Sun Grant Program
through biobased technology; and enhance the efficiency
Grants will be awarded to the sun grant centers and subcenter for the purposes of carrying out a competitive grants program and to conduct multi-institutional and multistate research, extension, and education programs on technology development; and integrated research, extension, and education programs on technology implementation.
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
Fiscal Year 2009: Newly authorized program - initially funded for FY "10. Fiscal Year 2010: To be provided by Program at a future date. Fiscal Year 2011: No Current Data Available
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Sun Grant Program was established to:
(1) Enhance national energy security with biobased energy tech;
(2) Promote diversification and environmental sustainability through biobased tech;
(3) Promote economic diversification in the rural US through biobased technology; and
(4) Enhance the efficiency of biobased technology R&D through collaborations among the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, and Land Grant Institutions.
A Sun Grant Center or Subcenter shall use 75 percent of the funds to provide competitive grants to entities that are-
(i) eligible to receive grants under subsection (b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
450i(b)(7)); and
(ii) located in the region covered by the Sun Grant Center or Subcenter.
Grant funds must be used for allowable costs necessary to conduct approved research and extension objectives.
Funds shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).
Funds may not be used for any purposes other than those approved in the grant award documents.
Fully discretionary.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Only the Sun Grant Centers and Subcenter as specifically designated in 7 U.S.C.
8114 are eligible to apply for funding under this program.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Only the Sun Grant Centers and Subcenter as specifically designated in 7 U.S.C. 8114 are eligible to apply for funding under this program.
Credentials/Documentation
A Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be obtained - A DUNS number is a unique number that identifies an organization. It has been adopted by the Federal government to help track how Federal grant money is distributed. If your organization does not have a DUNS number, call the special Dun and Bradstreet hotline at (1-866) 705-5711 to receive one free of charge. You will receive a DUNS number within several days of your request. Please note, individual proprietorships (i.e. farmers, ranchers) can request and receive a DUNS number, but must register with Grants.gov as an organization, not as an individual. Registration with Central Contractor Registry (CCR) is required - The CCR is the central government repository for organizations working with the Federal government. If your organization is not already registered, identify the primary contact who should register your organization. When your organization registers with CCR, it will be required to designate an e-Business Point of Contact (e-Business POC). The e-Business POC authorizes individuals to submit grant applications on behalf of the organization and creates a special password called a Marketing Partner ID Number (M-PIN) to verify individuals authorized to submit grant applications for the organization. Visit the CCR Web site at http://www.ccr.gov to begin this process. It may take several days to collect the information needed for your organization s registration. The CCR Assistance Center can be reached at (888) 227-2423. This information collection is approved under OMB Control No. 0524-0039, "NIFA Application Kit for Research and Extension Programs." Applicants must furnish the information required in the 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.". OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Award Procedures
All RFAs are published on the Agency s website and Grants.gov. Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process. Please see the following Grants.gov link for more information: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Applications should be submitted as outlined in the RFA. Applications must follow the instructions provided per Grants.Gov and in the Agency guide to submitting applications via Grants.gov. Proposals submitted by Sun Grant Centers or the Subcenter are reviewed by a panel of qualified NIFA scientists and appropriate persons in accordance with the provisions of 7 U.S.C. 8114. Proposals are funded to the extent permitted by available funds on the basis of merit and compliance with provisions found in applicable legislation and regulations. Competitive grant applications awarded by the Sun Grant Centers or the Subcenter 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. 1613) 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 solicitation available from the Sun Grant Centers or the Subcenter.
Deadlines
Aug 02, 2010: Dates for specific deadlines are announced in the RFA each fiscal year. Dates for specific deadlines are announced in the RFA each fiscal year.
Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website. Respective links are provided below:
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/
http://www.grants.gov.
Authorization
The Sun Grant Program, was originally established in section 778 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-199), which amended the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.) adding section 9011, entitled the "Sun Grant Research Initiative Act of 2003". Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) establishes the Sun Grant Program, replacing the "Sun Grant Research Initiative Act of 2003". Authority for the Sun Grant Program is delegated to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in title 7 Part 2.66 subpart (a) section (153) of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 180 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA) each fiscal year.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Matching Requirements: Percent: 20.%. Funds allocated for competitive grants must be matched in an amount of 20 percent from non-Federal sources by all subawardees. Matching requirements do not apply to fundamental research. Additionally, the Sun Grant Center or Subcenter may reduce or eliminate the requirement for non-Federal funds for applied research if the Sun Grant Center or Subcenter determines that the reduction is necessary and appropriate pursuant to specific guidance issued by NIFA. Specific matching provisions are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The term of project grants and/or cooperative agreements under this program may not exceed 5 years. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: by letter of credit.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantees also are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS).
