3/19/24 Update: This RFA has been modified from the original announcement. Edits are indicated using track changes and red font so the public/potential applicants can identify the changes within the solicitation.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is
accepting applications for the Research Facilities Act Program (RFAP). This
program supports the construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization,
renovation, and/or remodeling of a research facility. Proposals must enhance
the institution’s long-term impact on food and agricultural research and build
on careful strategic planning.

RFAP seeks to strengthen the quality and expand the scope
of fundamental and applied research at eligible institutions by providing them
with opportunities to assist in the construction, alteration, acquisition,
modernization, renovation, and/or remodeling of the facility that supports
their research and research training goals.

A proposal for an agricultural research facility must
meet the following criteria:

(A) Non-Federal share: The proposal shall certify the
availability of at least a 50 percent non-Federal share of the cost of the
facility. The non-Federal share shall be paid in cash and may include funding
from private sources or from units of State or local government.

(B) Nonduplication of facilities: The proposal shall
demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would be complementary to,
and not duplicative of, facilities of colleges, universities, and nonprofit
institutions, and facilities of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), within
the State and region.

(C) National research priorities (see below): The
proposal shall demonstrate how the agricultural research facility would serve:

(i) one or more of the national research policies and
priorities set forth in 7.U.S.C. 3101; and

(ii) national or multistate needs.

(D) Long-term support: The proposal shall demonstrate
that the recipient entity has the ability and commitment to support the
long-term, ongoing operating and maintenance costs of:

(i) the agricultural research facility after the facility
is completed; and

(ii) each program to be based at the facility.

Grant Duration: 24 - 48 Months

Project and Grant Types: All RFAP projects will fall
under the Standard Grant with Facilities Project Type. Applicants must choose
to apply to one of three Project Funding Levels: I, II, or III.

Maximum Award Amount: Level 1–$100,000; Level
II–$175,000; Level III–$250,000

Cost Sharing or Matching: Match Required – Applicants
MUST provide at least 100% matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis
for all Federal funds awarded under the Research Facilities Act Program. The
non-Federal share must be paid in cash and may include funding from private
sources or from units of State or local government. In-kind matching will not
be considered.