Outline
• About our NIFA,
• About its programs,
• About FY 2013 budget,
• About AFRI funding program
• How to Increase funding rate on
your campus
United States
Department
of Agriculture
National Institute of
Food and
Agriculture
NIFA
FUNDING
INVESTING IN SCIENCE | SECURING OUR FUTURE
NIFA
FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
HISTORICALLY BLACK
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
TOM VILSACK
Secretary, USDA
DR. CATHERINE
WOTEKI
DR. SONNY
RAMASWAMY
Under Secretary,
Research, Education,
and Economics (REE)
and USDA Chief
Scientist
Director, NIFA
NIFA INSTITUTES AND CENTER
 Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
NIFA INSTITUTES AND CENTER
 Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
 Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition
NIFA INSTITUTES AND CENTER
 Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
 Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition
 Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment
NIFA INSTITUTES AND CENTER
 Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
 Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition
 Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment
 Institute of Youth, Family, and Community
NIFA INSTITUTES AND CENTER
 Institute of Food Production and Sustainability
 Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition
 Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment
 Institute of Youth, Family, and Community
 Center for International Programs
NIFA ORGANIZATION
Drivers
• National Research Council:
- A New Biology for the 21st
Century, 2009
- Toward Sustainable Agricultural
Systems in the 21st Century, 2010
• Pasteur's Quadrant: Basic Science
and Technological Innovation-Stokes
FRAMEWORK TO ADVANCE SCIENCE:
1. Focus on a societal challenge (New
Biology).
2. Scale work to make a difference through
supporting transdisciplinary work—often
across disciplines and institutions.
3. Focus + Scale = Impact
Focus and scale (combination of
fundamental and applied science) result in
impact on the societal challenge.
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
 Food security
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
 Food security
 Biofuels/bioproducts
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
 Food security
 Biofuels/bioproducts
 Climate resilient agriculture:
o adaptation and
o mitigation
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
 Food security
 Biofuels/bioproducts
 Climate resilient agriculture:
o adaptation and
o mitigation
 Food safety
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES
 Food security
 Biofuels/bioproducts
 Climate resilient agriculture:
o adaptation and
o mitigation
 Food safety
 Nutrition to promote lifelong health
Focus on Societal Challenges—Why?
Climate Change
• Our best science indicates that earth’s climate
systems are changing.
• 95% probability that there will be an increase
of 2-3.5 degrees, as much a 6-10 degrees in
arctic regions.
• Significant changes to historic patterns in our
climate.
• Significant implications for our food, fiber, and
energy supply; sustainable use of our natural
resource base; U.S. security.
Focus on Societal Challenges—Why?
Bioenergy
U.S. addiction to oil undermines U.S.
security and economy.
Congress has called for production of 36
billion gallons of alternative fuels by
2025.
Focus on Societal Challenges—Why?
Reduction in Childhood/Adolescent Obesity
• 18% of teenage population is obese—30%
overweight.
• NIH--first generation of Americans in
history to have a shorter lifespan than
their parents --due to the accumulated
effects of obesity and overweight.
Focus on Societal Challenges—Why?
Food security for a rapidly expanding
worldwide population.
• Within 30 years World population will reach 9 billion.
• In addition to moral/ethical issue, has implications for U.S.
security and peaceful relations among countries.
• Greatest population growth will occur in areas of world
already under food and water availability stress.
• Future causes of war likely to be energy, food, water, and
religion.
Focus on Societal Challenges—Why?
Food Safety
• Often in the headlines.
• ½ of food on American plate comes from
off shore sources.
• Other countries do not have level of
food regulation and inspection that U.S.
does.
