Appendix B.1 FINI RFA - 2015

Appendix B.1

Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI)
Grant Program

2014/2015 Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 15, 2014

ELIGIBILITY: See Part III, A of RFA

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grant Program
INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.331.
DATES: Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 15, 2014.
Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding (see Part
IV, C. of this RFA). Comments regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested
within 6 months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be
considered to the extent practicable.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks your
comments about this RFA. We will consider the comments when we develop the next RFA for
the program, if applicable, and we’ll use them to meet 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)).
Submit written stakeholder comments by the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this
Notice to: Policy and Oversight Division; Office of Grants and Financial Management; National
Institute of Food and Agriculture; USDA; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW;
Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via e-mail to: [email protected]. (This e-mail address is
intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting information or
forms.) In your comments, please state that you are responding to the Food Insecurity Nutrition
Incentive (FINI) Grant Program RFA.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA requests applications for the Food Insecurity Nutrition
Incentive (FINI) Grant Program for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, combined, to support projects
to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of
purchase. Applications are requested in each of the following three categories: (1) FINI Pilot
Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $100,000 over one year); (2) Multi-year, communitybased FINI Projects (awards not to exceed a total of $500,000 over no more than four years); and
(3) Multi-year, FINI Large-Scale Projects (awards of $500,000 or more over no more than four
years). Grantees will be expected to conduct a project assessment and to cooperate with and
contribute to an independent evaluation to determine the relative effectiveness of the grant
program in achieving the legislative goals of “increasing fruit and vegetable purchases” and
“improving the nutrition and health status” of participating households (Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008, § 4405(b)(4)(A)). NIFA anticipates the amount available for grants under
this program in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 will total up to $31.5 million.
This notice identifies the objectives for FINI grant program projects, the eligibility criteria for
projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for

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a FINI grant. A webinar reviewing these RFA proposal and match requirements will be held on
October 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time for potential applicants.
The webinar can be accessed here: http://nifa-connect.nifa.usda.gov/finip/. The webinar will be
recorded and posted to the FINI webpage, accessible here:
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/cfp/cfp.html.

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Table of Contents
PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION .............................................................. 5
A. Legislative Authority and Background ................................................................................... 5
B. Purpose and Priorities ............................................................................................................. 5
C. Program Area Description ...................................................................................................... 6
PART II—AWARD INFORMATION......................................................................................... 11
A. Available Funding ................................................................................................................ 11
B. Types of Applications ........................................................................................................... 11
C. Project Types ........................................................................................................................ 11
PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ............................................................................... 13
A. Eligible Applicants ............................................................................................................... 13
B. Cost Sharing or Matching ..................................................................................................... 14
PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ......................................... 14
A. Electronic Application Package ............................................................................................ 15
B. Content and Form of Application Submission...................................................................... 17
C. Submission Dates and Times ................................................................................................ 25
D. Funding Restrictions ............................................................................................................. 26
E. Other Submission Requirements ........................................................................................... 27
PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 28
A. General .................................................................................................................................. 28
B. Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................................................ 28
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality............................................................................... 30
D. Organizational Management Information............................................................................. 30
E. Application Disposition ........................................................................................................ 31
PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................ 32
A. General .................................................................................................................................. 32
B. Award Notice ........................................................................................................................ 32
C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements............................................................... 33
D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements .................................................... 34
PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT ............................................................................................. 36
PART VIII—OTHER INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 37
A. Access to Review Information.............................................................................................. 37
B. Use of Funds; Changes ......................................................................................................... 37
C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards ............................................................... 38
D. Regulatory Information ........................................................................................................ 38
E. Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 38

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PART I—FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A. Legislative Authority and Background
The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) Grants Program is authorized by section 4208 of
the Agricultural Act of 2014, which amends section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (“FCEA”) (7 U.S.C. 7517). The authority to administer this program was delegated
to the Director of NIFA through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
(REE). See 79 FR 44101 (July 30, 2014), available at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-201407-30/pdf/2014-17352.pdf. In FY 2014 and 2015 combined, it is anticipated that up to
$31,500,000 will be available for grants under this program.
B. Purpose and Priorities
The primary goal of the FINI grants program is to fund and evaluate projects intended to
“increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers participating in
[SNAP] by providing incentives at the point of purchase” (FCEA, § 4405(b)(2)(A)(ii)(II)). For
FINI grants, NIFA defines “fruits and vegetables” as “any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or
frozen whole or cut fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils, and salt (i.e.
sodium).” The program will test strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how
best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) participants to inform future efforts, and develop effective and efficient benefit
redemption technologies.
The Act requires the Secretary to conduct an independent evaluation of funded projects, to
measure the impact of projects on: “improving the nutrition and health status of participating
households receiving incentives” and “increasing fruit and vegetable purchases in participating
households.”
Incentivizing purchases of fruits and vegetables increases their affordability and consumption.
For example, USDA recently completed an evaluation of the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP),
which investigated the impact of making fruits and vegetables more affordable to SNAP
participants. Under HIP, SNAP households received 30 cents on every SNAP dollar they spent
on targeted fruits and vegetables at participating SNAP-authorized retailers including large
supermarkets, grocery stores and farmers markets. This pilot operated in Hampden County MA
between November 2011 and December 2012. A rigorous evaluation showed that HIP
significantly increased the consumption of targeted fruits and vegetables and this increased
consumption was on the order of about one quarter of a cup per day. The final evaluation report
is available online at http://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/research-and-analysis.
All FINI projects must (1) have the support of the State agency responsible for the administration
of SNAP; (2) increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers
participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase; (3) operate through
authorized SNAP retailers, and in compliance with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating
requirements; (4) agree to participate in the FINI comprehensive program evaluation; (5) ensure
that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by individuals with SNAP benefits
and with incentives under the FINI grants program as apply to purchases made by individuals
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who are not members of households receiving benefits as provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b); and (6)
include effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be
replicated in other States and communities.
In reviewing applications submitted in response to this RFA, and depending on the type of FINI
project (as described in further detail in Part I, C.1, C.2, and C.3), NIFA will give priority to
projects that:
•
•

•
•
•
•

•

Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;
Test innovative or promising strategies that would contribute to our understanding of
how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants, that
would inform future efforts;
Develop innovative or improved benefit redemption systems that could be replicated
or scaled;
Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;
Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition
incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;
Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables (as defined in Subpart
VIII (E) of this document), especially culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables for
the target audience; and
Are located in underserved communities, particularly Promise Zones and StrikeForce
communities (see Part VIII, E for more information).

FINI projects present the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from the distinct parts of the
food system and to foster understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health
status of participating households receiving incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables. FINI
projects are also intended to address the development of effective and efficient technologies for
benefit redemption that are replicable by others.
The FINI RFA directly aligns with the Research, Education, and Economics Action Plan and
specifically addresses Goal 4, Nutrition and Childhood Obesity by strengthening established
strategic partnerships and strengthening implementation practices to encourage healthy eating
and physical activity at the individual and community levels, focusing on high-risk groups and
also advances Strategic Goal 4.2 of the USDA Strategic Plan, which is to Promote Healthy Diet
and Physical Activity Behaviors.
C. Program Area Description
NIFA is soliciting applications for three (3) types of grants: (1) FINI Pilot Projects (FPP);
(2) FINI Projects (FP); and (3) FINI Large Scale Projects (FLSP).
1. FINI Pilot Projects (FPP)
Funding Level: Awards not to exceed $100,000.
Period of Performance: Project period is not to exceed one year.
Program Code: FPP

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FINI Pilot Projects (FPP) support the development of projects with an infusion of federal dollars
to pilot innovative strategies to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as defined in
Subpart VIII (E) of this document) by low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. FPPs
must have the support of the state SNAP agency, operate through authorized SNAP retailers, and
comply with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. FPPs are aimed at new
entrants seeking funding for a project in the early stages of incentive program development. The
project should be designed to create community-based food incentive projects with objectives,
activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the FINI grants program’s primary goals.
Preference will be given to pilot projects that include one or more of the following:
(i)

Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

(ii)

Test innovative or promising strategies that would contribute to our understanding
of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants,
to inform future efforts;

(iii)

Develop innovative or improved benefit redemption systems that could be
replicated or scaled;

(iv)

Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

(v)

Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables, especially culturally
appropriate fruits and vegetables for the target audience; and/or

(iv)

Are located in underserved communities, particularly Promise Zones and
StrikeForce communities.

