[Federal Register: March 16, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 52)]
[Notices]
[Page 15333-15343]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16mr01-114]
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Part III
Department of Agriculture
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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program;
Interagency Program Announcement; Request for Proposals and Request for
Input; Notice
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program;
Interagency Program Announcement; Request for Proposals and Request for
Input
AGENCIES: U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
ACTION: Notice of request for proposals and request for input.
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SUMMARY: As a collaborative, interagency effort, the Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Earth Science Enterprise
(ESE) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are
soliciting proposals for the Application of Geospatial and Precision
Technologies Program. Proposals are hereby requested from eligible
institutions as identified herein for competitive consideration of
awards. By this notice, CSREES additionally solicits stakeholder input
from any interested party regarding this request for proposals (RFP)
for use in the development of any future RFPs for this Program.
DATES: A ``Letter of Intent'' is requested and is due close of business
(COB) on April 11, 2001 (5:00 p.m. EST). Proposals must be received by
COB May 9, 2001 (5:00 p.m. EST). Proposals received after this date
will not be considered for funding. Comments regarding this RFP are
requested within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments
received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Applicants may e-mail the ``Letter of Intent'' to Dr. J.
Preston Jones at jpjones@reeusda.gov or send the letter by mail to
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; Mail Stop
2220; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service;
U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-2220; or fax the Letter to Application of
Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program at (202) 401-1602.
The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted
using an express mail or overnight courier service is: Application of
Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; c/o Proposal Services
Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service;
U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 1307, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address: Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies
Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP
2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.
Written user comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy and
Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20250-2299; or via e-mail to: RFP-OEP@reeusda.gov. In your comments,
please include the name of the program and the fiscal year of the RFP
to which you are responding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. J. Preston Jones, Initiative for
Future Agriculture and Food Systems Program (IFAFS); Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 3436, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC; telephone: (202) 401-1990; fax: (202) 401-1602; e-mail:
jpjones@reeusda.gov; or Dr. Raymond Knighton, Initiative For Future
Agriculture and Food Systems; Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3186,
Waterfront Centre; 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC; telephone:
(202) 401-6417; fax: (202) 401-1706; e-mail: rknighton@reeusda.gov; or
Dr. Rodney McKellip, ESE Applications Lead Center; John C. Stennis
Space Center; Code MA00 Bldg. 1100; SCC, MS 29529-6000; telephone:
(228) 688-2984; fax: (228) 688-7455; e-mail: rmckelli@ssc.nasa.gov; or
Dr. Nathan Sovik, ESE Applications Lead Center; John C. Stennis Space
Center; MA00 Bldg. 1100; SCC, MS 29529-6000; telephone: (228) 688-7355;
fax: (228) 688-7455; e-mail: nsovik@ssc.nasa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
Stakeholder Input
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Part I--General Information
A. Legislative Authority and Background
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
C. Eligibility
D. Matching Requirements
E. Types of Proposals
F. Restrictions on Use of Funds
Part II--Letter of Intent and Program Description
A. Letter of Intent
B. Program Description
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
B. Content of Proposals
1. General
2. Application for Funding Cover Page
3. Table of Contents
4. Project Summary
5. Response to Previous Review
6. Project Description
7. References in Project Description
8. Appendices to Project Description
9. Facilities and Equipment
10. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
11. Key Personnel
12. Conflict-of-Interest List
13. Budget
14. Budget Narrative
15. Matching Funds
16. Current and Pending Support
17. Assurance Statements
18. Certifications
19. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
C. Application Submission Information
1. When to submit
2. What to Submit
3. Where to submit
D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
Part IV--Review Process
A. General
B. Evaluation Factors
Part V--Award Administration
A. General
B. Organizational Management Information
C. Award Document
D. Notice of Award
E. Funding Mechanisms
F. Use of Funds; Changes
G. Applicable Regulations
H. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
Stakeholder Input
CSREES is requesting comments regarding this solicitation from any
interested party. These comments will be considered in the development
of any future RFP for the program. Such comments will be forwarded to
the Secretary of Agriculture or her designee for use in meeting the
requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). This
section requires the Secretary to solicit and consider input on a
current RFP from persons who conduct or use agricultural research,
education and extension for use in formulating future RFPs for
competitive programs. Comments should be submitted as provided for in
the Addresses and Dates portions of this Notice.
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance under 10.302, Application of Geospatial and Precision
Technologies Program, Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food
Systems.
Part I--General Information
A. Legislative Authority and Background
Section 401 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA) (7 U.S.C. 7621) established in the Treasury
of the United States an Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food
Systems (IFAFS) account and authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to
establish a research, extension, and education competitive grants
program to address critical emerging U.S. agricultural issues related
to (1) Future food production, (2) environmental quality and natural
resource management, or (3) farm income. Grants are to be awarded in a
number of areas including Precision Agriculture. The authority for NASA
participation in this program is found in the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Act of 1958, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(5), and
section 316 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Authorization Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-391 (7 U.S.C. 5935 note).
B. Purpose, Priorities and Fund Availability
The purpose of this interagency program announcement is to solicit
proposals to support development, validation and application of
geospatial and precision technologies that are important to the
productivity and sustainability of agriculture, and to the safety and
quality of the nation's food supply. Priority will be given to projects
that will provide for the application of geospatial and precision
technologies to enhance the capacity to integrate site-specific and
whole system efficiency and profitability. For the purpose of this
announcement, geospatial technologies is defined as the suite of
complimentary technologies that includes remote sensing, geographic
information systems (GIS), and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
There is no commitment by USDA or NASA to fund any particular
proposal or to make a specific number of awards. The participating
agencies currently have a total of approximately $7.5 million available
for this Program in fiscal year (FY) 2001. Subject to the availability
of funds, the participating agencies anticipate that an additional $10
million in funding will be available each year for this program or a
successor program in FY 2002, FY 2003 and FY 2004, for an anticipated
total level of support of approximately $38 million over four years.
