Grants and cooperative agreements; availability, etc.: 1890 Institution teaching and research capacity building program,
[Federal Register: January 28, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 19)]
[Notices]
[Page 4556-4560]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28ja00-6]
Notices Federal Register
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2000; Request for Proposals and Request for Input
AGENCY: Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of request for proposals and request for input.
SUMMARY: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is announcing the 1890 Institution Teaching and Research Capacity Building Grants Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2000. Proposals are hereby requested from eligible institutions as identified herein for competitive consideration of Capacity Building Grant awards. CSREES also is soliciting comments regarding this request for proposals from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the development of the next request for proposals for this program. Such comments will be forwarded to the Secretary or his designee for use in meeting the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998.
DATES: Proposals must be received on or before March 13, 2000. Proposals received after the closing date will not be considered for funding.
User comments are requested within six months from the issuance of the request for proposals. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Hand-delivered proposals (brought in person by the applicant or through a courier service) must be received on or before March 13, 2000, at the following address: 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Room 303, Aerospace Center; 901 D Street, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20024. The telephone number is (202) 401-5048. Proposals transmitted via a facsimile (fax) machine will not be accepted.
Proposals submitted through the U.S. mail must be received on or before March 13, 2000. Proposals submitted through the U.S. mail should be sent to the following address: 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2245. Form CSREES-711, ``Intent to Submit a Proposal,'' is not requested nor required for the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program.
Written user comments should be submitted by first-class mail to: Policy and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; USDA- CSREES; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2299; or via e-mail to: RFP-OEP@reeusda.gov. In your comments, please include the name of the program and the fiscal year of the request for proposals to which you are responding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard M. Hood, Higher Education Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2251, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2251; Telephone: (202) 720-2186; E-mail: rhood@reeusda.gov. Dr. McKinley Mayes, 1890 College Program Coordinator, CSREES, USDA is also available to assist you. He may be reached at (202) 720-3511; or via the Internet: mmayes@reeusda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
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Administrative Provisions and Legislative Authority B. Program Description C. Evaluation Criteria D. How To Obtain Application Materials E. What To Submit F. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance G. Stakeholder Input
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Administrative Provisions and Legislature Authority
This program is subject to the provisions found at 7 CFR part 3406. These provisions set forth procedures to be followed when submitting grant proposals, rules governing the evaluation of proposals and the awarding of grants, and regulations relating to the post-award administration of grant projects.
This program is authorized by section 1417(b)(4) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3152(b)(4)).
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Program Description
Proposals may be submitted by any of the sixteen historically black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University. The eligible 1890 Land-Grant Institutions are identified in the Program Announcement in the FY 2000 Application Kit. An institution eligible to receive an award under this program includes a research foundation maintained by an 1890 Land-Grant Institution or Tuskegee University. Grants will be made to the historically black 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee University to strengthen their teaching and research programs in the food and agricultural sciences. The purpose of this grant program is to build the institutional capacities of the eligible colleges and universities through cooperative initiatives with Federal and non-Federal entities.
This program addresses the need to (1) attract more students from under represented groups in the food and agricultural sciences, (2) expand the linkages among the 1890 Institutions and with other colleges and universities, and (3) strengthen the teaching and research capacity of the 1890 Institutions to more firmly establish them as full partners in the food and agricultural science and education system.
For FY 2000, $9.2 million was appropriated for this program. CSREES anticipates that approximately $8.6 million will be available for project grants for this program in FY 2000. Of this amount, approximately $4.35 million will be used to support teaching projects, and $4.25 million will be used to support research projects. Awards will be based upon merit review and the recommendations of peer review panels;
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however, up to ten percent of the funds allocated for teaching and up to ten percent of the funds allocated for research may be used to support projects in either area based upon administrative decision by CSREES.
Regular, complementary, or joint projects may be for 18-36 months duration. Awards may be up to $200,000 for a teaching grant and up to $300,000 for a research grant. These maximums are for the total duration of the project, not per year. Matching is strongly encouraged, but not required. However, the amount of matching funds will be used as the primary criterion to break any ties in cases when proposals are equally rated in merit as a result of the peer review process.
The targeted need areas to be supported by capacity building grants in FY 2000 are:
For teaching project grants--curricula design and materials development, faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching, instruction delivery systems, scientific instrumentation for teaching, student experiential learning, and student recruitment and retention.
