[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 52 (Friday, March 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15334-15343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6573]



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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service





National Aeronautics and Space Administration





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 Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; 
Interagency Program Announcement; Request for Proposals and Request for 
Input; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 52 / Friday, March 16, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION


Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; 
Interagency Program Announcement; Request for Proposals and Request for 
Input

AGENCIES: U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals and request for input.

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SUMMARY: As a collaborative, interagency effort, the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Earth Science Enterprise 
(ESE) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are 
soliciting proposals for the Application of Geospatial and Precision 
Technologies Program. Proposals are hereby requested from eligible 
institutions as identified herein for competitive consideration of 
awards. By this notice, CSREES additionally solicits stakeholder input 
from any interested party regarding this request for proposals (RFP) 
for use in the development of any future RFPs for this Program.

DATES: A ``Letter of Intent'' is requested and is due close of business 
(COB) on April 11, 2001 (5:00 p.m. EST). Proposals must be received by 
COB May 9, 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: Applicants may e-mail the ``Letter of Intent'' to Dr. J. 
Preston Jones at [email protected] or send the letter by mail to 
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; Mail Stop 
2220; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-2220; or fax the Letter to Application of 
Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program at (202) 401-1602.
    The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted 
using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Application of 
Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; c/o Proposal Services 
Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 1307, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies 
Program; 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; Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of 
Agriculture; 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: Dr. J. Preston Jones, Initiative for 
Future Agriculture and Food Systems Program (IFAFS); Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 3436, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC; telephone: (202) 401-1990; fax: (202) 401-1602; e-mail: 
[email protected]; or Dr. Raymond Knighton, Initiative For Future 
Agriculture and Food Systems; Cooperative State Research, Education, 
and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3186, 
Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC; telephone: 
(202) 401-6417; fax: (202) 401-1706; e-mail: [email protected]; or 
Dr. Rodney McKellip, ESE Applications Lead Center; John C. Stennis 
Space Center; Code MA00 Bldg. 1100; SCC, MS 29529-6000; telephone: 
(228) 688-2984; fax: (228) 688-7455; e-mail: [email protected]; or 
Dr. Nathan Sovik, ESE Applications Lead Center; John C. Stennis Space 
Center; MA00 Bldg. 1100; SCC, MS 29529-6000; telephone: (228) 688-7355; 
fax: (228) 688-7455; 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. Eligibility
    D. Matching Requirements
    E. Types of Proposals
    F. Restrictions on Use of Funds
Part II--Letter of Intent and Program Description
    A. Letter of Intent
    B. Program Description
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Proposals
    1. General
    2. Application for Funding Cover Page
    3. Table of Contents
    4. Project Summary
    5. Response to Previous Review
    6. Project Description
    7. References in Project Description
    8. Appendices to Project Description
    9. Facilities and Equipment
    10. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
    11. Key Personnel
    12. Conflict-of-Interest List
    13. Budget
    14. Budget Narrative
    15. Matching Funds
    16. Current and Pending Support
    17. Assurance Statements
    18. Certifications
    19. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
    C. Application Submission Information
    1. When to submit
    2. What to Submit
    3. Where to submit
    D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
Part IV--Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Factors
Part V--Award Administration
    A. General
    B. Organizational Management Information
    C. Award Document
    D. Notice of Award
    E. Funding Mechanisms
    F. Use of Funds; Changes
    G. Applicable Regulations
    H. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding this solicitation from any 
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development 
of any future RFP for the program. Such comments will be forwarded to 
the Secretary of Agriculture or her designee for use in meeting 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 RFPs for 
competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as provided for in 
the Addresses and Dates portions of this Notice.

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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 10.302, Application of Geospatial and Precision 
Technologies Program, Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food 
Systems.

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Section 401 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7621) established in the Treasury 
of the United States an Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food 
Systems (IFAFS) account and authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to 
establish a research, extension, and education competitive grants 
program to address critical emerging U.S. agricultural issues related 
to (1) Future food production, (2) environmental quality and natural 
resource management, or (3) farm income. Grants are to be awarded in a 
number of areas including Precision Agriculture. The authority for NASA 
participation in this program is found in the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration Act of 1958, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(5), and 
section 316 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-391 (7 U.S.C. 5935 note).