Applicants may request funding of up to $2 million over four years.
Budgets should be commensurate with activities proposed with most
requests expected to fall below the $2 million level. Awards will be
made in the form of grants and cooperative agreements which will be
determined at the time of the award. The exact amount of the award will
depend on the advice of reviewers, agency priorities, and on the
availability of funds. Each participating agency will obligate funds
separately. However, a proposal may be funded by one or more of the
participating agencies.
C. Eligibility
Proposals may be submitted by colleges or universities, or research
foundations maintained by a college or university, non-profit
organization or Federal research agencies. The source of USDA funds for
the Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program is the
IFAFS program. Under the IFAFS program, proposals may be submitted by
colleges or universities or research foundations maintained by a
college or university. This represents a change from the FY 2000
solicitation. Section 724 of Pub. L. No. 106-389, as amended by section
101(a)(3) of H.R. 566 which was enacted by section 1(a)(4) of Pub. L.
No. 106-554, removed Federal research agencies, national laboratories,
and private research organizations from eligibility for IFAFS awards.
Other types of institutions are not eligible as direct recipients
of IFAFS funds, however they may be included as subcontracts on grants
made to eligible institutions. Therefore, applications from academic
institutions may be awarded by either USDA or NASA. Direct applications
from a non-profit organization or Federal research agencies may be
supported solely by NASA funds.
D. Matching Requirements
If a grant provides for applied research that is commodity specific
and not of national scope, the recipient will be required to provide
funds or in-kind support to match the amount of Federal funds provided.
E. Types of Proposals
In FY 2001, it is anticipated that most projects will be submitted
as ``New Proposals.'' However, the USDA held a Precision Agriculture
competition through the IFAFS program in FY 2000. Applicants to that
program who were not grantees may choose to submit to the Application
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program as a resubmission.
Therefore two types of applications may be submitted:
1. New proposal. This is a project proposal that has not been
previously submitted to the Precision Agriculture Program of Initiative
for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS). All new proposals will
be reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation
criteria described in Part IV--Review Process.
2. Resubmitted proposal. This is a proposal that had been
previously submitted to the IFAFS but not funded. The resubmitted
proposal should clearly indicate the changes that have been made in the
project proposal. Further, a clear statement acknowledging comments
from the previous reviewers, indicating revisions, rebuttals, etc., can
positively influence the review of the proposal. Therefore, for
resubmitted proposals, the investigator(s) must respond to the previous
panel summary on no more than one page, titled ``Response to Previous
Review,'' which is to be placed directly after the Project Summary as
described in Part III--Preparation of a Proposal. Resubmitted proposals
will be reviewed competitively using the selection process and
evaluation criteria described in Part IV--Selection Process.
F. Restrictions on Use of Funds
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program funds
may not be used for the renovation or refurbishment of research spaces;
the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces; or the
planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of
buildings or facilities.
Part II--Letter of Intent and Program Description
A. Letter of Intent
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent
before submitting a full proposal. This letter should consist of three
parts: (1) A descriptive title of the proposed project; (2) names and
roles of project directors and other key personnel along with their
institutions; and (3) a brief statement of approaches and objectives
(500 words or less). This information will be used by CSREES and NASA
staff in planning the review process. Because Letters of Intent will
not be distributed for peer review, there will be no
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feedback from CSREES or NASA staff regarding the content of these
letters. See Part III, C., Application Submission Information for
specific mailing instructions. Failure to submit a Letter of Intent
will not preclude applicants from submitting full proposals, however a
Letter of Intent is nonetheless encouraged.
B. Program Description
The section below has been developed based on a Memorandum of
Understanding between NASA and USDA, which establishes a partnership
for the support of development, validation and application of
geospatial and precision technologies for agriculture. Successful
proposals will be funded by USDA and NASA.
Geospatial and precision technologies can be valuable tools if
their applicability to agriculture and natural resource management can
be demonstrated and then adopted. The use of these technologies range
from defining simple field management zones to complex integration of
multiple data sets with the goal of making production and harvesting
more efficient and sustainable. Field-scale management using geospatial
and precision technologies is needed to address spatial and temporal
variability that limits the efficient use of inputs. Farmers, ranchers,
and natural resource managers need decision support systems, remote
sensing information, and sensors in their work places that quantify
complex interactions between profitability and the natural resource
base. To encourage development and adoption of operational solutions,
multidisciplinary partnerships with industry, producers, and the
research/education community are encouraged. Partnerships with other
Federal agencies and partnerships addressing the needs of small and
medium-sized farms are encouraged.
Proposals submitted will enhance the Nation's capacity to integrate
site-specific and whole system efficiency and profitability while
minimizing deleterious impacts on natural resources and the
environment. Proposals are solicited to address site-specific resource
management based on an improved understanding of how soils, water,
nutrients, climate, landscapes, crops and other natural resources
interact to influence productivity and environmental quality, such as:
(a) Decision support systems that integrate spatial and temporal
variability for management of soils, water, nutrients, crop yield and
quality, pests, and natural resources; (b) sensing and modeling of
natural resource properties, using both ground-based and remote
technologies, and other geospatial and precision technology
applications based on user needs; (c) assessment of user needs and
development of on-farm science, economic and environmental cost-benefit
analysis, and documentation of adoption of geospatial and precision
technologies by land managers; and, (d) training of competent and
skilled professionals to transfer geospatial and precision technology
to the user community. Proposals that provide short-term, low-risk
solutions to the above priority issues are encouraged.