For research project grants--studies and experimentation in food and agricultural sciences, centralized research support systems, technology delivery systems, and other creative projects designed to provide needed enhancement of the nation's food and agricultural research system.
In FY 2000, eligible institutions may propose projects in any discipline(s) of the food and agricultural sciences as defined in section 1404 of NARETPA (7 U.S.C. 3103). There are no limits on the specific subject matter/emphasis areas to be supported.
In FY 2000, proposals may be directed to the undergraduate or graduate level of study leading to a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agricultural sciences.
In FY 2000, there is no limit on the number of proposals an eligible institution may submit. However, funding limitations in FY 2000 will affect the number of awards eligible institutions may receive. Therefore, institutions are encouraged to establish on-campus quality control panels to ensure that only high quality proposals having the greatest potential for improving academic and research programs are submitted for consideration. Eligible institutions may submit grant applications for either category of grants (teaching or research); however, each application must be limited to either a teaching project grant proposal or a research project grant proposal.
In FY 2000, the following two limitations will apply to the institutional maximum: (1) No institution may receive more than four grants, and (2) no institution may receive more than 10 percent (approximately $860,000) of the total funds available for grant awards.
For a Joint Project Proposal (submitted by an eligible institution and involving two or more other colleges or universities assuming major roles in the conduct of the project), only that portion of the award to be retained by the grantee will be counted against the grantee's institutional maximum. Those funds to be transferred to the other colleges and universities participating in the joint project will not be applied toward the maximum funds allowed the grantee institution. However, if any of the other colleges and universities participating in the joint project are 1890 Institutions or Tuskegee University, the amount transferred from the grantee institution to such institutions will be counted toward their institutional maximums. For Complementary Project Proposals, only those funds to be retained by the grantee institution will be counted against the grantee's institutional maximum.
In FY 2000, the maximum number of new awards listing the same individual as Project Director or Principal Investigator is two grants. This restriction does not apply to joint projects.
In FY 2000, the maximum number of new awards listing the same individual as Project Director or Principal Investigator in any one targeted need area that focuses on a single subject matter area or discipline is one grant. This restriction does not apply to proposals that address multiple targeted need areas and/or multiple subject matter areas.
For both teaching and research project grants--CSREES is prohibited from paying indirect costs exceeding 19 per centum of the total Federal funds provided under each award (7 U.S.C. 3310). An alternative method to calculate this limit is to multiply total direct costs by 23.456 percent.
The award of any grants under the provisions of this program is subject to the availability of appropriations.
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Evaluation Criteria
NARETPA requires that certain priorities be given for teaching enhancement projects in awarding grants under section 1417(b). CSREES considers all applications received in response to this solicitation as teaching enhancement project applications. To implement these priorities for proposals submitted for the fiscal year (FY) 2000 competition, the evaluation criteria used to evaluate proposals, as stated in the Administrative Provisions (7 CFR 3406.15), have been modified to include new criteria or extra points for proposals demonstrating enhanced coordination among eligible institutions and focusing on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs, material, or curricula. The following evaluation criteria and weights will be used to evaluate proposals submitted for funding to the FY 2000 competition:
Weight Evaluation criteria for teaching proposals
(points)
(a) Potential for advancing the quality of education:
This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that .............. the project will have a substantial impact upon and advance the quality of food and agricultural sciences higher education by strengthening institutional capacities through promoting education reform to meet clearly delineated needs.
(1) Impact--Does the project address a targeted need
15 area(s)? Is the problem or opportunity clearly documented? Does the project address a significant State, regional, multistate, national, or international problem or opportunity? Will the benefits to be derived from the project transcend the applicant institution and/or the grant period? Is it probable that other institutions will adapt this project for their own use? Can the project serve as a model for others?.......................
(2) Innovative and multidisciplinary focus--Does the
15 project focus on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs, material, or curricula? Is the project based on a non-traditional approach toward solving a higher education problem in the food and agricultural sciences? Is the project relevant to multiple fields in the food and agricultural sciences? Will the project expand partnership ventures among disciplines at a university?........
(3) Products and results--Are the expected products
10 and results of the project clearly defined and likely to be of high quality? Will project results be of an unusual or unique nature? Will the project contribute to a better understanding of or an improvement in the quality or diversity of the Nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional expertise base?.......................