Examples of FPPs include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies working at point of
purchase with SNAP authorized retailers, including food stores, market stands, farmers’
markets, community supported agriculture programs (CSAs), marketing and consumer
cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized retailers
Project Self-Evaluation. All projects must involve SNAP participants. All FPPs must submit a
project proposal that includes a method of evaluating the success of the program in developing a
viable project. Because FINI Pilot Projects are in the earliest stages of development and would
not offer a fair test of effectiveness, they will only be required to submit limited information and
data for the comprehensive program evaluation, that will inform the Department of potential new
strategies and promising new programs to consider in future funding cycles. FPP grantees will be
required to provide their self-assessment data to the independent evaluation contractor. Project
assessments must follow USDA guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of
methods, outcomes, and measures.
2. FINI Projects (FP)
Funding Level: Awards not to exceed $500,000.
Period of Performance: Project period is not to exceed four (4) years
Program Code: FIP
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FINI Projects (FP) support the development and evaluation of projects to increase the purchase
of fruits and vegetables (as defined in Subpart VIII (E) of this document) by low-income
consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase. The projects
will test strategies that could increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants
to inform future efforts, and develop effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies.
FPs should be designed to create or support local community-based food projects with
objectives, activities, and outcomes that are in alignment with the FINI grants program’s primary
goals. FP(s) are aimed at mid-sized groups developing incentive programs at the local or state
level; organizations in this category are typically not new to implementing such programs,
although projects are required to expand the breadth, scope or reach of these programs, rather
than supplant current program resources. FPs are not in the pilot stages of development and
should have established relationships with necessary partners and collaborators. FPs must have
the support of the state SNAP agency, operate through authorized SNAP retailers, and comply
with all relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Preference will be given to
projects that include one or more of the following:
(i)

Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

(ii)

Test innovative or promising strategies that would contribute to our understanding
of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants,
to inform future efforts;

(iii)

Develop innovative or improved benefit redemption systems that could be
replicated or scaled;

(iv)

Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

(v)

Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition
incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

(vi)

Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables, especially culturally
appropriate fruits and vegetables for the target audience; and/or

(v)

Are located in underserved communities, particularly Promise Zones and
StrikeForce communities.

Examples of FPs include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies working at point of
purchase with SNAP authorized retailers, including food stores, market stands, farmers’
markets, CSAs, marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized retailers.
Project Self-Evaluation. All FPs must involve SNAP participants and include an evaluation of
whether the project met its goals and objectives. Project evaluations must follow USDA
guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures.
All FPs will also be required to cooperate with and contribute to an independent evaluation
contractor conducting the comprehensive program evaluation.

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3. FINI Large Scale Projects (FLSP)
Funding Level: Awards of $500,000 or greater
Period of Performance: Project period is not to exceed four (4) years
Program Code: FLSP
The primary purpose of the FINI Large Scale Projects (FLSP) is to develop and evaluate projects
to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as defined in subpart VIII (E) of this document)
by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of
purchase, using effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies. The projects will test
strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of
fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants to inform future efforts.
FLSP should be designed to create or support multi-county, State-wide and regional incentive
programs. FLSP should be coordinated food projects with objectives, activities, and outcomes
that align with the FINI grants program’s primary goals. Projects must have the support of the
state SNAP agency, operate through authorized SNAP retailers, and comply with all relevant
SNAP regulations and operating requirements. Projects are required to expand the breadth,
scope or reach of these programs, rather than supplant current program resources. Preference will
be given to projects that include one or more of the following:
(i)

Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;

(ii)

Test innovative or promising strategies that would contribute to our understanding
of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants,
to inform future efforts;

(iii)

Develop innovative or improved benefit redemption systems that could be
replicated or scaled;

(iv)

Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;

(v)

Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition
incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;

(vi)

Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables, especially culturally
appropriate fruits and vegetables for the target audience; and/or

(vi)

Are located in underserved communities, particularly Promise Zones and
StrikeForce communities.

FINI Large Scale Projects include, but are not limited to, innovative strategies working at point
of purchase with SNAP authorized retailers, including food stores, market stands, farmers’
markets, CSAs, marketing and consumer cooperatives, and other SNAP authorized retailers.
Project Self-Evaluation. All projects must involve SNAP participants and include an evaluation
of whether the project met its goals and objectives. Project evaluations must follow USDA

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guidelines to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods, outcomes, and measures.
As discussed below, a higher level of rigor will be expected for the FSLP evaluations. All
FLSPs will also be required to cooperate with and contribute to an independent evaluation
contractor conducting the comprehensive program evaluation.

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PART II—AWARD INFORMATION
A. Available Funding
NIFA anticipates the amount available for grants for this program in FY 2014 and FY 2015,
combined, will be up to $31.5 million. NIFA does not commit to fund any particular application
or to make a specific number of awards of any project type.
Awards issued as a result of this RFA will have designated the Automated Standard Applications
for Payment System (ASAP), operated by the Department of Treasury’s Financial Management
Service, as the payment system for funds. For more information see
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/business/method_of_payment.html.
Awardees are not prohibited from applying for future funding opportunities, but are not
guaranteed future funding.
B. Types of Applications
In response to this RFA, you may only submit a new application to the FINI grants program.
New application. A new application is a project application that has not been previously
submitted to the FINI grants program. We will review all new applications competitively, using
the selection process and evaluation criteria described in Part V—Application Review
Requirements.
C. Project Types
Applications will be accepted for three (3) project types: (1) FINI Pilot Projects; (2) FINI
Projects; and (3) FINI Large-Scale Projects. The FINI grants program will only accept one
application across the three project types per project team under this RFA.
1. FINI Pilot Projects (FPP)
FPPs are aimed at new entrants seeking funding for a project in the early stages of incentive
program development. Applicants should request a budget commensurate with the proposed
project. No single FINI Pilot project (FPP) award shall exceed $100,000 for the total project
period. The maximum FINI Pilot Project award period is one year. Applications that exceed the
budgetary guidelines will not be reviewed. All FPP awards will be made on the merit of the
proposed project, with budgets considered only after the merits of the project have been
determined. NIFA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with successful applicants.
2. FINI Projects (FP)
FINI Projects are aimed at mid-sized groups developing incentive programs at the local or state
level. Applicants should request a budget and project period commensurate with the proposed
project. FP proposals should include a budget of no more than $500,000 for a project period not
to exceed four years. Proposal budgets may be less than $500,000 and/or a proposed project

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period of less than four years. Applications that exceed budgetary guidelines will not be
reviewed.
All FINI awards will be made based on the merit of the proposed project with budgets
considered only after the merits of the project have been determined. NIFA reserves the right to
negotiate final budgets with successful applicants.
3. FINI Large Scale Projects (FLSP)
FLSPs are aimed at groups developing multi-county, state, and regional incentive programs with
the largest target audience of all FINI projects. Applicants should request a budget and project
period commensurate with the proposed project. FLSP proposals should include a budget of
$500,000 or more for a project period not to exceed four years. Applicants may submit a
proposed project period of less than four years. All FINI awards will be made based on the
merit of the proposed project with budgets considered only after the merits of the project have
been determined. NIFA reserves the right to negotiate final budgets with successful applicants.

