[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67133-67144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-29761]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service


Decision Support, Education, and Workforce Development Through 
Geospatial Extension Specialists 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: As part of a collaborative, interagency effort, the 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) 
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting applications 
for the Decision Support, Education, and Workforce

[[Page 67134]]

Development through Geospatial Extension Specialists (GES) Program for 
fiscal year (FY) 2004 to support programmatic activities (1) in states 
that establish new Geospatial Extension Specialist positions, and (2) 
in on-going Geospatial Extension Specialist programs. Beginning with 
the use of FY 2003 funds in this RFA, the participating agencies 
anticipate allocating a total of approximately $1 million over three 
years to fund the GES Program.
    The GES Program is supported by CSREES, the Earth Science 
Enterprise (ESE) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA), and the National Sea Grant College Program of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce 
(DOC) as described in this Request for Applications (RFA). CSREES will 
administer GES Program grants and cooperative agreements.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on 
March 1, 2004, (5 p.m. eastern standard time). Applications received 
after this deadline will not be considered for funding. Comments 
regarding this RFA are requested within three 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: 
Geospatial Extension Specialists Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; Room 1420, 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: Geospatial Extension Specialists Program; c/o 
Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2245.
    Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy 
and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA-CSREES; 
STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or 
via e-mail to: [email protected]. (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 Geospatial Extension Specialists Program RFA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Crosby; National Program Leader; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; STOP 2210; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; 
Washington, DC 20250-2210; Telephone: (202) 401-6050; Fax: (202) 401-
1706; E-mail: [email protected]; or Mr. Edwin Sheffner; Earth 
Science Enterprise, Code YO; National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration; 300 E Street, SW.; Washington, DC 20546; telephone: 
(202) 358-0239; fax: (202) 358-2770; e-mail: [email protected]; 
or Mr. Rodney McKellip; Earth Science Applications Directorate; John C. 
Stennis Space Center; Code MA00 Bldg. 1100; SCC, MS 29529-6000; 
telephone: (228) 688-2984; fax: (228) 688-7455; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I. General
    A. Legislative Authority and Background
    B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
    C. Eligibility
    D. Indirect Costs
    E. Matching Requirements
    F. Funding Restrictions
    G. Types of Applications
Part II. Program Description
    A. Project Types
    B. Program Description
Part III. Preparation of an Application
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Applications
    C. Submission of Applications
    D. Acknowledgment of Applications
Part IV. Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Criteria
    C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
Part V. Award Administration
    A. General
    B. Organizational Management Information
    C. Award Document and Notice of 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. Safety
    F. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    G. Regulatory Information
    H. Grants.gov Implementation Plans
    I. DUNS Number
    J. Required Registration for Grants.gov

Stakeholder Input

    CSREES is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any 
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development 
of any subsequent 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, extension and education for use in formulating 
future RFAs for competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as 
provided in the ADDRESSES and DATES portions of this announcement.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 10.206 for USDA and 43.002 for NASA.

Part I. General

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Section 737 of the General Provisions of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Division A of Pub. L. 108-7) provides 
CSREES with the authority to use up to twenty percent of the amount 
made available in the Act for the National Research Initiative 
Competitive Grants Program (NRI), to carry out a competitive grants 
program under the same terms and conditions as those provided in 
section 401 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7621).
    Section 401 of AREERA established in the Treasury of the United 
States an account and authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to 
establish a research, extension, and education competitive grants 
program to address critical emerging U.S. agricultural and rural issues 
related to future food production; environmental quality and natural 
resource management; farm income; or rural, economic and business and 
community development policy.
    The authority for NASA participation in the GES Program is found in 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Act of 1958, as 
amended, 42 U.S.C. 2473 (c)(5), and section 316 of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000, Pub. L. 
106-391 (7 U.S.C. 5935 note).

B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability

    The GES Program supports programmatic activities (1) in states that 
establish new Geospatial Extension Specialist positions, and (2) in on-
going Geospatial Extension Specialist

[[Page 67135]]

programs. Using funds made available in FY 2003, this RFA solicits GES 
Program applications for projects that: Improve, through the use of 
geospatial information, the decision support systems of users at local, 
county and state levels; improve education in remote sensing and 
related geospatial technology at the local, county and state levels; 
and, promote development of a workforce skilled in the use of 
geospatial technology and integrated with the staffs of user 
organizations. Examples of activities the GES Program may support are 
included in Part II, B.
    Priority will be given to projects with a documented commitment to 
initiate or continue a Geospatial Extension Specialist position, that 
take full advantage of Space Grant, Sea Grant, and Cooperative 
Extension activities in the state, and that demonstrate links to the 
user communities within the state (as described in Part II, B.).
    There is no commitment by CSREES to fund a particular application 
or to make a specific number of awards. Beginning with the use of FY 
2003 funds in this RFA, the participating agencies anticipate 
allocating a total of approximately $1 million over three years to fund 
the GES Program. CSREES's obligation to make award(s) is contingent 
upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment can be 
made and the receipt of proposals that are deemed acceptable for award 
under this solicitation.

