graduate student 2022 call for proposal
TRANSCRIPT
GraduateStudentProgram • February22th,2022–Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST.
• April2022–ATechnicalReviewPanelreviewsandrecommendsproposalsforfunding.
• July2022–WesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilmakesfinalselections.
• September2022–Contractsforselectedprojectswillbeinitiated.
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TheWesternSustainableAgricultureResearchandEducation(SARE)programannouncesa CallforProposalsforGraduate StudentGrantsinSustainableAgriculturefor2022.Fundedprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandoutreachcomponentsonasustainableagriculturetopic.Outreach activitiesmayinclude on-farm/ranchdemonstrations, farmer-to-farmer educationalactivities,andother approaches toassistproduceradoptionofsustainableagriculturalpractices.Thegoalofthisprogramisto achieveresultsthatcanbecommunicatedtoproducersand agriculturalprofessionals;sustainandimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandnaturalresourcebaseonwhichagriculturedepends;improvetheprofitabilityoffarmers/ranchersandassociatedagriculturalbusinesses;andenhancethequalityoflifeforfarmers/ranchersinlocalcommunities. TheSAREgrantprogrammissionistosupportinnovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifeinAmericanagriculturebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.Toachievethat,WesternSAREbelievesthatourprogramsmustincludetheinvolvementofagriculturalproducersfromprojectinceptiontofinish,andthereforewerequireproducerinvolvementintheplanning,design,implementation,andeducationaloutreachofanyfundedprojects.
Western SARE Host Institution
207 Linfield Hall Bozeman, MT 59717-2840 Phone: 406-994-4789 Email: [email protected]
Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Western SARE Competitive Grants Graduate Student
2022 Call for Proposals Submission Deadline: February 22th, 2022, 12:00 pm MST (noon)
TableofContents:
WesternSAREGoals 2AbouttheProposal 2WritingtheProposal 3ProposalApplication 4TheReviewProcess 15ReportingRequirements 15SelectedProposals 16 HowtoApply 17Resources 17
Submit proposals online at: https://projects.sare.org
Look for proposals under “Western” [region]
New Deadline!
Western SARE Graduate Student Proposal Application
Overview:TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilfundsproposalsthatpresentcreativeand innovativeresearchandExtension/educationaloutreachtoadvanceWestern SAREgoals(seeabove). AllWesternSAREprojectsmustcontainbothresearchandeducationcomponents.
Onlygraduatestudents(MasterorPh.D.)enrolledataccreditedcollegesoruniversitiesintheWesternregionareeligibletoapply. Atthetimeofproposalsubmission,thestudentmustbeconsideredfull-timeaccordingtotheirinstitution’srequirements. TheresearchmustbeconductedintheWesternregion.Thestudentistherecipientofthegrant,andtheymayreceiveonlyoneWesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantawardduringtheirgraduatestudies.Proposalsmustbewrittenbythestudentwhowillcoordinateandconducttheprojectwiththeguidanceoftheirmajorprofessor/advisorandatleastoneagriculturalproducer.
Funding:WesternSAREGraduateStudentGrantsprovideamaximumof$30,000(includingIndirectCost) for up to twoyears. Becauseuniversities typicallydonotallow studentsto
SustainableAgricultureCongresshasdefinedsustainableagricultureasanintegratedsystemofplantandanimalproductionpracticeshavingasite-specific applicationthatwilloverthelong- term:
• Satisfyhumanfoodandfiberneeds;
• Enhanceenvironmentalqualityandthenaturalresourcebaseuponwhichtheagriculturaleconomydepends;
• Makethemostefficientuseofnon-renewableresourcesand on-farmresourcesandintegrate,whereappropriate,naturalbiologicalcyclesandcontrols;
• Sustaintheeconomicviabilityoffarmoperations;and
• Enhancethequalityoflifeforfarmersandsocietyasawhole.
–U.S.CodeTitle7,Section3103
WesternSAREGoals• Promotegoodstewardshipofthenation’snaturalresourcesbyprovidingsite-specific,regionalandprofitablesustainablefarmingandranchingmethodsthatstrengthenagriculturalcompetitiveness;satisfyhumanfoodandfiberneeds;maintainandenhancethequalityandproductivityofsoil;conservesoil,water,energy,naturalresourcesandfishandwildlifehabitat;andmaintainandimprovethequalityofsurfaceandgroundwater.
• Enhancethequalityoflifeoffarmersandranchersandensuretheviabilityofruralcommunities,forexample,byincreasingincomeandemployment,especiallyprofitableself-employmentandinnovativemarketingopportunitiesinagriculturalandruralcommunities.
• Protectthehealthandsafetyofthoseinvolvedinfoodandfarmsystemsbyreducing,wherefeasibleandpractical,theuseoftoxicmaterialsinagriculturalproduction,andbyoptimizingon-farmresourcesandintegrating,whereappropriate,biologicalcyclesandcontrols.
