HomeMy WebLinkAbout169-20 RESOLUTION113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
Resolution: 169-20
File Number: 2020-0473
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY COMPOST AND
FOOD WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLICATION FOR A MATCHING GRANT FROM
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY COMPOST AND
FOOD WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,000.00
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture recently launched a new grant opportunity
for community compost and food waste reduction projects; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the City of Fayetteville began a commercial food waste composting pilot project
and has continued to expand the program since that time; and
WHEREAS, the USDA grant would be used to create a mobile food waste trailer that would be used
at the Fayetteville Farmers Market and other area events; and
WHEREAS, required matching funds for the grant from the City of Fayetteville in an amount up to
$22,500.00 are proposed to come from the Recycling & Trash Collection promotional activities
budget,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby authorizes an application
for a matching United States Department of Agriculture grant in an amount up to $90,000.00 for the
creation of a mobile food waste trailer for use at the Fayetteville Farmers Market and other events.
Page 1 Printed on 0✓17120
Resolution. 169-20
File Number 2020-0473
PASSED and APPROVED on 6/16/2020
Attest:
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Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer ; ; FgYE7*�EV144 : X:
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Page 2 Printed on 6117120
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street
a Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
1 Text File
File Number: 2020-0473
Agenda Date: 6/16/2020 Version: 1 Status: Passed
In Control: City Council Meetinq File Type: Resolution
Agenda Number: A 8
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY COMPOST AND FOOD
WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM:
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLICATION FOR A MATCHING GRANT FROM THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY COMPOST AND FOOD
WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,000.00
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture recently launched a new grant opportunity for
community compost and food waste reduction projects; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the City of Fayetteville began a commercial food waste composting pilot project and has
continued to expand the program since that time; and
WHEREAS, the USDA grant would be used to create a mobile food waste trailer that would be used at the
Fayetteville Farmers Market and other area events; and
WHEREAS, required matching funds for the grant from the City of Fayetteville in an amount up to $22.500.00
are proposed to come from the Recycling & Trash Collection promotional activities budget,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby authorizes an application for a
matching United States Department of Agriculture grant in an amount up to $90,000.00 for the creation of a
mobile food waste trailer for use at the Fayetteville Farmers Market and other events.
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 1 Printed on E11712020
Agenda Session Walk On 6/9/20
City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form
2020-0473
Legistar File ID
6/16/2020
City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only
N/A for Non -Agenda Item
Peter Nierengarten 6/8/2020 SUSTAINABILITY/RESILIENCE (631)
Submitted By Submitted Date Division / Department
Action Recommendation:
Approval to submit a USDA Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Grant application for up to
$90,000 (City match portion up to $22,500)
5500.750.5060-5342.00
Account Number
Project Number
Budgeted Item? Yes
Does item have a cost? Yes
Budget Adjustment Attached? No
Purchase Order Number:
Change Order Number:
Original Contract Number:
Comments:
Budget Impact:
Recycling and Trash Collection
Fund
Promotional Activities
Current Budget
Funds Obligated
Current Balance
Item Cost
Budget Adjustment
Remaining Budget
Project Title
$ 121,367.00
r$ 121,367.00
$ 22,500.00
$ 98,867.00
V20180321
Previous Ordinance or Resolution t
Approval Date:
CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE
ARKANSAS
MEETING OF JUNE 16, 2020
TO: Mayor and City Council
THRU: Susan Norton, Chief of Staff
FROM: Peter Nierengarten, Environmental Director
DATE: June 8, 2020
CITY COUNCIL MEMO
SUBJECT: Approval to submit a USDA Community Compost and Food Waste
Reduction Grant application for up to $90,000 (City match portion up to
$22,600)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to submit a USDA Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
Grant application for up to $90,000 (City match portion up to $22,500). This item is
recommended as a walk-on for the June 161h City Council meeting due to the short timeline
between the grant informational call on June 41h and the grant submission deadline on
June 261h. This short timeline did not allow staff to meet the legistar submission deadline for the
June 161h City Council meeting and the next City Council Meeting is not until July 7`h, which is
after the great submission deadline.