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PART III—ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
A. Eligible Applicants
1. FPP, FP, & FLSP Eligible Entity
Eligibility to receive this grant is limited to government agencies and non-profit organizations
(FCEA, § 4405(b)(2)(A)). Eligible government agencies and non-profit organizations may
include: an emergency feeding organization; an agricultural cooperative; a producer network or
association; a community health organization; a public benefit corporation; an economic
development corporation; a farmers’ market; a community-supported agriculture program; a
buying club; a SNAP-authorized retailer; and a State, local, or tribal agency. All applicants
must demonstrate in their application that they are a government agency or non-profit
organization.
To be eligible to receive a FPP, FP, or FLSP grant, applicants must propose projects that: (1)
have the support of the State SNAP agency; (2) would increase the purchase of fruits and
vegetables by low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point
of purchase; (3) operate through authorized SNAP retailers, and comply with all relevant SNAP
regulations and operating requirements; (4) agree to participate in the FINI comprehensive
program evaluation; (5) ensure that the same terms and conditions apply to purchases made by
individuals with SNAP benefits and with incentives under the FINI grants program as apply to
purchases made by individuals who are not members of households receiving benefits as
provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b); and (6) include effective and efficient technologies for benefit
redemption systems that may be replicated in other States and communities.
In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements to receive a FPP, FP, or FLSP
grant: (1) have experience in (i) efforts to reduce food insecurity in the community, including
food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs; or (ii)
experience with the SNAP program; (2) demonstrate competency to implement a project,
provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary
documentation; (3) secure the commitment of the State SNAP agency to cooperate with the
project; and (4) possess a demonstrated willingness to share information with researchers,
evaluators (including the independent evaluator for the program), practitioners, and other
interested parties, including a plan for dissemination of results to stakeholders.
Projects are encouraged to provide employees with important job skills. Additionally, applicants
are encouraged to have experience the following areas: (i) community food work, particularly
concerning small and medium-size farms, including the provision of food to people in lowincome communities and the development of new markets in low-income communities for
agricultural producers; and (ii) job training and business development activities for food-related
activities in low-income communities.
2. Partners and Collaborators
Applicants for FPP, FP, and FLSP awards are encouraged to seek and create partnerships with
public or private, non-profit or for-profit entities, including links with academic institutions
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(including minority-serving colleges and universities) and/or other appropriate professionals;
community-based organizations; local government entities; Promise Zone lead
applicant/organization or implementation partners; and StrikeForce area coordinators and/or
partnering entities for the purposes of providing additional resources and strengthening underresourced communities. Only the applicant must meet the requirements specified above for
grant eligibility. Project partners and collaborators need not meet the eligibility requirements.
When planning collaborations, see Part III, B. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations
not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the successful completion of
the project. See Part IV, D., Funding Restrictions.
Fiscal Agent:
If an institution/organization cannot accept Federal funds directly, a letter must be included in
the application stating that in the event the application results in an award, the award funds must
be administered through a fiscal agent organization on their behalf. This agent must be identified
in the letter from the applicant and the letter must be countersigned by an authorized
representative of the fiscal agent organization. The letter should include the fiscal agent’s point
of contact, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address. This letter is to be
included as an attachment to Field 12, Other Attachments (Part IV.B.3.c.) of the application. In
the event an application is recommended for funding, NIFA will request that both the applicant
institution/organization and the fiscal agent organization submit complete management
information (see Part V, D.). Include documents showing the organizations non-profit status
here.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching
FPP, FP, and FLSP applicants MUST provide matching contributions on a dollar-fordollar basis for all federal funds awarded. Match must be documented for all project years at
the time the application is submitted. FPP, FP, and FLSP grantees may meet the match
requirement through cash and/or in-kind contributions, including third-party in-kind
contributions fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services.
The non-federal share of the funding may come from state government, local government, or
private sources. Federal money cannot be used to match. Example of qualifying matching
contributions may include direct costs such as: rent for office space used exclusively for the
funded project; duplication or postage costs; and staff time from an entity other than the
applicant for job training or nutrition education.
Note that if an applicant partners with a for-profit entity, the non-Federal share that is required to
be provided by the applicant may not include the services of an employee of that for-profit
entity, including salaries or expenses covered by that employer. (FCEA, § 4405(b)(1)(c)(ii)).

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PART IV—APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
A. Electronic Application Package
Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to NIFA in response to this RFA.
We urge you to submit early to the Grants.gov system. For an overview of the Grants.gov
application process see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/grant-applicationprocess.html.
New Users of Grants.gov
Prior to preparing an application, we recommend that the Project Director/Principal Investigator
(PD/PI) first contact an Authorized Representative (AR, also referred to as Authorized
Organizational Representative or AOR) to determine if the organization is prepared to submit
electronic applications through Grants.gov. If not (e.g., the institution/organization is new to the
electronic grant application process through Grants.gov), then the one-time registration process
must be completed PRIOR to submitting an application. It can take as long as 2 weeks to
complete the registration process so it is critical to begin as soon as possible. In such situations,
the AR should go to “Register” in the top right corner of the Grants.gov web page (or go to
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html) for information on registering the
institution/organization with Grants.gov. Part II.1. of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide
contains detailed information regarding the registration process. Refer to item 2 below to locate
the “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide”.
Important: Listed below are the steps necessary to submit an application through
Grants.gov. More information about these steps is available at
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp
Step 1- Obtain your organization’s Data Universal Number system (DUNS) number
A DUNS number is a unique number that identifies an organization. It has been adopted by the
Federal government to help track how Federal grant money is distributed. If your organization
does not have a DUNS number, call the special Dun & Bradstreet hotline at 1-866-705-5711 to
receive one free of charge, or visit the Dun & Bradstreet website at:
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do. You will receive a DUNS number within
several days of your request. Please note, individual proprietorships (i.e. farmers, ranchers) can
request and receive a DUNS number, but must register with Grants.gov as an organization, not as
an individual.
Step 2- Register your organization with the System for Award Management (SAM)
SAM is combining federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
into one new system. This consolidation is being done in phases. The first phase of SAM
includes the consolidated capabilities of CCR/FEDREG, ORCA, and EPLS. There is NO fee to
register for this site. Entities may register at no cost directly from the
https://staging.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/

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Steps to Obtain Application Package Materials
To receive application materials:
1. You must download and install a version of Adobe Reader compatible with Grants.gov
to access, complete, and submit applications. For basic system requirements and
download instructions, see http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technicalsupport/software/adobe-reader-compatibility.html. Grants.gov has a test package that
will help you determine whether your current version of Adobe Reader is compatible.
2. To obtain the application package from Grants.gov, go to
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html. Under Step 1 click
on “Download a Grant Application Package,” and enter the funding opportunity number
USDA-NIFA-FINI-004695 in the appropriate box and click “Download Package.”
From the search results, click “Download” to access the application package.
Contained within the application package is the “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.”
This guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov instructions, information
about how to use a Grant Application Package in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to
complete the application forms.
If you require assistance to access the application package (e.g., downloading or
navigating Adobe forms) or submitting the application, refer to resources available on
the Grants.gov website (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicantresources.html). Grants.gov assistance is also available at:
Grants.gov customer support
800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035
Business Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Closed on federal holidays.
Email: [email protected]
Grants.gov iPortal (see https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants):
Top 10 requested help topics (FAQs), Searchable knowledge base, self-service
ticketing and ticket status, and live web chat (available 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET). Get
help now!
Have the following information available when contacting Grants.gov:
•
•
•

Funding Opportunity Number (FON)
Name of agency you are applying to
Specific area of concern

See http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html for additional resources for applying
electronically.

