:: Federal Government Grant

Money for Intermediary Relending Program


Purpose of this program:

To finance business facilities and community development.

Administered by:
US Federal Government Agency (see all agencies)
Department of Agriculture , Rural Business-Cooperative Service
CFDA #: 10.767

10.767 INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM

FEDERAL AGENCY
RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION
Health and Human Services Act of 1986, Section 407, Public Law 99-425, 7 U.S.C. 1932 note; Food Security Act of 1985, Section 1323, as amended, Public Law 99-198, 7 U.S.C. 1631; Community Economic Development Act of 1981, Section 623, as amended, Public Law 97-35, 42 U.S.C. 9812.

OBJECTIVES
To finance business facilities and community development.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Direct Loans.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
An entity that receives an Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) loan from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is referred to as an intermediary. Intermediaries must relend all of the loan funds received from the IRP loan for business facilities or community development in rural areas. An entity that receives a loan from an intermediary is referred to as an ultimate recipient. The maximum loan to any one intermediary is $2 million. The maximum term is 30 years and the interest rate is one percent per annum. Intermediaries may not use IRP funds to finance more than 75 percent of the cost of an ultimate recipient's project or for a loan of more than $250,000 to one ultimate recipient. (No more than 25 percent of an IRP loan approved may be used for loans to ultimate recipients that exceed $150,000.)

Applicant Eligibility
Eligible intermediaries may include: Private nonprofit organizations, State or local governments, and Federally recognized Indian tribes and cooperatives.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Ultimate recipients may include: For profit organizations, individuals, public and private nonprofit organizations.

Credentials/Documentation
Intermediaries must have adequate legal authority and a proven record of successfully assisting rural businesses and industries. Ultimate recipients must not be located within a city with a population of 25,000 or more. Both intermediaries and ultimate recipients must be unable to obtain the loan at reasonable rates and terms through commercial credit or other Federal, State, or local programs. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. 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. An environmental impact assessment is required for this program.

Application Procedure
Potential intermediaries should file applications with the State office for the State in which the intermediary's headquarters is located. The application package includes Form 4274-1 and a written work plan. More details are available in 7 CFR 4274.343, or from the appropriate Rural Development State Office. The Rural Development administers the program on the local level. Intermediaries develop their own application procedures for ultimate recipients.

Award Procedure
The application of each intermediary will be evaluated by the RD State Office. Applications received by RBS will be reviewed and ranked quarterly and funded in the order of priority ranking.

Deadlines
None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 60 days.

Appeals
Adverse actions by RBS in connection with this program may be appealed by contacting the Area Supervisor of the USDA National Appeals Division. Appeals will be handled in accordance with 7 CFR 1900-B.

Renewals
Not applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula or specific matching requirements, but RBS funds loaned to one ultimate recipient by an intermediary must not exceed 75 percent of the cost of the ultimate recipient's project.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Applicant intermediaries must show a need for the funds and limit the request to an amount they can expect to use within one year. After a loan is approved, the funds are released to the intermediary in multiple advances as required to fund loans to ultimate recipients.

Reports
Intermediaries must submit quarterly reports on lending activity, income and expenses, financial condition and progress, and an annual budget.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 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 Circular No. A-133.

Records
Records and accounts must be maintained to reflect the operations of each project.

Account Identification
12-4233-0-3-452; 12-2069-0-1-452.

Obligations
(Loans) FY 07 $33,869,875; FY 08 est $33,772,000; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$150,000 to $1,000,000. Average: $595,427.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In fiscal year 2007, 100 applications were received and 58 were approved. It is anticipated that in fiscal year 2008, 105 applications will be received including 24 carried over from fiscal year 2007 and 57 loans will be approved. Considering the estimated funding level for fiscal year 2008, funding activity is anticipated to be slightly less.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
7 CFR 4274, Subpart D; 7 CFR 1951, Subpart R.

Regional or Local Office
RBS State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, Stop 3225, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 20250-3225. Telephone: (202) 690-4100. FTS is not available.

Web Site Address
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
10.769, Rural Business Enterprise Grants.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
(1) $750,000 loan to a nonprofit corporation to relend to businesses within a State; (2) $750,000 loan to a nonprofit corporation to relend to businesses within 10 counties in one State; (3) $600,000 loan to a nonprofit corporation serving an six-county area for relending to businesses; and (4) $500,000 loan to a Native American community development corporation to relend to new and expanding businesses.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Factors considered in judging applications include: Financial condition, assurance of repayment ability, equity, collateral, experience and record of managing a loan program or providing other assistance to rural businesses, ability to leverage with funds from other sources, extent assistance would flow to low income persons.

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:: Federal Government Grant

Money for Economic Adjustment Assistance


Purpose of this program:

To assist State and local interests design and implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. Program focuses on areas that have experienced or are under threat of serious structural damage to the underlying economic base. Such economic change may occur suddenly or over time, and generally results from industrial or corporate restructuring, new Federal laws or requirements, reduction in defense expenditures, depletion of natural resources, or natural disaster. Aids the long-range economic development of areas with severe unemployment and low family income problems; aids in the development of public facilities and private enterprises to help create new, permanent jobs.