C. Eligibility

    The following entities are eligible to apply for and receive a 
competitive grant: (1) A Federal research agency; (2) a national 
laboratory; (3) a college or university or a research foundation 
maintained by a college or university; (4) a private research 
organization with an established and demonstrated capacity to perform 
research or technology transfer; or (5) a State agricultural experiment 
station. Unsolicited applications will not be considered and 
applications from scientists at non-United States organizations will 
not be accepted.
    Applications are expected to involve the participation of the 
applicant state's land-grant institution and Space Grant Consortium 
(SGC). Participation of the applicant state's Sea Grant institution is 
encouraged, where appropriate. Award recipients may subcontract to 
organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are 
necessary for the conduct of the project.
    USDA and NASA encourage researchers in other U.S. government 
agencies with remote sensing applications responsibilities to 
participate as members in no-cost or low-cost applications, but civil 
servants may not request salary reimbursement. Civil servants in other 
U.S. government research laboratories are eligible to participate, but 
also may not request salary reimbursement.

D. Indirect Costs

    Section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310) requires that CSREES limit 
the recovery of indirect costs on all competitive awards to 19 percent 
of total Federal funds provided under the award. Therefore, the 
recovery of indirect costs on awards made by CSREES under the GES 
Program may not exceed the lesser of the institution's official 
negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 19 percent of total 
Federal funds awarded. Another method of calculating the maximum 
allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct costs. (This limitation 
also applies to the recovery of indirect costs by any subawardee or 
subcontractor, and should be reflected in the subrecipient budget.) If 
no rate has been negotiated, a reasonable dollar amount (equivalent to 
or less than 19 percent of total Federal funds requested) in lieu of 
indirect costs may be requested, subject to approval by CSREES. This 
same indirect cost limitation applies to subcontracts.

E. Matching Requirements

    The identification of institutional financial support for the GES 
position and/or project will be considered an indicator of commitment 
in the evaluation of applications (see Part IV, B. and Part III, B. 
5(e)).
    If a grant provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
commodity, the grant recipient is required to match the USDA funds 
awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash 
and/or in-kind contributions.
    CSREES may waive the matching funds requirement for a grant if 
CSREES determines that: (a) the results of the project, while of 
particular benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or (b) the project 
involves a minor commodity, the project deals with scientifically 
important research, and the grant recipient is unable to satisfy the 
matching funds requirement.

F. Funding Restrictions

    Funds may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of 
research spaces; purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such 
spaces; or planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or 
construction of buildings or facilities.

G. Types of Applications

1. New Position
    This is an application from a state where a new Geospatial 
Extension Specialist position has been created (a state other than the 
eleven listed in Part II, B.). New Position applications may request a 
maximum of $100,000 per year for up to three (3) years.
2. Pre-existing Position
    This is an application from a state that already has a Geospatial 
Extension Specialist. Pre-existing Position applications may request a 
maximum of $50,000 for one year, with the possibility of continuation 
for two (2) additional years at the same level (see Part II, A. for 
further information).

Part II. Program Description

A. Project Types

    New Position applications may request a maximum of $100,000 per 
year for up to three (3) years. Pre-existing Position applications may 
request a maximum of $50,000 for one year, with the possibility of 
continuation for two (2) additional years at the same level. A 
continuation grant is a grant instrument by which CSREES agrees to 
support a specified level of effort for a predetermined project period 
with a statement of intention to provide additional support at a future 
date, provided that performance has been satisfactory, appropriations 
are available for this purpose, and continued support would be in the 
best interest of the Federal government and the public.
    CSREES anticipates funding three (3) New Position applications and 
two (2) Pre-existing Position applications. Awards will be made as 
grants or cooperative agreements as determined at the time of each 
award. Award amounts will depend on reviewers' recommendations, 
participating agencies' priorities, and the availability of funds.
    Funding sponsored projects beyond the grant period will be the 
responsibility of the state or another source. Funding from NASA's 
Earth Science Applications Division for the GES Program will be limited 
to three years in each state. This limitation does not preclude a 
state's Geospatial Extension Specialist from applying for additional 
support for specific applications development projects through USDA or 
NASA research announcements, unsolicited applications or other 
mechanisms,

[[Page 67136]]

concurrent with, or following, the term of this support.