NIFA APPROACH
 RESEARCH enables us to develop the
knowledge needed to solve many of the issues
facing our nation
NIFA APPROACH
 RESEARCH enables us to develop the
knowledge needed to solve many of the issues
facing our nation
 EDUCATION strengthens schools and
universities
to train the next generation of scientists,
educators, producers, and citizens
NIFA APPROACH
 RESEARCH enables us to develop the
knowledge needed to solve many of the issues
facing our nation
 EDUCATION strengthens schools and
universities
to train the next generation of scientists,
educators, producers, and citizens
 EXTENSION brings the knowledge gained
through research and education to the people
who need it most—in the United
NIFA APPROACH (CONT’D)
 INTEGRATION brings the three components
of the agricultural knowledge system
(research, education, and extension)
together around a problem area or activity.
Integration occurs when the components
complement one another and are truly
necessary for the ultimate success of the
project or program.
NIFA HAS MORE THAN 30 DIFFERENT
COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING:
 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
($264M)
NIFA HAS MORE THAN 30 DIFFERENT
COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING:
 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
($264M)
 Integrated Research, Education, and Extension
Water Quality Competitive Grants Program
($25M)
NIFA HAS MORE THAN 30 DIFFERENT
COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING:
 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
($264M)
 Integrated Research, Education, and Extension
Water Quality Competitive Grants Program
($25M)
 Specialty Crop Research Initiative ($40M)
NIFA HAS MORE THAN 30 DIFFERENT
COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING:
 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
($264M)
 Integrated Research, Education, and Extension
Water Quality Competitive Grants Program
($25M)
 Specialty Crop Research Initiative ($40M)
 Organic Agriculture Research and Extension
Initiative ($25M)
• Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program
• Risk Management Education Program
• Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
• Biomass Research and Development
• Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development
Program
• Specialty Crop Research Initiative
• Small Business Innovation Research
• Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education
Program
Budget Talk
Want to take just a moment to
talk about the Federal budget,
what is currently happening,
and what is likely for the future.
Consider FY 2013
• Continuing Resolution, first thru
March 27, and now through the end
of the year.
• Sequestration
• Rescissions
• Farm Bill
• The proverbial elephant in the room:
the budget deficit.
Be thankful we're not
getting all the government
we're paying for.
Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)
“Government is like a baby.
An alimentary canal with a
big appetite at one end and
no sense of responsibility at
the other.”
Ronald Reagan
A 2013 Example: Smith-Lever 3(b & c)
(in ‘000s)
• Budget Authority:
$294,000
• After 2.513 % rescission:
$286,612
• After 0.2 % rescission:
$286,039
• After 5.16 % sequestration:
$271,269
• ARE WE DONE YET???
• NO, no, no…
2013 Smith-Lever Example (Cont.)
• So, the 2013 appropriation:
$271,269
• After assessing NIFA indirect: $264,161
• After assessing SBIR:
$264,161
• After assessing BioTech Risk: $264,161
• After peer panel costs:
$264,161
• Payment to the States:
$264,161
So…
• We started with $294,000 and
wound up with $264,161 available
for the States.
• Note that $294,000 is the FY 2012
appropriated amount for this line.
• Note also that this amount is the
President’s request for 2014.
Principles of the 2014
President’s Budget Request
• Get back to the 2012 appropriated
levels
• Consolidate lines
• Large increase for Agriculture and
Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
• Protect minority serving programs
The Federal Budget Deficit
• One of the driving forces in
federal legislation and
government execution today.
• [Disclaimer: I am not an
economist.]
Year
Billions
Pct of GDP
1918
$76
11.86%
1919
$78
16.80%
1942
$162
12.04%
1943
$199
28.05%
1944
$220
22.35%
1945
$223
24.07%
2009
$13,939
10.13%
2010
$14,527
8.90%
2011
$14,959
8.69%
2012
$15,602
8.51%
Closing Thought
• In recognition of no pay raises for
Federal employees for 3 years
running, the Director of NIFA
announced that NIFA employees can
(within reason) now name their own
salary.
