[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58326-58340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28992]



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Part VI





Department of Agriculture





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Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service



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1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants 
Program: Request for Applications and Request for Input; Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 66 , No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2001 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 1890 
Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program: 
Request for Applications and Request for Input

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

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

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SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) anticipates the availability of grant funds and 
requests applications for the 1890 Institution Teaching and Research 
Capacity Building Grants Program (CBG) for fiscal year (FY) 2002 to 
build the institutional capacities of the eligible colleges and 
universities through cooperative initiatives with Federal and non-
Federal entities. This program addresses the need to (1) attract more 
students from under represented groups into the food and agricultural 
sciences, (2) expand the linkages among the 1890 Institutions and with 
other colleges and universities, and (3) strengthen the teaching and 
research capacity of the 1890 Institutions to more firmly establish 
them as full partners in the food and agricultural science and 
education system. In addition, through this program, USDA will strive 
to increase the overall pool of qualified applicants for the Department 
to make significant progress toward achievement of the Department's 
goal of increasing participation of under represented groups in 
Departmental programs.
    The amount available for support of this program in FY 2002 is 
approximately $8.8 million ($4.4 million for Teaching and $4.4 million 
for Research).
    This notice identifies the objectives for CBG projects, the 
eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application 
forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a CBG grant.
    By this notice, CSREES additionally requests stakeholder input from 
any interested party for use in the development of the next Request for 
Applications (RFA) for this program.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on 
January 31, 2002 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after 
this deadline will not be considered for funding. Comments regarding 
this RFA 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 applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 1890 
Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants 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, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20024; 
Telephone: (202)401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity 
Building Grants Program; 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.
    Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy 
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES; 
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2299; 
or via e-mail to: [email protected]. (This e-mail address is intended 
only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting 
information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are 
responding to the 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity 
Building Grants Program RFA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact Mr. Richard M. Hood; National Program 
Leader; Higher Education Programs, Cooperative State Research, 
Education and Extension Service; 1400 Independence Ave, S.W.; STOP 
2251; Washington, DC 20250-2251; telephone: (202) 720-2186; fax: (202) 
720-2030; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under number 10.216.

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any 
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development 
of the next RFA 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 RFA from persons who conduct or use agricultural research, 
education and extension for use in formulating future RFA's for 
competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as provided for in 
the ADDRESSES and DATES portions of this Notice.

Table of Contents

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority and Background
B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability
C. Definitions
D. Eligibility
E. Indirect Costs
F. Matching Requirements
G. Funding Restrictions
H. Types of Proposals

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. Organizational Management Information
C. 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

Part I--General Information

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Authority for this program is contained in section 1417(b)(4) of 
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
of 1977, as amended (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3152(b)(4)) and pursuant to 
annual appropriations made available specifically for an 1890 capacity 
building program. In accordance with the statutory authority, subject 
to the availability of funds, the Secretary of Agriculture, who has 
delegated the authority to the Administrator of CSREES, may make 
competitive grants, for a period not to exceed 5 years, to design and 
implement food and agricultural programs to build teaching

[[Page 58327]]

and research capacity at colleges and universities having significant 
minority enrollments. Based on and subject to the express provisions of 
the annual appropriations act, only 1890 land-grant institutions and 
Tuskegee University are eligible for this grants program.

B. Purpose, Priorities, and Fund Availability

Teaching Program
    The CBG teaching program supports projects related to strengthening 
teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Proposals may 
focus on any subject matter area(s) in the food and agricultural 
sciences. For this program, the term ``food and agricultural sciences'' 
means basic, applied, and developmental teaching activities in food and 
fiber, agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and 
physical and social sciences, and including related disciplines as 
defined in section 1404(8) of NARETPA, 7 U.S.C. 3103(8). A proposal may 
address a single targeted need area or multiple targeted need areas, 
and may be focused on a single subject matter area or multiple subject 
matter areas, in any combination (e.g., curriculum development in 
horticulture; curriculum development, faculty enhancement, and student 
experiential learning in animal science; faculty enhancement in food 
science and agribusiness management; or instruction delivery systems 
and student experiential learning in plant science, horticulture, and 
entomology). Applicants are also encouraged to include a library 
enhancement component related to the teaching project in their 
proposals. Please note that one of these Need Areas must be indicated 
in the appropriate space on the Project Summary Form (Form CSREES-2003) 
in the proposal application forms package.
    For FY 2002, targeted need areas for teaching projects consist of 
one or more of the following:
    (a) Curricula Design and Materials Development. The purpose of this 
need area is to promote new and improved curricula and materials to 
increase the quality of, and continuously renew, the Nation's academic 
programs in the food and agricultural sciences. The overall objective 
is to stimulate the development and facilitate the use of exemplary 
education models and materials that incorporate the most recent 
advances in subject matter, research on teaching and learning theory, 
and instructional technology. Proposals may emphasize: the development 
of courses of study, degree programs, and instructional materials; the 
use of new approaches to the study of traditional subjects; or the 
introduction of new subjects, or new applications of knowledge, 
pertaining to the food and agricultural sciences. Examples include, but 
are not limited to, curricula and materials that promote: raising the 
level of scholastic achievement of the Nation's graduates in the food 
and agricultural sciences, addressing the special needs of particular 
groups of students, such as minorities, gifted and talented, or those 
with educational backgrounds that warrant enrichment, using alternative 
instructional strategies or methodologies, including computer-assisted 
instruction or simulation modeling, media programs that reach large 
audiences efficiently and effectively, activities that provide hands-on 
learning experiences, and educational programs that extend learning 
beyond the classroom, using sound pedagogy, particularly with regard to 
recent research on how to motivate students to learn, retain, apply, 
and transfer knowledge, skills, and competencies, and building student 
competencies to integrate and synthesize knowledge from several 
disciplines.
    (b) Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching. The purpose 
of this need area is to advance faculty development in the areas of 
teaching competency, subject matter expertise, or student recruitment 
and advising skills. Teachers are central to education. They serve as 
models, motivators, and mentors--the catalysts of the learning process. 
Moreover, teachers are agents for developing, replicating, and 
exchanging effective teaching materials and methods. For these reasons, 
education can be strengthened only when teachers are adequately 
prepared, highly motivated, and appropriately recognized and rewarded. 
Each faculty recipient of support for developmental activities must be 
an ``eligible participant'' as defined in this RFA. Examples of 
developmental activities include, but are not limited to, those which 
enable teaching faculty to: gain experience with recent developments or 
innovative technology relevant to their teaching responsibilities, work 
under the guidance and direction of experts who have substantial 
expertise in an area related to the developmental goals of the project, 
work with scientists or professionals in government, industry, or other 
colleges or universities to learn new applications in a field, obtain 
personal experience working with new ideas and techniques, expand 
competence with new methods of information delivery, such as computer-
assisted or televised instruction.
    (c) Instruction Delivery Systems. The purpose of this need area is 
to encourage the use of alternative methods of delivering instruction 
to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and cost efficiency of teaching 
programs. The importance of this initiative is evidenced by advances in 
educational research which have substantiated the theory that 
differences in the learning styles of students often require 
alternative instructional methodologies. Also, the rising costs of 
higher education strongly suggest that colleges and universities 
undertake more efforts of a collaborative nature in order to deliver 
instruction which maximizes program quality and reduces unnecessary 
duplication. At the same time, advancements in knowledge and technology 
continue to introduce new subject matter areas which warrant 
consideration and implementation of innovative instruction techniques, 
methodologies, and delivery systems. Examples include, but are not 
limited to: use of computers, teleconferencing, networking via 
satellite communications, regionalization of academic programs, mobile 
classrooms and laboratories, individualized learning centers, symposia, 
forums, regional or national workshops, etc.
    (d) Scientific Instrumentation for Teaching. The purpose of this 
need area is to provide students in science-oriented courses the 
necessary experience with suitable, up-to-date equipment in order to 
involve them in work central to scientific understanding and progress. 
This program initiative will support the acquisition of instructional 
laboratory and classroom equipment to assure the achievement and 
maintenance of outstanding food and agricultural sciences higher 
education programs. A proposal may request support for acquiring new, 
state-of-the-art instructional scientific equipment, upgrading existing 
equipment, or replacing non-functional or clearly obsolete equipment. 
Examples include, but are not limited to: rental or purchase of modern 
instruments to improve student learning experiences in courses, 
laboratories, and field work, development of new ways of using 
instrumentation to extend instructional capabilities, establishment of 
equipment-sharing capability via consortia or centers that develop 
innovative opportunities, such as mobile laboratories or satellite 
access to industry or government laboratories.

