[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14774-14786]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6180]



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Part IV





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service



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Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
Program--Water Quality: Request for Proposals, and Request for Input; 
Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
Program--Water Quality: Request for Proposals and Request for Input

AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Request for Proposals and Request for Input.

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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension 
Service (CSREES) announces the availability of grant funds and requests 
proposals for the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program--Water Quality for fiscal year (FY) 2001 to 
support integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, 
and education activities that address water quality priorities in 
United States agriculture, which can most properly be addressed by 
multifunctional and multidisciplinary projects incorporating research, 
extension, and education activities. The amount available for support 
of this program in FY 2001 is approximately $12,400,000. Approximately, 
$9,000,000 will be used to fund proposals solicited under this Request 
for Proposals (RFP). The remaining funds (approximately $3,000,000) 
will be used to fund proposals solicited under a joint RFP with the 
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This joint RFP 
will solicit proposals that integrate research and extension activities 
aimed at addressing nutrient management issues at the watershed scale. 
This joint RFP will be announced in the Federal Register at a later 
date.
    This notice sets out the objectives for Water Quality projects, the 
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, the application 
procedures, and the set of instructions needed to apply for a Water 
Quality grant under this authority.
    By this notice, CSREES additionally solicits stakeholder input from 
any interested party regarding the FY 2001 Integrated Research, 
Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program--Water Quality for 
use in the development of any future RFP's for this program.

DATES: Proposals must be received by close of business (COB) on May 14, 
2001 (5:00 p.m. EST). Proposals received after this date will not be 
considered for funding. Comments regarding this RFP are requested 
within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received 
after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
Program--Water Quality; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of 
Agriculture; Waterfront Centre, room 1307; 800 9th Street, SW.; 
Washington, DC 20024.
    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program--Water Quality; c/o Proposal Services Unit; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; 
Washington, DC 20250-2245.
    Written user comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy and 
Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES; STOP 
2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via 
e-mail to: [email protected]. In your comments, please include the 
name of the program and the fiscal year of the RFP to which you are 
responding.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Michael P. O'Neill; National 
Program Leader for Water Quality; Natural Resources and Environment 
Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2210; 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2210; Telephone: (202) 205-5952; Fax: (202) 
401-1706; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Stakeholder Input

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Part I--General Information
    A. Legislative Authority and Background
    B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability
    C. Definitions
    D. Eligibility
    E. Types of Proposals
    F. Matching Requirements
    G. Funding Restrictions
Part II--Program Description
    A. Project Types
    B. Program Area Description
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Proposals
    C. Submission of Proposals
    D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
Part IV--Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Criteria
    C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality
Part V--Grant Awards
    A. General
    B. Funding Mechanisms
    C. Organizational Management Information
    D. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award
Part VI--Additional Information
    A. Access to Review Information
    B. Use of Funds; Changes
    C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
    D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
    E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
    F. Regulatory Information

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is soliciting comments regarding this RFP from any 
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development 
of any future RFP for the program. Such comments will be used to meet 
the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). This 
section requires the Secretary to solicit and consider input on a 
current RFP from persons who conduct or use agricultural research, 
education and extension for use in formulating future RFP's for 
competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as provided for in 
the ADDRESSES and DATES portions of this Notice.
    The FY 2000 RFP for Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program--Water Quality which was published in the 
Federal Register on April 7, 2000 [65 FR 18852-18863] solicited 
comments on the RFP from any interested party to be used in the 
development of future RFP's. No comments were received on this RFP.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 10.303, Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program.

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Section 406 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7626) authorized the Secretary of 
Agriculture to establish a research,

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education, and extension competitive grants program to provide funding 
for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and 
education activities. Subject to the availability of appropriations to 
carry out this program, the Secretary may award grants to colleges and 
universities (as defined by 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3103)) 
on a competitive basis for integrated research, education, and 
extension projects. Grants are to be awarded to address priorities in 
United States agriculture that involve integrated research, education, 
and extension activities as determined by the Secretary in consultation 
with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
Economics Advisory Board.
    On November 19, 1999, the Secretary published in the Federal 
Register [64 FR 63560] a notice that the administration of this grant 
program had been delegated to the Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). This notice also solicited 
public comment from persons who use or conduct research, extension, or 
education regarding the priorities to be addressed by this new program. 
In addition, this notice announced a public meeting to obtain comments 
to use in developing the proposed rule and RFP's for this new grant 
program. The public meeting was held on December 6, 1999.
    All the comments and the official transcript of the meeting were 
made available for review on the CSREES web page. The comments and 
testimonies from the December 6, 1999, public meeting were considered 
in the formulation of the FY 2000 RFP and FY 2001 RFP. Both RFP's were 
developed in consultation with the Advisory Board.
    The entire Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program is funded in FY 2001 at $39,838,535 (after 
deduction for administrative expenses) for the following integrated 
activities: Water Quality ($12,348,773), Food Safety ($14,247,128), 
Pesticide Impact Assessment ($4,313,522), Crops at Risk from Food 
Quality and Protection Act (FQPA) Implementation ($1,424,858), FQPA 
Risk Mitigation Program for Major Food Crop Systems ($4,654,537), 
Methyl Bromide Transition Program ($2,374,764), and Organic Transition 
($474,953). There will be four RFP's for this program. The Water 
Quality and Food Safety Programs will each have a separate RFP, while 
the latter five programs will be announced as one RFP. In addition, 
there will also be a joint RFP with EPA on Water Quality. This notice 
announces and describes the Water Quality component of the Program.
    CSREES will administer the Integrated Research, Education, and 
Extension Competitive Grants Program by determining priorities in 
United States agriculture through Agency stakeholder input processes 
and in consultation with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Each RFP for the different 
program areas (i.e., Water Quality, Food Safety) will be developed each 
fiscal year based on these established priorities and the resulting 
approaches to solving these critical agricultural issues. Although this 
overall grant program seeks to solve critical agricultural issues 
through an integration of research, education, and extension 
activities, a component of a RFP, depending on the priority being 
addressed and/or the stage at which the priority is being addressed, 
may request proposals that are research, education, or extension only, 
or a combination thereof. However, the overall overarching approach to 
solving the critical agricultural issue, priority, or problem will be 
through an integration of research, education, and extension activities 
within each individual program area.

