a specific focus on small and mid-sized farm and food businesses and priority 

areas (defined below) that would benefit. The application must demonstrate the availability and 

commitment of local government, philanthropy, and industry to support the growth of agricultural 

opportunities and markets in the region. 

Priority Areas: Applicants must define priority areas that they will serve within their proposed region 

that would classify as high need, underserved communities that were particularly affected by the 

pandemic. Project narratives should include specific data showing why the region and priority areas 

were chosen. Applications should describe the degree of historic economic distress experienced in the 

project region, including the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Applicants may include data 

such as:

• Persistent poverty (poverty rates exceeding 20% for the last 30 years); 

• Social Vulnerability Index (SVI; indication of vulnerability to social factors including 

socioeconomic, demographic, and housing/transportation); 

• Distressed Community Index (DCI; a measure of distress by zip-code)

• Persistent child poverty

• Low employment
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The criteria in Section 5.0 describe how Regional Food Center proposals will be evaluated and selected. 

USDA recognizes the Regional Food Centers will likely not reach every state and territory.

In addition, USDA will evaluate proposals according to the process outlined in Section 5.0 and will work 

with applicants to ensure High Priority Areas are covered while avoiding geographic overlap. From the 

start, Regional Food Centers should be looking to forge connections and collaborations; under the 

selection process USDA may offer an opportunity for the finalists in similar or overlapping regions to 

coordinate efforts and resubmit proposals with additional partners or activities for final consideration by 

USDA. 

As outlined in Section 2.6, USDA will work closely with the Regional Food Centers to create a national 

network of support. This network will meet regularly with USDA, and share resources, challenges, and 

lessons learned. 

Tribal Center

In addition to the High Priority Areas listed above, AMS will also fund one national Tribal Food Business 

Center. Given the unique legal challenges Indian Country faces with regard to complex trust land, tribal 

and federal law, and other issues, the Tribal Regional Food Business Center will be uniquely capable of

supporting American Indian/Alaskan Native food systems while navigating the legal, cultural, and 

commercial interests across Indian Country. The Tribal Food Business Center must include an eligible 

applicant that is a tribal or Native run organization that primarily serves Native American and tribal 

communities, that has a documented history of successfully working with tribal communities in this 

space, and it must demonstrate a collaboration across a nation-wide network of partners. While this 

Center may employ some place-based strategies, its network will focus on Indian Country nationally. 

2.0 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 TYPE OF FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

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

2.2 TYPE OF APPLICATIONS

AMS will review all new applications for conformity with the criteria in Section 4.2. Applicants may be 

asked to provide additional information or clarification by a specified date.

2.3 AVAILABLE FUNDING

The anticipated amount available to fund applications for Regional Food Centers is at least

$360,000,000. 

Enactment of additional continuing resolutions, funding rescissions, or an appropriations act may affect 

the availability or level of funding for this program. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any 

application or to make a specific number of awards.

2.4 ELIGIBILITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PROJECT APPLICATIONS

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with 

applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal means an application submitted to 

continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this RFA. An application 

for supplementation of an existing project means an application to add components to an existing 

agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this RFA. USDA does reserve the 
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right to renew or supplement awards under this RFA in the future with additional federal funding 

without further competition.

2.5 FEDERAL AWARD PERIOD DURATION AND SIZE

AMS expects recipients to complete their projects within the required timeframe. The applicant must 

indicate the start date and end date on Block 17 of the SF-424 “Application for Federal Assistance”. Per 

AMS Terms and Conditions, if the activities cannot be completed within the agreement’s period of 

performance, extensions of up to 12 months may be granted at the agency’s discretion. 

Duration (Months) Minimum Award Maximum Award

60 $15M $50M

2.6 SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

AMS will be substantially involved throughout the period of performance of the award. Substantial 

involvement may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Specification of the manner, method, performance, or timing of the work in an approved work 

plan;

• Ensuring work plans maintain consistency across the Regional Food Centers while also being 

responsive to the needs of the region; 

• Review and approval of one stage of work before a subsequent stage may begin during the 

period of performance;

• Participation in the selection and approval of new Key Partners and/or Collaborators; 

• Participation in potential geographic expansion or adjustment and approval of geographic reach;

• Review and approval of an evaluation plan;

• Participation in the selection and approval of individuals or organizations that will conduct all 

required evaluations;

• Participation in the selection and approval of individuals or organizations that are considered for 

funding in sub-agreements or subawards; 

• Establishing performance requirements, collaborating on data collection methods and data 

analysis for required evaluations and other performance reports; 

• Provision of specific direction or redirection of work during the period of performance; and

• Establishing guidelines to ensure funds are distributed equitably and driven by the region’s 

priorities and needs.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 ELIGIBLE ENTITIES

All applications to lead a Regional Food Center”) must come from an eligible entity (the Lead Applicant) 

representing a Project Team that includes at least two, additional Key Partners that are also eligible 

entities and all of whom must be physically based in the region (excluding the tribal center, which has 

nationwide reach). The Partnership is an agreement among three or more eligible entities representing 

at least two of the eligible entity types as described in Section 1.3.5. To demonstrate partnerships, the 

application must include letters of commitment from each entity outlining the partnership. Within 45 
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days of award, the partnership will provide USDA with a Memorandum of Understanding between the 

partners detailing how each partner will contribute to the Regional Food Center. 

