U.S.-CHINA SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION EXCHANGE PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2016 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Transcription

1 U.S.-CHINA SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION EXCHANGE PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2016 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Application Deadline: January 30, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST Telephone: (202) Website: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): USDA Funding Opportunity Number: SCEP

2 Table of Contents Summary of Award Opportunity... 3 Section I: Funding Opportunity Description... 4 A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION... Error! Bookmark not defined.4 B. PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOST INSTITUTIONS... 5 Section II: Award Information... 7 A. ESTIMATE OF FUNDS... 8 B. START DATES AND PERFORMANCE PERIODS... Error! Bookmark not defined. C. TYPE OF AWARD... 8 Section III: Eligibility Information... 8 A. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS... 8 B. COST SHARING AND MATCHING REQUIREMENTS... 9 C. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS... 9 Section IV: Application and Submission Information... 9 A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE... 9 B. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION... 9 Host University Administrative Checklist... 9 Budget Worksheet C. SUBMISSION DEADLINES and TIMES D. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS Allowable Costs: Unallowable Costs: E. OTHER SUBMISSSION REQUIREMENTS Section V: Application Review Information 13 Section VI: Award Administration Information A. AWARD NOTICES B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Section VII: Agency Contact

3 USDA Foreign Agricultural Service U.S.-China Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program FY 2016 Request for Training Providers Summary of Award Opportunity USDA s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is seeking to identify U.S. organizations interested in organizing training programs through the U.S.-China Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program (SCEP). The Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program (SCEP) was established in 1978 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under a cooperative agreement with China s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). SCEP supports exchanges of U.S. and Chinese research teams to visit the partner country for up to 13 nights and 14 days in order to transfer knowledge and technology in agriculture. The program s primary objectives are to promote U.S. agricultural priorities, encourage long-term cooperation, create a positive atmosphere for trade, and enhance overall relationships between the U.S. and the People s Republic of China. USDA s Foreign Agricultural Service implements SCEP and facilitates training for Chinese officials working in agricultural trade and policy; agribusiness development; animal, plant, and food sciences; and extension services. Individuals selected for SCEP exchanges come from both the public and private sectors of China. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under AWARD TYPE: Cost Reimbursable Agreement for U.S. universities. DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, January 30, Applications received after this deadline will be considered on a rolling basis. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY: The legislative authority for SCEP may be found in the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 enacted as Title XIV of the Food and Agriculture Act of When selecting a proposal for funding, FAS reserves the right to select the applicable authorization for an award. Available authorizations for this opportunity include: 7 USC 3318(b), 7 USC 3319(a), and 7 USC FAS grants officials will verify that all proposals and budgets comport with the legal requirements of the selected authorization before an award can be made. FAS reviews proposals and project costs to make certain they adhere to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400. Recipients/cooperators (including, universities, non-profits, States, Cities/Counties, Tribes, for-profits, and foreign organizations) are subject to Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations and other legal requirements, including, but not limited to: 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and Central Contractor Registration 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Sub award and Executive Compensation Information 3

4 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons 2 CFR Part 180 and Part 417, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement). A. Program Description: Section I: Funding Opportunity Description The Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program (SCEP) was established in 1978 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under a cooperative agreement with China s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). SCEP supports exchanges of U.S. and Chinese research teams to visit the partner country for up to 13 nights and 14 days in order to transfer knowledge and technology in agriculture. The program s primary objectives are to promote U.S. agricultural priorities, encourage long-term cooperation, create a positive atmosphere for trade, and enhance overall relationships between the U.S. and the People s Republic of China. USDA s Foreign Agricultural Service implements SCEP and facilitates training for Chinese officials working in agricultural trade and policy; agribusiness development; animal, plant, and food sciences; and extension services. Individuals selected for SCEP exchanges come from both the public and private sectors of China. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants. SCEP is seeking U.S. training providers to design and deliver diverse training programs for Chinese agricultural professionals in the following focus area: Variety Protection Patent This program will allow the participants to learn and exchange the latest information on plant variety protection, intellectual property, germplasm and mechanism of seed industry in both public and private research institutions. The program will include visits to government organizations and companies such as the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, seed associations, Monsanto, DuPont, Pioneer and Syngenta, to exchange and discuss in-depth on patent protection system, Intellectual Property Enforcement and Education Program, Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture, results of investment in the development of new technology, and the incentive and means to finance research and development activities. Agricultural Cooperation on Province/State Level between the United States and China This program will allow the participants to understand agricultural cooperation on trade investments and capacity building on the provincial and state levels. The team aims to strengthen cooperation on large scale farms, business model innovation, government support measures, farmer cooperatives operation model, grains processing technology, production equipment, improved agricultural, and animal husbandry varieties. Also the team is looking to meet with representatives of enterprises and science research institutions with focus on getting more support for seeds improvement, technology promotion and scientific management. 4

