Special Research Grants Program
Potato Research
FY 2009 Request for Applications
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 27, 2009
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE;
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SPECIAL RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM, POTATO RESEARCH
INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.200, Grants for Agricultural Research, Special
Research Grants.
DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on April 27, 2009 (5:00
p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered
for funding. Comments regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six
months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to
the extent practicable.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(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, if applicable,
and will be used to meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 USC 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 RFAs for
competitive programs. Written stakeholder comments on this RFA should be submitted in
accordance with the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this Notice.
Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy and Oversight Branch;
Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service;
USDA; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via email to: RFP-OEP@csrees.usda.gov. (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 Special Research Grants Program, Potato Research
RFA.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: CSREES announces the availability of grant funds and requests
applications for the Special Research Grants Program, Potato Research (Potato Research) for
fiscal year (FY) 2009 to facilitate or expand ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural research
programs. The amount available for support of this program in FY 2009 is approximately
$900,000.
This notice identifies the objectives for Potato Research projects, the eligibility criteria for
projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for
a Potato Research grant. CSREES additionally requests stakeholder input from any interested
party for use in the development of the next RFA for this program.
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Table of Contents
PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ......................................................... 4
A. Legislative Authority and Background................................................................................... 4
B. Purpose and Priorities ............................................................................................................. 4
C. Program Area Description ...................................................................................................... 4
PART II—AWARD INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 5
A. Available Funding .................................................................................................................. 5
B. Types of Applications ............................................................................................................. 5
C. Project Types .......................................................................................................................... 5
D. Scientific Peer Review............................................................................................................ 5
PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ............................................................................ 7
A. Eligible Applicants ................................................................................................................. 7
B. Cost Sharing or Matching ....................................................................................................... 7
PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ...................................... 8
A. Electronic Application Package.............................................................................................. 8
B. Content and Form of Application Submission........................................................................ 9
C. Submission Dates and Times ................................................................................................ 13
D. Funding Restrictions ............................................................................................................. 13
E. Other Submission Requirements ........................................................................................... 13
PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS .................................................... 14
A. General.................................................................................................................................. 14
B. Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................ 14
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality .............................................................................. 15
D. Organizational Management Information ............................................................................ 15
PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................. 16
A. General.................................................................................................................................. 16
B. Award Notice ........................................................................................................................ 16
C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements .............................................................. 17
D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements .................................................... 18
PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT .......................................................................................... 19
PART VIII—OTHER INFORMATION .................................................................................. 20
A. Access to Review Information.............................................................................................. 20
B. Use of Funds; Changes ......................................................................................................... 20
C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards ............................................................... 21
D. Regulatory Information ........................................................................................................ 21
Electronic Application Checklist ............................................................................................... 22
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PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A. Legislative Authority and Background
The authority for this program is contained in subsection (c)(1)(B) of section 2 of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, Pub. L. No. 89-106, as amended (7
USC 450i(c)(1)(B)). Of the administrative regulations at 7 CFR part 3400, only section 3400.1,
Applicability of Regulations, subpart C, Peer and Merit Review Arranged by Grantees, and
subpart D, Annual Reports, apply to the Special Grants Programs awards made under the
authority of section 2(c) of this Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(c)).
In accordance with the statutory authority, grants awarded under this program will be for the
purpose of facilitating or expanding ongoing State-Federal food and agricultural research
programs that: (i) Promote excellence in research on a regional and national level; (ii) promote
the development of regional research centers; (iii) promote the research partnership between the
Department of Agriculture, colleges and universities, research foundations, and State agricultural
experiment stations for regional research efforts; and (iv) facilitate coordination and cooperation
of research among States through regional research grants.
B. Purpose and Priorities
The purpose of this grant program is to support potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) research that
focuses on varietal development/testing and whose output will be or include potato varieties. As
used herein, varietal development/testing is research using traditional and biotechnological
genetics to develop improved potato variety(ies). Aspects of evaluation, screening and testing
must support or complement the development of improved varieties.
C. Program Area Description
It is anticipated that approximately $900,000 will be available to fund four to five Potato
Research applications in FY 2009. Proposals should be submitted for a one year project period.
Future funding will be determined by progress toward objectives and the availability of funds.