B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability

    The CSREES Water Quality Program is enhanced by the establishment 
of a water quality program authorized under section 406 of AREERA for 
an Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
Program. This program brings university scientists, instructors, and 
extension educators into more effective and efficient partnerships with 
Federal interagency priority programs in addressing water quality 
issues in U.S. agriculture. This program also provides the flexibility 
necessary for CSREES to bring the resources of researchers, 
instructors, and extension educators to national initiatives and 
programmatic partnerships that target evolving water quality needs.
    The Water Quality Program is targeted directly to the 
identification and resolution of agriculturally-related degradation of 
water quality. Proposals are sought that will provide watershed-based 
information that can be used to: assess sources of water quality 
impairment in targeted watersheds; develop and/or recommend options for 
continued improvement of water quality in targeted watersheds; and 
evaluate the relative costs and benefits associated with cleanup from 
all responsible sectors (e.g., farming, processing, urban runoff, and 
municipal waste treatment). The program will favor proposals that have 
a clear problem statement and that are ``place-based.'' ``Place-based'' 
means that the proposers have identified a specific location where the 
work is to be conducted so that the results and implications of the 
work conducted can be associated with a specific, geo-referenced 
location. Categories of water quality needs that have been identified, 
both individually by USDA and in partnership with other Federal 
programs, include:
--Development and implementation of voluntary approaches that will 
enable producers to comply with newly developing Federal and State 
Total Maximum Daily Load regulations for non-point source pollutants.
--Coordination of targeted research, education, and extension 
activities to minimize any adverse impacts that agricultural, forest, 
and range management practices; food and agricultural product 
processing; and/or livestock production systems may have on the 
Nation's water quality.
--Applied research evaluating the efficacy of currently recommended 
management practices and strategies to improve water quality.
--Evaluation and error assessment of currently available data sets 
being used for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based decision-
support models for watershed management.
--Projects supporting the pilot activities of the National Science and 
Technology Council's National Environmental Monitoring Initiative. This 
initiative seeks to integrate the Nation's environmental monitoring and 
related research networks and programs. For more information, see 
(http://www.epa.gov/cludygxb/Pubs/factsheet.html).
--Development and validation of cost-effective means to reduce the 
contribution of agriculture to the development of harmful algal blooms 
and hypoxic conditions in coastal systems.
--Development and validation of cost-effective means to reduce the 
contribution of animal and food processing wastes to water quality 
degradation.
--Documenting the coincident status and trends of multiple resources 
and related water quality, demographic, and socioeconomic condition; 
relating status and trends to human and natural causes and 
consequences; predicting future trajectories and rates

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of change; assessing associated uncertainties; and identifying data, 
information and research needed to reduce future uncertainties.
--Evaluation of the efficacy of USDA conservation programs' 
implementation.
    The goal of the CSREES Water Quality Program is to fund appropriate 
research, extension, and education efforts necessary to protect or 
improve the quality of water resources throughout the United States and 
its territories, particularly in agriculturally managed watersheds. 
CSREES seeks proposals to address this goal at the national, regional, 
state and local level. Agricultural water resource issues addressed in 
this program reflect the broader spectrum of international water 
quality issues. This program encourages international partnerships, 
linkages, and exchanges so long as a clear explanation is provided as 
to how such international activities, as part of the proposed project, 
will contribute to addressing U.S. national water quality issues. 
However, investigators should recognize that such international 
partnerships, linkages, and exchanges are expected to be a small 
proportion of the total funding provided through this program.
    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or 
to make a specific number of awards. Approximately $9 million will be 
available to fund proposals in FY 2001 under this RFP. As mentioned 
previously, the remaining funds (approximately $3 million) will be used 
to fund proposals solicited under a joint RFP with EPA. As stated 
above, this RFP will be published in the Federal Register at a later 
date. However, should this joint effort not occur, these funds will be 
used to support proposals solicited under this RFP. Proposals are being 
solicited under this RFP in each of four component areas: National 
Facilitation proposals, Regional Water Quality Coordination proposals, 
Extension Education proposals, and Integrated Research, Education, and 
Extension proposals.

C. Definitions

    For the purpose of awarding grants under this program, the 
following definitions are applicable:
    (1) Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.
    (2) Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any 
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify 
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    (3) Authorized organizational representative means the president, 
director, or chief executive officer or other designated official of 
the applicant organization who has the authority to commit the 
resources of the organization.
    (4) Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) 
into which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    (5) Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including 
the outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third 
parties.
    (6) Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    (7) Education activity means formal classroom instruction, 
laboratory instruction, and practicum experience in the food and 
agricultural sciences and other related matters such as faculty 
development, student recruitment and services, curriculum development, 
instructional materials and equipment, and innovative teaching 
methodologies.
    (8) Extension activity means an act or process that delivers 
science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to people, 
enabling them to make practical decisions.
    (9) Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible 
organization or individual to assist in meeting the costs of 
conducting, for the benefit of the public, an identified project which 
is intended and designed to accomplish the purpose of the program as 
identified in these guidelines.
    (10) Grantee means an organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    (11) Integrated means to bring the three components of the 
agricultural knowledge system (research, education, and extension) 
together around a problem area or activity.
    (12) Matching means that portion of allowable project costs not 
borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-kind 
contributions.
    (13) Peer review means an evaluation of a proposed project for 
scientific or technical quality and relevance performed by experts with 
the scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct the proposed 
work or to give expert advice on the merits of a proposal.
    (14) Principal investigator/Project director means the single 
individual designated in the grant application and approved by the 
Secretary who is responsible for the direction and management of the 
project.
    (15) Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent 
by an authorized departmental officer as defined in (2) above.
    (16) Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    (17) Project period means the period, as stated in the award 
document, during which Federal sponsorship begins and ends.
    (18) Research activity means a scientific investigation or inquiry 
that results in the generation of knowledge.
    (19) Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved is 
delegated.
    (20) Third party in-kind contributions means non-cash contributions 
of property or services provided by non-Federal third parties, 
including real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable 
property, directly benefitting and specifically identifiable to a 
funded project or program.
    (21) Total integrated, multifunctional research, education, and 
extension approach means that the combination of grants (although the 
individual grants may involve only research, education, or extension 
activities or a combination thereof) awarded under the fiscal year's 
program components will work together to address the priorities in 
United States agriculture as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture 
in consultation with the Advisory Board, that involve integrated 
research, extension, and education activities.

D. Eligibility

    Proposals may be submitted by colleges and universities as defined 
in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA). The terms ``college'' and 
``university'' mean an educational institution in any State which (1) 
admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate, (2) is legally authorized 
within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary 
education, (3) provides an educational program for which a bachelor's 
degree or any other higher degree is awarded, (4) is a public or other 
nonprofit institution, and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency or association. Although an applicant may be 
eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are 
factors which may exclude an applicant

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from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and 
benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an 
individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not 
responsible based on submitted organizational management information). 
Eligible applicants may subcontract to organizations not eligible under 
these requirements.
    Please note that a research foundation maintained by a college or 
university is not eligible to receive an award under this program. 
Proposals received from research foundations will not be considered for 
funding.

E. Types of Proposals

    In FY 2001, projects under the Integrated Research, Education, and 
Extension Competitive Grants Program authority may be submitted as one 
of the two types of proposals described below:
    (1) New proposal. This is a project proposal that has not been 
previously submitted to the Integrated Research, Education, and 
Extension Competitive Grants Program. All new proposals will be 
reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation 
criteria described in Part IV--Review Process.
    (2) Resubmitted proposal. This is a proposal that had previously 
been submitted to the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program but not funded. The resubmitted proposal 
should clearly indicate the changes that have been made in the project 
proposal. Further, a clear statement acknowledging comments from the 
previous reviewers, indicating revisions, rebuttals, etc., can 
positively influence the review of the proposal. Therefore, for 
resubmitted proposals, the investigator(s) must respond to the previous 
panel summary on no more than one page, titled ``RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS 
REVIEW,'' which is to be placed directly after the Project Summary as 
described in Part III--Preparation of a Proposal. Resubmitted proposals 
will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and 
evaluation criteria described in Part IV--Review Process.