5 Legislation for Farmland Quality and Improvement in Farmland Quality This program will allow the participants to understand the U.S. farmland protection system, laws and regulations, development of farmland quality protection application process, and the development of quality improvement technology such as soil fertility and soil improvement. There will also be an indepth discussion about the U.S. agriculture sector and macroeconomic impacts of farm and rural development policies. Emphasis will be on the extension programs and how USDA partners with state, tribal, and local government to acquire farmland for conservation interests. Technology Mode of Silage Corn Production and Processing (8 participants) This training should be designed to help fellows understand U.S. silo corn production, quality, and handling. The program should provide methodology for proper techniques to store grain under humid and hot conditions while maintaining the quality. Topics should also cover the production and processing techniques for silage corn and feed used in livestock farm. Training should demonstrate grain and feed procurement, and that Fellows should be exposed to the characteristics of U.S. grains such as corn and corn products and feeds. In addition, the program should include grain reception, drying, cleaning, and storage technologies for corn for milling and feeds. Talent Cultivation System for Agricultural Scientific Innovation This program will allow the participants to learn about the management and resource allocation towards scientific research institutions. The program should focus on the criteria of selecting, hiring, and training scientific specialists, as well as managing a scientific team and administering capacity building training and other supportive programs. In addition, the training should provide the understanding of funded agricultural scientific research centers and institutions at the federal and state levels. This should include the operation and organization of such centers and management of the intellectual property of research institutions. China- U.S. Agricultural enterprise cooperation (8 participants) This training will examine large-scale agro-business companies like Cargill and AMD and how they dominate the world s food system in production, processing, storage, logistics, markets, and how they are involved in the food chain system from farm to fork. The program will focus on how these companies shape government food policy and the roles of government, transnational enterprises, and large-scale farms in fostering economic and social development. The training should also provide the participants the understanding of trading, futures, and pricing of agricultural products. Agricultural Products quality and safety Supervision The program will provide the participants the understanding of the food safety chain of agricultural products. The training should incorporate topics such as the science behind the U.S. food safety system (pesticides, herbicides, packaging, processing) for agricultural products and the roles of Federal and State Government programs in the Inspection of Food. In addition it would be beneficial for the team to understand how science-based systems are in line with international standards. The topics should cover risk monitoring and analysis, information management system relating to packaging, labeling and traceability. Highlighted topics should include Risk Assessment components, impact of food safety 5