• Promotecrop,livestock,andenterprisediversification.• Examinetheregional,economic,socialandenvironmentalimplicationsofadoptingsustainableagriculturepracticesandsystems.
manageinstitutionalgrantawards,thestudentmajorprofessor/advisorwillbethePrincipalInvestigator(PI)andthegraduatestudenttheapplicant.Fundsareawardedtotheapplicant’suniversity,withthefundstobededicatedtothestudent’sgraduateresearchproject.Multiplesubmissionsareacceptedbutonlyoneapplication(fromanyoneindividualapplicant)canbeawardedfundinginanyoftheWesternSAREcompetitiveprogramsinonegrantbudgetcycle.Anexceptiontothisrule,areproposalssubmittedtotheGraduateStudentprogram,wheremorethanoneprojectcanbeawardedtoaPIwhoactsasmainadvisorofthegraduatestudent(s).Additionally,obtainingGraduateStudentawardsdoesnotexcludethePItobeawardedinotherWSAREResearchandEducationorProfessionalDevelopmentgrantprogramsforthesamebudgetcycle.
EligibleProjects:WSARErequiresthatagriculturalproducersbeinvolvedfrominceptiontofinishintheplanning,design,implementation,andeducationaloutreachofanyWSARE-fundedproject.EachoftheWSARE-fundedgrantprograms,hasslightlydifferentrequirementsforthecompositionoftheprojectteamandeligibleapplicant.Assembleyourprojectteamaccordingly,keepinginmindtheinherentinterdisciplinarynatureofsustainableagriculture.
1. Farmer/RancherGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumoftwo(2)peopleandmustinclude:AProducer(PrincipalInvestigator)andaTechnicalAdvisor.TheTechnicalAdvisormustbeindependentoftheProducer.
2. Professional+ProducerGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofsix(6)peopleandmustinclude:AnAgriculturalProfessional(PrincipalInvestigator)andatleastfive(5)Producers.OneoftheproducersmustbeidentifiedastheProducerAdvisorRepresentative.
3. ResearchandEducationGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumoffive(5)peopleandmustinclude:AResearcher(PIorCo-PI),anOutreachRepresentative(PIorCo-PI),andatleastthree(3)Producers.OneoftheproducersmustbeidentifiedastheProducerAdvisorRepresentative.
4. GraduateStudentGrants:Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofthree(3)peopleandmustinclude:AGraduateStudent(Applicant),aResearcher(PrincipalInvestigatorandtypicallytheapplicant’smajorprofessor)andatleastone(1)Producer.
PublicDomain:Whileproposalsandreviewswillremainconfidential,theWesternSAREprogramconsidersallfundedproposals,subsequentreports,andrelatedinformationtobeinthepublicdomain.SeedetailsofthisstipulationinthePublicAccessofResearchDatasectioninUSDAGrantPolicies.WesternSAREwilldisqualifyproposalsbeforereviewifapplicantsdonot followtheinstructionsoftheCallforProposalsorsubmitincompleteSupportingDocuments.Itistheapplicant’sresponsibilitytoensureallsectionsoftheproposalaresubmittedonlinebeforetheduedate.
Writing the Proposal Proposalsaresubmittedonlineathttps://projects.sare.org.Thesubmissionincludessixsections:1)acknowledgementofreadingtheCallforProposal,2)project’sbasic
information,3 ) projectsummary, 4 ) projectnarrative,5)budgetandbudgetjustification,and6)supportingdocuments.
Youcanwriteeachportionoftheproposalinawordprocessor(e.g.,MicrosoftWord)andcopyandpasteitintothefieldsoftheonlineapplication(beawarethatsomeformattingfeaturesmightbelostwhenyoutransferthetextintheonlineform). Inadditiontotext,youcaninserttablesandgraphsinallNarrativesections.Graphsdonotcountagainstthewordlimits,buttablesandfigurecaptionsdo.Itisbesttoinserttablesasatableusingtheonlineplatformeditor(see:"InsertingTables")andnotasanimage.Followingtheseinstructionsmakesyourtextsearchableandthetextwillwrapanddisplayproperlywhenviewedondifferentdevices.Moreimportantly,itmakesyoursubmissionAmericanswithDisabilityAct(ADA)compliant.Attachmentsarepreferredinpdfformatbutimagesinjpgorpngformatsareaccepted.
PleasecheckthedocumentslocatedinProposalPreparationDocumentssectionofWesternSAREwebsitetostrengthenyourproposal.
Proposal Application A. ProjectBasicInformationThissectionpromptsforgeneralinformationabouttheprojectincluding:
• Themainsubjectmatteroftheproject• Thecommoditiesandagriculturalpracticesoftheproposedproject• Alistofresearchandeducationalobjectives• Proposedstartingandendingdates• Thestate(s)wheretheworkwillbeconducted
Pleasechooseastartdatethatcorrespondswiththefirst-of-the-month.StartdatesmustbenoearlierthanAugust1,2022andnolaterthanFebruary1,2023. B. Summary(Limit250words)Aclearandconcisesummary isimportantforthereviewprocess. Thesummarymustincludeabriefdescriptionoftheproblemorneed andacreativeapproachtosolvingit. Inthesummary, includethefollowing:
• Identifyaproblemandresearch question(s)• Describetheresearchandoutreachcomponentsandexplainhowyourprojectwill
creativelyaddresstheidentifiedproblem • Explainhowyourprojectwillbedisseminatedamongagriculturalstakeholders• Enumerateanddescribetheexpectedprojectoutcomes.