F. Matching Requirements

1. General Requirement
    If a grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
commodity, the grant recipient is required to provide funds or in-kind 
support to match the amount of the grant funds provided. See section 
12. c. on ``Matching Funds'' under Part III, B, ``Content of 
Proposals'' for more details.
2. Waiver
    CSREES may waive the matching funds requirement specified in the 
above paragraph for a grant if CSREES determines that (a) The results 
of the project, while of particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
commodity, are likely to be applicable to agricultural commodities 
generally; or (b) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
deals with scientifically important research, and the grant recipient 
is unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement.

G. Funding Restrictions

    CSREES has determined that grant funds awarded under this authority 
may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of research, 
education, or extension space; the purchase or installation of fixed 
equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, 
acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities.

Part II--Program Description

A. Project Types

    Approximately $1,000,000 is available for National Facilitation 
proposals. The maximum total award is $400,000, with an annual funding 
limitation of $100,000. The project period may be one to four years in 
duration. It is anticipated that three to five grants will be awarded 
in this program component.
    Approximately $2,000,000 is available for Regional Water Quality 
Coordination proposals. Projects will be supported at expected levels 
of up to $650,000 per year/per region for up to three years. Projects 
involving more than one region may be considered for larger funding. 
CSREES expects that some regions will request less funding due to a 
smaller number of states within the region. It is anticipated that four 
grants will be awarded in this program component.
    Approximately $2,000,000 is available for Extension Education 
proposals. The maximum total award is $300,000, with an annual funding 
limitation of $100,000. The project period may be one to three years in 
duration. It is anticipated that 10-15 grants will be awarded in this 
program component.
    Approximately $3,500,000 is available for Integrated Research, 
Education and Extension proposals. The maximum total award is $600,000, 
with an annual funding limitation of $200,000. The project period may 
be one to three years in duration. It is anticipated that 6-10 grants 
will be awarded in this program component.
    Applications received in any of the aforementioned program areas 
should include budgets commensurate with the activities proposed. 
Grants awarded under the Program Area Descriptions of National 
Facilitation, Extension Education, and Integrated Research, Education, 
and Extension (as described in this RFP) will be awarded as ``Standard 
Grants.'' Grants awarded under the Program Area Description of Regional 
Water Quality Coordination (as described in this RFP) may be awarded as 
``Continuation Grants.''

B. Program Area Description

    The CSREES Water Quality Program has identified seven topical 
themes for research, education, and extension projects. These themes 
are: Animal Waste Management, Drinking Water and Human Health, 
Environmental Restoration, Nutrient and Pesticide Management, Pollution 
Assessment and Prevention, Watershed Management, and Water Conservation 
and Agricultural Water Management. In each of the four program areas--
National Facilitation Grants, Regional Water Quality Coordination 
Grants, Extension Education Grants, and Integrated Research, Education, 
and Extension Grants, priority will be given to those proposals that 
address one or more of the seven themes listed above.
1. National Facilitation Proposals (Program Area 110.A) (Maximum award: 
$100,000/year for up to four years).
    Proposals are invited for projects that develop and initiate 
nationally coordinated programs that will contribute to an increase in 
public understanding and involvement in community decision-making and 
that facilitate the development of public policy on water resources 
issues. Applicants are encouraged to address one or more of the seven 
themes listed above. All proposals are required to include specific, 
measurable accomplishments for each project year and a projected time-
line. While it is not required that projects be fully independent 
within the 4-year project period, it is expected that the timeline will 
culminate in the establishment of an independently supported national 
coordination effort.
    This component of the CSREES Water Quality Program seeks to provide 
a common base of knowledge in support of individuals and communities 
grappling to formulate public policy and management strategies that 
will allow growth and increased profitability while protecting the 
water resource. Projects will be supported that facilitate the 
appropriate application of tools and techniques (i.e., Geographic 
Information Systems, decision support systems, remote sensing, economic 
analysis, and

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world wide web technologies) to strengthen awareness of the water 
quality impacts of current and proposed land use activities by both 
community decision-makers and individual property owners. These tools 
can also be used to target specific problems and locations in need of 
additional attention. Projects should contribute to an increase in 
community partnerships and networks that develop solutions to 
particular concerns identified through the projects and in response to 
increased citizen awareness of local issues. The result will be more 
citizen involvement, wider dispersal of information, and more rational 
analysis of environmental decisions in the community and the nation. 
Metadata and accomplishment reports should be delivered annually to the 
appropriate regional coordination group (see Regional Water Quality 
Coordination Proposals below).
2. Regional Water Quality Coordination Proposals (Program Area 110.B) 
(Maximum award: $650,000 per year/per region for up to three years. 
Projects involving more than one region may be considered for larger 
funding. CSREES expects that some regions will request less funding due 
to a smaller number of states within the region).
    CSREES invites proposals to ensure the integration of water quality 
efforts within the jurisdiction of each of the ten regions established 
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In FY 2000, funding 
was provided to support coordination within six of the ten EPA Regions. 
For FY 2001, proposals are requested to provide regional coordination 
activities in the remaining four EPA Regions. The EPA Regions are:
    Region 2--New Jersey, New York, and the territories of Puerto Rico 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    Region 3--Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 
Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
    Region 7--Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
    Region 9--Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the territories 
of Guam and American Samoa.
Proposals may be submitted for one or any combination of regions.
    This component of the CSREES Water Quality Program is designed to 
make research, education, and extension resources of the university 
system more accessible to Federal, State, and local water quality 
improvement efforts, thus enhancing opportunities for agricultural 
producers and agriculturally impacted communities to adopt voluntary 
approaches for the improvement of water quality. Grantees are expected 
to facilitate the conceptualization and implementation of multi-partner 
efforts that minimize duplication of effort and that leverage multiple 
funding sources into a common collaborative effort. As such, it is 
expected that coordination grantees will initiate partnership 
activities with key water quality efforts in their region. 
Investigators should clearly identify the water quality issues and 
education, extension, and research efforts that are common to the 
region. Applicants also are encouraged to address one or more of the 
seven themes listed in Part II. B. A plan should be presented that 
establishes the approaches to be employed for regional resource 
sharing, communication, priority setting, and outreach. The proposal 
should also discuss Federal and State water quality activities in the 
region and present a strategy for establishing partnerships with 
appropriate programs.
    Each proposal must include provision for a regional coordination 
mechanism (whether an individual, a committee, or an office) and for a 
Water Quality Research, Education, and Extension Coordinator in each 
State or Territory in the Region. Regional coordinators will be 
expected to work with CSREES National Program Leaders to provide 
liaison among Federal activities (e.g., U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) Regional Offices, U.S. Geological Survey National Water 
Quality Assessment Program (USGS NAWQA) Coordination Offices, USDA 
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Regional Offices, USDA Forest 
Service (FS) Regional Offices, National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
(NOAA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM)), State environmental 
organizations, and the State Water Quality Research, Education, and 
Extension Coordinators within the Region. Successful projects will 
provide more efficient development, evaluation, and dissemination of 
information on animal waste management, drinking water and human 
health, environmental restoration, nutrient and pesticide management, 
pollution assessment and prevention, watershed management, and water 
conservation and agricultural water management. Provision should be 
included in the budget request for the regional coordinator to 
participate in monthly conference calls as well as a national 
coordination meeting to be held annually in the Washington, D.C. area.
    Each regional project must include a plan for the development and 
maintenance of a geo-referenced, watershed-based reporting system. This 
reporting system will serve as the primary vehicle for reporting 
progress and accomplishments of the CSREES Water Quality Program. 
Regional projects are expected: (1) To serve as the repository for the 
reporting of all projects funded on an ad hoc basis by other components 
of the CSREES Water Quality Program; (2) to collaborate in the linkage 
of their databases and reporting systems to other funded regions; (3) 
to periodically conduct water quality needs assessments for the region 
and report on partnerships and progress in water quality improvement; 
(4) to facilitate the incorporation of relevant projects that may 
become funded in the region through CSREES programs (including other 
sections of the Water Quality Program, the National Research 
Initiative, the Animal Waste Center, the Initiative for Future 
Agriculture and Food Systems) or through other federal and state 
programs (e.g., EPA 319, EPA National Center for Environmental Research 
and Quality Assurance (NCERQA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and 
NOAA); and (5) to be compatible with related information sources (e.g., 
USGS NAWQA Program, EPA Know Your Watershed, CSREES Integrated Pest 
Management Program, and the CSREES Pesticide Impact Assessment 
Program).
3. Extension Education Proposals (Program Area 110.C) (Maximum award: 
$100,000/year for one to three years).
    Proposals are invited for Extension Education projects to address 
water quality issues of State or local importance. One mission of the 
CSREES Water Quality Program is to provide leadership in extension 
education that will enable individuals, industry, and government to 
effect changes enhancing and protecting the Nation's water resources 
for the public good. The vision is to be recognized as an important and 
effective partnership providing leadership for water quality education 
to help people, industry, and governments prevent and solve current and 
emerging water quality problems. Proposals for this program are 
expected to address one or more of the seven strategic extension 
priorities of the Water Quality Program (see http://www.reeusda.gov/nre/water/strategi.htm). The seven areas of emphasis for the education 
program are under-served audiences, watersheds and aquifers, surface 
water systems, public policy, individual actions, volunteerism, and 
partnerships. Applicants are encouraged to develop extension education 
projects that