B. Program Description

    The past decade has witnessed an explosion in the availability and 
use of information technology. This is especially true in the three 
allied ``geospatial'' technologies--remote sensing, GIS, and GPS. 
Technological advances often have occurred so quickly that many of the 
most obvious potential users, such as those involved in the use and 
management of agriculture and natural resources, and urban and regional 
planning, have been left behind. New sources of data from NASA (e.g., 
Landsat 7, Terra, and Aqua) and high-resolution data from commercial 
sources are now available. These new sources of data, accompanied by 
new methods for data processing and analysis, provide the basis for new 
applications and increase the challenge of assuring that the broad, 
potential user community receives the benefits of available technology.
    USDA/CSREES, NASA/ESE, the NASA Space Grant program, and NOAA Sea 
Grant share a commitment to bring science to society by returning the 
maximum benefit to the American taxpayer from new science and 
technology. Geospatial Extension Specialist positions help fulfill this 
commitment by building on existing resources to put geospatial 
technology to practical use around the country. The GES Program's goal 
will be met in each state through development and implementation of 
projects by the Geospatial Extension Specialists that improve the 
decision support tools of users at local to statewide levels, improve 
education in remote sensing and geospatial technology, and develop a 
workforce skilled in geospatial technology and integrated with the 
staffs of user organizations.
    Geospatial Extension Specialists facilitate the use of NASA Earth 
science capabilities, which include Earth observations from space, 
modeling and systems engineering, and other geospatial technology 
(e.g., geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning 
systems (GPS)). They provide geospatial information and decision 
support tools that address the operational needs of users at local, 
regional and statewide levels. Users include individuals, agencies, 
groups, and associations in the public, private and educational. 
Geospatial Extension Specialists also serve as statewide resources for 
education in remote sensing, GIS, GPS and related technologies.
    GES programs have been established in eleven states over the last 
three years. These programs, in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, 
Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Utah and Virginia, are partnerships between land-grant institutions and 
the NASA SGC within the states. Geospatial Extension Specialist 
positions are located within the regular Cooperative Extension Service 
(CES) structure in each participating state, and provide technical 
support to CES agents and clients (as do other extension specialists). 
They are eligible for tenure or other comparable professional 
appointment, and are expected to draw on existing expertise available 
through the land-grant system, SGC, and the network of NASA Principal 
Investigators.
    States creating new Geospatial Extension Services positions should 
establish a geospatial technology delivery system at the county level. 
They can achieve this by building linkages among existing programs, 
including:
    1. NASA Earth Science Enterprise comprised of Earth science 
results, data, technology and a well-established nationwide research 
infrastructure. (http://www.earth.nasa.gov).
    2. NASA Space Grant comprised of an Earth and space science 
research, education, and outreach network that exists in each state. 
(http://www.education.nasa.gov/spacegrant).
    3. USDA and Land-Grant Cooperative Extension--a technology transfer 
network connected with a diverse user base and found in virtually every 
county of the Nation. (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/statepartners/usa.htm).
    4. National Sea Grant College Program--a technology transfer 
network for stewardship of marine resources. (http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/).
    The following examples of activities the GES Program may support 
have been included to suggest approaches to meeting the Program's 
goals:
    1. Decision Support--A primary objective of the GES Program is to 
initiate projects that will lead to operational use of remote sensing 
and geospatial technology in the decision support processes of an 
operational entity. To ensure that the operational focus is maintained, 
end users must be identified when projects are initiated. End users 
should be actively involved in defining project goals and routinely 
involved in developing applications. Participation of the commercial 
sector in data acquisition, value-added product generation and 
operations management is encouraged.
    2. Education--A second objective of the program is to increase 
geospatial literacy. The following constituencies need to be addressed:
    (a) General public--There is a strong need for a continued 
awareness campaign for the general public that emphasizes in a non-
technical fashion the practical applications of geospatial information 
technologies and their potential to solve pressing challenges in the 
state. Examples of such applications are: Natural resource management; 
disaster management; and business, including real estate, 
transportation, and insurance.
    (b) County extension agents--Within the CES, at the state level, 
the level of knowledge about geospatial information technologies is 
uneven and needs to be improved. Educating county extension agents is 
an important goal since the agents are the resource to which users turn 
for information. Many other specialists within CES will benefit from 
the GES Program in their activities.
    (c) User groups--The GES Program will conduct education and 
training of potential user groups in the state, such as farmers, 
foresters, businesses, disaster management teams, etc.
    (d) Youth education--The GES Program will play an important role in 
youth education through 4-H organizations and through education and 
outreach programs sponsored by the SGC in the state. The full use of 
the complementary CES and SGC networks will be key to success.
    (e) State and local government personnel--State and local 
government personnel will benefit from educational and training 
programs initiated by the GES Program.
    3. Workforce Development--The third objective of the GES Program is 
to develop a workforce skilled in remote sensing and geospatial 
technology for on-going activities in the states. The Geospatial 
Extension Specialist will assist the SGC in the state and others in 
developing a skilled workforce in geospatial information technologies. 
For example, Space Grant Fellows working with the GES Program will 
develop skills in applied geospatial research. Real world challenges 
addressed by the specialist in the state can be integrated into 
geospatial teaching curricula, thereby enhancing the learning process 
at the undergraduate level. The specific activities that might be 
pursued by Geospatial Extension Specialists vary to fit the needs of 
users in the states.
    Additional information about sponsored projects is available online 
at http://earthgrant.auburn.edu and http://aria.arizona.edu/extension/program.html.