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    (e) Student Experiential Learning. The purpose of this need area is 
to further the development of student scientific and professional 
competencies through experiential learning programs which provide 
students with opportunities to solve complex problems in the context of 
real-world situations. Effective experiential learning is essential in 
preparing future graduates to advance knowledge and technology, enhance 
quality of life, conserve resources, and revitalize the Nation's 
economic competitiveness. Such experiential learning opportunities are 
most effective when they serve to advance decision-making and 
communication skills as well as technological expertise. Examples 
include, but are not limited to, projects which: provide opportunities 
for students to participate in research projects, either as a part of 
an ongoing research project or in a project designed especially for 
this program, provide opportunities for students to complete 
apprenticeships, internships, or similar participatory learning 
experiences, expand and enrich courses which are of a practicum nature, 
provide career mentoring experiences that link students with 
outstanding professionals.
    (f) Student Recruitment and Retention. The purpose of this need 
area is to strengthen student recruitment and retention programs in 
order to promote the future strength of the Nation's scientific and 
professional work force. The Nation's economic competitiveness and 
quality of life rest upon the availability of a cadre of outstanding 
research scientists, university faculty, and other professionals in the 
food and agricultural sciences. A substantial need exists to supplement 
efforts to attract increased numbers of academically outstanding 
students to prepare for careers as food and agricultural scientists and 
professionals. It is particularly important to augment the racial, 
ethnic, and gender diversity of the student body in order to promote a 
robust exchange of ideas and a more effective use of the full breadth 
of the Nation's intellectual resources. Each student recipient of 
monetary support for education costs or developmental purposes must be 
enrolled at an eligible institution and meet the requirement of an 
``eligible participant'' as defined in this RFA. Examples include, but 
are not limited to: special outreach programs for elementary and 
secondary students as well as parents, counselors, and the general 
public to broaden awareness of the extensive nature and diversity of 
career opportunities for graduates in the food and agricultural 
sciences, special activities and materials to establish more effective 
linkages with high school science classes, unique or innovative student 
recruitment activities, materials, and personnel, special retention 
programs to assure student progression through and completion of an 
educational program, development and dissemination of stimulating 
career information materials, use of regional or national media to 
promote food and agricultural sciences higher education. Providing 
financial incentives to enable and encourage students to pursue and 
complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in an area of the food and 
agricultural sciences.
    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application 
or to make a specific number of awards. Approximately $4.4 million will 
be available to fund teaching proposals in FY 2002.
Research Program
    The CBG research program supports projects that address high-
priority research initiatives in the targeted need areas specified in 
this RFA where there is a present or anticipated need for increased 
knowledge or capabilities or in which it is feasible for applicants to 
develop programs recognized for their excellence. Proposals may focus 
on any subject matter area(s) in the food and agricultural sciences. 
Applicants are encouraged to include in their proposals a library 
enhancement component related to the research initiative(s) for which 
they have prepared their proposals. Please note that one of these Need 
Areas must be indicated in the appropriate space on the Project Summary 
Form (Form CSREES-2003) in the proposal application forms package.
    For FY 2002, targeted need areas for research projects consist of 
one or more of the following:
    (a) Studies and Experimentation in Food and Agricultural Sciences. 
The purpose of this initiative is to advance the body of knowledge in 
those basic and applied natural and social sciences that comprise the 
food and agricultural sciences. Examples include, but are not limited 
to: Conduct plant or animal breeding programs to develop better crops, 
forests, or livestock (e.g., more disease resistant, more productive, 
yielding higher quality products), conceive, design, and evaluate new 
bioprocessing techniques for eliminating undesirable constituents from 
or adding desirable ones to food products, propose and evaluate ways to 
enhance utilization of the capabilities and resources of food and 
agricultural institutions to promote rural development (e.g., 
exploitation of new technologies by small rural businesses), identify 
control factors influencing consumer demand for agricultural products, 
analyze social, economic, and physiological aspects of nutrition, 
housing, and life-style choices, and of community strategies for 
meeting the changing needs of different population groups, other high-
priority areas such as human nutrition, sustainable agriculture, 
biotechnology, agribusiness management and marketing, and aquaculture.
    (b) Centralized Research Support Systems. The purpose of this 
initiative is to establish centralized support systems to meet national 
needs or serve regions or clientele that cannot otherwise afford or 
have ready access to the support in question, or to provide such 
support more economically thereby freeing up resources for other 
research uses. Examples include, but are not limited to: Storage, 
maintenance, characterization, evaluation and enhancement of germplasm 
for use by animal and plant breeders, including those using the 
techniques of biotechnology, computerized data banks of important 
scientific information (e.g., epidemiological, demographic, nutrition, 
weather, economic, crop yields, etc.). Expert service centers for 
sophisticated and highly specialized methodologies (e.g., evaluation of 
organoleptic and nutritional quality of foods, toxicology, taxonomic 
identifications, consumer preferences, demographics, etc.).
    (c) Technology Delivery Systems. The purpose of this initiative is 
to promote innovations and improvements in the delivery of benefits of 
food and agricultural sciences to producers and consumers, particularly 
those who are currently disproportionately low in receipt of such 
benefits. Examples include, but are not limited to: Computer-based 
decision support systems to assist small-scale farmers to take 
advantage of relevant technologies, programs, policies, etc., 
efficacious delivery systems for nutrition information or for resource 
management assistance for low-income families and individuals.
    (d) Other Creative Proposals. The purpose of this initiative is to 
encourage other creative proposals, outside the areas previously 
outlined, that are designed to provide needed enhancement of the 
Nation's food and agricultural research system.
    There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular proposal or 
to make a specific number of awards. Approximately $4.4 million will be 
available to fund research proposals in FY 2002.

