Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (10.156)
Program
10.156 Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program
Federal Agency
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
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 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
Projects may deal in such areas as providing marketing services to improve the marketability of agricultural products, expand export markets, improve economic and physical marketing efficiency, assemble and disseminate marketing information, and improve competitive trading.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State Department of Agriculture, or 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. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
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
The State agency submits an application and fund request setting forth specific work to be undertaken and amount of funds required. This request is submitted to the Staff Officer of the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
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
Mid-February.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
No formal appeal procedure.
Renewals
Awards are generally for one year. Additional time to complete the project may be requested.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
States must at least match the request for grant funds. The match consists of cash or a combination of cash and in kind resources.
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.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Six month progress reports are required. A final financial status report and final project report are to be submitted to the Staff Officer no later than 90 days after the grant period ends. Field reviews are made by Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program personnel.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052.
Records
States must keep all records relating to the grant for 3 years.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002, 53 projects were submitted and 28 projects were funded. In fiscal year 2003, 72 projects were submitted and an estimated 28 projects will be funded. In fiscal year 2004, it is estimated that 74 projects will be submitted and 28 projects will be funded.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-2501-0-1-352.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $1,347,000; FY 03 $1,347,000; and FY 04 est $1,347,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$18,000 to $98,000. Average: $48,107.
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
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Staff Officer, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-2704 Contact: Janise Zygmont.
Web Site Address
http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm
Examples of Funded Projects
A wide spectrum of marketing projects relating to food and agricultural products: new markets, direct marketing, evaluation of consumer preferences, export opportunities, economic analysis, transportation, distribution, labeling, and producer education to improve business and marketing skills.
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 non-Federal 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.
