NRCS Texas Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
ID: 354658Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$50K - $300K

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for projects aimed at developing and adopting innovative conservation approaches and technologies in Texas. Eligible applicants, including non-federal entities and individuals, are invited to submit proposals for projects that can last between one to three years, with funding amounts ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, and a total of $1,000,000 available for the program in FY 2024. This funding opportunity is crucial for enhancing natural resource conservation efforts within the state, and applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 1, 2024. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Jessica Phillips at jessica.phillips@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document serves as an application package checklist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grants program. It outlines the necessary components for proposals, including required registrations, forms, and detailed narratives that cover project goals, methods, evaluation, and expected outcomes. Key items include the Standard Form SF-424, a project abstract, a comprehensive project narrative, team qualifications, and budget information. Budget details require inclusion of federal requests, non-federal contributions, and various budgetary elements such as personnel, travel, supplies, and indirect costs. Requirements for documenting support commitments and potential environmental impacts are also specified. Additionally, applicants must identify their involvement with historically underserved populations if applicable. The document emphasizes the importance of clarity, conciseness, and adherence to specific guidelines in each section, reflecting the structured approach needed in government RFP processes and federal grant applications. This thorough collection of instructions ensures that all proposals align with funding criteria and maximize the potential for approval by NRCS.
    The document provides detailed instructions for applicants to complete the Applicant Contact(s) Information as part of federal RFPs and grants. Key elements include entering the organization's name, project title, and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The form requires the identification of multiple contacts for administrative, programmatic, and legal purposes to ensure oversight and accountability. Applicants must designate an Administrative Contact responsible for managing the grant, a Program Contact overseeing project execution, a Program Director for overall project responsibility, and a Signatory Official with legal authority for financial commitments. Additionally, key personnel involved in the project must be listed, along with their roles and responsibilities. Changes to these individuals require prior approval to maintain oversight. This structure emphasizes the importance of clear communication and roles in managing government-funded projects, ensuring that different aspects of the project are appropriately handled. The form’s completion is critical for facilitating efficient tracking and processing within the federal grants management system.
    The document pertains to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Grants and Agreements Division, providing a worksheet designed to aid FPAC agencies and federal financial assistance applicants in documenting personnel time allocations across awards, subawards, and contracts as per 2 CFR 200.430 regulations. This worksheet necessitates the completion of entries for key personnel, whose roles are critical for the project's success, including the Program Contact and Program Director. The worksheet captures essential data such as the names of key personnel, funding agency details, agreement or contract numbers, total obligations, performance periods, and the percentage of time committed to specific projects. Overall, the document serves as a structured tool to ensure accountability and clarity in the management of federal grants and funding initiatives, crucial for aligning with regulatory compliance requirements while facilitating effective project execution.
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