Natural Resources Conservation Service

Description

Updated on 09/13/2021 to include webinar information below Funding Opportunity Summary (For more information, download from the Related Documents tab of this opportunity the Request for Applications (RFA) titled "Request for Applications_USDA-NRCS-NHQ-REJ-21-NOFO0001121") The Office of Outreach and Partnerships Division (OPD) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides leadership and funding to ensure that all programs and services are made accessible to all NRCS customers, fairly and equitably, with emphasis on reaching the underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and landowners. In this Request for Applications (RFA), NRCS requests applications for four OPD priority areas through the Racial Equity and Justice Conservation Cooperative Agreements. The goal of this outreach is for NRCS in collaboration with partners to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers, including socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning, tribal and veteran. Proposals should support activities that introduce the concepts of climate-smart agriculture and to assist producers with planning and implementation of conservation practices and principles. In accordance with 2 CFR §415.1(d), this is a non-competitive RFA restricted to eligible entities listed in section C.1. NRCS has determined that noncompetitive awards under this RFA are in the best interest of the Government and necessary to the accomplishment of the goals of the program to provide outreach and technical assistance to historically underserved communities. The anticipated amount for cooperative agreements under this solicitation is approximately $50 million in fiscal year (FY) 2022. Key Dates This RFA solicits applications for eligible entities to enter into cooperative agreements with NRCS. Applications must be received by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time on October 25, 2021. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding. Webinar Updated on 09/13/2021: Webinar will conducted on September 24, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm ET. Participants can join the webinar using this link https://usdanrcs.adobeconnect.com/rqr7a4l864zr/ Individuals wanting to participate in the webinar are asked to send an email to NRCS-DCWA2-Outreach-and-Partnership-Division@USDA.GOV . Entering Webinar in the Subject line of the email is all that’s needed for indicating interest in participating. ü Any USDA employee having issues getting into the Webinar, please copy the webinar link, turn off your VPN, enter link into Chrome. This will bring you back to the Guest Login. Application Package NRCS expects applicants to read the entire RFA prior to submitting their application to ensure that they understand the program’s requirements. This application checklist provides the required and conditionally required documents for an application package. Conservation Outreach: Racial Equity and Justice Conservation Cooperative Agreements requires that all application packages include the following, which can be found in the Related Documents tab of the opportunity in Grants.gov: � Project Proposal Template o Ensure the required format and does not exceed the page limit. o Ensure project excludes unallowable costs and activities per Section D, Part 6, Funding Restrictions. � SF 424 – Application for Federal Assistance � SF 424A – Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs. � Grants.gov Lobbying Form, Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying If applicable, packages may also be required to include the following documents: � Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or De Minimis Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Federal Financial Assistance Training The funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/grants-training/. It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

Who can apply

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• Individuals

Contact

NRCS-DCWA2-Outreach-and-Partnership-Division@USDA.GOV
NRCS-DCWA2-Outreach-and-Partnership-Division@USDA.GOV