Each proposal should have a clearly written management plan for the
proposed applications being developed and evaluated. Proposals should
also include a clear plan for evaluating the suitability (feasibility,
efficacy, profitability, required infrastructure, and adoption
strategies) of applications for the end user. Proposals should include
a plan for the sustained use of the project's results (services,
models, databases, support groups, training, etc.). Successful
applicants may be invited to participate in an annual meeting with USDA
and NASA scientists and other grantees to report on research activities
and to discuss areas of mutual interest. Travel funds should be
budgeted to accommodate that eventuality.
(Additional information on related programs may be found at the
USDA website http://www.reeusda.gov/ifafs and at the NASA website
http://www.ag2020.org.)
Part III--Preparation of a Proposal
A. Program Application Materials
Both participating agencies have agreed to use the USDA guidelines
for proposal format (see below) and application kit. Other material may
be required at the time of funding to facilitate the implementation of
the award. Proposals that are funded by NASA may be subject to
additional submission and reporting requirements.
Program application materials are available at the CSREES website
(www.reeusda.gov/AGPT). If you do not have access to the CSREES web
page or have trouble downloading material, you may contact the Proposal
Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202) 401-
5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you
are requesting forms for the Application of Geospatial and Precision
Technologies Program. These materials may also be requested via
Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not e-
mail) and phone number to psb@reeusda.gov. State that you want a copy
of the Program Description and application materials (orange book) for
the Fiscal Year 2001 Application of Geospatial and Precision
Technologies Program.
B. Content of Proposals
The proposals should be prepared following the guidelines and the
instructions below.
Each proposal must contain the following elements in the order
indicated:
1. General
The proposal should follow these guidelines, enabling reviewers to
more easily evaluate the merits of each proposal in a systematic,
consistent fashion:
(a) The proposal should be prepared on only one side of the page
using standard size (8\1/2\" x 11") white paper, one inch margins,
typed or word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and
single or double spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g.,
Geneva, Helvetica, Times Roman).
(b) Each page of the proposal, including the Project Summary,
budget pages, required forms, and any appendices, should be numbered
sequentially.
(c) The proposal should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner.
Do not bind. An original and 14 copies (15 total) must be submitted in
one package, along with 10 copies of the ``Project Summary'' as a
separate attachment.
(d) If applicable, proposals should include original illustrations
(photographs, color prints, etc.) in all copies of the proposal to
prevent loss of meaning through poor quality reproduction.
2. Application for Funding Cover Page (Form CSREES-661)
Each copy of each grant proposal must contain an ``Application for
Funding'', Form CSREES-661. One copy of the application, preferably the
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing
principal investigator(s)/project director(s)(PI/PD) and the authorized
organizational representative who possesses the necessary authority to
commit the organization's time and other relevant resources to the
project. Any proposed PI/PD or co-PI/PD whose signature does not appear
on Form CSREES-661 will not be listed on any resulting grant award.
Complete both signature blocks located at the bottom of the
``Application for Funding'' form.
Form CSREES-661 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant
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database; it is therefore important that it be completed accurately.
The following items are highlighted as having a high potential for
errors or misinterpretations:
(1) Title of Project (Block 6). The title of the project must be
brief (80-character maximum), yet represent the major thrust of the
effort being proposed. Project titles are read by a variety of
nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words or phraseology
should be avoided where possible. In addition, introductory phrases
such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,'' ``education for,'' or
``outreach that'' should not be used.
(2) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 7). ``Application of
Geospatial and Precision Technologies.''
(3) Type of Award Request (Block 13). Check the block for ``new''
or ``resubmission.''
(4) Principal Investigator(s)/Project Director(s) (PI/PD) (Block
15). The designation of excessive numbers of co-PI/PDs creates problems
during final review and award processing. Listing multiple co-PI/PDs,
beyond those required for genuine collaboration, is therefore
discouraged. Note that providing a Social Security Number is voluntary,
but is an integral part of the CSREES information system and will
assist in the processing of the proposal.
(5) Type of Performing Organization (Block 18). A check should be
placed in the box beside the type of organization which actually will
carry out the effort. For example, if the proposal is being submitted
by an 1862 Land-Grant institution but the work will be performed in a
department, laboratory, or other organizational unit of an agricultural
experiment station, box ``03'' should be checked. If portions of the
effort are to be performed in several departments, check the box that
applies to the individual listed as PI/PD #1 in Block 15.a.
(6) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 22). List the names or acronyms
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within
USDA and other programs funded by CSREES to whom your application has
been or might be sent. In the event you decide to send your application
to another organization or agency at a later date, you must inform the
identified CSREES Program Director as soon as practicable. Submitting
your proposal to other potential sponsors will not prejudice its review
by CSREES; however, duplicate support for the same project will not be
provided. Complete the ``Application for Funding,'' Form CSREES-661, in
its entirety.
(7) One copy of the ``Application for Funding'' form must contain
the signatures (in ink) of the PI/PDs and authorized organizational
representative for the applicant organization.
3. Table of Contents
For ease in locating information, each proposal must contain a
detailed table of contents just after the proposal Cover Page. The
Table of Contents should include page numbers for each component of the
proposal. Pagination should begin immediately following the Project
Summary (see next section).
4. Project Summary
The proposal must contain a Project Summary of 250 words or less on
a separate page which should be placed immediately after the Table of
Contents and should not be numbered. The names and institutions of all
PI/PDs and co-PI/PDs should be listed on this form, in addition to the
title of the project. The summary is not intended for the general
reader; consequently, it may contain technical language comprehendible
by persons in disciplines relating to the food and agricultural
sciences. The project summary should be a self-contained, specific
description of the activity to be undertaken and should focus on:
overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; plans to accomplish
project goal(s); and relevance of the project to the goals of the
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program.