The Potato Research Program funds relevant projects which represent a high potential for
success in varietal development/testing using traditional and biotechnological genetics to
develop improved potato variety(ies) with a high value to the Potato Industry as a whole. Priority
will be given to feasible proposed projects demonstrating experienced staff, adequate facilities
and equipment, a multi-institutional/multi-state approach, and finally, evidence of stakeholder
participation in developing project objectives and plans for implementation.
Examples of previously funded projects can be found on the CSREES Current Research
Information System (CRIS) – Potato Research.
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PART II—AWARD INFORMATION
A. Available Funding
There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to make a specific
number of awards. Approximately $900,000 will be available to fund applications in FY 2009.
B. Types of Applications
In FY 2009, applications may be submitted to the Potato Research Program as one of the
following two types of requests:
(1) New application. This is a project application that has not been previously submitted to the
Potato Research Program. All new applications will be reviewed competitively using the
selection process and evaluation criteria described in Part V—Application Review
Requirements.
(2) Resubmitted application. This is an application that had previously been submitted to the
Potato Research Program but not funded. Project Directors (PDs) must respond to the previous
review panel summary (see Response to Previous Review, Part IV.,B.,3.,e.). Resubmitted
applications received by the relevant due dates will be evaluated in competition with other
pending applications in the appropriate area to which they are assigned, and will be reviewed
according to the same evaluation criteria as new applications.
C. Project Types
Each proposal submitted in FY 2009 shall request funding for a period not to exceed one year.
Funding for additional years will depend upon the availability of funds and progress toward
objectives. FY 2009 awardees would need to recompete in future years for additional funding,
subject to the availability of funding.
D. Scientific Peer Review
Subsection (c)(5) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as amended
(7 USC 450i(c)(5)) requires applicants to conduct scientific peer review of their proposed
research activities in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary prior to the
Secretary making a grant award under this authority. Regulations implementing this requirement
are set forth in 7 CFR part 3400.20. The regulations impose the following requirements:
(1) Scientific peer review. Prior to the award of a standard or continuation grant by CSREES,
any proposed project shall have undergone a review arranged by the grantee. For research
projects, such review must be a scientific peer review conducted in accordance with
7 CFR 3400.21.
(2) Credible and independent review. A review arranged by the grantee must provide for a
credible and independent assessment of the proposed project. A credible review is one that
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provides an appraisal of technical quality and relevance sufficient for an organizational
representative to make an informed judgment as to whether the proposal is appropriate for
submission for Federal support. To provide for an independent review, such review may include
USDA employees, but should not be conducted solely by USDA employees.
(3) Notice of completion and retention of records. A notice of completion of the review, signed
by the Authorized Representative, shall be conveyed in writing to CSREES as part of the Other
Attachments (Field 11. of the R&R Other Project Information Form)(See Part IV.,B.,3.,e.,4.).
The written notice constitutes certification by the applicant that a review in compliance with
these regulations has occurred. Applicants are not required to submit results of the review to
CSREES; however, proper documentation of the review process and results should be retained
by the applicant. Please note: award funds cannot be released until the Scientific Peer
Review Certification is received.
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PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
A. Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by State agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and
universities, research foundations established by land-grant colleges and universities, colleges
and universities receiving funds under the Act of October 10, 1962, as amended (16 USC 582a et
seq.), and accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine.
Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such
organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. An applicant’s failure to meet an
eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will preclude CSREES from reviewing
the application and making an award.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
CSREES does not require matching support for this program and matching resources will not be
factored into the review process as evaluation criteria nor will they affect relevance rankings.
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PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
A. Electronic Application Package
Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.Gov to CSREES in response to this
RFA.
Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested that the PD/PI first contact an Authorized
Representative (AR) (also referred to as Authorized Organizational Representative) (AOR) to
determine if the organization is prepared to submit electronic applications through Grant.Gov. If
the organization is not prepared, the AR should see
http://www.Grants.Gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp for steps for preparing to submit
applications through Grants.Gov.
The steps to access application materials are as follows:
1. In order to access, complete and submit applications, applicants must download and
install a version of Adobe Reader compatible with Grants.Gov. This software is
essential to apply for CSREES Federal assistance awards. For basic system
requirements and download instructions, please see
http://www.Grants.Gov/help/download_software.jsp. To verify that you have a
compatible version of Adobe Reader, Grants.Gov established a test package that will
assist you in making that determination. Grants.Gov Adobe Versioning Test Package:
http://www.Grants.Gov/applicants/AdobeVersioningTestOnly.jsp.
