Renewable Resources Extension Act and National Focus Fund Projects

 

Renewable Resources Extension Act Program (RREA): The purpose of this funding is to assist states in carrying out an extension program designed to assist forest and range landowners and managers in making resource management decisions based on research findings. Forest and rangeland resources include vegetation, water, fisheries and wildlife, soil, and recreation. Renewable Resource Extension Act ? National Focus Fund Projects (RREA-NFF): The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for pilot projects that: (1) Address emerging forest and rangeland resource issues, (2) Have national or regional relevancy, or (3) Develop new and innovative projects that can be replicated at other institutions. The goal of the NFF program is to enhance the sustainability of the nation?s forest and rangeland resources and to enable landowners and managers to achieve their desired goals and objectives by making resource management decisions based on sound research findings. Forest and rangeland resources include vegetation, water, fisheries and wildlife, soil, and recreation. These projects must maximize the capacity, reach, and impact of the Cooperative Extension System ? Extension Forestry and Rangeland Programs and must directly work across state boundaries to share expertise to address common problems.

Active 10.515 National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture A - Formula Grants; B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Not applicable.
Fiscal Year 2017 Not applicable.
Fiscal Year 2018 SPECIAL NOTE: See Assistance Listing # 10.500 (N) and (O) for pertinent details.
Fiscal Year 2019 This represents a newly created Assistance Listing (CFDA) number, which was part of an initiative to break out the separate programs formerly contained in CFDA # 10.500 – Cooperative Extension Service (CES). There are 74 RREA Capacity-Funded programs are underway at the 1862, 1890 and 3 insular land-grant institutions with funding ranging from $13,500 to $98,593. Quantifiable impacts are anticipated to approximate the FY 2018 impacts as the funding remains level in FY 2019. Four (4) National Focus Funds projects will be awarded in mid-September 2019, totaling $300,000.
Fiscal Year 2020 The RREA Capacity and National Focus Funds (NFF) programs will continue in FY 2020 if sufficient funding is available. The President’s FY 2020 Budget proposes a zero appropriation for the RREA Program. If Congress provides funding for FY 2020, the impacts of the capacity program and the National Focus Fund program is contingent upon the appropriation. Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-306, 92 Stat. 349, 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.), Public Law 95-306, 16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq RREA: In accordance with the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, applications may only be submitted by the following State colleges and universities. Auburn University; Alabama A&M University; Tuskegee University; University of Alaska - Fairbanks; University of Arizona; University of Arkansas; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; University of California; Central State University; Colorado State University; University of Connecticut; University of Delaware; Delaware State University; University of the District of Columbia; University of Florida; Florida A&M University; University of Georgia; Fort Valley State University; University of Guam; University of Hawaii; University of Idaho; University of Illinois; Purdue University; Iowa State University; Kansas State University; University of Kentucky; Kentucky State University; Louisiana State University; Southern University; University of Maine; University of Maryland (College Park); University of Maryland (Eastern Shore); University of Massachusetts; Michigan State University; University of Minnesota; Mississippi State University; Alcorn State University; University of Missouri; Lincoln University; Montana State University; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada; University of New Hampshire; Rutgers University; New Mexico State University; Cornell University; North Carolina State University; North Carolina A&T State University; North Dakota State University; The Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Langston University; Oregon State University; Pennsylvania State University; University of Puerto Rico; University of Rhode Island; Clemson University; South Carolina State University; South Dakota State University; University of Tennessee; Tennessee State University; Texas A&M University; Prairie View A&M University; Utah State University; University of Vermont; University of the Virgin Islands; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia State University; Washington State University; West Virginia University; West Virginia State University; University of Wisconsin; and University of Wyoming. RREA-NFF: Applications may only be submitted by 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions. Project Directors must have an extension appointment. An extension appointment is a formal appointment by an Extension Director/Administrator in the institution's cooperative extension service. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. RREA: In accordance with the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978, applications may only be submitted by the following State colleges and universities. Auburn University; Alabama A&M University; Tuskegee University; University of Alaska - Fairbanks; University of Arizona; University of Arkansas; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; University of California; Central State University; Colorado State University; University of Connecticut; University of Delaware; Delaware State University; University of the District of Columbia; University of Florida; Florida A&M University; University of Georgia; Fort Valley State University; University of Guam; University of Hawaii; University of Idaho; University of Illinois; Purdue University; Iowa State University; Kansas State University; University of Kentucky; Kentucky State University; Louisiana State University; Southern University; University of Maine; University of Maryland (College Park); University of Maryland (Eastern Shore); University of Massachusetts; Michigan State University; University of Minnesota; Mississippi State University; Alcorn State University; University of Missouri; Lincoln University; Montana State University; University of Nebraska; University of Nevada; University of New Hampshire; Rutgers University; New Mexico State University; Cornell University; North Carolina State University; North Carolina A&T State University; North Dakota State University; The Ohio State University; Oklahoma State University; Langston University; Oregon State University; Pennsylvania State University; University of Puerto Rico; University of Rhode Island; Clemson University; South Carolina State University; South Dakota State University; University of Tennessee; Tennessee State University; Texas A&M University; Prairie View A&M University; Utah State University; University of Vermont; University of the Virgin Islands; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia State University; Washington State University; West Virginia University; West Virginia State University; University of Wisconsin; and University of Wyoming. RREA-NFF: Applications may only be submitted by 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions. Project Directors must have an extension appointment. An extension appointment is a formal appointment by an Extension Director/Administrator in the institution's cooperative extension service. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. Credentials/Documentation (083): 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). Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM): Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR SS 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR SS 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) Provide a valid DUNS 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 DUNS 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 Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs). 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 shall 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 (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. 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: http://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 (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). RREA: NIFA will review submitted documents to determine if all program, financial, and administrative requirements have been met and are current. RREA-NFF: 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 Competitive 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 (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Contact the National Program Leader (NPL), as indicated per CFDA Section # 152 - Headquarters Office regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time. 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: http://nifa.usda.gov/ http://www.grants.gov. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Not applicable. Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA), which are generally published annually. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). 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 Application (RFA). The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). USES: RREA: Carrying out an extension program designed to assist forest and range landowners and managers in making resource management decisions based on research findings. RREA-NFF: The RREA-NFF addresses the sustainable use of natural resources, by providing funding to the Cooperative Extension System to conduct educational programs for private forestland owners that contribute to well-managed forests and the nation’s and world’s fiber supply in support of rural economic systems. Performance Reports: PERFORMANCE MONITORING: See above for pertinent and specific details. Relation to other audit requirements, but 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. In accordance with 2 CFR Part 400 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, SS 200.333 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. 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. In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed two (2) years for RREA and RREA-NFF. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFAs) for specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). 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 is transitioning to a new location for Fiscal Year 2020. NIFA's New Mailing Address AFTER September 30, 2019 follows: National Institute of Food and Agriculture 6501 Beacon Drive Kansas City, MO 64133 Additional Website: RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/renewable-resources-extension-act-national-focus-fund-projects-rrea-nff Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment (IBCE), Division of Environmental Systems, Forest Resource Management, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop 2210 ,
ADDITIONAL CONTACT:
USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader, Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment (IBCE), Division of Environmental Systems, Range and Grasslands Ecosystems, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. Stop 2210, Telephone: (202) 720-0740; Fax: (202) 720-3945.