5. Response to Previous Review
This requirement only applies to Resubmitted Proposals as described
under Part I, E., Types of Proposals. Resubmitted proposals are
proposals that had previously been submitted to the IFAFS Precision
Agriculture Program but not funded. For these proposals, the PI/PDs
must respond to the previous panel summary on no more than one page,
titled Response to Previous Review, which is to be placed directly
after the Project Summary. If desired, additional comments and
responses to the previous panel summary may be included in the text of
the Project Description, subject to the page limitation.
6. Project Description
A description of the project must not exceed 20 pages inclusive of
tables, diagrams and other visual material, but excluding citations.
The project description should be numbered and single or double-spaced
with text on one side of the page using a 12 point (10 cpi) type font
size and one-inch margins. The following points must be addressed in
this section.
Each project proposal's Project Description should contain the
following:
a. Introduction--A clear statement of the long-term goal(s) and
supporting objectives of the proposed activities should be included.
Summarize the body of knowledge or other past activities which
substantiates the need for the proposed project. Describe ongoing or
recently completed significant activities related to the proposed
project including the work of key project personnel. Preliminary data/
information pertinent to the proposed project should be included;
b. Relevance and Significance--The objectives' specific
relationship to the goals of the IFAFS Program and to the Application
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program in particular should
be stated. Include a description of the significance of the activity
and its value in improving agriculture through research, education and
extension. Clearly describe the potential impact of the project.
c. Approach--The activities proposed or problems being addressed
must be clearly stated and the approaches being applied clearly
described. The following should be included: (1) A description of the
activities proposed; (2) methods to be used in carrying out the
project, including the feasibility of the methods; (3) expected
outcomes; (4) means by which results will be analyzed, assessed, or
interpreted; and (5) how results or products will be used.
d. Time Table--Provide an expected time line for completing the
project in the requested duration.
e. Collaborative Arrangements--Identify collaborations and provide
a full explanation of the nature of the collaborations.
f. Management Plan--It is expected that larger more complex
projects (usually greater than $1 million) will require more extensive
and complicated coordination and collaboration than is typically
proposed for more focused projects. Therefore, explain how the project
will be managed to ensure efficient administration of the grant and how
activities will be integrated most effectively. Place this description
after the Project Description.
g. Evaluation and Monitoring of Project--Provide a plan for
assessing and evaluating the accomplishments of the stated proposal
objectives during the project and describe ways to determine the
effectiveness of the end results during and upon termination of the
project. In addition to the evaluation and monitoring of
accomplishments
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associated with the project, evaluation and monitoring of the
administration of the project must also be included if the project is
complex and requires administrative oversight and extensive management.
This description should include how funds and resources will be
allocated so that collaborative participation of all parties throughout
the duration of the project is ensured.
7. References in Project Description
All references cited should be complete, including titles and all
co-authors, and should conform to an accepted journal format.
8. Appendices to Project Description
Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are
directly germane to the proposed project and are limited to a total of
two of the following: reprints (papers that have been published in peer
reviewed journals) and preprints (manuscripts in press for a peer
reviewed journal; these must be accompanied by a letter of acceptance
from the publishing journal).
9. Facilities and Equipment
All facilities and major items of equipment that are available for
use or assignment to the proposed research project during the requested
period of support should be described. In addition, items of
nonexpendable equipment necessary to conduct and successfully complete
the proposed project and for which support is requested under this
program should be listed in the budget narrative with the amount and
justification for each item.
10. Collaborative and/or Subcontractual Arrangements
If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be
fully explained and justified. In addition, evidence should be provided
that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these services.
If the need for consultant services is anticipated, the proposal
narrative should provide a justification for the use of such services,
a statement of work to be performed, and a resume or curriculum vita
for each consultant. For purposes of proposal development, informal
day-to-day contacts between key project personnel and outside experts
are not considered to be collaborative arrangements and thus do not
need to be detailed.
All anticipated subcontractual arrangements also should be
explained and justified in this section. A proposed statement of work
and a budget for each arrangement involving the transfer of substantive
programmatic work or the providing of financial assistance to a third
party must be provided. Agreements between departments or other units
of your own institution and minor arrangements with entities outside of
your institution (e.g., requests for outside laboratory analyses) are
excluded from this requirement.
If you expect to enter into subcontractual arrangements, please
note that the provisions contained in 7 CFR part 3019, USDA Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grant and Other Agreements with
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit
Organizations, and the general provisions contained in 7 CFR part
3015.205, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, flow down to
subrecipients. In addition, required clauses from Sections 40--48
(``Procurement Standards'') and Appendix A (``Contract Provisions'') of
7 CFR part 3019 should be included in final contractual documents, and
it is necessary for the subawardee to make a certification relating to
debarment/suspension.
11. Key Personnel
All senior personnel who are expected to be involved in the effort
should be clearly identified. For each person the following should be
included:
a. The roles and responsibilities of each PI/PD should be
described;
b. An estimate of time commitment for each PI/PD; and
c. Vitae of each PI/PD, senior associate and other professional
personnel. This section should include vitae of all key persons who are
expected to work on the project, whether or not funding is sought for
their support. The vitae should be limited to two (2) pages in length,
excluding publication lists. A chronological list of all publications
in refereed journals during the past four (4) years, including those in
press, must be provided for each project member for which a curriculum
vitae is provided. Also list those non-refereed technical publications
which have relevance to the proposed project. All authors should be
listed in the same order as they appear on each paper cited, along with
the title and complete reference as these usually appear in journals.