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C. Definitions

    For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are 
applicable:
    1890 Institution or 1890 land-grant institution or 1890 colleges 
and universities means one of those institutions eligible to receive 
funds under the Act of August 30, 1890, as amended (7 U.S.C. 321 et 
seq.), including Tuskegee University. Unless otherwise stated for a 
specific program, this term includes a research foundation maintained 
by such an institution.
    Authorized departmental officer means the Secretary or any employee 
of the Department with delegated authority to issue or modify grant 
instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    Authorized organizational representative means the president or 
chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the official, 
designated by the president or chief executive officer of the applicant 
organization, who has the authority to commit the resources of the 
organization.
    Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) into 
which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    Cash contributions means the applicant's cash outlay, including the 
outlay of money contributed to the applicant by non-Federal third 
parties.
    Citizen or national of the United States means:
    (1) A citizen or native resident of a State; or,
    (2) A person defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a citizen of the United States, 
owes permanent allegiance to the United States.
    When eligibility is claimed solely on the basis of permanent 
allegiance, documentary evidence from the Immigration and 
Naturalization Service as to such eligibility must be made available to 
CSREES upon request.
    College or University means 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 an associate 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, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been 
granted pre-accreditation status by such an agency or association that 
has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of 
pre-accreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined 
that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the 
accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a 
reasonable time.
    Complementary project proposal means a proposal for a project which 
involves coordination with one or more other projects for which funding 
was awarded under the same program in a previous fiscal year, or for 
which funding is requested under the same program in the current fiscal 
year.
    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    Eligible participant means, for purposes of education target areas 
``Faculty Preparation and Enhancement for Teaching'', and ``Student 
Recruitment and Retention'', an individual who: (1) Is a citizen or 
national of the United States, as defined in this RFA; or (2) is a 
citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau. Where eligibility is 
claimed under ``Citizen or national of the United States'', as defined 
above, documentary evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization 
Service as to such eligibility must be made available to CSREES upon 
request.
    Food and agricultural sciences means basic, applied, and 
developmental research, extension, and teaching activities in the food 
and fiber, agricultural, renewable natural resources, forestry, and 
physical and social sciences, in the broadest sense of these terms, 
including but not limited to, activities concerned with the production, 
processing, marketing, distribution, conservation, consumption, 
research, and development of food and agriculturally related products 
and services, and inclusive of programs in agriculture, natural 
resources, aquaculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, home economics, 
rural human ecology, and closely allied disciplines.
    Grantee means the organization designated in the grant award 
document as the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    Joint project proposal means a proposal for a project, which will 
involve the applicant institution and two or more other colleges, 
universities, community colleges, junior colleges, or other 
institutions, each of which will assume a major role in the conduct of 
the proposed project, and for which the applicant institution will 
transfer at least one-half of the awarded funds to the other 
institutions participating in the project. Only the applicant 
institution must meet the program eligibility requirements; other 
participating institutions in a joint project proposal are not limited 
to eligible institutions.
    Matching or Cost-sharing means that portion of allowable project 
costs not borne by the Federal Government, including the value of in-
kind contributions.
    Peer reviewers means experts or consultants qualified by training 
and experience to give expert advice on the scientific and technical 
merit of grant applications or the relevance of those applications to 
one or more of the proposal evaluation criteria. Peer reviewers may be 
ad hoc or convened as a panel.
    Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent by 
an authorized departmental officer.
    Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    Project director means the single individual designated by the 
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Authorized 
Departmental Officer who is responsible for the direction and 
management of the project [also known as a principal investigator for 
research activities].
    Project period means the total length of time, as stated in the 
award document and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal 
sponsorship begins and ends.
    Research means any systematic study directed toward new or fuller 
knowledge and understanding of the subject studied.
    Research capacity means the quality and depth of an institution's 
research infrastructure as evidenced by its: faculty expertise in the 
natural or social sciences, scientific and technical resources, 
research environment, library resources, and organizational structures 
and reward systems for attracting and retaining first-rate research 
faculty or students at the graduate and post-doctorate levels. Research 
project grant means a grant in support of a project that addresses one 
or more of the targeted need areas or specific subject matter/emphasis 
areas identified in the annual program announcement related to 
strengthening research programs including, but not limited to, such 
initiatives as: studies and experimentation in food and agricultural 
sciences, centralized

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research support systems, technology delivery systems, and other 
creative projects designed to provide needed enhancement of the 
Nation's food and agricultural research system.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer 
or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved may be 
delegated.
    State means any one of the fifty States, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, 
the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
    Teaching means formal classroom instruction, laboratory 
instruction, and practicum experience in the food and agricultural 
sciences and matters related thereto (such as faculty development, 
student recruitment and services, curriculum development, instructional 
materials and equipment, and innovative teaching methodologies) 
conducted by colleges and universities offering baccalaureate or higher 
degrees.
    Teaching capacity means the quality and depth of an institution's 
academic programs infrastructure as evidenced by its: curriculum, 
teaching faculty, instructional delivery systems, student experiential 
learning opportunities, scientific instrumentation for teaching, 
library resources, academic standing and racial, ethnic, or gender 
diversity of its faculty and student body as well as faculty and 
student recruitment and retention programs provided by a college or 
university in order to achieve maximum results in the development of 
scientific and professional expertise for the Nation's food and 
agricultural system.
    Teaching project grant means a grant in support of a project that 
addresses one or more of the targeted need areas or specific subject 
matter/emphasis areas identified in the annual program announcement 
related to strengthening teaching programs including, but not limited 
to, such initiatives as: curricula design and materials development, 
faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching, instruction delivery 
systems, scientific instrumentation for teaching, student experiential 
learning, and student recruitment and retention.
    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.
    USDA agency cooperator means any agency or office of the Department 
which has reviewed and endorsed an applicant's request for support, and 
indicates a willingness to make available non-monetary resources or 
technical assistance throughout the life of a project to ensure the 
accomplishment of the objectives of a grant awarded under this program.
    United States means the several States, the territories and 
possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the 
Virgin Islands of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

D. Eligibility

    Applications may be submitted by any of the sixteen historically 
black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University. The 1890 
Land-Grant Institutions are: Alabama A&M University; University of 
Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; 
Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; Southern 
University and A&M College; University of Maryland-Eastern Shore; 
Alcorn State University; Lincoln University (MO); North Carolina A&T 
State University; Langston University; South Carolina State University; 
Tennessee State University; Prairie View A&M University; and Virginia 
State University. An institution eligible to receive an award under 
this program includes a research foundation maintained by an 1890 land-
grant institution or Tuskegee University. Award recipients may 
subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such 
organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.
    For FY 2002, eligible institutions may propose projects in any 
discipline(s) of the food and agricultural sciences.

E. Indirect Costs

    Pursuant to section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3310), 
indirect costs charged against a competitive grant under this program 
may not exceed 19 percent of the total Federal funds provided under the 
grant award. An alternative method of calculation of this limitation is 
to multiply total direct costs by 23.456 percent.