B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability

    The purpose of this interagency program announcement is to solicit 
proposals to support development, validation and application of 
geospatial and precision technologies that are important to the 
productivity and sustainability of agriculture, and to the safety and 
quality of the nation's food supply. Priority will be given to projects 
that will provide for the application of geospatial and precision 
technologies to enhance the capacity to integrate site-specific and 
whole system efficiency and profitability. For the purpose of this 
announcement, geospatial technologies is defined as the suite of 
complimentary technologies that includes remote sensing, geographic 
information systems (GIS), and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
    There is no commitment by USDA or NASA to fund any particular 
proposal or to make a specific number of awards. The participating 
agencies currently have a total of approximately $7.5 million available 
for this Program in fiscal year (FY) 2001. Subject to the availability 
of funds, the participating agencies anticipate that an additional $10 
million in funding will be available each year for this program or a 
successor program in FY 2002, FY 2003 and FY 2004, for an anticipated 
total level of support of approximately $38 million over four years.
    Applicants may request funding of up to $2 million over four years. 
Budgets should be commensurate with activities proposed with most 
requests expected to fall below the $2 million level. Awards will be 
made in the form of grants and cooperative agreements which will be 
determined at the time of the award. The exact amount of the award will 
depend on the advice of reviewers, agency priorities, and on the 
availability of funds. Each participating agency will obligate funds 
separately. However, a proposal may be funded by one or more of the 
participating agencies.

C. Eligibility

    Proposals may be submitted by colleges or universities, or research 
foundations maintained by a college or university, non-profit 
organization or Federal research agencies. The source of USDA funds for 
the Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program is the 
IFAFS program. Under the IFAFS program, proposals may be submitted by 
colleges or universities or research foundations maintained by a 
college or university. This represents a change from the FY 2000 
solicitation. Section 724 of Pub. L. No. 106-389, as amended by section 
101(a)(3) of H.R. 566 which was enacted by section 1(a)(4) of Pub. L. 
No. 106-554, removed Federal research agencies, national laboratories, 
and private research organizations from eligibility for IFAFS awards.
    Other types of institutions are not eligible as direct recipients 
of IFAFS funds, however they may be included as subcontracts on grants 
made to eligible institutions. Therefore, applications from academic 
institutions may be awarded by either USDA or NASA. Direct applications 
from a non-profit organization or Federal research agencies may be 
supported solely by NASA funds.

D. Matching Requirements

    If a grant provides for applied research that is commodity specific 
and not of national scope, the recipient will be required to provide 
funds or in-kind support to match the amount of Federal funds provided.

E. Types of Proposals

    In FY 2001, it is anticipated that most projects will be submitted 
as ``New Proposals.'' However, the USDA held a Precision Agriculture 
competition through the IFAFS program in FY 2000. Applicants to that 
program who were not grantees may choose to submit to the Application 
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program as a resubmission. 
Therefore two types of applications may be submitted:
    1. New proposal. This is a project proposal that has not been 
previously submitted to the Precision Agriculture Program of Initiative 
for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS). 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 been 
previously submitted to the IFAFS 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--Selection Process.

F. Restrictions on Use of Funds

    Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program funds 
may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of research spaces; 
the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces; or the 
planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of 
buildings or facilities.

Part II--Letter of Intent and Program Description

A. Letter of Intent

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent 
before submitting a full proposal. This letter should consist of three 
parts: (1) A descriptive title of the proposed project; (2) names and 
roles of project directors and other key personnel along with their 
institutions; and (3) a brief statement of approaches and objectives 
(500 words or less). This information will be used by CSREES and NASA 
staff in planning the review process. Because Letters of Intent will 
not be distributed for peer review, there will be no

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feedback from CSREES or NASA staff regarding the content of these 
letters. See Part III, C., Application Submission Information for 
specific mailing instructions. Failure to submit a Letter of Intent 
will not preclude applicants from submitting full proposals, however a 
Letter of Intent is nonetheless encouraged.