2. The application package must be obtained via Grants.Gov, go to
http://www.Grants.Gov, click on “Apply for Grants” in the left-hand column, click on
“Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Instructions,” enter the funding
opportunity number USDA-CSREES-SRGP-002156 in the appropriate box and click
“Download Package.” From the search results, click “Download” to access the
application package.
Contained within the application package is the “CSREES Grants.Gov Application
Guide: A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES Applications via
Grants.Gov.” This Guide contains an introduction and general Grants.Gov instructions,
information about how to use a Grant Application Package in Grants.Gov and
instructions on how to complete the application forms.
If assistance is needed to access the application package (e.g., downloading or
navigating Adobe forms), refer to resources available on the Grants.Gov Web site first
(http://Grants.Gov/). Grants.Gov assistance is also available as follows:
•
Grants.Gov customer support
Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726
Business Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Eastern Time
Email: support@Grants.Gov
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B. Content and Form of Application Submission
Electronic applications should be prepared following Part V and VI of the document entitled “A
Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES Applications via Grants.Gov.” This guide is
part of the corresponding application package (see Section A. of this Part). The following is
additional information needed in order to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If
there is discrepancy between the two documents, the information contained in this RFA is
overriding.
Note the attachment requirements (e.g., portable document format) in Part III section 3. of
the Guide. ANY PROPOSALS CONTAINING NON-PDF DOCUMENTS WILL BE AT
RISK OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM CSREES REVIEW. Partial applications will be
excluded from CSREES review. With documented prior approval, resubmitted
applications will be accepted until close of business on the closing date in the RFA.
If you do not own PDF-generating software, Grants.Gov provides online tools to assist
applicants. Users will find a link to “Convert Documents to PDF” on
http://Grants.Gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf.
1. SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 2. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
2. SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 3. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
3. R&R Other Project Information Form
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 4. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
a. Field 6. Project Summary/Abstract. The summary should also include the relevance of the
project to the goals of Potato Research with a varietal development/testing focus.
b. Field 7. Project Narrative.
PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 20 pages of written text regardless of
whether it is single or double spaced and up to five additional pages for figures and tables. This
maximum (25 pages) has been established to ensure fair and equitable competition. The Project
Narrative must include all of the following:
(1) Cite previous potato research: Provide a brief report giving evidence of previous
outcomes and impacts, for example,
• New genes accessed;
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•
•
•
•
•
New varieties;
Adoption of new and previous varieties from this program;
Income added (or protected) for farmers growing these varieties;
New markets accessed; and/or
Other evidence.
(2) Introduction: A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and supporting objectives of
the proposed activities should be included. Summarize the body of knowledge or other
past activities which substantiate the need for the proposed project. Describe ongoing
or recently completed significant activities related to the proposed project including the
work of key project personnel. Preliminary data/information pertinent to the proposed
project should be included.
In addition, this section should include in-depth information on the following, when
applicable:
i.
Estimates of the magnitude of the issues and their relevance to stakeholders,
including growers, processors, buyers, and consumers and to ongoing StateFederal food and agricultural research. What is the pay-off of this research to
producers? To other stakeholders? Note that the importance of potato-based
agriculture in a region will normally change little from year to year, therefore
repetitive information can be a brief summary. In-depth information should focus
on specific current issues, challenges and opportunities. Proposals should focus
on a few major problems, or clearly justify the need to spread effort over multiple
traits and issues. When describing potato quality traits: a) Provide a description
of what an ideal variety would be for this quality trait; b) State what is involved in
breeding to improve the trait, and why; b) State progress toward the desired trait
made to date, and why continued work is necessary.
ii.
Role of the stakeholders in problem identification, planning, and implementation
and evaluation, as appropriate.
iii.
Reasons for having the work performed at the proposing institution.
(3) Objectives: Clear, concise, complete, and logically arranged statement(s) of specific
aims of the proposed effort must be included in all applications.
(4) Methods: The procedures or methodology to be applied to the proposed effort should
be explicitly stated. This section should include but not necessarily be limited to:
i.
A description of stakeholder involvement in problem identification, planning,
implementation and evaluation, including documentation of participation, or
reference to documentation, where appropriate;
ii.
A description of the proposed project activities in the sequence in which it is
planned to carry them out;
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iii.