Administered by:
US Federal Government Agency (see all agencies)
Department of Commerce , Economic Development Administration
CFDA #: 11.307

11.307 ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

(Economic Adjustment)

FEDERAL AGENCY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION
Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (PWEDA), (42 U.S.C. 3149).

OBJECTIVES
To address the needs of distressed communities experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time, and generally result from industrial or corporate restructuring, new Federal laws or requirements, reduction in defense expenditures, depletion of natural resources, or natural disaster. Economic Adjustment Assistance grants (referred to throughout this document as investments) are intended to enhance a distressed community's ability to compete economically by stimulating private investment in targeted areas. Current investment priorities include proposals that: (a) promote comprehensive, entrepreneurial, and innovation-based economic development efforts that enhance the competitiveness of regions in the global economy. The investments will be part of a long-term strategy to promote the region's success in achieving a rising standard of living by supporting existing industry clusters, developing emerging new clusters, or attracting new regional economic drivers; (b) support technology-led economic development and reflect the important role of linking universities and industry and technology transfers; and (c) advance community-and faith-based social entrepreneurship in redevelopment strategies for regions of chronic economic distress.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Strategy investments help organize and carry out a planning process in order to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) tailored to the community's specific economic problems and opportunities. Implementation investments support one or more activities identified in an EDA-approved CEDS. Awards may be used for activities such as developing and updating a CEDS and for implementing the CEDS by carrying out projects for site acquisition and preparation, construction, rehabilitation, and equipping facilities, technical assistance, market or industry research and analysis, and other activities set out in 13 CFR 307.3.

Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants for EDA investment assistance include a State, city, county, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of such political subdivision, an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education, an Economic Development District organization, a private or public nonprofit organization or association, including a faith-based non-profit organization, acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State, or an Indian Tribe, or a consortium of Indian Tribes. Individuals, companies, corporations, and associations organized for profit are not eligible. As used in this paragraph, 'State' includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Beneficiary Eligibility
None. Investments are intended to alleviate long-term deterioration and sudden and severe economic dislocation in distressed communities and regions.

Credentials/Documentation
Applicants for assistance must develop a CEDS that identifies the actual or anticipated adjustment problem and prescribe steps to address that problem. Implementation investment applications must be consistent with an approved CEDS.

Preapplication Coordination
EDA's Regional Office representative or Economic Development Representative (EDR) will meet with the proponent to determine whether preparation of a project proposal is appropriate. If appropriate, the proponent will be requested to prepare a brief project proposal according to an outline provided by the EDR. Following a review by the EDR and regional office staff, the Regional Director will determine whether to invite a formal application. An environmental impact assessment is necessary; an environmental impact statement is required for this program.

Application Procedure
If an application is invited by the regional office, an EDR or regional office representative will provide necessary application materials. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 and 15 CFR Part 24. Applications for funding under section 209 of PWEDA are subject to the intergovernmental review process authorized under Executive Order 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" and implementing regulations at 13 CFR 302.9 and 15 CFR part 13.

Award Procedure
Applications are invited and approved by the Regional Director.

Deadlines
Proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and applications are invited and processed as received.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Normally, two months are required for a final decision after the receipt of a completed application invited by EDA that meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Appeals
None.

Renewals
None.

Formula and Matching Requirements
The maximum investment rate shall not exceed 50 percent of the project cost, except that the project may receive an investment rate up to 80 percent based on relative needs as measured by the severity and duration of unemployment and the per capita income level and extent of underemployment in the region. Indian Tribes may be eligible for an investment rate of 100 percent. In addition, States or political subdivisions of a State that have exhausted their effective borrowing and taxing capacity or nonprofit organizations that have exhausted their effective borrowing capacity may also be eligible for a 100 percent rate. On average, EDA investment assistance covers approximately 50 percent of project costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
None.

Reports
With the exception of strategy grants, quarterly financial reports are required until one year after final disbursement of funds. Reports on revolving loan fund investments are initially required semi-annually but may be changed to annual reports with the consent of the agency. Recipients also are required to report on program performance and project outcomes at intervals prescribed by the agency in compliance with Government Performance Results Act of 1993.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, recipients that are States, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning are subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document. States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Records
All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports and other records of recipients and sub-recipients are required to be maintained by the terms of the agreement. The grantee must retain records for three years after completion of the project or submission of the final financial report and be readily available for inspection and audit.

Account Identification
13-2050-0-1-452.

Obligations
(Investments) FY 07 $64,228,016; FY 08 $42,300,000; and FY 09 est $40,330,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 2007, grants ranged from $13,382 to 6,080,000. The average grant for Economic Adjustment Assistance in FY 2007 was $568,390.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In FY 2007, 113 projects were funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
13 CFR Parts 300-302, 307.

Regional or Local Office
Refer to Appendix IV of the Catalog for EDA regional office contact information.

Headquarters Office
Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230.