BACKGROUND:
Approximately 30% of the waste generated in the City of Fayetteville is organic matter, including
food waste, yard waste, and biodegradable paper. While organics make up nearly a 1/3 of the
total waste stream in Fayetteville, they also represent a great opportunity for waste diversion
since organic matter can be turned into valuable products including compost and mulch.
In January 2016, the City began a four -month commercial food waste composting pilot project
utilizing the Modified Static Aerobic Pile (MSAP) composting method as part of the City's Solid
Waste Diversion and Recycling Master Plan. Results from that pilot were submitted to the
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) as part of an organics compost permit
modification application later that year. ADEQ granted the City's request for a permit
modification from a Type Y (yard waste only) to a type O (organics - yard waste and food waste)
in early 2017. Later that year, the City began greatly expanding the commercial food waste
composting program with additional businesses, public schools and the University of Arkansas.
Currently the City has 32 commercial food waste compost customers.
Commercial food waste is mixed with yard waste at the City's Compost Facility on Armstrong
Rd. to generate a nutrient rich compost product that is sold to residents and businesses. The
City also sells another yard waste only compost and mulch at the Armstrong Rd. facility.
Mailing Address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
In January 2020 the City began offering two residential drop-off locations for food waste
compost one at the Marion Orton Recycling Center and the other at the Armstrong Rd. compost
facility. In April 2020, as part of the Covid-19 pandemic response the City added a third
residential food waste drop-off location at the Happy Hollow Recycling Center and launched
home delivery of finished commercial food waste compost to residents. This compost delivery
program has been very popular, providing over 110 deliveries in the first two months. The
Recycling and Trash Collections Division has been experiencing shortages of finished compost
due to high demand during the on -going pandemic.
DISCUSSION:
The USDA recently launched a new grant opportunity for community compost and food waste
reduction for projects that:
• Anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits;
• Incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including
community gardeners;
• Integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts; and
• Collaborates with multiple partners.
Staff is working on a grant application to create a mobile food waste trailer for use with a bucket
exchange program at the Fayetteville Farmers Market and other events. The trailer would be
outfitted with interactive education about composting. This would add an additional drop off site
where residents/farmers could bring their food waste, which will help increase feedstock into our
compost program. Additionally, the grant would be used to fund a part time environmental
educator to staff the trailer at events.
BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT:
The City's required matching funds (up to $22,500) for this project are proposed to come from
Recycling & Trash Collection Promotional Activities Budget.
Attachments:
Food Waste Compost Graphic
USDA Notice of Opportunity: Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project Grant
lot
Fruit's
Food -soiled paper: paper
bags. paper towels, paper
{ napkins. waxed cardboard
boxes
Coffee grinds &
tea with filters Eggs & egg
shells ;
Vegetables
Consumable
liquids
.........................................
t
Bread, dough.
bakery items,
pasta, grains
Dairy: milk,
cheese. yogurt
lug
Cooked meats
& fish: shells,
bones. wooden
skewers, wooden
cocktail sticks
Processed Foods:
pizza. cereal, chips,
crackers. cooked
meats, plate scraps
Please contact the City of Fayetteville Recycling and Trash Collection Division at
479.575.8398 or recyclingandtrash(�Pfayetteville-ar.gov to learn more.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO)
SUMMARY INFORMATION
Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture — Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Funding Opportunity Title: Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR)
Project
Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CCFWR-20-NOF00001018
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number (also known as Assistance
Listing): 10.935
Funding Opportunity Announcement Summary:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
is soliciting applications under the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
(OUAIP) from local governments to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
(CCFWR) pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The anticipated amount available for CCFWR
in FY 2020 is approximately $900,000.
This announcement provides information regarding the eligibility criteria for projects and
applicants, and the application forms and instructions needed to apply for the CCFWR
cooperative agreement.
Applications will be accepted from eligible entities in any of the 50 States, the District of
Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands
Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
Key Dates
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 26, 2020 through Grants.gov
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding.
A webinar will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2020, 2:00 - 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time to
provide an overview of the CCFWR program purpose, project types, eligibility, and basic
requirements for the submission of an application.