F. Matching Requirements

    The Department strongly encourages non-Federal matching support for 
the program. For FY 2002, the following incentive is offered to 
applicants for committing their own institutional resources or securing 
third-party contributions in support of capacity building projects: Tie 
Breaker--The amount of institutional and third-party cash and non-cash 
matching support for each proposed project, will be used as the primary 
criterion to break any ties (when proposals are equally rated in merit) 
resulting from the proposal review process conducted by the peer 
reviewers. A grant awarded on this basis will contain language 
requiring such matching commitments as a condition of the grant.

G. Funding Restrictions

    Under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program, the 
use of grant funds to plan, acquire, or construct a building or 
facility is not allowed. With prior approval, in accordance with the 
cost principles set forth in OMB Circular No. A-21, some grant funds 
may be used for minor alterations, renovations, or repairs deemed 
necessary to retrofit existing teaching spaces in order to carry out a 
funded project. However, requests to use grant funds for such purposes 
must demonstrate that the alterations, renovations, or repairs are 
incidental to the major purpose for which a grant is made.
    There is no limit on the number of proposals any one institution 
may submit. However, funding limitations in FY 2002 will affect the 
number of awards eligible institutions and individuals may receive.
Funding Limitations per Institution
    In FY 2002, the following two limitations will apply to the 
institutional maximum: (1) No institution may receive more than four 
grants, and (2) no institution may receive more than 10 percent 
(approximately $880,000) of the total funds available for grant awards. 
For a Joint Project Proposal (submitted by an eligible institution and 
involving two or more other colleges or universities assuming major 
roles in the conduct of the project), only that portion of the award to 
be retained by the grantee will be counted against the grantee's 
institutional maximum. Those funds to be transferred to the other 
colleges and universities participating in the joint project will not 
be applied toward the maximum funds allowed the grantee institution. 
However, if any of the other colleges and universities participating in 
the joint project are 1890 Institutions or Tuskegee University, the 
amount transferred from the grantee institution to such institutions 
will be counted toward their institutional maximums. For Complementary 
Project Proposals, only those funds to be retained by the

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grantee institution will be counted against the grantee's institutional 
maximum.
Funding Limitation per Project Director
    For FY 2002, the maximum number of new awards listing the same 
individual as Project Director is two grants. This restriction does not 
apply to joint projects.
Funding Limitation per Targeted Need Area
    In FY 2002, the maximum number of new awards listing the same 
individual as Project Director in any one targeted need area that 
focuses on a single subject matter area or discipline is one grant. 
This restriction does not apply to proposals that address multiple 
targeted need areas and/or multiple subject matter areas.

H. Types of Applications

    In FY 2002, applications may be submitted to the CBG as one of the 
following three types of requests:
    (1) New application. This is a project application that has not 
been previously submitted to the CBG Program. All new applications will 
be reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation 
criteria described in Part IV--Review Process.
    (2) Renewal application. This is a project application that 
requests additional funding for a CBG project beyond the period that 
was approved in an original or amended award. Applications for renewed 
funding must contain the same information as required for new 
applications, and additionally must contain a Progress Report (see 
Project Description, Part III.B.6). Renewal applications must be 
received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in competition 
with other pending applications in appropriate area to which they are 
assigned, and will be reviewed according to the same evaluation 
criteria as new applications.
    (3) Resubmitted application. This is an application that had 
previously been submitted to the CBG Program but not funded. Project 
Directors (PD's) must respond to the previous review panel summary (see 
Response to Previous Review, Part III.B.5). Resubmitted applications 
must be received by the relevant due dates, will be evaluated in 
competition with other pending applications in appropriate area to 
which they are assigned, and will be reviewed according to the same 
evaluation criteria as new applications.

Part II--Program Description

A. Project Types

    For FY 2002, a proposal may be directed toward the undergraduate or 
graduate level of study.
    For FY 2002, eligible institutions may submit grant applications 
for either category of grants (teaching or research); however, each 
application must be limited to either a teaching project grant proposal 
or a research project grant proposal.
    For FY 2002, the maximum total funds that may be awarded to an 
applicant for a teaching project is $200,000. The maximum total funds 
that may be awarded for a research project is $300,000.
    A funded project period should be no less than eighteen (18) months 
and no more than thirty-six (36) months.

B. Program Area Description

    The 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program supports both teaching 
and research projects. To specify the program to which you are 
applying, please indicate either ``1890 Capacity Building Teaching 
Grants Program'' or ``1890 Capacity Building Research Grants Program'' 
in Block 8 of Form CSREES-2002 (Proposal Cover Page). For FY 2002, the 
CBG Program supports projects in any discipline of the food and 
agricultural sciences. Applicants should select one of the following 
codes which best describes the major academic or scientific discipline 
addressed by the proposal. Enter this code where indicated under 
discipline on the Project Summary Form (Form CSREES-2003) in the 
proposal application forms package:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Discipline                              Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Food and Agricultural Sciences         G
 (includes multidisciplinary, institution-
 wide projects).
Agribusiness Management and Marketing          M
 (includes Agricultural Economics).
Agriscience Agricultural/Biological            E
 Engineering).
Agricultural Social Sciences (includes         S
 Agricultural Education, Agricultural
 Communications, and Rural Sociology).
Animal Sciences..............................  A
Aquaculture..................................  Q
Conservation and Renewable Natural Resources   C
 (includes Forestry and Ecology/Wetlands).
Entomology--Animal...........................  J
Entomology--Plant............................  T
Environmental Sciences/Management............  L
Food Science/Technology and Manufacturing      F
 (includes Food Safety).
Human Nutrition..............................  N
Family and Consumer Sciences (excludes Human   H
 Nutrition).
International Education/Research (enhancement  I
 of U.S. programs).
Plant Sciences and Horticulture (includes      P
 Turf Sciences).
Related Biological Sciences (includes General/ B
 Basic Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and
 Microbiology).
Soil Sciences................................  D
Veterinary Medicine/Science..................  V
Water Science/ Water Resources (includes       W
 Water Quality and Watershed Management).
Other (and explain)..........................  O
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III--Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials are available at the CSREES Funding 
Opportunities web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to the web page or have trouble 
downloading material and you would like a hardcopy, 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 the RFA and associated application 
forms for the 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building 
Grants Program. These materials also may 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 RFA 
and the associated application forms for 1890 Institution Teaching and 
Research Capacity Building Grants Program.