Web Site Address
www.eda.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Investments awarded under the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program have included: (a) strategies for recovery from plant closure and major permanent job loss; (b) rehabilitation of vacant industrial facilities for multi-tenant use or entrepreneurship or innovation incubators; and (c) revolving loan funds or recapitalization of revolving loan funds.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
EDA will review all investment applications for the feasibility of the budget presented and conformance with EDA statutory and regulatory requirements. EDA will assess the economic development needs of the region in which the proposed project is located, as well as the capacity of the applicant to implement the proposed project. Furthermore, EDA will select proposals competitively based on strategic areas of interest and priority considerations identified in the applicable announcement of federal funding opportunity (FFO). EDA also may consider the degree to which a proposed project: (a) is market-based and results driven; (b) has strong organizational leadership; (c) advances productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship; (d) looks beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipates economic changes, and diversifies the local and regional economy; and (e) demonstrates a high degree of local commitment. Applications for Economic Adjustment investment assistance must meet EDA investment policy guidelines as set out in 13 CFR 301.8, the requirements set out in 13 CFR part 307, as applicable, and other requirements as provided in the applicable FFO.

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:: Federal Government Grant

Money for Farm Operating Loans, $1,559,136,000 total funding


Purpose of this program:

To enable operators of not larger than family farms through the extension of credit and supervisory assistance, to make efficient use of their land, labor, and other resources, and to establish and maintain financially viable farming and ranching operations.

Administered by:
US Federal Government Agency (see all agencies)
Department of Agriculture , Farm Service Agency
CFDA #: 10.406

10.406 FARM OPERATING LOANS

FEDERAL AGENCY
FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION
Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Subtitle B, Sections 311-317, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1942; Agriculture Act of 1961, Title III, Public Law 87-128.

OBJECTIVES
To enable operators of not larger than family farms through the extension of credit and supervisory assistance, to make efficient use of their land, labor, and other resources, and to establish and maintain financially viable farming and ranching operations.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Direct Loans; Guaranteed/Insured Loans.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Loan funds may be used to: (1) Purchase livestock, poultry, fur bearing and other farm animals, fish, and bees; (2) purchase farm equipment; (3) provide operating expenses for farm enterprise; (4) meet family subsistence needs and purchase essential home equipment; (5) refinance secured and unsecured debts subject to certain restrictions; (6) pay property taxes; (7) pay insurance premiums on real estate and personal property; and (8) finance youth projects. Use restrictions are shown under Applicant Eligibility.

Applicant Eligibility
Except for youth loans, individual applicants must: (1) Not have caused a loss to the Agency after April 4, 1996, or received debt forgiveness on more than 3 occasions prior to April 4, 1996 to receive a guaranteed loan; (2) have the necessary education and/or farm experience or training (1 year's complete production and marketing cycle within the last 5 years); (3) do not exceed the limitation on the number of years that assistance may be received; (4) possess the legal capacity to incur the obligations of the loan; (5) be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at reasonable rates, and terms; (6) project the ability to repay the loan; (7) be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; (8) after the loan is closed, be an owner/tenant operator of a family farm; and (9) comply with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of Public Law 99-198 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA); Certain corporations, cooperatives, partnerships and joint operations ("entities") operating family-sized farms are also eligible for farm operating loans. In brief, entity applicants must meet some of the same eligibility requirements as individual applicants. In addition, if members, stockholders or shareholders of the entity are related by blood or marriage, at least one stockholder, shareholder partner or joint operator must operate the family-sized farm. In the case when members are not related by blood or marriage, the majority interest holders in the entity must actually operate the family-sized farm to be eligible. The entity must be authorized to operate a farm in the State in which it is located. Limited resource applicants must meet the above requirements. In addition, they must have a low income and show a need for increased farm income. In the case of limited resource entities, all the partners, joint operators, members, or stockholders must be citizens and the entity must be the owner-operator of the family farm with at least one partner, joint operator, member or stockholder operating the farm. Assistance is authorized for eligible applicants in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and to the extent the Secretary determines it to be feasible and appropriate, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. To be eligible to obtain a direct loan, a borrower must agree to abide by any "borrower training" requirements. Applicants/borrowers requesting guaranteed loan assistance must meet all lender requirements.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries and must meet the applicant eligibility requirements. Families, individuals, and entities who are farmers, ranchers or aquaculture operators are the beneficiaries.

Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must prove that credit is not available elsewhere for the requested purposes. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination
None required. However, an informal conference with the local county office staff is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
Applicants file Form FSA 410-1, Application for Direct Loan Assistance, with supporting information, at the local county office of the Farm Service Agency for direct loans or Form FSA 1980-25 with the prospective lender for loan guarantees. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure
Certification as to eligibility is made by the local county committee (unless that responsibility has been delegated to the Agency credit officials) and an approval determination is made by a FSA official as to loan feasibility and soundness, and whether there is adequate collateral to secure any loan.

Deadlines
None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The loan approval official approves or disapproves a completed application within 60 days on a direct loan application and 30 days on a guaranteed loan application.