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(4) Continuation plans--Are there plans for
10 continuation or expansion of the project beyond USDA support with the use of institutional funds? Are there indications of external, non-Federal support? Are there realistic plans for making the project self-supporting?........................... (b) Overall approach and cooperative linkages:
This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach and the quality of the partnerships likely to evolve as a result of the project.
(1) Proposed approach--Do the objectives and plan of
15 operation appear to be sound and appropriate relative to the targeted need area(s) and the impact anticipated? Are the procedures managerially, educationally, and scientifically sound? Is the overall plan integrated with or does it expand upon other major efforts to improve the quality of food and agricultural sciences higher education? Does the timetable appear to be readily achievable?........................................
(2) Evaluation--Are the evaluation plans adequate
5 and reasonable? Do they allow for continuous or frequent feedback during the life of the project? Are the individuals involved in project evaluation skilled in evaluation strategies and procedures? Can they provide an objective evaluation? Do evaluation plans facilitate the measurement of project progress and outcomes?.....................
(3) Dissemination--Does the proposed project include
5 clearly outlined and realistic mechanisms that will lead to widespread dissemination of project results, including national electronic communication systems, publications, presentations at professional conferences, or use by faculty development or research/teaching skills workshops?.
(4) Collaborative efforts--Does the project have
10 significant potential for advancing cooperative ventures between the applicant institution and a USDA agency? Does the project workplan include an effective role for the cooperating USDA agency(s)?.
(5) Coordination and partnerships--Does the project
5 demonstrate enhanced coordination between the applicant institution and other colleges and universities with food and agricultural science programs eligible to receive grants under this program? Will the project lead to long-term relationships or cooperative partnerships, including those with the private sector, that are likely to enhance program quality or supplement resources available to food and agricultural sciences higher education?......................... (c) Institutional capacity building:
This criterion relates to the degree to which the project will strengthen the teaching capacity of the applicant institution. In the case of a joint project proposal, it relates to the degree to which the project will strengthen the teaching capacity of the applicant institution and that of any other institution assuming a major role in the conduct of the project.
(1) Institutional enhancement--Will the project help
15 the institution to: expand the current faculty's expertise base; attract, hire, and retain outstanding teaching faculty; advance and strengthen the scholarly quality of the institution's academic programs; enrich the racial, ethnic, or gender diversity of the faculty and student body; recruit students with higher grade point averages, higher standardized test scores, and those who are more committed to graduation; become a center of excellence in a particular field of education and bring it greater academic recognition; attract outside resources for academic programs; maintain or acquire state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation or library collections for teaching; or provide more meaningful student experiential learning opportunities?...............
(2) Institutional commitment--Is there evidence to
15 substantiate that the institution attributes a high- priority to the project, that the project is linked to the achievement of the institution's long-term goals, that it will help satisfy the institution's high-priority objectives, or that the project is supported by the institution's strategic plans? Will the project have reasonable access to needed resources such as instructional instrumentation, facilities, computer services, library and other instruction support resources?.....................
(d) Personnel Resources: This criterion relates to
10 the number and qualifications of the key persons who will carry out the project. Are designated project personnel qualified to carry out a successful project? Are there sufficient numbers of personnel associated with the project to achieve the stated objectives and the anticipated outcomes? (e) Budget and cost-effectiveness:
This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget adequately supports the project and is cost-effective.
(1) Budget--Is the budget request justifiable? Are
10 costs reasonable and necessary? Will the total budget be adequate to carry out project activities? Are the source(s) and amount(s) of non-Federal matching support clearly identified and appropriately documented? For a joint project proposal, is the shared budget explained clearly and in sufficient detail?..........................
(2) Cost-effectiveness--Is the proposed project cost-
5 effective? Does it demonstrate a creative use of limited resources, maximize educational value per dollar of USDA support, achieve economies of scale, leverage additional funds or have the potential to do so, focus expertise and activity on a targeted need area, or promote coalition building for current or future ventures?........................ (f) Overall quality of proposal: This criterion relates
5 to the degree to which the proposal complies with the application guidelines and is of high quality. Is the proposal enhanced by its adherence to instructions (table of contents, organization, pagination, margin and font size, the 20-page limitation, appendices, etc.); accuracy of forms; clarity of budget narrative; well prepared vitae for all key personnel associated with the project; and presentation (are ideas effectively presented, clearly articulated, and thoroughly explained, etc.)?...........................
