Formula Funds Call for Proposals
Note: On March 20, 2013 continuing resolution H.R. 933, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013 was enforced, which led to cutting most NIFA programs 7.6% or more. The impact to California’s portion of the federal formula funds is currently still unknown. Updated tables reflecting the final allocations for Hatch, Multistate Hatch, Animal Health and McIntire Stennis will be provided as soon as it is notified from NIFA. In the meantime, prepare for the possibility of a reduction of 7% up to 10% for federal fiscal year 2012-2013.
The $37 million funding cut in formula/capacity funding is having an impact as listed in this news item which also appeared in late March, information about USDA/NIFA Releases Plan for Funding Under the Sequester, click here
The basic objective of the USDA Formula Funds Program (Farm Bill Section 1433) is to provide seed funds to support new and innovative research, and assist faculty in developing preliminary data required to apply for extramural funding in the area of food animal medicine. In accordance with guidelines developed by USDA & ANR, we are again encouraging the development of collaborative efforts between: 1) AES and Extension faculty, and 2) multi-state projects. A maximum of ten (10) bonus points will be given to each proposal for planning, implementation, outcomes and reporting that involves Veterinary Medicine Extension, and a maximum of five (5) bonus points will be given to each proposal which includes multi-state collaborations.
According to established policy it is important that an extramural grant be developed and submitted simultaneously with requests for USDA Formula Funds. In preparing proposals, the following materials must be submitted:
- Formula Funds Application (CFAH Forms 1, 2, 3 & 4). These forms outline the basic project and budget requirements. They must be completed for both new and continuation projects.
- It is important that all Formula Fund proposals include a draft of an extramural grant proposal. Instructions for preparing your draft and an example of an extramural grant proposal are detailed on the checklist. It is not required that the extramural grant proposal be submitted in final form. We do, however, need a draft of the proposed plan of work including an approximate budget. All other required forms can be completed at the time the grant is finalized to meet the designated grant deadline. Previously submitted extramural grants which have been denied are not acceptable.
- All continuation project requests must include a copy of the latest annual progress report. (CFAH Form 5).
We encourage each of you to submit proposals addressing the attached targeted priority issues important to the livestock industry in California. Proposals not adhering to the above requirements will not be considered for funding.
In the allocation process, projects will be funded by commodity on a priority score basis. All requests must be submitted on forms CFAH 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, up to a maximum of $20,000. These forms may be downloaded here. CRIS web forms has been replaced by USDA/NIFA’s new reporting system called REEport. Completed materials are due in the Office of Research and Graduate Education Programs. NO EXTENSIONS OF THIS DEADLINE WILL BE GIVEN. If you have any questions, please call Rowena Banks at (530) 752-0549.