C. ProjectNarrative Theprojectnarrativeincludesthefollowingsections: 1 ) RelevancetoSustainableAgricultureandProjectValueandBenefits,2)StakeholderNeedsandSupport,3)ProjectTeam,4)ResearchPlan,5)EducationalPlan,6)Timeline,and7)EvaluationandProducerAdoption.
RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,ProjectValueandBenefits:(15%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:1000)Explainwhythisprojectisnecessaryandhowitaddressesacriticalneedinsustainableagriculture. Identifyanylimitationsinthecurrentsystemandhowyourprojectwilladdressthem.Citeevidenceofneed,includingresultsandrecommendationsfromrelatedSAREprojects(www.sare.org/Project-Reports)andotherstudiesorreports.Theproposalmustaddresshowyourprojectwill:• Sustainandimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandnaturalresourcebaseonwhich
agriculturedepends;• Improvetheprofitabilityoffarmers/ranchersandassociatedagriculturalbusinesses;
and• Enhancethequalityoflifeforfarmers/ranchersinlocalcommunities.Describethepotentialbenefitsforproducers(local,state,orregional)andsustainableagricultureingeneral.Forexample,provideaneconomicanalysisandexplainhowyourprojectwouldaffectoverallfarm/ranchproductivitylevels,operationalprofits,soilorwaterqualityorquantity,andruralcommunities.Wherepossible,usespecificestimatesofimpacts–suchasdollarssavedperacre,tonsofsoilprotectedfromerosion,poundsofchemicalreduced,numberofacresorpeopleaffected,marketsexpanded,jobscreated,etc.StakeholderNeedsandSupport(5%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:500)WesternSAREiscommittedtoaddressingtheneedsofagriculturalstakeholders-both, on-farm/ranch and off-farm/ranch.Proposalsmustincludeevidencethatstakeholderidentifiedneedsarebeingaddressed,aswellassupportfortheprojectbeyondtheprojectcollaborators.Describinganddocumentingstakeholders’needsandsupportdemonstratesthattheproposedprojectisrelevantandtimely.Evidenceofstakeholderidentifiedneedsandsupportmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• Recommendationsfromstakeholdergroupssuchasgrowerorganizationsorcommoditycommissions.Pleaseidentifystakeholdergroup(s)ororganization(s).
• Referencesandcitationstootherstudies/reportsthatencouragefutureresearch.• Communitysupportlettersfromneighboringfarmersoralocalco-op.• Needsassessmentsthatrelatetotheprojecttopic(s),iftheyareavailable.
ProjectTeamMembersandRoles(5%ofthereviewcriteria;wordlimit:300)Theprojectteammustbeaminimumofthree(3)peopleandmustinclude:AGraduateStudent(Applicant),aResearcher(PrincipalInvestigatorandtypicallytheapplicant’smajorprofessor)andatleastone(1)Producer.Fromadrop-downlist,selecttheprojectteammemberswhowillbeinvolvedinyourproject.Inthefollowingsection,RolesoftheProjectteamMembers,describeallteammembers’rolesincludingproducerinvolvementatallstagesoftheproject.Foreachprojectobjectiveandactivity,indicatewhowillberesponsibleandwhichteammemberswillbeinvolved.
• GraduateStudent:Isastudentenrolledinapost-graduatedegreeprogram.• PrincipalInvestigator:ThePrincipalInvestigator(PI)isresponsiblefor
coordinatingtheprojectandcarryingoutitscontractualprovisions.ThePIisresponsibleforallexpendituresandforachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectives.
• Producer:Nonprofitfarmoperationsmayparticipateintheproject,butdonotcountastherequiredProducer.ApersonqualifiesasaProducer(farmer/rancher)iftheyhaveafor-profitoperationand:
o Theirprimaryoccupationisfarmingorranchingandhaveafarm/ranchtaxpayeridentificationnumber(TIN);or
o Theyareapart-timeproducerwithatleast$1,000documentedannualincomefromfarmingorranchingactivities.
Theteammayalsoincludethefollowingadditionalcollaborators,
• Extension/OutreachRepresentative:TheoutreachrepresentativemaybeanExtensionagent,specialist,educator,orequivalent.Thispersoncouldbeinvolvedinimplementingtheeducationplanandoutreachactivities.
• AgriculturalProfessionals:AnagriculturalprofessionalisanyprofessionalassistingproducersatthelocallevelsuchasaCooperativeExtensioneducators/agentsorspecialists,Universityfacultyorresearchers,USDA-NRCSfieldstaff,agriculturalconsultants,nonprofitorganizationstaffmembers,etc.
• Researchers,educators,andothercollaboratorswithappropriateexpertisefortheprojectscope.