Weight Evaluation criteria for research proposals
(points)
(1) Significance of the problem:
This criterion is used to assess the likelihood that the project will advance or have a substantial impact upon the body of knowledge constituting the natural and social sciences undergirding the agricultural, natural resources, and food systems.
(1) Impact--Is the problem or opportunity to be
15 addressed by the proposed project clearly identified, outlined, and delineated? Are research questions or hypotheses precisely stated? Is the project likely to further advance food and agricultural research and knowledge? Does the project have potential for augmenting the food and agricultural scientific knowledge base? Does the project address a significant State, regional, multistate, national, or international problem(s)? Will the benefits to be derived from the project transcend the applicant institution and/or the grant period?......................................
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(2) Innovative and multidisciplinary focus--Is the
15 project based on a non-traditional approach? Does the project reflect creative thinking? To what degree does the venture reflect a unique approach that is new to the applicant institution or new to the entire field of study? Does the project focus on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs, material, or curricula? Is the project relevant to multiple fields in the food and agricultural sciences? Will the project expand partnership ventures among disciples at a university?........................................
(3) Products and results--Are the expected products
10 and results of the project clearly outlined and likely to be of high quality? Will project results be of an unusual or unique nature? Will the project contribute to a better understanding of or an improvement in the quality or diversity of the Nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional expertise base?.......................
(4) Continuation plans--Are there plans for
10 continuation or expansion of the project beyond USDA support? Are there plans for continuing this line of research or research support activity with the use of institutional funds after the end of the grant? Are there indications of external, non- Federal support? Are there realistic plans for making the project self-supporting? What is the potential for royalty or patent income, technology transfer or university-business enterprises? What are the probabilities of the proposed activity or line of inquiry being pursued by researchers at other institutions?................................ (b) Overall approach and cooperative linkages:
This criterion relates to the soundness of the proposed approach and the quality of the partnerships likely to evolve as a result of the project.
(1) Proposed approach--Do the objectives and plan of
15 operation appear to be sound and appropriate relative to the proposed initiative(s) and the impact anticipated? Is the proposed sequence of work appropriate? Does the proposed approach reflect sound knowledge of current theory and practice and awareness of previous or ongoing related research? If the proposed project is a continuation of a current line of study or currently funded project, does the proposal include sufficient preliminary data from the previous research or research support activity? Does the proposed project flow logically from the findings of the previous stage of study? Are the procedures scientifically and managerially sound? Are potential pitfalls and limitations clearly identified? Are contingency plans delineated? Does the timetable appear to be readily achievable?.....
(2) Evaluation--Are the evaluation plans adequate
5 and reasonable? Do they allow for continuous or frequent feedback during the life of the project? Are the individuals involved in project evaluation skilled in evaluation strategies and procedures? Can they provide an objective evaluation? Do evaluation plans facilitate the measurement of project progress and outcomes?.....................
(3) Dissemination--Does the proposed project include
5 clearly outlined and realistic mechanisms that will lead to widespread dissemination of project results, including national electronic communication systems, publications and presentations at professional society meetings?....
(4) Collaborative efforts--Does the project have
10 significant potential for advancing cooperative ventures between the applicant institution and a USDA agency? Does the project workplan include an effective role for the cooperating USDA agency(s)?.
(5) Coordination and partnerships--Does the project
5 demonstrate enhanced coordination between the applicant institution and other colleges and universities with food and agricultural science programs eligible to receive grants under this program? Will the project lead to long-term relationships or cooperative partnerships, including those with the private sector, that are likely to enhance research quality or supplement available resources?............................... (c) Institutional capacity building:
This criterion relates to the degree to which the project will strengthen the research capacity of the applicant institution. In the case of a joint project proposal, it relates to the degree to which the project will strengthen the research capacity of the applicant institution and that of any other institution assuming a major role in the conduct of the project.
(1) Institutional enhancement--Will the project help
15 the institution to advance the expertise of current faculty in the natural or social sciences; provide a better research environment, state-of-the-art equipment, or supplies; enhance library collections related to the area of research; or enable the institution to provide efficacious organizational structures and reward systems to attract, hire and retain first-rate research faculty and students-- particularly those from under-represented groups?..