Event: Urban Cooperative Agreement Food Waste Reduction and Composting Webinar
When: Thursday 4 June 2020, 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada) (Please note that Daylight Saving
Time (+01:00 hr) is in effect during this time)
Page 1 of 17
To register now, please visit the following link:
https:Husdanres.adobeconnect.com/ezwshv ub5 ti8/event/registration.htm l
To know more about the event, please visit our website:
https:Husdanres.adobeconnect.com/ezwshvub5ti8/event/event_info.html
Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts
Approximately $900,000 will be available to fund applications under this solicitation. In FY
2020, NRCS' CCFWR intends to solicit applications and fund pilot projects in no fewer than 10
states. The primary goal of CCFWR is to assist local governments with projects that develop and
test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction
plans.
The funding floor for this opportunity is $45,000, and the funding ceiling is $90,000. The
funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per
agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal
share per agreement awarded.
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. Legislative Authority
The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are under section 12302
of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334), (7 USC 6923).
2. Purpose and Priorities
The CCFWR Project is administered by NRCS' OUAIP. The mission of the office is
to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices,
including community composting and food waste reduction.
CCFWR specifically provides assistance through a cooperative agreement to
municipalities, counties, local governments, or city planners to develop and test
strategies for planning and implementation that will 1) generate compost; 2) increase
access to compost for agricultural producers; 3) reduce reliance on, and limit the use
of, fertilizer; 4) improve soil quality; 5) encourage waste management and
permaculture business development; 6) increase rainwater absorption; 7) reduce
municipal food waste; and 8) divert food waste from landfills.
Page 2 of 17
NRCS will enter into cooperative agreements with local or municipal governments in
no fewer than 10 states.
3. Project Type Descriptions
Only CCFWR Project cooperative agreement proposals will be accepted. No single
cooperative agreement proposal award will exceed $90,000.
Priority will be given to an application for a CCFWR pilot project that:
• Anticipates or demonstrates economic benefits;
• Incorporates plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers.
including community gardeners;
• Integrates other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts; and
• Collaborates with multiple partners.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
1. Estimated Funding
The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this
opportunity is approximately $900,000.
2. Start Dates and Performance Periods
NRCS expects applicants to complete their projects within the required
timeframe. Projects should be 2 years in duration. Applicants should plan their
projects based on a project start date of September 15, 2020, and completion date
of September 30, 2022.
3. Type of Federal Award
NRCS plans to award cooperative agreement(s) pursuant to this opportunity.
The agency and its Federal partners will be substantially involved in the work
performed under the agreement and will undertake activities such as the
following:
NRCS will connect pilot projects with other USDA agencies such as, and not
limited to, the Economic Research Service (ERS), National Institute of Food
and Agriculture (NIFA), the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), and
Federal partners like the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to collaborate on project activities and outcomes that contribute to the
U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 goal.
Page 3 of 17
NRCS will coordinate and convene the CCFWR pilot project team(s) and
other Federal government, regional, institution, state, and local experts to
share information and strategies related to CCFWR with the goal of
enhancing the locally driven process to better address nationally and
regionally important composting and food waste reduction goals that
transcend localities.
• Further, NRCS will gather the methods, results, and benefits derived from the
project to evaluate and disseminate different solutions for increasing access to
compost and reducing municipal food waste across the United States.
4. Number of Awards
The agency expects to make no more than 20 awards.
5. Procurement Contracts
The agency does not expect to award procurement contracts associated with this
opportunity.
6. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications
This is a new program in FY 2020, therefore all applications must be submitted as
"new."
Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible
to compete with applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal
means an application submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the
objectives and requirements of this NFO. An application for supplementation of
an existing project means an application to add components to an existing
agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NFO.
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application
deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant "type" is determined by
the implementing program statute. Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov
Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving
Federal contracts and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be
considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under
this Federal program (2 CFR 200.205(d)).
Page 4 of 17
Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity "types":
Local governments are defined as any unit of government within a state,
including a county; borough; municipality; city; town; township; parish; local
public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States
Housing Act of 1937 (50 Stat. 888) (P.L. 75-412); special district; school
district; intrastate district; council of governments, whether or not
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and any other agency
or instrumentality of a multi -state, regional, or intra-state or local government.
Refer to section D of this opportunity announcement for required documentation
supporting eligibility status.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This opportunity requires applicants to match 25 percent of total project costs.
Applications that do not include matching will be ineligible for an award.