The Lead Applicant must be the organization in the partnership that is responsible for receiving and 

managing the award.

Partnerships that include organizations that serve or represent Limited Resource Entities are strongly 

encouraged to apply, including organizations that may not have capacity to apply as Lead Applicants. 

Serving or representing a Limited Resource Entity means that the organization provides technical 

assistance services to, and meaningfully engages, historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and 

businesses in addressing their needs. 

The Lead Applicant and Key Partners that make up the partnership must have a physical presence

within, and have a history of serving, the region for which they are applying to serve as a Regional Food 

Center, and must be domestic entities owned and operated within the 50 United States, the District of 

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

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or Indian tribal lands in the geographic regions of the 

United States.

Applications should include engagement from multiple sectors such as local, state, tribal, or regional 

governments, tribal-serving organizations, food policy councils, producers and/or producer 

organizations, universities, urban and rural food system stakeholders, philanthropy, and entities across 

the food value chain and supply chain, such as distributors, processors, food hubs, retailers, and 

underserved communities and agricultural businesses. In cases where more than one application 

proposes to serve the same, similar, or overlapping geographic regions, USDA may invite finalists to 

partner with other eligible entities in their region and resubmit an expanded partnership proposal for 

reconsideration. 

Eligible entities are Non-Federal Entities, which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1 as State, local governments, 

Indian tribes, Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), and nonprofit organizations.

Eligible entities include:

Entity Type Description 

Producer Network or Association Producer group- or member-owned organizations 

that provide, offer, or sell agricultural products or 

services through a common distribution system 

for the mutual member benefit of the owners, as 

well as organizations that assist, represent, or 

serve producers or producer networks.

Food Council Food policy council or food and farm system 

network that represents multiple organizations 

involved in the production, processing, and 

consumption of food, and local, tribal, and State 

governments. 

Tribal Governments Tribal government has the meaning as defined in 

the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 

1994 (Public Law 103-454; 108 Stat. 4791, 4792).
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Entity Type Description 

State Agencies or Regional Authorities State government agencies such as departments 

of agriculture or natural resources, planning 

commissions, councils of governments, regional 

economic development organizations/districts, 

and similar organizations. 

Institutions of Higher Education Educational institutions that meet the 

requirements specified at 20 U.S.C. § 1001. 

Nonprofit Corporations Any organization or institution, including 

nonprofits with State or IRS or Tribal 501 (c) 

status and accredited institutions of higher 

education, where no part of the organization’s or 

institution’s net earnings inure to the benefit of 

any private shareholder or individual.

Economic Development Corporations Organizations whose missions are to improve, 

maintain, develop, and/or market or promote a 

specific geographic area.

The entities in the partnership may subaward or contract with private or public, for-profit or nonprofit 

entities to support the coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building services of the center

3.2 COST-SHARING AND MATCHING

This funding opportunity does not have a Federal cost-sharing or matching requirement and such 

information should not be included in the submitted application nor subsequent performance or 

financial reports. 

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

To be considered for funding, an applicant must submit a complete application with all required 

documentation outlined below. 

USDA may seek additional information or documentation from the applicant to clarify information 

presented in the application. USDA also may, in its sole discretion, continue review of any application 

with minor defects or errors, while the applicant supplies the missing information. 

4.1 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PACKAGE

Only electronic applications for this RFA will be accepted and must be submitted via Grants.gov. We 

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

process see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. This RFA contains the information needed to obtain 

and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments. More information about 

applying through Grants.gov can be found in Section 4.7.

Applicants can find the opportunity under either the Assistance Listing number “10.186,” or the Regional 

Food Business Center Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-LRFD-C-0001” 
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4.2 CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

4.2.1 SF-424 APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

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

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

applicants must use the following supplemental instructions associated with specific blocks on the SF424.

Block Instructions

#1 Type of Submission Application

#2 Type of Application New

#4 through #7 Not required

#8d Address Enter the applicant organization street address as it 

appears in SAM.gov. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted.