B. Content of Applications

1. General
    Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper 
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the 
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
    (a) Prepare the application 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) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with 
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms, 
and any appendices.
    (c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not 
bind. An original and seven (7) copies (eight (8)

[[Page 58332]]

total) must be submitted in one package, along with two (2) additional 
copies of the ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-2003, as a separate 
attachment.
    (d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints, 
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning 
through poor quality reproduction.
    (e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the 
following order:

    (1) Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
    (2) Table of Contents
    (3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
(4) Response to Previous Review
(5) Project Description
(6) References
(7) Appendices to Project Description
(8) Key Personnel
(9) Collaborative Arrangements (including Letters of Support)
(10) Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)
(11) Budget (Form CSREES-2004)
(12) Budget Narrative
(13) Matching
(14) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
(15) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
(16) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)
(17) Page B, Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002), Personal Data on 
Project Director
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
a. Page A
    Each copy of each grant application must contain a ``Proposal Cover 
Page'', Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the 
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing 
PD's and the authorized organizational representative (AOR), the 
individual who possesses the necessary authority to commit the 
organization's time and other relevant resources to the project. If 
there are more than four co-PD's for an application, please list 
additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate 
information and signature) and attach to the Proposal Cover Page (Form 
CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose signature does not appear 
on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional sheets will not be listed on 
any resulting grant award. Complete both signature blocks located at 
the bottom of the ``Proposal Cover Page'' form. Please note that Form 
CSREES-2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A which is the ``Proposal 
Cover Page'' and Page B which is the ``Personal Data on Project 
Director.''
    Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant 
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in 
its entirety, especially the e-mail addresses requested in blocks 4.c. 
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high 
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Type of Performing Organization (Block 6A and 6B). For block 
6A, a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify the 
type of organization which is the legal recipient named in block 1. 
Only one box should be checked. For block 6B, please check as many 
boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD listed in block 16.
    (b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7). The title of the project 
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), 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.
    (c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8). Enter 1890 
Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program.
    (d) Type of Request (Block 14). Check the block for ``New'', 
``Resubmitted'', or ``Renewal Proposal'' (note that the other award 
types are not supported by this program).
    (e) Project Director (PD) (Blocks 16-19). Blocks 16-18 are used to 
identify the PD and Block 19 to identify co-PD's. If needed, additional 
co-PD's may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to Form 
CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the applicable co-PD 
information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PD's, beyond those 
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
    (f) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 21). List the names or acronyms 
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within 
USDA to which 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 contact 
as soon as practicable. Submitting your application to other potential 
sponsors will not prejudice its review by CSREES; however, submitting 
the same (i.e., duplicate) application to another CSREES program is not 
permissible.
b. Page B
    Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of 
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original 
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s). 
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of 
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or 
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this 
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.
3. Table of Contents
    For consistency and ease in locating information, each application 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the 
proposal cover page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers 
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with 
the first page of the Project Description.
4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
    The application must contain a ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-
2003. The summary should be approximately 250 words, contained within 
the box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not 
numbered. The names and affiliated organizations of all PD's and co-
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 the goals of the CBG Program. The 
importance of a concise, informative Project Summary cannot be 
overemphasized. If there are more than four co-PD's for an application, 
please list additional co-PD's on a separate sheet of paper (with 
appropriate information) and attach to the Project Summary (Form 
CSREES-2003).
5. Response to Previous Review
    If the proposal is a resubmission, Project Directors (PDs) must 
respond to the previous panel summary on no more than one page, titled 
``RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW''. In this section, a clear statement 
acknowledging comments from the previous reviewers, indicating 
revisions, rebuttals, etc., that can positively influence the review of 
the proposal should be made. Further, the resubmitted proposal should 
clearly

[[Page 58333]]

indicate changes that have been made in the Project Description. 
Resubmitted proposals will be reviewed competitively using the 
selection process and evaluation criteria described in Part IV--Review 
Process.
    This requirement only applies to ``Resubmitted Proposals'' as 
described under Part I. H. ``Types of Proposals.''
    This requirement only applies to ``Resubmitted Applications'' and 
``Resubmitted Renewal Applications'' as described under Part I, H, 
``Types of Applications.'' Project Directors (PD's) must respond to the 
previous review panel summary on no more than one page, titled 
``RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW,'' which is to be placed directly after 
the ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-2003.
6. Project Description

    Please Note: The Project Description shall not exceed twenty 
(20) pages of written text and up to five (5) additional pages for 
figures and tables. This maximum has been established to ensure fair 
and equitable competition. (Note: To facilitate proposal review and 
evaluation, the applicant is advised to include the following 
underlined wording as headings in the proposal narrative, followed 
by the applicant's response for each item.


    The Project Description must include all of the following:

Teaching Proposals

    (1) Potential for advancing the quality of education. (a) 
Identification of Needs. Identify the educational need areas(s) to be 
addressed by this project.
    (b) Project Justification. Clearly state the specific instructional 
problem or opportunity to be addressed. Describe how and by whom the 
focus and scope of the project were determined. Summarize the body of 
knowledge which substantiates the need for the proposed project. 
Discuss how the benefits to be derived from the project will transcend 
the proposing institution or the grant period. Describe ongoing or 
recently completed significant activities related to the proposed 
project for which previous funding was received under the CBG Program.
    (c) Innovation. Describe the degree to which the proposal reflects 
an innovative or non-traditional approach to solving a higher education 
problem or strengthening the quality of education in the food and 
agricultural sciences.
    (d) Multidisciplinary focus. Indicate where the project is relevant 
to multiple disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences or with 
other academic curricula. Indicate whether the project will expand 
partnership ventures among disciplines at a university. Also, discuss 
whether the project may be adapted by, or serve as a model for, other 
institutions.
    (2) Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages. (a) Objectives. 
Cite and discuss the specific objectives to be accomplished under the 
project.
    (b) Plan of operation. Describe procedures for accomplishing the 
objectives of the project.
    (c) Timetable. Provide a timetable for conducting the project. 
Identify all important project milestones and dates as they relate to 
project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and close-out.
    (d) Products, results and measurable outcomes. Explain the expected 
products and results and their potential impact on strengthening food 
and agricultural sciences higher education in the United States, 
including attracting academically outstanding students or increasing 
the ethnic, racial, and gender diversity of the Nation's food and 
agricultural scientific and professional expertise base.
    (e) Evaluation plans. Provide a plan for evaluating the 
accomplishment of stated objectives, products and outcomes during the 
conduct of the project. Develop indicators of progress and measurable 
outcomes. Describe any data to be collected and analyzed, and explain 
the methodology that will be used to determine the extent to which the 
needs underlying the project are met. Provide a plan for evaluating the 
effectiveness of the end results upon conclusion of the project.
    (f) Dissemination plans. Discuss plans to disseminate project 
results and products. Identify target audiences and explain methods of 
communication.
    (g) Partnerships and collaborative efforts. Explain how the project 
will maximize partnership ventures and collaborative efforts to 
strengthen food and agricultural sciences higher education (e.g., 
involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, 
joint projects with other colleges or universities, or cooperative 
activities with business or industry). Also explain how it will 
stimulate academia, the States, or the private sector to join with the 
Federal partner in enhancing food and agricultural sciences higher 
education. Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved, 
that arrangements necessary for collaborative partnerships or joint 
initiatives have been discussed and realistically can be expected to 
come to fruition, or actually have been finalized contingent on an 
award under this program.

    Note: Letters must be signed by an official who has the 
authority to commit the resources of the organization. Such letters 
should be referenced in the plan of operation, but the actual 
letters should be included in the Appendix section of the proposal. 
Any potential conflict(s) of interest that might result from the 
proposed collaborative arrangements must be discussed in detail. 
Explain how the project will create a new or enhance an existing 
partnership between the USDA agency cooperator(s) and the 1890 
Institution(s). This section should expand upon the summary 
information provided in the documentation of USDA agency cooperator.

