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Description

The AFRI Foundational Program is offered to support research grants in the six AFRI priority areas to continue building a foundation of knowledge critical for solving current and future societal challenges. The six priority areas are: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products; Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health; Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Agriculture Systems and Technology; and Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities. Single-function Research Projects and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants are expected to address one of the Program Area Priorities (see Foundational Program RFA for details).

Available Funding

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards. In FY 2011, subject to availability of funds, approximately $262 million is available for support of the AFRI Program. Of this amount, no less than 30 percent will be made available to fund integrated research, education, and extension programs. Of the AFRI funds allocated to research activities, section 7406 of the FCEA directs 60 percent toward grants for fundamental (or basic) research and 40 percent toward grants for applied research. Of the AFRI funds allocated to fundamental research, not less than 30 percent will be directed toward research by multidisciplinary teams. It is anticipated that no less than 10 percent of the FY 2011 funds will be made available for Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants, and no more than two percent of the funds available for fundamental research will be made available for Equipment Grants. AFRI funds may be used to support applications submitted to supplementary AFRI RFAs and/or solicitations for multi-agency programs in which AFRI is and will be participating.

NOTE: This RFA is being released prior to the passage of an Appropriations Act for FY 2011. Enactment of additional Continuing Resolutions or an Appropriations Act may affect the overall level of funding for the AFRI program. Therefore, NIFA reserves the right to amend, delete, or alter any programs outlined in this RFA.

In FY 2011, subject to availability of funds, it is anticipated that approximately $78 million will be made available to support the Foundational Program within AFRI.

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.

Eligible Applicants

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Individuals
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

The list above is abbreviated. Others may be eligible to apply. Please refer to Part III, A of the current Foundational Program RFA for eligibility requirements. Applications from ineligible institutions will not be reviewed.

Agency Name

National Institute of Food and Agriculture