Matching may be achieved with contributions of cash, supplies, services, third
party in -kind contributions, or a combination of both from sources other than
funds provided through the grant. There is no competitive advantage for an
applicant to provide a match that exceeds the required amount. If the project is
selected for funding, any exceeding amount will be considered voluntary and
must be documented and secured at the time of the award. Refer to section D.,
Item e., Bullet ii., of this opportunity for required letters and other documentation
related to the match requirement.
Additional details about matching funds/contributions is located at 2 CFR
200.306. Applicants cannot use program income (as defined in 2 CFR 200.80) or
any other Federal funds as a match.
3. Other
Applicants are required to collaborate on the pilot project with multiple partners,
such as public or private, nonprofit or for -profit entities, academic institutions
(including minority -serving colleges and universities), and/or other appropriate
professionals, community -based organizations, and local government entities.
Only the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements. Refer to section D, Item
g., of this opportunity for required letters related to the collaborator requirement.
Any individual award made pursuant to this opportunity will be made to a single
entity. Applicants that apply as "partnerships" or other similar groupings must
clearly describe the relationship between the applicant and the "partner" parties.
In all but exceptional cases, it must be reflected in the award as an
awardee/subawardee relationship.
Page 5 of 17
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
For technical issues with Grants.gov, please contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-
800-518-4726 or supportga rg ants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants
regarding Grants.gov accounts.
1. Address to Request Application Package
All standard forms and instructions necessary for this opportunity announcement
are included in the Grants.gov opportunity.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain:
a. Project Summary/Abstract
Present a statement of need or assessment of the problem. Define the target
audience and end users of this project. Define the composting and food waste
reduction goals in your area. Describe how this project will initiate or build
upon or expand related work or programs. The summary should also include
the relevance of the project to the purpose and priorities of CCFWR defined in
A.2.
b. Proposal
The pilot project proposal must include the below headings followed by a
narrative that includes a response for each of the points noted below.
• Introduction.
Describe the applicant organization in terms of its location and
demographics. Describe past and current involvement with developing
and testing strategies for planning and implementing municipal
compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Present a statement of
need or assessment of the problem in your region of the United States.
Describe your approach to solving existing problems and concerns
related to increasing community compost and reducing food waste.
• Objectives and Procedures.
Discuss planned procedures and activities for achieving project goals
and providing project deliverables. Describe your plans to make
compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including
community gardeners. Describe food waste strategies, methods and
plans including food recovery efforts to be utilized. For each task
Page 6 of 17
identify key personnel involved, and timelines for achieving
milestones.
• Collaborators.
List partner institutions and contact names, addresses, phone numbers,
and e-mail addresses (if applicable). Explain why the applicant and its
partners selected the activities proposed in the application. Include
how your project will impact any existing food waste recovery and
disposal by commercial, marketing, or business relationships in your
area.
• Evaluation.
Provide a plan for evaluating accomplishments and outcomes,
matching to project deliverables. Include a timeline of activities with
milestones and verifiable indicators to demonstrate how progress will
be measured and achieved. Include any anticipated or demonstrated
economic benefits. Discuss if strategies to better address composting
and food waste reduction goals have the potential to be replicated.
• Self-Sustainability.
Describe which aspects or components of the project will continue
beyond the end of the project period. Discuss how a one-time infusion
of Federal funds will be sufficient for the proposed pilot project to
advance CCFWR goals and achieve sustainability. Projects should
identify actual or potential funding sources for continuation of the
project after Federal funding has ended.
c. The text of the proposal must be single spaced and typed in New Times
Roman, no smaller than 12-point font and must not exceed 15 pages. The
proposal shall not exceed 10 pages of written text, and up to 5 additional
pages for figures and tables. We have established this maximum (15 pages) to
ensure fair and equitable competition. Letters documenting collaboration or
match are not included in the 15-page limit.
Proposals that fail to comply with the required content and format will not be
considered for funding. Material exceeding stated page limits and/or
formatting structure will not be considered. Incomplete and/or
noncompliant proposals will not be considered.
d. Application Form: (Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance)
See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the Related Documents tab
of this opportunity on Grants.gov.
