Technical Agricultural Assistance (10.960)
Program
10.960 Technical Agricultural Assistance
Federal Agency
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Authorization
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 3291; Food Security Act of 1985, Public Law 99-198, as amended.
Program Number
10.960
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To identify and apply the most appropriate solutions to international agricultural problems and increase the capabilities of U.S. educational institutions and nonprofit agencies in agricultural technical assistance and research.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Cost-reimbursable and cooperative agreements are used to fund projects dealing with various aspects of agricultural technical assistance and research.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
U.S. institutions of higher learning, and public private/nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is scientific research and education (including those located in U.S. territories).
Beneficiary Eligibility
U.S. institutions of higher learning, and public/private nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is scientific research and education (including those located in U.S. territories).
Credentials/Documentation
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Notices of fund availability and requests for proposals will be published in the Federal Register. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Submit requests for proposal packages, which include specific information on requirements, to USDA/FAS/ICD/DRD. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102.
Award Procedure
Proposals are evaluated by a technical review panel, which rates the qualifications of applicants and the merit of proposal.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Extensions may be authorized.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Assistance is phased according to the requirements of individual projects. Generally, cost- reimbursable and cooperative agreements are funded for a 12 to 24 month period.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Government, and Non-Profit Organizations," which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $300,000 of more in Federal awards will have a single of a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
Programs currently include provision of technical assistance for expanding the use of effective program management concepts and technologies in developing countries to promote food security; guidance on natural resources management policy, procedures and techniques; trade capacity building; and integrated approaches to international agricultural development and environmental protection.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-3200-0-1-352.
Obligations
(Cost-Reimbursable and Cooperative Agreements) FY 02 $6,337,000; FY 03 est $5,090,000; and FY 04 est $5,340,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$30,000 to $600,000. Average: $160,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
7 CFR 3015.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Dr. Howard Anderson, USDA/FAS/International Cooperation and Development, Development Resources Division, Washington DC 20250-1089. Telephone: (202) 690-1924.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Development of effective management concepts and methodologies for implementation of technical agricultural and environmental protection projects. Hurricane rehabilitation activities in Central America and the Caribbean, emphasizing watershed rehabilitation, food safety, and food security. Sound natural resources management, agricultural and environmental policy reform, and micro- finance for economic and rural development in developing countries.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria are dependent upon identification of specific project requirements and program priorities determined by the Foreign Agricultural Service's International Cooperation and Development (FAS/ICD) program area and its collaborators, especially the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact FAS/ICD for additional information.