This reporting requirement was approved under OMB Control No.
0524-0042, "NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS)." CRIS is an electronic, web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submission of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
Pursuant to 7 U.S.C .8114, not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, a Sun Grant Center or Subcenter receiving a grant shall submit to NIFA a report that describes the policies, priorities, and operations of the program carried out by the center or Subcenter during the fiscal year, including-
(1) the results of all peer and merit review procedures conducted in association with the 75 percent of funds designated for competitive grants in 7 U.S.C.
8114; and
(2) a description of progress made in facilitating the priorities planned for addressing the bioenergy, biomass, and gasification research priorities of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy at the State and regional levels.
The plan must be jointly developed in cooperation with land-grant colleges and universities and private industry.
NIFA uses the SF-425, Federal financial Report to monitor cash.
These are required on a quarterly basis and due within 30 days after the close of each quarter.
Grantees also are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS).
This reporting requirement was approved under OMB Control No.
0524-0042, "NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS)." CRIS is an electronic, web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submission of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
Pursuant to 7 U.S.C.
8114, not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, a Sun Grant Center or Subcenter receiving a grant shall submit to NIFA a report that describes the policies, priorities, and operations of the program carried out by the center or Subcenter during the fiscal year, including-
(1) the results of all peer and merit review procedures conducted in association with the 75% of funds designated for competitive grants in 7 USC 8114; and
(2) a description of progress made in facilitating the priorities planned for addressing the bioenergy, biomass, and gasification research priorities of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy at the State and regional levels.
The plan must be jointly developed in cooperation with land-grant colleges and universities and private industry.
A final "Federal Financial Report" (SF-425) is due within 90 days of the expiration date of the grant and should be submitted to the Awards Management Branch, Office of Extramural Programs at the address listed below, in accordance with instructions contained in 2 CFR 3430.55 (also refer to Section 3015.82 of the Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations).
Awards Management Branch
Office of Extramural Programs
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
STOP 2271
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-2271
Telephone: (202) 401-4986.
Grantees also are required to submit annual and summary progress reports via NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS).
This reporting requirement was approved under OMB Control No.
0524-0042, "NIFA Current Research Information System (CRIS)." CRIS is an electronic, web-based inventory system that facilitates both grantee submission of project outcomes and public access to information on Federally-funded projects.
Pursuant to 7 U.S.C.
8114, not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, a Sun Grant Center or Subcenter receiving a grant shall submit to NIFA a report that describes the policies, priorities, and operations of the program carried out by the center or Subcenter during the fiscal year, including-
(1) the results of all peer and merit review procedures conducted in association with the 75 percent of funds designated for competitive grants in 7 U.S.C.
8114; and
(2) a description of progress made in facilitating the priorities planned for addressing the bioenergy, biomass, and gasification research priorities of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy at the State and regional levels.
The plan must be jointly developed in cooperation with land-grant colleges and universities and private industry.
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. Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133 and implemented in 7 CFR 3052. This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General.
Records
In accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations [2 CFR 215, Subpart C, Section 215.53, (OMB Circular A-110)] 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 3 years. Records must be retained beyond the 3-year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-1500-0-1-352.
Obigations
(Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements)) FY 09 $0; FY 10 est $2,106,000; FY 11 est $0 - 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.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Of available funds there will be equal distribution among each of the Sun Grant Centers in compliance with 7 U.S.C. 8114 and with the Terms and Conditions of the award with a portion of the funds allocated to the western Sun Grant Center to be made available to the western insular Pacific sun grant Subcenter in an amount as determined appropriate by NIFA.
For competitive grants made by the Sun Grant Centers or the Subcenter, if minimum or maximum amounts of funding per competitive project grant or cooperative agreement are established, these will be announced in the annual program announcement or Request for Application (RFA).
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR Part 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs - General Award Administrative Provisions and Program-Specific Administrative Provisions; 7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) ; 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations; and 7 CFR Part 3021- USDA implementation of Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace (Financial Assistance).
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
National Program Leader; Plant and Animal Systems, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., STOP 2220, Washington, District of Columbia 20250-2220 Phone: (202) 401-3356.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Within guidelines established for the program as described in the request for applications in accordance with 7 U.S.C. 8114 and applicable Terms and Conditions of the award.
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