I named mine “Hope”
United States
Department
of Agriculture
National Institute of
Food and
Agriculture
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
RESEARCH INITIATIVE (AFRI)
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE
ADVANTAGE
AFRI
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE:
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
INVESTING IN SCIENCE | SECURING OUR FUTURE
NIFA | INVESTING IN SCIENCE | SECURING OUR FUTURE
NIFA
FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
HISTORICALLY BLACK
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
 State agricultural experiment stations
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
 State agricultural experiment
stations
 ALL colleges and universities
(including junior colleges offering
associate degrees or higher)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO GETS AFRI GRANTS?
 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES
80% of applications and 75% of grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO GETS AFRI GRANTS?
 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES
80% of applications and 75% of grants
 NON-LAND GRANT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 5% of grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO GETS AFRI GRANTS?
 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES
80% of applications and 75% of grants
 NON-LAND GRANT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 5% of grants
 PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 7% of grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO GETS AFRI GRANTS?
 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES
80% of applications and 75% of grants
 NON-LAND GRANT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 5% of grants
 PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 7% of grants
 PRIVATE RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS
4% of applications and 4% of grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
WHO GETS AFRI GRANTS?
 LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIES
80% of applications and 75% of grants
 NON-LAND GRANT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 5% of grants
 PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
5% of applications and 7% of grants
 PRIVATE RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS
4% of applications and 4% of grants
 OTHER (FEDERAL, INDUSTRY, INDIVIDUAL)
the balance
NOTE:
FY2010-12
success rates
proportional
to applications
rates
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 Plant health and production and plant products
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 Plant health and production and plant products
 Animal health and production and animal
products
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 Plant health and production and plant products
 Animal health and production and animal
products
 Food safety, nutrition, and health
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 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 AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 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
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAM RFA (EST $70M FY12)
 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
 Agriculture economics and rural communities
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CHALLENGE AREA RFAS (FUNDING LEVELS TBD)
 Childhood obesity prevention
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CHALLENGE AREA RFAS (FUNDING LEVELS TBD)
 Childhood obesity prevention
 Climate change
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CHALLENGE AREA RFAS (FUNDING LEVELS TBD)
 Childhood obesity prevention
 Climate change
 Global food security
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CHALLENGE AREA RFAS (FUNDING LEVELS TBD)
 Childhood obesity prevention
 Climate change
 Global food security
 Food safety
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CHALLENGE AREA RFAS (FUNDING LEVELS TBD)
 Childhood obesity prevention
 Climate change
 Global food security
 Food safety
 Sustainable bioenergy
NOTE:
Challenge Area
RFAs include
Coordinated
Agricultural
Projects (CAPs)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
NIFA FELLOWSHIPS GRANT PROGRAM RFA $6M
 Offer individual fellowships for pre- and
postdoctoral students (NIFA Fellows)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
NIFA FELLOWSHIPS GRANT PROGRAM RFA $6M
 Offer individual fellowships for preand postdoctoral students (NIFA
Fellows)
 Focus on the broad challenge areas
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
NIFA FELLOWSHIPS GRANT PROGRAM RFA $6M
 Offer individual fellowships for pre- and
postdoctoral students (NIFA Fellows)
 Focus on the broad challenge areas
 We just completed the review Process of the
applications
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
LETTERS OF INTENT
 Required for most program areas
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
LETTERS OF INTENT
 Required for most program areas
 Take care to follow guidelines
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
LETTERS OF INTENT
 Required for most program areas
 Take care to follow guidelines
 Applications submitted without a prior
Letter of Intent submission will not be
reviewed
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
ENHANCEMENT (FASE) GRANTS
 Pre-doctoral fellowship grants (new)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
ENHANCEMENT (FASE) GRANTS
 Pre-doctoral fellowship grants (new)
 Postdoctoral fellowship grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
ENHANCEMENT (FASE) GRANTS
 Pre-doctoral fellowship grants (new)
 Postdoctoral fellowship grants
 New investigator grants (restricted
eligibility)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
ENHANCEMENT (FASE) GRANTS
 Pre-doctoral fellowship grants (new)
 Postdoctoral fellowship grants
 New investigator grants (restricted
eligibility)
 Strengthening grants (restricted eligibility)
- sabbatical grants
- equipment grants
- seed grants
- strengthening standard / strengthening CAP grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION
 Programs receive about 100 proposals
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION
 Programs receive about 100 proposals
 About 20 projects will be funded
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION
 Programs receive about 100 proposals
 About 20 projects will be funded
 So my chances of getting funded are
about 20%?