Enter a 9-digit zip code

#10 Name of Federal Agency AMS, USDA

#11 Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance Number (Assistance Listing 

Number)

10.186

#12 Funding Opportunity Number USDA-AMS-TM-LRFD-C-0001 

#13 Competition Identification Number Not applicable

#14 Areas Affected by Project Enter cities, counties, States affected by project

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

#16a Congressional Districts for Applicant Enter the Congressional district where the applicant

main office is located

#16b Congressional Districts for

Program/Project

Enter the Congressional district where your project will 

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

implemented in more than one location

#17 Proposed Project Start Date and End 

Date

Estimate Start Date:

Estimated End date: 

#18a Estimated Funding – Federal Total Federal amount requested

#18b – 18f Estimated Funding – Applicant Not applicable

#19 Is Applicant Subject to Review by State 

Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

See Section 4.5

4.2.2 SF-424A BUDGET INFORMATION

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

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

applications the following supplemental instructions must be used for specific boxes on the form. Do 

not use instructions found on Grants.gov or elsewhere on the internet for the boxes below.

On SF-424A, please complete only Sections A and B. Do not complete Sections C - F. 
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Section A – Budget Summary

Box Instructions

1.a – Grant Program Function or Activity Enter “Regional Food Centers – Federal”

1.b – Catalog of Federal Domestic 

Assistance Number

Enter “10.186”

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

the project

Section B – Budget Categories

Box Instructions

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

requested for each Object Class Category. 

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

Federal funds for “Supplies”, enter 2000 in Column 

1, box 6.e.

4.2.3 PROJECT ABSTRACT SUMMARY

Required. The Project Abstract Summary form available in grants.gov will be used as the award 

description for the overarching Federal award. This is separate from the Project Narrative. The Project 

Abstract box must include: 

• Project purpose

• Activities to be performed

• Deliverables, expected outcomes, and associated performance measures

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

• Key Partner and Collaborator activities. Outline who the Key Partners and Collaborators you 

know will be part of the work are and how subawards to them support the program goals. The 

subrecipient activities may support coordination, technical assistance, outreach, and/or capacity 

building. 

4.2.4 PROJECT AND BUDGET NARRATIVE 

Required: Applicants are required to prepare and submit a narrative using the Regional Food Center 

Project Narrative form. The Project Narrative must clearly describe the project’s Key Partners, actual or 

potential definition of the geographic region served, objectives and goals, types and sequence of project 

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

Lead Applicant and Key Partners will manage the project, with an emphasis on financial controls. 

The project narrative must be typed and single-spaced in an 11-point font and must not exceed fifteen 

(15) 8.5 x 11 pages (excluding pre-existing form content). For example, if the form is 10 pages before 

you begin entering your project narrative information, your form may be up to 25 pages in length when 

completed (10 original pages + 15 pages of applicant content). DO NOT modify the margins of the 

Project Narrative form. Applicants must submit the 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 submitted in MS Word will not be accepted.
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Prior to submitting the application to Grants.gov, please make sure no tracked changes or mark-up edits 

and comments are visible.

The supporting documents listed below do not count toward the 15-page limit.

4.2.5 KEY PARTNER BUDGET NARRATIVE 

Required: Applicants must provide the Key Partner Budget Narrative Form for each Partner as 

attachments to the Project Narrative.

4.2.6 LETTERS OF COMMITMENT FROM PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Required: Applicants must provide Letters of Commitment (not letters of support) from all Key Partners 

at the time of application. 

AMS has posted a partner organization template on the program’s application website. We highly 

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

include at least the following information:

• Project Applicant.

• Project Title.

• A short introduction describing the partner entity’s mission and its reason(s) for joining the 

partnership.

• The specific role(s) the entity is committing to for the project, including the participation of 

specific individuals, as applicable; and

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

contained in the application.

Submit Letters of Commitment on letterhead and address them to the applicant (i.e., Project Director). 

Clearly indicate at the top that they are LETTERS OF COMMITMENT. Letters must accompany the 

proposal at the time of application. Unsigned letters or letters emailed separately will not be accepted.

Submit Letters of Support from collaborating organizations in the same way as Letters of Commitment. A 

template has been provided for these letters and is available on the program’s application website.

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

under SF-424 item #15.

PLEASE NOTE: The Regional Food Center program does not require Congressional letters of support and 

such letters do not carry additional weight during the evaluation process. 

4.2.7 NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE AGREEMENT (NICRA)

Required if the applicant has a NICRA: Refer to Section 4.6.3 for more information. The NICRA must be 

in PDF format and attached to the Grants.gov application package using the “Add Attachments” button 

under SF-424 item #15. 