Techniques to be employed, including their feasibility and rationale for their
use in this project;
iv.
Kinds of results expected;
v.
Means by which data will be analyzed or interpreted;
vi.
Pitfalls that might be encountered;
vii.
Limitations to proposed procedures; and
viii.
Plans to commercialize the results, if within this project, or anticipated steps
and outlook for commercialization, if beyond the scope of this project.
In proposals involving intellectual property not in the public domain, proposing
organizations must indicate whether there is freedom to operate (FtO) and/or any
obstacles that might be encountered. Indicate whether cooperators have discussed benefit
sharing of expected products of the research.
(5) Cooperation and Institutional Units Involved: Cooperative, multi-institutional and
multi-disciplinary applications are encouraged. Identify each institutional unit
contributing to the project and designate the lead institution or institutional unit. When
appropriate, the project should be coordinated with the efforts of other State and/or
national programs. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each institutional
partner of the project team. Include a project management plan and timeline, feasible
with the resources available to this proposal that will ensure efficient functioning of the
multi-state, multi-institutional team. Include a brief description of how the project will
be governed, how decisions will be made, expectations for each project member, short-,
medium- and long-term metrics to be evaluated, a mechanism whereby progress can be
evaluated for accountability for federal funds, and how the project will complement
and/or link to existing programs or projects.
(6) Project Timetable: The application should outline all important phases as a function of
time, for the entire project, including periods beyond the grant funding period.
c. Field 9. Facilities & Other Resources. All facilities which are available for use or assignment
to the project during the requested period of support should be reported and described briefly.
d. Field 10. Equipment. All items of major equipment or instrumentation available for use or
assignment to the proposed project should be itemized. In addition, items of nonexpendable
equipment needed to conduct and bring the project to a successful conclusion should be listed,
including dollar amounts and, if funds are requested for their acquisition, justified.
e. Field 11. Other Attachments.
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(1) Response to Previous Review. This requirement only applies to “Resubmitted
Applications” as described under Part II, B., “Types of Applications.” PDs must respond
to the previous review panel summary on no more than one page, titled “RESPONSE TO
PREVIOUS REVIEW.” Please include the previous proposal number, if possible.
(2) Appendices to Project Narrative. Appendices to the Project Narrative 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.
CSREES encourages attachment of the following appendix to the Project Narrative in all
applications. The information is needed to verify compliance with NEPA requirements.
Providing this information in the proposal is voluntary, but will expedite the funding process.
i.
PLEASE NOTE: All proposals recommended for funding will be asked to provide
information concerning:
• Field plot locations (township and state)
• Field plot sizes (total overall, or plot size x number of plots)
• Any agricultural chemicals used.
(3) 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., signed letter of support)
should be provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these services.
Letters of collaboration must be signed by the respective ARs for both the applicant and
the collaborator. The applicant also will be required to provide additional information on
consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of the application.
(4) Scientific Peer Review Certification Documentation. The application must contain a
written notice to CSREES that a Scientific Peer Review has been completed (see Part II,
D. item 3.).
4. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 5. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
5. R&R Personal Data – As noted in Part V, 6. of the CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide,
the submission of this information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. If completing
the information, do not enter any data in the field requesting the social security number.
6. R&R Budget
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 7. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
7. Supplemental Information Form
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Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part VI, 1. of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
a. Field 2. Program Code. Enter the program code name “Potato Research” and the program
code “AN”.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV, Section 1.9 of the
CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
Applications must be received by Grants.Gov by COB on April 27, 2009 (5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time). Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding.
Correspondence regarding submitted applications will be sent using e-mail. Therefore, applicants
are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-mail addresses, where designated, on the SF-424
R&R Application for Federal Assistance.
If the AR has not received correspondence from CSREES regarding a submitted application
within 15 days of the established deadline, please contact the Program Contact identified in Part
VII of the applicable RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the application. Failure
to do so may result in the application not being considered for funding by the peer review
panel. Once the application has been assigned a proposal number, this number should be
cited on all future correspondence.
D. Funding Restrictions
CSREES has determined that grant funds awarded under this authority may not be used for
renovation or refurbishment of research, education, or extension space; the purchase or
installation of fixed equipment in such space; or the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition,
or construction of buildings or facilities.