[[Page 14779]]

address one or more of the seven theme areas listed in Part II. B. All 
proposals are required to include specific, measureable accomplishments 
for each project year. Metadata and accomplishments reports will be 
delivered annually to the appropriate regional coordination group. See 
``Regional Water Quality Coordination Proposals'' above.
4. Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Proposals (Program 
Area 110.D) (Maximum award: $200,000/year up to three years).
    Proposals are invited that integrate water quality research, 
education, and extension to solve water quality problems at the whole 
watershed. Proposals should: (a) Identify the cause of water quality 
degradation; (b) conduct research filling the gaps that are critical to 
the development of water improvement practices and programs; (c) 
implement watershed-scale improvement programs; (d) evaluate and 
monitor the efficacy of the improvement programs implemented; (e) 
assess the costs and benefits of water quality management practices 
that are developed; and (f) conduct evaluations closing the loop and 
improving our understanding of the drivers of water quality 
degradation. Each proposal is expected to present a fully integrated 
research, education, and extension approach to accomplish the 
objectives listed in (a) through (f) above. CSREES also encourages the 
inclusion of a curriculum development component that takes advantage of 
the integrated watershed activities to enhance environmental education 
at all levels. The proposing investigators are expected to justify 
watershed selection (e.g., the level of water quality degradation--
chemical, physical, and biological; the relative distribution of 
agricultural, range or forestry land uses within the watershed; and/or 
proximity to coastal resources) and to demonstrate capacities for 
establishing and/or maintaining watershed-wide partnerships for the 
project's implementation. Preference will be given to proposals that: 
(1) Demonstrate a substantial potential to contribute long term 
information, existing opportunities for leveraging support and cost 
sharing, and active public and private sector participation; (2) take 
advantage of the participatory educational and extension opportunities 
engendered by the watershed's restoration and by its continued 
management; and/or (3) focus on watersheds where the project will 
better inform policy makers in developing the most equitable multistate 
and/or regional strategies for water quality improvement. Applicants 
are encouraged to address one or more of the seven theme areas 
identified in Part II. B. All proposals are required to include 
specific, measurable accomplishments each project year. Metadata and 
accomplishments reports will be delivered annually to the appropriate 
regional coordination groups. See ``Regional Water Quality Coordination 
Proposals'' above.
5. Other Funding Opportunities
    It is anticipated the a joint RFP with EPA will be published in the 
Federal Register at a later date. This RFP will solicit proposals that 
integrate research and extension activities aimed at addressing 
nutrient management issues at the watershed scale. The amount of CSREES 
funding for this purpose is approximately $3,000,000. After 
publication, this joint RFP will be made available at the web sites of 
both agencies (i.e., CSREES: http://www.reeusda.gov/integrated/ and EPA: http://www.epa.gov). Should this effort not 
succeed, these funds will be used to support proposals solicited under 
this RFP.

Part III--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials are available at the Integrated 
Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program website 
(http://www.reeusda.gov/integrated/). If you do not have access to our 
web page or have trouble downloading material, you may contact the 
Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES at 
(202) 401-5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please 
indicate that you are requesting forms for the FY 2001 Integrated 
Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program--Water 
Quality. These materials may also be requested via Internet by sending 
a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and phone number 
to [email protected]. State that you want a copy of the Program 
Description and application materials (orange book) for the Fiscal Year 
2001 Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
Program--Water Quality.

B. Content of Proposals

1. General
    The proposal should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers to 
more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic, 
consistent fashion:
    (a) The proposal should be prepared on only one side of the page 
using standard size (8\1/2\" x 11") white paper, one inch margins, 
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and 
single or double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., 
Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
    (b) Each page of the proposal, including the Project Summary, 
budget pages, required forms, and any appendices, should be numbered 
sequentially.
    (c) The proposal should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner. 
Do not bind. An original and 14 copies (15 total) must be submitted in 
one package, along with 10 copies of the ``Project Summary'' as a 
separate attachment.
    (d) If applicable, proposals should include original illustrations 
(photographs, color prints, etc.) in all copies of the proposal to 
prevent loss of meaning through poor quality reproduction.
2. Cover Page (Form CSREES-661)
    Each copy of each grant proposal must contain an ``Application for 
Funding'', Form CSREES-661. One copy of the application, preferably the 
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing 
principal investigator(s)/project director(s)(PI/PD) and the authorized 
organizational representative who possesses the necessary authority to 
commit the organization's time and other relevant resources to the 
project. Any proposed PI/PD or co-PI/PD whose signature does not appear 
on Form CSREES-661 will not be listed on any resulting grant award. 
Complete both signature blocks located at the bottom of the 
``Application for Funding'' form.
    Form CSREES-661 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant 
database; it is therefore important that it be completed accurately. 
The following items are highlighted as having a high potential for 
errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Title of Project (Block 6). The title of the project must be 
brief (80-character maximum), yet represent the major thrust of the 
effort being proposed. Project titles are read by a variety of 
nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words or phraseology 
should be avoided where possible. In addition, introductory phrases 
such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,'' ``education for,'' or 
``outreach that'' should not be used.
    (b) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 7). ``Integrated 
Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program--Water 
Quality.''