4.2.8 ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AND FINANCIAL CAPABILITY FORM

Recipients of Federal funds must maintain adequate accounting systems that meet the criteria outlined 

in 2 CFR part 200’s Standards for Financial and Program Management. The responses to the Accounting 

System and Financial Capability Form are used to assist in the AMS evaluation of your accounting system 

to ensure the adequate, appropriate, and transparent use of Federal funds. Failure to comply with the 

criteria outlined in the regulations above may preclude your organization from receiving an award. 
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4.3 SUBMITTED APPLICATION QUALIFICATION

Your application may not be reviewed or considered for funding if it is: 

• Received by Grants.gov after the submission deadline, or

• Submitted via any method other than through Grants.gov, or

• Submitted to the wrong program, or

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

exceeds page limit, not providing all required documents, etc.).

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

4.4 SUBMISSION DATE AND TIME

Applicants must submit applications electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 

6, 2023. AMS cannot consider applications received after this deadline for funding. (See AMS’ Late 

and/or Nonresponsive Applications Policy.) 

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

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

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

ensure all certifications and registrations are met.

4.5 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

This program is not subject to E.O. 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with state and 

local officials.

4.6 FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

All AMS awards, sub-agreements, and subawards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost 

principles, and other considerations described in the Program Specific Terms and Conditions and in the 

general AMS General Terms and Conditions. In addition, as part of a national network of USDA Regional 

Food Business Centers, USDA must be listed and named as the funder on all external communications

and the centers must use the name USDA Regional Food Business Center. Applicants that have 

questions concerning the allowability of costs after reviewing the Program Specific Terms and 

Conditions and the AMS General Terms and Conditions should contact AMS staff using the contact 

information listed under Section 7.0. 

4.6.1 EQUIPMENT 

As outlined in the Program Specific Terms and Conditions and the AMS General Terms and Conditions, 

equipment purchases that support producer access to new markets and/or benefit local and regional 

supply chains are generally allowable as special purpose equipment, for both Regional Food Centers and 

subrecipients. Special purpose equipment purchases in subawards may include: 

1. Transportation, processing, aggregation, or storage investments; 

2. Value chain/supply chain innovation or upgrades, including equipment or technology upgrades 

or investments to support process adaptations; and, 

3. Product development, packaging, and marketing of agricultural products. 

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

by 2 CFR § 200.313. Regional Food Center funds may not be used for construction and property 
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acquisition, per uniform guidance on federal financial assistance. All AMS awards are subject to the 

terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the Program Specific and 

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 in the RFA. 

4.6.2 REGIONAL FOOD CENTER APPLICATIONS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Applications for this Regional Food Center opportunity are not eligible for funding if the proposed 

activities: 

• Are primarily for production-related expenses, such as farming guidance and production inputs 

(seeds, fertilizer, or ingredients for a value-added product); technical assistance to producers for 

business planning would be allowed.

• Are related to construction or purchasing land for use by a non-Federal entity. 

• Benefit only one agricultural producer or individual (except for Capacity Building subawards and 

individual technical assistance).

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

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

program. 

• Provide capital for revolving loan funds or seed equity funds.

4.6.3 INDIRECT COSTS

Indirect costs (also known as “facilities and administrative costs”—defined at 2 CFR § 200.1) are those 

costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily 

assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results 

achieved. 

As stated in 2 CFR § 200.413 and 414 any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated 

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

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

(MTDC) that may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis 

indirect cost rate. As described in 2 CFR § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect 

or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this 

methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a recipient 

chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the recipient may apply to do at any time.

All applicants who elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent must use the MTDC as the base. 

MTDC are defined in 2 CFR § 200.1 as all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials 

and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of 

performance of the subawards under the award). MTDCs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, 

charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support 

costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may be excluded only when 

necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the 

cognizant agency for indirect costs.
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If an applicant has a negotiated indirect cost rate approved by its cognizant agency, the applicant must 

submit a copy of its approved NICRA with its application. Entities that would like to negotiate an indirect 

cost rate must contact their cognizant agency. For assignments of cognizant agencies, see 2 CFR § 200.1. 

Allowable and Unallowable Costs and Activities. 

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

described in the AMS General Terms and Conditions and the Program Specific Terms and Conditions. 

Eligible entities may propose direct costs for outreach, education, application evaluation & processing, 

and system improvements to properly implement the program. 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. 

4.6.4 PRE-AWARD COST FLEXIBILITY

AMS is allowing flexibility for those applicants who wish to incur pre-award costs. An applicant may, at 

their own risk and without AMS prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures up to 180 days before 

the performance start date as long as such costs:

• Are necessary to conduct the project; and

• Would be allowable under the potential award and without AMS prior approval.