B. Program Description

    The section below has been developed based on a Memorandum of 
Understanding between NASA and USDA, which establishes a partnership 
for the support of development, validation and application of 
geospatial and precision technologies for agriculture. Successful 
proposals will be funded by USDA and NASA.
    Geospatial and precision technologies can be valuable tools if 
their applicability to agriculture and natural resource management can 
be demonstrated and then adopted. The use of these technologies range 
from defining simple field management zones to complex integration of 
multiple data sets with the goal of making production and harvesting 
more efficient and sustainable. Field-scale management using geospatial 
and precision technologies is needed to address spatial and temporal 
variability that limits the efficient use of inputs. Farmers, ranchers, 
and natural resource managers need decision support systems, remote 
sensing information, and sensors in their work places that quantify 
complex interactions between profitability and the natural resource 
base. To encourage development and adoption of operational solutions, 
multidisciplinary partnerships with industry, producers, and the 
research/education community are encouraged. Partnerships with other 
Federal agencies and partnerships addressing the needs of small and 
medium-sized farms are encouraged.
    Proposals submitted will enhance the Nation's capacity to integrate 
site-specific and whole system efficiency and profitability while 
minimizing deleterious impacts on natural resources and the 
environment. Proposals are solicited to address site-specific resource 
management based on an improved understanding of how soils, water, 
nutrients, climate, landscapes, crops and other natural resources 
interact to influence productivity and environmental quality, such as: 
(a) Decision support systems that integrate spatial and temporal 
variability for management of soils, water, nutrients, crop yield and 
quality, pests, and natural resources; (b) sensing and modeling of 
natural resource properties, using both ground-based and remote 
technologies, and other geospatial and precision technology 
applications based on user needs; (c) assessment of user needs and 
development of on-farm science, economic and environmental cost-benefit 
analysis, and documentation of adoption of geospatial and precision 
technologies by land managers; and, (d) training of competent and 
skilled professionals to transfer geospatial and precision technology 
to the user community. Proposals that provide short-term, low-risk 
solutions to the above priority issues are encouraged.
    Each proposal should have a clearly written management plan for the 
proposed applications being developed and evaluated. Proposals should 
also include a clear plan for evaluating the suitability (feasibility, 
efficacy, profitability, required infrastructure, and adoption 
strategies) of applications for the end user. Proposals should include 
a plan for the sustained use of the project's results (services, 
models, databases, support groups, training, etc.). Successful 
applicants may be invited to participate in an annual meeting with USDA 
and NASA scientists and other grantees to report on research activities 
and to discuss areas of mutual interest. Travel funds should be 
budgeted to accommodate that eventuality.
    (Additional information on related programs may be found at the 
USDA website http://www.reeusda.gov/ifafs and at the NASA website 
http://www.ag2020.org.)

Part III--Preparation of a Proposal

A. Program Application Materials

    Both participating agencies have agreed to use the USDA guidelines 
for proposal format (see below) and application kit. Other material may 
be required at the time of funding to facilitate the implementation of 
the award. Proposals that are funded by NASA may be subject to 
additional submission and reporting requirements.
    Program application materials are available at the CSREES website 
(www.reeusda.gov/AGPT). If you do not have access to the CSREES 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 Application of Geospatial and Precision 
Technologies Program. 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 Application of Geospatial and Precision 
Technologies Program.