6 standards to producers and consumers, inspection of plant products from farm to table, and harmonizing food safety for plant products with international standards. Safe Production Technology of Agricultural Machinery (8 participants) The training will focus on the overview of U.S agricultural farm equipment and the safety standards and precautionary measures of agricultural machinery in order to improve the safety issues in China. The program will include visits to administrative departments, Research & Development institutions, associations, companies, and farms. Additional topics will cover products, operations, and technologies in the international trade and business development sector. Possible machinery includes tractors and other equipment related to planting, fertilizing, haying, harvesting, and mowing. Factors such as the manufacturing companies in the industry, the market size, and farm income based on the utilization of the equipment, economic conditions, weather, and agricultural productivity should also be considered in the training. The team will consist of a six-person Chinese delegation unless otherwise stated, and will include an interpreter. The training program should range between days and cover at least three U.S. cities. Training providers are encouraged to arrange visits to USDA head quarter and/or field offices, state departments of agriculture, universities, research institutions, and, private sector companies. Training programs must be aligned with U.S. agricultural trade policy and shall not encourage direct competition with U.S. exports. The selected training provider is expected to closely coordinate with FAS and will consider specific recommendations from the delegation, USDA, and other applicable government agencies. The selected institution is expected to arrange and pay for all lodging, domestic transportation, health insurance, and per diem. The institution takes full responsibility for the team from the time of the arrival in the U.S. port of entry until their departure back to China. China s Ministry of Agriculture pays for the international travels cost. Institutions must pre-pay expenses and request reimbursement. Requests for cash advances will be considered. Dates The proposed timeframe for training programs is March September Training dates are dependent on (1) seasonal variances and growing seasons. (2) trainer availability, and (3) participant availability. B. Program Responsibilities of Host Institutions: Assignment of a Training Coordinator The host institution will designate a person as the training coordinator responsible for coordinating all administrative and programmatic arrangements. The training coordinator will travel with the Chinese team through the visit. Travel and Transportation The Chinese Team will be responsible for international airfare to and from the United States. They will also be responsible for their visas. 6

7 The host institution will arrange all domestic air and ground transportation of the program. Transportation is required for cultural opportunities. Generally, Chinese Teams begin their program in Washington, D.C. and end the program in San Francisco, CA. However, if the host institution would prefer different start and end locations, alternatives can be discussed with FAS. Meals and Incidentals (M&IE) The host institution will provide each Team Member with meal and living allowances for the duration of stay. Daily M&IE allowance shall be calculated based on current GSA per diem rates. Emergency Health Insurance The host institution must purchase emergency health insurance for each team member for the duration of stay. The Team should not be expected to purchase emergency health insurance and then be reimbursed. The host institution will educate teams as to what is covered under health insurance policy, especially highlighting that pre-existing medical conditions are not covered. The host institution will alert USDA/FAS staff if any health/medical conditions arise during the program. Lodging The host institution will secure hotel lodging for the Team for the duration of the program. All hotel rooms should be single-person occupancy. Cultural Activities 1-2 days of cultural activities should be included in each program (such as sight-seeing of historic landmarks). This gives participants the opportunity to learn about U.S. society and culture. Transportation should be provided for the cultural activities. Communication The designated the training coordinator will initiate contact with FAS as soon as possible. The host institution will keep USDA/FAS informed about any logistical or program planning before and during the training. The host institution will notify USDA/FAS immediately upon Team s physical arrival and departure from the U.S. The host institution will provide USDA/FAS with the point of contacts during the program implementation. This information is required so that the participants can be reached in the event of an emergency. Progress Reports The training coordinator will submit quarterly progress reports to USDA/FAS. A Final Report must be submitted within 30 days of the program completion date. USDA/FAS will provide additional guidance for the Final Report. Reports should include the following: Summary of activities, accomplishments, and any problems encountered or overcome Photographs, when possible 7

8 Completed program Evaluations and Action Plans Progress reports will be submitted on Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR). Invoices cannot be paid if progress reports are past due. Financial Reporting Financial Reporting must be in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements, 2 CFR 215. An itemized invoice must be submitted within 90 days of the program s completion date using the Request for Advance or Reimbursement (SF-270). A detailed breakdown of expenses must be included with SF-270. Payment will not be processed without supporting documentation. A summary of expenses that aligns expense totals to the agreement s budget line items should be included. Costs must be reported in accordance with the regulations that govern the agreement, and must follow the applicable Federal cost principles 2 CFR 220. The institution cannot be reimbursed for costs that are contrary to the specific terms of the agreement or are outside its scope. A Federal Financial Report (SF-425) must be submitted quarterly and within 90 days of the end of the period of performance for the reimbursable agreement. Section II: Award Information USDA intends to award seven SCEP Fellowships under a Request for Expressions of Interest for the following topic of interest. 1. Variety Protection Patent 2. Agricultural Cooperation on Province/State Level between the United States and China 3. Legislation for Farmland Quality and Improvement in Farmland Quality 4. Technology Mode of Silage Corn Production and Processing 5. Talent Cultivation System for Agricultural Scientific Innovation 6. China- U.S. Agricultural Enterprise Cooperation 7. Agricultural Products Quality and Safety Supervision 8. Safe production Technology of Agricultural Machinery A. ESTIMATE OF FUNDS Subject to the availability of funds. B. START DATES The proposed timeframe for training programs is March September, Training dates are dependent on (1) seasonal variances and growing seasons; (2) trainer availability; and (3) participant availability. C. TYPE OF AWARD FAS reserves the right to select the applicable authorization for an award. Available authorizations for this opportunity include: 7 USC 3318(b), 7 USC 3318j, 7 USC 3319a, 7 USC 3291a, and 7 USC

