Funder Tool Kits: USDA

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Annual Report (2018 is most current report) - Selections from the report are included below:

• NIFA 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan
• Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) - Information and impacts
• Science Emphasis Areas
• Selected Impact Reports by Emphasis Area
• NIFA Annual Report Archives

NIFA: How We Work - Information on the three-pronged strategy to integrate research, education, and extension 

USDA NIFA Topics - The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports research, educational, and extension efforts in a wide range of scientific fields related to agricultural and behavioral sciences. To address contemporary agricultural challenges, we seek to catalyze transformative discoveries and enhance education and engagement.

NIFA Challenge Areas - NIFA supports research, education, and extension in five challenge areas. These challenge areas include childhood obesity, food safety, changing climate, sustainable bioenergy, and water for food production.  This page provides details on each of these areas and their strategic goals.

NIFA Organizational Structure - Includes offices, institutes, and divisions 

USDA Resources - This website houses a large volume of supporting materials, including a wide range of forms, webinars, reports, and other resources. Also at this website is the agency’s primary events calendar.

USDA NIFA Impacts - See featured success stories on USDA-funded research activities. Highlights groundbreaking discoveries and societal impacts of partners’ work. More examples of success stories are featured in NIFA’s Fresh from the Field newsletter and on Twitter, #NIFAImpacts

USDA Newsroom - Press Releases & Announcements, Blogs, and Speeches

USDA Social Media Resources

USDA Budget Information

​Pivot database (USDA saved search) - find, track and share current/anticipated funding opportunities

NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide The guide provided is meant to serve as an example. Refer to and follow the Grants.gov Application Guide provided in the application package on Grants.gov for the specific funding opportunity of interest.

USDA NIFA RFAs - search for a grant opportunity

RFA List - list of USDA competitive RFAs

RFA Calendar - listing of upcoming RFAs

USDA Funding Programs - NIFA programs are the mechanism by which USDA pursues the mission to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Some programs administer funding and offer leadership while others focus on national leadership and collaboration. For more information on a particular program, use the site’s search tool. Additional details can also be found here: USDA Program Charts. 

Grants.gov (USDA search) - Browse current/forecasted USDA funding opportunities.

• USDA solicitations are typically posted on Grants.gov as well as on the agency-specific funding opportunity websites listed below. If pursuing a USDA funding opportunity, it is wise to subscribe to receive email updates for that opportunity, as it is not unusual for one or more amendments to be posted between the original release date and the due date.

Award Search:

• NIFA maintains a searchable database of past awards
• The Research, Education, and Economics Information System (REEIS) is a source of information on the research, education and extension programs, projects and activities of the USDA.
  • View UCF Awards in REEIS results.

FOIA Request Information (USDA/NIFA) 

USDA FOIA Reading Rooms for past/frequently requested records, divided by USDA group

Example USDA Integrated Proposal - From USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program

The OR Research Development team maintains a library of internal/external submitted proposals and can assist with securing a sample and submitting FOIA requests. Contact Research Development for more information.

Data Management Plans for NIFA-Funded Research, Education and Extension Projects - Includes requirements, recommendations, and FAQs.​

UCF Library Support - The UCF library maintains a Data Management Research Guide. You can schedule a consultation to meet with a librarian for an in-depth one on one consultation specific to your research topic.

• Crafting the Data Management Plan - led by Lee Dotson
• DMP Tool - Create, review, and share DMPs that meet institutional and funder requirements. The DMP Tool Blog and Webinar Series provide helpful guidance.
• STARS - UCF researchers are eligible to submit materials to STARS, a university-wide digital repository hosted on the Digital Commons platform (a comprehensive hosted solution for storing, managing, and sharing data). Click here to visit the researcher portion of the FAQs for STARS.
• re3data.org - The Registry of Research Data Repositories is a tool for helping identify and locate online repositories of research data. 

Regulations and Guidelines

As an administrator of U.S. government support, NIFA works in partnership with grantees to ensure responsible stewardship of federal funds. Our grantees and partners are required to comply with all relevant rules and regulations. The following resources are provided to NIFA’s partners and award recipient to support their adherence to federal regulations governing program performance.

Policy Guide - NIFA’s Federal Assistance Policy Guide describes agency policies and procedures.

Certifications and Representations - Certifications and representations provided through the NIFA application process.

Acknowledgment of USDA Support by NIFA - When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgment for all projects or initiatives supported by NIFA.

Federal Regulations - The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lists all regulations published in the Federal Register.

FOIA - The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has the right to request access to federal documents and information such as research data.

NEPA Policy and Guidance - The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Policy and Guidance set the standard for identifying potential environmental impacts.

OGFM Issued Correspondence - The Office of Grants and Financial Management occasionally issues correspondence to applicants, grantees, and/or the general public for informational or clarification purposes.

Indirect Costs - Indirect costs are those expenses that support the shared goals of the project and grantee. Refer to the process for establishment of Indirect Cost Rates for more information.

Research Misconduct - NIFA requires that all its awardees adhere to the USDA Scientific Integrity Policy and the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct.

Terms and Conditions - Award terms and conditions provide specific guidance on program performance. Refer to the award document, Form NIFA-2009, to determine the applicable terms and conditions document.