[[Page 14780]]

    (c) Program Area and Number (Block 8). The name of the program 
component (e.g., National Facilitation Proposal, 110.A or Regional 
Water Quality Coordination, 110.B) should be inserted in this block.
    (d) Type of Award Request (Block 13). Check the block for ``new'' 
or ``resubmission.''
    (e) Principal Investigator(s)/Project Director(s) (PI/PD) (Block 
15). The designation of excessive numbers of co-PI/PD's creates 
problems during final review and award processing. Listing multiple co-
PI/PD's, beyond those required for genuine collaboration, is therefore 
discouraged. Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary, 
but is an integral part of the CSREES information system and will 
assist in the processing of the proposal.
    (f) Type of Performing Organization (Block 18). A check should be 
placed in the box beside the type of organization which actually will 
carry out the effort. For example, if the proposal is being submitted 
by an 1862 Land-Grant Institution but the work will be performed in a 
department, laboratory, or other organizational unit of an agricultural 
experiment station, box ``03'' should be checked. If portions of the 
effort are to be performed in several departments, check the box that 
applies to the individual listed as PI/PD #1 in Block 15.a.
    (g) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 22). List the names or acronyms 
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within 
USDA and other programs funded by CSREES to whom your application has 
been or might be sent. In the event you decide to send your application 
to another organization or agency at a later date, you must inform the 
identified CSREES Program Director as soon as practicable. Submitting 
your proposal to other potential sponsors will not prejudice its review 
by CSREES; however, duplicate support for the same project will not be 
provided. Complete the ``Application for Funding,'' Form CSREES-661, in 
its entirety.
    (h) One copy of the ``Application for Funding'' form must contain 
the signatures of the PI/PD(s) and authorized organizational 
representative for the applicant organization.
3. Table of Contents
    For consistency and ease in locating information, each proposal 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents just after the cover page. 
The Table of Contents should contain page numbers for each component of 
the proposal. Page numbers should begin with the first page of the 
Project Description.
4. Project Summary
    The proposal must contain a Project Summary of 250 words or less on 
a separate page which should be placed immediately after the Table of 
Contents and should not be numbered. The names and affiliated 
organizations of all PI/PD's and co-PI/PD's should be listed on this 
form, in addition to the title of the project. The summary should be a 
self-contained, specific description of the activity to be undertaken 
and should focus on: overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; 
plans to accomplish project goal(s); and relevance of the project to 
regional, State, or local water quality efforts and/or list of CSREES 
Water Quality Program Priorities listed above. The importance of a 
concise, informative Project Summary cannot be overemphasized. 
Summaries for Regional Water Quality Coordination proposals should also 
indicate all organizations participating in the effort, the 
organization that will house the database effort, and the mechanism 
that will be used to coordinate between organizations.
5. Response to Previous Review
    This requirement only applies to ``Resubmitted Proposals'' as 
described under Part I, E, ``Types of Proposals.'' For these proposals, 
the investigator(s) must respond to the previous panel summary on no 
more than one page, titled ``RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW,'' which is to 
be placed directly after the Project Summary. If desired, additional 
comments and responses to the previous panel summary may be included in 
the text of the Project Description, subject to the page limitation.
6. Project Description
    Please Note: For Regional Water Quality Coordination and for 
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension proposals, the project 
description may not exceed 15 single- or double-spaced pages of written 
text and may not exceed a total of 20 pages after inclusion of figures 
and tables.
    For National Facilitation and for Extension Education proposals, 
the project description may not exceed 8 single- or double-spaced pages 
of written text and may not exceed a total of ten pages after inclusion 
of figures and tables. This maximum has been established to ensure fair 
and equitable competition. The Project Description must include all of 
the following:
    a. Introduction: A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and 
supporting objectives of the proposed activities should be included. 
Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities which 
substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe ongoing or 
recently completed significant activities related to the proposed 
project including the work of key project personnel. Preliminary data/
information pertinent to the proposed project should be included. In 
addition, this section should include in-depth information on the 
following, when applicable:
    (1) Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to 
stakeholders and to ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural 
research, education and extension programs.
    (2) Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, 
and implementation and evaluation as appropriate.
    (3) Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing 
institution.
    b. Objectives: Clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged 
statement(s) of specific aims of the proposed effort must be included 
in all proposals.
    c. Methods: The procedures or methodology to be applied to the 
proposed effort should be explicitly stated. This section should 
include but not necessarily be limited to:
    (1) A description of stakeholder involvement in problem 
identification, planning, implementation and evaluation;
    (2) A description of the proposed project activities in the 
sequence in which it is planned to carry them out;
    (3) Techniques to be employed, including their feasibility and 
rationale for their use in this project;
    (4) Kinds of results expected;
    (5) Means by which extension and education activities will be 
evaluated;
    (6) Means by which data will be analyzed or interpreted;
    (7) Details of plans to communicate results to stakeholders and the 
public;
    (8) Pitfalls that might be encountered; and
    (9) Limitations to proposed procedures.
    d. Cooperation and Institutional Units Involved: Cooperative, 
multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary applications are encouraged. 
Identify each institutional unit contributing to the project and 
designate the lead institution or institutional unit. When appropriate, 
the project should be coordinated with the efforts of other State and/
or national programs. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of 
each institutional partner of the project team.
    e. Facilities and Equipment: All facilities which are available for 
use or

[[Page 14781]]