9 Section III: Eligibility Information A. Eligibility Requirements: Proposals may be received from academic institutions such as universities and colleges, including community colleges, accredited in and having a campus located in the United States, acting on behalf of their institutions. U.S. non-profit research organizations, including research laboratories, professional societies, or similar organizations in the United States that are directly associated with education, extension, research, or capacity building activities; private organizations; Federal and State agencies; or consortia led by the eligible organizations listed here are also eligible. A proposal from a consortium of organizations must be submitted as a single proposal with one U.S. organization serving as the lead and all other organizations as team members. The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a U.S. citizen and hold a position at an eligible U.S. institution. Especially encouraged are proposals from smaller academic institutions, as well as Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), in particular American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Asian American, and African American institutions. Also encouraged are proposals from researchers early in their career, extension agents, and women that hold positions at an eligible institution. B. Cost Sharing and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula. This program has no matching requirements. C. Funding Restrictions: This is a cost reimbursable agreement issued under 7 U.S.C. 3319a. Section IV: Application and Submission Information A. Address to Request Application Package This announcement contains all instructions and links to all forms required to complete the application. All applications must be submitted in a single PDF document. The application deadline is January 30, :59 AM EST. No paper or fax submissions will be reviewed. B. Content and Form of Application Submission: Institutions may submit proposals to host more than one group of fellows. Institutions interested in hosting one or more delegation should submit a proposal (up to five pages) following the guidelines below: Complete SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance Indicate the name of the institution applying to host the delegation(s); Provide a detailed program outline, based on the topic covered including possible field visits, meetings, and other activities. List their possible partners from academia, government, or the private sector potentially involved in helping to implement this exchange. Provide a summary of relevant experience and expertise working in this topic. Briefly describe experience hosting short-term international visitor. Complete a proposed budget using Standard Form 424A (Please see attached budget worksheet. Indirect Costs are 10% of total direct costs.) All line items should be described in sufficient detail 9

10 that would enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations; Indicate active DUN, Tax Identification Numbers, or applicable FAS Identification Number. Include all components of the proposal in a single PDF document. Budget Worksheet U.S.-China Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program Program Budget Worksheet Name of Host Institution: Estimated Dates: Training Topic Area: SF 424-A Cost Categories Line Items Rate/ Day # of Persons Days Subtotal Logistical Expenses TRAVEL 1. Local Transportation $0.00 $0.00 TRAVEL/HOUSING 2. Lodging $0.00 $0.00 Glacier Tax 3. Federal Tax (if applicable) $0.00 $0.00 TRAVEL 6. Meals and Incidentals $0.00 $0.00 TRAVEL 8. Airfare - domestic $0.00 $0.00 Subtotal $0.00 Program Expenses TRAVEL 1. Field Tours/Site Visits $0.00 $0.00 TRAVEL 2. Social/Cultural Event $0.00 $0.00 SUPPLIES 3. Training Materials and IT Expenses $0.00 $0.00 Subtotal $0.00 Host Institution Fees PERSONNEL 1. Training Coordinator (Salary) $0.00 $0.00 FRINGE BENEFITS 1.b Training Coordinator (fringe $0.00 $0.00 benefits) PERSONNEL 2. Trainers $0.00 $0.00 Subtotal $0.00 Total Program Costs $0.00 INDIRECT Indirect Costs/Overhead (10%) $0.00 TOTAL REQUEST $

