[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1730]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 27, 1994]


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Part VII





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research Service



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Special Research Grants Program, Aquaculture Research; Solicitation of 
Applications; Notice
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research Service

 

Special Research Grants Program, Aquaculture Research; Fiscal 
Year 1994; Solicitation of Applications

    Applications are invited for competitive grant awards under the 
Special Research Grants Program--Aquaculture Research for Fiscal Year 
1994.

Authority and Funding

    The authority for this program is contained in section 2(c)(1)(A) 
of the Act of August 4, 1965, Pub. L. 89-106, as amended by the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-624 (7 
U.S.C. 450i(c)(1)(A)). This program is administered by the Cooperative 
State Research Service (CSRS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA). Under this program, and subject to the availability of funds, 
the Secretary may award grants for periods not to exceed five years, 
for the support of research projects to further the program discussed 
below.
    Proposals may be submitted by any State agricultural experiment 
station, college, university, other research institution or 
organization, Federal agency, private organization, corporation, or 
individual. Proposals from scientists at non-United States 
organizations will not be considered for support.
    Pursuant to section 719 of Pub. L. 103-111 (the Agriculture, Rural 
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1994) funds available in fiscal year 1994 to pay 
indirect costs on research grants awarded competitively by CSRS may not 
exceed 14 per centum of the total Federal funds provided under each 
award.
    In addition, pursuant to section 727(b) of Pub. L. 103-111, in the 
case of any equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased 
with the funds provided under this program, entities receiving such 
funds are encouraged to use such funds to purchase only American-made 
equipment or products.

Applicable Regulations

    Regulations applicable to this program include the following: (a) 
The administrative provisions governing the Special Research Grants 
Program, 7 CFR part 3400 (56 FR 58146, November 15, 1991), which set 
forth procedures to be followed when submitting grant proposals, rules 
governing the evaluation of proposals and the awarding of grants, and 
regulations relating to post-award administration of grant projects; 
(b) the USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 7 CFR part 3015; 
(c) the USDA Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, 7 CFR part 3016; 
(d) the regulations governing Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension 
(Nonprocurement) and the Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free 
Workplace (Grants), 7 CFR part 3017; (e) the New Restrictions on 
Lobbying, 7 CFR part 3018; (f) the CSRS regulations implementing the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 7 CFR part 3407; and 
(g) Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit 
Institutions, 7 CFR part 3051 (58 FR 41410, August 3, 1993).

Introduction to Program Description

CSRS Contact: Dr. Meryl Broussard; Telephone: (202) 401-4061
    Funds will be awarded to support research seeking solutions to 
improve waste management in commercially important aquacultural 
species. A total of approximately $316,000 will be available for this 
program area in fiscal year 1994. This amount may be allocated to a 
single proposal or multiple proposals.
    Standard grants will be awarded to support basic studies in 
selected areas of aquaculture research. Consideration will be given to 
proposals that address innovative as well as fundamental approaches to 
the research areas outlined below that are consistent with the mission 
of USDA. Program subareas and guidelines are provided below as bases 
from which proposals may be developed:

Program Area

1.0  Aquaculture Research
    The overall objective of this research program is to enhance the 
knowledge base necessary for the continued growth of the domestic 
aquaculture industry as a form of sustainable agriculture. Emphasis is 
placed on research leading to improved production efficiency, increased 
competitiveness and wise environmental stewardship in private sector 
aquaculture in the United States. Because of limited funds for this 
program, only proposals focused on the interception, removal, and/or 
disposal of waste in commercially important finfish production systems 
will be considered.
    Research should be directed towards studies aimed at a systems 
approach to (1) reduce the impact of waste within aquacultural 
production systems and/or (2) the interception, removal, and disposal 
of waste from aquacultural production systems. Studies should target 
the development or the refinement of cost effective waste management 
systems. Innovative approaches to reduction and removal of both 
dissolved and solid waste should be considered. The quantitative and 
qualitative characteristics of waste, as a result of feed formulation 
and feeding strategies, should be considered in the rational design of 
control systems and alternative waste management strategies. Mass 
balance approaches to understanding the fate of phosphorus and nitrogen 
in these systems should also be addressed.
    Priority will be given to multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional 
team approaches and proposals with broad application to the aquaculture 
industry.