• Producers:Ifmorethanoneproducerisincluded,eachproducermustbeanindependentandseparateoperator.
ResearchPlan(30%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:2000)ThemissionofSAREistoadvance“innovationsthatimproveprofitability,stewardshipandqualityoflifebyinvestingingroundbreakingresearchandeducation.”Clearlystateanddefinetheresearchobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describewhatwillbedoneincludingmethodsandmaterials.Whattreatmentsornewtechnique(s)willbetested?Whatmaterialswillbeused?Describetheprojectsite,researchdesign,datacollectionandanalysismethods.Includesufficientdetailsothatreviewerscandetermineiftheapproachesaresuitabletoachieveyourobjectives.Avoidtheuseofjargonthatmaybeunfamiliaroutsideyourindustryorspecialtyareaanddefineallacronyms.EducationalPlan (30%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:2000)
Clearlystateanddefinetheeducationalobjectives.Eachobjectiveshouldbeaclearstatementdescribinganintendedachievement.Objectivesmustbespecific,measurable,achievable,realistic,andtime-bound.FormoredetailsseeSuccessfulObjectives.Foreachobjective,describetheoutreachactivitiesincludingmethodsandmaterials.Describehow,when,andwhereyouwillconductoutreachactivities(e.g.,fielddays,demonstrations,workshops,presentations,websites,etc.).Describewhowillyoutargetinyouroutreachactivities(e.g.,producers,stakeholders,otheragriculturalprofessionals,students,etc.).Explainhowyouwillcommunicateyourproject’sfindingstoproducers(specifically)andthegeneralpublic.Iftheproducersoragriculturalprofessionalsyouintendtoreachthroughthisprojectarefromunderservedcommunities,pleasedescribehowyouintendtoreachandengagethem.(Underservedcommunitiesarethosethathavedifficultiesaccessingopportunitiesduetolanguage,cultural,location,orresourcesbarriers.)Providealistofeducationalresources(e.g.,factsheets,PowerPointpresentations,videoclips,podcasts,handouts,brochures,4-Hpublications,surveys,etc.)youplantoproduce.Describeplansforanyscholarlyoutputs(e.g.,academicjournalsandconferences,departmentalseminars,capstoneprojects,classroompresentations).Digitaloutcomes(e.g.,podcasts,videos,blogs,web-basedmaterials,andsocialmedia)areencouragedbutshouldnotbethesoleoutreachapproach.Multiplecommunicationmaterialsandmultiplecommunicationstylesarestronglyencouraged.PropercitationofWesternSAREisrequiredinalleducationalmaterialsandactivities.InformationpertainingtocitingWesternSAREwillbeincludedintheSubawardAgreement.Timeline (5%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:500)Provideatimeline,suchasaGanttChartforaccomplishingeachobjectiveoftheResearchPlanandEducationPlan. Identifythemajor milestonesandactivitiesthatwillbecompletedandwheneachofthosemilestoneswilloccur.EvaluationandProducerAdoption: (5%ofreviewcriteria;wordlimit:500)Explainhowtheproject’sresearchandeducationalobjectiveswillbeevaluated.Forexample,describehowchangesinproducers’knowledge,awareness,attitudes,andadoptionofpracticeswillbemeasured(e.g.,apre-postsurvey).Applicantsshoulddescribetheirsurveyselection/developmentprocessandmethodsforanalysis.AnapprovedWSARESurveyisexpectedtobefilledoutbyparticipantsateachoutreachactivityinadditiontoanyotherevaluationform.WesternSARErequiresevaluationresultsfromtheaforementionedsurveyaspartoftherequiredprogressandfinalreports.Iftheevaluationwillincludeadditionalsurveysorforms,applicantsmustincludeapprovalfromanInstitutionalReviewBoard(IRB)oradocumentindicatingthattheIRBprocesshasbeeninitiated.ThisisaUSDA-NIFArequirement.FormoreinformationonIRBrequirements,[email protected];MontanaStateUniversitycanassistyouwiththisrequirement.D. BudgetandJustification(5%ofreviewcriteria)ProvideadetailedbudgetandbudgetjustificationthatareappropriatetotheproposedprojectusingtheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetfoundontheonlineapplicationsite,
Budgetsection.ApplicantsMUSTusethisdocumentforbudgetsubmission;nootherbudgetdocumentwillbeaccepted.PleasenoteyouwillbeaskedtoentertheTOTALfundsrequested;thisamountmustmatchthetotalfundsindicatedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetdocument.Ifyourinstitutionwillbeissuingsubawardstootherinstitutions/organizations,youarerequiredtoprovideadetailedbudgetandjustificationforeachsubaward.SubawardbudgetsMUSTbesubmittedontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawards.Youmayaskthesubawardrecipient(s)tofillouttheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforSubawardsoryoumayfillitoutontheirbehalfusingdetailstheyhaveprovidedtoyou.Theapplicationneedstoincludebothyourinstitution’sWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetandthoseofanysubawardstobeissued.GraduateStudentGrantfundsmustbebudgetedinthefollowingcategories(pleasealsoseetheBudgetCategoriesandGuidancetabfoundontheWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet):• SalariesandBenefits:compensatingyou(student)andotheremployees(including
otherstudents)ofyourinstitutionforperformingworkdirectlyrelatedtotheproject.Providebasesalary,FTEs,fringebenefitrates,andsalary/benefitsamountsrequested.CompensationtothePI(majorprofessor/advisor)isdiscouraged.