If specific costs would otherwise require prior approval (see the AMS General Terms and Conditions and 

Program Specific Terms and Conditions), the applicant may be required to provide additional 

documentation during the application review process before an award is made. The cost and associated 

activities must be included in the project narrative and budget justification.

Incurring a pre-award cost in anticipation of being selected by AMS for an award imposes no obligation 

on AMS either to make the award or to reimburse such costs if for any reason the applicant does not 

receive an award. Recipients must be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against the 

potential award and that such borrowing must not impair the recipient's ability to accomplish the 

project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the completion of the 

project.

4.7 GRANTS.GOV APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND RECEIPT PROCEDURES AND 

REQUIREMENTS

4.7.1 HOW TO REGISTER TO APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV

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

complete your registration allowing enough time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet 

required application submission deadlines.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

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

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

1) Register with SAM: In addition to having a 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 
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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.

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

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

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

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

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

behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organization Role (AOR). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grants.gov allows you to track your status. 

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

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

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

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

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

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, an applicant creates individual instances of a workspace.

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

your organization for review before submitting.

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

check for errors before submission.

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

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

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

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

Reader. 

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

download the appropriate version of the software. There is no cost for Adobe Reader 

Software.

b. Mandatory Fields in Forms: Fields marked with an asterisk and a different background 

color are mandatory fields you must complete to successfully submit your application.
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c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields 

across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger 

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

completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

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

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

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

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

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

responsibility to ensure that all required attachments listed in Section 4.0 are present.

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

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

on the Confirmation page generated after submission.

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

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

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

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

described in Section 7.0. 

4.7.3 TIMELY RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS AND PROOF OF TIMELY SUBMISSION

All applications must be received by January 6, 2023, the deadline established in Section 4.4. 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 acknowledgement email stating the official 

date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.

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’ Late and/or Non-Responsive Applications Policy. 

Special Note for Applicants with Slow Internet Connections. Applicants using slow internet, such as dialup connections, may experience significantly longer transmission times when submitting their

application to Grants.gov, especially if there are large attachments contained in the upload. Again, 

Grants.gov will provide either an error message or a successfully received transmission notification via 

email to the applicant AOR.

4.7.4 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

• Register and submit applications early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPLICATION 

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

• Thoroughly review the Program Specific Terms and Conditions and the AMS General Terms and 

Conditions to understand allowable and unallowable costs.

• Apply to the correct grant program in Grants.gov: 

o Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) number “10.186” and Funding Opportunity Number 

“USDA-AMS-TM-LRFD-C-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.).

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

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-faqs.html

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

5.0 APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

5.1 PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA

Each application that meets the initial qualification screening requirements (see Section 5.2) will be 

reviewed and scored competitively based on the extent to which it addresses the criteria below. 

Geographic Focus 20 Points

1) The application describes the project’s proposed geographic region and priority area(s), why it is the 

most appropriate place and boundary for a Regional Food Center, the impact that the region would 

experience due to the geographic focus, and justification for the priority areas and their potential 

market connections within the region. 

2) The application describes the region’s assets and how the proposed plan will leverage existing assets

and develop new assets to support the region’s food systems.

3) The project serves a region of at least a 400-mile radius OR reaches part or all of at least three states

and/or territories. 

4) Includes rural, urban, and suburban areas appropriate to the region. 

5) The application identifies and shows, using data, the degree of historic economic distress 

experienced in the project region, in particular the priority high need areas within the region, 

including the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

6) The application describes the Lead Applicant and Key Partners’ history, including prior collaborative 

efforts, commitment, and track record working in the identified region. Explains why the Lead 

Applicant and Key Partners are well-equipped to serve this region.
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7) Note on Tribal Center: The Tribal Center’s region is “national” in focus and should frame Indian 

Country food systems nationally and how the applicant partnership intends to leverage resources in 

a culturally appropriate manner.

Alignment and Intent 20 Points

1) The application describes the project’s proposed work to serve as a cornerstone in the development 

of the local and regional supply chains, including coordination, technical assistance, and capacity 

building support to small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, with the goal of creating a more 

resilient, diverse, and competitive food system. 

2) The application describes a strong history of collaboration and engagement among Lead Applicant 

and Key Partners to ensure high levels of participation or provides a clear and concise plan for how 

such engagement will occur. 

3) The Lead Applicant and Key Partners describe past history successfully working with producers and 

partners in the region.

4) The application explains clearly and comprehensively how it will meet the required goals and 

activities outlined in this RFA. The application complies with all written instructions and 

requirements described within the RFA and Project Narrative Template.

5) The application presents a clear, well-conceived, and suitable Work Plan that describes how the 

applicant partners will achieve the goals and objectives.

