Significant accomplishments include: (1) Genomics - Support for international efforts to complete a draft sequence of the rice and bovine genomes. The rice sequence will serve as a model system that is now greatly accelerating the understanding of all cereals. (2) Biofuels - research has resulted in the development of more efficient bioprocessing of agricultural wastes into ethanol, making the process much more economically viable. (3) Pests and Diseases - Fundamental research has led to the development of a preventative treatment for screw worm, a devastating pest of livestock. It is estimated that this development will save US agriculture over $1 billion annually by preventing losses in production and overcoming international trade barriers related to this pest. (For more information see the program web site www.reeusda.gov/nri).

Uses and Use Restrictions

The selected areas for research, education and extension grants are broad and change as the needs of US agriculture change.

Applicants should check the request for applications for changes.

Priorities are identified for: agricultural security; plant science and plant pathology; animal science; entomology and nematology; natural resources and environment; nutrition/obesity; food quality and health; markets and trade; rural development; new products and processes; and nanotechnology.

Grant funds may be used for costs necessary to conduct research, education and extension (salaries and wages, scientific equipment, materials and supplies, travel, publication costs, and other allowable direct and indirect costs).

Applicants should check the annual request for applications for limitation on indirect costs.

The primary responsibility for general supervision of all grant activities rests with the grantee organization; the project director is responsible for the work defined in the grant.

Funds may not be used for purposes other than those specified in the grant.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

For research grants applicant eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S.

colleges/universities, other U.S.

research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals.

For integrated research, education and extension grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S.

colleges/universities, research foundations maintained by colleges or universities, private research organizations with established and demonstrated capacities to perform research or technology transfer, Federal research agencies and national laboratories.

Proposals from scientists at non-U.S.

organizations will not be considered for support.

Beneficiary Eligibility

For research grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, other U.S. research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. For integrated research, education and extension grants eligibility includes State Agricultural Experiment Stations, U.S. colleges/universities, research foundations maintained by colleges or universities, private research organizations with established and demonstrated capacities to perform research or technology transfer, Federal research agencies and national laboratories. Proposals from scientists at non-U.S. organizations will not be considered for support.

Credentials/Documentation

Each prospective grantee organization must furnish the organizational information and assurances specified in the guidelines. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site.

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.

A-102 and E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Formal proposal to National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, USDA/CSREES as outlined in the guidelines. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3019.

Award Procedures

National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program staff members review and evaluate 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. Proposals are accepted in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds.

Deadlines

Specific deadlines are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.

Authorization

Section 2(b), Public Law 89-106, 7 U.S.C. 450i(b), as amended; Section 1414, Public Law 95-113; Section 1415, Public Law 97-98; Section 1409, Public Law 99-198; Section 1615, Public Law 101- 624; Public Law 104-127; Public Law 105-185; Public Law 108-7.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 90 to 180 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Proposals for renewal, should be submitted at the announced deadline. Renewals are treated in competition with all other pending proposals.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Normally, competitive research projects will be supported for periods of up to four years.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Annual progress reports due within 90 days after anniversary of grant effective date and final technical report due 90 days after expiration of grant.

Federal cash transaction reports and financial status reports as in Attachment G of OMB Circular A-110.

Audits

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations."

Records

Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to insure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during life of the grant and for 3 years thereafter.

Financial Information

Account Identification

12-1500-0-1-352.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $175,142,784; FY 08 est $240,084,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Note: Grants are competitively awarded.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$4,000 to $5,000,000. Average: $183,607.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Pages 61290-61306 Federal Register, Vol. 56, No. 231, Part II, December 2, 1991; 7 CFR 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. National Competitive Research Initiative Grants Program Administrative Provisions, Federal Register, Vol. 56, No. 220, Pages 57950-57958, November 14, 1991; and 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Chief Scientist, National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2241, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2241. Telephone: (202) 401-5022.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

1. The scientific merit of the application for research, education and/or extension, including: (a) novelty innovation and originality, (b) where model systems are used the ability to transfer knowledge gained to organisms of importance to US agriculture,(c) conceptual adequacy, (d) clarity and delineation of objectives,(e) adequacy and suitability of the methodology (f)demonstration of feasibility through preliminary data (g) Probability of success. 2. Qualifications of the proposed project personnel and adequacy of the facilities 3. Planning and administration of the project 4. Relevance of the proposal to improvements in, and sustainability of, US agriculture as specified in the request for applications.