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION
 Programs receive about 100 proposals
 About 20 projects will be funded
 So my chances of getting funded are
about 20%?
 Not so. Your chances are much higher if
you are eligible for the AFRI Food and
Agricultural Science Enhancement
(FASE) Program
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FASE STRENGTHENING AWARDS
 Funded from 7.5% set aside from AFRI
appropriation (7.5 of $264M in FY12 is
more than $19M)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FASE STRENGTHENING AWARDS
 Funded from 7.5% set aside from AFRI
appropriation (7.5 of $264M in FY12 is
more than $19M)
 Eligibility limited to:
o EPSCoR states
o small to mid-sized institutions (<17,500 enrolled with
limited institutional success–not in the top 100)
o Minority Serving Institution
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FASE STRENGTHENING AWARDS
 Funded from 7.5% set aside from AFRI
appropriation (7.5 of $264M in FY12 is more than $19M)
 Eligibility limited to
- EPSCoR states
- small to mid-sized institutions
(<17,500 enrolled with limited institutional success–
not in the top 100)
- Minority Serving Institutions
 Just meet one of these requirements
and you are eligible
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING AWARD TYPES
 Standard Strengthening
- full research grant $300k to $30M
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING AWARD TYPES
 Standard Strengthening
- full research grant $300k to $30M
 Career Enhancement Award
- sabbatical (1 year of salary + travel and
supplies)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING AWARD TYPES
 Standard Strengthening
- full research grant $300k to $30M
 Career Enhancement Award
- sabbatical (1 year of salary + travel and
supplies)
 Seed Grants
- up to $150k
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING AWARD TYPES
 Standard Strengthening
- full research grant $300k to $30M
 Career Enhancement Award
- sabbatical (1 year of salary + travel and
supplies)
 Seed Grants
- up to $150k
 Equipment Grants
- the only AFRI grant type requiring a match
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
EQUIPMENT GRANTS
 Grant limit of $50k
- equipment may cost $10 to $250k
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
EQUIPMENT GRANTS
 Grant limit of $50k
- equipment may cost $10 to $250k
 Match of $1:$1 is required
- non-federal match (please note that this is the
only type of AFRI grant requiring a match)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
EQUIPMENT GRANTS
 Grant limit of $50k
- equipment may cost $10 to $250k
 Match of $1:$1 is required
- non-federal match (please note that this is the
only type of AFRI grant requiring a match)
 An opportunity to double your non-federal
equipment budget
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SEED GRANTS
 Support collection of preliminary data
and develop methods and approaches
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SEED GRANTS
 Support collection of preliminary data
and develop methods and approaches
 Build a stronger foundation for a standard
research proposal
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SEED GRANTS
 Support collection of preliminary data
and develop methods and approaches
 Build a stronger foundation for a standard
research proposal
 Award up to $150k
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARDS
 Also called Sabbatical Awards
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARDS
 Also called Sabbatical Awards
 Include one year of salary plus travel and
supplies ($120k)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARDS
 Also called Sabbatical Awards
 Include one year of salary plus travel and
supplies ($120k)
 Can be structured and phased so that it is
not a year away from your home
university
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARDS
 Also called Sabbatical Awards
 Include one year of salary plus travel and
supplies ($120k)
 Can be structured and phased so that it is
