Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions

 

The Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions Program will establish new federally-funded Centers of Excellence, building on three existing non-federal Centers established in 2015 in conjunction with the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Funding will be awarded non-competitively to build capacity of the following Centers: 1) The Center for Innovation and Sustainable Small Farms, Ranches, and Landowners (CISFRL) is intended to increase profitability, natural resource conservation and market demand for small farmers, including socially disadvantaged/ underserved farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. This Center also addresses challenges related to healthier families and enhanced quality of life in rural communities. 2) The Center of Excellence for International Engagement and Development is designed to supply the country with a globally educated workforce and support critical global development needs. Projects may address trans-boundary challenges including U.S. national security, climate variability, conservation, and biodiversity, as well as the development/strengthening of teaching curricula and experiential learning. 3) The Virtual Center to Motivate and Educate for Achievement serves as an expansive resource center for developing and sustaining a diverse and talented STEAM workforce pipeline by working collaboratively with government and private sectors.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
10.523
Federal Agency/Office
National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
B - Project Grants
Program Accomplishments
Not applicable.
Authorization
Public Law Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019-P.L. 116-6, Section 774
Public Law The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018-H.R. 2, Section 7213
National Institute of Food and Agriculture to the 1890 Institutions to support Centers of Excellence.
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Full applications may only be submitted by an individual or consortium of the nineteen 1890 land-grant institutions, including Tuskegee University (as identified in the Second Morrill Act; 7 U.S.C 3221 et seq. ( 7 U.S.C. 321)). Grant recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply for the purpose of supporting the overall coordination and administration of the 1890 COE.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Not applicable.
Credentials/Documentation
The System for Award Management (SAM) combines eight federal procurement systems, including CCR, and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system. CCR activities are conducted through SAM (the CCR website will redirect users to SAM). Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number and System for Award Management (SAM): Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR ? 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR ? 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Register in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) Provide a valid UEI number in its application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Applicants must furnish the information required in the Request for Applications (RFA). Successful applicants recommended for funding must furnish the information and assurances requested during the award documentation process. These include, but are not limited to the following: Organizational Management Information - Specific management information relating to an applicant must 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 NIFA program. NIFA 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). This information collection is approved under OMB Circular Control No. 0524-0026, "Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights, Compliance and Organization Information." SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/centers-excellence-1890-institutions RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listings [formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)] database. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov (opens in new window)(opens in new window). The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) only accepts electronic applications which are submitted via Grants.gov in response to specific Requests for Applications (RFA). Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process. For information about the pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle application processes see: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html. Further, applicants must follow the instructions provided in the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, which can be assessed as follows: Adobe NIFA Applications. 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/centers-excellence-1890-institutions-1890-coes RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listings [formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)] database.
Award Procedure
Applications are subjected to a system of peer and merit review in accordance with section 103 of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613) by a panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) shall make grants to those responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in the RFA. 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. Evaluation Criteria will be delineated in the Request for Applications (RFA). 2 CFR 200 - Subpart C and Appendix I and 2 CFR part 400 apply to this Program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/centers-excellence-1890-institutions RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listings (CFDA) database.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
Other. Generally, 60 days, unless otherwise noted. Contact the Headquarters Office regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time. NOTE: The "Headquarters" Point-of-Contact is usually the National Program Leader (NPL) as reflected in the Request for Applications (RFA) Part VII - Agency Contacts. Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website. NIFA's respective links regarding general information are provided below: https://nifa.usda.gov/ https://www.grants.gov. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/centers-excellence-1890-institutions RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the Assistance Listings [formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)] database.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Other. Specific details are provided in the RFA, which are generally published annually. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/centers-excellence-1890-institutions
How are proposals selected?
2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Request for Applications (RFA). The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/centers-excellence-1890-institutions RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listings [formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)] database
How may assistance be used?