assignment to the project during the requested period of support should 
be reported and described briefly. All items of major equipment or 
instrumentation available for use or assignment to the proposed project 
should be itemized. In addition, items of nonexpendable equipment 
needed to conduct and bring the project to a successful conclusion 
should be listed, including dollar amounts and, if funds are requested 
for their acquisition, justified.
    f. Project Timetable: The proposal should outline all important 
phases as a function of time, year by year, for the entire project, 
including periods beyond the grant funding period.
    In addition to the above, the National Facilitation and Regional 
Water Quality Coordination proposals should describe the roles and 
responsibilities of central coordinators and should present a 
management plan for the administration of the project including 
facilitation of communication, planning, and annual report preparation.
7. References
    All references cited should be complete, including titles and all 
co-authors, and should conform to an accepted journal format.
8. Appendices to Project Description
    Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are 
directly germane to the proposed project and are limited to a total of 
two of the following: reprints (papers that have been published in peer 
reviewed journals) and preprints (manuscripts in press for a peer 
reviewed journal; these must be accompanied by a letter of acceptance 
from the publishing journal).
9. Key Personnel
    The following should be included, as applicable:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PI/PD and/or 
collaborator should be clearly described;
    (b) An estimate of the time commitment involved for each PI/PD and/
or collaborator, including current and pending projects; and
    (c) Vitae of each PI/PD, senior associate, and other professional 
personnel. This section should include vitae of all key persons who are 
expected to work on the project, whether or not CSREES funds are sought 
for their support. The vitae should be limited to two (2) pages each in 
length, excluding publications listings. A chronological list of all 
publications in refereed journals during the past four (4) years, 
including those in press, must be provided for each professional 
project member for whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Also list only 
those non-refereed publications that have relevance to the proposed 
project. All authors should be listed in the same order as they appear 
on each paper cited, along with the title and complete reference as 
these usually appear in journals.
10. Conflict-of-Interest List
    A Conflict-of-Interest List must be provided for all individuals 
involved in the project (i.e., each individual submitting a vitae in 
response to item 9.(c) of this part). Each list should be on a separate 
page and include alphabetically the full names of the individuals in 
the following categories: (a) All collaborators on projects within the 
past four years, including current and planned collaborations; (b) all 
co-authors on publications within the past four years, including 
pending publications and submissions; (c) all persons in your field 
with whom you have had a consulting or financial arrangement within the 
past four years, who stand to gain by seeing the project funded; and 
(d) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors within the past four 
years (some may wish to call these life-time conflicts). This form is 
necessary to assist program staff in excluding from proposal review 
those individuals who have conflicts-of-interest with the personnel in 
the grant proposal. The Program Director must be informed of any 
additional conflicts-of-interest that arise after the proposal is 
submitted.
11. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. In addition, evidence should be provided 
that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these services. 
If the need for consultant services is anticipated, the proposal 
narrative should provide a justification for the use of such services, 
a statement of work to be performed, a resume or curriculum vita for 
each consultant, and rate of pay for each consultant. For purposes of 
proposal development, informal day-to-day contacts between key project 
personnel and outside experts are not considered to be collaborative 
arrangements and thus do not need to be detailed.
    All anticipated subcontractual arrangements also should be 
explained and justified in this section. A proposed statement of work 
and a budget for each arrangement involving the transfer of substantive 
programmatic work or the providing of financial assistance to a third 
party must be provided. Agreements between departments or other units 
of your own institution and minor arrangements with entities outside of 
your institution (e.g., requests for outside laboratory analyses) are 
excluded from this requirement.
    If you expect to enter into subcontractual arrangements, please 
note that the provisions contained in 7 CFR part 3019, USDA Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grant and Other Agreements with 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit 
Organizations, and the general provisions contained in 7 CFR part 
3015.205, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, flow down to 
subrecipients. In addition, required clauses from Sections 40-48 
(``Procurement Standards'') and Appendix A (``Contract Provisions'') to 
7 CFR part 3019 should be included in final contractual documents, and 
it is necessary for the subawardee to make a certification relating to 
debarment/suspension.
12. Budget (Form CSREES-55)
    a. Budget Form. Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-55, in accordance 
with instructions provided. A budget form is required for each year of 
requested support. In addition, a cumulative budget is required 
detailing the requested total support for the overall project period. 
The budget form may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds may be 
requested under any of the categories listed on the form, provided that 
the item or service for which support is requested is allowable under 
the authorizing legislation, the applicable Federal cost principles, 
and these program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the 
successful conduct of the proposed project. Applicants must also 
include a budget narrative to justify their budgets (see section b 
below.)
    The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal 
budget(s):
    1. Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges and 
may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project in 
proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If 
salary funds are requested, the number of Senior and Other Personnel 
and the number of CSREES-Funded Work Months must be shown in the spaces 
provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the total salary or 
rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse them for time in 
addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general period 
of employment.

[[Page 14782]]

Salary funds requested must be consistent with the normal policies of 
the institution.
    2. Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit costs 
if the usual accounting practices of your organization provide that 
organizational contributions to employee benefits (e.g., social 
security and retirement) be treated as direct costs. Fringe benefit 
costs may be included only for those personnel whose salaries are 
charged as a direct cost to the project.
    3. Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible 
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged 
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an 
acquisition cost of $5,000 (or lower depending on institutional policy) 
or more per unit. As such, items of necessary instrumentation or other 
nonexpendable equipment should be listed individually by description 
and estimated cost in the budget narrative. This applies to revised 
budgets as well, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may change.
    4. Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials and 
supplies which are required to carry out the project should be 
indicated in general terms with estimated costs in the budget 
narrative.
    5. Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to 
project objectives should be described briefly and justified. If travel 
is proposed, the destination, the specific purpose of the travel, a 
brief itinerary, inclusive dates of travel, and estimated cost must be 
provided for each trip. Airfare allowances normally will not exceed 
round-trip jet economy air accommodations. U.S. flag carriers must be 
used when available. See 7 CFR Part 3015.205(b)(4) for further 
guidance.
    6. Publication Costs/Page Charges. Include anticipated costs 
associated with publications in a journal (preparing and publishing 
results including page charges, necessary illustrations, and the cost 
of a reasonable number of coverless reprints) and audio-visual 
materials that will be produced. Photocopying and printing brochure, 
etc., should be shown in Section I., ``All Other Direct Costs'' of Form 
CSREES-55.
    7. Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using 
specialized facilities (such as a university-or department-controlled 
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such 
services are required for completion of the work.
    8. All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not 
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated 
costs and justified in the budget narrative. This also applies to 
revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar amount(s) may change. 
Examples may include space rental at remote locations, subcontractual 
costs, and charges for consulting services, telephone, facsimile, 
shipping costs, and fees necessary for laboratory analyses. You are 
encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for Completing Form CSREES-55, 
Budget,'' of the Application Kit for detailed guidance relating to this 
budget category. Form AD-1048 must be completed by each subcontractor 
or consultant and retained by the grantee.
    9. Indirect Costs. Section 1462 of the National Agricultural 
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310) 
limits indirect costs for this program to 19 percent of total Federal 
funds provided under each award. Therefore the recovery of indirect 
costs under this program may not exceed the lesser of the institution's 
official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 19 percent 
of total Federal funds awarded. Another method of calculating the 
maximum allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct costs. If no 
rate has been negotiated, a reasonable dollar amount (equivalent to or 
less than 19 percent of total Federal funds requested) in lieu of 
indirect costs may be requested, subject to approval by USDA.
    b. Budget Narrative. All budget categories, excluding Indirect 
Costs, for which support is requested, must be individually listed 
(with costs) in the same order as the budget and justified on a 
separate sheet of paper and placed immediately behind the Budget Form. 
Explanations of matching funds or lack there of on commodity-specific 
projects also are to be included in this section.
    c. Matching Funds. If an applicant concludes that matching funds 
are not required as specified under Part I, F, ``Matching 
Requirements,'' a justification should be included in the budget 
narrative. CSREES will consider this justification when ascertaining 
final matching requirements or in determining if required matching can 
be waived. CSREES retains the right to make final determinations 
regarding matching requirements.
    For those grants requiring matching funds as specified under Part 
I, F, proposals should include written verification of commitments of 
matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from 
third parties. Written verification means:
    (a) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational 
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant 
organization, which must include: (1) The name, address, and telephone 
number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3) 
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (4) the dollar 
amount of the cash donation; and (5) a statement that the donor will 
pay the cash contribution during the grant period; and
    (b) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized 
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the 
applicant organization, which must include: (1) The name, address, and 
telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant 
organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is 
made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the 
third party in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor 
will make the contribution during the grant period.
    The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the 
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and 
placed in the proposal immediately following the budget narrative. All 
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following 
the summary of matching support.
    The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be 
established in accordance with applicable cost principles. Applicants 
should refer to OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational 
Institutions, for further guidance and other requirements relating to 
matching and allowable costs.
13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-663)
    All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current 
public or private support (including in-house support) to which 
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to 9.(c) of 
this part) identified in the proposal have committed portions of their 
time, whether or not salary support for person(s) involved is included 
in the budget. Analogous information must be provided for any pending 
proposals that are being considered by, or that will be submitted in 
the near future to, other possible sponsors, including other USDA