Review Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated by a peer review group of qualified 
scientists selected in accordance with Sec. 3400.11 of the 
administrative provisions governing the Special Research Grants 
Program. In accordance with Sec. 3400.5(a), the following selection 
criteria for proposals will be used in lieu of those which appear in 
Sec. 3400.15 of the administrative provisions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Maximum
                           Criteria                               score 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall Scientific and Technical Quality......................        40
Creative and innovative scientific approach                             
Clear, concise, and achievable objectives                               
Technical soundness of procedures                                       
Feasibility of attaining objectives                                     
Relevance and Importance of Proposed Research to Solution of            
 Specific Area of Inquiry.....................................        20
Justification for specific proposed approach                            
Literature review focused on specific approach                          
Proposal addresses specific area of inquiry                             
Budget, Resources, and Personnel..............................        20
Necessary facilities, resources, and personnel available                
Budget appropriate for proposed research                                
Demonstrated scientific capability of investigators                     
Collaboration.................................................        10
Evidence of significant contributions by collaborators                  
Evidence and justification of multi-disciplinary and/or multi-          
 institutional collaboration                                            
Application of Research Results...............................        10
Planned application and implementation of research results              
Extension, transferability and publication of results                   
Potential for results to enhance agricultural sustainability            
      Total...................................................       100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Obtain Application Materials

    Copies of this solicitation, the Application Kit, and the 
administrative provisions governing this program, 7 CFR part 3400 (56 
FR 58146, November 15, 1991), may be obtained by writing to the address 
or calling the telephone number below: Proposal Services Branch, Awards 
Management Division, Cooperative State Research Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, room 303, Aerospace Center, AG Box 2245, 
Washington, DC 20250-2245, Telephone: (202) 401-5048
    These materials may also be requested via Internet by sending a 
message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone 
number, to [email protected] which states that you want a copy of the 
application materials for the Fiscal Year 1994 Special Research Grants 
Program--Aquaculture Research. The materials will then be mailed to you 
(not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.

What to Submit

    An original and nine copies of each proposal must be submitted. 
This number of copies is necessary to permit thorough, objective peer 
evaluation of all proposals received before funding decisions are made.
    Each copy of each proposal must include a Form CSRS-661, 
``Application for Funding'' attached to the front. The Special Research 
Grants Program should be indicated in Block 7, and ``Aquaculture 
Research 1.0'' should be indicated in Block 8. Proposers should note 
that one copy of this form, preferably the original, must contain pen-
and-ink signatures of the principal investigator(s) and the authorized 
organizational representative. (Form CSRS-661 and the other required 
forms and certifications are contained in the Application Kit.)
    One copy of each proposal not selected for funding will be retained 
for a period of one year. The remaining copies will be destroyed.

Format for Research Grant Proposals

    Members of review committees and the staff expect each project 
description to be complete in itself. The administrative provisions 
governing the Special Research Grants Program, 7 CFR part 3400, set 
forth instructions for the preparation of grant proposals. The 
following proposal format requirements are in addition to or deviate 
from those contained in Sec. 3400.4(c). In accordance with 
Sec. 3400.4(c), to the extent that any of the following additional 
requirements are inconsistent or in conflict with the instructions at 
Sec. 3400.4(c), the provisions of this solicitation shall apply.

Length of Proposal

    Grant proposals must be limited to 15 pages, single spaced 
exclusive of required forms (i.e. cover page, budget form, 
certifications), bibliography, and vitae of the principal 
investigator(s), senior associate(s) and other professional personnel, 
and the required National Environmental Policy Act Statement (NEPA 
Compliance discussed below) with its supporting documentation. 
Information should be typed on one side of page only. Reduction by 
photocopying or other means for the purpose of meeting the 15-page 
limit is not permitted. Attachment of appendices is discouraged and 
should be included only if pertinent to understanding the proposal. 
Reviewers are not required to read beyond the 15-page maximum to 
evaluate the proposal.

Compliance With NEPA

    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the CSRS regulations implementing 
NEPA), environmental data or documentation for any proposed project is 
to be provided to CSRS in order to assist CSRS in carrying out its 
responsibilities under NEPA. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data or documentation may not be required. Certain 
categories of actions are excluded from the requirements of NEPA. The 
applicant should review the following categorical exclusions and 
determine if the proposed project may fall within one or more of the 
exclusions.