Page 7 of 17
e. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non -Construction
Programs. Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1
should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant's
matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project and should
include the full project totals on pages one and two. See Instructions for
Completing SF 424A located in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity
on Grants.gov.
f. Budget Narrative. In a separate narrative titled "Budget Narrative", explain
and justify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the totals on the SF-
424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and
the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-
line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly
charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal
cost principles requires the agency's approval and estimate its cost. See
Instructions for Completing Budget Narrative located in the Related
Documents tab of this opportunity on Grants.gov.
As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200,
Subpart F Audit Requirements, all U.S. states, local governments,
federally -recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit
organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award
funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year
through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data Entry
System.
ii. Matching/Cost Share must be committed or secured at the time of
application submission. Applications must include written
documentation showing the amounts and sources of match (including
both cash and in -kind contributions). Signed letters verifying matching
funds for each cash and/or in -kind resource is required. For third -party
contributions, a separate letter of support is required for each
contribution, signed by the authorized organizational representative of
the contributing organization and the applicant organization, which
must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the
contributor, (2) the name of the applicant organization, (3) the title of
the project for which the contribution is made, (4) the dollar amount of
the contribution, and (5) a statement that the contributor will pay the
contribution no later than the end of the award period. The agency may
conduct reference checks to ensure that organizations identified are
supportive and involved with the project. Letters documenting match
are not included in the 15-page limit.
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iii. All applicants are hereby notified of the following:
• Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited
from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. (Accepting the
10% de minimis rate as a condition of award constitutes
establishing an approved rate.)
• Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period
renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable
under the award.
• Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs
to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by
legislation.
g. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Required if applicant
is requesting indirect costs. See Part D.6.. The NICRA must be in PDF format
and attached to the Grants.gov application package. Indirect costs may not be
recovered under an expired NICRA as described in Part D.6.a. See Part D.6.
for use of the De Minimis rate.
h. Collaborator Letter(s). Documentation verifying support from collaborators
is required, such documentation may include a separate letter of support for
each partner that is signed by the authorized representative of the
organization, including: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the
collaborator, (2) the name of the applicant organization, (3) the title of the
project for which the collaborator will participate, and (4) a statement
verifying the role of the collaborator during the project period. The agency
may conduct reference checks to ensure that organization(s) identified are
supportive and involved with the project. Letters documenting collaboration
are not included in the 15-page limit.
i. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. Under Title 31 of the
United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any
Federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing
appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement
award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying
is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of
any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of
an application also represents the applicant's certification of the statements in
2 CFR Part 418, Appendix A -Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your
organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non -
appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this application AND the
Federal share exceeds $100,000, you must also complete and submit the SF
LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities located at 2 CFR 418, Appendix B.
See 2 CFR, Subpart 418.110 for more information on when additional
submission of this form is required.
Page 9 of 17
j. Post Award Documentation. None required.
3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those
requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the
Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be
registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique
entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number) in its
application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current
information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The
agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and,
if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
agency is ready to make an award, it may determine that the applicant is not
qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for
making a Federal award to another applicant.
Entities must obtain a DUNS and register in SAM prior to registering with
Grants.gov. A description of each is below. Entities are strongly encouraged to
apply early for their DUNS number and SAM registration.
Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: A Dun and
Bradstreet DUNS number is a unique, nine -digit sequence recognized as
the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million
businesses worldwide. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number.
Information on how to obtain a DUNS number can be found at
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-866-705-5711.
System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is the official
Federal system that consolidated the capabilities of Central Contractor
Registry, Federal Agency Registration, Online Representations and
Certifications Application, and Excluded Parties List System. To register,
go to: https://www.sam.gov. The Federal Service Desk is available for
registration assistance and can be contacted via the Help tab at the website
listed above.
Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding DUNS or SAM issues.
4. Submission Dates and Times
Applicants must submit applications via Grants.gov. Applications must be
received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 26, 2020. Late submissions will not
be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and
time receipt documentation to determine whether applications meet the
Page 10 of 17
submission deadline. Grants.gov provides and automatic acknowledgement when
applications are received.
5. Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
"Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
6. Funding Restrictions
Funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise
permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized Departmental Officer
in advance of incurring such costs:
• Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project:
• Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant;
• Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and amendments
thereto;
• Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project
objectives;
• Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of
project activities;
• Meals for business, meals when individuals decide to go to lunch or dinner
together when no need exists for continuity of a meeting. Such activity is
considered an entertainment cost;
• Alcoholic beverages, regardless of their apparent relationship to project
objectives;
• Contributions or donations, including cash, property, and services, from the
recipient to other entities;
• Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of
project activities;
• Fines, penalties, damages and other settlements resulting from violations of,
alleged violations of, or failure to comply with, Federal, state, tribal, local or
foreign laws and regulations;
• Fundraising for organized fundraising, including financial campaigns,
solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar expenses incurred to raise capital
or obtain contributions, regardless of the purpose for which the funds will be
used;
• Goods or Services for Personal Use of the recipient's employees regardless of
whether the cost is reported as taxable income to the employees;
• Political Activities for development or participation in political activities in
accordance with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-
7326);
• Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during official duty
hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional
compensation to the employee; and
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• Management fees and profit.
This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of particular items
of cost should be directed to the administrative contact person listed in this
opportunity announcement.
Indirect costs limitations:
a. To be eligible to recover any indirect cost under a Federal award, recipients
must either l) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA)
with a Federal agency that has not expired; or 2) qualify for use of the de
minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f). In order to qualify for the de
minimis rate, the recipient must have never had a NICRA. A State, local, or
tribal governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35
million in direct Federal funding is not eligible for the de minimis rate.
b. Applicants which have a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs using
the rate and base specified in their NICRA. A recipient may voluntarily
reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not
be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency. Unrecovered
indirect costs may not be applied as part of cost share/match. Unrecovered
indirect costs means the difference between the amount charged to the Federal
award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award
under the recipient's approved negotiated indirect cost rate (2 CFR
200.306(c)). A copy of the applicant's current NICRA must be provided with
the application. Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA.
c. Entities that are eligible for the de minimis rate who already have a de
minimis rate agreement must use the rate and base specified in the agreement,
which is modified total direct costs (MTDC) as defined by 2 CFR 200.68 and
also excluding the amount of each subaward exceeding $25,000. Note that
MTDC excludes certain costs from the base to which the rate is applied. A
copy of the applicant's de minimis rate agreement must be provided with the
application. If a recipient is eligible to use the de minimis rate, but does not
have a de minimis rate agreement, use an indirect cost rate of no more than
10% of MTDC when preparing the budget. If selected for award, a de minimis
rate agreement will be executed along with the award.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Merit/Technical Criteria
A. Review and Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated in a 2-part process. First, each application will be
screened to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this
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NFO. Second, applications that meet these requirements will be technically
evaluated by a review panel. Appropriate members ofNRCS and other USDA
agencies will review all applications submitted, and where necessary, also may seek
the opinions of others who are qualified to render expert advice in the area to be
supported. Risk reviews will be conducted by the FPAC Business Center, Grants and
Agreements Division. After reviews have been completed, pilot projects
recommended for funding will be submitted to the approving official. The approving
official will make the final award decisions. The approving official for this
opportunity is the Chief of NRCS.
B. Evaluation Criteria
The weights and evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications
submitted in response to this NFO:
1) Consistency with the CCFWR's purpose and priorities presented herein (20%);
2) Potential for significant positive impact on existing food waste recovery and
disposal by commercial, marketing, or business relationships (20%);
3) Quality of the plan presented to integrate innovative food waste strategies and
methods such as food recovery and ability to make compost easily accessible to
agricultural producers, including community gardeners (20%);
4) Anticipated or demonstrated economic efficiency of the project, which includes
evaluating the amount of Federal funds requested and the cost-effectiveness of the
budget (including analysis of such items as the rental of equipment, vehicles,
land, and building space during the length of the cooperative agreement instead of
purchase thereof) in relation to the expected measurable outcomes and project
impact (20%); and
5) Quality of the plan for collaborating with multiple partners, including public or
private entities, nonprofit or for -profit entities, academic institutions (including
minority -serving colleges and universities), and/or other appropriate
professionals, community -based organizations, and local government entities to
achieve project objectives and outcomes (20%).
2. Risk Criteria
The awarding agency will check SAM to ensure the applicant is not suspended or
debarred, which would preclude receiving an award. In addition, prior to making
a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition
threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and consider any information about
the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible
through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System,
FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and 2 CFR 200.205(a)).