16

B. Content and Form of Application Submission
You should prepare electronic applications following Parts V and VI of the NIFA Grants.gov
Application Guide. This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section A.
of this Part). The following is additional information needed to prepare an application in
response to this RFA. If there is discrepancy between the two documents, the information
contained in this RFA is overriding.
Note the attachment requirements (e.g., PDF) in Part III section 3 of the guide. ANY
PROPOSALS THAT ARE NON-COMPLIANT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS (e.g.,
content format, PDF file format, file name restrictions, and no password protected files)
WILL BE AT RISK OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM NIFA REVIEW. Grants.gov does
not check for NIFA required attachments or that attachments are in PDF format; see Part
III section 6.1 of the guide for how to check the manifest of submitted files. Partial
applications will be excluded from NIFA review. We will accept subsequent submissions of
an application until close of business on the closing date in the RFA (see Part V, 2.1 of the
NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide for further information).
Grants.gov provides online tools to assist if you do not own PDF-generating software. You
will find PDF conversion software at http://test.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technicalsupport/software/pdf-conversion-software.html.
For any questions related to the preparation of an application, review the NIFA Grants.gov
Application Guide and the applicable RFA. If assistance is still needed for preparing application
forms content, contact:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 202-401-5048
• Business hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays.
1. SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 2. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
2. SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s)
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 3. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
3. R&R Other Project Information Form
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 4. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
a. Field 7. Project Summary/Abstract. The summary should also include the relevance of the
project to the goals of the FINI grants program. See Part V. 4.7 of NIFA Grants.gov
Application Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.

17

b. Field 8. Project Narrative.
NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 10 pages of written text regardless of whether it is
single- or double-spaced and up to 5 additional pages for figures and tables. We have established
this maximum (15 pages) to ensure fair and equitable competition. The Project Narrative must
include all of the following:
1. FINI Pilot Projects, FINI Projects, and FINI Large Scale Projects
The Project Narrative for FINI Pilot Projects (FPPs), FINI Projects (FPs), and FINI Large Scale
Projects (FLSPs) must include the headings below in bold followed by the response for each of
the points noted below.
(a) The Community to be Involved in the Project and the Needs to be Addressed. Identify
and succinctly describe the critical elements and needs of the local food economy or food
system, including demographics, income, and geographic characteristics of the area or
community to be served and how the community might benefit from an incentive project.
Beyond a recitation of statistics, applications should describe local capabilities and assets, such
as those identified in a community food assessment, and involvement of low-income
communities in the context of project activities and operations.
Most relevant is an explanation of why the applicant and its partners selected the activities
proposed in the application. Note the main targets or beneficiaries of the project and the
community needs and opportunities being addressed. The needs addressed should directly relate
to project goals and objectives described below. It is recommended that this section be no more
than one and one-half page.
(b) The Organizations and Communities Involved in the Project. List the organizations and
communities to be involved in carrying out the proposed project. Include a description of the
relevant experience of each community group or organization, including the applicant
organization that will be involved, and any related project history. Proposals should demonstrate
community linkages and coalitions as appropriate. The qualifications of staff involved with the
proposed project and/or organizational leadership should reflect the expertise necessary to carry
out the proposed project activities or similar types of activities. Specify the degree to which paid
and volunteer staff will be utilized. Experience in and connections with the community will be
considered as important as academic or professional credentials in this regard.
To the extent practicable ensure that low-income residents are involved in planning; in particular,
describe how the communities being served – particularly the targeted residents and
organizations have been or will be involved in planning the project and will be engaged in its
implementation and evaluation process. Please reference planning activities, assessments,
meetings, or other activities that demonstrate community input into key decision-making.
Letters from the key organizations involved in the project, acknowledging their support and
contributions, should be provided. A limited number of additional support letters – such as those
from farmers or partner organizations, where appropriate, are encouraged to provide evidence of
broad community involvement in both planning and future decision-making. All support letters

18

should be attached in Field 12, Other Attachments (See Part IV, B. 3. c., below, Key
Organization Support).
(c) Project Goals and Intended Outcomes. List the goals and intended outcomes of the
project, and how they contribute to the primary goal of the FINI grants program. Outcomes
should describe specific changes or results that will occur as a consequence of the project and
that will constitute “success” for the initiative, including a general description of the range of
fruits and vegetables that would be incentivized (such as, but not limited to, fresh, canned, or
dried forms). Outcomes should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely,
describe what will be accomplished, and who and how many people, e.g., residents, participants,
will benefit. It is recommended that this section be no more than two pages.
(d) Activities to Achieve the Goals. Discuss how the goals and intended outcomes will be
achieved and include how the proposed activities comply with the rules and regulations of the
SNAP program. Discuss how the proposed project outcomes will be realized by providing a
systematic description of how the most important steps or milestones will be accomplished.
Particular attention should be given to existing technical capabilities and any technical solutions
that must be developed for goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved. In addition to these
descriptions, it is recommended that a table of up to three pages be provided with
implementation details for these activities, including: (a) specific steps and achievements in
planning, implementing, and evaluating; (b) timetables for milestones, and, as relevant; (c)
expected numbers of participants involved in each step of the process. Describe how the
proposed project will develop effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems
that may be replicated and scaled in other States and communities in the future.
(e) Relationship to Program Objectives. Discuss how the project and its proposed outcomes
will address the objectives of the FINI grants program as described in Part I., B. Discuss the
specific changes that will result among participants or in the communities served that address
these FINI grants program priorities. It is recommended that this section be no more than one
page.
(f) Evaluation. Evaluation is a critical purpose of the FINI grant program. By testing and
evaluating various methods and technologies to increase the fruit and vegetable purchases and
improving the nutrition and health status of participating households through the FINI grant
program, NIFA seeks to determine best practices, and the relative effectiveness of various
incentive programs as well as benefit redemption methods. The evaluation requirements of the
FINI grant program, therefore, include both process (developing and monitoring indicators of
progress towards objectives) and outcomes. Recognizing that FINI projects are likely to vary
substantially in scale and maturity, and that grantees are likely to vary considerably in evaluation
capacity and expertise, the evaluation requirements differ for each of the three grant categories.
The FINI grant program requires a project self-evaluation by each grantee and participation in
the program evaluation conducted by the independent evaluator.
All FINI Pilot Projects (FPP) must include a process analysis, a self-assessment of their success
in developing a viable project. FPPs will document the process, challenges, and success of
implementation and operations. Because these projects are in the earliest stages of development

19

that do not offer a fair test of their potential effectiveness, limited information will be reported to
the independent evaluator. FPPs must provide preliminary results of their self-assessment in the
annual report to NIFA and to the independent evaluation contractor.
All FINI Projects (FP) must include a process analysis, a self-assessment of their success in
developing and operating a viable project. FPs will document the process, challenges, and
success of implementation and operations. The process assessment should contain enough
timely information over the course of the project to improve program outcomes. FPs must
provide preliminary results of their self-assessment in the annual report to NIFA and to the
independent evaluator. In addition, because of their expected scope, FPs will be required to
cooperate with the independent evaluator.
All FINI Large-Scale Projects (FLSP) must include (1) a process assessment that documents the
process, challenges, and success of implementation and operations and (2) an outcome
assessment that documents the project’s effectiveness in increasing fruit and vegetable purchases
among SNAP participants. The process assessment should contain enough timely information
over the course of the project to measure program outcomes. Preliminary results shall be
included in the annual report to NIFA and to the independent evaluation contractor. Outcome
self-assessments must follow guidelines developed by the independent evaluation contractor in
collaboration with grantees to ensure an appropriate level of comparability of methods,
outcomes, and measures. In addition, because of their expected scale and maturity, FLSPs will
be required to cooperate with the independent evaluator.
Project Type Project Self-Evaluation
FPP