B. Content of Proposals

    The proposals should be prepared following the guidelines and the 
instructions below.
    Each proposal must contain the following elements in the order 
indicated:
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. Application for Funding 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

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database; it is therefore important that it be completed accurately. 
The following items are highlighted as having a high potential for 
errors or misinterpretations:
    (1) 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.
    (2) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 7). ``Application of 
Geospatial and Precision Technologies.''
    (3) Type of Award Request (Block 13). Check the block for ``new'' 
or ``resubmission.''
    (4) Principal Investigator(s)/Project Director(s) (PI/PD) (Block 
15). The designation of excessive numbers of co-PI/PDs creates problems 
during final review and award processing. Listing multiple co-PI/PDs, 
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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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.
    (7) One copy of the ``Application for Funding'' form must contain 
the signatures (in ink) of the PI/PDs and authorized organizational 
representative for the applicant organization.
3. Table of Contents
    For ease in locating information, each proposal must contain a 
detailed table of contents just after the proposal Cover Page. The 
Table of Contents should include page numbers for each component of the 
proposal. Pagination should begin immediately following the Project 
Summary (see next section).
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 institutions of all 
PI/PDs and co-PI/PDs should be listed on this form, in addition to the 
title of the project. The summary is not intended for the general 
reader; consequently, it may contain technical language comprehendible 
by persons in disciplines relating to the food and agricultural 
sciences. The project 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 the goals of the 
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program.
5. Response to Previous Review
    This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Proposals as described 
under Part I, E., Types of Proposals. Resubmitted proposals are 
proposals that had previously been submitted to the IFAFS Precision 
Agriculture Program but not funded. For these proposals, the PI/PDs 
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
    A description of the project must not exceed 20 pages inclusive of 
tables, diagrams and other visual material, but excluding citations. 
The project description should be numbered and single or double-spaced 
with text on one side of the page using a 12 point (10 cpi) type font 
size and one-inch margins. The following points must be addressed in 
this section.
    Each project proposal's Project Description should contain 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 
substantiates 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;
    b. Relevance and Significance--The objectives' specific 
relationship to the goals of the IFAFS Program and to the Application 
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program in particular should 
be stated. Include a description of the significance of the activity 
and its value in improving agriculture through research, education and 
extension. Clearly describe the potential impact of the project.
    c. Approach--The activities proposed or problems being addressed 
must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly 
described. The following should be included: (1) A description of the 
activities proposed; (2) methods to be used in carrying out the 
project, including the feasibility of the methods; (3) expected 
outcomes; (4) means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or 
interpreted; and (5) how results or products will be used.
    d. Time Table--Provide an expected time line for completing the 
project in the requested duration.
    e. Collaborative Arrangements--Identify collaborations and provide 
a full explanation of the nature of the collaborations.
    f. Management Plan--It is expected that larger more complex 
projects (usually greater than $1 million) will require more extensive 
and complicated coordination and collaboration than is typically 
proposed for more focused projects. Therefore, explain how the project 
will be managed to ensure efficient administration of the grant and how 
activities will be integrated most effectively. Place this description 
after the Project Description.
    g. Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for 
assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the stated proposal 
objectives during the project and describe ways to determine the 
effectiveness of the end results during and upon termination of the 
project. In addition to the evaluation and monitoring of 
accomplishments

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associated with the project, evaluation and monitoring of the 
administration of the project must also be included if the project is 
complex and requires administrative oversight and extensive management. 
This description should include how funds and resources will be 
allocated so that collaborative participation of all parties throughout 
the duration of the project is ensured.
7. References in Project Description
    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. Facilities and Equipment
    All facilities and major items of equipment that are available for 
use or assignment to the proposed research project during the requested 
period of support should be described. In addition, items of 
nonexpendable equipment necessary to conduct and successfully complete 
the proposed project and for which support is requested under this 
program should be listed in the budget narrative with the amount and 
justification for each item.
10. 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, and a resume or curriculum vita 
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'') of 
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.
11. Key Personnel
    All senior personnel who are expected to be involved in the effort 
should be clearly identified. For each person the following should be 
included:
    a. The roles and responsibilities of each PI/PD should be 
described;
    b. An estimate of time commitment for each PI/PD; 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 funding is sought for 
their support. The vitae should be limited to two (2) pages in length, 
excluding publication lists. A chronological list of all publications 
in refereed journals during the past four (4) years, including those in 
press, must be provided for each project member for which a curriculum 
vitae is provided. Also list those non-refereed technical publications 
which 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.
12. Conflict-of-Interest List
    A Conflict-of-Interest List must be provided for all individuals 
involved in the project (identified as key personnel). 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.
13. Budget
    Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-55, in accordance with instructions 
provided. Budgets of up to a total of $2 million over four years may be 
requested. Budgets should be commensurate with activities proposed with 
most requests expected to fall below the $2 million level. 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. A copy of the form, which must be used for 
this purpose, along with instructions for completion is included in the 
Application Kit and 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 paragraph 13 below.)
    The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal 
budget(s):
    a. 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/NASA-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