Pursuant to Section 1473 of the National Agriculture Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy
Act of 1977, as amended, 7 USC 3319, indirect costs or tuition remission are not allowable costs
under section 2(c)(1)(B) projects, and no funds will be approved for this purpose. Further, costs
that are a part of an institution's indirect cost pool (e.g., administrative or clerical salaries) may
not be reclassified as direct costs for the purpose of making them allowable.
E. Other Submission Requirements
The applicant should follow the submission requirements noted in the document entitled “A
Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES Applications via Grants.Gov.”
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PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
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 below will be used in reviewing applications submitted in response to this
RFA:
1. Relevance (25 points)
Relevance and importance of proposed research to specific problems or opportunities regarding
the purpose of the grant program as described in Part I, A. and B.; value of expected results for
the potato industry in states beyond that (those) represented by the PDs and that (those) where
the work will be performed.
2. Quality (25 points)
Overall scientific and technical quality of the application and the specific approach proposed.
3. Feasibility (25 points)
Feasibility of attaining objectives; adequacy of training, experience, facilities, and equipment.
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4. Participation (25 points)
Application lists more than one state as recipient of funds. (10 points)
Application provides evidence of cooperation or involvement of multiple institutions. (5 points)
Evidence of stakeholder participation, including growers, in developing the project objectives. (5
points)
Plans to involve stakeholders in project implementation or monitoring. (5 points)
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 current 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.
D. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one time basis,
with updates on an as needed 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).
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PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION
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, 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. Award Notice
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 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 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 award is issued;
(8) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number;
(9) Applicable award terms and conditions (see
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html to view CSREES award terms and
conditions);
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(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.
C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
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, 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 (2 CFR Parts 220 and 230), and
incorporating provisions of 31 USC 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 7 CFR Part 3021—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 (2 CFR Part 215).
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.
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7 CFR 3430—Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Grant Programs--General Grant
Administrative Provisions.
29 USC 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 USC 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).
D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
1. Expected Program Outputs
It is expected that program outputs will conform to the purpose of the Potato Research grants
program. That is, principal outputs will consist of “varietal development/testing” using classical
methods, or, when appropriate, combinations of new and classical methods; and, “potato
varieties”.
When appropriate to the problem(s) addressed, ancillary or supplemental outputs may include,
but are not limited to, improved classical methods, or integrated classical/novel methods, for the
component steps in variety development and testing; or, improvements in aspects of efficient
provision of desired new varieties to growers.
2. Reporting Requirements
Grantees are required to submit initial project information and annual and summary reports to
CSREES’ Current Research Information System (CRIS). The CRIS database contains narrative
project information, progress/impact statements, and final technical reports that are made
available to the public. For applications recommended for funding, instructions on preparing
and submission of project documentation will be provided to the applicant by the agency contact.
Documentation must be submitted to CRIS before CSREES funds will be released. Project
reports will be requested by the CRIS office when required. For more information about CRIS,
visit http://cris.csrees.usda.gov.
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PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT
Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Ann Marie Thro, National
Program Leader, Plant Breeding and Genomics, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2220; 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW; Washington, DC 20250-2220; telephone: (202) 401-6702; fax: (202) 401-4888; e-mail:
athro@csrees.usda.gov.
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PART VIII—OTHER 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 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 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 awardee 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 awardee 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 awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, unless
prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.
e. 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 three years. Any
extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of award.
f. Changes in Approved Budget: Unless stated otherwise in the terms and conditions of award,
changes in an approved budget must be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the
ADO prior to instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or expenditures of
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amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the applicable Federal cost principles,
Departmental regulations, or award.
C. 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 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 an award will be retained
by the Agency for a period of three years. 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.
D. 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 USC chapter 35), the collection of
information requirements contained in this Notice have been approved under OMB Document
No. 0524-0039.
E. Definitions
Please refer to 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Grant Programs-General Grant Administrative Provisions, for the applicable definitions for this CSREES grant
program.
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Electronic Application Checklist
Only electronic applications may be submitted to CSREES via Grants.Gov unless indicated
otherwise in the specific program Request for Applications (RFA). All applications submitted to
CSREES must contain the applicable elements outlined in these guidelines. The following
checklist has been prepared to assist in ensuring that the application is complete prior to
submission:
� Are you eligible to apply for the funding offered in the RFA? Eligibility information for
each funding opportunity is stated in Part III, Eligibility Information, of each RFA.