    (3) Institutional Capacity Building. (a) Institutional enhancement. 
Explain how the proposed project will strengthen the institution's 
teaching capacity, and, if applicable, that of any other institution 
assuming a major role in the conduct of the project. For example, 
describe how the proposed project is intended to strengthen the 
institution's academic infrastructure by expanding the current faculty 
expertise base, advancing the scholarly quality of the institution's 
academic programs, enriching the racial, ethnic, or gender diversity of 
the student body, helping the institution establish itself as a center 
of excellence in a particular field of education, helping the 
institution maintain or acquire state-of-the-art scientific 
instrumentation or library collections for teaching, or enabling the 
institution to provide more meaningful student experiential learning 
opportunities.
    (b) Institutional commitment. Discuss the institution's commitment 
to the project. For example, substantiate that the institution 
attributes a high priority to the project, discuss how the project will 
contribute to the achievement of the institution's long-range (five- to 
ten-year) goals, explain how the project will help satisfy the 
institution's high priority objectives, or show how this project is 
linked to and supported by the institution's strategic plan. Document 
the commitment of institutional resources to the project, and show that 
the institutional resources to be made available to the project, when 
combined with the support requested from USDA, will be adequate to 
carry out the activities of the project. Discuss institutional 
facilities, equipment, computer services, and other appropriate 
resources available to the project.
    (c) Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or plans for, 
continuation or expansion of the project beyond USDA support. For 
example, does the institution's long-range budget or academic plan 
provide for the realistic continuation or expansion of the initiative 
undertaken by this project after the end of the grant period, are plans 
for eventual self-support built into

[[Page 58334]]

the project, are plans being made to institutionalize the program if it 
meets with success, and are there indications of other continuing non-
Federal support?
    (4) Key Personnel. In addition to the required separate vitae for 
each PD, discuss the specific attributes and project responsibilities 
of each key person associated with the project.
    (5) Budget and Cost-Effectiveness. (a) Budget. In addition to the 
separate required budget page and budget narrative forms, discuss how 
the budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. 
Explain how such budget items as professional or technical staff time 
and salary, travel, equipment, etc., are necessary and reasonable to 
achieve project objectives. Justify that the total budget, including 
funds requested from USDA and any matching support provided, are 
allocated between the applicant and any collaborating institution, and 
will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project. Provide a 
summary of sources and amounts of all third party matching support.
    (b) Cost-effectiveness. Justify the project's cost-effectiveness. 
Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes 
educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, or 
leverages additional funds. For example, discuss how the project has 
the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and activity 
focused on a targeted need area, or to promote coalition building that 
could lead to future ventures.
Research Proposals
    (2) Significance of the Problem. (a) Identification of the Problem. 
Identify the specific problem or opportunity to be addressed and 
present any research questions or hypotheses to be examined.
    (b) Project Justification. Provide a rationale for the proposed 
approach to the problem or opportunity and indicate the part that the 
proposed project will play in research and knowledge. Discuss how the 
project will be of value and importance at the State, regional, 
national, or international level(s). Also discuss how the benefits to 
be derived from the project will transcend the proposing institution or 
the grant period. Include a comprehensive summary of the pertinent 
scientific literature. Citations should be accurate, complete, and 
adhere to an acceptable journal format. Explain how such knowledge (or 
previous findings) is related to the proposed project. Describe the 
relevancy of the proposed project to current research or significant 
research support activities at the proposing institution and any other 
institution participating in the project, including research which may 
be as yet unpublished.
    (c) Innovation. Describe the degree to which the proposal reflects 
an innovative or non-traditional approach to a food and agricultural 
research initiative.
    (d) Multidisciplinary focus. Indicate where the project is relevant 
to multiple disciplines in the food and agricultural sciences. Indicate 
whether the project will expand partnership ventures among disciplines 
at a university. Also, discuss whether the project may be adapted by, 
or serve as a model for, other institutions.
    (2) Proposed Approach. (a) Objectives. Cite and discuss the 
specific objectives to be accomplished under the project.
    (b) Plan of operation. Describe procedures or methodologies to be 
applied to the proposed project. This section should include, but not 
limited to a description of: the proposed investigations, experiments, 
or research support enhancements in the sequence in which they will be 
carried out, procedures and techniques to be employed, including their 
feasibility, means by which data will be collected and analyzed, 
pitfalls that might be encountered, limitations to proposed procedures.
    (c) Timetable. Provide a timetable for execution of the project. 
Identify all important research milestones and dates as they relate to 
project start-up, execution, evaluation, dissemination, and close-out.
    (d) Products, results and measurable outcomes. Explain the expected 
products and results and their potential impact on strengthening food 
and agricultural sciences higher education in the United States, 
including attracting academically outstanding students or increasing 
the ethnic, racial, and gender diversity of the Nation's food and 
agricultural scientific and professional expertise base.
    (e) Evaluation plans. Provide a plan for evaluating the 
accomplishment of stated objectives, products and outcomes during the 
conduct of the project. Develop indicators of progress and measurable 
outcomes. Describe any data to be collected and analyzed, and explain 
the methodology that will be used to determine the extent to which the 
needs underlying the project are met. Provide a plan for evaluating the 
effectiveness of the end results upon conclusion of the project.
    (f) Dissemination plans. Discuss plans to disseminate project 
results and products. Identify target audiences and explain methods of 
communication.
    (g) Partnerships and collaborative efforts. Explain how the project 
will maximize partnership ventures and collaborative efforts to 
strengthen food and agricultural sciences higher education (e.g., 
involvement of faculty in related disciplines at the same institution, 
joint projects with other colleges or universities, or cooperative 
activities with business or industry). Also explain how it will 
stimulate academia, the States, or the private sector to join with the 
Federal partner in enhancing food and agricultural sciences higher 
education. Provide evidence, via letters from the parties involved, 
that arrangements necessary for collaborative partnerships or joint 
initiatives have been discussed and realistically can be expected to 
come to fruition, or actually have been finalized contingent on an 
award under this program. (NOTE: Letters must be signed by an official 
who has the authority to commit the resources of the organization. Such 
letters should be referenced in the plan of operation, but the actual 
letters should be included in the Appendix section of the proposal. Any 
potential conflict(s) of interest that might result from the proposed 
collaborative arrangements must be discussed in detail. Explain how the 
project will create a new or enhance an existing partnership between 
the USDA agency cooperator(s) and the 1890 Institution(s). This section 
should expand upon the summary information provided in the 
documentation of USDA agency cooperator.
    (3) Institutional Capacity Building. (a) Institutional enhancement. 
Explain how the proposed project will strengthen the institution's 
research capacity, and, if applicable, that of any other institution 
assuming a major role in the conduct of the project. For example, 
describe how the proposed project is intended to strengthen the 
institution's research infrastructure by advancing the expertise of the 
current faculty in the natural or social sciences; providing a better 
research environment, state-of-the-art equipment, or supplies; 
enhancing library collections; or enabling the institution to provide 
efficacious organizational structures and reward systems to attract and 
retain first-rate research faculty and students'particularly those from 
underrepresented groups.
    (b) Institutional commitment. Discuss the institution's commitment 
to the project. For example, substantiate that the institution 
attributes a high priority to the project, discuss how the project will 
contribute to the achievement of the institution's long-range (five-to 
ten-year) goals, explain how the project will