[[Page 67137]]

    The intent of the program is to maximize impact and ``return on 
investment.'' Projects included in applications should focus on 
significant topics within the state or region. Because Geospatial 
Extension Specialists are intended to provide meaningful assistance to 
users within the state, the applications they choose to address should 
be of high priority for a reasonably large group to insure relevance, 
visibility and impact. Projects are also encouraged that build on 
existing resources. NASA (ESE and Space Grant) has built a considerable 
Earth science infrastructure within the nation. Similarly, through the 
land-grant system, the states have built an unparalleled research and 
technology infrastructure that often includes some NASA resources 
(i.e., NASA PIs and their centers). These existing resources should 
form the base for proposed activities. The relative strengths of these 
resources will vary from state to state, but the intent is to build 
from existing centers and strengths, rather than create new ones.
    Activities will be managed cooperatively at the national and state 
levels. Nationally, the program will be the shared responsibility of 
NASA, through the Office of Education and the Office of Earth Science 
(OES); USDA, through CSREES; and NOAA, through the National Sea Grant 
College Program. A Program Coordinating Group (PCG) comprised of the 
Space Grant Director at NASA, the manager of the applications research 
program in the Earth Science Applications Division of NASA/OES, the 
designated appointee of CSREES for USDA, and the designated appointee 
of the National Sea Grant College Program for NOAA, will be responsible 
for operational decisions in the program, subject to review by senior 
management.
    Management of the program at the state level will be led by 
Geospatial Extension Specialists with concurrence from Directors of the 
state CES and the SGC, as appropriate. The CES Director will be the 
primary resource for questions regarding applications and demonstration 
projects. The state Space Grant Director will be the primary resource 
for issues related to geospatial research, education and workforce 
development.

Part III. Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials

    The participating agencies have agreed to use the USDA guidelines 
for application format (see below) and application kit. Program 
application materials are available at the CSREES Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to 
the CSREES web page or have trouble downloading material, you may 
contact the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, USDA/CSREES 
at (202) 401-5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please 
indicate that you are requesting forms for the Geospatial Extension 
Specialists Program. These materials may also be requested via Internet 
by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and 
phone number to [email protected]. State that you want a copy of the 
Program Description and application materials for the FY 2004 
Geospatial Extension Specialists Program.

B. Content of Applications

    Applications should be prepared following the guidelines and the 
instructions below. Each application must contain the following 
elements in the order indicated:
1. General
    The application should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers 
to more easily evaluate the merits of each application in a systematic, 
consistent fashion:
    (a) The application should be prepared on only one side of the page 
using standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'') white paper, one inch margins, 
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and 
single- or double-spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., 
Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
    (b) 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 fourteen (14) copies of the application, along 
with ten (10) additional copies of the Project Summary, must be 
submitted in one package.
    (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) Application Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
(2) Table of Contents
(3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
(4) Response to Previous Review (if applicable)
(5) Project Description (see instructions for page limitations)
(6) References to Project Description
(7) Appendices to Project Description
(8) Facilities and Equipment
(9) Key Personnel (vitae and publications list)
(10) Collaborative Arrangements (including letters of support)
(11) Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)
(12) Budget (Form CSREES-2004)
(13) Budget Narrative
(14) Matching (if required)
(15) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
(16) Assurance Statement(s) (Form CSREES-2008)
(17) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
    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 PDs and the 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 three co-PDs for an 
application, please list additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper 
(with appropriate information and signatures) 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 6.a. and 6.b.). For 
Block 6.a., 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 6.b., 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

[[Page 67138]]