not a year away from your home
university
 Be creative. Acquire new skills. Forge
connections. Expand your horizons.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STANDARD STRENGTHENING
 A regular research or integrated proposal
(includes CAPs)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STANDARD STRENGTHENING
 A regular research or integrated proposal
(includes CAPs)
 Proposal has two chances to be funded:
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STANDARD STRENGTHENING
 A regular research or integrated proposal
(includes CAPs)
 Proposal has two chances to be funded:
- first chance:
if the proposal ranks high enough (top 10-15)
it is funded out of the regular program funds
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STANDARD STRENGTHENING
 A regular research or integrated proposal
(includes CAPs)
 Proposal has two chances to be funded:
- first chance:
if the proposal ranks high enough (top 10-15)
it is funded out of the regular program funds
- second chance:
from strengthening funds (awards made
according to ranking, but of eligible
proposals. First eligible proposal may rank
substantially below 20.)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING ELIGIBILITY
 Now eligible in research and integrated
programs
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING ELIGIBILITY
 Now eligible in research and integrated
programs
 Now eligible every year in research and
integrated programs (not every 5 years as
previously set)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING ELIGIBILITY
 Now eligible in research and integrated
programs
 Now eligible every year in research and
integrated programs (not every 5 years as
previously set)
 Now only the lead project director needs
to be eligible in research and integrated
programs (lead teams that include larger
institutions)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING STRATEGY
 Plan your work to link awards and leverage
grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING STRATEGY
 Plan your work to link awards and leverage
grants
 Evaluate where you are and what you need
o Equipment? (equipment grant)
o Training or a collaborator? (sabbatical award)
o Preliminary data? (seed grant /sabbatical award)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING STRATEGY
 Plan your work to link awards and leverage
grants
 Evaluate where you are and what you need
- Equipment? (equipment grant)
- Training or a collaborator? (sabbatical award)
- Preliminary data? (seed grant /sabbatical
award)
 What is your 3-year-plan?
- equipment > seed > standard or sabbatical >
standard or other
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
STRENGTHENING STRATEGY
 Plan your work to link awards and leverage grants
 Evaluate where you are and what you need
- Equipment? (equipment grant)
- Training or a collaborator? (sabbatical award)
- Preliminary data? (seed grant /sabbatical award)
 What is your 3-year-plan?
- equipment > seed > standard or sabbatical >
standard or other
 How will this fit with your unique institutional
advantages and strengths?
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
 Is the program is asking for only CAP awards?
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
 Is the program is asking for only CAP awards?
 Look closer…for your advantage.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
 Is the program is asking for only CAP awards?
 Look closer…for your advantage.
 All programs will take Strengthening Grant
applications from MSIs
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
 Is the program is asking for only CAP awards?
 Look closer…for your advantage.
 All programs will take Strengthening Grant
applications from MSIs
 Includes Equipment, Seed, Sabbatical,
and Standard Strengthening (including CAP)
grants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
FINDING YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
 Is the program is asking for only CAP awards?
 Look closer…for your advantage.