[[Page 15339]]

in addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general 
period of employment. Salary funds requested must be consistent with 
the normal policies of the institution.
    b. 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 (social security, 
retirement, etc.) 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.
    c. 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.
    d. Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials, 
supplies, and data which are required to carry out the project should 
be indicated in general terms with estimated costs in the Budget 
Narrative.
    e. Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to 
project objectives should be described briefly and justified. If 
foreign travel is proposed, the country to be visited, 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 
3015.205(b)(4) for further guidance.
    f. 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.
    g. 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.
    h. 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.
    i. Indirect Costs. When submitting a proposal, institutions should 
use their current Federal negotiated rate for indirect costs. Please 
note that indirect costs for all competitive proposals funded by CSREES 
are capped at 19% of total Federal funds provided under the award by 
section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310). Therefore, awards made by 
CSREES for the Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies 
Program are subject to 19 percent indirect costs limitation. (This 
limitation also applies to the recovery of indirect costs by any 
subawardee or subcontractor, and should be reflected in the 
subrecipient budget.) A method for calculating the maximum allowable 
amount of indirect costs for an USDA award is by multipling total 
direct costs by 0.23456. To accommodate the differences in allowable 
indirect costs between USDA and NASA, the applicant may be required at 
the time of award to submit a separate budget with indirect cost rates 
appropriate to each agency.
14. Budget Narrative
    A budget narrative should be included which discusses how the 
budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. Except 
for indirect costs for which support is requested, the budget narrative 
should explain how each budget item (such as salaries and wages for 
professional and technical staff, student workers, travel, equipment, 
etc.) is essential to achieving project objectives. Funds may be 
requested under any of the categories listed on the budget form, 
provided that the item or service for which support is sought is 
allowable under the enabling legislation and the applicable Federal 
cost principles.
15. Matching Funds
    (a) If an applicant concludes that matching funds are not required 
as specified in Part I, D., a justification should be included in the 
Budget Narrative. CSREES and NASA will consider this justification when 
ascertaining final matching requirements. CSREES and NASA retain the 
right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.
    For those grants requiring matching funds as specified in Part I, 
D., proposals should include written verification of commitments of 
matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from 
third parties. Written verification means:
    (i) 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: (A) the name, address, and telephone 
number of the donor; (B) the name of the applicant organization; (C) 
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (D) the dollar 
amount of the cash donation; and (E) a statement that the donor will 
pay the cash contribution during the grant period; and
    (ii) 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: (A) the name, address, and 
telephone number of the donor; (B) the name of the applicant 
organization; (C) the title of the project for which the donation is 
made; (D) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the 
third party in-kind contribution; and (E) a statement that the donor 
will make the contribution during the grant period.
    (b) 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.
    (c) The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be 
established in accordance with applicable cost principles. Applicants 
should refer to OMB Circulars A-21, Cost Principles for Educational 
Institutions, A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Tribal 
Governments,

[[Page 15340]]

A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, and for for-profit 
organizations, the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation at 48 CFR Subpart 31.2 (see 7 CFR 3015.194).
16. Current and Pending Support
    All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current 
public or private support (including in-house support) to which key 
personnel 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 and 
NASA Programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of identical or 
similar proposals to the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal 
review or evaluation by the CSREES and NASA 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.
17. 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 or NASA 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 or NASA 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'' on 
block 20 of 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 or NASA 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.
18. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-661 the applicant is providing 
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.
19. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service regulations implementing NEPA) and 14 
CFR part 1216 (the NASA regulations regarding compliance with NEPA), 
the environmental data for any proposed project is to be provided to 
CSREES and NASA so that the Federal agency 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 (e.g., preparation of an environmental 
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), pertinent 
information regarding the possible environmental impacts of a proposed 
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 EA or EIS 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. Application Submission Information