(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 ``Geospatial 
Extension Specialists Program'' in this block.
    (d) DUNS NO. (Data Universal Numbering System) (Block 11.). A DUNS 
number must be included for the legal recipient named in Block 1. 
(except applications from individuals). See Part VI, I.
    (e) Type of Request (Block 14). Check the appropriate block box for 
your application. For ``Renewals'' and ``Resubmitted Renewals,'' the 
prior USDA Award No. must be identified.
    (f) Project Director (PD) (Blocks 16-19). Blocks 16-18 are used to 
identify the PD and Block 19 to identify co-PDs. If needed, additional 
co-PDs 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-PDs, beyond those 
required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
    (g) 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.
    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 ease in locating information, each application must contain a 
detailed Table of Contents just after the Proposal Cover Page. The 
Table of Contents should include page numbers for each component of the 
application. Pagination 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 PDs and co-PDs 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 GES Program. The Project 
Summary must indicate whether the applicant is requesting funds for a 
New Position or a Pre-existing Position. The importance of a concise, 
informative Project Summary cannot be overemphasized. If there are more 
than three co-PDs for an application, please list additional co-PDs on 
a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate information) and attach to 
the Project Summary. (Please check the ``Standard Research Proposal'' 
box on the upper right-hand portion of the form under ``Proposal 
Type'.)
5. Project Description
    The Project Description must not exceed 18 pages, including tables, 
diagrams and other visual material. This page limitation applies 
regardless of whether figures or tables are included. All pages, 
including those with figures or tables, should be numbered 
sequentially. Applications exceeding this page limitation may be 
returned without review. This maximum has been established to ensure 
fair and equitable competition. The Project Description must include 
all of the following:
    (a) Introduction--A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and 
supporting objectives of the proposed activities should be included. 
Summarize the intention of each project proposed by the Geospatial 
Extension Specialist, and identify the relevant area of the project 
(decision support, education or workforce development); and
    (b) Relevance and Significance--Identify the objectives of each 
project including the current state of the intended target process in 
decision support, education or workforce development, and the 
improvement that will ensue from the proposed project.
    In addition, New Position applications must include the following 
information about the Geospatial Extension Specialist position:
(1) Organization
    Institution--A general description of the institution housing the 
Geospatial Extension Specialist including name, location and other 
general information that might be relevant (e.g., number of students; 
academic strengths; traditional role within the state);
    Home unit--A description of the unit in which the position would 
reside with a rationale explaining that choice; and
    Existing institutional resources--Facilities and other resources on 
which the position could draw either at the home institution or 
resources offered by other partners (e.g., Space Grant, remote sensing 
or GIS centers; NASA PIs; service providers in the private sector).
(2) Position Function
    Scope--The role the position serves in a broader institutional 
vision within the Land Grant function (e.g., support of a precision 
agriculture initiative) as well as the Space Grant function (e.g., 
support of a Space Grant intern program);
    Objectives--The overall objectives of the Geospatial Extension 
Specialist; and
    Activities--The types of activities that the Geospatial Extension 
Specialist is expected to perform.
    (c) Approach--The activities proposed or problems being addressed 
must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly 
described. The following should be included: (1) A description of the 
activities proposed; (2) methods to be used in carrying out the 
project, including the feasibility of the methods; (3) expected 
outcomes; (4) means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or 
interpreted; and (5) how results or products will be used.
    (d) Time Table--Provide an expected timeline for completing the 
project in the requested duration.
    (e) Management Plan--
    (1) Management structure--Describe both line authority, and more 
importantly, cooperating mechanisms through which existing resources or 
partners might be tapped by the Geospatial Extension Specialist using 
the Land Grant and Space Grant structures.
    (2) Outreach plan--Identify vehicles by which potential users, 
students,

[[Page 67139]]