[[Page 58335]]

help satisfy the institution's high priority objectives, or show how 
this project is linked to and supported by the institution's strategic 
plan. Document the commitment of institutional resources to the 
project, and show that the institutional resources to be made available 
to the project, when combined with the support requested from USDA, 
will be adequate to carry out the activities of the project. Discuss 
institutional facilities, equipment, computer services, and other 
appropriate resources available to the project.
    (c) Continuation Plans. Discuss the likelihood of, or plans for, 
continuation or expansion of the project beyond USDA support. For 
example, does the institution's long-range budget or academic plan 
provide for the realistic continuation or expansion of the line of 
research or research support activity undertaken by this project after 
the end of the grant period. For example, are there plans for securing 
non-Federal support for the project? Is there any potential for income 
from patents, technology transfer or university-business enterprises 
resulting from the project? Also discuss the probabilities of proposed 
activity or line of inquiry being pursued by researchers at other 
institutions. Are plans for eventual self-support built into the 
project, are plans being made to institutionalize the program if it 
meets with success, and are there indications of other continuing non-
Federal support?
    (4) Key Personnel. In addition to the required separate vitae for 
each PD, discuss the specific attributes and project responsibilities 
of each key person associated with the project.
    (5) Budget and Cost-Effectiveness. 
    (a) Budget. In addition to the separate required budget page and 
budget narrative forms, discuss how the budget specifically supports 
the proposed project activities. Explain how such budget items as 
professional or technical staff time and salary, travel, equipment, 
etc., are necessary and reasonable to achieve project objectives. 
Justify that the total budget, including funds requested from USDA and 
any matching support provided, are allocated between the applicant and 
any collaborating institution, and will be adequate to carry out the 
activities of the project. Provide a summary of sources and amounts of 
all third party matching support.
    (b) Cost-effectiveness. Justify the project's cost-effectiveness. 
Show how the project maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes 
educational value for the dollar, achieves economies of scale, or 
leverages additional funds. For example, discuss how the project has 
the potential to generate a critical mass of expertise and activity 
focused on a targeted need area, or to promote coalition building that 
could lead to future ventures.
7. References
    All references to works cited should be complete, including titles 
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format. 
References are not considered in the page-limitation for the Project 
Description.
8. Appendices to Project Description
    Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are 
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices 
should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures and tables 
page limitations.
9. Key Personnel
    The following should be included, as applicable:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator 
should be clearly described; and
    (b) Vitae of the PD and each co-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. The vitae 
should include a presentation of academic and research credentials, as 
applicable, e.g., earned degrees, teaching experience, employment 
history, professional activities, honors and awards, and grants 
received. A chronological list of all publications in refereed journals 
during the past four (4) years, including those in press, must be 
provided, as applicable, for each project member for whom a curriculum 
vitae is provided. Also list only those non-refereed technical 
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. Collaborative Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) 
are known at the time of application, a vitae or resume should be 
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter of support) should be 
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these 
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional 
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of 
the application. See instructions in the application forms for 
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.
11. Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)
    A ``Conflict-of-Interest List,'' Form CSREES-2007, must be provided 
for all individuals who have submitted a vitae in response to item 
9.(b) of this part. Each Form CSREES-2007 should list alphabetically, 
by the last names, the full names of the individuals in the following 
categories: (a) All co-authors on publications within the past four 
years, including pending publications and submissions; (b) all 
collaborators on projects within the past four years, including current 
and planned collaborations; (c) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/
advisors within the past four years; and (d) 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. This 
form is necessary to assist program staff in excluding from application 
review those individuals who have conflicts of interest with the 
personnel in the grant application. The program contact must be 
informed of any additional conflicts of interest that arise after the 
application is submitted.
12. Budget (Form CSREES-2004)
a. General
(1) Budget Form
    Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with 
instructions provided with the application forms. 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 statutes, regulations, and Federal cost principles, and 
these program guidelines, and can be justified as necessary for the 
successful conduct of the proposed project. Applicants also must 
include a budget narrative to justify their budget requests (see 
section b. below.)

[[Page 58336]]

(2) Matching
    Contributions toward the match from the institution should be 
identified in the column ``Non-Federal Proposed Cost Sharing/Matching 
Funds'' on the Budget (Form CSREES-2004). Cash contributions of the 
institution and third parties as well as non-cash contributions should 
be identified on Line Q, as appropriate, of Form CSREES-2004 and 
described in the budget narrative.
b. Budget Narrative
    All budget categories, with the exception of 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.
c. Matching Funds
    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 AORs 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 AORs 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.
    Any cost sharing commitments specified in the proposal will be 
referenced and included as a condition of an award resulting from this 
announcement.
13. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
    All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other 
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which 
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item 
9.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed 
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) 
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions 
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
applications to the possible sponsors will not prejudice application 
review or evaluation by the CSREES. However, an application that 
duplicates or overlaps substantially with an application already 
reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency 
will not be funded under this program. Please note that the project 
being proposed should be included in the pending section of the form.
14. Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
    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, 
applications involving any of the following elements must comply with 
the additional requirements as applicable.
a. Recombinant DNA or RNA Research
    As stated in 7 CFR Part 3015.205 (b)(3), all key personnel 
identified in the application 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 20 of Form CSREES-2002 
(the Proposal Cover Page) and by completing Section A of Form CSREES-
2008. For applicable applications recommended for funding, 
Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required before CSREES 
funds will be released. Please refer to the application forms for 
further instructions.
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 
personnel identified in an application 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-2002 and complete 
Section B of Form CSREES-2008. 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. Please refer to the application forms for further 
instructions.
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 in your 
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 20 of Form CSREES-
2002 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-2008. Please refer to the 
application forms for additional instructions.
15. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing 
the certifications required by 7 CFR Part 3017, 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 application since by signing Form

[[Page 58337]]

CSREES-2002 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, Certification 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary 
Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered Transactions, 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-2006)
    As outlined in 7 CFR Part 3407 (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-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must be included 
in the application 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(s) must 
be identified.
    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.
17. Documentation of USDA Agency Cooperator
    To be considered for funding, each proposal for the 1890 
Institution Capacity Building Grants Program must include documentation 
of cooperation with at least one USDA agency or office. If multiple 
agencies are involved as cooperators, documentation must be included 
from each agency. This documentation must include the following 
information: a summary of the cooperative arrangement; indicate the 
agency's willingness to commit support for the project; identify the 
person(s) at the USDA agency who will serve as the liaison or technical 
contact for the project; describe the degree and nature of the USDA 
agency's involvement in the proposed project; describe the expected 
benefits of the partnership venture for the USDA agency and for the 
1890 Institution. A detailed discussion of these partnership 
arrangements should be provided in the proposal narrative under item 
(2)(g), ``Partnerships and collaborative efforts,'' in Part III, B6--
Project Description.