(1) Department of Agriculture Categorical Exclusions (7 CFR 1b.3)

    (i) Policy development, planning and implementation which relate to 
routine activities such as personnel, organizational changes, or 
similar administrative functions;
    (ii) Activities which deal solely with the funding of programs, 
such as program budget proposals, disbursements, and transfer or 
reprogramming of funds;
    (iii) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as 
resource inventories and routine data collection when such actions are 
clearly limited in context and intensity;
    (iv) Educational and information programs and activities;
    (v) Civil and criminal law enforcement and investigative 
activities;
    (vi) Activities which are advisory and consultative to other 
agencies and public and private entities; and
    (vii) Activities related to trade representation and market 
development activities abroad.

(2) CSRS Categorical Exclusions (7 CFR 3407.6)

    Based on previous experience, the following categories of CSRS 
actions are excluded because they have been found to have limited scope 
and intensity and to have no significant individual or cumulative 
impacts on the quality of the human environment:
    (i) The following categories of research programs or projects of 
limited size and magnitude or with only short-term effects on the 
environment:
    (A) Research conducted within any laboratory, greenhouse, or other 
contained facility where research practices and safeguards prevent 
environmental impacts;
    (B) Surveys, inventories, and similar studies that have limited 
context and minimal intensity in terms of changes in the environment; 
and
    (C) Testing outside of the laboratory, such as in small isolated 
field plots, which involves the routine use of familiar chemicals or 
biological materials.
    (11) Routine renovation, rehabilitation, or revitalization of 
physical facilities, including the acquisition and installation of 
equipment, where such activity is limited in scope and intensity.
    In order for CSRS to make a determination regarding NEPA, as to 
whether any further action is required (e.g., preparation of an 
environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), 
pertinent information regarding the environmental aspects of the 
proposed project is necessary; therefore, a separate statement must be 
included in the proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the 
opinion that the project may fall within one or more of the categorical 
exclusions listed above. This statement must include the reasons, with 
appropriate supporting documentation, as to why the proposed project 
falls within a particular exclusion or exclusions. If the proposed 
project falls within one or more of the categorical exclusions, the 
specific exclusion(s) must be identified. The information submitted in 
association with NEPA compliance should be identified in the Table of 
Contents as ``NEPA Considerations'' and the narrative statement with 
supporting documentation shall be placed at the back of the proposal.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSRS may determine that an EA or an EIS is necessary for a proposed 
project should substantial controversy on environmental grounds exist 
or if other extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present that 
may cause a project to have a significant environmental effect.

Where and When to Submit Grant Applications

    All copies of each proposal must be mailed in one package and each 
copy must be stapled securely in the upper left-hand corner. Do Not 
Bind. Every effort should be made to ensure that the proposal contains 
all pertinent information when initially submitted. Prior to mailing, 
compare your proposal with the guidelines contained in the 
administrative provisions that govern the Special Research Grants 
Program, 7 CFR part 3400.
    To be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 1994, each completed 
research grant application must be postmarked by April 18, 1994.
    Proposals submitted through the regular mail must be postmarked by 
March 14, 1994, and should be sent to the following address: Proposal 
Services Branch; Awards Management Division; Cooperative State Research 
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; room 303, Aerospace Center; Ag 
Box 2245; Washington, DC 20250-2245. The telephone number is: (202) 
401-5048.
    Hand-delivered proposals must be submitted to an express mail or a 
courier service, or brought to the following address by March 14, 1994: 
Proposal Services Branch; Awards Management Division; Cooperative State 
Research Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; room 303, Aerospace 
Center; 901 D Street SW.; Washington, DC 20024. The telephone number is 
(202) 401-5048.

Supplementary Information

    The Special Research Grants Program is listed in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.200. For reasons set forth in 
the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 
29115, June 24, 1983), this program is excluded from the scope of 
Executive Order 12866 which requires intergovernmental consultation 
with State and local officials.
    Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 
U.S.C. 3504(h)), the collection of information requirements contained 
in this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0022.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 18th day of January 1994.
John Patrick Jordan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research Service.
[FR Doc. 94-1730 Filed 1-26-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-M