educators, and the public-at-large will be involved in the proposed GES 
activities. In addition to conventional print media, each project will 
seek to reach a broader audience through other forms of media. Projects 
are expected to develop World Wide Web sites that describe the 
projects, and provide linkages to appropriate NASA/ESE, Space Grant and 
USDA home pages. Projects are encouraged to find outlets in other media 
(e.g., popular press, broadcast) to reach an even broader audience. 
Describe how these outreach efforts will be coordinated through the 
NASA/ESE, Space Grant and USDA/CSREES outreach teams. NASA Web site 
requirements are available at http://section508.nasa.gov.
    (3) Demonstrated commitments--Provide evidence of commitment to the 
proposed project on the part of the proposing institution. For 
collaborating organizations, such evidence should be the same as 
described in 9., Collaborative and Subcontractual Arrangements (e.g., 
letter of support).
    (4) Anticipated performance metrics--Include anticipated outcomes 
and impacts of the project on the user community that can be used to 
evaluate the performance of the GES position and the effectiveness of 
the project.
    (f) Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for 
assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the stated application 
objectives during the project and describe ways to determine the 
effectiveness of the end results during and upon termination of the 
project. Include plans for evaluating and monitoring the administration 
of the project, as well. This description should include how funds and 
resources will be allocated so that collaborative participation of all 
parties is ensured throughout the duration of the project.
6. References in Project Description
    All references to works cited should be complete, including titles 
and all co-authors, and should conform to an accepted journal format. 
References are not considered in the page limitation for the Project 
Description.
7. Appendices to Project Description
    Each Project Description is expected to be complete, however, 
additions to the Project Description (appendices) are allowed if they 
are directly germane to the proposed project and strictly limited to a 
maximum of two (2) of the following:
    (a) Reprints (papers that have been published in peer-reviewed 
journals); and
    (b) Preprints (manuscripts in press for a peer-reviewed journal, 
must be accompanied by letters of acceptance from the publishing 
journals).
    Manuscripts sent in support of the application should be single-
spaced and printed on both sides of the page. Each manuscript must be 
identified with the name of the submitting organization, the name(s) of 
the PD(s), and the title of the application, and be securely attached 
to each copy of the application.
    Program staff will not collate applications or application addenda. 
Information may not be appended to an application to circumvent the 
page limitations prescribed for the Project Description. Extraneous 
materials will not be used during the peer review process.
8. Facilities and Equipment
    Facilities and major items of equipment that are available for use 
or assignment to the proposed project during the requested period of 
support should be described. In addition, items of nonexpendable 
equipment necessary to conduct and successfully complete the proposed 
project should be listed (including dollar amounts), and, if funds are 
requested for their acquisition, justified on a separate page and 
attached to the budget.
9. Collaborative and Sub-Contractual Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified (e.g., letters of support). In addition, 
evidence should be provided that the collaborators involved have agreed 
to render these services. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) are 
known at the time of application, vitae or resume should be provided. 
The applicant also will be required to provide additional information 
on consultant(s) and collaborator(s) in the Budget portion of the 
application. See instructions in the application forms for completing 
Form CSREES-2004, Budget. For purposes of application development, 
informal day-to-day contacts between key project personnel and outside 
experts are not considered to be collaborative arrangements and thus do 
not need to be detailed.
10. Key Personnel
    The following should be included, as applicable:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator 
should be clearly described, including an estimate of the time each is 
committing to the proposed project; and
    (b) Vitae for the Geospatial Extension Specialist, senior 
associates and other professional personnel. This section should 
include vitae of all key persons who are expected to work on the 
project, whether or not funding is sought for their support. The vitae 
should be limited to two (2) pages in length, excluding publications 
listings. A chronological list of all publications in refereed journals 
during the past four (4) years, including those in press, must be 
provided for each project member for whom a vita is provided. Also list 
only those non-refereed technical publications which have relevance to 
the proposed project. All authors should be listed in the same order as 
they appear on each paper cited, along with the title and complete 
reference as these usually appear in journals.
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 vita in response to item 10(b) of 
this part. Each Form CSREES-2007 must list alphabetically, by 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; 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 should be informed of any additional conflicts of 
interest that arise after the application is submitted.
12. Budget
    Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with 
instructions provided with the application forms. Budgets should be 
commensurate with activities proposed. 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. Applicants may include in their requested budgets reasonable 
travel expenses for Geospatial Extension Specialists whose work is 
supported through this solicitation to attend two meetings per year, at 
locations to be determined. The budget form may be

[[Page 67140]]

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 must also include a Budget Narrative to justify their budget 
requests (see 13., below).
13. Budget Narrative
    A budget narrative should be included which discusses how the 
budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. 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. The budget narrative should 
explain how each budget item (such as salaries and wages for 
professional and technical staff, student workers, travel, equipment, 
etc.) is essential to achieving project objectives. Funds may be 
requested under any of the categories listed on the budget form, 
provided that the item or service for which support is sought is 
allowable under the enabling legislation and the applicable Federal 
cost principles.
14. Matching
    If an applicant concludes that matching funds are not required (as 
specified under Part I, E.), a justification should be included in the 
Budget Narrative. CSREES will consider this justification when 
ascertaining final matching requirements or determining if required 
matching can be waived. CSREES retains the right to make final 
determinations regarding matching requirements.
    For those grants where matching funds are required, as specified 
under Part I. E., applications should include written verification of 
commitments of matching support (including both cash and in-kind 
contributions) from third parties. Written verification means:
    For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge agreement 
for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational 
representative 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.
    For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge 
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized 
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the 
applicant organization, which must include: (1) The name, address, and 
telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the applicant 
organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is 
made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the 
third party in-kind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor 
will make the contribution during the grant period.
    The sources and the amount of all matching support from outside the 
applicant organization should be summarized on a separate page and 
placed in the application immediately following the Budget Narrative. 
All pledge agreements must be placed in the application immediately 
following the summary of matching support.
    The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be 
established in accordance with the applicable cost principles. 
Applicants should refer to OMB Circulars A-21, Cost Principles for 
Educational Institutions, A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and 
Tribal Governments, A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations 
and For-Profit Organizations, and the cost principles in the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation at 48 CFR 31.2 (see 7 CFR 3015.194) for further 
guidance and other requirements relating to matching and allowable 
costs.
15. 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 Cover Page) and by completing 
Section A of Form CSREES-2008. For applicable applications recommended 
for funding, Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required 
before 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 project personnel identified in a 
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'' on Block 20 of CSREES-2002 and complete Section B of Form 
CSREES-2008. In the event a project involving the use of live 
vertebrate animals is recommended for 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, Public Law 93-348, as amended, and implementing 
regulations promulgated by the Department under 7 CFR part 1c. If you 
propose to use human subjects for experimental purposes in your 
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 20 of Form CSREES-
2002 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-2008. In the event a project 
involving human subjects at risk is recommended for a grant award, 
funds will be released only after the Institutional Review Board (IRB) 
has approved the research plan and CSREES has accepted documentation of 
the approval. Please refer to the application forms for further 
instructions.
16. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing 
certifications required by 7 CFR part