Appeals
Applicants for direct and guaranteed loans, may appeal adverse action taken. The applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the decision to the National Appeals Division. The applicant may, in the final step of the appeals process, request a review by the Director, National Appeals Division, Washington, DC. For guaranteed loans, both the lender and the applicant must request the appeal.

Renewals
Applicants may reapply at any time. Applicants denied assistance through the appeal process must establish that substantial change has occurred, since the denial decision.

Formula and Matching Requirements
The selected criteria identify essential elements considered necessary to compare the needs of the various States, and to make the best use of available program funds. This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Loans are scheduled for repayment over periods up to 7 years, but when justified, loans may be consolidated or rescheduled for up to 15 additional years. The interest rate for guaranteed loans is negotiated between the lender and borrower. If eligible, FSA may provide interest rate assistance on guaranteed loans at the rate of 4 percent. The interest rate for direct loans is determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Reports
Various States have USDA certified Agricultural Loan mediation programs, which are designed to assist farm borrowers and their creditors in resolving financial disputes through the process of mediation. Where a State has such a farm credit mediation program, the lender shall participate in accordance with the rules of that system. FSA is not bound by any agreements developed in mediation or findings of the mediation unless FSA agrees to them in writing.

Audits
Not applicable.

Records
Records on production, income, expenses during the period of the loan.

Account Identification
12-4140-0-3-351; 12-1140-0-1-351.

Obligations
(Direct Loans) FY 07 $643,500,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported. (Unsubsidized Guaranteed Loans) FY 07 $1,025,610,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Direct loans up to $200,000; guaranteed loans up to $731,000 (amount adjusted annually for inflation); direct average loan size approximately $47,365 and guaranteed average loan size approximately $157,339 for fiscal year 2001.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
There were 14,023 direct and 11,444 guaranteed loans made in fiscal year 2001. Farm operating loans provide credit to: (1) Establish beginning farmers; (2) assist farmers suffering from the price/cost squeeze, which will enable them to remain on the farm and refinance secured and unsecured debts; and (3) expand farming operations.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
7 CFR, Part 1941, Subpart A and Part 762. Farm Service Agency Fact Sheets; FSA Handbook 2 FLP; Program Aids 1610 "Farm Service Agency Producer's Guide to Loan Programs"; 1620 "Lender's Guide to FSA Loan Programs"; and 1630 "Rural Youth Loans".

Regional or Local Office
Contact the appropriate FSA State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Director, Loan Making Division, Ag Box 0522, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1632.

Web Site Address
http://www.fsa.usda.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
10.407, Farm Ownership Loans; 15.124, Indian Loans_Economic Development.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Not applicable.

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:: Federal Government Grant

Money for Cooperative Science and Education Program, $4,000,000 total funding


Purpose of this program:

To support through grants and cooperative agreements, enduring partnerships between the Federal government and institutions of research and higher education for cooperative science and education on marine issues, especially living marine resources and their habitat, that confront local, regional, and national resources managers; also, to award grants and cooperative agreements to develop innovative approaches and methods for marine and estuarine science and education.

Administered by:
US Federal Government Agency (see all agencies)
Department of Commerce , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
CFDA #: 11.455

11.455 COOPERATIVE SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Cooperative Marine Education and Research Programs (CMER); Joint Institute for Marine Observation (JIMO); Cooperative Unit of Fisheries Education and Research (CUFER); Cooperative Institute of Fishery Oceanography (CIFO); Cooperative Education and Research Program (CERP); Cooperative Institute Agreement (CIA); Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies (CIMRS); Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS); and Cooperative Institute for Arctic Research (CIFAR); Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Oceans (JISAO).

FEDERAL AGENCY
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 661; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. 753(a); Department of Commerce Appropriation Act of 1999.

OBJECTIVES
To support through grants and cooperative agreements, enduring partnerships between the Federal government and institutions of research and higher education for cooperative science and education on marine issues, especially living marine resources and their habitat, that confront local, regional, and national resources managers; also, to award grants and cooperative agreements to develop innovative approaches and methods for marine and estuarine science and education.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Funds can be used by recipients to support a wide variety of research and higher education projects on high-priority marine and estuarine resource issues, especially resources and/or their habitat currently under, or proposed for future Federal or interjurisdictional management.

Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants for assistance are State, U.S. territorial, and private institutions of higher learning and education, especially universities and colleges, with which the National Marine Fisheries Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has entered into, or may enter into, an enduring partnership for purposes of research and education on the marine environment. Also included are private and public research organizations affiliated with institutions of higher learning, and national and international organizations and programs dedicated to marine and estuarine research, education, and outreach.

Beneficiary Eligibility
This program benefits Federal, State, and interstate marine resource conversation and management agencies; U.S. and foreign commercial and recreational fishing industries; conservation organizations, academic institutions; international and Indian Tribal treaties; private and public research groups; consumers; and the general public.

Credentials/Documentation
Applicants are required to satisfy all DOC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions, for financial assistance programs application and conduct.

Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the agency. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, " Intergovernment 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
Proposals are submitted through Grants.Gov. Applicants will need to enter the Funding Opportunity Number and/or CFDA number to access the application package and instructions. Application package will then be submitted directly to the (Name of your Office - Example Coastal Services Center). Proposals are subject to the requirements of 15 CFR Parts 14 and 24, as applicable.

Award Procedure
Proposals are initially evaluated by the appropriate NMFS Science and Research Center, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional research and education goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects approved for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division and the Department of Commerce's Office of Federal Assistance for review and approval.

Deadlines
Project applications must be received by the receiving NMFS office at least 120 days before the requested start date of the project.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approval time is expected to range from 90 to 150 days, which includes processing of the award through the NMFS and NOAA.

Appeals
None.

Renewals
Grants and cooperative agreements are approved on an annual basis, but may be continued beyond the first segment, subject to approved time frame and scope of work, satisfactory progress, and availability of funds. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department.

Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. NOAA may fund up to 100 percent of project costs. Grantees matching contributions are not required, but are encouraged.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are normally for a 12 month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. Funds are released in advance or by reimbursement, as agreed to in the Standard Terms and Conditions document required for each grant.

Reports
Reports are due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award. The Department's financial assistance standard terms and conditions generally require that financial and performance reports be submitted semi-annually.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Nonprofit Organizations (to include Hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document.

Records
Generally, a recipient is required to retain records relating to a particular grant for three (3) years from the date of submission of the final financial report. In cases where litigation, claim or an audit is initiated prior to expiration of the three-year period, records must be retained until the action and resolution of any issues associated with it are complete or until the end of the three-year retention period; whichever is latest.

Account Identification
13-1450-0-1-306.

Obligations
FY 07 $6,200,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$33,000 to $1,777,363. Average $136,000.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Alaska Center: Through support of JISAO work was carried out on an atlas of the occurrence and distribution of eggs and larvae of north Pacific fishes sampled during fisheries oceanography cruises; study of biological and physical factors affecting survival of walleye pollock eggs and larvae in the Gulf of Alaska and their recruitment to the commercially fished population; groundfish stomachs were read to determine the importance of different Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska prey species; research cruises were conducted to place and recover Atka mackerel tags; and a research cruise was conducted to determine the effects of fishing on the distribution of pollock. Northeast Center: Cooperative programs with universities were supported, primarily for training graduate students: University of Massachusetts, Rutgers University, Virginia Institute of Marie Science and the University of Rhode Island. Northwest Center: Undergraduate and graduate internships; Salmon survival and life-stages research: disease and anthropogenic factors, estuarine influences, ocean ecology, predation, and genetics; Ground fish research: stock assessment and habitat Southeast Center: Coastal fisheries habitat management research. Southwest Center: Grants were awarded to the University of Hawaii and the University of California to support undergraduate and graduate student research, support of educational programs in fisheries research, marine satellite data processing and research vessel support. Cooperative research studies are between NMFS/JIMAR and JIMO. Research on highly migratory fish species in the Atlantic.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
Allowable cost will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-87 for State and local governments and Indian Tribes; OMB Circular A-122 for nonprofit and for- profit organizations; OMB Circular A-21 for institutions of higher education; and 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations. Financial assistance management will be in accordance with 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit and commercial organizations, and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Regional or Local Office
Program contacts: Alaska: Mr. James M. Coe, Deputy Director, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Pt. Way NE., Bldg. 4, Seattle, WA 98115-6349. Telephone: (206) 526-4000. Fax: (206) 526-4004. E-mail: jim.coe@noaa.gov. Northeast: Dr. Ken Sherman, Chief, Office of Marine Ecosystem Studies, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 28 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882. Telephone: (401) 782-3211. Fax: 401-782-3201. E-mail: Kenneth.Sherman@noaa.gov. Northwest: Dr. Robert Iwamoto, OMI Director, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112-2097. Telephone: (206) 860-3200. Fax: (206) 860-3442. E-mail: Bob.Iwamoto@noaa.gov. Southeast: Federal Program Officer, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Telephone (727) 824-5324. Fax: (727) 824-5364. Southwest: Dr. Richard Neal, Deputy Science Director, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92038-1508. Telephone: (858) 546-7066. Fax: (858) 546-7003. E-mail: Richard.A.Neal@noaa.gov.

Headquarters Office
Not applicable.

Web Site Address
Alaska Center: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/. Northeast Center: CMER: http://www.nefsc.nmfs.gov/cmer/. Southwest Center: http://swfsc.nmfs.noaa.gov/