6) The application describes plans for coordination, communication, data sharing, and reporting across 

the region, with other Regional Food Centers, USDA, and other stakeholder groups.

Sustainability 10 Points

1) The application describes how the work, including partnerships, will be sustained beyond the 

agreement’s period of performance (without federal funds) and/or how the project will lay the 

foundation for future resilience in the region after the project ends. 

2) The application describes plans for leveraging and building on existing organizations, assets, and 

efforts, and for building capacity for this work within the region for future impact.

3) The application identifies the availability and commitment of local government, philanthropy, and 

industry to support the growth of agricultural opportunities and markets in the proposed region.

4) The application demonstrates plans to collaborate with other federal, state, regional, tribal, and 

local initiatives that support complementary efforts, including the whole-of-government Rural 

Partners Network led by USDA, to provide sustained support for the region.

Expertise, Partners, and Diversity 20 Points

1) The Lead Applicant and Key Partners have demonstrated experience in food and agriculture 

business development services and demonstrate the ability to support the wide-ranging needs of 

stakeholders in the region, including providing market development and value chain/supply chain

coordination.

2) The application represents a substantial, effective, and diverse array of relevant Partners and 

Collaborators, including organizations operated by historically underserved groups and individuals,

to accomplish the agreement’s goals and objectives and meet the needs of the intended 

beneficiaries, including:
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a. Commitment from the key staff, demonstrated through Letters of Commitment from Partner 

Organizations. 

b. The key staff who will be responsible for managing the projects and the individuals (one-page 

resume) who comprise the Project Team and their experience demonstrated in their resume 

shows expertise and ability to effectively lead the project and meet the stated goals; and

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

amount of subawards and federal funds. 

3) The application demonstrates a commitment from experienced partners within the region to 

perform specific roles to achieve project goals and outcomes as evidenced by inclusion of support 

letters. 

4) The Lead Applicant and Key Partners in the partnership are established in the region and have

demonstrated expertise to achieve project goals and outcomes.

5) The project design meaningfully involves and serves historically underserved businesses and 

communities. 

6) The application demonstrates a commitment to engage potential beneficiaries as active participants 

in Regional Food Center activities.

7) The application outlines past efforts and planned strategies to reach historically underserved 

populations, racial minorities, and women, as well as past experience which demonstrates cultural 

competencies to achieve such objectives within the region. These strategies should create the 

connectivity and conditions for growth where it may not exist, such as in rural and underserved 

communities.

8) The application identifies potential challenges to Collaborator recruitment and engagement, and to 

the achievement of goals or outcomes, and describes possible strategies to address the challenges.

9) The application demonstrates evidence of consultation with and involvement of underserved 

individuals prior to or during the creation of the proposal. 

Monitoring and Evaluation 15 Points

1) The application describes a monitoring and evaluation plan that identifies potential feedback 

mechanisms and metrics that measure the results of project activities and will meet USDA’s 

evaluation requirements, including submitting the required semi-annual report which will collect 

metrics on the objectives outlined in Section 1.2. 

2) Proposed metrics consider equity and diversity for technical assistance providers, businesses served, 

and subrecipients, coordinating with USDA to align metrics and reporting with other Federal equityfocused efforts.

3) The application describes the methods, systems, and infrastructure that will be used to collect and 

compile data and reports from partners and subawards. 

4) The application describes plans for coordination, communication, appropriate data sharing and 

necessary systems to monitor and collect evaluation data.

Fiscal Plan and Financial Controls 15 Points

1) The Budget and Justification provides a clear description for each budget line item and is consistent 

with the size and scope of the agreement. 
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2) The Budget and Justification relates logically to the project narrative. 

3) The Lead Applicant demonstrates its ability to manage the financial, reporting, and evaluation 

burdens of a large number of sub-agreements.

4) The application represents a substantial, effective, and sound fiscal management system to ensure 

funds are provided to the intended beneficiaries, including: 

a. Commitment from the organizational leadership.

b. The key staff who will be responsible for managing the financial systems and the 

individuals (name and title) who comprise the Project Team; and 

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

funds and implement the project. 

5) The application demonstrates a successful financial audit history of the applicant.

5.2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this RFA. If an 

application does not meet these requirements, it is removed from consideration. In that event, the 

agency will send notification of elimination to the applicant. Please see Section 4.3 and AMS’ Late 

and/or Non-Responsive Applications Policy for more information. During the initial review, the agency 

may contact individual applicants to request clarifying information regarding certain components of 

their application.