[[Page 67141]]

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 
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.
17. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)
    As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the CSREES regulations implementing 
NEPA) and 14 CFR part 1216 (the NASA regulations regarding compliance 
with NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed project is to be 
provided to CSREES so that the Federal agency may determine whether any 
further action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of 
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions 
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is 
needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding the 
possible environmental impacts of a proposed 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 Environmental 
Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if substantial 
controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other extraordinary 
conditions or circumstances are present which may cause such activity 
to have a significant environmental effect.

C. Submission of Applications

1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
    Applications must be received by COB on March 1, 2004 (5 p.m. 
eastern standard time). Applications received after this deadline will 
not be considered for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and fourteen (14) copies of the application must be 
submitted. In addition, submit ten (10) copies of the application's 
Project Summary, Form CSREES-2003. All copies of the application 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 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 
Geospatial Extension Specialists Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 1420, 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: Geospatial Extension Specialists Program, c/o 
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.

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.
    Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of 
the submission deadline should contact the program contact. Once the 
application has been assigned a proposal number, that number should be 
cited on all future correspondence.

Part IV. Review Process

A. General

    Each application will be evaluated in a two-part process. First, 
each application will be screened to ensure that it meets the 
administrative requirements as stated in the RFA. Applications that do 
not fall within the guidelines as stated in the RFA will be eliminated 
from program competition and returned to applicants. Second, a review 
panel will technically evaluate applications that meet these 
requirements. Written comments will be solicited from ad hoc reviewers 
when required, and individual written comments and in-depth discussions 
will be provided by a peer review panel prior to recommending 
applications for funding.
    Reviewers will be selected based upon their training and experience 
in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields taking into 
account the following factors: (a) The level of 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 
resource managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of 
the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the 
need to include as peer reviewers experts from a variety of 
organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and 
Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations) and 
geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition 
of 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

    Priority will be given to projects with a documented commitment to 
initiate or continue a Geospatial Extension Specialist position, that 
take full advantage of Space Grant and Cooperative Extension activities 
in the state, and that demonstrate links to the user communities within 
the state.
    The following numbered evaluation criteria will be weighted equally 
and used to review all applications submitted in response to this RFA:
1. Technical Approach
    (a) Suitability of the proposed project in terms of addressing 
significant issues and the probability of meeting stated objectives;
    (b) Feasibility, soundness, logic and practicality of the proposed 
technical methods and concepts for achieving successful applications 
research;
    (c) Clear identification of user needs and user benefits from 
proposed products or services; and

[[Page 67142]]

    (d) Centrality of Earth science, remote sensing, and other 
geospatial technologies to achieving program objectives.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
    The demonstrated commitment of cooperative extension (or other 
university-based extension effort) and/or the Space Grant Consortium to 
long-term support of the Geospatial Extension Specialist position.
3. Management and Experience
    (a) Demonstrated competence and relevant experience of project 
personnel as an indication of their ability to carry the proposed 
activity to a successful conclusion as a team;
    (b) Feasibility of the management approach as it relates to the 
methods and concepts demonstrated by the application;
    (c) Feasibility of the outreach plan and the soundness of the 
philosophy and methods by which it is effected;
    (d) Degree to which all participants in the application and users 
are integrated into the proposed activities with well-defined and 
appropriate roles; and
    (e) Adequacy of the facilities and equipment to support the 
proposed activity.
4. Metrics
    The adequacy of metrics and other statistics to be collected that 
will measure the success of the activity.

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 academic 
institution shall be determined by reference to the current version of 
the Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education 
Publications, Inc., 6400 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, 
VA 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 reviewers will be made available in such a way 
that the reviewers cannot be identified with the review of any 
particular application.

Part V. Award Administration

A. General

    The GES Program will be administered by CSREES but managed as an 
interagency program involving participating agencies throughout the 
entire process from the development of the program announcement, to the 
review, recommendation and monitoring of awards. The interagency 
program managers will coordinate program administration activities such 
as review of periodic reporting of project evaluations and annual 
investigator team meetings.
    The amount of each award will be determined jointly by USDA and 
NASA and their representatives after the panel review process has been 
completed.
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, CSREES shall 
make awards to those responsible, eligible applicants whose 
applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth 
in this RFA. It should be noted that the project need not be initiated 
on the award effective date, but as soon thereafter as practicable so 
that project goals may be attained within the funded project period. 
All funds 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 terms and conditions of the award, 
the applicable Federal cost principles, and the applicable 
participating agencies' assistance regulations.