Washington, DC 20250-2210 US
enorland@nifa.usda.gov
Phone: (202) 720-0740
Fax: (202) 401-1706 https://nifa.usda.gov/program/renewable-resources-extension-act-capacity-grant 12-0502-0-1-352 (Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 18$0.00; FY 19 est $3,897,600.00; FY 20 est $0.00; FY 17$0.00; FY 16$0.00; - SPECIAL NOTES: (1) Previously included in CFDA # 10.500, for the Cooperative Extension Service (CES). This represents a newly created CFDA number, which was part of an initiative to break out the separate programs contained in CFDA # 10.500 (CES). NIFA?s implementation became effective for fiscal year (FY) 2019 Request for Applications (RFAs) and new awards. (2) 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. 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 Competitive Request for Application (RFA). SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: RREA: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/FY%202017%20Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Program%20Modifications.pdf RREA-NFF: https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/rfa/FY%202017%20RREA%20NATIONAL%20FEDERAL%20FOCUS.pdf 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 CFDA database. Further, the National Program Leader(s) reflected per Section # 152 - Headquarters, can be contacted for the most recent RFA(s). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT BY NIFA When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgement for all projects or initiatives supported by NIFA. https://nifa.usda.gov/acknowledgment-usda-support-nifa 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 December 26, 2014 and thereafter. https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-general-terms-and-conditions-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-october-2016. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978 https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Renewable%20Resources%20Extension%20Act%20Of%201978.pdf Fiscal Year 2018 SPECIAL NOTE: See Assistance Listing # 10.500 (N) and (O) for pertinent details.
Fiscal Year 2019 This represents a newly created Assistance Listing (CFDA) number, which was part of an initiative to break out the separate programs formerly contained in CFDA # 10.500 – Cooperative Extension Service (CES). The FY 2019 capacity projects have been awarded and the expected impacts will be similar to those of FY 2018 as funding has been level for several years. The FY 2019 RREA-NFF projects will be awarded in September, 2019. Projects that will be funded are those that will have regional or national level impacts.
Fiscal Year 2020 Contingent upon available funding, capacity and National Focus Fund projects will be awarded in FY 2020 and it is anticipated that those projects will have the same breadth and depth of impacts as previously funded projects. Pertinent information will be provided by Program at a future date.