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Alaska Center: JISAO at the University of Washington was supported to provide for the study of biological and physical factors affecting the recruitment of walleye pollock in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea to improve our ability to predict year class recruitment to the commercial fishery; to study the acoustic properties of fish of the north Pacific, develop visualization tools to increase the understanding of using sound to survey fish populations, investigate equipment and methods used to acoustically enumerate, size, and map fish distributions, and to foster the training of students and researchers in the use of acoustics to assess fish populations; and to provide for the study of food habitats of groundfish, the effects of fishing on the distribution of pollock in the Gulf of Alaska and the distributional behavior of Atka mackerel. Research at CIFAR was conducted on the use of genetic markers to describe the population structure of Pacific Ocean Perch and to use genetics to study the possibility of two species of rougheye rockfish. Northeast Center: Research to support the management of living marine resources. Evaluating the potential effects of habitat alterations and determine if benthic fish assemblages and biomass differ at and away from sand ridges. Documenting and understanding the behavioral interactions between cetaceans and trawl fishing gear in the Western Atlantic. Also, research aimed at studying the decline of Atlantic bluefish stocks. Focus on investigating the relationship between bluefish and striped bass populations, changes in bluefish food stocks, whether the bluefish have declined or migrated elsewhere, and other factors which bear upon the status of bluefish and striped bass stocks. Continuation of a program which has developed an extensive database on Western North Atlantic right whales and other protected marine species. A cooperative agreement was established to conduct Atlantic Salmon Communication Network Assessment to Focus Education, Outreach and Collaboration. A fish habitat study to be carried out by undergraduate students applying fishery techniques, water quality monitoring and GIS methodology in characterizing selected fish habitats in an urbanized tributary of the Chesapeake Bay estuarine system. Southeast Center: Characterizing conditions under which fisheries and cetaceans co-occur along the eastern U.S. coast. Funded research to verify and improve age determination in endangered marine turtle species. Establishing a web-based resource to expand opportunities for under-represented groups in the marine and environmental sciences. Northwest Center: Feeding and growth of juvenile salmonids off the Oregon and Washington coasts; ocean survival of salmonids relative to migrational timing, fish health, predation and oceanographic conditions in the Columbia River plume and adjacent coastal waters; disease and survival of juvenile salmon in the estuarine and nearshore ocean environment; undergraduate and graduate research, groundfish stock assessment and habitat research. Southwest Center: JIMO at the University of California was supported to provide satellite data processing; research vessel for "Egg and larval fish production from marine ecological reserves" cruise; genetic population structure of central California coastal Salmonid populations; cooperative studies of Pacific Coast salmon; ocean and esturarine physiological ecology of salmon. JIMAR at the University of Hawaii was supported to provide pelagic fisheries visiting scientists program; tropic ecology and structured-associated aggregation behavior in Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna in Hawaii-based commercial longline fishery; distribution, histories,andrecent catch trends with six fish taxa taken as inci dental catch by the Hawaii-based commercial longline fishery; recreational fisheries meta data preliminary steps; development of oceanographic atlases for Pelagic and insular fisheries and
resource management of the pacific basin; pop-Off satellite archival tags to chronicle the survival and movements of blue sharks following release from longline gear; developing biochemical and physiological predictors of long term survival in released blue shark; survivorship, migration, and diving patterns of sea turtles released from commercial longline gear determined with pop-up satellite archival transmitters; pelagic fisheries research program management; pelagic fisheries research management-modeling and tag design; and Hawaii regional tuna tagging project.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Proposals are selected following consultation between NMFS fisheries centers scientists and universities with established memoranda of understanding or agreement, and subject to availability of funds. Proposals may be reviewed by coordinating or technical committees, based on joint determination by these reviewers and in consideration of the informational needs of the State regional and Federal marine resource management agencies, and on peer-review comments related to the technical quality of the proposal. All proposals must comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.

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:: Federal Government Grant

VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS


OBJECTIVES
To assist eligible independent agricultural commodity producers, agriculture producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based businesses in developing strategies and business plans to further refine or enhance their products, thereby increasing their value to end users and increasing returns to producers.
10.352 VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS

(VAPG)

FEDERAL AGENCY
RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION
Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000, Title VII, Public Law 106-224, as amended; The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Title VII, Public Law 107-171.

OBJECTIVES
To assist eligible independent agricultural commodity producers, agriculture producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based businesses in developing strategies and business plans to further refine or enhance their products, thereby increasing their value to end users and increasing returns to producers.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
The VAPG program offers two types of grants. Planning grants provide funding for the activities necessary to determine the viability of a potential value-added venture, including feasibility studies and business plans. Working capital grants provide funds to pay the day-to-day expenses of the venture associated with marketing a value-added product. An application may be for either a Planning Grant or a Working Capital Grant, but not both.

Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are independent producers, agriculture producer groups, farmer- and rancher-cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Agricultural producers.

Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must provide a budget supporting the work plan that details all sources and uses of funds during the project period. Applicants are required to verify matching funds, both cash and in-kind, such that USDA can verify all representations. Applicants must certify that matching funds will be available at the time grant funds are received. Matching funds must be spent in advance of grant funds.

Preapplication Coordination
An environmental impact statement is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
USDA will solicit applications on a competitive basis by publication of a notice in the Federal Register and through the Grants.gov Federal Web site. Unless otherwise specified, applicants must file an original and one copy of the proposal and all required forms or as otherwise instructed in the annual announcement. An applicant must submit Form SF-424, Form SF-424A, Form SF-424B, and other information as directed. Each proposal must contain the following elements and any additional elements published in the announcement: (1) Title Page; (2) Table of Contents; (3) Executive Summary, including a clear statement whether the application is for a Planning Grant or a Working Capital Grant and the amount requested; (4) Eligibility; (5) Proposal Narrative including, but not limited to: (i) Project Title; (ii) Information Sheet; (iii) Goals of the Project; (iv) Work Plan; (v) Performance Evaluation Criteria; (vi) Proposal Evaluation Criteria; (6) Verification of Matching Funds; and (7) Certification that matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent in advance of grant funding.