B. Organizational Management Information

    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant under this RFA if such 
information has not been provided previously under this or another 
program for which the sponsoring agency is responsible. CSREES will 
provide copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these 
requirements as part of the pre-award process. Although an applicant 
may be eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are 
factors that may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial 
and non-financial 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. Award Document and Notice of Award

    The award document will provide pertinent instructions and 
information including, at a minimum, the following:
    1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution 
to whom the CSREES Administrator has issued an award under the terms of 
this request for applications;
    2. Title of project;
    3. Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control 
approved activities;
    4. Identifying award number assigned by CSREES;
    5. Project period, specifying the amount of time CSREES intends to 
support the project without requiring recompetition for funds;
    6. Total amount of financial assistance approved by the CSREES 
Administrator during the project period;
    7. Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
number;
    8. Legal authority(ies) under which the grant is made;
    9. Applicable award terms and conditions (see http://www.reeusda.gov/crgam/oep/awardterms.htm to view CSREES award terms and 
conditions);
    10. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds 
to accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
    11. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to 
carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular award.

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 award state otherwise, the 
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another 
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or 
expenditure of award funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
    (a) The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes 
in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to 
expedite achievement of

[[Page 67143]]

the project's approved goals. If the awardee or the PD(s) is uncertain 
as to whether a change complies with this provision, the question must 
be referred to the CSREES Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) for a 
final determination.
    (b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by 
the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES 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 
awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES 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 awardee 
and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO prior to effecting such 
transfers, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
the award.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by the awarding agency without additional financial support, for such 
additional period(s) as the CSREES ADO determines to 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 awardee and approval in 
writing by the CSREES ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and 
conditions of award.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO 
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 award.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

    The ultimate success of projects funded under this solicitation is 
the continuation of Geospatial Extension Specialist positions beyond 
the project period and the positive demonstrable impact these projects 
have on the user community. Toward that end, grantees are expected to 
provide semi-annual and annual progress reports describing the 
activities of the Geospatial Extension Specialist. Geospatial Extension 
Specialists whose work is supported through this solicitation should 
plan to attend two meetings per year, at locations to be determined, of 
all Geospatial Extension Specialists and appropriate CSREES, NASA and 
NOAA staff. Applicants may include reasonable travel expenses related 
to this requirement in their requested project budgets (see Part III, 
B., 12.).

D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    The following Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded by 
USDA under this program:
    7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A--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 331 and 9 CFR Part 121--USDA implementation of the 
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.
    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. 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 (sec. 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. Safety

    Safety is the freedom from those conditions that can cause death, 
injury, occupational illness, damage to or loss of equipment or 
property, or damage to the environment. NASA's safety priority is to 
protect: (1) The public, (2) astronauts and pilots, (3) the NASA 
workforce (including employees working under NASA award instruments), 
and (4) high-value equipment and property.

F. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards

    When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the 
record of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific 
request. Information that the CSREES Administrator determines to be of 
a confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in 
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information 
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, 
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the 
application. The original copy of an application that does not result 
in an award (including those that are withdrawn) will be retained by 
CSREES 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; however withdrawn 
applications normally will not be returned.

G. 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

[[Page 67144]]

contained in this notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 
0524-0039.

H. Grants.gov Implementation Plans

    Grants.gov is an Internet Web site for grant and other financial 
assistance information (e.g., allows grant seekers to find funding 
opportunities). It also will serve to facilitate electronic 
transmission of information pertaining to grants and other financial 
assistance information (e.g., electronic application submission).
    Beginning in February 2004, CSREES plans to initiate, on a limited 
basis, the receipt of applications electronically through the 
Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) storefront. The ability to expand 
the plan for electronically submitting applications is contingent on 
the success of the initial electronic application submissions. Detailed 
information about CSREES' Grants.gov plans, including important 
announcements, program implementation, and detailed requirements, is 
posted on the CSREES' Web site, http://www.reeusda.gov/egov/csrees/implementation.htm, which will be updated as appropriate. It is 
suggested that this site be visited periodically for important updates.

I. DUNS Number

    A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal 
standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million 
businesses worldwide. A Federal Register notice of final policy 
issuance (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number in every application 
(i.e., hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement 
(except applications from individuals) submitted on or after October 1, 
2003. Therefore, potential applicants should verify that they have a 
DUNS number or take the steps needed to obtain one. For information 
about how to obtain a DUNS number go to http://www.grants.gov. Please 
note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.

J. Required Registration for Grants.gov

    The Central Contract Registry (CCR) is a database that serves as 
the primary Government repository for contractor information required 
for the conduct of business with the Government. This database will 
also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational 
information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the 
Government. Such organizations must register in the CCR prior to the 
submission of applications via Grants.gov (a DUNS number is needed for 
CCR registration). For information about how to register in the CCR 
visit http://www.grants.gov. Allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the 
CCR registration.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 21st day of November, 2003.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-29761 Filed 11-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P