Definition of Terms Used Eligible Applicants Grant Funding Period Funding Parameters Project Types Part II: Grantee Information Responsibilities and Accountability Risk Assessment Selection Criteria Performance Measures Budget Development Award Notification Program Requirements Part III: Application Information Requirements for Submitting Applications Project Application Requirements Expected Measurable Outcomes/Performance Evaluations PART I: General Information Introduction/Background The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) hereby requests applications for projects designed to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in South Carolina. Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds will be made available to South Carolina from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2017 fiscal year budget. Although the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has not officially released SCBGP funds to the states, SCDA anticipates approximately $450,000.00 will be made available for programmatic activities in South Carolina. This figure is subject to change. The SCBGP is authorized under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) and amended under section 10010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79 (Farm
All SCBGP sub-awards are subject to the most recent award terms and conditions, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR part 200), and other laws and regulations affecting Federal assistance. All costs must be allowable in accordance with the Federal cost principles outlined in 2 CFR part 200 Subpart E. SCDA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals submitted. SCDA is under no legal or other obligation to execute a grant on the basis of a response submitted to this RFP. SCDA shall not pay for any costs incurred by any entity in responding to this RFP. Project Types The USDA encourages each state department of agriculture to develop projects solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry: investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; supporting the growth of organic specialty crops; developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; pest and disease control; increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; increasing opportunities for new and beginning farmers; improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; protecting and improving pollinator health; developing local and regional food systems; and improving food access in underserved communities and among veterans. Projects more relevant for other Federal grant programs Projects that support the increase in sales of fruits and vegetables in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase and/or include technologies for benefit redemption systems should consider submitting those projects to the “Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Grants Program.” Projects that support domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, other direct producer-to consumer market opportunities, local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products should consider submitting those projects to the “Farmers’ Market Promotion Program” and/or the “Local Food Promotion Program”. Projects that support biobased products and bioenergy and energy programs, including biofuels, and other alternative uses for agricultural and forestry commodities (development of biobased products) should see the USDA energy website at for information on how to submit those projects for consideration to the energy programs supported by the USDA. PART II: Grantee Information