Process evaluation

FP

Process evaluation

FLSP

Rigorous self-evaluation (process and
outcome)

Comprehensive Program Evaluation
(by independent evaluator)
• Required to participate
• Participation includes providing
self-assessment information to
independent evaluator.
• Required to participate
• Contribute to minimum data set
• Collaborate with independent
evaluator to identify comparison
sites
• Required to participate
• Contribute to minimum data set
• Collaborate with independent
evaluator to identify comparison
sites

Comprehensive FINI Program Evaluation (by independent evaluator). Although the
specifications for the independent evaluation are in development simultaneously with this
solicitation, it is expected to be based on a cluster evaluation model that builds on the
collaboration and coordination of individual project assessments and an overall program
evaluation. It is expected to consist of four components: a process analysis to describe project
implementation and support future replication of successful approaches, an outcome analysis to

20

assess the effectiveness of each FP and FSLP, a comparative analysis to integrate results across
sites and approaches, attempting to answer the question of what works best (and when or where),
and technical assistance to support consistent implementation of evaluation protocols.
USDA has determined that a comparison group design offers the best balance between the
statutory requirement to use “rigorous methodologies capable of producing scientifically valid
information” while accommodating the limited administrative and evaluation capacities of
potential FPs and FSLPs (FPPs have a limited role in the independent evaluation). This quasiexperimental approach uses a comparison site – such as a neighborhood across town or a group
of SNAP participants who are not offered the nutrition incentive – as a baseline to assess the
effect of offering an incentive. Outcomes for each group (intervention and comparison) are
measured before and again sometime after the nutrition incentive is provided. The independent
evaluator – working in collaboration with FPs and FSLPs – will identify groups that are as
similar as possible to the intervention communities to make the comparison as fair as possible.
All FPs and FSLPs will be required to cooperate with the independent evaluator by:
•
•
•
•

Supporting implementation of evaluation requirements (including but not limited to
helping the independent evaluation contractor identify appropriate comparison sites or
groups and providing the minimum core data set described below);
Meeting periodically with staff from NIFA, FNS, the independent evaluation contractor,
and other FINI grantees to review project plans, evaluation objectives and methods, data
collection and reporting requirements, and analysis and reporting of results;
Facilitating access to or providing documentation of project implementation, operations,
costs, and outcomes; and
Facilitating site visits and interviews with project staff, partners and program participants.

FPs and FLSPs will be required to periodically provide the independent evaluation contractor a
minimum core data set to ensure common program tracking and enable meaningful comparisons
across all projects. FPs and FLSPs may choose at their option to collect additional information
beyond the minimum core data set as part of their self-assessments; the independent evaluation
contractor will also collect additional data, including information on consumer knowledge,
attitudes, perceptions, and purchase and consumption behaviors. The minimum core data set
includes the following:
Site and Project Information
• Management or organizational structure of the program
• Financial instrument used for SNAP and incentive purchases (tokens, scrip, electronic)
• Retail locations, mobile routes, or other pertinent information to understand how the
project improves access to healthy food for underserved, low-income consumers
• Months of operation and operating days and hours
• Whether it is a new SNAP incentive program or the continuation, expansion, or
modification of an existing program
• Whether program sites accept other nutrition assistance program benefits
• Whether program sites collaborate with nutrition education programs or offer other
experiential nutrition education activities

21

•

Expenses associated with establishment and operations of the program

Incentive Program Information
• Fruit and vegetable products eligible for incentives
• Incentive level (ratio and maximum)
• Incentive delivery mechanism
• Number of SNAP participants (per site/per year)
• Dollar value of SNAP purchases (per site/per year)
• Number of SNAP transactions (per site/per year)
• Dollar value of incentives issued (per site/per year)
• Dollar value of incentives redeemed (per site/per year)
• Average incentive value redeemed per recipient (weekly/monthly/annually)
Proposals should discuss any opportunities and challenges with the evaluation requirements and
how they will be addressed. Proposals should also describe any previous process, outcome, and
impact evaluation experience with SNAP participants or other related food programs. The
proposal should demonstrate the capacity and willingness to comply with the evaluation
requirements.
(g) Sustainability. Describe which aspects or components of the project will continue beyond
the end of the project period. Discuss how an infusion of Federal funds will be sufficient for the
proposed project to advance local capacity-building and achieve sustainability. Projects may
identify actual or potential funding sources for continuation of the project. Applicants should
differentiate between how the basic elements of the project will be continued versus how the
low-income community will be changed and its capacity advanced.
Projects should provide evidence, e.g., a market analysis or the outline of a business plan, to
demonstrate that it is likely to become successful in meeting FINI grant program goals. Business
plan outlines or any other documentation of evidence for sustainability should be no more than
five pages and should be included as an appendix. Such evidence should be included as an Other
Attachment, Field 12 (see Part IV.B.3.c.).
(h) Non-supplantation. Grants shall be used to supplement, not supplant, non-Federal funds
that would otherwise be available for expenditure on incentive program activities. Grant funds
must be used to fund new projects, or expand or enhance existing projects. They may not be used
to replace State or local funds that would, in the absence of Federal aid, be available or
forthcoming for incentive programs.
c. Field 12. Other Attachments. All attachments must be in PDF format.
•

Key Organization Support. Attach signed letters from the state SNAP agency and any
other key organizations involved in the project acknowledging their support,
contributions and commitment; title the attachment ‘Key Organization Support’. Provide
evidence of broad community involvement in both planning and decision-making. This
section is limited to two page letters of support for each key organization.

22

•

Matching Funds Documentation. For FPP, FP, and FLSP applicants, this grant
program requires applicants to match Federal funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis
from non-Federal sources as described in Part III, B. Letters signed by the AR from each
source of matching funds are required, and should be attached in Field 12; title the
attachment ‘Matching Funds’. Recommended contents of the letter are described below
in item 6., R&R Budget (Fed/Non-Fed).

•

Appendices to Project Narrative. Title the attachment as ‘Appendices’ in the document
header and save file as ‘Appendices’. Appendices to the Project Narrative are allowed if
they are directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices must not
exceed seven (7) pages and should not be used to circumvent the text and/or figures
and tables page limitations.

•

Logic Model. Title the attachment as ‘Logic Model’ in the document header and save file
as ‘LogicModel’. In order to allow for sufficient evaluation of projects as described, it is
recommended that applicants set aside between five and ten percent of the total project
budget for evaluation purposes. Applicants should seek the help of academic or other
experts in evaluation design and implementation, as appropriate and available. A logic
model or chart may also be used. It is recommended that this section be no more than
one page. http://www.nifa.usda.gov/about/strat_plan_logic_models.html

•

Fiscal Agent Letter. See Part III A. 2. If it is necessary to include a fiscal agent letter,
then title the attachment as ‘Fiscal Agent’ in the document header and save file as
‘FiscalAgent’. Include documents showing the organizations non-profit status here.

4. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 5. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide. This section of the Guide includes information about the people
who require a Senior/Key Person Profile, and details about the Biographical Sketch and the
Current and Pending Support, including a link to a suggested template for the Current and
Pending Support.
5. R&R Personal Data – As noted in Part V, 6. of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, the
submission of this information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award.
6. R&R Budget (Federal/Non-Federal)
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part V, 7. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
Note: For each budget prepared, a budget justification is to be attached to justify costs
(both Federal and non-Federal) included in that budget.
a. Field D. Domestic Travel.
During the tenure of a grant, PDs must attend a PD meeting each year. The purpose of the
meeting will be to discuss their projects, opportunities for collaborative efforts, and to enhance

23

dissemination of exemplary end products/results. Reasonable travel expenses to attend this
meeting may be included in the application’s budget under travel expenses.
b. Matching or Cost Sharing.
i. Applicant’s Contribution. As stated in Part III, B., matching funds are mandatory for FPPs,
FPs, and FLSPs. The R&R Budget (“Fed/Non-Fed”) form must be utilized. The applicant’s
matching support should be shown on the budget in the appropriate categories (salary, materials
and supplies, equipment, etc.). A budget justification (Field K. on the Form) must be
included in each budget explaining all Federal and non-federal costs included therein.
ii. Third-party Contributions. Each third party contributor should be listed separately under Other
Direct Costs (Field F. on the Form) and the amount contributed placed in the “Non-Federal ($)”
column. A detailed breakdown of third-party contributions by donor and budget category should
be submitted as an attachment as part of the budget justification (Field K. on the Form). See
below. An optional Matching Verification Template can be found on the NIFA website at
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/cfp/pdfs/matching_verification.xls.
Proposals should include written verification of commitments of matching support (including
both cash and in-kind contributions) from third parties. Letters of commitment for third party
matching for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of multi-year projects must be secured prior to the
application submittal. Awards will not be issued until all matching has been verified. Written
verification means:
(a) For any third party cash contributions, a separate pledge agreement for each donation, signed
by the authorized representatives of the donor organization and the applicant organization, which
must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the donor; (2) the name of the
applicant organization; (3) the title of the project for which the donation is made; (4) the dollar
amount of the cash donation; (5) a statement that the donor will pay the cash contribution during
the grant period; and (6) whether the applicant can designate cash as the applicant deems
necessary or the cash contribution has been designated to a particular budget item; and
(b) For any third party in-kind contributions, a separate pledge agreement (letter of commitment)
for each contribution, signed by the authorized representatives of the donor organization and the
applicant organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the
donor; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3) the title of the project for which the
donation is made; (4) a good faith estimate of the current fair market value of the third party inkind contribution; and (5) a statement that the donor will make the contribution during the grant
period.
The sources and amount of all matching support from outside the applicant organization
should be summarized on a separate page and attached in the SF 424 (R&R) Other Project
Information, Field 12 (Title the attachment “Matching Support”). In addition, each source
of non-Federal matching funds must be accompanied by written verification of
commitment of matching support (i.e., a signed letter from the AR of the source of
matching funds; including both cash and in-kind contributions) from third parties. Include
each of these signed matching letters, as attachments, in Field 12 of the SF 424 (R&R) Other
Project Information form.
24

The value of applicant contributions to the project shall be established in accordance with
applicable cost principles. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, for further
guidance and other requirements relating to allowable costs. All contributions, including cash
and third party in-kind, must meet the criteria included in 7 CFR 3016.24 or 3019.23, as
applicable. Note: By the time FINI grants are awarded, the Department expects to have
published a final rule implementing the Final Guidance on Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 CFR part 200,
including the provisions on cost sharing or matching (2 CFR 200.306). The award document
will identify the applicable uniform administrative requirements and cost principles.
7. Supplemental Information Form
Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in detail in Part VI, 1. of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
a. Field 2. Program to which you are applying.
Enter the program code name: FINI Pilot Projects
Enter the program code: FPP
Enter the program code name: FINI Projects
Enter the program code: FIP
Enter the program code name: FINI Large Scale Projects
Enter the program code: FLSP
Note that accurate entry of the program code is very important for proper and timely
processing of an application.
b. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. See Part VI, 1.8 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application
Guide for further instructions and a link to a suggested template.
C. Submission Dates and Times
Prior to electronic submission of the application via Grants.gov, it is strongly recommended that
an administrative review be conducted to ensure that an application complies with all application
preparation instructions. An application checklist is included in Part VII of the NIFA Grants.gov
Application Guide to assist with this review.
Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV, Section 1.9 of the NIFA
Grants.gov Application Guide.
Applications must be received by Grants.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 15,
2014. Applications received after this deadline will normally not be considered for funding.

25

If you have trouble submitting an application to Grants.gov, you should FIRST contact the
Grants.gov Help Desk to resolve any problems. Keep a record of any such correspondence.
See Part IV. A. for Grants.gov contact information.
We send email correspondence to the AR regarding the status of submitted applications.
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate e-mail addresses, where
designated, on the SF-424 R&R Application for Federal Assistance.
If the AR has not received correspondence from NIFA regarding a submitted application within
30 days of the established deadline, contact the Agency Contact identified in Part VII of the
applicable RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the application. Failure to do so
may result in the application not being considered for funding by the peer review panel.
Once the application has been assigned a proposal number, this number should be cited on
all future correspondence.
D. Funding Restrictions
1. Indirect Costs
A recipient’s full negotiated indirect cost rate is allowable.
If your organization does not have, or cannot obtain, a negotiated rate, you must calculate an
indirect cost rate in order to request indirect costs. You should calculate an indirect cost rate
based on actual costs for the entire organization from the most recently completed accounting
year. If no prior cost history exists, you should use budgeted costs for the entire organization.
You should follow the example(s) found at:
http://nifa.usda.gov/business/indirect_cost_process.html for information regarding this process.
You may elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, use all grant funds for direct costs. If
indirect costs are not charged, the phrase "None requested" should be written in this space.
2. Subcontract Restriction
The applicant is expected to perform a substantive portion of the project and no more than 50
percent of FPP, FP, and FLSP as determined by budget expenditures, may be subawarded. NIFA
will allow applicants to indicate in their proposal if they intend to subcontract more than 50% of
the award. This deviation will require NIFA approval. Projects may divide their budget
allocations between partners as it fits their work plan. (For additional knowledge or expertise that
is not available within the applicant organization, funds for expert consultation may be included
in the “All Other Direct Costs” section of the proposed budget.)
3. Multiple Submissions
The FINI grants program will only accept one application across the three project types per
project team under this RFA.

26

4. Funding Period Limitation
The maximum potential funding period (including any awards transferred from another
institution or organization) is limited to 4 years in duration. The funding period will commence
on the effective date cited in the award instrument. Any such limitation also applies to
subcontracts made under awards subject to a funding period limitation.
E. Other Submission Requirements
You should follow the submission requirements noted in Part IV, section 1.9 in the
document entitled “NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.”
For information about the status of a submitted application, see Part III., section 6. of the
NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide.

27

PART V—APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
A. General
We evaluate each application in a 2-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that
it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, a technical review
panel will evaluate applications that meet the administrative requirements.
We select reviewers based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or
education fields, taking into account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal
scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to
which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities; (b) the
need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant
scientific, education, or extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g.,
producers, range or forest managers/operators, technology experts, and consumers) who can
assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the need to
include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities,
industry, state and federal agencies, SNAP agencies, and private profit and non-profit
organizations) and geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition of
reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution;
and (f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application
to producers and the general public.
For more information on the peer review process, see
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/business/competitive_peer_review.html. Note that the review panel
meeting for this program is conducted in the same manner as Agriculture and Food Research
Initiative (AFRI) as described
NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or with the submitting organization or
institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level,
period, or method of support), prior to recommending any project for funding.
B. Evaluation Criteria
We will use the following evaluation criteria for FPPs, FPs, and FLSPs, competing within
each category/project type and not across categories, listed in descending order of
importance, to review applications submitted in response to this RFA:
1. How well the proposed project advances the primary goal of the FINI grants program
which is to test and evaluate projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables (as
defined in Subpart VIII (E) of this document) by low-income consumers participating in
SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase, using effective and efficient
benefit redemption technologies.
All FINI projects must (1) have the support of the State SNAP agency, responsible for the
administration of SNAP; (2) aim to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-