1. When to Submit
    A ``Letter of Intent'' must be received by COB April 11, 2001 (5:00 
p.m. EST). Proposals must be received by COB on May 9, 2001 (5:00 p.m. 
EST). Proposals received after this date will not be considered for 
funding.
2. What to Submit
    For full proposals, an original and 14 copies must be submitted. 
Also submit 10 copies of the proposal's Project Summary. All copies of 
the proposals and the Project Summaries must be submitted in one 
package.

[[Page 15341]]

3. Where to Submit
    Applicants should e-mail the ``Letter of Intent'' to Dr. J. Preston 
Jones at [email protected] or send the letter by mail to Application 
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; Mail Stop 2220; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-2220; or fax the letter at (202) 401-1602.
    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:

Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1307, 
Waterfront Centre 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.

    Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address:

Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2220, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2220.

D. Acknowledgment of Proposals

    The receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by e-mail. Therefore, 
applicants are 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 the 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

    All proposals, will be reviewed together by a panel in the 
pertinent program area. Prior to technical examination, a preliminary 
review will be made for responsiveness to the program area. Proposals 
that do not fall within the guidelines of this Program will be 
eliminated from Program competition and will be returned to the 
applicant.
    Individual written comments and in-depth discussions will be 
provided by a peer review panel prior to recommending applications for 
funding. Peer review panel members will be selected based upon their 
training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education 
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 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 (producers, range or 
resource managers/operators, consumers, etc.) 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 Factors

    Priority will be given to projects that integrate agricultural 
research, education and extension and projects that have included the 
appropriate team to achieve the goals of the project, notably teams 
that are multi-state, multi-institutional or multi-disciplinary.
    The following evaluation factors apply to all proposals.
1. Relevance
    All proposals will be judged as to their relevance to critical 
emerging agricultural issues related to future food production; 
environmental quality, and natural resource management; or farm income. 
Further factors include:
    (a) Documentation that the research, extension and education 
activities are directed towards current or likely future problems or 
problems identified in this document;
    (b) Linkage of research, extension and education functions.
    (c) Involvement of stakeholders and/or communities of interest.
2. Merit
    All proposals will be judged on their scientific, extension, or 
education merit including:
    (a) Novelty, innovation, uniqueness, and originality;
    (b) Conceptual adequacy of the research, extension and education 
components;
    (c) Clarity and delineation of objectives;
    (d) Adequacy of the description of the undertaking and suitability 
and feasibility of methodology;
    (e) Demonstration of feasibility;
    (f) Probability of success of the project;
3. Quality
    All proposals will be judged on their quality including:
    (a) Selection of most appropriate and qualified individuals to 
address the problem;
    (b) Training and demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative 
approaches to the problem identified in the proposal, and performance 
record or potential for future accomplishments;
    (c) Time allocated for systematic attainment of objectives;
    (d) Institutional experience and competence in subject area;
    (e) Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel, 
facilities, and instrumentation;
    (f) Adequacy of plans for reporting, assessing and monitoring of 
results of the project over its duration.
    (g) The planned administration of the project and its maintenance, 
partnerships, collaborative efforts, evaluation and monitoring efforts, 
and the planned dissemination of information over the duration of the 
project.

Part IV--Award Administration

    The Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program 
will be administered and managed as an interagency program involving 
both participating agencies throughout the entire process from the 
development of the program announcement to the review and selection, 
and monitoring of awards. The interagency program managers will 
coordinate program administration activities such as review of periodic 
reporting of project evaluations and annual investigator team meetings.
    USDA and NASA will fund awards separately. The amount of each award 
will be determined jointly by USDA and NASA and their representatives 
after the panel review process has been completed. Other material may 
be

[[Page 15342]]

required at the time of funding to facilitate the implementation of the 
award from participating agencies.