• Lower-tierSubawards:yourinstitutionmayissuelower-tiersubaward(s)inordertopayprojectcollaboratorswhoarenotatyourinstitutionand/ortosupportcostsassociatedwiththelower-tiersubrecipient’sportionoftheproposedproject.Foreachlower-tiersubawardproposed,aWesternSAREBudgetWorksheetforLower-tierSubawardsmustbesubmittedinadditiontotheapplicant’sWesternSAREBudgetWorksheet.
• ContractedServices:includespayingforprofessionalservicessuchastestingandanalysisservices,surveydevelopmentandadministration,computationalservices,websitedevelopmentormaintenance,professionalproductionservices(e.g.,videographer),consultants,honoraria,speakerfees,producerlabor,etc.
• Supplies:includespayingforbasicsuppliesandmaterialsneededtocarryouttheproject.Examplesinclude:agriculturalsupplies(fencing,seeds,plants,fertilizer),fieldandlabsupplies,minorequipmentandtools(lessthan$5,000),paper/envelopes,in-housephotocopyingofmaterialsforworkshops/meetings,software,books,shippingmaterials,etc.Anyshippingcostsassociatedwiththepurchaseofsupplies/materialsshouldbeincludedassupplycosts.Thepurchaseoffood/refreshmentsformeetings/fielddaysareonlyallowedifitisnecessarytomaintainthecontinuityoftheprojectactivityandisconsideredasupplycost.
• Communication:includespayingforpostageandmailingexpenses(includingshippingsamplesforanalysis),printedmaterials(flyers,brochures,posters).Thiscategoryalsoincludesexpensesforpublishingarticlesinascientificjournalsorothertypesofpublications,orforcommercialphotocopying(note:in-housephotocopyingfallsundersupplies)
• Travel:includespayingformileagereimbursement,airfare,lodging,mealperdiem,carrental,taxi,bus,shuttleexpensesandparking,conferencefeesandregistrations,etc.Pleasenotethattravelperdiemsandmileageneedtobeinagreementwithyourorganization'sapprovedrates.Ifnorateisavailable,usetheFederalGovernmentrate
listedontheDepartmentofStatewebsite.Note:foreigntravelistypicallyNOTallowedundertheSAREprogramexceptincaseswheresufficientjustificationhasbeenprovidedanditwasapprovedtheWesternSARERegionalCoordinator.Allforeigntravelmustbedirectlyrelatedtotheproject,mustbeessentialforprojectcompletion,andwelljustified(e.g.,explainwhythisactivitycannotbedoneintheUSA,relevancetothesustainabilityoftheWesternagriculture,provideforeigninstitutionandcolleaguesqualifications,etc.).TheFreelyAssociatedStates-FederatedStatesofMicronesia,MarshallIslands,andPalau-areforeigncountries.USDA-NIFArequiresthatforeigntravelbedoneinaU.S.flagaircarrier.
• Rent:includespayingforfeesassociatedwithrentingequipment,land,facilities(e.g.,meetingrooms,labspace)anduserfees.
• RepairsandMaintenance:includespayingforminorrepairsandmaintenanceofequipment,facilities,etc.,includingservicecontractsforrepairsandmaintenance.
• Participant/TraineeSupport:includespayingforcostsassociatedwithconferences,workshops,orsymposiaforparticipantswhoarenotemployeesoftheapplicantorasubawardrecipientinstitution(s).Participant/TraineeSupportcostsareassociatedwitheducationalprojectsthatsupporttrainees.Participants/Traineescanreceiveasetamountforparticipationintheabovestatedfunctions.Participant/Traineetravelexpensesmustbeitemized(notalumpsumpayment)andincludedintheTravelbudgetcategory.
Capital Equipment: Defined as a single, autonomous piece of equipment that costs $5,000 or more and has a useful life of more than one year. Capital Equipment purchases are generally not allowed under the SARE program and should be essential for the completion of the proposed activities. Equipment expenses beyond $5,000 may be leveraged by non WSARE funds. Purchasingmultiplecomponentsofsingleequipmentthatcostunder$5,000inanattempttocircumventthe$5,000capisnotallowed.Purchasesofminorequipmentunder$5,000isallowed.Pleaseincludeminorequipmentand/orleveragedcapitalequipmentpurchasesintheSuppliesbudgetcategory.IndirectCosts(IDCs)Recovery:IDCrecoverymayberequestedbyboththeprimaryapplicantandanyproposedlower-tiersubawardrecipient(s)accordingtothefollowingcriteria:
• UndertheSAREprogramandforprojectsfundedinCalendarYear2022andlater,NIFAstipulatesindirectcostrecoveryiscappedat10%oftheTotalDirectCosts(TDC)requested.