12. Conflict-of-Interest List
A Conflict-of-Interest List must be provided for all individuals
involved in the project (identified as key personnel). Each list should
be on a separate page and include alphabetically the full names of the
individuals in the following categories: (a) All collaborators on
projects within the past four years, including current and planned
collaborations; (b) all co-authors on publications within the past four
years, including pending publications and submissions; (c) all persons
in your field with whom you have had a consulting or financial
arrangement within the past four years who stand to gain by seeing the
project funded; and (d) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/advisors
within the past four years (some may wish to call these life-time
conflicts). This form is necessary to assist program staff in excluding
from proposal review those individuals who have conflicts-of-interest
with the personnel in the grant proposal.
13. Budget
Prepare the budget, Form CSREES-55, in accordance with instructions
provided. Budgets of up to a total of $2 million over four years may be
requested. Budgets should be commensurate with activities proposed with
most requests expected to fall below the $2 million level. A budget
form is required for each year of requested support. In addition, a
cumulative budget is required detailing the requested total support for
the overall project period. A copy of the form, which must be used for
this purpose, along with instructions for completion is included in the
Application Kit and may be reproduced as needed by applicants. Funds
may be requested under any of the categories listed on the form,
provided that the item or service for which support is requested is
allowable under the authorizing legislation, the applicable Federal
cost principles, and these program guidelines, and can be justified as
necessary for the successful conduct of the proposed project.
Applicants must also include a Budget Narrative to justify their
budgets (see paragraph 13 below.)
The following guidelines should be used in developing your proposal
budget(s):
a. Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages are allowable charges and
may be requested for personnel who will be working on the project in
proportion to the time such personnel will devote to the project. If
salary funds are requested, the number of Senior and Other Personnel
and the number of CSREES/NASA-Funded Work Months must be shown in the
spaces provided. Grant funds may not be used to augment the total
salary or rate of salary of project personnel or to reimburse them for
time
[[Page 15339]]
in addition to a regular full-time salary covering the same general
period of employment. Salary funds requested must be consistent with
the normal policies of the institution.
b. Fringe Benefits. Funds may be requested for fringe benefit costs
if the usual accounting practices of your organization provide that
organizational contributions to employee benefits (social security,
retirement, etc.) be treated as direct costs. Fringe benefit costs may
be included only for those personnel whose salaries are charged as a
direct cost to the project.
c. Nonexpendable Equipment. Nonexpendable equipment means tangible
nonexpendable personal property including exempt property charged
directly to the award having a useful life of more than one year and an
acquisition cost of $5,000 (or lower, depending on institutional
policy) or more per unit. As such, items of necessary instrumentation
or other nonexpendable equipment should be listed individually by
description and estimated cost in the Budget Narrative. This applies to
revised budgets as well, as the equipment item(s) and amount(s) may
change.
d. Materials and Supplies. The types of expendable materials,
supplies, and data which are required to carry out the project should
be indicated in general terms with estimated costs in the Budget
Narrative.
e. Travel. The type and extent of travel and its relationship to
project objectives should be described briefly and justified. If
foreign travel is proposed, the country to be visited, the specific
purpose of the travel, a brief itinerary, inclusive dates of travel,
and estimated cost must be provided for each trip. Airfare allowances
normally will not exceed round-trip jet economy air accommodations.
U.S. flag carriers must be used when available. See 7 CFR
3015.205(b)(4) for further guidance.
f. Publication Costs/Page Charges. Include anticipated costs
associated with publications in a journal (preparing and publishing
results including page charges, necessary illustrations, and the cost
of a reasonable number of coverless reprints) and audio-visual
materials that will be produced. Photocopying and printing brochure,
etc., should be shown in Section I., ``All Other Direct Costs'' of Form
CSREES-55.
g. Computer (ADPE) Costs. Reimbursement for the costs of using
specialized facilities (such as a university- or department-controlled
computer mainframe or data processing center) may be requested if such
services are required for completion of the work.
h. All Other Direct Costs. Anticipated direct project charges not
included in other budget categories must be itemized with estimated
costs and justified in the Budget Narrative. This also applies to
revised budgets, as the item(s) and dollar amount(s) may change.
Examples may include space rental at remote locations, subcontractual
costs, and charges for consulting services, telephone, facsimile,
shipping costs, and fees necessary for laboratory analyses. You are
encouraged to consult the ``Instructions for Completing Form CSREES-55,
Budget,'' of the Application Kit for detailed guidance relating to this
budget category. Form AD-1048 must be completed by each subcontractor
or consultant and retained by the grantee.
i. Indirect Costs. When submitting a proposal, institutions should
use their current Federal negotiated rate for indirect costs. Please
note that indirect costs for all competitive proposals funded by CSREES
are capped at 19% of total Federal funds provided under the award by
section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310). Therefore, awards made by
CSREES for the Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies
Program are subject to 19 percent indirect costs limitation. (This
limitation also applies to the recovery of indirect costs by any
subawardee or subcontractor, and should be reflected in the
subrecipient budget.) A method for calculating the maximum allowable
amount of indirect costs for an USDA award is by multipling total
direct costs by 0.23456. To accommodate the differences in allowable
indirect costs between USDA and NASA, the applicant may be required at
the time of award to submit a separate budget with indirect cost rates
appropriate to each agency.
14. Budget Narrative
A budget narrative should be included which discusses how the
budget specifically supports the proposed project activities. Except
for indirect costs for which support is requested, the budget narrative
should explain how each budget item (such as salaries and wages for
professional and technical staff, student workers, travel, equipment,
etc.) is essential to achieving project objectives. Funds may be
requested under any of the categories listed on the budget form,
provided that the item or service for which support is sought is
allowable under the enabling legislation and the applicable Federal
cost principles.
