Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP)
ID: 358029Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$100K - $250K

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits Without 501(c)(3) Status

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program, aimed at enhancing urban agriculture and innovative production practices. This program seeks to support planning and implementation activities that foster food access and healthy eating in underserved areas, with eligible applicants including local government entities, tribal organizations, and non-profits. A total funding amount of $2.5 million is available for Fiscal Year 2025, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 for projects lasting two years. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 10, 2025, with selections anticipated by July 1, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Jose A. Berna at jose.berna@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    This document serves as a guide for applicants seeking funding opportunities through federal grants, specifically focusing on the preparation of Forms SF-424 and SF-424A. It outlines detailed instructions for completing these forms correctly to streamline the application process and minimize corrections that could delay agreements. Key sections cover submission types (application or revised application), applicant information, project descriptions, funding requests, and administrative requirements. The document emphasizes the importance of consistency in information provided across various components, including the applicant's legal name, taxpayer identification numbers, and financial details. Additionally, the guidelines cover budget summaries, categories, and necessary documentation for proposed costs, including personnel, travel, supplies, and indirect costs. Adhering to compliance regulations from 2 CFR Part 200 is underscored throughout, ensuring that all costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. By providing comprehensive guidance on budgeting and reporting requirements, this document aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the application process for federal funding, fostering successful project implementation within governmental frameworks.
    The document provides instructions for completing the Applicant Contact(s) Information form, central to federal government RFPs and grants. Applicants must enter their organization name or their name as individuals, along with a descriptive project title and a 12-digit Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov. The form requires contact details for various roles, notably: 1. **Administrative Contact** - Oversees the agreement and financial reporting. 2. **Program Contact** - Manages project oversight and performance reporting. 3. **Program Director** - Holds overall project responsibility. 4. **Signatory Official** - Legally binds the organization to commitments. Additionally, the document specifies the need to identify key personnel including their names, titles, roles, and specific responsibilities, which must be approved in case of changes. Thorough documentation is emphasized to ensure accountability and proper management of the grant or agreement. The emphasis on internal controls requires at least two people for different roles within the project. This structured approach aims to ensure effective administration and compliance with grant management requirements.
    The document serves as a worksheet for the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) agencies, aimed at documenting the allocation of personnel time by award recipients across various federal financial assistance awards and contracts. It emphasizes the importance of key personnel, who hold primary responsibility for the project's leadership and management. The worksheet helps to comply with federal regulations outlined in 2 CFR 200.430 by requiring details such as project title, key personnel names, funding agency, time commitments, and financial obligations. It includes sections for both active and pending agreements, facilitating clear tracking of personnel involvement and financial obligations within funded projects. This organizational commitment tool is essential for ensuring compliance and accountability in the management of federal grants and agreements, underpinning the efficient delivery of federal assistance programs.
    The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), offers funding opportunities aimed at enhancing urban agriculture and innovative production practices. For Fiscal Year 2025, a total funding amount of $2.5 million is allocated, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 for projects lasting two years. Eligible applicants include local government entities, tribal organizations, and non-profits. The program prioritizes initiatives that foster food access and healthy eating in underserved areas, supporting planning and implementation activities that can include community gardens, urban farms, indoor farming, and educational programs. Key requirements for proposals include a well-defined project narrative, budget, and collaboration with partner organizations. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 10, 2025, with selections announced by July 1, 2025. The program emphasizes community engagement, innovative practices, and sustainability as part of its core goals, ensuring that projects not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term growth and adaptability in urban agricultural systems.
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