1) The Center for Innovation and Sustainable Small Farms, Ranches, and Landowners will fund research, extension, and integrated projects designed to increase profitability, natural resource conservation and market demand for small farmers, including socially disadvantaged/ underserved farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Projects may also addresses challenges related to healthier families and enhanced quality of life in rural communities. 2) The Center of Excellence for International Engagement and Development will fund teaching, research, extension, and integrated projects designed to supply the country with a globally educated workforce and support critical global development needs. Projects may include, but are not limited to, experiential learning opportunities for students; collaborative research to address trans-boundary challenges; and extension projects that have mutual benefits domestically and abroad. 3) The Virtual Center to Motivate and Educate for Achievement will fund teaching project such as: (1) Curricula design and materials development; (2) faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching; (3) instruction delivery systems; (4) scientific instrumentation for teaching; (5) student experiential learning; and (6) student recruitment and retention. Additional details available in the Centers of Excellence for 1890 Institutions Request for Applications (RFA).
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Performance Reports: PERFORMANCE REPORTS: See Program Reports section above for pertinent data and specific details.
Auditing
Records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General.
Records
In accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, ? 200.334 Retention requirements for records. Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and must be retained at least three (3) years. Records must be retained beyond the three (3) year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved. 2 CFR 200 Subpart D applies to this program.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed five (5) years. Further details are provided in the Award document Form NIFA-2009 and the Research Terms and Conditions and NIFA Agency Specific Terms and Conditions (dated June 2017) at: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/rtc/agencyspecifics/nifa_617.pdf Visit the NSF website (link is external) (link is external) to access this critical information (see https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/rtc.jsp (link is external)). SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) for specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/centers-excellence-1890-institutions-1890-coes RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the RFAs supersede the general information provided in the Assistance Listings [formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)] database. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: NIFA utilizes the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), a secure, web-based electronic payment and information system that allows federal agencies to administer funds. Currently, ASAP is the only payment source for new NIFA grantees. NIFA utilizes the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), a secure, web-based electronic payment and information system that allows federal agencies to administer funds. Currently, ASAP is the only payment source for new NIFA grantees.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 Courier/Package Delivery Address: 2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061
Headquarters Office
USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader
Institute of Youth, Family, and Community, Division of Community and Education, National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
Courier/Package Delivery Address:
2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061
Kansas City, MO 64141 US
Manoharan.Muthusamy@usda.gov
Phone: 816-702-9676
Website Address
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/centers-excellence-1890-institutions-1890-coes
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1500-0-1-352
Obligations
(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$4,000,000.00; FY 23 est $4,000,000.00; FY 24 FY 21$4,000,000.00; FY 20$5,760,000.00; FY 19$4,800,000.00; FY 18$0.00; - SPECIAL NOTE: The difference between the appropriation and obligation numbers reflects legislative authorized set-asides deducted as appropriate, and in some cases the availability of obligational authority from prior years.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
If minimum or maximum amounts of funding per competitive and/or capacity project grant, or cooperative agreement are established, these amounts will be announced in the annual Request for Applications (RFA). The most current RFA is available via: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/centers-excellence-1890-institutions-1890-coes
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
As an administrator of U.S. government support, NIFA works in partnership with grantees to ensure responsible stewardship of federal funds. Our grantees and partners are required to comply with all relevant rules and regulations. The following resources are provided to NIFA's partners and award recipients to support their adherence to federal regulations governing program performance: NIFA's primary (main) website: https://nifa.usda.gov/regulations-and-guidelines The following represent specific documents and direct links: POLICY GUIDE NIFA's Federal Assistance Policy Guide describes agency policies and procedures. https://nifa.usda.gov/policy-guide CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS Certifications and representations provided through the NIFA application process. https://nifa.usda.gov/certifications-and-representations FEDERAL REGULATIONS The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lists all regulations published in the Federal Register. https://nifa.usda.gov/federal-regulations FOIA The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has the right to request access to federal documents and information such as research data. https://nifa.usda.gov/foia NEPA POLICY AND GUIDANCE The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Policy and Guidance set the standard for identifying potential environmental impacts. https://nifa.usda.gov/nepa-policy-and-guidance OGFM ISSUED CORRESPONDENCE The Office of Grants and Financial Management occasionally issues correspondence to applicants, grantees, and/or the general public for informational or clarification purposes. https://nifa.usda.gov/ogfm-issued-correspondence RESEARCH MISCONDUCT NIFA requires that all its awardees adhere to the USDA Scientific Integrity Policy and the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct. https://nifa.usda.gov/research-misconduct NIFA'S GENERAL AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS Award terms and conditions are determined by statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements, as well as each grant's circumstances. Terms and conditions dictate important items related to your grant, including method of payment, reporting frequency and content, and prior approval requirements. References to the terms and conditions of awards are located on the NIFA 2009 Award Fact Sheet. NIFA's general award terms and conditions (see link below) is applicable to this program, for awards with an award date on June 1, 2017 and thereafter. Further details are provided in the Notice of Award (formerly Award Face Sheet) and the NIFA General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements (dated June 2017) at: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/rtc/agencyspecifics/nifa_617.pdf Visit the NSF website (link is external) (link is external) to access this critical information (see https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/rtc.jsp (link is external)).
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.

 



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