15. Matching Funds
(a) If an applicant concludes that matching funds are not required
as specified in Part I, D., a justification should be included in the
Budget Narrative. CSREES and NASA will consider this justification when
ascertaining final matching requirements. CSREES and NASA retain the
right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.
For those grants requiring matching funds as specified in Part I,
D., proposals should include written verification of commitments of
matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from
third parties. Written verification means:
(i) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each donation, signed by the authorized organizational
representatives of the donor organization and the applicant
organization, which must include: (A) the name, address, and telephone
number of the donor; (B) the name of the applicant organization; (C)
the title of the project for which the donation is made; (D) the dollar
amount of the cash donation; and (E) a statement that the donor will
pay the cash contribution during the grant period; and
(ii) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge
agreement for each contribution, signed by the authorized
organizational representatives of the donor organization and the
applicant organization, which must include: (A) the name, address, and
telephone number of the donor; (B) the name of the applicant
organization; (C) the title of the project for which the donation is
made; (D) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the
third party in-kind contribution; and (E) a statement that the donor
will make the contribution during the grant period.
(b) The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the
applicant institution should be summarized on a separate page and
placed in the proposal immediately following the Budget Narrative. All
pledge agreements must be placed in the proposal immediately following
the summary of matching support.
(c) The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be
established in accordance with applicable cost principles. Applicants
should refer to OMB Circulars A-21, Cost Principles for Educational
Institutions, A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Tribal
Governments,
[[Page 15340]]
A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, and for for-profit
organizations, the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition
Regulation at 48 CFR Subpart 31.2 (see 7 CFR 3015.194).
16. Current and Pending Support
All proposals must contain Form CSREES-663 listing other current
public or private support (including in-house support) to which key
personnel identified in the proposal have committed portions of their
time, whether or not salary support for person(s) involved is included
in the budget. Analogous information must be provided for any pending
proposals that are being considered by, or that will be submitted in
the near future to, other possible sponsors, including other USDA and
NASA Programs or agencies. Concurrent submission of identical or
similar proposals to the possible sponsors will not prejudice proposal
review or evaluation by the CSREES and NASA for this purpose. However,
a proposal that duplicates or overlaps substantially with a proposal
already reviewed and funded (or to be funded) by another organization
or agency will not be funded under this program. Note that the project
being proposed should be included in the pending section of the form.
17. Assurance Statement(s), (Form CSREES-662)
A number of situations encountered in the conduct of projects
require special assurances, supporting documentation, etc., before
funding can be approved for the project. In addition to any other
situation that may exist with regard to a particular project, it is
expected that some applications submitted in response to these
guidelines will involve the following:
a. Recombinant DNA or RNA Research--As stated in 7 CFR Part
3015.205(b)(3), all key personnel identified in the proposal and all
endorsing officials of the proposing organization are required to
comply with the guidelines established by the National Institutes of
Health entitled, ``Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA
Molecules,'' as revised. If your project proposes to use recombinant
DNA or RNA techniques, you must so indicate by checking the ``yes'' box
in Block 19 of Form CSREES-661 (the Cover Page) and by completing
Section A of Form CSREES-662. For applicable proposals recommended for
funding, Institutional Biosafety Committee approval is required before
CSREES or NASA funds will be released.
b. Animal Care--Responsibility for the humane care and treatment of
live vertebrate animals used in any grant project supported with funds
provided by CSREES or NASA rests with the performing organization.
Where a project involves the use of living vertebrate animals for
experimental purposes, all key project personnel identified in a
proposal and all endorsing officials of the proposing organization are
required to comply with the applicable provisions of the Animal Welfare
Act of 1966, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) and the regulations
promulgated thereunder by the Secretary in 9 CFR parts 1, 2, 3, and 4
pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of these animals. If
your project will involve these animals, you should check ``yes'' on
block 20 of CSREES-661 and complete Section B of Form CSREES-662. In
the event a project involving the use of live vertebrate animals
results in a grant award, funds will be released only after the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee has approved the project.
c. Protection of Human Subjects--Responsibility for safeguarding
the rights and welfare of human subjects used in any grant project
supported with funds provided by CSREES or NASA rests with the
performing organization. Guidance on this issue is contained in the
National Research Act, Pub. L. No. 93-348, as amended, and implementing
regulations promulgated by the Department under 7 CFR part 1c. If you
propose to use human subjects for experimental purposes in your
project, you should check the ``yes'' box in Block 21 of Form CSREES-
661 and complete Section C of Form CSREES-662. In the event a project
involving human subjects results in a grant award, funds will be
released only after the appropriate Institutional Review Board has
approved the project.
18. Certifications
Note that by signing Form CSREES-661 the applicant is providing
certifications required by 7 CFR part 3017, as amended, regarding
Debarment and Suspension and Drug Free Workplace, and 7 CFR part 3018,
regarding Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the
application package for informational purposes only. These forms should
not be submitted with the proposal since by signing form CSREES-661
your organization is providing the required certifications. If the
project will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a form AD-1048 to the grantee organization for
retention in their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
19. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
As outlined in 7 CFR part 3407 (the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service regulations implementing NEPA) and 14
CFR part 1216 (the NASA regulations regarding compliance with NEPA),
the environmental data for any proposed project is to be provided to
CSREES and NASA so that the Federal agency may determine whether any
further action is needed. In some cases, however, the preparation of
environmental data may not be required. Certain categories of actions
are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
In order for CSREES to determine whether any further action is
needed with respect to NEPA (e.g., preparation of an environmental
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS)), pertinent
information regarding the possible environmental impacts of a proposed
project is necessary; therefore, Form CSREES-1234, ``NEPA Exclusions
Form,'' must be included in the proposal indicating whether the
applicant is of the opinion that the project falls within a categorical
exclusion and the reasons therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion
that the proposed project falls within the categorical exclusions, the
specific exclusion must be identified. Form CSREES-1234 and supporting
documentation should be included as the last page of this proposal.
Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions,
CSREES may determine that an EA or EIS is necessary for an activity, if
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.
C. Application Submission Information
1. When to Submit
A ``Letter of Intent'' must be received by COB April 11, 2001 (5:00
p.m. EST). Proposals must be received by COB on May 9, 2001 (5:00 p.m.
EST). Proposals received after this date will not be considered for
funding.
2. What to Submit
For full proposals, an original and 14 copies must be submitted.
Also submit 10 copies of the proposal's Project Summary. All copies of
the proposals and the Project Summaries must be submitted in one
package.
[[Page 15341]]
3. Where to Submit
Applicants should e-mail the ``Letter of Intent'' to Dr. J. Preston
Jones at jpjones@reeusda.gov or send the letter by mail to Application
of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program; Mail Stop 2220;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20250-2220; or fax the letter at (202) 401-1602.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed proposals
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the
USDA. The address for hand-delivered proposals or proposals submitted
using an express mail or overnight courier service is:
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program, c/o
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1307,
Waterfront Centre 800 9th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
Proposals sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the
following address:
Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program, c/o
Proposal Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2220, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2220.
D. Acknowledgment of Proposals
The receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by e-mail. Therefore,
applicants are encouraged to provide e-mail addresses, where
designated, on the Form CSREES-661. If the applicant's e-mail address
is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge receipt of the proposal by
letter.
Once the proposal has been assigned an identification number,
please cite that number on all future correspondence. If the applicant
does not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of the submission
deadline, please contact the Program Director.
Part IV--Review Process
A. General
All proposals, will be reviewed together by a panel in the
pertinent program area. Prior to technical examination, a preliminary
review will be made for responsiveness to the program area. Proposals
that do not fall within the guidelines of this Program will be
eliminated from Program competition and will be returned to the
applicant.
Individual written comments and in-depth discussions will be
provided by a peer review panel prior to recommending applications for
funding. Peer review panel members will be selected based upon their
training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education
fields taking into account the following factors: (a) The level of
formal scientific, technical education, and extension experience of the
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in
relevant research, education or extension activities; (b) the need to
include as peer reviewers experts from various areas of specialization
within relevant scientific, education, and extension fields; (c) the
need to include as reviewers other experts (producers, range or
resource managers/operators, consumers, etc.) who can assess relevance
of the proposals to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the
need to include as peer reviewers experts from a variety of
organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and
Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations), and
geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition
of peer review groups with regard to minority and female representation
and an equitable age distribution; and (f) the need to include members
that can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general
public of each proposal.
B. Evaluation Factors
Priority will be given to projects that integrate agricultural
research, education and extension and projects that have included the
appropriate team to achieve the goals of the project, notably teams
that are multi-state, multi-institutional or multi-disciplinary.
The following evaluation factors apply to all proposals.
1. Relevance
All proposals will be judged as to their relevance to critical
emerging agricultural issues related to future food production;
environmental quality, and natural resource management; or farm income.
Further factors include:
(a) Documentation that the research, extension and education
activities are directed towards current or likely future problems or
problems identified in this document;
(b) Linkage of research, extension and education functions.
(c) Involvement of stakeholders and/or communities of interest.
2. Merit
All proposals will be judged on their scientific, extension, or
education merit including:
(a) Novelty, innovation, uniqueness, and originality;
(b) Conceptual adequacy of the research, extension and education
components;
(c) Clarity and delineation of objectives;
(d) Adequacy of the description of the undertaking and suitability
and feasibility of methodology;
(e) Demonstration of feasibility;
(f) Probability of success of the project;
3. Quality
All proposals will be judged on their quality including:
(a) Selection of most appropriate and qualified individuals to
address the problem;
(b) Training and demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative
approaches to the problem identified in the proposal, and performance
record or potential for future accomplishments;
(c) Time allocated for systematic attainment of objectives;
(d) Institutional experience and competence in subject area;
(e) Adequacy of available or obtainable support personnel,
facilities, and instrumentation;
(f) Adequacy of plans for reporting, assessing and monitoring of
results of the project over its duration.
(g) The planned administration of the project and its maintenance,
partnerships, collaborative efforts, evaluation and monitoring efforts,
and the planned dissemination of information over the duration of the
project.
Part IV--Award Administration
The Application of Geospatial and Precision Technologies Program
will be administered and managed as an interagency program involving
both participating agencies throughout the entire process from the
development of the program announcement to the review and selection,
and monitoring of awards. The interagency program managers will
coordinate program administration activities such as review of periodic
reporting of project evaluations and annual investigator team meetings.
USDA and NASA will fund awards separately. The amount of each award
will be determined jointly by USDA and NASA and their representatives
after the panel review process has been completed. Other material may
be
[[Page 15342]]
required at the time of funding to facilitate the implementation of the
award from participating agencies.
A. General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official shall make awards to those responsible, eligible applicants
whose proposals are judged most meritorious in the announced program
area by procedures set forth in this request for proposals. The date
specified as the effective date of the award shall be no later than
September 30, of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose,
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project
need not be initiated on the award effective date, but as soon
thereafter as practicable so that project goals may be attained within
the funded project period. All funds awarded under this request for
proposals shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds
are awarded in accordance with the approved application and budget, the
terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost
principles, and the applicable participating agency assistance
regulations.
B. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility
determination prior to the award of an award if such information has
not been provided previously under this or another program for which
the sponsoring agency is responsible. Copies of forms recommended for
use in fulfilling the requirements contained in this section will be
provided by the awarding agency as part of the pre-award process.
C. Award Document
The award document shall include at a minimum the following:
1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution
to whom the funding agency has awarded an award under this program;
2. Title of Project;
3. Name(s) and address(es) of principal investigator(s) chosen to
direct and control approved activities;
4. Award identification number assigned by the funding agency;
5. Project period, specifying the amount of time the funding agency
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;
6. Total award amount approved by the funding agency during the
project period;
7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is made;
8. Approved budget plan for categorizing project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
9. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by the funding
agency to carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish
the purpose of a particular award.
D. Notice of Award
The notice of award, in the form of a letter, will be prepared and
will provide pertinent instructions or information to the awardee that
is not included in the award document.
E. Funding Mechanisms
The two mechanisms by which grants may be awarded are as follows:
1. Standard Grant--This is a funding mechanism whereby the Federal
Government agrees to support a specified level of effort for a
predetermined time period without the announced intention of providing
additional support at a future date.
2. Continuation Grant--This is a funding mechanism whereby the
Federal Government agrees to support a specified level of effort for a
predetermined period of time with a statement of intention to provide
additional support at a future date, provided that performance has been
satisfactory, appropriations are available for this purpose, and
continued support will be in the best interests of the Federal
government and the public. This kind of mechanism normally will be
awarded for an initial one-year period, and any subsequent continuation
project grants will be awarded in one-year increments. The award of a
continuation project grant to fund an initial or succeeding budget
period does not constitute an obligation to fund any subsequent budget
period. Unless prescribed otherwise by CSREES or NASA, a grantee must
submit a separate application for continued support for each subsequent
fiscal year. Requests for such continued support must be submitted in
duplicate at least three months prior to the expiration date of the
budget period currently being funded. Decisions regarding continued
support and the actual funding levels of such support in future years
usually will be made administratively after consideration of such
factors as the grantee's progress and management practices and the
availability of funds. Since initial peer reviews are based upon the
full term and scope of the original application, additional evaluations
of this type generally are not required prior to successive years'
support. However, in unusual cases (e.g., when the nature of the
project or key personnel change or when the amount of future support
requested substantially exceeds the grant application originally
reviewed and approved), additional reviews may be required prior to
approving continued funding.
F. Use of Funds; Changes
Unless otherwise stipulated in the terms and conditions of the
award, the following provisions apply:
1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility: The awardee may not in
whole or in part delegate or transfer to another person, institution,
or organization the responsibility for use or expenditure of funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans: a. The permissible changes by the
awardee, principal investigator(s), or other key project personnel in
the approved research project award shall be limited to changes in
methodology, techniques, or other aspects of the project to expedite
achievement of the project's approved goals. If the awardee and/or the
principal investigator(s) are uncertain as to whether a change complies
with this provision, the question must be referred to the CSREES
Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) or NASA Procurement Officer for a
final determination.
b. Changes in approved goals, or objectives, shall be requested by
the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO or NASA
Procurement Officer prior to effecting such changes. In no event shall
requests for such changes be approved which are outside the scope of
the original approved project.
c. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the awarding official prior to
effecting such changes.
d. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee
and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO or NASA Procurement Officer
prior to effecting such transfers.
e. Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended by
the awarding agency without additional financial support, for such
additional period(s) as the CSREES ADO or NASA
[[Page 15343]]
Procurement Officer determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill
the purposes of an approved project. Any extension of time shall be
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing
by the CSREES ADO or NASA Procurement Officer, unless prescribed
otherwise in the terms and conditions of an award.
f. Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the CSREES ADO
or NASA Procurement Officer prior to instituting such changes if the
revision will involve transfers or expenditures of amounts requiring
prior approval as set forth in the applicable Federal costs principles,
Agency regulations, or in the award document.
G. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
Several other Federal statutes and regulations apply to proposals
considered for review and to projects awarded under this program. For
CSREES awards, the applicable regulations are those cited in Part V. E.
of the IFAFS RFP published in the Federal Register on February 23,
2001, 66 FR 11507. The CFDA numbers are as follows: USDA--10.206;
NASA--43.002. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) number for NASA
is OMB No. 3145-0058. For specific information on policies and
procedures relating to the award and administration of NASA grants and
cooperative agreements, refer to the Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Handbook (NPG 5800.1) which can be found at http://ec.msfc.nasa.gov/hq/
grcover.htm.
H. Confidential Aspects of Proposals and Awards
When a proposal results in an award, it becomes a part of the
record of the Agency's transactions, available to the public upon
specific request. Information that the CSREES or NASA Administrator
determines to be of a confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature
will be held in confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore,
any information that the applicant wishes to have considered as
confidential, privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked as
such and sent in a separate statement, two copies of which should
accompany the proposal. The original copy of a proposal that does not
result in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period of one
year. Other copies will be destroyed. Proposals that do not receive an
award will be released to others only with the consent of the applicant
or to the extent required by law. If such a request is made, the
applicant will be consulted prior to release of the proposal. A
proposal may be withdrawn at any time prior to the final selection
action thereon.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a program
official and discuss their plans. Inquiries regarding the announcement
can be directed to any one of the agency representatives identified at
the beginning of this RFP.
Done at Washington, D.C., on this 13th day of March 2001.
Colien Hefferan,
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service.
Michael R. Thomas,
Acting Director, Applications Division, Office of Earth Science,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
[FR Doc. 01-6573 Filed 3-15-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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