Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS)

A. Eligible ApplicantsApplications may only be submitted by eligible entities. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award.Eligibility is linked to the project type as specified below.1. Research, Education or Extension ProjectsEligible applicants for single-function Research, Education or Extension Projects include:a) State Agricultural Experiment Station;b) colleges and universities (including junior colleges offering associate degrees or higher);c) university research foundations;d) other research institutions and organizations;e) Federal agencies;f) national laboratories;g) private organizations or corporations;h) individuals who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents; andi) any group consisting of two or more entities identified in a) through h).Eligible institutions do not include foreign and international organizations.2. Integrated ProjectsEligible applicants for Integrated Projects include:a) colleges and universities;b) 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; andc) Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and universities (see NIFA's Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities page).For item a) under Integrated Projects, the terms "college" and "university" mean an educational institution in any state whichi) admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;ii) is legally authorized within such state to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;iii) provides an educational program for which a bachelor’s degree or any other higher degree is awarded;iv) is a public or other nonprofit institution; andv) is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.A research foundation maintained by a college or university is eligible to receive an award under this program.233. Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement GrantsPart II, C(2) of this RFA contains the eligibility details for Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) Grants. Note that under FASE program, Strengthening Coordinated Agricultural Project and Strengthening Standard Grants are solicited in this RFA.Applicants must respond to the program area priorities and deadlines found in Part I, C of this RFA. Grant recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project. Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award (see Part III, B).

NIFA Support Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays.