Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystem Study of a Restored Wild Rice System; Bison Culture; Revegetating Invasive Plant Infested Rangelands In a Single Entry; Surveillance of Mosquito-Borne Equine; Effects of Prairie Dog Towns on Bison and Cattle Production on Tribal Lands.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
One college began a study that will determine the best combination of seeding method, seeding rate, herbicides, and native grass and forbs for establishment of desired grasses in a single pass. Researchers also will measure the resulting effects on the population dynamics of seeded grasses and forbs on invasive plants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
This research grants program is authorized to conduct agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal, national or multi-State significance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dullknife Memorial College, Fond Du Lac Community College, Fort Belknap Community College, Fort Berthold Community College, Fort Peck Community College, LacCourte Orielles Ojibwa Community College, Little Big Horn Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Oglala Lakota College, Salish Kootenai College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton Community College, Sitting Bull College, Stonechild Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Haskell Indian National University, Leech Lake Tribal College, College of the Menominee Nation, and Little Priest Tribal College.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Bay Mills Community College, Blackfeet Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cheyenne River Community College, Dine Community College, D-Q University, Dullknife Memorial College, Fond Du Lac Community College, Fort Belknap Community College, Fort Berthold Community College, Fort Peck Community College, LacCourte Oriellese Ojibwa Community College, Little Big Horn Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northwest Indian College, Oglala Lakota College, Salish Kootenai College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton Community College, Sitting Bull College, Stonechild Community College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College, Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Institute of American Indian Arts, Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Haskell Indian Nations University, Leech Lake Tribal College, College of the Menominee Nation, and Little Priest Tribal College.
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 in the Federal Register.
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. Application procedures are contained in CSREES Research Grant Application Kit. This program is subject to the provisions of 7 CFR 3019.
Award Procedures
CSREES 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
As announced in a request for proposals for each fiscal year.
Authorization
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994, Public Law 103-382, as amended.
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 3 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 stated in 7 CFR 3019.52.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit 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
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 $1,445,184; FY 08 est $998,712; and FY 09 est not reported. Note: Grants are competitively awarded.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
From $40,963 to $150,000. Average: $66,221.
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, Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 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 Nonprofit Organizations.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Ag Box 2201, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2201. Telephone: (202) 720-4423.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
1. The scientific merit of the proposal, including the suitability and feasibility of the approaches and methodology; 2. the probability that the research will contribute to important discoveries or significant breakthroughs in the food and agricultural sciences; 3. the qualifications of the principal investigator and other senior personnel, such as training, demonstrated awareness of previous and alternative approaches to the problem, and performance record and/or potential for future accomplishment; and 4. the probable adequacy of available or obtainable facilities, equipment, instrumentation, and technical support.
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