Award Procedure
The Agency conducts an initial screening of all proposals to determine eligibility and completeness to allow for an informed review. Applications will be evaluated by experts selected by the Agency. After evaluation and scoring according to established criteria, the Administrator of Rural Business Cooperative Service reserves the right to award limited additional points: to ensure geographic distribution, for innovative projects, or to projects in underserved areas. Applications are funded in rank order until all available funds have been obligated. Final processing of the awards and monitoring of projects are the responsibility of the appropriate Rural Development State Office.

Deadlines
Published in the Federal Register.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 100 to 150 days after the application is filed with the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office.

Appeals
Applicants may appeal any adverse decisions to USDA's National Appeals Division.

Renewals
None.

Formula and Matching Requirements
7 CFR 4284.908 Use of grant and matching funds: (b) Grant funds may be used to pay up to 50 percent costs. Applicants will be required to contribute at least 50 percent in cash or inkind contributions. The maximum grant amount of a planning grant is $100,000 and of a working capital grant is $300,000. Matching funds include cash or confirmed funding commitments from nonfederal sources. In-kind contributions that conform to the provisions of 7 CFR 3015.50 and 7 CFR 3019.23, as applicable, can be used as matching funds. Examples of in-kind contributions include volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, donated supplies and equipment, and donated office space. Matching funds must be provided in advance of grant funding such that for every dollar of grant advanced not less than an equal amount of matching funds shall have been funded prior to submitting the request for reimbursement. Matching funds are subject to the same use restrictions as grant funds. Funds used for an ineligible purpose will not be considered matching funds.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grant funds may be disbursed over a period of a year after obligation. No-cost extensions may be granted on a limited basis at the discretion of the Agency.

Reports
Progress reports must be submitted to the Rural Development State Office as specified in the grant agreement. A final report must be submitted to the Rural Development State Office within 90 days after the project has been completed.

Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 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 Circular A-133. Those nonfederal entities exempt from Circular A-133 are subject to the audit requirements outlined in the Grant Agreement.

Records
The Grantee will maintain adequate records and accounts to assure that grant and matching funds are used for authorized purposes. Records required by Federal law and regulations will also be maintained by the Rural Development State Office and the Rural Development-Cooperative Programs National Office.

Account Identification
12-1900-0-1-452.

Obligations
FY 07 $21,637,622; FY 08 est $19,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Grants can be awarded for any amount up to $100,000 for Planning Grants and up to $300,000 for Working Capital Grants.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Fiscal year 2007 funds were awarded to 157 recipients.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
7 CFR Parts 1951; 7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3019; 7 CFR 4284, Subpart A--General Requirements for Cooperative Services Grant Programs, 4284.1 through 4284.100; and, Subpart J - Value-Added Producer Grants, 4284.901 through 4284.1000. See the RBS website for additional information. You may also contact Rural Development State and Local Offices and the Rural Business Cooperative Service Web site.

Regional or Local Office
Contact the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or check the RBS Web site.

Headquarters Office
Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Services, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-7558. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Grant funds are used to conduct feasibility studies, develop business and marketing plans, and provide working capital for value-added ventures.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
Published in the Federal Register and through grants.gov.

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:: Federal Government Grant

Money for Small Business Innovation Research


Purpose of this program:

To stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation, by women-owned and socially disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation.

Administered by:
US Federal Government Agency (see all agencies)
Department of Agriculture , Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
CFDA #: 10.212

10.212 SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH

(SBIR Program)

FEDERAL AGENCY
COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, Public Law 97-219, as amended, Public Law 99-443; Public Law 102-564.

OBJECTIVES
To stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs, increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and foster and encourage participation, by women-owned and socially disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
The selected areas for research are Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection-Biology; Animal Production and Protection; Soil and Water Resources; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; Marketing and Trade; Wildlife; Animal Manure Management, Small and Mid-size Farms, Plant Production and Protection-Engineering. The Small Business Innovation Research Program is carried out in three separate phases: Phase I projects are supported to determine the scientific or technical feasibility of ideas submitted by proposes on the selected research areas; Phase II awards are made to firms with approaches that appear sufficiently promising as a result of Phase I studies. Only those small businesses previously receiving Phase I awards in either of the two preceding fiscal years are eligible to submit Phase II proposals. Phase II projects are limited to $350,000 for a period normally not to exceed 24 months; Phase III is to be conducted by the small business concern (including joint ventures and limited partnerships), and will be non-SBIR funded through the exercising of a follow-on funding commitment. The purpose of Phase III is to stimulate technological innovation and the national return on investment from research through the pursuit of commercialization objectives resulting from the USDA-supported work carried out in Phases I and II.

