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Anatomy of a Request for Application (RFA)

Effie BaldwinTitle: Senior Policy SpecialistUnit: Policy and Oversight DivisionLocation: 2318 Waterfront CentrePhone: (202) 720 5070E-mail: ebaldwin@nifa.usda.gov

AGENDAWhy do we issue RFAs?Does RFA guidance exist?Are there different versions of RFA templates?Is there a required format for RFAs?How do we determine the RFA release date?

AGENDA continuedWhat recommendations do you have regarding RFA submission? How do I locate RFAs?Questions and answer session

Why do we issue RFAs?RFAs are central to NIFAs business operationsRFAs define our priorities, program goals, and objectivesRFAs facilitate equal access to federal funding RFAs define the rules of the game:Activities to be funded & funding limitsInstitutional and applicant eligibilityTypes of applications solicitedDeadlines for submissionRequired elements of an application Proposal evaluation criteria

GuidancePolicy Directive - 68 FR 37370, 6/23/2003Established government-wide formatRequired for discretionary programsEncouraged expansion of useIncluded required and optional elementsVersions of TemplatesGeneric Competitive (long version)ContinuationPD TransferSupplementalOC-40Non-competitive line-itemsGeneric Non-competitiveRequired FormatOverviewFunding Opportunity DescriptionAward InformationEligibilityApplication and Submission InformationApplication Review InformationAward Administration InformationAgency ContactsOther Information

Table of Contents

PART IFUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTIONA. Legislative Authority and BackgroundB. Purpose and Priorities C. Program Area Description

PART IIAWARD INFORMATIONA. Available FundingB. Types of ApplicationsC. Project Types

PART IIIELIGIBILITY INFORMATIONA. Eligible ApplicantsB. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IVAPPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATIONA. Electronic Application PackageB. Content and Form of Application SubmissionC. Submission Dates and TimesD. Funding RestrictionsE. Other Submission Requirements

PART VAPPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTSA. GeneralB. Evaluation CriteriaC. Conflicts of Interest and ConfidentialityD. Organizational Management Information

PART VIAWARD ADMINISTRATIONA. GeneralB. Award NoticeC. Administrative and National Policy Requirements D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting RequirementsPART VIIAGENCY CONTACTPART VIIIOTHER INFORMATIONA. Access to Review InformationB. Use of Funds; ChangesC. Confidential Aspects of Applications and AwardsD. Regulatory InformationE. Definitions

Is not included in short version.RFA Release Date

The timeline is built on many assumptions:

Federal budget is enacted on timeNo problems with E-systems (Grants.gov, CREEMS, etc.) No government shut-downsNo unplanned staffing issues e.g. leave due to illness or family emergencies

Recommendations for application submission

Start early, make the RFA a priorityDevelop a realistic timelineDo your homework, use key documents:Know your legislation e.g. Farm billKnow USDAs strategic plans Be aware of Industry ReportsFoster a partnership approach to strengthen programs & resolve issues by engaging with:Your peersThe RFA point-of-contact staffThe program support staff (program specialists/assistants)

Recommendations continued

Clarify program goals and objectivesHighlight how the program: Addresses important stakeholder needs Contributes to USDA and NIFA mission & prioritiesComplies with the intent of Congress

Discuss: Text (Read-only Word) and PDF Version; Critical Issues Summary; Electronic Application Information; and Applying for a Grant FAQs16

Discuss: RFA; Apply (Grants.gov); Abstracts (CRIS - Current Research Information System)17

Discuss: Grants.gov has a feature where you can register to be notified of postings and modifications of a particular agency or program19

Discuss: Synopsis (current page); Full Announcement (RFA PDF and Zip to all Attachments); Application (Straight to Instruction and Application download page)22

Discuss: Full Announcement (23

Provide Handout and Discuss Table of Contents26

Any Questions?