• The10%TDCcapshouldbeconsistentlyappliedtoboththeprimaryapplicantandanyproposedlower-tiersubrecipients.
• Importantnote:ifyourinstitutionhasaFederallyNegotiatedIndirectCostRateAgreement(NICRA),theIDCbaseshouldbeTotalDirectCosts,includingtheTOTALCOSTSofany/allproposedlower-tiersubrecipient(s).Excludingalloraportionofanyproposedlower-tiersubaward(s)intheIDCbasewillresultinare-budgetrequestshouldyourproposalbefunded.
• SomeinstitutionsmayNOTbeeligibleforIDCrecoveryormaybelimitedtothedeminimisrateof10%oftheModifiedTotalDirectCosts(MTDC)requested.
• Applicantsshouldlimittheirrequestforrecoveryofindirectcoststothelesseroftheirinstitution’sofficialnegotiatedindirectcostrateortheequivalentof10%ofTotalDirectCosts.
ApplicantsmustindicatetheIDCrateusedontheWesternSAREBudget
Worksheet.DetailedinformationaboutIDCratesandcalculationscanbefoundontheWesternSAREwebsite.GraduateStudentGrantfundsmayNOTbeusedforthefollowingpurposes:
• Tuitionsandfees• Preparationofthesis/dissertationcopy• Purchaseofclassroombooks• CapitalEquipmentpurchases–seeaboveformoreinformation.• Startingorexpandingafarmorfarmoperation.• Majorrenovations/permanentimprovementstoafarmorranch,suchas
constructingorremodelingabuilding.• Repairs/Maintenanceofequipmentorbuildings/facilities.• Providingmealsduringeventsthatarenotnecessarytomaintainthecontinuityofa
scheduledmeeting;breakfastsanddinnerstypicallydonotqualify.• Testingofcommercialproducts.
Additionally,matchingfundsarenotrequiredorrequestedofWesternSAREgrantrecipients.PleasedoNOTincludematchingfundsinyourbudgetorjustification.E. SupportingDocumentsAllsupportingdocumentsmustbeattachedintotheSupportingDocumentssectionoftheonlineapplication.PDFdocumentsarepreferredbutimagesinjpgandpngformatsareaccepted.Failuretoprovidealltherequiredsupportingdocumentswilldisqualifytheproposalbeforereview. SignaturePage: ThisformaffirmsthePI(thegraduatestudentmajorprofessor/advisor)isresponsibleforallexpenditures.ThisformmustbesignedbythePIandthePI’sAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative.Foracollegeoruniversity,thispersonisusuallytheDirectoroftheSponsoredProgramsOffice.Non-profitsorotherorganizations,thisistypicallytheExecutiveDirector,CEOorCFO.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal. CurrentVita:ThePI,graduatestudent,andallotherprojectteammemberswhoarenotproducersmustsubmitacurrentvita(maximum2-pagesforeachmember).Avitaisnotrequiredforproducers. LettersofCooperationfromProducer: Eachproducerwhoispartoftheprojectteammust sendadatedandsignedletterofcooperationtobeincludedinthesubmission.Thislettershouldverifytheirwillingnesstoparticipate,explainingtheresourcescommittedtothisprojectandtheirroleintheproject. LetterofCommitmentfromPartnerInstitutions:Ifyourproposalincludesissuinglower-tiersubawardstopartnerinstitutions,attachaletterofcommitmentfromeachinstitution.Theletterofcommitmentmustbedatedandsignedbythesubaward’sPI(usuallylistedasaCo-PIoftheproject)andincludethefollowinginformation:periodof
performance,totalfundsrequested,andaScopeofWorkoutliningactivitiestobeperformed,thedeliverablescreated,andtheprojecttimeline.LettersofSupportfromStakeholders:Attachlettersofsupportfromstakeholderindividualsand/ororganizationsthatsupporttheproposedresearchandeducationactivities.CurrentandPendingSupport: ThePI,graduatestudent,andotherprojectteammembersmustsubmitaCurrentandPendingSupportform.Thisformisnotneededforproducers.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposals.AnimalWelfareAssuranceStatement: Thisformmustbecompletedbyallapplicantstoidentifywhethertheirproposedprojectincludestheuseofwarm-blooded,vertebrateanimals.ThisformmaybedownloadedfromtheonlineapplicationsiteandisalsoincludedinthefollowingsectionofthisCallforProposal.InstitutionalReviewBoardApproval: Ifyourprojectwillinvolveresearchwithhumans(e.g.tastingsessions,conductinginterviews,etc.)oryouwilluseothersurveythantheWSARESurveytoevaluatetheimpactofyourproject,youwillneedtoprovideevidenceofacceptanceorexemptionbyanInstitutional ReviewBoard(IRB)oritsequivalent. Atthetimeofsubmission,proofthatyouinitiatedtheIRBprocessisacceptable;however,ifawarded,theSubawardServiceAgreementwillnotbeexecuteduntilIRBapproval/exemptiondocumentationisprovided.IfyoudonothaveaccesstoanInstitutionalReviewcommittee,[email protected]:CitationsmustbeattachedintheSupportingDocumentssectionoftheonlinesubmissionandisnotpartofthewordnumberlimitation.Attachalistofcitedsources.OtherDocuments(Optional):Hereyouwillbeabletoattachanyotherdocumentthatyouthinkmightstrengthenyourproposal.TheseotherdocumentsmaynotbeusedtolengthenyourproposalundertheProjectNarrative.
