[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]
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