Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (10.156)

Program

10.156 Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program

Federal Agency

Agency: Department of Agriculture
Office: Agricultural Marketing Service

Authorization

Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Section 204b, 7 U.S.C. 1623(b).

Program Number

10.156

Last Known Status

Active

Objectives

To assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system.

Types of Assistance

PROJECT GRANTS

Uses and Use Restrictions

Proposals may deal with barriers, challenges or opportunities manifesting at any stage of the marketing chain including direct, wholesale, and retail. Proposals may involve small, medium or large scale agricultural entities but should potentially benefit multiple producers. Proprietary proposals that benefit one business or individual will not be considered. Proposals that address issues of importance at the State, regional or national level are appropriate for FSMIP. FSMIP also seeks unique proposals on a smaller scale that may serve as pilot projects or case studies useful as a model for others. Of particular interest are proposals that reflect a collaborative approach between the States, academia, the farm sector and other appropriate entities and stakeholders.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

State Departments of Agriculture, State Agricultural Experiment Stations and other appropriate State agencies.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Producers, processors, marketing agencies, and general public.

Credentials/Documentation

A grant agreement is entered into between the administering Federal agency and the State agency that submits the application. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Applicants must submit forms SF-424 and SF-424A, a narrative description of the proposal, and a supplemental budget. Supporting documents such as letters of support may be submitted.

Award Procedure

The requests are reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Agricultural Marketing Service in competition with other applications received. Grantees are notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter. Grant payments are made on a reimbursable basis.

Deadlines

Feb 11, 2009 Mid-February.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

> 180 Days. 4-5 months from the application deadline.

Appeals

No formal appeal procedure.

Renewals

> 180 Days. Awards are generally for one year. Additional time to complete the project may be requested.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula.

Matching Requirements: Percent: 50.%.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Payments are made to the States on an as needed, reimbursable basis over the grant period. Advance payments may be requested. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: quarterly.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Audits

Not Applicable.

Records

States must keep all records relating to the grant for 3 years.

Program Accomplishments

Fiscal Year 2008: In fiscal year 2008, grant applications were received for 64 projects from 39 States and territories; 25 projects from 24 States were funded. Fiscal Year 2009: In fiscal year 2009, it is estimated that 25 projects will be funded. Fiscal Year 2010: In fiscal year 2010, it is estimated that 25 projects will be funded.

Financial Information

Account Identification

12-2501-0-1-352.

Obligations

(Project Grants (for specified projects)) FY 08 $3,186,537; FY 09 est $1,334,000; FY 10 est $1,334,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$21,000 to $135,000. Average: $51,385.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

A request for proposals is announced each fall via agency press release, Federal Register notice, a letter to state departments of agriculture, and the program web site. Additional information about the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program as well as links to final project reports are available at the program web site.

Related Programs

Not Applicable.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Janise Zygmont 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20250 Phone: 202-720-8043

Web Site Address

http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm.

Examples of Funded Projects

Fiscal Year 2008: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Project selection is based on several factors: relative need or importance of the problem to be addressed; benefits likely to be derived in relation to the funds requested; level of state and other nonfederal support; potential impact on other states or issues of national importance; measures to be used in evaluating the impact of the project; and unique innovative features of the project.