[[Page 14783]]

Programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
proposals to the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal review 
or evaluation by the CSREES for this purpose. However, a proposal that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with a proposal already reviewed 
and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency will not 
be funded under this program. Note that the project being proposed 
should be included in the pending section of the form.
14. Assurance Statement(s), (Form CSREES-662)
    A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects 
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before 
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other 
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project, it is 
expected that some applications submitted in response to these 
guidelines will involve the following:
    a. Recombinant DNA or RNA Research. As stated in 7 CFR Part 
3015.205 (b)(3), all key personnel identified in the proposal and all 
endorsing officials of the proposing organization are required to 
comply with the guidelines established by the National Institutes of 
Health entitled, ``Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA 
Molecules,'' as revised. If your project proposes to use recombinant 
DNA or RNA techniques, you must so indicate by checking the ``yes'' box 
in Block 19 of Form CSREES-661 (the Cover Page) and by completing 
Section A of Form CSREES-662. For applicable proposals recommended for 
funding, Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required before 
CSREES funds will be released.
    b. Animal Care. Responsibility for the humane care and treatment of 
live vertebrate animals used in any grant project supported with funds 
provided by CSREES rests with the performing organization. Where a 
project involves the use of living vertebrate animals for experimental 
purposes, all key project personnel identified in a proposal and all 
endorsing officials of the proposing organization are required to 
comply with the applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare Act of 
1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) and the regulations 
promulgated thereunder by the Secretary in 9 CFR Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 
pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of these animals. If 
your project will involve these animals, you should check ``yes'' in 
block 20 of Form CSREES-661 and complete Section B of Form CSREES-662. 
In the event a project involving the use of live vertebrate animals 
results in a grant award, funds will be released only after the 
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has approved the project.
    c. Protection of Human Subjects. Responsibility for safeguarding 
the rights and welfare of human subjects used in any grant project 
supported with funds provided by CSREES rests with the performing 
organization. Guidance on this issue is contained in the National 
Research Act, Pub. L. No. 93-348, as amended, and implementing 
regulations promulgated by the Department under 7 CFR Part 1c. If you 
propose to use human subjects for experimental purposes in your 
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 21 of Form CSREES-
661 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-662. In the event a project 
involving human subjects results in a grant award, funds will be 
released only after the appropriate Institutional Review Board has 
approved the project.
15. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-661 the applicant is providing the 
certifications required by 7 CFR Part 3017, as amended, regarding 
Debarment and Suspension and Drug Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, 
regarding Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the 
application package for informational purposes only. These forms should 
not be submitted with the proposal since by signing Form CSREES-661 
your organization is providing the required certifications. If the 
project will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a Form AD-1048 to the grantee organization for 
retention in their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
16. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-1234)
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (i.e., the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service regulations implementing 
NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is to be 
provided to CSREES so that CSREES may determine whether any further 
action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions 
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a particular project is necessary; 
therefore, Form CSREES-1234, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included 
in the proposal indicating whether the applicant is of the opinion that 
the project falls within a categorical exclusion and the reasons 
therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the proposed project 
falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific exclusion must be 
identified. Form CSREES-1234 and supporting documentation should be 
included as the last page of this proposal.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if 
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other 
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause 
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.

C. Submission of Proposals

1. When to Submit (Deadline Date)
    Proposals must be received by COB on May 14, 2001 (5:00 p.m. EST). 
Proposals received after this date will not be considered for funding.
2. What to Submit
    An original and 14 copies must be submitted. In addition submit 10 
copies of the proposal's Project Summary. All copies of the proposals 
and the Project Summaries must be submitted in one package.
3. Where to Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed proposals 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted 
using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Integrated 
Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program--Water 
Quality; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; 
Waterfront Center, Room 1307; 800 9th Street, SW.; Washington, DC 
20024.
    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Integrated Research, Education, and Extension 
Competitive Grants Program--Water Quality; c/o Proposal Services Unit; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; 
Washington, D.C. 20250-2245.

[[Page 14784]]

D. Acknowledgment of Proposals

    The receipt of all proposals will be acknowledged by e-mail. 
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide e-mail 
addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-661. If the applicant's 
e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge receipt of 
proposal by letter.
    Once the proposal has been assigned an identification number, 
please cite that number on all future correspondence. If the applicant 
does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of the submission 
deadline, please contact the Program Director.

Part IV--Review Process

A. General

    Each proposal will be evaluated in a 2-part process. First, each 
proposal will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative 
requirements as set forth in this request for proposals. Second, 
proposals that meet these requirements will be technically evaluated by 
a peer review panel.
    Peer review panel members will be selected based upon their 
training and experience in relevant scientific, education or extension 
fields taking into account the following factors: (a) The level of 
formal scientific, technical education, and extension experience of the 
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in 
relevant research, education and/or extension activities; (b) the need 
to include as peer reviewers experts from various areas of 
specialization within relevant scientific, education, and extension 
fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., 
producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can 
assess relevance of the proposals to targeted audiences and to program 
needs; (d) the need to include as peer reviewers experts from a variety 
of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state 
and Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations), and 
geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition 
of peer review groups with regard to minority and female representation 
and an equitable age distribution; and (f) the need to include members 
that can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general 
public of each proposal.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    Technical merit, relevance to program goals and potential impact 
will be evaluated for each proposal. Proposals must show evidence of 
strength in all of these areas to be rated highly for funding. Specific 
criteria for these proposal attributes are listed below.
    (1) Technical merit of all aspects of the proposal, including 
research, education and extension components.
    (a) Conceptual adequacy of overall approach;
    (b) Extent to which proposed work addresses identified stakeholder 
needs;
    (c) Conceptual adequacy of hypothesis or hypotheses on which plan 
is based;
    (d) Suitability and feasibility of the methodology for conducting 
the work;
    (e) Time allocated for attainment of objectives;
    (f) Qualifications of project personnel;
    (g) Institutional experience and competence in the identified area 
of work;
    (h) Adequacy of available support personnel, equipment, and 
facilities;
    (i) Extent to which proposed work integrates research, education 
and extension; and
    (j) Suitability and feasibility of the methodology for evaluating 
extension and education activities.
    (2) Relevancy to Program Goals and Potential Impact.
    (a) Relationship of project objectives to national issues and 
objectives;
    (b) Regional or national magnitude of problem addressed;
    (c) Evidence of partnerships with other disciplines and 
institutions;
    (d) Extent to which end users are involved in problem 
identification, planning, implementation and evaluation;
    (e) Probability of success of the project; and
    (f) Extent to which potential impact can be documented.
    The National Facilitation proposals and Regional Water Quality 
Coordination proposals will also be judged on the quality of the 
management plan that is proposed.
    Priority will be given for integrated, multifunctional research, 
education, and extension projects.