28

income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of
purchase; (3) operate through authorized SNAP retailers, and in compliance with all
relevant SNAP regulations and operating requirements; (4) agree to participate in the
FINI comprehensive program evaluation; (5) ensure that the same terms and conditions
apply to purchases made by individuals with SNAP benefits and with incentives provided
under the FINI grants program as apply to purchases made by individuals who are not
members of households receiving benefits as provided in 7 C.F.R. 278.2(b); and (6)
include effective and efficient technologies for benefit redemption systems that may be
replicated in other States and communities.
2. How well the project aligns with and advances FINI grants program priorities, which are
to:
•
•

Maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants;
Test innovative or promising strategies that would contribute to our understanding of
how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants, to
inform future efforts;
• Develop innovative or improved benefit redemption systems that could be replicated
or scaled;
• Use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;
• Demonstrate a track record of designing and implementing successful nutrition
incentive programs that connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers
(for FPs and FLSPs only);
• Provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables, especially those
culturally appropriate for the target audience; and/or
• Operate in underserved communities, particularly Promise Zones and StrikeForce
Communities.
Identified priorities are factors that will be given additional weight in the evaluation of
proposals. Addressing identified priorities will not guarantee a proposal will be selected
for award.

3. The significance of the low-income food security issues that will be addressed by the
proposed project, and an informative description of the community, its characteristics,
assets, and needs;
4. The appropriateness of the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the project and how these
goals will be achieved throughout the project period;
5. The relevance of the experience of the organizations that are involved in the proposed
project, including the applicant entity, and the type and extent of support that other
organizations will be providing, or the extent to which these organizations demonstrate
the capacity to contribute to the overall grant program. The applicant organization
demonstrates a history of, commitment to, and/or direct involvement in food security or
nutrition incentive projects in low-income communities or in communities with lowincome groups, as well as success in actively engaging low-income participants.
Benefits of the program will accrue primarily to the low income population. The

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qualifications of staff involved with the proposed project and/or organizational
leadership reflects the expertise necessary to carry out the proposed activities or similar
types of activities. Experience in and connections with the community and a
demonstrated dedication to serving low income residents will be considered as important
as academic or professional credentials in this regard. Professional salaries are in
balance with compensation given to low-income residents for their participation in the
initiative;
6. The strength of the proposed project's plans and capacity to undertake a self-assessment,
collect the minimum core data set (for FPs and FLSPs only) with accuracy and validity,
cooperate with and participate in an independent evaluation, share project results in an
“exemplary practices” format;
7. Evidence is provided to demonstrate that the project is likely to become self-sustaining,
e.g., a market analysis or the outlines of a business plan. Projects should identify actual
or potential funding sources for continuation of the project after federal funding has
ended; and
8. The timeline and budget for accomplishing project goals, objectives, and outcomes is
realistic and achievable.
C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
During the peer evaluation process, we take extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived
conflicts of interest that may impact review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining
conflicts of interest, we determine the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution by
reference to the current Higher Education Directory, published by Higher Education
Publications, Inc., 1801 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 555, Reston, VA, 20191. Phone: (888) 3497715. Web site: http://www.hepinc.com.
Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as application content and peer
evaluations, are kept confidential, except to those involved in the review process, to the extent
permitted by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain confidential throughout
the entire review process, to the extent permitted by law; therefore, the names of the reviewers
will not be released to applicants.
D. Organizational Management Information
Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one time basis,
with updates on an as needed basis. This requirement is part of the responsibility determination
prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided
previously under this or another NIFA program. We will provide you copies of forms
recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward process. Although
an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors that may
exclude an applicant from receiving federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits

30

under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual involved or a determination
that an applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational management information).
E. Application Disposition
An application may be withdrawn at any time before a final funding decision is made regarding
the application; however, withdrawn applications normally will not be returned. One copy of
each application that is not selected for funding, including those that are withdrawn, will be
retained by FINI grants program for a period of three years.

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PART VI—AWARD ADMINISTRATION
A. General
Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA awarding official shall make
grants to those responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious
under the procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the NIFA awarding official as
the effective date of the grant shall be no later than September 30 of the federal fiscal year in
which the project is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless
otherwise permitted by law. The project need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as
soon thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded project period.
All funds granted by NIFA under this RFA may be used only for the purpose for which they are
granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, regulations, terms and
conditions of the award, applicable federal cost principles, USDA assistance regulations, and
NIFA General Awards Administration Provisions at 7 CFR part 3430, subparts A through E.
B. Award Notice
The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information including, at a
minimum:
(1)

Legal name and address of performing organization or institution to which the
director has issued an award under the terms of this request for applications;

(2)

Title of project;

(3)

Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control approved activities;

(4)

Identifying award number and the Federal Agency Identification Number assigned
by NIFA;

(5)

Project period, specifying the amount of time NIFA intends to support the project
without requiring recompetition for funds;

(6)

Total amount of financial assistance approved for the award;

(7)

Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;

(8)

Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number;

(9)

Applicable award terms and conditions (see
http://www.nifa.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html to view NIFA award
terms and conditions);

(10) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to accomplish the
stated purpose of the award; and

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(11) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by NIFA to carry out its
respective awarding activities or to accomplish the purpose of a particular award.
C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Several federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications considered for review and to
project grants awarded under this program. These include, but are not limited to the ones listed
below. Note that the list includes current provisions; however, some of these provisions may
cease to exist and new ones put in place with the USDA implementation of the OMB Final
Guidance on Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements
for Federal Awards (78 FR 78590, December 26, 2013), which is expected to be published in the
Federal Register in December 2014. The award document will identify the applicable uniform
administrative requirements and cost principles.
2 CFR part 200, subpart E—Cost Principles.
2 CFR part 417—Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension.
2 CFR part 421—Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance).
7 CFR Part 1, subpart A—Official Records (USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act).
7 CFR Part 3— Debt Management (USDA regulations regarding debt collection).
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A—Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the
Department of Agriculture—Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121—Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins
(USDA implementation of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002).
7 CFR Part 3015—Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations.
7 CFR Part 3016—Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements to State and Local Governments.
7 CFR Part 3018—New Restrictions on Lobbying (imposes prohibitions and requirements for
disclosure and certification related to lobbying on recipients of federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans).
7 CFR Part 3019—Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3022—Research Institutions Conducting USDA-Funded Extramural Research;
Research Misconduct.

