Homeland Security_Agricultural
Current funding is directed solely to the establishment of two diagnostic networks: one for plant diseases and pests and one for animal diseases and pests.
Funding is not available under this section for research projects.
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.
Program Accomplishments
Not applicable. This is a newly funded program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
These funds are subject to the provisions of 31 U.S.C.
1301 requiring their use only for the purpose for which they were appropriated.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Recipients must be eligible under section 1472(c) of NARETPA.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Beneficiaries must be eligible under section 1472(c).
Credentials/Documentation
Each first-time recipient must furnish organizational management information requested by the funding agency, and each applicant must provide assurances specified in the annual solicitation of applications.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Letters of intent are requested prior to the submission of project proposals.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Applicants submit project proposals along with OMB-approved Application Forms to CSREES for approval.
Award Procedures
Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by CSREES staff members with the assistance and advice of peer panels of qualified educators, administrators, industrialists, and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals, as needed. Grant payments will be made through the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System.
Deadlines
Not applicable.
Authorization
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA), Section 1472, 7 U.S.C. 3318.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded for project periods of 12 to 36 months duration.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grant terms and conditions will specify reporting requirements.
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-specified 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 ensure that funds are expended for authorized purposes. Grant-related records must be retained at least three years; records must be retained beyond the three-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-0115-0-1-352.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $9,504,000; FY 08 est 13,705,920; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
It is anticipated that awards will range from $250,000 to $2,000,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3016; 7 CFR 3017; 7 CFR 3018; 7 CFR 3019; and Grant Terms and Conditions.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
CSREES Administrators Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Room 305-A, Stop 2201, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2201.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
In FY 2002, a panel of USDA scientists knowledgeable in the Nation's plant and animal disease diagnostic capability, recommended to the Secretary a plan of initiating a comprehensive national network of laboratories for the rapid detection and diagnosis of plant and animal diseases. The institutions selected by the panel for initial inclusion in the network were recommended using the following criteria: (1) Existing scientific capacity; (2) Existing laboratory capacity which could be modified to meet Biosafety Level 3 requirements; (3) Both animal and plant diagnostic capabilities; (4) Geographical location meeting one or more of the following requirements: located in are area with a high risk of disease/pest incursions; located in an area with high concentration of vulnerable agricultural activity; complements or supplements regional Federal laboratory activity or is in an area not effectively served by an existing Federal facility; (5) State-of-the-art communication and information technology systems. Must be capable of managing secure communications with other laboratories and central reporting unit; and 6) An effective outreach/extension system.
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