C. Conflicts-of-Interest and Confidentiality

    During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to 
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts-of-interest that may impact 
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts-of-
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution 
shall be determined by reference to the 2000 Higher Education 
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400 
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone: 
(703) 532-2305.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
proposal content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, 
except to those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted 
by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain 
confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names 
of the reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the 
fiscal year, names of panelists will be made available in such a way 
that the panelists cannot be identified with the review of any 
particular proposal.

Part V--Grant Awards

A. General

    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible 
applicants whose proposals are judged most meritorious under the 
procedures set forth in this RFP. The date specified by the awarding 
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later 
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is 
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, 
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project 
need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFP 
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable 
Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations 
(parts 3015 and 3019 of 7 CFR).

B. Funding Mechanisms

    The two mechanisms by which grants may be awarded are as follows:
    (1) Standard grant. This is a funding mechanism whereby the 
Department agrees to support a specified level of effort for a 
predetermined time period without the announced intention of providing 
additional support at a future date.
    (2) Continuation grant. This is a funding mechanism whereby the 
Department agrees to support a specified level of effort for a 
predetermined period of time with a statement of intention to provide 
additional support at a future date, provided that performance has been 
satisfactory, appropriations are available for this purpose, and 
continued support

[[Page 14785]]

will be in the best interests of the Federal government and the public. 
This kind of mechanism normally will be awarded for an initial one-year 
period, and any subsequent continuation project grants will be awarded 
in one-year increments. The award of a continuation project grant to 
fund an initial or succeeding budget period does not constitute an 
obligation to fund any subsequent budget period. Unless prescribed 
otherwise by CSREES, a grantee must submit a separate application for 
continued support for each subsequent fiscal year. Requests for such 
continued support must be submitted in duplicate at least three months 
prior to the expiration date of the budget period currently being 
funded. Decisions regarding continued support and the actual funding 
levels of such support in future years usually will be made 
administratively after consideration of such factors as the grantee's 
progress and management practices and the availability of funds. Since 
initial peer reviews are based upon the full term and scope of the 
original application, additional evaluations of this type generally are 
not required prior to successive years' support. However, in unusual 
cases (e.g., when the nature of the project or key personnel change or 
when the amount of future support requested substantially exceeds the 
grant application originally reviewed and approved), additional reviews 
may be required prior to approving continued funding.

C. Organizational Management Information

    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFP, 
if such information has not been provided previously under this or 
another CSREES program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended 
for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward 
process.

D. Grant Award Document and Notice of Grant Award

    The grant award document shall include at a minimum the following:
    (1) Legal name and address of performing organization or 
institution to whom the Administrator has awarded a grant under the 
terms of this request for proposals;
    (2) Title of project;
    (3) Name(s) and address(es) of PI/PD's chosen to direct and control 
approved activities;
    (4) Identifying grant number assigned by the Department;
    (5) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    (6) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
the Administrator during the project period;
    (7) Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is awarded;
    (8) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    (9) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective granting activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular grant.
    The notice of grant award, in the form of a letter, will be 
prepared and will provide pertinent instructions or information to the 
grantee that is not included in the grant award document.

Part VI--Additional Information

A. Access To Review Information

    Copies of summary reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, 
will be sent to the applicant PI/PD after the review process has been 
completed.

B. Use of Funds; Changes

(1) Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
    Unless the terms and conditions of the grant state otherwise, the 
grantee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another 
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or 
expenditure of grant funds.
(2) Changes in Project Plans
    (a) The permissible changes by the grantee, PI/PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project grant shall be limited to 
changes in methodology, techniques, or other aspects of the project to 
expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the grantee 
and/or the PI/PD(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies with 
this provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES Authorized 
Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination.
    (b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by 
the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which 
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
    (c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or 
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the 
grantee and approved in writing by the awarding official of CSREES 
prior to effecting such changes.
    (d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether 
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the grantee 
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, 
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the grant.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by CSREES without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project, but in no case shall the total 
project period exceed five years. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the grantee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
a grant.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the grantee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or 
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the 
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or in the 
grant award.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

    It is expected that outputs from successful projects will include: 
the development of watershed management partnerships, increased 
involvement of community and business sectors in watershed restoration 
and management, enhanced understanding of regionally-appropriate 
watershed management practices, increased coordination and partnership 
between universities and other Federal research and management 
agencies, and the establishment and maintenance of monitoring and 
assessment activities related to the agricultural-water quality 
interface.
    Successful projects should describe how they will measure specific 
improvements in the overall quality of water resources. Additionally, 
projects should describe all measureable outcomes and results and where 
appropriate, how they will evaluate the effectiveness of extension and 
education programs.
    All projects selected for award will be required to deliver 
metadata and annual reports, a final summary report, a bibliography of 
publications and training materials resulting from support, and an 
impacts analysis. All reports will be geo-referenced to the

[[Page 14786]]

watersheds where activities were performed. The final summary report 
must include total funding (Federal, matching and other) and a listing 
of students who worked on the project (report graduate degrees awarded 
and undergraduates trained).
    The grantee must prepare an annual report that details all 
significant activities towards achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project. The narrative should be succinct and be no longer than 10 
pages, using 12-point, single-spaced type. A budget summary should be 
attached to this report, which will provide an overview of all monies 
spent during the reporting period.

D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant proposals 
considered for review and to project grants awarded under this program. 
These include, but are not limited to:
    7 CFR part 1.1--USDA implementation of the Freedom of Information 
Act.
    7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 
regarding debt collection.
    7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
    7 CFR part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122) 
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (the Federal Grant 
and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as 
general policy requirements applicable to recipients of Departmental 
financial assistance.
    7 CFR part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment 
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for 
Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).
    7 CFR part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans.
    7 CFR part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit 
Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, 
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
    7 CFR part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
    29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR 
part 15b (USDA implementation of statute)--prohibiting discrimination 
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
    35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of 
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and 
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally 
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR 
part 401).

E. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    When a proposal results in a grant, it becomes a part of the record 
of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific request. 
Information that the Secretary determines to be of a confidential, 
privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the 
extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant 
wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary 
should be clearly marked within the proposal. The original copy of a 
proposal that does not result in a grant will be retained by the Agency 
for a period of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Such a 
proposal will be released only with the consent of the applicant or to 
the extent required by law. A proposal may be withdrawn at any time 
prior to the final action thereon.

F. Regulatory Information

    For the 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 the Executive Order 12372 which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under 
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, as amended (44 
U.S.C. chapter 35), the collection of information requirements 
contained in this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 
0524-0022.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 7th day of March 2001.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-6180 Filed 3-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P