Pleaseprintthisdocument,obtainBOTHrequiredsignaturesanduploadintotheSupportingDocumentssectionofyouronlinegrantapplication.
ProjectTitle:__________________________________________________________________________
TotalFundsRequested:_______________________
RequestedProjectPeriod:
StartDate(MM/DD/YYYY):____________ Enddate(MM/DD/YYYY):____________
PrincipalInvestigator
USDAdefinesaPrincipalInvestigatorasonewhohastheauthoritytowriteandsubmitaproposalandcarryoutitscontractualprovisions.
AstheprojectPI,IaffirmIamresponsibleforallexpendituresandachievingthestatedresearchandeducationobjectivesoftheproposal.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature:PrincipalInvestigator Date
PrintedName:______________________________________________________
AuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative
USDAdefinestheAuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentativeasonewhohasauthoritytoenterintocontractualagreementswiththeWesternSAREHostInstitution,MontanaStateUniversity.
AstheAORfortheinstitution/organizationprojectofthePIsubmittingthisproposal,Iaffirmthat[enterinstitution/organizationnamehere]hasauthoritytoenterintoacontractualagreementwithMontanaStateUniversity.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature:AuthorizedOrganizationalRepresentative Date
PrintedNameandTitle:_________________________________________
Signature Page
Current & Pending Support
Team Member Name: How this template is completed:
• Record information for active and pending projects, including this proposal. • All current efforts to which PD/PI(s) and other senior personnel have committed a
portion of their time must be listed, whether or not salary for the person involved is included in the budgets of the various projects.
• Provide analogous information for all proposed work which is being considered by, or which will be submitted in the near future to, other possible sponsors, including other USDA programs.
• For concurrent projects, the percent of time committed must not exceed 100%.
Note: Concurrent submission of a proposal to other organizations will not prejudice its review by CSREES.
NAME (List/PI
first)
SUPPORTING AGENCY AND
AWARD/PENDING PROPOSAL NUMBER
TOTAL $ AMOUNT
EXPIRATION DATES
% OF TIME COMMITTED
TITLE OF PROJECT
Active:
Pending:
This file MUST be converted to PDF prior to attachment in the electronic application package.
Theapplicantacknowledges t h a t work may r equ i r e I n s t i t u t i ona l An ima l C a r e and U se Ove r s i gh t and that Montana StateUniversity (MSU), and thusWesternSARE,issubject totheGuidefortheCareandUseofAgriculturalAnimalsinResearchandTeaching. Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:beef,swine,poultry,fish,etc.Ifawardedtheapplicantacknowledgesthatitis his/herresponsibilitytoensurethataUSDA-acknowledged IACUCreviews,approves,andoverseestheanimalwelfareissuesoftheproject.
Date:_____________
Signature:ApplicantNOTE:Ifanimalwelfare isNOTapplicable,checkand signbelow: NotApplicable [ ] ______________________________________________________Date:_____________Signature:Applicant
Animal Welfare Assurance Statement
The Review Process EligibleproposalsreceivedbytheduedatewithallsupportingdocumentswillbeevaluatedbyaTechnicalReviewPanel,adiversegroupofreviewersfromtheWesternSAREregionwithbroadagriculturalproduction,scientific,andeducationalexpertise.TheTechnicalReviewPanelevaluatestheproposalsbasedonthereviewcriteriastatedbelowandmeetstodiscussandappraisethemeritsofeachproposal.TheirrecommendationsareforwardedtotheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilforadditionalreviewandfinalselection.Proposalsareevaluatedbasedonthefollowingcriteria:
RelevancetoSustainableAgriculture,ProjectValueandBenefits 15%StakeholderNeedsandSupport 5%ProjectTeam 5%ResearchPlan 30%EducationalPlan 30%Timeline 5%Evaluation&ProducerAdoption 5%
Budget&Justification 5%Total 100%
Reporting Requirements (for awarded proposals) Anannualreportwillberequiredforeachyearofyourproject.Progressandfinalreportsshoulddescribetheprogressmadeontheproject,detailtheobservedresults,describetheeducationaloutreacheventsandmaterialproducedbytheproject,anddocumentimpacts. Alleducationaloutreachactivitiesshouldincludeanevaluationcomponentthatmeasureschangesinknowledgeorawareness,attitudesandopinions,and/ortheadoptionofnewpracticesbyproducersorotheragriculturalprofessionals.Ifyourprojectisaone-yearprojectonlyafinalreportshouldbesubmitted.ApprovedprojectreportswillbepostedonthenationalSAREwebsite,andbesharedwithproducers,interestedpolicymakersandcommunity,state,regionaland nationalleaders.Alleducationalmaterialsandproductsmusthaveanelectronicversionandbeincludedinyourreports.AnnualReportsaredueonSeptember1stofeachyearoftheproject.Youwillhaveupto60daysfromthePeriodofPerformanceenddatetosubmittheFinalReport.PleasereviewthedocumentslocatedinWSAREReportingDocumentsforGranteessectiontounderstandwhatwillbeexpectedifyourprojectisawarded.