11 C. Submission Deadlines and Times Please submit all proposals in a single PDF to SCEPproposals@fas.usda.gov. Please also include the Standard Form (SF) 424 and Standard Form 424A with all proposals. The application deadline is January 30, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST. Note: The SF-424 and SF- 424A may be found on the grants.gov website. Funding opportunities will be advertised via the NIFA listserv. All proposals must be submitted to the address below with an accompanying SF-424 forms. Proposals not submitted to the below address by the stated deadline will not be accepted. D. Funding Restrictions Allowable Costs: To help in this review, as well as to expedite the award process, budgets must include a narrative detailing all line items. The categories listed below are examples of some of the more common items found in project budgets. All items should be described in sufficient detail that would enable FAS to determine that the costs are reasonable and allowable for the project per federal regulations. 1. Salaries and Fringe Benefits: Requested funds may be allocated toward salaries, fringe benefits, or the combination thereof. Only individuals that hold positions at eligible U.S. institutions should be listed in this category. 2. Travel: For domestic travel, provide the purpose of the travel and information used in calculating the estimated cost, such as the destination, number of travelers, and estimated cost per trip. There are several restrictions associated with traveling on federal funds. In most cases, airfare must be purchased in economy class from a U.S. carrier. Travelers must also adhere to federally mandated domestic per diem guidelines. Additional information may be found in the circulars listed in the Legislative Authority section of this announcement. 3. Supplies: All personal property excluding equipment, intangible property, and debt instruments as defined in this section. 4. Other Direct Costs: Other Direct Costs are those anticipated charges not included in other budget categories, including materials and supplies, lab fees, publication costs, reasonable consultant fees, computer services, subawards (the level of detail required for the sub-award budget is the same as the recipient organization), equipment rental, facility rental, conferences and meetings, speaker fees, honorariums. 5. Indirect Costs: Indirect Costs may not exceed 10% of direct costs. Unallowable Costs: General purpose equipment (no particular scientific, technical, or programmatic purpose) and scientific equipment exceeding $5,000 or more; entertainment; capital improvements; thank you gifts, and other expenses not directly related to the project are not allowed. 11

12 E. Other Submission Requirements All applications must be submitted electronically as indicated above. Section V: Application Review Information All proposals are carefully reviewed by USDA/FAS Program Officers and other USDA staff against the criteria listed below, including others who are experts in a particular field, as appropriate. A. Review Criteria All proposals are carefully reviewed by USDA/FAS Program Officers and other FAS staff against the objectives of each focus area (listed in Section I), including others who are experts in a particular field, as appropriate. Section VI: Award Administration Information B. Award Notices Applicants should expect to be contacted by program staff for clarification and additional discussion on any budget related issues before final determination of successful applicants. Any notification by the program office regarding the selection of an institution is not an authorization to begin performance. No pre-award costs can be charged. The notice of award signed by the Deputy Administrator of USDA/FAS/OCBD is the authorizing document. This document will be sent by electronic mail to the university. Both parties must sign this document before the agreement is in force. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the status of their application by . C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Certifications regarding debarment Suspension, Drug Free Workplace, Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status, and other national administrative assurances and policies are required. The cooperator must adhere to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400. D. Reporting Requirements: PIs are required to ensure submission of all quarterly progress reports, a final progress report, and the program participants evaluation surveys provided by FAS. Final financial reporting will utilize SF-425. Invoices should be submitted by SF-270 as detailed in Section 1B under Financial Reporting in this REI. Section VII: Agency Contact Potential applicants can direct their questions or request help with problems before the deadline for submission of the application for these funding opportunities via the contact information below: DAVID WHITE TEL. (202) DAVID.WHITE@FAS.USDA.GOV FRANCISCO DEL POZO TEL. (202) FRANCISCO.DELPOZO@FAS.USDA.GOV 12