To further comply with the requirements at 2 CFR 200.205, the agency has
established the following risk review process and related standards that an
applicant must meet to be considered for award:
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a. Financial Stability. The applicant certifies that it maintains adequate financial
resources or cash flow to meet its financial obligations on a routine basis and
successfully complete any agreement it may be awarded.
b. Quality of Management Systems and Ability to meet Management Standards
prescribed in 2 CFR Part 200. The applicant certifies it has a financial
management system adequate to segregate and track Federal funds. It further
certifies is has adequate systems in place for proper agreement administration;
compliance with the standards outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Section D for
procurement, property, and records management; and required financial and
performance reporting.
c. History of Performance. If the applicant has previously obtained Federal
financial assistance award, it certifies that it has never failed to materially
comply with the Federal award terms and conditions and further that it has
never had an award terminated on that basis.
Submission of an application constitutes certification that an applicant meets these
standards.
3. Awards Over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold
Notice to applicants:
a. Prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the
simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and
consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity
and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee
Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and
2 CFR 200.205(a));
b. An applicant may review information in FAPIIS accessible through SAM and
comment on any information about it that a Federal awarding agency
previously entered;
c. The agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the
other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in
making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record
of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk
posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.205, Federal awarding agency
review of risk posed by applicants.
4. Anticipated Selection Announcement and Federal Award Dates
The agency anticipates announcing or notifying successful and unsuccessful
applicants by August 31, 2020 and expects to have Federal awards in place by
September 30, 2020.
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F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices
The agency will provide notice that an application has been selected before it
makes the Federal award. As such, the selection notification is not an
authorization to begin performance. Any pre -award costs incurred by the awardee
will not be reimbursed. The Notice of Grant and Agreement Award (ADS-093)
signed by the authorized agency representative is the only authorizing document
and will be provided electronically to the entity's authorized representative for
signature.
Both successful and unsuccessful applicants with be notified of the award
decision via letter.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All project funds will be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and the General
Terms and Conditions; a copy of the General Terms and Conditions may be
obtained by contacting the Federal Awarding Agency Contacts listed in this
opportunity announcement.
3. Reporting
Reporting will follow the guidelines included in the General Terms and
Conditions but will generally include electronic submission of semiannual
progress reports, quarterly financial status reports, and final reports.
Applicants that receive awards pursuant to this opportunity and any sub awardees
must comply with the reporting requirements described at 2 CFR Part 170, unless
an exception applies. Applicants must ensure they have the necessary processes
and systems in place to comply with those requirements. A list of exceptions can
be found at 2 CFR 170.110(b).
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Administrative Contact
Name: Michele Devaney
Grants Management Specialist
FPAC Business Center
Email: Michele.Devaneygusda.gov
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Program Contact
Name: Annie Ceccarini
USDA Awarding Agency
Email: Annie.Ceccarini@usda.g_ov
H. OTHER INFORMATION
1. Stakeholder Input
NRCS welcomes your comments about this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO).
We will consider the comments in developing the next NFO. Email written
stakeholder comments within 90 days of the announcement of the publication date of
this NFO to: urbanagriculturegusda.gov (This e-mail address is intended only for
receiving comments regarding this NFO and not requesting proposals or forms.) In
your comments, please include the following words on the subject line of your email
"Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Project" and indicate in the body
of your message that you are providing comments on the NRCS, Notice of Funding
Opportunity.
2. Questions
Questions regarding this opportunity must be submitted to the Administrative Contact
identified above via email with the Opportunity Number in the subject line.
Questions must be submitted by June 05, 2020. A questions and answers document
addressing all questions will be posted to the Related Documents tab of this
opportunity in Grants.gov by June 11, 2020.
3. Technical Issues
For technical issues with Grants.gov, please contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at
1-800-518-4726 or support& rg_ants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support
applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.
4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Applications are considered confidential information. Applications are not shared
with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically,
Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A requires
the awarding agency to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested
copies of their business information and requires the awarding agency to consult with
applicants regarding the releasing their records.
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5. Government Obligation
The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of
this opportunity. Only authorized Federal officials can bind the Federal Government
to the expenditure of funds.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Non -Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity
(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status,
family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs,
or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted
or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should
contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and
TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda. ov/filing_pro r� am-
discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call
(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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