A. General

    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding 
official shall make awards to those responsible, eligible applicants 
whose proposals are judged most meritorious in the announced program 
area by procedures set forth in this request for proposals. The date 
specified as the effective date of the award 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 award effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practicable so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds awarded under this request for 
proposals shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds 
are awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost 
principles, and the applicable participating agency assistance 
regulations.

B. 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 an award if such information has 
not been provided previously under this or another program for which 
the sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies of forms recommended for 
use in fulfilling the requirements contained in this section will be 
provided by the awarding agency as part of the pre-award process.

C. Award Document

    The award document shall include at a minimum the following:
    1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution 
to whom the funding agency has awarded an award under this program;
    2. Title of Project;
    3. Name(s) and address(es) of principal investigator(s) chosen to 
direct and control approved activities;
    4. Award identification number assigned by the funding agency;
    5. Project period, specifying the amount of time the funding agency 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    6. Total award amount approved by the funding agency during the 
project period;
    7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is made;
    8. Approved budget plan for categorizing project funds to 
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
    9. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by the funding 
agency to carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish 
the purpose of a particular award.

D. Notice of Award

    The notice of award, in the form of a letter, will be prepared and 
will provide pertinent instructions or information to the awardee that 
is not included in the award document.

E. Funding Mechanisms

    The two mechanisms by which grants may be awarded are as follows:
    1. Standard Grant--This is a funding mechanism whereby the Federal 
Government 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 
Federal Government 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 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 or NASA, 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.

F. Use of Funds; Changes

    Unless otherwise stipulated in the terms and conditions of the 
award, the following provisions apply:
    1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility: The awardee may not in 
whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, 
or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of funds.
    2. Changes in Project Plans: a. The permissible changes by the 
awardee, principal investigator(s), or other key project personnel in 
the approved research project award 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 awardee and/or the 
principal investigator(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies 
with this provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES 
Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) or NASA Procurement Officer for a 
final determination.
    b. Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by 
the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO or NASA 
Procurement Officer 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 
awardee and approved in writing by the awarding official 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 awardee 
and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO or NASA Procurement Officer 
prior to effecting such transfers.
    e. Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended by 
the awarding agency without additional financial support, for such 
additional period(s) as the CSREES ADO or NASA

[[Page 15343]]

Procurement Officer determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing 
by the CSREES ADO or NASA Procurement Officer, unless prescribed 
otherwise in the terms and conditions of an award.
    f. Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO 
or NASA Procurement Officer 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 costs principles, 
Agency regulations, or in the award document.

G. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals 
considered for review and to projects awarded under this program. For 
CSREES awards, the applicable regulations are those cited in Part V. E. 
of the IFAFS RFP published in the Federal Register on February 23, 
2001, 66 FR 11507. The CFDA numbers are as follows: USDA--10.206; 
NASA--43.002. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) number for NASA 
is OMB No. 3145-0058. For specific information on policies and 
procedures relating to the award and administration of NASA grants and 
cooperative agreements, refer to the Grant and Cooperative Agreement 
Handbook (NPG 5800.1) which can be found at http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/grcover.htm.

H. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards

    When a proposal results in an award, it becomes a part of the 
record of the Agency's transactions, available to the public upon 
specific request. Information that the CSREES or NASA Administrator 
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 as 
such and sent in a separate statement, two copies of which should 
accompany the proposal. The original copy of a proposal that does not 
result in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period of one 
year. Other copies will be destroyed. Proposals that do not receive an 
award will be released to others only with the consent of the applicant 
or to the extent required by law. If such a request is made, the 
applicant will be consulted prior to release of the proposal. A 
proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final selection 
action thereon.
    Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a program 
official and discuss their plans. Inquiries regarding the announcement 
can be directed to any one of the agency representatives identified at 
the beginning of this RFP.

    Done at Washington, D.C., on this 13th day of March 2001.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
Michael R. Thomas,
Acting Director, Applications Division, Office of Earth Science, 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
[FR Doc. 01-6573 Filed 3-15-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P