(2) Institutional commitment--Is there evidence to
15 substantiate that the institution attributes a high- priority to the project, that the project is linked to the achievement of the institution's long-term goals, that it will help satisfy the institution's high-priority objectives, or that the project is supported by the institution's strategic plans? Will the project have reasonable access to needed resources such as scientific instrumentation, facilities, computer services, library and other research support resources?........................ (d) Personnel Resources:
This criterion relates to the number and
10 qualifications of the key persons who will carry out the project. Are designated project personnel qualified to carry out a successful project? Are there sufficient numbers of personnel associated with the project to achieve the stated objectives and the anticipated outcomes? Will the project help develop the expertise of young scientists at the doctoral or post-doctorate level? (e) Budget and cost-effectiveness:
This criterion relates to the extent to which the total budget adequately supports the project and is cost-effective.
(1) Budget--Is the budget request justifiable? Are
10 costs reasonable and necessary? Will the total budget be adequate to carry out project activities? Are the source(s) and amount(s) of non-Federal matching support clearly identified and appropriately documented? For a joint project proposal, is the shared budget explained clearly and in sufficient detail?..........................
(2) Cost-effectiveness--Is the proposed project cost-
5 effective? Does it demonstrate a creative use of limited resources, maximize research value per dollar of USDA support, achieve economies of scale, leverage additional funds or have the potential to do so, focus expertise and activity on a high- priority research initiative(s), or promote coalition building for current or future ventures?. (f) Overall quality of proposal: This criterion relates
5 to the degree to which the proposal complies with the application guidelines and is of high quality. Is the proposal enhanced by its adherence to instructions (table of contents, organization, pagination, margin and font size, the 20-page limitation, appendices, etc.); accuracy of forms; clarity of budget narrative; well prepared vitae for all key personnel associated with the project; and presentation (are ideas effectively presented, clearly articulated, thoroughly explained, etc.)?......................................
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How To Obtain Application Materials
An Application Kit containing program application materials will be made available to eligible institutions upon request. These materials include the Administrative Provisions, forms, instructions, and other relevant information needed to prepare and submit grant applications. Copies of the Application Kit may be requested from the Proposal Services Unit, Office of Extramural Programs; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-2245. The telephone number is (202) 401-5048. When contacting the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you are requesting forms for the FY 2000 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program.
Application materials may also be requested via Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not e-mail) and telephone number to psb@reeusda.gov that states that you wish to receive a copy of the application materials for the FY 2000 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program. The materials will then be mailed to you (not e-mailed) as quickly as possible.
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What To Submit
An original and seven (7) copies of a proposal must be submitted. Proposals should contain all requested information when submitted. Each proposal should be typed on 8\1/2\'' x 11'' white paper, double spaced, and on one side of the page only. Please note that the text of the proposal should be prepared using no type smaller than 12 point font size and one-inch margins. Do not use reduced type or increase the density of the lines. Applicants are cautioned to comply with the 20- page limitation for the Narrative section of a teaching or research proposal. Reviewers will not be required to read beyond the 20-page limit for the Proposal Narrative section in evaluating a proposal. All copies of the proposal must be submitted in one package. Each copy of the proposal must be stapled securely in the upper left-hand corner (DO NOT BIND).
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.216, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program.
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Stakeholder Input
CSREES is soliciting comments regarding this solicitation of applications from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the development of the next request for proposals for the program. Such comments will be forwarded to the Secretary or his designee for use in meeting the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). Written comments should be submitted by first- class mail to: Policy and Program Liaison Staff; Office of Extramural Programs; Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management; USDA- CSREES; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250- 2299, or via e-mail to: RFP-OEP@reeusda.gov. (This e-mail address is intended only for receiving stakeholder input comments regarding this RFP, and not for requesting information or forms.)
In your comments, please include the name of the program and the fiscal year solicitation of applications to which you are responding. Submission of comments are requested within six months from the issuance of the solicitation of applications. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
Done at Washington, DC, this 20th day of January 2000. Charles W. Laughlin, Administrator, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service.
[FR Doc. 00-1911Filed1-27-00; 8:45 am]
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