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7 CFR Part 3052—Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3407—Implementation of National Environmental Policy Act.
7 CFR 3430—Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance Programs-General Award Administrative Provisions.
29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part 15b (USDA
implementation of statute) —prohibiting discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap
in federally-assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. —Bayh Dole Act, controlling allocation of rights to inventions made by
employees of small business firms and domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities,
in federally-assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part 401).
44 U.S.C. 3541 et seq. (Pub. L. 107-347) - Federal Information Security Management Act of
2002 (FISMA), to improve computer and network security within the Federal Government.
Applies to awardees if it will collect, store, process, transmit, or use information on behalf of
NIFA.
D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
Grantees are to use REEport, NIFA's electronic, web-based inventory system to submit an initial
project initiation which documents expected products and outcomes of the project. Additionally,
an annual progress report documenting realized project outcomes must be submitted to the
electronic system. The web-based system facilitates an electronic workflow between grantees
and NIFA for project accomplishments to be easily searchable and allows for public access to
information on Federally-funded projects. The details of these reporting requirements, including
those specific to the annual and final technical reports, are included in the award terms and
conditions.
1. Final Performance Report
A Final Performance Report must be submitted within 90 days after the expiration date of the
project. The expiration date is specified in the award documents and modifications thereto, if
any. Generally, the Final Performance Report shall be a summary of the completed project, to
include results of the project Evaluation Plan; a review of project objectives and
accomplishments; a description of any products and outcomes resulting from the project;
activities undertaken to disseminate products and outcomes; partnerships and collaborative
ventures that resulted from the project; future initiatives that are planned as a result of the
project; the impact of the project on the Project Director(s), students, the departments, the
institution, and the food, agricultural and human sciences higher education system; and data on
project personnel and beneficiaries. The report must document how project accomplishments
(products, results and impacts, etc.) have been published or otherwise disseminated to the
broadest extent throughout the academic community. The Final Performance Report should be
accompanied by samples or copies of any products or publications resulting from or developed

34

by the project. The Final Performance Report also must contain any other information
which may be specified in the terms and conditions of the award.
2. Federal Financial Report
For informational purposes, the “Federal Financial Report,” Form SF-425, consolidates into a
single report the former Financial Status Report (SF-269 and SF-269A) and the Federal Cash
Transactions Report (SF-272 and SF-272A). The NIFA Agency-specific Terms and Conditions
include the requirement that Form SF-425 is due on an annual basis no later than 90 days
following the award’s anniversary date (i.e., one year following the month and day of which
the project period begins and each year thereafter up until a final report is required). A
final “Federal Financial Report,” Form SF-425, is due 90 days after the expiration date of
this award.

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PART VII—AGENCY CONTACT
Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact:
Programmatic Contact –
Dr. Jane Clary Loveless; National Program Leader, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 2225 Washington, DC 20250-2225; telephone:
202-720-3891; fax: 202-720-9366; e-mail: [email protected].
Dr. Dionne Toombs; Director, Division of Nutrition, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 2225 Washington DC 20250-2225;
telephone: 202-401-2138; fax: 202-401-4888; email: [email protected].
Administrative/Business Contact –
Susan Bowman; Awards Management Branch Chief; Office of Grants and Financial
Management; National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW, Mail Stop 2271; Washington, DC 20250-2271; telephone 202-401-4324; fax 202-401-6271;
e-mail [email protected].
Adriene Woodin; Awards Management Branch Chief; Office of Grants and Financial
Management; National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA; 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW, Mail Stop 2271; Washington, DC 20250-2271; telephone 202-401-4320; fax 202-401-6271;
e-mail [email protected].

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PART VIII—OTHER INFORMATION
A. Access to Review Information
We will send copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary of the
panel comments to the applicant PD after the review process has been completed.
B. Use of Funds; Changes
1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, awardees may not in whole or in
part delegate or transfer to another person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use
or expenditure of award funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
a. The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key project personnel in the approved
project shall be limited to changes in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the
project to expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the awardee or the PD(s) is
uncertain as to whether a change complies with this provision, the question must be referred to
the Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory
of the award document, not the program contact.
b. The awardee must request, and the ADO must approve in writing, all changes in approved
goals or objectives prior to effecting such changes. In no event shall requests be approved for
changes that are outside the scope of the original approved project.
c. The awardee must request, and the ADO must approve in writing, all changes in approved
project leadership or the replacement or reassignment of other key project personnel, prior to
effecting such changes.
d. The awardee must request, and the ADO must approve in writing, all transfers of actual
performance of the substantive programmatic work in whole or in part and provisions for
payment of funds, whether or not federal funds are involved, prior to instituting such transfers,
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.
e. The project period may be extended without additional financial support, for such additional
period(s) necessary to complete or fulfill the purposes of an approved project, but in no case
shall the total project period exceed any applicable statutory limit or expiring appropriation
limitation. The terms and conditions of award include information about no-cost extensions of
the award and when ADO’s prior approval is necessary.
f. Changes in Approved Budget: Unless stated otherwise in the terms and conditions of award,
changes in an approved budget must be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the
ADO prior to instituting such changes, if the revision will involve transfers or expenditures of

37

amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the applicable Federal cost principles,
Departmental regulations, or award.
C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the record of NIFA transactions,
available to the public upon specific request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the extent permitted
by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential,
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the application. The original copy of
an application that does not result in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period of
three years. Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will be released only with the
consent of the applicant or to the extent required by law. An application may be withdrawn at
any time prior to the final action thereon.
D. Regulatory Information
For the reasons set forth in the final Rule related Notice to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR
29114, June 24, 1983), this program is excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the collection of
information requirements contained in this Notice have been approved under OMB Document
No. 0524-0039.
E. Definitions
Please refer to 7 CFR 3430, Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-formula Federal Assistance
Programs--General Award Administrative Provisions, for applicable definitions for this NIFA
grant program.
For the purpose of this program, the following additional definitions are applicable:
Community Food Assessment is a collaborative and participatory process that systematically
examines a broad range of community food issues and assets, so as to inform change actions to
make the community more food secure.
Emergency Feeding Organization means a public or nonprofit organization that administers
activities and projects (including the activities and projects of a charitable institution, a food
bank, a food pantry, a hunger relief center, a soup kitchen, or a similar public or private nonprofit
eligible recipient agency) providing nutrition assistance to relieve situations of emergency and
distress through the provision of food to needy persons, including low-income and unemployed
persons. (See 7 U.S.C. 7501).
Exemplary practices means high quality community food security work that emphasizes food
security, nutritional quality, environmental stewardship, and economic and social equity.

38

Expert reviewers means individuals selected from among those recognized as uniquely
qualified by training and experience in their respective fields to give expert advice on the merit
of grant applications in such fields who evaluate eligible proposals submitted to this program in
their respective area(s) of expertise.
Food security means access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for all
people at all times.
Fruits and Vegetables means for the purposes of the incentives provided under these grants (i.e.
as used in Section 4208) any variety of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen whole or cut fruits and
vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils, and salt (i.e. sodium).
Logic model means a systematic and visual way to present and share an understanding of the
relationships among resources available to operate a program, and includes: planned activities
and anticipated results; and the presentation of the resources, inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes
and impacts.
Outcomes means the changes in the wellbeing of individuals that can be attributed to a particular
project, program, or policy, or that a program hopes to achieve over time. They indicate a
measurable change in participant knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. For the purposes of this
document, ‘impact” and “outcome” are used interchangeably.
Process evaluation means examining program activities in terms of (1) the age, sex, race,
occupation, or other demographic variables of the target population; (2) the program’s
organization, funding, and staffing; and (3) its location and timing. Process evaluation focuses on
program activities rather than outcomes.
PromiseZone refers to designated high-poverty communities “where the federal government
will partner with and invest in communities to create jobs, leverage private investment, increase
economic activity, expand educational opportunities, and improve public safety.” See
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/CEDP_PZ.html for more information.
Non-profit Organization means a Nonprofit corporation is a special type of corporation that has
been organized to meet specific tax-exempt purposes. To qualify for Nonprofit status, your
corporation must be formed to benefit: (1) the public, (2) a specific group of individuals, or (3)
the membership of the Nonprofit.
StrikeForce means the “USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative which
works to address the unique set of challenges faced by many of America’s rural communities.
Through StrikeForce, USDA is leveraging resources and collaborating with partners and
stakeholders to improve economic opportunity and quality of life in these areas.” See
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=STRIKE_FORCE
for more information.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) means the supplemental nutrition
assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq).

39

Value Chain means adding value to a product, including production, marketing, and the
provision of after-sales service and incorporating fair pricing to farms. It also involves keeping
the final pricing to customers within competitive range. Value chain development, therefore, is a
process of building relationships between supplier and buyer that are reciprocal and win-win;
instead of always striving to buy at lowest cost.

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