Merit/technical reviews will be conducted by a review board with relevant expertise nominated by the 

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

assigned proposals. Agency staff will conduct administrative reviews, during which the agency will work 

with applicants to negotiate any revisions to ensure alignment with program priorities and optimal 

geographic service areas. AMS will also assess an organization’s ability to account for the use of Federal 

funds and monitor the performance associated with these monies using the guidance provided by 2 CFR 

200.206. 

The approving official will make the final award decisions. A multi-phase approval process may be used 

if determined necessary by the approving official. The approving official may prioritize applications that, 

demonstrate regional impact, geographic diversity, and diverse representation of agricultural producers, 

growers, and processors impacted by the pandemic. This review may include an evaluation of 

applications and review of panel comments for alignment with program intent and with the evaluation 

criteria in Section 5.1. Following this review, USDA may invite finalists submitting proposals for similar or 

overlapping geographic regions to combine efforts for expanded partnership collaborations and 

resubmit those proposals for final consideration by USDA. The approving official for this opportunity is 

the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. 

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 will be signed by AMS and the AOR. This is the Lead Applicant, acting as the lead eligible 

entity for the partnership.
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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 Program 

Specific Terms and Conditions and the AMS General Terms and Conditions. 

6.2 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by AMS via email as soon as possible after the Regional Food 

Center awards are announced. The unsuccessful applicants will be provided anonymous review panel 

consensus comments regarding their proposals as feedback.

6.3 ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS

As part of the Notice of Award and Cooperative Agreement, all AMS recipients must abide by the

Program Specific Terms and Conditions and the AMS General Terms and Conditions, which reference 

applicable Administrative and National Policy Requirements. 

Non-Federal entities (States, local governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations) with $750,000 or 

more in federal expenditures are required by the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (Single Audit) 

and 2 CFR 200 Subpart F to have an annual audit of their Federal awards (e.g., grant and loan programs). 

AMS expects that recipients of grants through this program will exceed this threshold and will be 

required to have an annual audit of their Federal award(s).

6.4 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Cooperators will be required to participate in program evaluation activities, including submitting 

semiannual and final reports. Specific requirements will be identified in the award. Reporting and award 

closeout requirements are included in the Program Specific Terms and Conditions and the AMS General 

Terms and Conditions. 

7.0 AGENCY CONTACTS 

7.1 PROGRAMMATIC QUESTIONS

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

join weekly office hours held every Wednesday at 4:00 ET. A registration link is provided on the Regional 

Food Business Center website. Organizations can also contact the Regional Food Centers staff by e-mail 

with questions about the grant program at RegionalFoodCenters@usda.gov. 

For additional information, please visit the Regional Food Center Website: 

www.ams.usda.gov/Regionalfoodcenters. 

7.2 AVAILABLE RESOURCES

AMS provides resources and information on the Regional Food Center website 

(www.ams.usda.gov/Regionalfoodcenters) that may be helpful to applicants. AMS staff is available to 

provide timely technical assistance. Correspondence may be directed to:

Regional Food Centers

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 1510 South Building

Stop 0264

Washington, DC 20250-0264 
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7.3 GRANTS.GOV QUESTIONS

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

Support. 

8.0 OTHER INFORMATION

8.1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

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

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 § 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 0581.0335. The 

time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 10 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.
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9.0 APPENDIX A – USDA REGIONAL FOOD BUSINESS CENTERS SEMIANNUAL REPORT

A Semiannual Performance Report must be received within 30 days after the end of the first six months 

of the date of the signed agreement and 30 days after the end of each six-month period until the 

expiration date of the cooperative agreement. These performance reports illustrate the progress made 

toward the completion of each project within the agreement. 

The report must cover the most recent six-month project performance period. The performance report 

must be typed, single-spaced, in 11-point font. Provide answers to each question below, or answer “not 

applicable” or “no results available yet” where necessary. 

Cooperative Agreement Number: 

Recipient Organization Name: 

Representative Name: 

Representative Email and Phone: 

Report Date Range (e.g., January 2023 – June 2023):

Date Report Submitted: 

Understanding challenges and successes at the center and network level. 

1. Describe the progress and/or accomplishments on project activities. Highlight the impacts on 

the project’s beneficiaries. 

2. Describe challenges or developments. 

a. Describe the steps project changes taken or that will be taken to address those 

challenges. 

b. Describe how the USDA might assist with any challenges, to the extent it is able.

3. Describe any significant changes, external to this project, to the region’s food system (weatherrelated challenges, new distributors or retail outlets, new organization playing a significant role, 

etc.).

Looking forward: 

1. What activities/impacts do you hope to accomplish in the next three months? Include 

information about anticipated community impact and outreach, new technical assistance, and 

any other information you’d like to share. 

Describe technical assistance needs of the region, including changes in needs over this reporting 

period. 