 All programs will take Strengthening Grant
applications from MSIs
 Includes Equipment, Seed, Sabbatical,
and Standard Strengthening (including CAP) grants
 Contact the national program leader of your program
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
KEYS TO COMPETITIVE SUCCESS
 Understand NIFA’s mission
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
KEYS TO COMPETITIVE SUCCESS
 Understand NIFA’s mission
 Explore the full range of programs
- many options; find your advantage
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
KEYS TO COMPETITIVE SUCCESS
 Understand NIFA’s mission
 Explore the full range of programs
- many options; find your advantage
 Communicate with the national program
leader(s) in your area of interest
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
KEYS TO COMPETITIVE SUCCESS
 Understand NIFA’s mission
 Explore the full range of programs
- many options; find your advantage
 Communicate with the national program
leader(s) in your area of interest
 Participate
- Ad hoc reviewer to panelist
- Grantsmanship workshops
- Applicant to awardee
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION
 Panelists from minority serving institutions (MSI)
are needed
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION
 Panelists from minority serving institutions (MSI)
are needed
 Faculty from all levels
(assistant, associate, and full professor)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION
 Panelists from minority serving institutions (MSI)
are needed
 Faculty from all levels
(assistant, associate, and full professor)
 In 2001 less than 2% from MSI; in 2010 7.6% from
MSI for AFRI panels
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION
 Panelists from minority serving institutions (MSI)
are needed
 Faculty from all levels
(assistant, associate, and full professor)
 In 2001 less than 2% from MSI;
in 2010 7.6% from MSI for AFRI panels
 Contact the national program leader listed
in the RFA if interested in serving
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION: ADMINISTRATOR’S ROLE
 Panel is a large workload. There will be about 15
applications to review. This takes most reviewers
about 40 hours before panel.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION: ADMINISTRATOR’S ROLE
 Panel is a large workload. There will be about 15
applications to review. This takes most reviewers
about 40 hours before panel.
 Administrators must work with faculty to free up
this time (release from teaching or other duties)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
PANEL PARTICIPATION: ADMINISTRATOR’S ROLE
 Panel is a large workload. There will be about 15
applications to review. This takes most reviewers
about 40 hours before panel.
 Administrators must work with faculty to free up
this time (release from teaching or other duties)
 Panels are on a fixed timeline that may conflict
with teaching or other assignments. Administrators
must work with faculty to cover assignments while
faculty member is in D.C. for the week of the panel.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
 Mock peer review panel
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
 Mock peer review panel
 Face-to-face interaction with national program
leaders
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
 Mock peer review panel
 Face-to-face interaction with national program
leaders
 Tips on grant-writing from experts
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
 Mock peer review panel
 Face-to-face interaction with national program
leaders
 Tips on grant-writing from experts
 Travel fellowships for attendees from MSIs
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
 Provide overview of programs to applicants
 Mock peer review panel
 Face-to-face interaction with national program
leaders
 Tips on grant-writing from experts
 Travel fellowships for attendees from MSIs
 Offered in Washington, D.C.
- planning now underway
- dates announced on our website; search “grantsmanship”
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS: YOUR ROLE
 Structured for faculty who will be preparing
applications
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS: YOUR ROLE
 Structured for faculty who will be preparing
applications
 Do your homework–check the website for
programs of interest and the associated NPL(s)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
GRANTSMANSHIP WORKSHOPS: YOUR ROLE
 Structured for faculty who will be preparing
applications
 Do your homework–check the website for
programs of interest and the associated NPL(s)
 Use your time to engage
- introduce yourself to NPLs in your areas of
interest
- offer to serve on a panel (follow up with an email
to the NPL with your 2-page CV)
- network with others from your region who might
team with you in the future on larger applications
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
 Letters of intent may be required before
application submission – check dates in the RFA
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
 Letters of intent may be required before
application submission – check dates in the RFA
 All applications submitted through Grants.gov
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
 Letters of intent may be required before
application submission – check dates in the RFA
 All applications submitted through Grants.gov
 Work with administrative team at your institution
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
 Letters of intent may be required before
application submission – check dates in the RFA
 All applications submitted through Grants.gov
 Work with administrative team at your institution
 Late applications are not accepted
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
 Begin early
 Read the Request for Applications (RFA)
 Letters of intent may be required before application
submission – check dates in the RFA
 All applications submitted through Grants.gov
 Work with administrative team at your institution
 Late applications are not accepted
 Contact NIFA with questions (use contact information
in the RFA – not general information from website)
Even if you're on the right
track, you'll get run over if you
just sit there.
Will Rogers
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
 See the NIFA website for more
information:
www.nifa.usda.gov
Contact Dr. Ali Mohamed, Division
Director, Environmental Systems
202-720-5229
amohamed@nifa.usda.gov
Questions?