� Are you applying to the correct funding opportunity associated with the RFA? Field 1 of
the CSREES Supplemental Information Form will pre-populate to indicate the program to which
you are applying.
� Have you followed the guidelines for filling out your electronic application provided in
the CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide, which is posted along with the electronic SF
424 R&R application package on Grants.Gov? Electronic applications should be prepared
according this guide and the specific program RFA. This guide is part of the corresponding
electronic application package for the specific program to which you are applying.
� Has your institution properly registered with Grants.Gov to enable you to submit an
application? Those who wish to submit an application to CSREES should first contact their
Authorized Representative (AR) to determine if the organization is prepared to submit
applications through Grants.Gov. See http://www.Grants.Gov/GetStarted for steps for preparing
to submit applications through Grants.Gov.
� Have all attachments been submitted in the portable document format (PDF)? CSREES
will only accept PDF attachments. See Part III of the CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide.
� Do all submitted PDF documents have one-inch margins and are typed or word
processed using no type smaller than 12 point regardless of line spacing? Are all PDF
documents numbered sequentially on each page of the attachment? Are all page limitations
for a given attachment followed? Submitted proposals that do not meet these requirements
for PDF attachments will not be accepted.
� Did you use the “Check Package for Errors” feature (see section 1.8 of the CSREES
Grants.Gov Application Guide)?
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� Have all required components of the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) Application
Package posted under the funding opportunity on Grants.Gov been completed?
� SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet
Have all required fields been completed?
� SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)
Have all required fields been completed?
� R&R Other Project Information
Have the fields describing project potential or actual environmental impact been properly
completed?
Project Summary/Abstract
Has the Project Summary PDF been attached to this form in Field 6?
Are the names and affiliated organizations of all Project Directors listed at the top of the
page in addition to the title of the project?
Does this section adhere to the format and page limitations?
Did you use the suggested Project Summary/Abstract Template found at:
www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#abstract?
Project Narrative
Has the Project Narrative PDF been attached to this form in Field 7?
Is the project fully described?
Does this section adhere to the format and page limitations?
Bibliography & References Cited
Has the Bibliography & References Cited PDF been attached to this form in Field 8?
Are all references cited and are all citations referenced?
Do all citations contain a title, the names of all authors, and are they in accepted journal
format?
Facilities & Other Resources
Has the Facilities & Other Resources PDF been attached to this form in Field 9?
Has a description of your facilities, sufficient to indicate that you will be able to carry out
this project, been given?
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Equipment
Has the Equipment PDF been attached to this form in Field 10?
Is the description of your equipment sufficient to indicate that you will be able to carry
out this project?
Response to Previous Review (for resubmitted applications only)
Has the Response to Previous Review PDF been included as indicated in the RFA?
Has the application been clearly and meaningfully revised and are the revisions briefly
described?
Are comments from the previous review addressed?
� R&R Senior/Key Person Profile
Biographical Sketch
Has the biographical sketch (vitae) PDF for the PD and each co-PD, senior associate, and
all other professional personnel been listed?
Current and Pending Support
Has the current and pending support PDF for key personnel been attached?
Have all current and pending projects been listed and fully summarized, including this
proposal?
Did you use the suggested Current and Pending Support Template found at:
www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#current?
� R&R Personal Data
As noted in Part V, 5., of the CSREES Grants.Gov Application Guide the submission
of this information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. If completing the
information, do not enter any data in the field requesting the social security number.
� R&R Budget
Have all fields been completed for each Key Person listed?
Are annual and summary budgets included? For multi-institution applications, has a
subaward budget been included for each institution involved?
Budget Justification
Has the Budget Justification PDF been attached to this form in Field K?
Are budget items individually justified?
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For multi-institutional applications, has a subaward budget justification been included for
each institution involved?
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� CSREES Supplemental Information Form
Has Field 1 been pre-populated?
Does Field 2 indicate the Program Code Name and Program Code to which you are
applying?
Conflict of Interest List
Has the Conflict of Interest List PDF been attached to this form in Field 8?
Has a Conflict of Interest List been provided for all individuals who have submitted a
Biographical Sketch?
Does the Conflict of Interest list include the four categories as appropriate?
Did you use the suggested Conflict of Interest Template found at:
www.csrees.usda.gov/home/faq_apply.html#coi?
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