1. What technical assistance are new food businesses seeking from the Regional Food Center? 

Select all that apply:

• Value chain coordination, including networking and peer-to-peer sharing.

• Market development, including market research, access, and marketing support.

• Navigating and managing financial resources from third parties, including federal, state, 

tribal, and other sources.
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• Minor business development, including planning, financial literacy, legal and regulatory 

awareness, succession planning, and record keeping.

• Other, please specify

a. Of those, what categories or types were you able to provide?

2. What technical assistance are existing food businesses seeking from the Regional Food Center? 

• Value chain coordination, including networking and peer-to-peer sharing.

• Market development, including market research, access, and marketing support.

• Navigating and managing financial resources from third parties, including federal, state, 

tribal, and other sources.

• Minor business development, including planning, financial literacy, legal and regulatory 

awareness, succession planning, and record keeping.

• Other, please specify

a. Of those, what categories or types were you able to provide? 

3. How many technical assistance providers is the Regional Center working with?

4. How many food businesses have been served via the technical assistance providers?

a. What are the demographics of these businesses? How many are BIPOC (black 

indigenous and people of color)-owned? How many serve underserved communities?

5. How many subgrants have been distributed? (May be not applicable during some reporting 

cycles)

a. How many subaward applications were submitted?

b. What technical assistance was provided for subgrant applicants? 

c. How many subgrant recipients accessed other sources of capital? 

Outcome: Expand and strengthen regional food systems networks and partnerships in response to 

hardships and vulnerabilities exposed by recent national emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 

pandemic.

1. Number of partnerships and/or collaborations established through Regional Food Center 

activities

2. Provide the following descriptive information about the established partnerships/collaborations:

a. the number formalized with written agreements (i.e., MOU’s, signed contracts, etc.)

b. the number of partnerships with underserved organizations

c. the number of partnerships between producers and institutions

d. the number of partnerships serving underserved communities

e. the number that reported:

i. higher profits

ii. more efficient use of resources

iii. increased access to institutional consumers

iv. additional mid-tier value chain enhancements (such as improved capacity to 

transport products to market)

3. What steps have been taken to sustain the work of the partnership beyond the cooperative 

agreement? 
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4. Number of new/improved distribution systems developed. 

a. Of those, the number that:

i. stemmed from new partnerships

ii. increased efficiency

iii. reduced costs

iv. expanded customer reach

v. increased online presence

5. Number of stakeholders that gained technical knowledge about resources within the regional 

food system.

6. Number of stakeholders that gained knowledge about more efficient and effective distribution 

systems.

7. Number of stakeholders that adopted best practices or new technologies to improve 

distribution systems.

8. Number of stakeholders trained on how to develop or maintain a direct-to-consumer enterprise.

9. Number of stakeholders that connected with a USDA office or personnel as a result of Regional 

Food Center activities.

10. Amount of non-Federal financial, professional, and technical assistance resources secured 

because of project activities, measured in dollars.

a. What other types of capital have been leveraged? Provide examples.

11. How do the new partnerships and networks affect local and regional supply chains? Provide at 

least two examples.

Outcome: Create more and better markets and increase market awareness and access, ensuring small 

and mid-size producers and processors have the opportunity to gain access to distributors, retail 

outlets, and institutions.

1. Number of partnerships and/or collaborations established between producers/processors and 

market access points.

a. Of those, the number formalized with written agreements (i.e., MOU’s, signed 

contracts, etc.)

b. Of those, the number with and/or between underserved organizations

c. Of those, the number that reported:

i. higher profits

ii. increased access to institutional consumers

iii. other mid-tier value chain enhancements (such as improved capacity to 

transport products to market)

2. Number of producers/processors who increased production to meet increased demand.

3. Number of new strategies developed to improve local/regional food processing, distribution, 

aggregation, or storage.

4. Number of stakeholders trained to use new strategies.
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5. Number of market access points that reported increased or improved processing, distribution, 

storage, and/or aggregation of regionally produced agricultural products.

Outcome: Increase food and farm business and financial acumen, increase the number of new food 

and farm businesses and improve viability of existing businesses.

1. Number of new food businesses

a. Of those, the number of:

i. Food hubs

ii. Distributors

iii. Producers

iv. Retailers

v. Restaurants

vi. Other, please list.

2. Number of feasibility studies conducted

3. Number of projects

a. deemed viable after conducting feasibility study

b. deemed not viable after conducting feasibility study

4. Number of business development plans created

5. Number of strategic plans developed

6. Amount of non-Federal financial, professional, and technical assistance resources secured 

because of the developed plan(s), measured in dollars

a. What other types of capital have been leveraged? Provide examples.

Additional: What else would you like the USDA to know?