Applicant Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility (1) is organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States, which operates primarily within the United States, or which makes a significant contribution to the United States economy through the payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor; (2) is in the legal form of an individual proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, association, trust or cooperative, except that where the form is a joint venture, there can be no more than 49 percent participation by foreign business entities in the joint venture; (3) is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States, except in the case of a joint venture, where each entity in the venture must be 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in the United States; and (4) has, including its affiliates, not more than 500 employees. The term "affiliates" is defined in greater detail in 13 CFR 121.103. The term "number of employees" is defined in 13 CFR 121.106.

Beneficiary Eligibility
Small businesses.

Credentials/Documentation
Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational information and assurances specified in the SBIR program solicitation. The principles to be used in determining allowable costs of activities under this program are contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR Part 31. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Preapplication Coordination
Publication by the Small Business Administration listing all agencies participating in the program, their Small Business Innovation Research coordinators, proposed dates for their solicitations, and proposed topic areas. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
Formal proposal to SBIR Program, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the SBIR program solicitation. Application procedures are contained in the SBIR program solicitation. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure
The SBIR Program staff reviews and evaluates all proposals with the assistance and advice of a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal.

Deadlines
Deadlines are announced in the SBIR Program Solicitation for each fiscal year. The deadline for submission of fiscal year 2007 Phase I proposals was September 1, 2006, and for Phase II proposals is February 1, 2007.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Six months from application receipt to notification of approval/disapproval.

Appeals
Phase I applications may be revised and resubmitted during a later funding cycle, provided the subject matter of the proposal is not changed, and the topic area under which the proposal was originally submitted is still listed in the solicitation. Phase I grantees may apply for a Phase II grant only once for each Phase I project funded.

Renewals
None.

Formula and Matching Requirements
There are no matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Phase I grants are normally limited to 8 months. Phase II grants are normally limited to 2 years.

Reports
Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase I grants must be submitted 30 and 90 days, respectively, after the expiration date of the grant. Final performance and final financial status reports for Phase II grants must be submitted 90 days after the expiration date of the grant.

Audits
Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet the terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. Federal audits will be made in accordance with the policies of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR Part 42, to ensure that funds have been applied efficiently, economically, and effectively.

Records
Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and for at least 3 years after the date of submission of the final financial status report.

Account Identification
12-1500-0-1-352.

Obligations
(Grants) FY 07 $15,599,447; FY 08 est $12,813,701; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$54,215 to $350,000; $117,433.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
This program was designed to strengthen the role of small, innovative firms in Federally-funded research and development. The thirteen categories of research supported under this program are: Forests and Related Resources; Plant Production and Protection-Biology; Animal Production and Protection; Soil and Water Resources; Food Science and Nutrition; Rural and Community Development; Aquaculture; Industrial Applications; Marketing and Trade; Wildlife; Animal Manure Management, Small and Mid-size Farms, Plant Production and Protection-Engineering.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
7 CFR Part 3403, Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program, Administrative Provisions, 62 FR 26168, May 12, 1997; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug- Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; The Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-554, amended section 9 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 638).

Regional or Local Office
None.

Headquarters Office
SBIR Director, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2243, 14th and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-2243. Telephone: (202) 401-4002.

Web Site Address
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/

RELATED PROGRAMS
None.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Bolted Wood Framing System; Development of Floating Permeable Covers to Control Emissions from Livestock Waste Lagoons; Production of Organic Acids by Simultaneous Fermentation and Adsorption; Software for Evaluating the Impact of Forest Management Plans on Wildlife; Bioprocessing Wheat Midds and Screenings to Improve Protein.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
(a) The proposing firm must qualify as a small business concern as specified in the SBIR solicitation; (b) The proposal must meet the Proposal Content and Format requirements as described in subsection 3.3 of the SBIR solicitation; (c) Proposals must be limited to one research problem (see subsection 3.1 of the SBIR solicitation); (d) The proposed budget must be within the dollar limit identified in subsection 1.2 of the SBIR solicitation; (e) The proposed duration of Phase I projects should normally not exceed 8 months, except in special, justified circumstances, and the duration of Phase II projects should normally not exceed 24 months. Where a proposed research project requires more than 8 months to complete in Phase I, a longer grant period, not to exceed 20 months, may be considered. An applicant of a Phase I project with an anticipated duration beyond 8 months should specify and justify the length of duration in the proposal at the time of its submission to USDA in order for it to be considered; (f) Proposals must cover scientific research activities only (see subsection 3.1 of the SBIR solicitation); (g) The proposed Phase I research must fall within a solicited topic area; (h) A proposal must contain adequate scientific/technical information to state clearly the research plan and objectives. USDA reserves the right not to submit for review any proposal which it finds to have insufficient scientific/technical information; (i) A resubmitted proposal must address concerns of the previous review panel. USDA reserves the right not to submit for review any proposal found not to be responsive to the previous review; and (j) Is it clear that the project director will work a minimum of 51 percent of his/her time for the small business firm during the period of the grant and that the small business firm will conduct a minimum of two-thirds of the research effort?

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