C. Submission of Applications

1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
    Applications must be received by COB on January 31, 2002. (5:00 
p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will not 
be considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and seven (7) copies must be submitted. In addition, 
submit two (2) copies of the application's Project Summary. All copies 
of the application and the Project Summary must be submitted in one 
package.
3. Where To Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 1890 
Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program; in 
care of 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; 
Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity 
Building Grants Program; in care of 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.

D. Acknowledgment of Applications

    The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by e-mail. 
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the 
applicant's e-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge 
receipt of the application by letter.
    If the applicant does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days 
of the submission deadline, please contact the program contact. Once 
the application has been assigned an application number, please cite 
that number on all future correspondence.

Part IV--Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated in a 2-part process. First, each 
application will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative 
requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, applications that meet 
these requirements will be technically evaluated by a review panel.
    Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in 
relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into 
account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal 
scientific, technical education, or 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 reviewers experts from various areas of specialization 
within relevant scientific, education, or 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 applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the 
need to include as 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 reviewers 
with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age 
distribution; and (f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the 
effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each 
application.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria and weights below will be used in reviewing 
applications submitted in response to this RFA:
Teaching Proposals
1. Potential for Advancing the Quality of Education (30 Points)
    This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project 
will have a substantial impact upon and advance the quality of food and 
agricultural sciences higher education by

[[Page 58338]]

strengthening institutional capacities to meet clearly delineated 
needs. Elements considered include identification of needs, 
justification for the project, innovation (creative programs, material 
or curricula), and a multidisciplinary focus.
2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages (25 Points)
    This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach 
and the quality of the partnerships likely to evolve as a result of the 
project. Elements include objectives, methodology, plan of operation, 
timetable, expected products and results, evaluation plans, 
dissemination plans, and partnerships and collaborative efforts. 
Emphasis is placed on the quality of educational support provided to 
the applicant institution through its partnerships and cooperative 
linkages.
3. Institutional Capacity Building (20 Points)
    This criterion relates to the degree to which the project will 
strengthen the teaching capacity of the applicant institution and, if 
applicable, that of any other institution assuming a major role in the 
conduct of the project. Elements include the institution's commitment 
to the project, institutional enhancement, and plans for project 
continuation or expansion beyond the period of USDA support.
4. Key Personnel (15 Points)
    This criterion relates to the adequacy of the number and 
qualifications of the key persons who will carry out the project.
5. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness (10 Points)
    This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget 
adequately supports the project and is cost-effective. Elements 
considered include the necessity and reasonableness of costs to carry 
out project activities and achieve project objectives; the 
appropriateness of budget allocations between the applicant and any 
collaborating institution(s); the adequacy of time committed to the 
project by key project personnel; and the degree to which the project 
maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for 
the dollar, achieves economies of scale, leverages additional, and 
focuses expertise and activity on targeted educational areas.
Research Proposals
1. Significance of the Problem (30 Points)
    This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project 
will advance or have a substantial impact upon the body of knowledge 
constituting the natural and social sciences undergirding the 
agricultural, natural resources, and food systems. Elements considered 
include identification of the problem or opportunity to be addressed, 
justification for the project, innovation (creative programs, material 
or curricula) and a multidisciplinary focus.
2. Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages (25 Points)
    This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach 
and the quality of the partnerships likely to evolve as a result of the 
project. Elements include objectives, methodology, plan of operation, 
timetable, expected products and results, evaluation plans, 
dissemination plans, and partnerships and collaborative efforts. 
Emphasis is placed on the quality of research support provided to the 
applicant institution through its partnerships and cooperative 
linkages.
3. Institutional Capacity Building (20 Points)
    This criterion relates to the degree to which the project will 
strengthen the research capacity of the applicant institution and, if 
applicable, that of any other institution assuming a major role in the 
conduct of the project. Elements include the institution's commitment 
to the project, institutional enhancement, and plans for project 
continuation or expansion beyond the period of USDA support.
4. Key Personnel (15 Points)
    This criterion relates to the adequacy of the number and 
qualifications of the key persons who will carry out the project.
5. Budget and Cost-Effectiveness (10 Points)
    This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget 
adequately supports the project and is cost-effective. Elements 
considered include the necessity and reasonableness of costs to carry 
out project activities and achieve project objectives; the 
appropriateness of budget allocations between the applicant and any 
collaborating institutions(s); the adequacy of time committed to the 
project by key project personnel; and the degree to which the project 
maximizes the use of limited resources, optimizes educational value for 
the dollar, achieves economies of scale, leverages additional funds, 
focuses expertise and activity on a high-priority research 
initiative(s), or promote coalition building for current or future 
ventures.

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 2002 Higher Education 
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400 
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone: 
(703) 532-2300. Web site: http://www.hepinc.com.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
application 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 application.

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 applications are judged most meritorious under the 
procedures set forth in this RFA. 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 RFA 
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
regulations,

[[Page 58339]]

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. 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 RFA, 
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. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as 
one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant 
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).

C. 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 applications;
    (2) Title of project;
    (3) Name(s) and institution(s) of 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) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
number;
    (9) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the grant award; and
    (10) 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 reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a 
summary of the panel comments will be sent to the applicant 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, PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project grant shall be limited to 
changes in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the 
project to expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the 
grantee or the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with 
this provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized 
Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the 
signatory of the award document, not the program contact.
    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 ADO 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 grant 
award.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

    (a) During the tenure of a grant, project directors are invited to 
attend at least one national project directors meeting, if offered, in 
Washington, D.C., or any other announced location. The purpose of the 
meeting will be to discuss project and grant management, opportunities 
for collaborative efforts, future directions for education reform, and 
opportunities to enhance dissemination of exemplary end products/
results.
    (b) An Annual Performance Report must be submitted to the USDA 
program contact person within 90 days after the completion of the first 
year of the project and annually thereafter during the life of the 
grant. Generally, the Annual Performance Reports should include a 
summary of the overall progress toward project objectives, current 
problems or unusual developments, the next year's activities, and any 
other information that is pertinent to the ongoing project or which may 
be specified in the terms and conditions of the award.
    (c) A Final Performance Report must be submitted to the USDA 
program contact person within 90 days after the expiration date of the 
project. The expiration date is specified in the award documents and 
modifications thereto, if any. Generally, the Final Performance Report 
should be a summary of the completed project, including: A review of 
project objectives and accomplishments; a description of any products 
and outcomes resulting from the project; activities undertaken to 
disseminate products and outcomes; partnerships and collaborative 
ventures that resulted from the project; future initiatives that are 
planned as a result of the project; the impact of the project on the 
project director(s), students, the departments, the institution, and 
the food and agricultural sciences higher education system; and data on 
project personnel and beneficiaries. The Final Performance Report 
should be

[[Page 58340]]

accompanied by samples or copies of any products or publications 
resulting from or developed by the project. The Final Performance 
Report also must contain any other information which may be specified 
in the terms and conditions of the award.

D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
applications 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 (formerly 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 Applications and Awards

    When an application 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 
application. The original copy of an application 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 an application will be released 
only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent required by 
law. An application 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 29114, 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 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), the collection of information requirements contained in 
this Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 15th day of November 2001.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-28992 Filed 11-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P