1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants

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Program Accomplishments

Example of accomplishments: One university has established a degree program in Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering; another university has incorporated advanced technology into the degree programs in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Forestry, and Plant Science; one university has established a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory; another university has established an interactive video conference classroom to deliver courses to students in rural communities at their local community college; a consortia of universities is preparing students for management positions with private sector industries and government agencies in domestic and global food and fiber distribution.

Uses and Use Restrictions

For teaching grants, funds may be used in the following targeted areas: (1) Curricula design and materials development; (2) faculty preparation and enhancement for teaching; (3) instruction delivery systems; (4) scientific instrumentation for teaching; (5) student experiential learning; and (6) student recruitment and retention.

For research grants, funds may be used to address high- priority research initiatives in areas where there is a present or anticipated need for increased capabilities and in which it is feasible for applicants to develop programs recognized for their excellence.

Research areas include, but are not limited to: (1) Studies and experimentation in food and agricultural sciences; (2) centralized research support systems; and (3) technology delivery systems.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

The 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University.

The 1890 land-Grant Institutions are: Alabama A&M University; Alcorn State University; University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University; Kentucky State University; Lincoln University (MO); Langston University; University of Maryland-Eastern Shore; North Carolina A&T State University; Prairie View A&M University; South Carolina State University; Southern University and A&M College; Tennessee State University; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State College.

Beneficiary Eligibility

The seventeen 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University, non-1890 academic institutions, private industry, and the Department of Agriculture.

Credentials/Documentation

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site.

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.

A-102 and E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

Formal proposals should be submitted to the Proposal Service Unit, CSREES, as outlined in the annual solicitation for applications. Application and materials are available at the CSREES Funding Opportunities web site http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). This program is subject to the regulatory provisions of USDA, 7 CFR Part 3015, et seq., and all successor regulations.

Award Procedures

Proposals are reviewed and evaluated by CSREES staff members with the assistance and advice of peer panels of qualified educators, scientists, administrators, and other appropriate persons that are specialists in the fields covered by the proposals. Proposals are supported in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Grant payments are made by the electronic transfer system.

Deadlines

Specific deadline dates are announced in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year.

Authorization

National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, Section 1417(b)(4), Public Law 95-113, 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)(4).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 90 to 180 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

None.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None. However, matching is strongly encouraged.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grants are awarded for a 1 to 3 year period and may receive no-cost extensions of time as appropriate up to maximum of 5 years.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Annual progress reports.

Quarterly financial reports.

Final progress and financial reports are due within 90 days after project expiration.

Audits

Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations."

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 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

(Grants) FY 07 $11,616,121; FY 08 est $11,583,000; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Teaching grants: $88,470 to $225,000. Average: $171,443. Research grants: $107,574 to $349,793. Average: $242,524.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

7 CFR Part 3015, USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (implementing the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-110); 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspensions (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grant sand Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. 7 CFR Part 3406, 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program, Administrative Provisions; 7 CFR 3407, Agency Procedures to Implement the National Environment Policy Act of 1969; annual solicitation of applications; and Grant Application Kit.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

National Program Leader, Higher Education Programs, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Stop 2251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2251. Telephone: (202) 720-2186.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals are evaluated using the following criteria: Potential for Advancing Quality of Education; Significance of the Problem; Proposed Approach and Cooperative Linkages; Institutional Capability and Capacity Building; Key Personnel; and Budget and Cost-Effectiveness.