Selected Proposals IftheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilselectsyourprojectforfunding,youmayexpectthefollowing:
Notification:TheWesternSAREAdministrativeCouncilwillselectproposalsforfundinginJuly2022.TheAdministrativeCouncilreservestherighttorestructureorreducethebudgetofanygrantproposalbeforefinalapproval.WesternSAREstaffwillnotifyapplicantsofthestatusoftheirproposalsbyAugust2022.Award:Ifyourproposalisselectedforfunding,theOfficeofSponsoredProgramsatMontanaStateUniversitywillinitiateaSubawardServiceAgreementtoyou.TheSubawardServiceAgreementwillidentifyallTermsandConditionsfortheaward,includingreportingrequirements.Acceptanceoftheinitialpaymentistherecipient'sacceptanceofthetermsandconditionsofthegrant.Funds:AllSubawardsarecostreimbursable.SubrecipientwillberesponsibleforinvoicingMSUforallexpensestobereimbursed.InvoicesaretobesubmittedaccordingtotheguidelinesintheSubawardAgreement.10%oftheawardedamountwillbewithheldpendingreceiptandapprovalofthefinalreport. PhotographsandVideos: Grantrecipientsarerequiredtodocumenttheirprojectwithphotographsand/orvideos,which canbeusefultothemandhelpsWesternSAREhighlightandpromotetheirworkonitswebsite andinpublications. High-definitiondigitalphotographsandvideosarepreferred.ItisexpectedthattheoutreachmaterialproducedbyUSDA-NIFA-WesternSAREsupportedprojectswillbeADAcompliance.Thus,includingclosedcaptionstovisualandaudiodeliverablesisanecessaryrequirementforprojectclosure.ProperCitation: TheWesternSAREprogrammustbecreditedasthefundingsourceinany publicationsoroutreachmaterialsgenerated.PleaserefertotheWesternSAREwebsiteforcompleteguidelinesforacknowledgingfunds.Sitevisits: SARErecognizestherearelimitstowhatcanbeaccomplished,measuredandreportedduringthelifeofaproject.Inadditiontocompilingyourreports,WesternSAREstaffplanto conductpost-projectassessmentsofrepresentativeprojectstogetafullermeasureofyourprojectandWSAREimpactinareassuchas:
o WhoisparticipatinginSARE-fundedprojects?o Whatisbeingcreatedbytheprojects(e.g.,newknowledge,newapproaches)?o Whatarepeoplelearningfromtheseprojects?o Whatchangesarefarmersandranchersmaking?o HowWSAREprojectimpactgraduatestudents’career?o Whateconomic,environmental,socialorproductivitybenefitsarefarmersand
ranchersseeingasaresultofhavingmadeachange?Changes:Granteesmustreportchangesregardingtheinformationoftheprojectteammembers(e.g.,address,phonenumber,email,etc.)totheWesternSAREoffice.Forsignificantchangestotheprojectasoriginallyproposed,suchasachangeinPI,Co-PI,institution,statedobjectives,timeline,budget,etc.,usetheProjectModificationFormandemailittotheGraduateStudentProgramManager,WesternSAREFiscalManager
andRegionalCoordinator.
How to Apply https://projects.sare.org
Lookforprogramsunder“Western”[region]WestronglyencourageapplicantsreadtheGraduateStudentGrantsProgramCallforProposalsbeforebeginningtowritethe proposal.
Proposalsaredueby12:00pm(noon)MST–February22,2022(NEWDEADLINE)
Incompliancewithsection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamended,thismaterialcanbe madeavailableinotherformatsuponrequest.
Resources ChecktheresourcesintheWSAREProposalPreparationDocumentssection.Ifyouhavefurtherquestions,[email protected]
Informationonpastprojectsincludingsummariesandreportscanbefoundhere.Weencourageyoutovisitthiswebsitetolearnmoreaboutsustainable agricultureandtheWesternSAREprogram. Tipsforwritingproposalsareavailablehere.Ifyouhavefurtherquestionsafter consultingthesedocuments,[email protected]
TheAlternativeFarmingSystemsInformationCenter(AFSIC)attheNationalAgriculturalLibraryspecializesinlocating,collecting,andprovidinginformationaboutsustainableagriculture.Informationspecialistscananswerquestions,highlightresources,andsharesearchtechniquesfor literaturereviewsandbackgroundresearch.AFSICresourcesareavailableathttp://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/orcontactAFSICat301-504-6559orbye-mail,afsic@nal.usda.gov.TheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgricultureandMontanaStateUniversityareequalopportunityprovidersandemployers.